Carton having a reclosable configuration

Abstract

A carton for holding at least one article includes a plurality of side panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective side panels of the plurality of side panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapping to form at least one reclosable end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels and having a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, and a reconfigurable lid including the at least one top end flap, the reconfigurable lid at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton is in an open configuration and forming a dispenser when the carton is in a closed configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 307,313, filed February 7, 2022.

[0002] Incorporation by reference The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 307,313, filed February 7, 2022, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein in its entirety.

[0003] background FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to cartons for holding and dispensing items. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a carton for holding at least one article, the carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a plurality of side panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapping to form at least one reclosable end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap comprising a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, the carton comprising a reconfigurable lid comprising the at least one top end flap, the reconfigurable lid at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid forming a dispenser when the carton is in a closed configuration.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of a carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a plurality of side panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps for at least partially overlapping to form at least one reclosable end of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap including a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, the at least one top end flap for forming a reconfigurable lid for the carton formed from the blank, the reconfigurable lid for at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton formed from the blank is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid for forming a dispenser when the carton formed from the blank is in a closed configuration.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carton for holding at least one article, the method including obtaining a blank having a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including a plurality of side panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap having a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, the method including at least partially folding the plurality of panels about an interior of the carton, at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one reclosable end of the carton, and positioning the at least one top end flap to form a reconfigurable lid, the reconfigurable lid for at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid for forming a dispenser when the carton is in a closed configuration.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below.

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank used to form a carton according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3]2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 in an open configuration for dispensing articles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view, with a portion thereof cut away, of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and in a partially reclosed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

[0011] Detailed Description A carton according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as food products. Such food products can be provided in individual or granular portions, such as in snacks, e.g., candy, gum, chocolate, granola, cereals, nuts, trail mix, resins, dried fruits, and the like. It will be understood that different types of articles, such as different types of food products, can be held within a carton according to the present disclosure without departing from the present disclosure. It will be further understood that articles other than food products can be held within a carton according to the present disclosure.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to defined orientations with respect to a fully erected carton and an upright carton. As described herein, a carton may be formed from a blank by overlapping a plurality of panels, sections, and / or end flaps. Such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be designated herein in consecutive or non-consecutive reference in terms relative to one another, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., without departing from this disclosure.

[0013] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank, generally designated 103, used to form a container or carton 105 (FIG. 2) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As described further herein, the carton 105 can include access features that facilitate reconfiguration of the carton 105 between a first or open configuration of the carton 105, in which at least one reclosable end of the carton 105 provides access to the interior 107 of the carton 105, and a second or closed configuration of the carton 105, in which at least one reclosable end of the carton 105 limits access to the interior 107 of the carton 105. Also, as described herein, a reconfigurable lid 113 (FIG. 2) can facilitate the transition of the carton 105 between the open and closed configurations.

[0014] 1 , the blank 103 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2 and a number of panels extending at least partially around an interior 107 of a carton 105 formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of panels of the carton 105 / blank 103 can include a first side panel 121, a second side panel 123 foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, a third side panel 127 foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a lateral fold line 129, and a fourth side panel 131 foldably connected to the third side panel 127 at a lateral fold line 133. The attachment flap or attachment panel 135 is foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a transverse fold line 137 that is interrupted by a locking opening 138 that is at least partially defined in the attachment flap 135 and at least partially defined in the first side panel 121, as described further herein.

[0015] The blank 103 may also include a plurality of end flaps for forming at least one closed end of the carton 105. The end flaps include a top end flap 139 (broadly referred to as the "third top end flap" or "fourth top end flap") foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 140, a top end flap 141 (broadly referred to as the "first top end flap" or "second top end flap") foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 140, and a top end flap 142 (broadly referred to as the "first top end flap" or "second top end flap") foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 140. , a top end flap 143 (broadly a "first top end flap" or "second top end flap") foldably connected to the third side panel 127 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 140, and a top end flap 145 (broadly a "third top end flap" or "fourth top end flap") foldably connected to the fourth side panel 131 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 140. The end flaps 139, 141, 143, 145 may be for at least partially overlapping to form a reclosable first end 109 of the carton 105 formed from the blank 103. As described herein, the end flaps 141, 143 may be for at least partially forming a reclosable lid 113 (FIG. 2) of the carton 105.

[0016] The top end flap 141 can include a base portion 149 foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a respective portion of the fold line 140 and a distal portion 151 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at a diagonal fold line 153, as shown. Similarly, the top end flap 143 can include a base portion 155 foldably connected to the third side panel 127 at a respective portion of the fold line 140 and a distal portion 157 foldably connected to the base portion 155 at a diagonal fold line 159. As also shown, the distal portion 151 of the top end flap 141 and the distal portion 157 of the top end flap 143 can be foldably connected at a longitudinal fold line 161 that intersects the diagonal fold lines 153, 159 and the fold line 129.

