Carton with a liner

Abstract

A reinforced package includes a carton including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. A bag is at least partially attached to the carton. An access feature can be selectively opened to place an object in the interior space of the bag. The access feature extends through at least a portion of the carton and the bag. The carton can be positionable between a non-erected position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an erected position in which the interior space of the bag is expanded. The first and second side panels have retention features that hold the carton in the erected position. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 654,796, filed Apr. 9, 2018.

[0002] [Incorporation by Reference] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 654,796, filed Apr. 9, 2018; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 630,061, filed Jun. 22, 2017; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 354,270, filed Jun. 24, 2016; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 217,026, filed Jul. 22, 2016; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 282,049, filed Jul. 23, 2015; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 496,252, filed Sep. 25, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 960,712, filed Sep. 25, 2013; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 209,013, filed Jul. 13, 2016; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 231,723, filed Jul. 14, 2015 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an enhanced package for containing and / or holding an object and a method of forming the package. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a package comprising a bag or liner attached to a carton or blank having a functional portion that strengthens the shape of the formed package and enables the package to contain an object, and a functional portion that facilitates the formation of the package and keeps the package in an open state.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reinforced package that generally includes a carton having a plurality of panels that at least partially extend around the interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can include a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. A bag can be at least partially attached to the carton within the carton and can have an interior space. An access feature can be selectively opened to receive an object within the interior space of the bag. The access feature can extend across at least a portion of the carton and at least a portion of the bag. The carton can be positioned between a non-erect position where the interior space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an erect position where the interior space of the bag is increased. The carton can be configured to support the bag in the erect position. The first side panel and the second side panel can have a retention feature that at least partially retains the carton in the erect position.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a combination of a carton blank and a bag that forms a reinforced package for holding an object. The carton blank is adapted to form a carton. The carton blank can have a plurality of panels including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The bag can be at least partially attached to the carton blank and can have an internal space. When the reinforced package is formed from the carton blank and the bag, an access feature can be selectively opened to accommodate an object in the internal space of the bag, and the access feature can extend over at least a portion of the carton blank and at least a portion of the bag. The carton formed from the carton blank can be positionable in a non-erect position where the internal space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an erect position where the internal space of the bag is increased. The first side panel and the second side panel can have a retaining feature that at least partially holds the carton formed from the carton blank in the erect position.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a reinforced package. The method can include obtaining a carton blank to which a bag is at least partially attached. The carton blank can have a plurality of panels including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The bag can have an internal space. An access feature can extend over at least a portion of the carton blank and at least a portion of the bag. The method can further include forming an interior of the carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels by folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the bag. The carton can be positionable in a non-upright position where the internal space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an upright position where the internal space of the bag is increased, and the carton can be configured to support the bag in the upright position. The first side panel and the second side panel can have a retaining feature that at least partially holds the carton in the upright position. The access feature can be selectively opened to receive an object in the internal space of the bag.

[0007] Other aspects, features, and details of the present disclosure can be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments in combination with the drawings and from the appended claims.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits of various further embodiments, by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. The above-described aspects, given individually and in various combinations, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to convention, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to a fixed scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced in order to more clearly show the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to a reinforced package for containing and / or holding objects such as excrement (e.g., human excrement) or other items. The package according to the present disclosure can accommodate fluids (e.g., liquids) and / or solid articles of any shape. The package can comprise a bag, liner, or wrap made of a relatively flexible material attached to a reinforcing structure that includes a relatively rigid material (e.g., cardboard). The bag or liner can generally be made from paper, plastic, or other raw materials and can be attached to the reinforcing structure. In one embodiment, the liner includes a polyethylene material or any other suitable heat-sealable material. The reinforcing structure can have a variable width and, in some embodiments, can extend around or over the closed end of the bag and can provide support to the bag when containing an object or article or a series of articles inside. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure can be folded with the bag into a form that supports the bag in a self-standing upright open state for easy use.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a blank 10 that forms a reinforced package (Figs. 3 - 6), generally designated 1, comprising a bag 3 attached to a carton 5. The bag 3 has an open top end 7 (Figs. 4 and 5), a closed or sealed bottom end 9 (Figs. 3 and 6), and an internal space 17 (Figs. 4 and 5) for receiving and / or holding an object. In one embodiment, the bag 3 has a sealed side portion 19 (Figs. 4 and 5) that extends between the top 7 and bottom 9 of the bag. In some embodiments, the top end 7 of the bag 3 can be sealed or closed. The carton 5, as further described herein, reinforces the package 1 by increasing the rigidity of the package 1 and has other functional parts for locking the package in the formed state of Figs. 4 - 6 The carton 5 can facilitate transporting the package 1 in a flat configuration, forming the package 1, and keeping the package open so that the package can receive an object in the internal space 17 of the bag 3. Further, the carton 5 has a support function for enabling positioning of the package 1 in the upright position of Figs. 4 - 6.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 10 has a horizontal axis L1 and a vertical axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 has a front panel 21 that is foldably connected to the first side panel 28 at the first fold line 33. The first side panel 28 has two individual panel portions 28a, 28b that are foldably connected to each other at the lateral fold line 26. The first back panel 23 is foldably connected to the first side panel 28 at the second fold line 31. The second side panel 29 is foldably connected to the front panel 21 at the third fold line 35. The second side panel 29 has two individual panel portions 29a, 29b that are foldably connected to each other at the lateral fold line 27. The attachment flap or the second back panel 25 is foldably connected to the second side panel 29 at the fourth fold line 37. Without departing from the present disclosure, any of the front panel 21, back panels 23, 25, and / or side panels 28, 29 may be omitted, or may have a different arrangement, shape, position, and / or configuration. Further, the blank 10 can have one or more bottom flaps and / or panels that at least partially close the bottom of the carton 5.

