CARDBOARD BOX AND TEMPLATE FOR IT

Abstract

The aspects of the description relate to a package, a cardboard box, and a template for forming the cardboard box. One aspect of the invention provides a cardboard box comprising a plurality of primary panels that define an interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a first side panel hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel, a second side panel hinged to the other side edge of the top panel, a top end closure flap hinged to the top panel, a first side end closure flap hinged to the first side panel, a second side end closure flap hinged to the second side panel, and a folding reinforcement folded inside the cardboard box. The reinforcement is hinged to the top end closure flap.

Description

CARDBOARD BOX AND TEMPLATE FOR THE SAME DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to product packaging, cardboard boxes or carriers for articles, and templates for forming them. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a cardboard box having a dispensing feature for accessing the contents of the box. In the packaging field, the supply of cardboard boxes or cartons for transporting multiple items is commonplace. Cardboard boxes are well-established in the industry and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a group of goods for their consumption. For environmental and cost reasons, such cardboard boxes or cartons should be formed using the least amount of material possible and generate the least possible waste of the materials from which they are made. Other considerations include the strength of the cardboard box and its suitability for supporting and transporting heavy loads. It is desirable that the contents of the cardboard box remain secure within the box. It is an object of this description to provide a cardboard box or carrier that has a dispensing feature for accessing the contents of the carrier. It is desirable that the items be kept within the RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI inside of the cardboard box when the distribution feature is unfolded. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cardboard boxes and templates for cardboard boxes, typically formed from cardboard or similar materials. A first aspect of the description provides a cardboard box for packaging one or more items. The cardboard box comprises a plurality of primary panels that define the interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a first side panel hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel, a second side panel hinged to the other side edge of the top panel, a top end closure flap hinged to the top panel, a first side end closure flap hinged to the first side panel, a second side end closure flap hinged to the second side panel, and a folding gusset folded inside the cardboard box. The gusset is hinged to the top end closure flap.The reinforcement is further articulated with the first side panel along a beveled edge of the panel that extends between the first end-closure flap and the top panel. The carton also includes an opening feature that is at least partially removable from the carton. RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI cardboard. The opening feature is defined at least in part by a first and a second tear line that extends through the first and second side end closure flaps, respectively. Optionally, the opening feature includes reinforcement and a portion of each of the first and second side end closure flaps. Optionally, the cardboard box further comprises a first and second top row of items, wherein the opening feature defines an access opening in the cardboard box through which the items in the first and second top rows can exit the cardboard box, and wherein at least one of the items in the second top row is at least partially exposed to view when the opening feature is completely removed from the cardboard box. Optionally, the cardboard box further comprises a third top row of items, and wherein at least one of the items in the third top row is at least partially exposed to view when the opening feature is completely removed from the cardboard box. Optionally, the upper end closure flap comprises an inclined panel disposed obliquely with respect to the upper panel, and wherein the upper end closure flap is free of tear lines for RRCCbn / l ΖηΖ / 3 / ΥΙΛΙ define the opening characteristic. Optionally, the first and second side end closure flaps are arranged at least partly over the top end closure flap and where the first and second tear lines are routed so that no portion of the first and second tear lines overlaps the top end closure flap. Optionally, the first and second tear lines are arranged completely below one edge of the lower end of the top end closure flap. A second aspect of the description provides a template for forming a cardboard box. The template comprises a plurality of primary panels to define the interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of panels comprises: a top panel, a first side panel hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel, a second side panel hinged to the other side edge of the top panel, a top end closure flap hinged to the top panel, a first side end closure flap hinged to the first side panel, a second side end closure flap hinged to the second side panel, and at least one band panel to form a foldable gusset inside the cardboard box. The gusset is hinged to the top end closure flap. The gusset is further hinged to RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI the first side panel along a beveled edge thereof extending between the first side end