[0017] Each distal portion 151, 157 of each top end flap 141, 143 defines a respective locking projection 163, 167 adjacent a respective notch 165, 169. As described further herein, the locking projections 163, 167 and / or notches 165, 169 can cooperate with the locking openings 138 to form a locking mechanism for the blank 103 / carton 105.

[0018] Top attachment flap 171 may be foldably and separably connected to top end flap 141 at a lateral line of weakness 173 interrupted by a curved cut 175. Similarly, top attachment flap 177 may be foldably and separably connected to top end flap 143 at a lateral line of weakness 179 interrupted by a curved cut 181. Top end flap 139 may be separated from top attachment flap 171 at a cut 142 having one or more curved, straight, and / or angled segments, and top end flap 145 may be separated from top attachment flap 177 at a cut 144 having one or more curved, straight, and / or angled segments.

[0019] 1 , the end flaps can include a bottom end flap 183 foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at their respective longitudinal fold lines 191, a bottom end flap 185 foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at their respective fold lines 191, a bottom end flap 187 foldably connected to the third side panel 127 at their respective fold lines 191, and a bottom end flap 189 foldably connected to the fourth side panel 131 at their respective fold lines 191. As described further herein, the end flaps 183, 185, 187, 189 can be for at least partially overlapping to form a closed second end 111 of the carton 105 formed from the blank 103.

[0020] The blank 103 also includes an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the carton 105 between an open configuration of the carton 105, in which the ends 109 provide access to the interior 107 of the carton 105, and a closed configuration of the carton 105, in which the ends 109 of the carton 105 limit access to the interior 107 of the carton 105. As described further herein, the access mechanism can comprise one or more of the top attachment flaps 171, 177 and respective portions of the top end flaps 141, 143.

[0021] 2, the formation of a carton 105 from the blank 103 is described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 103 can be placed with its outer surface 101 in contact with a support surface, for example with the outer surface in a downward orientation and the inner surface facing up, the inner surface opposite the outer surface 101 of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom.

[0022] The panels 121, 123, 127, 131 can be folded at least partially around the interior 107 of the carton 105 at fold lines 125, 129, 133 to position the first side panel 121 and the third side panel 127 in a generally spaced apart parallel relationship and to position the second side panel 123 and the fourth side panel 131 in a generally spaced apart parallel relationship. The first side panel 121 and the third side panel 127 extend from the second side panel 123 to the fourth side panel 131.

[0023] The attachment flap 135 may be folded at fold line 137 and placed in at least partial face-to-face contact with the fourth side panel 131. The aforementioned arrangement of the carton 105 may be maintained by one or more applications of an adhesive, such as glue.

[0024] End flaps 183, 185, 187, 189 may be folded into at least a partial overlapping relationship at respective portions of fold lines 191 to form second closed end 111 of carton 105. In one embodiment, second end 111 of carton 105 may be maintained in a closed configuration by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue.

[0025] To close the first end 109 of the carton 105 , the top end flaps 139 , 145 may be folded toward the interior 107 of the carton 105 at respective portions of the fold line 140 .

[0026] Simultaneously or thereafter, the top end flaps 141, 143 may be folded downwardly toward the interior 107 of the carton 105 at their respective portions of the fold line 140. As the top end flaps 141, 143 are folded downwardly, the distal portion 151 of the top end flap 141 may be folded relative to the base portion 149 of the top end flap 141, and the distal portion 157 of the top end flap 143 may be folded relative to the base portion 155 of the top end flap 143 at the fold line 159 such that the distal portions 151, 157 extend diagonally or perpendicularly away from the respective base portions 149, 155. Such movement of the top end flaps 141, 143 may be accompanied by relative movement of the distal portions 151, 157 via at least a partial folding at the fold line 161.

[0027] The top attachment flaps 171, 177 can be folded at their respective fold lines 173, 179 to make at least partial face contact with portions of their respective side panels 121, 131. When the top attachment flaps 171, 177 are folded at their respective fold lines 173, 179, the protruding portions of the respective base portions 149, 155 separate therefrom at their respective curved notches 175, 181 to define respective user engagement tabs 176, 182 extending from their respective top end flaps 141, 143 and to define the ends 109 of the carton 105 extending outwardly from the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0028] It will be appreciated that one or more articles P (FIG. 4) can be inserted into the interior 107 of the carton 105 following closure of one of the ends 109, 111 of the carton 105. For example, in one embodiment, the closed end 111 can be formed by at least partially overlapping the end flaps 183, 185, 187, 189 as described above, and one or more articles P can be inserted into the interior 107 of the carton 105 before closing the top end 109 of the carton 105. In another embodiment, the top end 109 of the carton 105 can be closed as described above, and the carton 105 can be inverted and one or more articles P can be inserted into the interior 107 of the carton 105 before closing the bottom end 111 of the carton 105.