[0015] In one embodiment, the panel portions 28a, 28b of the first side panel 28 have a longitudinal fold line 51 extending between respective V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b that abut respective fold lines 31, 33. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal fold line 51 extends from the apex of the V-shaped fold line 32a to the apex of the V-shaped fold line 32b and intersects the transverse fold line 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel portions 29a, 29b of the second side panel 29 have a longitudinal fold line 53 extending between respective V-shaped fold lines 34a, 34b that abut respective fold lines 37, 35. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal fold line 53 extends from the apex of the V-shaped fold line 34a to the apex of the V-shaped fold line 34b and intersects the transverse fold line 27. As shown in FIG. 1, the fold lines 31, 33 can be arcuate fold lines and can be concave with respect to the first side panel 28. Similarly, the fold lines 35, 37 can be arcuate and can be concave with respect to the second side panel 29. In one embodiment, each of the fold lines 31, 33, 35, 37 can be a curved crease or any other suitable fold line (e.g., a cut-crease type fold line) and can each have an arcuate cut portion extending between respective ends of the respective V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34b, 34a. Alternatively, the arcuate cut portion can be of other suitable features (e.g., arcuate creases and / or alternative shapes) without departing from the present disclosure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fold lines 26, 27, 31, 32a, 32b, 33, 34a, 34b, 35, 37, 51, and 53 have a reinforcing functional portion of the blank that reinforces and strengthens the package 1 formed from the blank by increasing the rigidity of the side portions of the carton 5. For example, in one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the reinforcing functional portion can help hold the package in the upright or expanded form shown in FIGS. 4-6. Without departing from the present disclosure, any of the fold lines 26, 27, 31, 32a, 32b, 33, 34a, 34b, 35, 37, 51, 53, and the side panels 28, 29 may be omitted and / or may be otherwise arranged, shaped, positioned, and / or configured.

[0017] In one embodiment, the blank 10 has a lower edge 55 that can help support the formed package 1 in an upright position on a surface and is accessible to the open top end 7 of the bag 3 to access the interior 17 of the bag.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 10 can have an access function portion 57 that extends at least to the front panel 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the access function portion 57 can include an access panel 59 that is at least partially defined by score lines (cut lines) 61, 63 in the front panel 21. In one embodiment, the score line 61 can be an inner score line formed on the inner surface of the front panel 21 (the score line 61 is shown by a virtual line in FIG. 1), and the score line 63 can extend at least partially around the score line 61 and can be an outer score line formed on the outer surface of the front panel 21. For example, the score line 61 can be a partial cut extending from the inner surface of the front panel into the front panel, and the score line 63 can be a partial cut extending from the outer surface of the front panel into the front panel 21. Thus, the access panel 59 can be separable from the front panel 21 in the weakened region formed by the score lines 61, 63. The access flap 65 can be at least partially separable from the front panel 21 and / or the access panel 59 along a line 67 (e.g., a tear line, a cut line, a fold line, etc.). The access panel 59 can be separable from the front panel 21 along the score lines 61, 63 so as to open the access function portion 57 for storing an object. As shown in FIG. 1, the access function portion 57 is generally elliptical in shape with a major axis extending in the lateral direction L 1 and extending. The access function portion 57 can be omitted or can have a different arrangement, shape, position, and / or configuration without departing from the present disclosure. The access panel 59 can be formed by features different from the score lines 61, 63. The score line 61 and / or the score line 63 can have a different shape, arrangement, configuration, and / or can be omitted. Alternatively, the access panel 59 can have a different shape without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the access panel 59 can be separable from the front panel 21 along any suitable weakening line (e.g., a tear line).

