Carton with a discharge section

Abstract

The carton for at least one article comprises a plurality of panels including a panel at least partially defining a first discharge opening, at least one top end flap having a distal portion and a base portion at least partially defining a second discharge opening, and a reconfigurable discharge portion including the at least one top end flap, the first discharge opening, and a second discharge opening, the reconfigurable discharge portion being reconfigurable between a first configuration providing a closed end of the carton and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from an interior of the carton such that the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 445,384, filed February 14, 2023.

[0002] (Incorporated by reference) The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 445,384, filed February 14, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety herein. [Background technology]

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

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carton for holding at least one article, the carton comprising a plurality of panels, a plurality of end flaps, and a reconfigurable discharge portion, the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one panel of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening, the plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap including a base portion and a distal portion. wherein the distal portion of the at least one top end flap at least partially defines a second discharge opening, and the reconfigurable discharge portion includes the at least one top end flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening, and the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion at least partially covers the interior of the carton to provide a closed end of the carton, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from the interior of the carton and the first and second discharge openings are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article, the blank comprising a plurality of panels, a plurality of end flaps, and a mechanism for forming a reconfigurable discharge portion, the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening, the plurality of end flaps being foldably connected to the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap having a base and a distal portion, the distal portion of the at least one top end flap at least partially defining a second discharge opening. a mechanism for forming the reconfigurable spout defining a portion thereof, the mechanism including the at least one top end flap, the first spout opening, and the second spout opening, the mechanism forming the reconfigurable spout when the carton is formed from the blank, whereby the reconfigurable spout is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable spout at least partially covers the interior of the carton formed from the blank to provide a closed end of the carton formed from the blank, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable spout is lifted from the interior of the carton formed from the blank and the first spout opening and the second spout opening are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carton for holding at least one article, the method including obtaining a plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one panel of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top flap having a base and a distal portion, the distal portion of the at least one top flap at least partially defining a second discharge opening, and forming an interior of the carton. and arranging the plurality of panels to extend at least partially around a top end flap of the carton, and arranging the at least one top end flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening to form a reconfigurable discharge portion, whereby the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion at least partially covers the interior of the carton to provide a closed end of the carton, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from the interior of the carton and the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments after reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

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

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior surface of a blank used to form a carton according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 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. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the opening of the carton of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the dispensing operation of the carton of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the closing operation of the carton of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0011] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate items 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 items such as food products. Such food products can be provided in individual or granular portions, and include, for example, snacks such as candy, gum, mints, chocolate, granola, cereal, nuts, trail mix, raisins, dried fruit, and the like. It will be understood that cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate different types of items, such as different types of food products, without departing from the present disclosure. It will also be understood that cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate items other than food products.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "bottom," "bottom," "top," and "top" refer to directions determined with respect to a fully upright carton. As described herein, a carton can be formed from a blank by overlapping multiple panels, sections, and / or end flaps. Such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be referred to herein by terms related to one another with consecutive or non-consecutive reference, such as, for example, "first," "second," "third," etc., without departing from this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 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 a dispensing mechanism portion forming a reconfigurable discharge portion 109 that facilitates the metered or selective discharge of one or more articles A from an interior 107 of the carton 105. Also, as described further herein, the carton 105 can include an accessor portion for reconfiguring an end of the carton 105 between a closed configuration and an at least partially open configuration. In some embodiments, the accessor portion can provide selective access to an end of the carton 105 associated with the discharge portion 109 such that the accessor portion can facilitate reconfiguration of the discharge portion 109 between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and can have a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the carton 105 formed from the blank 103.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom may include a first side panel 121 (broadly, the "back panel"), a second side panel 123 (broadly, the "first side panel") foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a horizontal fold line 125, a corner panel 127 (broadly, the "fifth side panel") foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a curved fold line 129, a third side panel 131 (broadly, the "front panel") foldably connected to the corner panel 127 at a curved fold line 133, and a fourth side panel 135 (broadly, the "second side panel") foldably connected to the third side panel 131 at a horizontal fold line 137. An attachment panel or attachment flap 139 may also be foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a horizontal fold line 141.