[0029] In an initial closed configuration of the carton 105 / end 109, the top end flaps 139, 145 can be positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship to the respective side panels 121, 131, a base portion 149, 155 of each top end flap 141, 143 can be positioned in at least partial overlapping and / or face-to-face contact with the respective top end flap 139, 145, and a distal portion 151, 157 of each top end flap 141, 143 can be positioned to extend generally downwardly from the respective base portion 149, 155 into the interior 107 of the carton 105. In such a configuration, the distal portions 151, 157 of each top end flap 141, 143 can be folded at fold line 161 to at least partially face-contact one another and extend downwardly between the gaps 193 defined between the top end flaps 139, 145 and be at least partially positioned within the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0030] In this regard, at least the top end flaps 141, 143 can cooperate to form a reconfigurable lid 113 for the carton 105, the lid 113 being reconfigurable to overlie and at least partially limit access to the interior 107 of the carton 105 when the top end 109 / carton 105 is in a closed configuration, and to form a dispenser or spout when the top end 109 / carton 105 is in an open configuration.

[0031] As discussed above, the top attachment flaps 171, 177 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with the respective side panels 121, 131 along the exterior surface of the carton 105. In one embodiment, the top attachment flaps 171, 177 can be attached to the respective side panels 121, 131 with an adhesive, such as glue.

[0032] In such a configuration, the locking projections 163, 167 of the respective top end flaps 141, 143 can be positioned to extend at least partially through the locking opening 138, with the respective notches 165, 169 at least partially receiving the respective portions of the panel 121 / flap 135 adjacent the locking opening 138. Such movement / positioning of the locking projections 163, 167 and associated components can facilitate maintaining the ends 109 / carton 105 in the closed configuration.

[0033] With further reference to FIG. 3, reconfiguration of the end 109 / carton 105 from an initial closed configuration to an open configuration will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] When it is desired to open the end 109 / carton 105, a user can separate the top end flaps 141, 143 from the respective top attached flaps 171, 177 at the respective weakened lines 173, 179. In one embodiment, a user can cause such separation of the top end flaps 141, 143 from the respective top attached flaps 171, 177 by engaging the user engagement tabs 176, 182 with one or more of the user's fingers and lifting upwardly.

[0035] Simultaneously or thereafter, the locking projections 163, 167 can be withdrawn from the locking openings 138. In one embodiment, the opposing surfaces of the carton 105 can be squeezed by a user, e.g., via manual application of a compressive force F proximate the fold lines 125, 133, causing at least partial deformation, e.g., twisting, bending, flexing, etc., of one or more portions of the carton 105, urging the top end flaps 141, 143 upwardly and away from the carton 105, with the locking projections 163, 167 being concomitantly withdrawn from the locking openings 138 upon such movement of the top end flaps 141, 143.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the locking projections 163 , 167 and / or other portions of the top end flaps 141 , 143 can be directly engaged by a user to facilitate such disengagement from the locking openings 138 .

[0037] As the top end flaps 141, 143 are raised in the direction of arrow A1 (e.g., via squeezing the carton 105 by a user and / or via direct engagement of the top end flaps 141, 143 by a user), a distal portion 151 of the top end flap 141 can be folded against a base portion 149 of the top end flap 141 at a fold line 153, and a distal portion 157 of the top end flap 143 can be folded against a base portion 155 of the top end flap 143 at a fold line 159. Such movement of the top end flaps 141, 143 can include relative movement of the distal portions 151, 157 via at least partial folding at a fold line 161.

[0038] 4, the reconfigurable lid 113 of the carton 105 can be reconfigured and the top end flaps 141, 143 can be selectively positioned (e.g., deployed) to form a dispenser or access port along which one or more articles P from the interior 107 of the carton 105 can slide, roll, rock, etc. to provide controlled dispensing of articles P from the interior 107 of the carton 105. As shown, the top end flaps 141, 143 can be positioned at an angle relative to one another to form a dispenser chute or path that extends away from the panels 121, 123, 127, 131.