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 can have a handle 69 that extends to an upper extension or upper portion 70, 72 of each of the side panels 28, 29. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portions 70, 72 of the side panels 28, 29 extend upwardly from the upper edges 74 of the front panel 21 and the back panels 23, 25. In one embodiment, the edges of the upper portions 70, 72 can be curved and can extend from the respective ends of the fold lines 31, 33, 35, 37. Each of the handles 69 can have a handle opening 71 and a comfort flap 73 that is foldably connected to the respective side panels 28, 29 along respective vertical fold lines 75. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle opening 71 and the comfort flap 73 of the handle 69 are located in the upper portions 70, 72 of the side panels 28, 29, such that the handle is spaced above the upper edges 74 of the front panel 21 and the back panels 23, 25. The handle 69 may be omitted or may have a different arrangement, shape, position, and / or configuration without departing from the present disclosure.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bag 3 (Figs. 3 - 5) can be formed in a manner similar to and can have similar features as the bags shown in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 231,723, filed on July 14, 2015, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 209,013, filed on July 13, 2016. The above patent documents are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. The bag 3 can be formed by a suitable material portion 80 shown in Fig. 2, which has a central fold 82 and two outer folds 84 that form the gusseted bottom 9 (Figs. 3 and 6) of the bag 3. Further, the material portion 80 of the bag can have two edge margins 86 extending along the length of the portion 80. As shown in Fig. 2, the edge margins 86 can extend into the extended portion 87 of the gusset, thereby facilitating the formation of the gusseted bottom 9. When the gusseted bottom 9 of the bag 3 is formed, the central fold 82 and the two outer folds 84 form four layers of material overlapping at the bottom of the bag, and when the carton 5 is formed in the erected position of the package 1, the bottom of the bag can be expanded and is adapted to accommodate and / or hold objects of various sizes within the bag. The material portion 80 of the bag is folded at the central fold 82 and the outer folds 84, and the overlapping portions of the edge margins 86 can be sealed together (e.g., heat-sealed or otherwise fixed together) to form a sealed side portion 19 extending to the bottom 9 of the bag, thereby sealing the sides of the overlapping material layers in the bag 3. In the flat configuration (Fig. 3) of the bag 3, the outer folds 84 form the lowermost edge of the bag. In one embodiment, the material forming the bag 3 can include pre-printed paper, polyethylene, or other materials, including flexible heat-sealable materials or any other suitable materials that hold solids and / or liquids without departing from the present disclosure.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the access function unit 57 can include an access hole 88 that extends into the front section of the web portion 80. In one embodiment, the access hole 88 can be elliptical and generally correspond to the shape and size of the access panel 59 in the front panel 21 of the blank 10. The access hole 88 may have other shapes and / or sizes or be in a different position without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the hole 88 can be replaced with a panel (not shown) that can be easily peeled off and separated from the rest of the web portion 80 along a tear line (not shown). In this case, this easily peeled panel can be attached to the access panel 59 and the hole 88 can be formed by removing it along the tear line (e.g., when the access panel 59 is removed). The web portion 80 and / or the bag 3 may have different shapes, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure. Further, the bag 3 can be formed differently without departing from the present disclosure.

[0022] In one embodiment, the reinforced package 1 can be formed by the same systems and methods as shown in one or more of the patent applications that are incorporated herein by reference. Here, the packaging system attaches a material web that forms the bag 3 of the package 1 to the blank 10, and the blank and the web move through their respective packaging systems and are formed into individual packages by various parts and components of the systems. The blank 10 is formed into the reinforced carton 5, the material web is formed into the bag 3, and the respective portions 80 of the material web overlap to form the bag. The reinforced package 1 includes the reinforced carton 5 to which the bag 3 is attached.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more systems can form the bags 3 and attach the bags 3 to the respective blanks 10, or the bags 3 can be formed after being attached to the blanks 10. The separate individual blanks 10 and the bags 3 to be attached are conveyed within the system to a folding / adhesive carton forming assembly. The folding / adhesive carton forming assembly includes a series of folders for positioning the various flaps and panels of the blank 10 to form a flat carton 5 that can be packed and transported for filling with an object. In the illustrated embodiment, before or after the bags 3 are formed from the web portion 80, the front section can be attached to the front panel 21 of the blank 10 (e.g., at the adhesive strip or adhesive region G1 on the inner surface of the front panel 21 as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the access hole 88 can be aligned with the access feature 57, such that the edge of the bag 3 adjacent to the access hole 88 is disposed adjacent to the inner score line 61 of the access feature 57. As shown in FIG. 1, the adhesive region G1 can be provided on the front panel 21, whereby the bag 3 is attached to the front panel 21 at locations above and below the access feature 57, as well as at locations between the first side panel 28 and the access feature 57 and between the second side panel 29 and the access feature 57. Thus, the bag 3 can be attached to the front panel 21 to limit leakage of material between the bag 3 and the front panel 21 at the hole 88 when the material enters the interior 17 of the bag 3 through the access feature 57. In an alternative embodiment, the bag 3 can be sealed along the entire perimeter of the access panel 59 and the access hole 88, or along any suitable portion of the periphery. The blank 10 can be folded along the horizontal fold lines 26, 27, whereby the back panel 23 and the attachment flap 25 at least partially overlap the bag 3 and the front panel 21. Further, in each of the side panels 28, 29, the portions 28a, 29a can overlap the portions 28b, 29b.In one embodiment, the bag 3 can be adhesively bonded to the back panel 23 and the attachment flap 25 (e.g., by an adhesive strip or adhesive region G2 on the inner surface of each of the back panel 23 and the attachment flap 25, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 1). Thus, the bag 3 can be attached to the front panel 21, the back panel 23, and the attachment flap 25 of the carton 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment flap 25 overlaps the back panel 23 and can be adhesively bonded to the back panel 23 (e.g., by an adhesive in the adhesive region G3 on the inner surface of the back panel 23, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 1). The package 1 can be formed otherwise without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the bag 3 can be pre-formed from the web portion 80 prior to being attached to the blank 10 without departing from the present disclosure.