closure flap and the top panel. The template further comprises an opening feature that is at least partially removable. The opening feature is defined at least in part by a first and a second tear line extending through the first and second side end closure flaps, respectively. Within the scope of this application, it is intended that the various aspects, modalities, examples, characteristics, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. The features or elements described in conjunction with, or in relation to, one modality are applicable to all modalities unless there is a feature incompatibility. One or more features or elements of one modality may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other modalities described herein; such features or elements extracted from one modality may be included in addition to, or in place of, one or more features or elements of the other modality. A feature, or combination of features, of a modality described herein may be extracted from ABCctzn / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ isolated form of other features of that modality. Alternatively, a feature, or a combination of features, of a modality may be omitted from that modality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a template for forming an article carrier according to a first modality; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the template in Figure 1 showing the arrangement of a plurality of items with respect to the side panels of the template; Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the template in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an item carrier formed from the template in Figure 1; and Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the item carrier in Figure 4 showing a distribution feature in an unfolded condition. This document provides detailed descriptions of specific package, cardboard box, and template options. The options described herein are understood to be RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI are merely examples of how certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all possible embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is broadly used to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it is understood that the packages, cartons, and templates described herein may be made in various and alternative ways. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid obscuring the present description.Any specific structural and functional details described herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to employ the invention in various ways. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, plan views are shown of a template 10, according to one embodiment of the description, capable of forming a package in the form of an article carrier or cardboard box 90, as shown in Figure 4, to contain and transport a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, cans, in RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YΙΛΙ hereinafter referred to as articles B. In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "cardboard box" and "carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90 for attaching and transporting Article B, such as primary product containers B. It is envisaged that the teachings of the invention may be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, bags, packages, and the like. Template 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term suitable substrate includes all types of folding sheet material, such as cardboard, corrugated board, paperboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or another number of templates may be employed, where appropriate, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The cardboard box 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as cardboard, which may be manufactured or coated with materials to increase RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI its strength. An example of such a sheet material is NATRALOCK® tear-resistant cardboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials can be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability.The inward-facing surface of the sheet material may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good bonding ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. The tear-resistant layer can be applied to the uncoated side of the cardboard substrate and can be made of polymeric material and bonded to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides strength to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet material, for example, NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI of an n-axially oriented film, for example, MYLAR®, which is a biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant characteristic. In addition, tear resistance can be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as metallocene-catalyzed extruded polyethylene (mPE). Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer can be a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In models where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, an adhesive layer is not required. Other suitable materials with a high level of tear resistance can also be used. The adhesive layer can be made of polyolefin material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This adhesive layer can be placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to secure the tear-resistant layer to the substrate. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, template 10 is configured to form a cardboard box or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement comprises four rows R1, R2, R3, and R4. The outermost (top and bottom) rows R1 and R4 each comprise RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI three articles, the inner rows R2, R3 each comprise four articles, as best shown in Figure 2. The centers (tubular shafts) of the articles in the outer rows R1, R4 are offset with respect to the centers (tubular shafts) of the articles in the adjacent inner row R2, R3. In this way, an article in an outer row R1, R4 can be fitted between a pair of articles in the adjacent inner row R2, R3, i.e., located in a gap between such a pair of articles. The center (tubular shafts) of an item in one of the inner rows R2, R3 may be substantially aligned, so that it is in vertical register in use, with the center (tubular shafts) of an item in the other of the inner rows R2, R3. The center (tubular shafts) of an article in one of the outer rows R1, R4 may be substantially aligned with the center (tubular shafts) of an article in the other of the outer rows R1, R4. The centers of such articles define a notional line, the notional line being arranged tangentially to each of a pair of articles in each of the inner rows R2, R3. Each of the aforementioned articles in the outer rows R1, R4 may be in contact with each of a pair of articles in the adjacent inner row R2, R3. Each article may be in contact with at least one adjacent article. RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI Item B consists of cans; the illustrated example comprises 355 ml (12 US fl. ​​oz.) of beverage cans. The cans may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, aluminum. Alternatively, template 10 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of Item B and / or for packaging Item B in a different arrangement or configuration. For example, but not limited to, Item B may be bottles, cups, sachets, or jars. Returning to Figure 1, a first template 10 is illustrated for forming an article carrier or cardboard box 90 (see Figure 4) according to a first embodiment. The template 10 comprises a plurality of main or primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 to form a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a safety flap 12, a first side panel 14, a top panel 16, a second side panel 18, and a base panel 20. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 can be hinged together in a linear series by means of a plurality of hinged connections in the form of fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19. The panels of template 10 are described with reference to a distribution feature D, which in use, is provided in part on a first panel 16 that forms a RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI top wall or panel of carton 90 and partly provided in a second and third adjacent panels 14, 18 arranged, forming side walls or panels of carton 90, see Figure 4. Carton 90 may also comprise a handle H structure, the handle H structure being provided at least partly in the first panel 16. The first panel 16, when the handle structure is in use, forms a top wall of carton 90; however, when carton 90 is being loaded with items B, the first panel 16 may form a side wall of carton 90. The first side panel 14 and the second side panel 18 are octagonal in shape. Template 10 comprises a plurality of main corner or bevel panels 24a, 24b, 30a, 30b that partially close the ends of the tubular structure defined by the plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. Template 10 comprises a first main corner panel 24a hinged to a first end of the upper panel 16 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23a. Template 10 comprises a second main corner panel 24b, also referred to herein as the inclined panel 24b, hinged to a second end of the upper panel 16 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23b. RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI Template 10 comprises a third main corner panel 30a hinged to a first end of the base panel 20 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31a. Template 10 comprises a fourth main corner panel 30b hinged to a second end of the base panel 20 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31b. Template 10 comprises end-closing structures to complete the closure of the open ends of the tubular structure. A first end closure structure comprises; a first side end closure panel 22a hinged to a first end of the first side panel 14 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21a, a third side end closure panel 28a hinged to a first end of the second side panel 18 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27a, a first top end closure panel 26a hinged to the first main corner panel 24a by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25a, and a first bottom end closure panel 32a hinged to the third main corner panel 30a by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33a. RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI A second end closure structure comprises; a second side end closure panel 22b hinged to a second end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21b, a fourth side end closure panel 28b hinged to a second end of the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27b, a second top end closure panel 26b hinged to the second main corner panel 24b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25b, and a second bottom end closure panel 32b hinged to the fourth main corner panel 30b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33b. The second top-end closure panel 26b and the second main corner panel 24b (angled panel 24b) together form a top-end closure flap 24b / 26b. The angled panel 24b is angled to be positioned obliquely with respect to the top panel 16 when the carton 90 is resting on the base panel 20. The first top-end closure panel 26a and the first main corner panel 24a also form a second top-end closure flap 24a / 26a. The first main corner panel 24a is angled to be AECctzn / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ arranged obliquely with respect to the upper panel 16 when the cardboard box 90 is oriented at rest on the base panel 20. The first bottom end closure panel 32a and the third main corner panel 30a together form a bottom end closure flap 30a / 32a. The third main corner panel 30a is angled to be obliquely positioned with respect to the base panel 20 when the carton 90 is resting on the base panel 20. The second bottom end closure panel 32b and the fourth main corner panel 30b together form a second bottom end closure flap 30b / 32b. The fourth main corner panel 30b is angled to be obliquely positioned with respect to the base panel 20 when the carton 90 is resting on the base panel 20. A first safety tab 34a is hinged to a first end of the safety flap 12 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35a. A second safety tab 34b is hinged to a second end of the safety flap 12 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35b. The first safety tab 34a is hinged to the first side panel 14 by means of a first pair of band panels 36a, 38a, also referred to herein RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI minor corner panels (the first pair of band panels 36a, 38a is hinged to a first chamfered or beveled corner of the first side panel 14), the first pair of band panels 36a, 38a underlies the third main corner panel 30a in an assembled condition. A first band panel 36a is hinged to the first safety tab 34a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37a. A second band panel 38a is hinged to the first band panel 36a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39a. The second band panel 38a is hinged to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39a. Fold line 37a is substantially collinear with fold line 13. Each of the first pair of band panels 36a, 38a is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 37a / 39a, 39a / 41a. Template 10 comprises a first opening Al perforated from the first pair of band panels 36a, 38a to interrupt fold lines 37a, 39a, 41a. The first opening Al is located in a position where fold lines 37a, 39a, 41a intersect each other and fold lines 13 and 35a. The second security tab 34b is connected to RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI articulated to the first side panel 14 by means of a second pair of band panels 36b, 38b, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the first pair of band panels 36a, 38a is articulated to a second chamfered or beveled corner of the first side panel 14), the second pair of band panels 36b, 38b underlies the fourth main corner panel 30b in an assembled condition. A third band panel 36b is articulated to the second safety tab 34b by means of a articulated connection in the form of a fold line 37b. A fourth band panel 38b is articulated to the third band panel 36b by means of a articulated connection in the form of a fold line 39b. The fourth band panel 38b is hinged to the first side panel 14 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39b. Fold line 37b is substantially collinear with fold line 13. Each of the second pair of band panels 36b, 38b is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 37b / 39b, 39b / 41b. Template 10 comprises a second opening A2 perforated from the second pair of band panels 36b, 38b to interrupt fold lines 37b, 39b, 41b. The second opening A2 is positioned so that fold lines 37b, 39b, 41b intersect each other and the RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI lines 13 and 35b of fold. The first main corner panel 24a is hinged to the first side panel 14 by a third pair of band panels 40a, 42a, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the third pair of band panels 40a, 42a is hinged to a third chamfered or beveled corner of the first side panel 14). The third pair of band panels 40a, 42a underlies the first main corner panel 24a in an assembled condition. A fifth band panel 40a is hinged to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43a. A sixth band panel 42a is hinged to the fifth band panel 40a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45a. The sixth band panel 42a is hinged to the first main corner panel 24a by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47a. Fold line 47a is substantially collinear with fold line 15. Each of the third pair of band panels 40a, 42a is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 43a / 45a, 45a / 47a. Template 10 comprises a third A3 opening perforated from the third pair of panels 40a, 42a of band to interrupt fold lines 43a, 45a, 47a. The third RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI opening A3 is located in a position where fold lines 43a, 45a, 47a intersect each other and fold lines 15 and 23a. The second main corner panel 24b is hinged to the first side panel 14 by a fourth pair of band panels 40b, 42b, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the fourth pair of band panels 40b, 42b is hinged to a chamfered or beveled fourth corner of the first side panel 14). This fourth pair of band panels 40b, 42b underlies the second main corner panel 24b in the assembled condition. A seventh band panel 40b is hinged to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43b. An eighth band panel 42b is hinged to the seventh