[0016] Although corner panel 127 is shown as being at least partially defined between a pair of curved fold lines 129, 133 that curve outward in generally opposite directions, it will be understood that corner panel 127 and / or curved fold lines 129, 133 may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0017] Additionally, the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels to form at least one closed end of the carton 105.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps may include a first top flap 143 (broadly, the “second top flap”) separably and / or foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a longitudinal tear line 145 (broadly, the “first line of weakness”), a second top flap 147 (broadly, the “third top flap”) foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a corresponding portion of the longitudinal fold line 149, a third top flap 151 (broadly, the “first top flap”) foldably connected to the third side panel 131 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 149, and a fourth top flap 153 foldably connected to the fourth side panel 135 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 149.

[0019] The plurality of end flaps may also include a first bottom end flap 155 foldably connected to the first side panel 121 at a corresponding portion of the longitudinal fold line 157, a second bottom end flap 159 foldably connected to the second side panel 123 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 157, a third bottom end flap 161 foldably connected to the third side panel 131 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 157, and a fourth bottom end flap 163 foldably connected to the fourth side panel 135 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 157.

[0020] As shown, the first top flap 143 can include a base portion 165 detachably connected to the first side panel 121 at a tear line 145, and a distal portion 167 detachably connected to the base portion 165 at a generally longitudinal line of weakness 169 (broadly, a “second line of weakness”), such as, for example, a perforation, tear line, etc. As shown, the base portion 165 of the first top flap 143 can include and / or at least define an access tab 166 that extends longitudinally away from the distal portion 167 of the first top flap 143. In this regard, the base portion 165 can be a tear strip at least partially defined between the lines 145, 169.

[0021] Additionally, the third top flap 151 can include a base portion 171 foldably connected to the third side panel 131 at corresponding portions of the fold lines 149, and a distal portion 173 foldably connected to the base portion 171 at a longitudinal fold line 175. The distal portion 173 of the third top flap 151 can also include and / or at least partially define a pair of recessed cutouts 174 along opposing free edges of the distal portion 173.

[0022] As shown, the second apex flap 147 and the fourth apex flap 153 can each include and / or at least partially define a flange portion 148, 152 that extends away from the remainder of their respective portions.

[0023] In this regard, the top end flaps 143, 147, 151, 153 extend generally along the peripheral portion of the blank 103 formed by the fold lines 145, 149, and the bottom end flaps 155, 159, 161, 163 extend generally along the peripheral portion of the blank 103 formed by the fold line 157.

[0024] As described herein, the top end flaps 143, 147, 151, 153 are at least partially overlapped and / or otherwise arranged to form the top end 111 of the carton 105, and the bottom end flaps 155, 159, 161, 163 are at least partially overlapped and / or otherwise arranged to form the bottom end 113 of the carton 105.

[0025] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the attachment flap 139 may be one end flap of a plurality of end flaps.

[0026] 1 , the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can include and / or at least partially define a first discharge opening 177 formed in the first side panel 121 by a generally U-shaped cut 179 that intersects and interrupts the tear line 145. The distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 can include and / or at least partially define a second discharge opening 181 formed at least partially by a generally circular cut 183 in the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151.

[0027] In this regard, at least first discharge opening 177 and second discharge opening 181 and associated features may be a discharge feature for forming discharge portion 109 of carton 105. In some embodiments, one or more portions of first side panel 121 and one or more of top flaps 143, 147, 151, 153 may be a discharge feature for forming discharge portion 109.

[0028] Additionally, as described further herein, the base 165 and associated features of the first top end flap 143 may be an access feature for the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom.

[0029] Additionally, as further described herein, the flange portions 148, 152 of the top end flaps 147, 151, respectively, and the recessed notch 174 in the distal portion 173 of the third top end flap 151 may be stop features for the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom.

[0030] 2, the formation of carton 105 from blank 103 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In one exemplary embodiment, blank 103 may be inverted, for example, with outer surface 101 placed on a support surface and an inner surface opposite outer surface 101 facing upward.

[0031] First side panel 121 may be folded at fold line 125 into at least partial opposing contact with respective portions of side panel 123 and corner panel 127, and attachment flap 139 may be brought into at least partial opposing contact with respective portions of corner panel 127 and third side panel 131. Fourth side panel 135 may then be folded at fold line 137 into at least partial opposing contact with side panel 131 and attachment flap 139.