[0024] Package 1 can be transported to a user (e.g., a customer) in a flat form or a crushed form (Figure 3). In the illustrated embodiment, Package 1 can be positioned from the crushed form of Figure 3 to the upright form shown in Figures 4-6 by gripping side panels 28, 29 and pushing the sides inward at fold lines 26, 27, whereby front panel 21 and back panel 23 separate from each other or move away from each other, giving the package a three-dimensional shape and forming an internal space 17 of bag 3 for receiving and / or holding an object. In the upright form of Package 1, lower edge 55 forms the lowermost part of bottom 20 of carton 5, so that Package 1 can be supported on a flat surface and positioned upright in the upright form, whereby it is possible to access internal space 17 through top 7 of bag 3 (Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, handle 69 extends to the top of Package 1 by spreading the fold from the position shown in Figure 3, whereby the user can grip handle 69 at opening 71 and fold comfort flap 73 inward along fold line 75. In one embodiment, one or both of handles 69 can be gripped during use and / or carrying of Package 1. Alternatively, without departing from the present disclosure, upper portions 70, 72 of side panels 28, 29 can be folded inward so that handles 69 are in face contact and the top of Package 1 is closed.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the sealed bottom 9 of the bag 3 can be a watertight seal that allows a user to add liquid and / or solid objects (e.g., human excreta such as urine, solid excrement, vomit, etc.) into the interior 17 of the bag of the reinforced package 1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the open top 7 of the bag 3 extends above the upper edges 74 of the front panel 21 and the back panels 23, 25, between the upper portions 70, 72 of the side panels 28, 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portions 70, 72 of the side panels 28, 29 can extend above the open top 7 of the bag 3 and away from the interior of the carton 5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handle 69 can be positioned on the upper portions 70, 72 above the open top 7 of the bag 3 to facilitate gripping the carton 5 at the handle 69 above the bag 3. In the illustrated embodiment, an object can be stored through the open top 7 of the bag 3 at the top of the reinforced package 1 (e.g., while in an upright configuration). Alternatively or additionally, the access flap 65 can be actuated to open the access feature 57 by removing the access panel 59 along the score lines 61, 63 to form an access opening 91 (FIG. 5) in the front panel 21. In one embodiment, the score lines 61, 63 can at least partially define a weakened area such that when the access panel 59 is removed, the outer surface of the front panel 21 between the score lines 61, 63 can separate from the inner portion of the front panel 21 between the score lines 61, 63. For example, when the access panel 59 is torn along the score lines 61, 63, the outer portion of the material of the front panel 21 from the score line 63 to the score line 61 can be torn away from the inner portion of the front panel 21, removing a clay coating, other coating or film, and / or a portion of the paperboard substrate adjacent to the opening. Thus, by removing the outer portion of the material of the front panel 21 together with the access panel 59, a softer crushable rim 93 adjacent to the access opening 91 can be left. The rim 93 can provide a softer contact area and reduce sharp edges that can contact the user during use.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the access opening 91 is aligned with the access hole 88 in the front section of the bag 3, whereby the package 1 can store an object (e.g., excrement) inside the bag 3 through the access opening 91. The access function portion 57 can be opened when the reinforced package 1 is in a crushed form (e.g., FIG. 3) or an upright form (e.g., FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the top 7 of the bag 3 can be sealed or closed, whereby the package 1 can store an object only through the access function portion 57. The package 1 can be used to hold other types of objects without departing from the present disclosure. In the flat form of the package 1, the carton 5 is folded flat by folding the side panels 28, 29 along the fold lines 26, 27.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fold lines 51, 26 in the side panel 28 and the fold lines 53, 27 in the side panel 29 can help increase the rigidity of the formed package 1. Also, the fold lines 26, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37, 51, 53 and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b can be configured to allow the side panels 28, 29 to be in an open shape and maintain the open state. In other words, the fold lines 26, 31, 33, 51 and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b of the first side panel 28 and the fold lines 27, 35, 37 and the V-shaped fold lines 34a, 34b of the second side panel 29 resist the force that tries to crush the carton 5 by pushing the panels 28, 29 outward, and can help deform and / or fold the side panels 28, 29 inward according to a predetermined shape that helps hold the carton 5 in an expanded form. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, each of the side panels 28, 29 has its respective longitudinal fold lines 51, 5 3and may have upper portions extending upwardly and outwardly (e.g., away from the interior of the carton 5) from each of the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b and 34a, 34b. Thus, the side panels 28, 29 can reinforce the structure of the carton 5 so as to bend inwardly (e.g., at least at the longitudinal fold lines 51, 52) and bias to remain in an erected configuration once the package 1 is formed.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b are aligned with respective arcuate cutout portions at the edges of the side panels 28, 29. The cutout portions and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34b, 34a can serve to cause release of tension in the side panels 28, 29, which facilitates positioning the package 1 in an open position and resists movement of the side panels 28, 29 from the open position of the package 1 when pressure is applied to the package. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the package 1 is formed, the arcuate cutout portions can form slits or openings in the carton 5 when positioning the side panels 28, 29 relative to the front panel 21 and the back panels 23, 25. The package 1, the carton 5, the blank 10, and / or the bag 3 may have other features or may be of a different shape, arrangement, and / or configuration without departing from the present disclosure.