band panel 40b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45b. The eighth band panel 42b is hinged to the second main corner panel 24b by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47b. Fold line 47b is substantially collinear with fold line 15. Each of the fourth pair of band panels 40b, 42b is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 43b / 45b, 45b / 47b. Template 10 includes a fourth A4 opening RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI perforated from the fourth pair of panels 40b, 42b of band to interrupt fold lines 43b, 45b, 47b. The fourth A4 opening is located in a position where fold lines 43b, 45b, 47b intersect each other and fold lines 15 and 23b. The first main corner panel 24a is hinged to the second side panel 18 by a fifth pair of band panels 44a, 46a, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the fifth pair of band panels 44a, 46a is hinged to a first chamfered or beveled corner of the second side panel 18). The fifth pair of band panels 44a, 46a underlies the first main corner panel 24a in an assembled condition. A ninth band panel 44a is hinged to the first main corner panel 24a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49a. A tenth band panel 46a is hinged to the ninth band panel 44a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51a. The tenth band panel 46a is hinged to the second side panel 18 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53a. Fold line 49a is substantially collinear with fold line 17. Each of the fifth pair of panels 44a, 46a of band is defined in part by a pair of lines 49a / 51a, 51a / 53a of RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI folds arranged divergently. Template 10 comprises a fifth A5 opening perforated from the fifth pair of panels 44a, 46a of band to interrupt fold lines 49a, 51a, 53a. The fifth A5 opening is situated in a position where fold lines 49a, 51a, 53a intersect each other and fold lines 17 and 23a. The second main corner panel 24b is hinged to the second side panel 18 by a sixth pair of band panels 44b, 46b, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the sixth pair of band panels 44b, 46b is hinged to a second chamfered or beveled corner of the second side panel 18). The sixth pair of band panels 44b, 46b underlies the second main corner panel 24b in an assembled condition. An eleventh band panel 44b is hinged to the second main corner panel 24b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49b. A twelfth band panel 46b is hinged to the eleventh band panel 44b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51b. The twelfth panel 4 6b of the band is hinged to the second side panel 18 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53b. Fold line 49b is substantially collinear ABCctzn / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ with fold line 17. Each of the sixth pair of band panels 44b, 46b is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 49b / 51b, 51b / 53b. Template 10 comprises a sixth A6 opening perforated from the sixth pair of band panels 44b, 46b to interrupt fold lines 49b, 51b, 53b. The sixth A6 opening is located in a position where fold lines 49b, 51b, 53b intersect each other and fold lines 17 and 23b. The third main corner panel 30a is hinged to the second side panel 18 by a seventh pair of strip panels 48a, 50a, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the seventh pair of strip panels 48a, 50a is hinged to a chamfered or beveled third corner of the second side panel 18). The seventh pair of strip panels 48a, 50a underlies the third main corner panel 30a in an assembled condition. A thirteenth strip panel 48a is hinged to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55a. A fourteenth strip panel 50a is hinged to the thirteenth strip panel 48a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57a. The fourteenth strip panel 50a is hinged RRCCbn / l 7Ϡ7 / 3 / YILI articulated to the third main corner panel 30a by means of an articulated connection in the form of a fold line 59a. Fold line 59a is substantially collinear with fold line 19. Each of the seventh pair of band panels 48a, 50a is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 55a / 57a, 57a / 59a. Template 10 comprises a seventh A7 opening perforated from the seventh pair of band panels 48a, 50a to interrupt fold lines 55a, 57a, 59a. The seventh A7 opening is situated in a position where fold lines 55a, 57a, 59a intersect each other and fold lines 19 and 31a. The fourth main corner panel 30b is hinged to the second side panel 18 by an eighth pair of 48b, 50b band panels, also referred to herein as minor corner panels (the eighth pair of 48b, 50b band panels is hinged to a chamfered or beveled fourth corner of the second side panel 18). The eighth pair of 48b, 50b band panels underlies the fourth main corner panel 30b in an assembled condition. A fifteenth 48b band panel is hinged to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a 55b fold line. A sixteenth 50b band panel is hinged to the fifteenth panel RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI The sixteenth panel 50b of the band is hinged to the fourth main corner panel 30b by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59b. Fold line 59b is substantially collinear with fold line 19. Each of the eighth pair of band panels 48b, 50b is partly defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 55b / 57b, 57b / 59b. Template 10 comprises an eighth A8 opening perforated from the eighth pair of band panels 48b, 50b to interrupt fold lines 55b, 57b, 59b. The eighth A8 opening is located in a position where fold