[0032] Panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135 may then be folded about respective fold lines 125, 129, 133, and 137 and positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of carton 105, with panels 121, 131 positioned in a spaced-apart parallel relationship, panels 123 and 135 extending in a generally perpendicular relationship from panel 121 to panel 131, respectively, and corner panel 127 positioned to extend diagonally between panels 123 and 121. Additionally, attachment flap 139 may be folded about fold line 141 and positioned so that an outer surface of attachment flap 139 is in at least partial opposing contact with an inner surface of fourth side panel 135.

[0033] In this configuration, the corner panels 127 interrupt the generally rectangular outline of the carton 105 and can provide a visually attractive surface along which graphics or indicia, such as advertising or promotional materials, coupons or discount vouchers, etc. Additionally, the angled configuration of the corner panels 127 can provide a convenient, ergonomic surface for a user to easily grip the carton 105 and can provide a positioning mechanism along which the user can orient the carton 105 in their hand.

[0034] Bottom end flaps 155, 159, 161, 163 may then be folded in at least partial overlapping relationship at respective portions of fold line 157 to form bottom end 113 of carton 105 in a closed configuration. In such a configuration, one or more items A may be inserted into interior 107 of carton 105.

[0035] Top flaps 147, 153 may then be folded at respective portions of fold line 149 into a generally perpendicular relationship with panels 121, 123, 131, 135 to at least partially cover interior 107 of carton 105. In this configuration, in some embodiments, top flaps 147, 153 may be positioned at least partially opposite and in contact with one another.

[0036] The top end flap 151 can then be folded at the corresponding portion of the fold line 149, with the base 171 of the top end flap 151 positioned in at least partial opposing contact with the top end flaps 147, 153, and the distal portion 173 of the top end flap 151 positioned to extend downward into the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0037] In this regard, distal portion 173 of top flap 151 may be folded at fold line 175 into a generally perpendicular relationship to base 171 of top flap 151, with base 171 of top flap 151 extending downwardly into interior 107 of carton 105 beyond the free edges of top flaps 147, 153. In some embodiments, distal portion 173 of top flap 151 may be positioned in at least partial opposing contact with side panel 121 and configured for slidable movement relative to side panel 121. Top flap 143 may then be folded at line 145 into at least partial opposing contact with base 171 of top flap 151.

[0038] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the top end flaps 143, 147, 151, 153 may be at least partially overlapped as described above, the carton 105 may be inverted, and one or more items A may be loaded into the interior 107 of the carton 105 before the bottom end flaps 155, 159, 161, 163 are overlapped.

[0039] The initial or first or closed configuration of the carton 105 is shown in FIG. 2, with the outlet 109 positioned to substantially overlap the interior 107 of the carton 105, restricting access to the interior 107, and the outlet 109 configured as a lid to provide a closed configuration for the top end 111 of the carton 105.

[0040] Such configuration of carton 105 can be maintained at least in part by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue. In some embodiments, such configuration can be maintained at least in part by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue. For example, in some embodiments, one or more applications of adhesive can be applied to one or more exterior surfaces of attachment flap 139, bottom end flap 155, bottom end flap 159, bottom end flap 161, bottom end flap 163, distal portion 171 of top end flap 151, and inner surface of top end flap 143.

[0041] 3-5, one or more operations of the carton 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0042] To reconfigure the spout 109 from a closed or first configuration to an open or second configuration, the base 165 of the apical flap 143 can be separated from the side panel 121 at the tear line 145 and from the distal portion 167 of the apical flap 143 at the line of weakness 169. In some embodiments, such separation can be achieved by grasping the base 165 of the apical flap 143 at the access tab 166 and pulling it away from the panel 121 and the distal portion 167.

[0043] With base 165 of top flap 143 separated from at least panel 121, spout 109 is free to move relative to panels 121, 123, 127, 131, and 135. In one embodiment, to reconfigure spout 109 from a closed configuration to an open configuration, a user can contact distal portion 173 of top flap 151 and / or proximal portion 171 of top flap 151, e.g., proximate fold line 175, to urge third top flap 151 upward, e.g., pivotably lift above panels 121, 123, 127, 131, and 135 at respective portions of fold line 149.

[0044] Such movement of the top flap 151 may include slidable movement of the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 relative to the inner surface of the side panel 121. When the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 has moved a predetermined distance, the second discharge opening 181 may be generally aligned with the first discharge opening 177 to provide access to the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0045] In some embodiments, the predetermined distance traveled by the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 to align the discharge openings 177 and 181 can correspond to a position where the recessed notch 174 along the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 at least partially receives and limits further upward movement of the flange portions 148, 152 of the respective top flaps 147, 153. In this regard, the top flaps 147, 153 can be at least partially positioned to cover the interior 107 of the carton 105 when the reconfigurable discharge 109 is in each of the first and second configurations.