[0039] 5, when it is desired to reclose the top end 109 / carton 105 from an open configuration, for example after an initial opening of the top end 109 / carton 105 as described above, the reconfigurable lid 113 / top end flaps 141, 143 can be folded downwardly in the direction of arrow A2 at their respective portions of fold line 140 toward the interior 107 of the carton 105. As the top end flaps 141, 143 are folded downwardly, a distal portion 151 of the top end flap 141 can be folded against a base portion 149 of the top end flap 141 at fold line 153, and a distal portion 157 of the top end flap 143 can be folded against a base portion 155 of the top end flap 143 at fold line 159, such that the distal portions 151, 157 extend diagonally or vertically away from their respective base portions 149, 155. Such movement of the top end flaps 141 , 143 can include relative movement of the distal portions 151 , 157 via at least partial folding at fold line 161 .

[0040] In this regard, in the reclosed configuration of the carton 105 / end 109, the top end flaps 139, 145 can be positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship to the respective side panels 121, 131, the base portions 149, 155 of the respective top end flaps 141, 143 can be positioned in at least partial overlapping and / or face-to-face contact with the respective top end flaps 139, 145, and the distal portions 151, 157 can be positioned to extend generally downwardly from the respective base portions 149, 155 into the interior 107 of the carton 105, as described above with respect to the initial closed configuration of the top end 109 / carton 105.

[0041] The locking projections 163, 167 of the respective top end flaps 141, 143 can also be positioned to extend at least partially through the locking openings 138 to maintain the closed configuration of the end 109 / carton 105. Such a configuration is similar to that described above with respect to the initial closed configuration of the end 109 / carton 105, except that the top end flaps 141, 143 remain separated from the top attachment flaps 171, 177, thus avoiding the need for such separation when it is desired to reopen the end 109 / carton 105. In this regard, the top end flaps 141, 143 can together form a lid for the carton 105 that can be selectively raised and lowered to provide access or restrict access to the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0042] In light of the above, the blank 103 / carton 105 is reconfigurable between an open carton 105 configuration in which at least one reclosable end of the carton 105 provides access to the interior 107 of the carton 105, and a closed carton 105 configuration in which at least one reclosable end of the carton 105 limits access to the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0043] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer, on one or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiment, the blank can be constructed of caliper paperboard so that it is heavier and stiffer than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0044] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold lines need not necessarily be straight lines, but may be any substantially straight form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, and without intent to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, a cut that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0045] As an example, the tear line may include a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, such that nicks (e.g., somewhat bridge-like pieces of material) are defined between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nicks can be omitted from or torn out of the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the spaced slits to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure. A tear line may also be a series of scores that pass completely or partially through the material and are separated by nicks.

[0046] The term "glue" is intended to encompass any manner of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0047] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, the present disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and changes or modifications can be made in accordance with the above teachings and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, within the scope of the inventive concept expressed herein. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively exchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A carton for holding one item, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a plurality of side panels; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapping to form at least one reclosable end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap including a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion; a reconfigurable lid having said at least one top end flap; The carton, wherein the reconfigurable lid is for at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid forms a dispenser when the carton is in a closed configuration.

2. 2. The carton of claim 1, further comprising an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the carton between an open configuration of the carton in which the reconfigurable lid provides access to an interior of the carton and a closed configuration of the carton in which the reconfigurable lid limits access to the interior of the carton, the access mechanism comprising a top attachment flap detachably connected to the at least one top end flap and attached to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels.

3. 3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the top attachment flap is connected to the at least one top end flap when the carton is in a closed configuration and the top attachment flap is separate from the at least one top end flap when the carton is in an open configuration.

4. The carton of claim 3 , wherein the access mechanism comprises a user engagement tab extending outwardly from the at least one top end flap.

5. 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, and the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap comprising a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion.

6. 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein when the carton is in an open configuration and the reconfigurable lid forms a dispenser, the first top end flap is disposed at an angle relative to the second top end flap.

7. 3. The carton of claim 2, further comprising a locking mechanism for maintaining the carton in a closed configuration, the locking mechanism comprising a locking projection extending from the at least one top end flap and a locking opening at least partially defined in at least one of the plurality of side panels, the locking opening at least partially receiving the locking projection.

8. The carton of claim 2 , wherein the dispenser extends away from each panel of the plurality of panels when the carton is in an open configuration.

9. The carton of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one top end flap is disposed within an interior of the carton when the carton is in a closed configuration.

10. 10. The carton of claim 9, wherein the distal portion extends downwardly from the base portion into an interior of the carton when the carton is in a closed configuration.

11. 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, the plurality of end flaps further comprising a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap having a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, the distal portion of the second top end flap extending downwardly from the base portion of the second top end flap into an interior of the carton when the carton is in a closed configuration.