lines 55b, 57b, 59b intersect each other and fold lines 19 and 31b. Template 10 may comprise a handle H-structure. The handle H-structure may be provided at least in part on the upper panel 16. The handle H-structure comprises a handle opening or slot defined on the upper panel 16. The handle opening may be defined at least in part by a first handle tab 60a. The first handle tab 60a is perforated from the upper panel 16 and is hinged to it by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61a. The opening The handle tab 60b can be defined at least in part by a second handle tab 60b. The second handle tab 60b is perforated from the upper panel 16 and is hinged to it by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61b. The second handle tab 60b is hinged opposite the first handle tab 60a. The second handle tab 60b is separated from, or can be separated from, the first handle tab 60a by a common cut line or parting line 69. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the slot-type carrying handle H, in which the various elements of the slot-type carrying handle H are numbered. A parting line 69 defines the center of the slot-type carrying handle H. With reference again to Figure 1, it is shown that the parting line 69 is spaced a longitudinal distance from the first and second ends of the upper panel 16 (defined by fold lines 23a and 23b, respectively), positioned so that it is off-center with respect to the first and second ends of the upper panel 16. Optionally, in other embodiments, the slot-type carrying handle H may be positioned in a substantially central position. The parting line 69 is positioned such that when the template 10 is formed in a cardboard box 90 (see Figures 4 to 6), the parting line 69 is located above RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI of a space or void between two adjacent articles B. With reference to Figure 1A, it can be seen that the parting line 69 extends into each of the first and second adjacent side panels 14, 18. In other embodiments, the slot-type carrying handle H may extend into only one of the first and second adjacent side panels 14, 18. The parting line 69 is optionally a perforated cut line comprising one or more, or a series of, connecting notch portions. Optionally, six connecting notch portions are provided in the top panel 16 along the parting line 69; one notch portion is provided along the portion of the parting line 69 in the first side panel 14; and one notch portion is provided along the portion of the parting line 69 in the second side panel 18. Spaced on either side of parting line 69 and within the upper panel 16, a pair of fold lines 61a define each of the lifting edges of the slot-type H-handle. Between fold line 61a and parting line 59, a cushioning flap 60a is formed; likewise, between fold line 61a and parting line 69, a cushioning flap 60b is formed. The width of the cushioning flaps can be controlled so that when folded below the plane of panel 16 RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI upper, the cushioning flaps can be folded into the space between the upper panel 16 and two adjacent B items and at least partially below the upper panel 16. At each end of each shock-absorbing flap 60a, 60b, pairs of reinforcements are formed by intersecting fold lines 66a / 68b, 66b / 68a; 68c / 66d, 66 / 68d. Optionally, the fold lines 66a / 68b, 66b / 68a; 68c / 66d, 66 / 68d are arranged at least substantially at 90° to each other. At each end of the slot-type H-handle, a strain relief mechanism is provided which is designed and configured to mitigate the buildup of stress or localized stress points on carton 90 when carton 90 is carried by the slot-type H-handle, in either direction (i.e., using edge 61a or 61b). The strain relief mechanisms (also called relief cuts) are identical and therefore only one will be described, it being understood that the details provided with respect to one end of the slot-type H-handle carry handle are also valid with respect to the other end of the slot-type H-handle carry handle. An optional curvilinear fold cut line 65b extends from the intersection of fold lines 61b, 66d, and 17. The fold cut line 65b RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI curvilinear can be formed as a fold along a first linear aspect and then optionally a full-depth parting line on a second curved aspect. The parting line portion of the fold-cut line 65b can extend beyond and very close to the termination of parting line 58b. The parting line portion of the fold-cut line 65b can terminate with a substantially J-shaped or hook-shaped parting line 67b. The parting line portion of the fold-cut line 65b and parting line 69 define a first foldable tab 64b. A linear fold line 66b extends from the cut line portion of the fold cut line 65b back towards the intersection between fold lines 61a, 17 and 66c, to define a second fold tab 64a. Template 10 comprises an access device or dispenser D to access the interior of the cardboard box 90 in order to remove the contents of the cardboard box. Dispenser D comprises a detachable panel 70a / 7Ob / 70c / 70d / 7Oe. A first portion 70a of the detachable panel 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is perforated from the upper panel 18, a second portion 70b of the panel RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI Detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is perforated from the first side panel 14, a third portion 70c of detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is perforated from the second side panel 18, a fourth portion 70d of detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is