[0046] In this regard, the recessed notch 174 and flange portions 148, 152 provide a stop mechanism that limits movement of the distal portion 173 of the top end flap 151 away from the panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135 to a maximum distance at which the discharge openings 177, 181 are aligned, thereby avoiding unintentional disassembly of the top end 111 of the carton 105 and further facilitating reconfiguration of the discharge portion 109, for example, as described further herein.

[0047] Such a second configuration of the discharge portion 109 is shown in Figure 3, in which the top end 111 of the carton 105 has an at least partially open configuration, allowing access to the interior 107 of the carton 105. In such a configuration, a desired amount of article A can be collected as it exits the carton 105 through the aligned discharge openings 177, 181 (e.g., after being tilted and / or shaken by a user), so that individual or multiple articles A can be grasped by the user and consumed, dispensed, or stored for later use.

[0048] With the above in mind, when the discharge portion 109 is in the first configuration, the second discharge opening 181 is positioned below the first discharge opening 177, and when the discharge portion 109 is in the second configuration, the discharge openings 177, 181 are at least partially aligned.

[0049] When reconfiguring the discharge portion 109 from the second configuration to the first configuration, e.g., when access to item A from the interior 107 of the carton 105 is no longer needed or desired, the top flap 151 can be pressed downward by the user, e.g., proximate the fold line 175 and / or on the base 171 and / or on the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151, causing the base 171 of the top flap 151 to pivot downward at a corresponding portion of the fold line 149 and the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 to slidably move relative to the side panel 121. Such movement of the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 can move the discharge opening 181 downwardly out of alignment with the discharge opening 177, again restricting access to the interior 107 of the carton 105 and, e.g., providing an at least partially closed configuration of the top end 111 of the carton 105.

[0050] In some embodiments, the reconfiguration of the discharge portion 109 from the open configuration to the closed configuration can be accompanied by an audible and / or tactile sensation caused, for example, by slidable movement of the distal portion 173 of the top flap 151 relative to the side panel 121 and / or other contact or movement of an edge and / or surface of the carton 105. Such a sensation can provide a user, for example, with sensory confirmation that the top end 111 of the carton 105 is in the closed configuration, allowing the user to close and confirm the carton 105 without diverting their gaze from the carton 105.

[0051] In this regard, the carton 105 is provided with a discharge mechanism for forming the discharge portion 109, which is reconfigurable from a first configuration in which the discharge mechanism at least partially covers the interior 107 of the carton 105 to provide a closed configuration of the top end 111 of the carton 105, to a second configuration in which the discharge portion 109 is at least partially lifted from the remainder / interior 107 of the carton 105 to provide at least partially aligned discharge openings 177, 181 through which the interior 107 of the carton 105 can be accessed and one or more items A can be smoothly and conveniently discharged from the carton 105.

[0052] Such a configuration is reclosable, allowing the discharge portion 109 to be reconfigured from the second configuration to the first configuration, such that the interior 107 of the carton 105 can be selectively re-covered by the discharge portion 109, for example, to maintain the characteristics (e.g., freshness, taste, flavor, texture, moisture content, etc.) of one or more items A remaining within the interior 107 of the carton 105, protect the items A from environmental elements such as heat, debris, rain, pests, etc., or prevent spillage of the items A during storage or transport, for example.

[0053] Such cartons 105 are advantageously configured to be gripped by a user, for example, along corner panels 127, and the reconfigurable discharge portion 109 can be conveniently opened and closed by the user's thumb, facilitating one-handed operation.

[0054] It will be understood that one or more portions of the blanks described herein and the cartons formed therefrom may have different shapes, configurations, arrangements, etc. without departing from this disclosure.

[0055] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. Product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images can then be printed on top of the clay coating. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier. In accordance with the above embodiments, the blank can be constructed of thick paperboard so that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed of corrugated cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carton to function at least generally as described above. Selected panels or panel portions of the blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials.

[0056] In accordance with the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold lines are not necessarily straight, but can be any substantially straight form that is weakened to facilitate folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a dull scoring knife or the like that create crushed portions in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend 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.