[0029] In one embodiment, the reinforced package 1 can be used as a single-use urinal and / or bedpan (commode) substitute (e.g., in a hospital environment). For example, a user (e.g., an inpatient) can urinate and / or defecate into the interior 17 of the reinforced package 1 through the open top 7 of the bag 3 and / or through the access opening 91 of the access feature 57 (e.g., while gripping the handle 69 or while the package 1 is supported on a surface by the bottom 20). The reinforced package 1 can then hold the excrement until it can be disposed of in a suitable receptacle. After the bag 3 has been emptied, it can be separated from inside the carton 5 so that the bag 3 and the carton 5 can be placed in a suitable recycling stream. In one embodiment, the bag 3 can be run through a macerator prior to recycling. Alternatively, one or more parts of the used package can be shredded and sent down the sewer system, incinerated, sent to a landfill for garbage disposal, or otherwise discarded. The crushable and recyclable single-use reinforced package 1 according to one exemplary embodiment can have a number of advantages over multi-use and / or molded urinals and bedpans. For example, multi-use urinals and bedpans can spread disease (e.g., by spreading pathogens between patients), but the single-use reinforced package 1 is limited to one person's use. Further, since the reinforced package 1 can be folded flat, it can be stacked in a much smaller volume than single-use or multi-use molded urinals and bedpans during storage and / or transportation (e.g., prior to use).

[0030] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank 110 forming a reinforced package 101 (FIGS. 8-12) comprising a bag 3 attached to a carton 105 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment except for the variations mentioned and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, like or identical features of the embodiments are designated with like or similar reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, the back panel 123 is similar in size and shape to the front panel 21 and has a curved edge 124 that extends adjacent to a fourth fold line 37 in the carton 105 when the back panel 123 overlaps the attachment flap 125. The back panel 123 and / or the attachment flap 125 may be otherwise arranged, shaped, positioned, and / or configured without departing from the present disclosure.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, the blank 110 has a first bottom end flap or bottom panel 141 that is foldably connected to the front panel 21 at a longitudinal fold line 143 and a second bottom end flap 145 that is foldably connected to the back panel 123 at a longitudinal fold line 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bottom end flap 141 has a longitudinal fold line 149 (e.g., a bottom fold line) that extends across the width of the bottom end flap 141. In one embodiment, each of the side panels 28, 29 has a lower edge along which respective support or extension portions 155 extend. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the front panel 21 and the back panel 123 has a support or extension portion 177 defined by a cut 179 that extends between respective ends of respective fold lines 143, 147. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the support portions 155, 177 form the bottom 120 of the carton 105 that supports the formed package 101 in an upright position on a surface such that access to the open top end 7 of the bag 3 is possible to access the interior 17 of the bag. Without departing from the present disclosure, any of the bottom end flaps 141, 145 and / or the support portions 155, 177 may be omitted or may be otherwise arranged, shaped, positioned, and / or configured.

[0032] In one embodiment, the bag 3 can be attached to the carton blank 110, and the carton blank 110 can be folded in the same or identical manner as described above for the first embodiment to form the carton 105. For example, the bag 3 can be attached to the front panel 21 such that the access hole 88 is aligned with the access panel 59 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11). When the carton blank 110 is folded along the fold lines 26, 27 and the back panel 123 and the attachment flap 125 are overlapped and adhesively attached, the back panel 123 and / or the attachment flap 125 can also be adhesively attached to the bag 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first bottom end flap 141 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 149 and overlapped on the second bottom end flap 145, and the bottom end flaps 141, 145 can be adhesively bonded together to form the closed bottom 120 of the carton.

[0033] Package 101 is shown in a flat or collapsed form as shown in FIG. 8. In the illustrated embodiment, package 101 can be positioned from the collapsed form of FIG. 8 to the upright form shown in FIGS. 9-12 by gripping side panels 28, 29 and pushing the sides inwardly at fold lines 26, 27, whereby front panel 21 and back panel 123 separate from each other or move away from each other, giving the package a three-dimensional shape and forming internal space 17 of bag 3. As front panel 21 and back panel 123 move away from each other, first bottom end flap 141 can be folded along vertical fold line 149 until bottom end flaps 141, 145 extend across bottom 120 of carton 105 from front panel 21 to back panel 123 (FIG. 12). As bottom end flaps 141, 145 are folded to extend across bottom 120, the bottom end flaps can at least partially separate from respective front panel 21 and back panel 123 along respective cut lines 179, forming respective support portions 177. In the upright form of package 101, support portions 155, 177 form the lowermost part of bottom 120 and are adapted to support package 101 on a flat surface and position it upright in the upright form so that access to internal space 17 can be had through top 7 of bag 3 (FIGS. 9-11).

[0034] Package 101 can be refolded to the flat or collapsed position of FIG. 8 by folding side panels 28, 29 along fold lines 26, 27 and folding bottom 120 at fold line 149 of first bottom end flap 141. In one embodiment, fold line 149 can be folded outwardly away from the interior of carton 105 as the carton is folded from the upright position to the collapsed position.

[0035] Reinforced package 101 may have other features or may be of a different shape, arrangement, and / or configuration without departing from the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reinforced package 201 formed from a blank (not shown) of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the previous embodiments, except for the variations mentioned and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, similar or like reference numerals are assigned to similar or identical features of the embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, the reinforced package 201 includes a bag 3 and a carton 205, and the carton 205 is similar to the cartons 5, 105 of the previous embodiments, except that the handle 69 is omitted in the carton 205. As shown in FIG. 13, the bag 3 can extend upward from the top of the carton 205 so that the user can grip the side of the bag 3 and / or fold it downward outside the carton 205. The reinforced package 201 may have other features or may be in a different shape, arrangement, and / or configuration without departing from the present disclosure.