12. 12. The carton of claim 11, wherein the distal portion of the first top end flap is foldably connected to the distal portion of the second top end flap, and the distal portion of the first top end flap is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the distal portion of the second top end flap when the carton is in a closed configuration.

13. 13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a third top end flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of side panels and a fourth top end flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of side panels, the distal portion of the first top end flap and the distal portion of the second top end flap extending downwardly between a gap between the third top end flap and the fourth top end flap when the carton is in a closed configuration.

14. A blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a plurality of side panels; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one reclosable end of the carton formed from the blank; the plurality of end flaps includes at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap including a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion; a blank, the at least one top end flap forming a reconfigurable lid for the carton formed from the blank, the reconfigurable lid at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton formed from the blank is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid forming a dispenser when the carton formed from the blank is in a closed configuration.

15. 15. The blank of claim 14, further comprising an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the carton formed from the blank between an open configuration of the carton formed from the blank, in which the reconfigurable lid provides access to an interior of the carton formed from the blank, and a closed configuration of the carton formed from the blank, in which the reconfigurable lid limits access to an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the access mechanism comprising a top attachment flap detachably connected to the at least one top end flap and attached to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels when the carton is formed from the blank.

16. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the top attachment flap is connected to the at least one top end flap when the carton formed from the blank is in a closed configuration, and the top attachment flap is separated from the at least one top end flap when the carton formed from the blank is in an open configuration.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the access mechanism comprises a user engagement tab extending outwardly from the at least one top end flap.

18. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, and the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap comprising a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion.

19. 16. The blank of claim 15, further comprising a locking mechanism for maintaining the carton formed from the blank in a closed configuration, the locking mechanism comprising a locking projection extending from the at least one top end flap and a locking opening at least partially defined in at least one of the plurality of side panels, the locking opening at least partially receiving the locking projection when the carton is formed from the blank.

20. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, and the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap comprising a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion.

21. 21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the distal portion of the first top end flap is foldably connected to the distal portion of the second top end flap and is positioned so as to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the distal portion of the second top end flap when the carton formed from the blank is in a closed configuration.

22. 1. A method of forming a carton for holding at least one item, comprising the steps of: obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including a plurality of side panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels, the at least one top end flap including a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion; folding the plurality of panels at least partially around an interior portion of the carton; at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one reclosable end of the carton; and positioning the at least one top end flap to form a reconfigurable lid, the reconfigurable lid at least partially covering an interior of the carton when the carton is in an open configuration, and the reconfigurable lid forming a dispenser when the carton is in a closed configuration.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the carton between an open configuration of the carton in which the reconfigurable lid provides access to an interior of the carton and a closed configuration of the carton in which the reconfigurable lid limits access to the interior of the carton, the access mechanism comprising a top attachment flap detachably connected to the at least one top end flap and attached to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising separating the top attachment flap from the at least one top end flap to form an open configuration of the carton.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the access mechanism comprises a user engagement tab extending outwardly from the at least one top end flap.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, and the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap comprising a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: orienting the first top end flap at an angle relative to the second top end flap to form a dispenser.

28. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising a locking mechanism for maintaining the carton in a closed configuration, the locking mechanism comprising a locking projection extending from the at least one top end flap and a locking opening at least partially defined in at least one of the plurality of side panels, the method further comprising at least partially receiving each of the locking projections into each of the locking openings to form the closed configuration of the carton.

29. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the dispenser extends away from each panel of the plurality of panels when the carton is in an open configuration.

30. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising positioning at least a portion of the at least one top end flap within an interior of the carton to form a closed configuration of the carton.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising positioning the distal portion to extend downwardly from the base portion into an interior of the carton to form a closed configuration of the carton.

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the at least one top end flap is a first top end flap, the plurality of end flaps further comprising a second top end flap foldably connected to the first top end flap, the second top end flap having a base portion foldably connected to a distal portion, the method further comprising positioning the distal portion of the second top end flap to extend downwardly from the base portion of the second top end flap into an interior of the carton to form a closed configuration of the carton.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the distal portion of the first top end flap is foldably connected to the distal portion of the second top end flap, the method further comprising positioning the distal portion of the first top end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the distal portion of the second top end flap to form a closed configuration of the carton.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a third top end flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of side panels and a fourth top end flap foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of side panels, the method including positioning the third top end flap and the fourth top end flap to form a gap therebetween and positioning the distal portion of the first top end flap and the distal portion of the second top end flap to extend downwardly between the gap to form a closed configuration of the carton.

Images