[0057] As an example, the tear line can include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, 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 extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, typically defining a nick (e.g., a small, somewhat bridge-like portion of material) between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material along the tear line. The nick is severed upon tearing along the tear line. The nick is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, the nick may be omitted from the tear line or torn so that the tear line is a continuous line of cut. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each spaced slit to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, the tear line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from this disclosure. Also, the tear line may be a series of cut indentations separated by nicks that run completely or partially through the material.

[0058] The term "glue" is intended to include any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0059] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Moreover, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be changed or modified in response to the above teachings, within the scope of the inventive concepts presented herein and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A carton for holding at least one item, comprising: the carton comprises a plurality of panels, a plurality of end flaps, and a reconfigurable spout; the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening; the plurality of end flaps are foldably connected to the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap having a base portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the at least one top end flap at least partially defining a second discharge opening; the reconfigurable discharge portion includes the at least one apical end flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening; the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion at least partially covers the interior of the carton to provide a closed end of the carton, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from the interior of the carton such that the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton.

2. The carton of claim 1 , wherein the second discharge opening is positionable below the first discharge opening when the reconfigurable discharge portion is in the first configuration.

3. 3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the distal portion of the at least one top end flap is foldably connected to the base portion of the at least one top end flap.

4. 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one top end flap is foldably connected to the back panel, and the distal portion of the at least one top end flap is positioned in at least partial opposing contact with the front panel and slidably moveable relative to the front panel when the reconfigurable spout is reconfigured between the first configuration and the second configuration.

5. the at least one apical flap is a first apical flap; the carton further comprising an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable discharge portion between the first configuration and the second configuration; 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the accessor portion comprises a second top flap in at least partial opposing contact with the first top flap.

6. 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the second top end flap comprises a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base portion at a second line of weakness.

7. 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the first discharge opening interrupts the first line of weakness.

8. 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the base of the second top end flap at least partially defines an access tab that projects beyond the distal portion of the second top end flap.

9. the one panel of the plurality of panels is the front panel, the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the first top end flap is foldably connected to the back panel; 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the second top end flap is detachably connected to the front panel.

10. 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a corner panel disposed between the front panel and the at least one side panel.

11. 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the corner panels are foldably connected to the front panel and the at least one side panel at respective curved fold lines.

12. the plurality of end flaps further including a third top end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the third top end flap is capable of at least partially covering the interior of the carton when the reconfigurable spout is in each of the first and second configurations.

13. the distal portion of the first apical flap at least partially defines a concave notch; the third apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the recessed cutout is capable of at least partially receiving the flange portion when the reconfigurable spout is in the second configuration.

14. the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the plurality of end flaps further include a fourth top end flap foldably connected to the second side panel so as to be positioned to at least partially cover the interior of the carton when the reconfigurable spout is in each of the first and second configurations; the recessed cutout is a first recessed cutout at least partially defined by the first apical end flap; the first apical end flap at least partially defines a second concave cutout; the fourth apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the second recessed cutout is capable of at least partially receiving the flange portion of the fourth top end flap when the reconfigurable spout is in the second configuration.

15. 14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the second top end flap includes a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base at a second line of weakness.

16. A blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article, comprising: the blank comprises a plurality of panels, a plurality of end flaps, and a mechanism for forming a reconfigurable discharge portion; the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening; the plurality of end flaps are foldably connected to the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap having a base portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the at least one top end flap at least partially defining a second discharge opening; the mechanism for forming the reconfigurable discharge portion includes the at least one apical end flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening; The mechanism forms the reconfigurable discharge portion when the carton is formed from the blank, whereby the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion at least partially covers the interior of the carton formed from the blank to provide a closed end of the carton formed from the blank, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from the interior of the carton formed from the blank to at least partially align the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening to provide access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank.

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the distal portion of the at least one apical end flap is foldably connected to the base portion of the at least one apical end flap.

18. the at least one apical flap is a first apical flap; the carton further comprising an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable discharge portion between the first configuration and the second configuration; 18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the accessor portion comprises a second top flap disposed in at least partial opposing contact with the first top flap when the carton is formed from the blank.

19. 19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the second top end flap comprises a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base portion at a second line of weakness.

20. 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the first discharge opening interrupts the first line of weakness.

21. 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the base of the second apical end flap at least partially defines an access tab that projects beyond the distal portion of the second apical end flap.

22. the one panel of the plurality of panels is the front panel, the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the first top end flap is foldably connected to the back panel; 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the second top end flap is detachably connected to the front panel.