[0037] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined, replaced, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Generally, as described herein, the liner or bag can be formed of a paper material, but various plastic materials or other liner materials can also be used, and the lining or coating can be done with the desired material. The structures, blanks, and / or reinforcing sleeves described herein can be made of a harder material such as clay-coated natural kraft ("CCNK"). Other materials such as various cardboard, plain paper, plastics, or other synthetic or natural materials can also be used to form the components of the packages described herein.

[0039] Generally, the blanks of the present disclosure may be made of cardboard having a thickness such that it is heavier and stiffer than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be made of other materials such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable to enable it, at least generally, to function as described above. The blanks can be coated, for example, with a clay coating. Subsequently, objects, advertisements, and other information or images can be printed on the clay coating. Subsequently, the blanks can be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blanks. The blanks can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture-proof layer. The blanks can also have one or more sheet-like materials laminated or coated on selected panels or panel sections.

[0040] As an example, a tear line can include slits partially penetrating into the material along a desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits partially penetrating into and / or completely through the material along a desired weakening line, 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 completely penetrating the material, with the slits slightly spaced apart such that nicks (e.g., small pieces of material in a somewhat bridge-like shape) are defined therebetween to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken along the tear line during tearing. The nicks typically occupy a relatively small proportion at the tear line, and alternatively, the nicks can be omitted from the tear line or left broken along the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, replacing each of the tear lines with continuous slits or the like is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, without departing from the present disclosure, the cut line can be a continuous slit or wider than a slit.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the score line can be any substantially linear but not necessarily straight weakened form that facilitates bending along it. Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, more specifically, the score line can be a score line such as a line formed by a blunt scoring knife or the like that creates a crushed portion or a concave portion in the material along the desired weakened line, a cut partially inserted into the material along the desired weakened line, and / or a series of cuts that partially penetrate the material along the desired weakened line and / or a series of cuts that completely penetrate the material, and various combinations of these functional parts. In situations where scoring is used to form the score line, the scoring is usually not overly deep such that a separate user might accidentally mistake the score line for a tear line.

[0042] The above embodiment can be described as having one or more panels that are adhesively bonded together by an adhesive during assembly of the carton embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass all forms of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0043] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Since various changes can be made within the above configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be construed as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense. Further, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, variations, etc. of the above-described embodiments. In addition, although the present disclosure has illustrated and described only selected embodiments, various other combinations, variations, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as represented herein, are equivalent to the above teachings, and / or are within the skill or knowledge of the related art field. Further, certain functional parts and features of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other described and un-described embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A reinforced package, comprising: A carton having a plurality of panels at least partially extending around the interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel; A bag at least partially attached to the carton within the interior of the carton and having an interior space; An access feature extending at least partially over at least a portion of the carton and at least a portion of the bag and selectively openable to receive an object within the interior space of the bag, the access feature including an access panel extending at least over the front panel, the access panel being spaced from the upper edge of the front panel and at least partially removable from the front panel to form an access opening in the carton; Comprising; The carton is positionable in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an upright position in which the interior space of the bag is increased, the carton is configured to support the bag in the upright position, and the first and second side panels have a retaining feature for at least partially retaining the carton in the upright position. A reinforced package.

2. The reinforced package according to claim 1, wherein the access panel is at least partially separable from the front panel along a weakened line.

3. The access panel is at least partially separable from the front panel along a first score line formed on an outer surface of the front panel and a second score line formed on an inner surface of the front panel. When the access panel is at least partially removed from the front panel, the access panel at least partially removes an outer portion of material from the front panel between the first score line and the second score line to form a rim extending along the access opening within the front panel. The reinforced package according to claim 1.

4. The access functional part further includes an access flap that is at least partially separable along a tear line from at least one of the front panel and the access panel. The first score line and the second score line intersect the tear line. The reinforced package according to claim 3.

5. The access functional part further includes an access flap that is at least partially separable from at least one of the front panel and the access panel to initiate removal of the access panel from the front panel. The reinforced package according to claim 1.

6. The access functional part further includes an access hole extending into the bag, and the access hole is at least partially aligned with the access panel. The reinforced package according to claim 1.

7. The bag is attached to the front panel and the back panel of the carton. The bag is attached to the front panel at least at locations extending above and below at least the access panel between the access panel and the first side panel and between the access panel and the second side panel. The reinforced package according to claim 6.

8. The reinforced package according to claim 1, further having a handle extending to the carton.

9. The handle has a comfort flap that is foldably connected to the first side panel adjacent to a handle opening in the first side panel. The reinforced package according to claim 8.

10. The handle is a first handle extending to the first side panel, and the reinforcement package further has a second handle extending to the second side panel, the reinforcement package according to claim 8.

11. The first side panel has a first upper portion, the second side panel has a second upper portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion extend upward beyond the open top of the bag inside the carton, and the first handle and the second handle extend to the respective first upper portion and the second upper portion above the open top of the bag, the reinforcement package according to claim 10.

12. The upper edge of the front panel is a first upper edge, the back panel has a second upper edge, and the first upper portion of the first side panel and the second upper portion of the second side panel extend above the first upper edge and the second upper edge, the reinforcement package according to claim 11.

13. The handle extends to an upper portion of the first side panel, and the upper portion extends from the upper edges of the front panel and the back panel so as to be away from the inside of the carton, the reinforcement package according to claim 8.

14. The handle is spaced upward from the open top of the bag, the reinforcement package according to claim 8.

15. The first side panel has a first panel portion that is foldably connected to a second panel portion along a horizontal fold line, and the handle extends to each of the first panel portion and the second panel portion of the first side panel, the reinforcement package according to claim 8.

16. A reinforcement package, A carton having a plurality of panels that at least partially extend around the inside of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel, a carton, A handle extending to the carton, A bag that is at least partially attached to the carton inside the carton, having an internal space and an open top, wherein the handle is spaced above the open top of the bag. An access feature that is selectively openable to accommodate an object in the internal space of the bag and extends over at least a portion of the carton and at least a portion of the bag, the access feature including an access panel that extends at least to the front panel, the access panel being spaced from the upper edge of the front panel and being at least partially removable from the front panel to form an access opening in the carton. Comprising The carton is positionable in a non-standing position where the internal space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and a standing position where the internal space of the bag increases, the carton being configured to support the bag in the standing position, and the first side panel and the second side panel having a retaining feature that at least partially holds the carton in the standing position. The retaining feature includes at least a V-shaped fold line that extends from the first fold line and extends to the first side panel, the V-shaped fold line having a vertex spaced from the first fold line. Reinforced package.

17. The reinforced package according to claim 16, wherein the first fold line is arcuate and concave with respect to the first side panel.

18. The retaining feature includes at least a first V-shaped fold line that extends from the first fold line and a second V-shaped fold line that extends from the second fold line, each of the first V-shaped fold line and the second V-shaped fold line extending to the first side panel. Reinforced package according to claim 1.

19. The reinforced package according to claim 18, wherein each of the first fold line and the second fold line is arcuate and concave with respect to the first side panel.

20. The holding function part further includes a vertical folding line extending from the first vertex of the first V-shaped folding line to the second vertex of the second V-shaped folding line in the first side panel, and the first side panel has a first panel part that is foldably connected to a second panel part along a horizontal folding line, and the vertical folding line intersects the horizontal folding line. The reinforced package according to claim 18.

21. The lower edge part of the carton extends along the bottom of the carton so as to support the carton in the standing position, and the bag has a closed bottom that extends proximal to the bottom of the carton. The reinforced package according to claim 1.

22. The carton further has a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the back panel, and the first bottom end flap and the second bottom end flap at least partially overlap each other and at least partially form the bottom of the carton. The reinforced package according to claim 1.

23. At least one of the first bottom end flap and the second bottom end flap is at least partially folded along a bottom folding line when the carton is in the non-standing position. The reinforced package according to claim 22.

24. A combination of a carton blank and a bag for forming a reinforced package for holding an object, The carton blank forms a carton, and the carton blank includes a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first folding line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second folding line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel, and has a plurality of panels. The bag is at least partially attached to the carton blank, and the bag has an internal space. An access functional part extends at least partially over the carton blank and at least partially over the bag. When the reinforced package is formed from the carton blank and the bag, the access functional part is selectively openable to accommodate an object in the interior space of the bag. The access functional part includes an access panel extending at least over the front panel. The access panel is spaced from the upper edge of the front panel and is at least partially removable from the front panel so as to form an access opening in the carton formed from the carton blank. The carton formed from the carton blank is positionable in a non-erect position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and in an erect position in which the interior space of the bag is increased. The first side panel and the second side panel have a retaining functional part for at least partially holding the carton formed from the carton blank in the erect position. Claim 25 The combination according to claim 24, wherein the access panel is at least partially separable from the front panel along a weakened line. Claim 26 The access panel is at least partially separable from the front panel along a first score line formed on the outer surface of the front panel and a second score line formed on the inner surface of the front panel. When the access panel is at least partially removed from the front panel, the access panel at least partially removes an outer portion of the material from the front panel between the first score line and the second score line so as to form a rim extending along the access opening within the front panel. The combination according to claim 24. Claim 27 The access functional part further includes an access flap that is at least partially separable from at least one of the front panel and the access panel along a tear line. The first score line and the second score line intersect the tear line. The combination according to claim 26. Claim 28 The access functional part according to claim 24, further comprising an access flap that is at least partially separable from at least one of the front panel and the access panel to initiate removal of the access panel from the front panel of the access panel.

29. The combination according to claim 24, wherein the access functional part further comprises an access hole extending into the bag, and the access hole is at least partially aligned with the access panel.

30. The combination according to claim 29, wherein the bag is attached to the front panel and the back panel of the carton, and the bag is attached to the front panel at least at locations extending above and below at least the access panel, between the access panel and the first side panel and between the access panel and the second side panel.

31. The combination according to claim 24, further comprising a handle extending onto the carton blank.

32. The combination according to claim 31, wherein the handle has a comfort flap that is foldably connected to the first side panel adjacent to a handle opening in the first side panel.

33. The combination according to claim 31, wherein the handle is a first handle extending onto the first side panel, and the carton blank further comprises a second handle extending onto the second side panel.

34. The combination according to claim 33, wherein the first side panel has a first upper portion, the second side panel has a second upper portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion extend away from an open top of the bag, and the first handle and the second handle extend onto the respective first upper portion and the second upper portion and are spaced apart from the bag.

35. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the upper edge portion of the front panel is a first upper edge portion, the back panel has a second upper edge portion, and the first upper portion of the first side panel and the second upper portion of the second side panel extend from the first upper edge portion and the second upper edge portion away from the front panel and the back panel.