23. 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a corner panel disposed between the front panel and the at least one side panel.

24. 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the corner panels are foldably connected to the front panel and the at least one side panel at respective curved fold lines.

25. the plurality of end flaps further including a third top end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the third top end flap is capable of at least partially covering the interior of the carton formed from the blank when the reconfigurable spout is in each of the first and second configurations when the carton is formed from the blank.

26. the distal portion of the first apical flap at least partially defines a concave notch; the third apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the recessed cutout is capable of at least partially receiving the flange portion when the reconfigurable spout is in the second configuration when the carton is formed from the blank.

27. the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the plurality of end flaps further include a fourth top end flap foldably connected to the second side panel so as to be positioned to at least partially cover the interior of the carton formed from the blank when the reconfigurable spout is in each of the first configuration and the second configuration; the recessed cutout is a first recessed cutout at least partially defined by the first apical end flap; the first apical end flap at least partially defines a second concave cutout; the fourth apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the second recessed cutout is capable of at least partially receiving the flange portion of the fourth top end flap when the reconfigurable spout is in the second configuration when the carton is formed from the blank.

28. 27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the second top end flap includes a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base at a second line of weakness.

29. 1. A method of forming a carton for holding at least one item, comprising: obtaining a plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, one panel of the plurality of panels at least partially defining a first discharge opening, and a plurality of end flaps respectively foldably connected to the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap having a base portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the at least one top end flap at least partially defining a second discharge opening; disposing the plurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior of the carton; Arranging the at least one apical end flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening to form a reconfigurable discharge opening; Equipped with the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion at least partially covers the interior of the carton to provide a closed end of the carton, and a second configuration in which the reconfigurable discharge portion is lifted from the interior of the carton and the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening are at least partially aligned to provide access to the interior of the carton.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein positioning the at least one apex flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening comprises forming the reconfigurable discharge portion such that the second discharge opening is positioned below the first discharge opening when the reconfigurable discharge portion is in the first configuration.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the distal portion of the at least one apical end flap is foldably connected to the base portion of the at least one apical end flap.

32. the at least one top end flap is foldably connected to the back panel; 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein positioning the at least one apex flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening comprises forming the reconfigurable discharge portion such that the distal portion of the at least one apex flap is positioned in at least partial opposing contact with the front panel and slidably move relative to the front panel when the reconfigurable discharge portion is reconfigured between the first configuration and the second configuration.

33. the at least one apical flap is a first apical flap; an access mechanism for facilitating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable ejector between the first configuration and the second configuration; the accessor portion includes a second apical flap; 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising positioning the second apex flap in at least partial opposing contact with the first apex flap.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second apex flap comprises a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base at a second line of weakness.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first discharge opening interrupts the first line of weakness.

36. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the base of the second apical end flap at least partially defines an access tab that projects beyond the distal portion of the second apical end flap.

37. the one panel of the plurality of panels is the front panel, the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the first top end flap is foldably connected to the back panel; 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second top end flap is detachably connected to the front panel.

38. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a corner panel disposed between the front panel and the at least one side panel.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the corner panels are foldably connected to the front panel and the at least one side panel at respective curved fold lines.

40. the plurality of end flaps further including a third top end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising positioning the third top end flap to at least partially cover the interior of the carton.

41. the distal portion of the first apical flap at least partially defines a concave notch; the third apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising positioning the recessed cutout to at least partially receive the flange portion when the reconfigurable discharge portion is in the second configuration.

42. the at least one side panel is a first side panel; the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel; the plurality of end flaps further includes a fourth top end flap foldably connected to the second side panel; The method further includes positioning the fourth top end flap to at least partially cover the interior of the carton; the recessed cutout is a first recessed cutout at least partially defined by the first apical end flap; the first apical end flap at least partially defines a second concave cutout; the fourth apical end flap at least partially defines a flange portion; 42. The method of claim 41, wherein arranging the at least one apex flap, the first discharge opening, and the second discharge opening includes forming the reconfigurable discharge portion such that the second recessed cutout can at least partially receive the flange portion of the fourth apex flap when the reconfigurable discharge portion is in a second configuration.

43. 42. The method of claim 41 , wherein the second apical end flap includes a base portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of panels at a first line of weakness and a distal portion detachably connected to the base at a second line of weakness.

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