36. The handle extends to an upper portion of the first side panel, and when the reinforcement package is formed from the carton blank and the bag, the upper portion extends from an upper edge portion of the front panel and an upper edge portion of the back panel so as to be away from the inside of the carton, the combination according to claim 31.

37. The handle is spaced apart from an open top of the bag, the combination according to claim 31.

38. The first side panel has a first panel portion that is foldably connected to a second panel portion along a horizontal fold line, and the handle extends to each of the first panel portion and the second panel portion of the first side panel, the combination according to claim 31.

39. A combination of a carton blank and a bag for forming a reinforcement package for holding an object, The carton blank forms a carton, and the carton blank includes a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel, and has a plurality of panels, a handle extends to the carton blank, the bag is at least partially attached to the carton blank, the bag has an internal space and an open top, and the handle is spaced above the open top of the bag, an access functional portion extends to at least a part of the carton blank and at least a part of the bag, and when the reinforcement package is formed from the carton blank and the bag, the access functional portion is selectively opened to store an object in the internal space of the bag. The access functional portion includes an access panel that extends to at least the front panel. The access panel is spaced from an upper edge portion of the front panel, and the access panel is at least partially removable from the front panel so as to form an access opening in the carton formed from the carton blank. The carton formed from the carton blank is positionable in a non-standing position where the internal space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and a standing position where the internal space of the bag increases, and the first side panel and the second side panel have a holding function portion that at least partially holds the carton formed from the carton blank in the standing position. The holding function portion includes at least a V-shaped fold line that extends from the first fold line and extends to the first side panel, and the V-shaped fold line has a vertex separated from the first fold line, a combination.

40. The combination according to claim 39, wherein the first fold line is arcuate and concave with respect to the first side panel.

41. The holding function portion includes at least a first V-shaped fold line extending from the first fold line and a second V-shaped fold line extending from the second fold line, and each of the first V-shaped fold line and the second V-shaped fold line extends to the first side panel, the combination according to claim 24.

42. The combination according to claim 41, wherein each of the first fold line and the second fold line is arcuate and concave with respect to the first side panel.

43. The holding function portion further includes a vertical fold line extending from a first vertex of the first V-shaped fold line to a second vertex of the second V-shaped fold line in the first side panel, and the first side panel has a first panel portion that is foldably connected to a second panel portion along a horizontal fold line, and the vertical fold line intersects the horizontal fold line, the combination according to claim 41.

44. The carton further has a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the back panel, and when the reinforced package is formed from the carton blank and the bag, the first bottom end flap and the second bottom end flap at least partially overlap each other and at least partially form the bottom of the carton formed from the carton blank, the combination according to claim 24.

45. A method of forming a reinforced package, the method comprising: Obtaining a carton blank at least partially attached to a bag, the carton blank having a plurality of panels including a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a back panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the back panel, a handle extending on the carton blank, the bag having an internal space and an open top, an access feature extending on at least a portion of the carton blank and at least a portion of the bag, the access feature including an access panel extending at least on the front panel, the access panel being spaced from an upper edge of the front panel, and the access panel being at least partially removable from the front panel to form an access opening in the front panel, obtaining a carton blank. Forming an interior of a carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels by folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the bag, the handle being spaced upwardly from the open top of the bag, forming the interior of the carton. Including. The carton is positionable in a non-upright position in which the internal space of the bag is at least partially collapsed and an upright position in which the internal space of the bag increases, the carton being configured to support the bag in the upright position, and the first side panel and the second side panel having a retaining feature for at least partially retaining the carton in the upright position. The access feature is selectively openable for storing an object in the internal space of the bag. The retaining feature includes at least a V-shaped fold line extending from the first fold line and extending on the first side panel, the V-shaped fold line having a vertex spaced from the first fold line, a method. Claim 46 The method according to claim 45, further comprising removing the access panel at least partially from the front panel to form the access opening in the carton. Claim 47 The access panel is at least partially defined by a first score line formed on an outer surface of the front panel and a second score line formed on an inner surface of the front panel, and removing the access panel at least partially comprises at least partially removing an outer portion of material from the front panel between the first score line and the second score line and forming a rim extending along the access opening within the front panel. The method according to claim 46.

48. The access feature further includes an access hole extending into the bag, the access hole being at least partially aligned with the access panel, the bag being attached to the front panel and the back panel of the carton, the bag being attached to the front panel at least at locations extending above and below the access panel between the access panel and the first side panel and between the access panel and the second side panel. The method according to claim 45.

49. The handle is a first handle extending to the first side panel, the reinforcement package further has a second handle extending to the second side panel, the first side panel has a first upper portion, the second side panel has a second upper portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion extend upward beyond the open top of the bag within the carton, and the first handle and the second handle extend to the respective first upper portion and second upper portion above the open top of the bag. The method according to claim 45.

50. The handle extends to an upper portion of the first side panel, the upper portion extending from an upper edge of the front panel and an upper edge of the back panel so as to be away from the interior of the carton. The method according to claim 45.

51. The carton further has a first bottom end flap that is foldably connected to the front panel and a second bottom end flap that is foldably connected to the back panel, and forming the interior of the carton further includes at least partially overlapping the first bottom end flap and the second bottom end flap to at least partially form the bottom of the carton, the method according to claim 45.

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