perforated from the second side end closure flap 22b, and a fifth portion 70e of detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is perforated from the fourth side end closure flap 28b. The second and third portions 70b, 70c of detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e are hinged to the first portion 70a by fold lines 15, 17 respectively. The fourth portion 70d of the detachable panel 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is hinged to the second portion 70b by means of a portion of fold line 21b.The fifth portion 70e of the detachable panel 70a / 7Ob / 70c / 70d / 7Oe is hinged to the third portion 70c by means of a portion of fold line 27b. The detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e panel includes the second main corner 24b panel, the second top end closure 26b flap, the fourth pair of 40b, 42b band panels and the sixth pair of 44b, 46b band panels. The detachable 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 7Oe panel is defined in part by a first separation line or tear line 71a provided on the upper 16 panel. The panel RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI The detachable section 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e is defined in part by a second parting line or tear line 71b provided on the first side panel 14, by a third parting line or tear line 71c provided on the second side panel 18, by a fourth parting line or tear line 71d provided on the second side end closure flap 22b, and by a fifth parting line or tear line 71e provided on the fourth side end closure flap 28b. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth parting lines 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d, and 71e are arranged to form a continuous parting line.The fifth parting line or tear line 71e may terminate in a notch or cutout punched from a free end edge of the fourth side end closure flap 28b; the cutout may be sized to extend across an overlap region between the fourth side end closure flap 28b and the second side end closure flap 22b in an assembled condition. The first separation line 71a may be interrupted by, or comprise, a tear-start feature I, see Figure 4. The tear-start feature I may take the form of at least one folding tab 72, 74 hinged to the upper panel 16, for the first portion 70a of the detachable panel 70a / 70b / 70c / 70d / 70e perforated from the upper panel 18. The A tab 72, 74 may be defined in part by a portion 71f of the parting line that interrupts the first parting line 71a to be contiguous with it. The portion 71f of the parting line may be structured to provide less tear resistance than the first parting line 71a. In this way, tab 72, 74 can be easily displaced inward or outward from the plane of the upper panel 16. Tab 72, 74 is positioned so that when template 10 is formed in a carton 90, tab 72, 74 is positioned over a space or gap between two adjacent articles B. Tab 72, 74 may comprise a fold line 75 extending transversely with respect to a tubular axis, longitudinal dimension, of the carton 90. The fold line 75 can facilitate folding tab 72, 74 into the space or gap between two adjacent B items. Returning to the construction of the package as illustrated in Figure 3, the 90-item carrier can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations. The folding process is not limited to the one described below and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements. Template 10 is folded around fold line 15 so that the first side panel 14 is positioned in overlapping relation to the top panel 16, and with part of the RRCCbn / l 7Π7 / 3 / YILI second side panel 18, the safety flap is placed in overlapping relation with the second side panel 18. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the safety flap 12 and to the first and second safety tabs 34a, 34b. In other embodiments, the glue may be applied to the corresponding regions of an inner surface of the base panel 20 and the third and fourth main corner panels 30a, 30b. Template 10 is folded around fold line 19 so that the base panel 20 is positioned in an overlapping relationship with the second side panel 18 and in a frontal contact relationship with the safety flap 12. A portion of each of the third and fourth main corner panels 30a, 30b is placed in an overlapping relationship with the second side panel 18; the third and fourth main corner panels 30a, 30b are placed in a frontal contact relationship with a respective portion of the first and second safety tabs 34a, 34b. The base panel 20 is secured to the safety tab 12. The third main corner panel 30a is secured to the first safety tab 34a. The fourth main corner panel 30b is secured to the second safety tab 34b. In this way, template 10 is formed into a flat, collapsed tubular structure that can be shipped or RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI can be easily distributed to a converting plant, in which the flat collapsed tubular structure can be erected into an open-ended tubular structure and loaded with articles. The flat collapsed tubular structure can be erected to form an open-ended tubular structure by unfolding the top panel 16 with respect to the first side panel 14 so that the top panel 16 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first side panel 14. The cardboard box 90, in its open-ended tubular form, can be loaded with items through one or both of its open ends. It will be noted that in some versions, one of the open ends of the cardboard box 90 can be closed before loading the contents through the remaining open end. One end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the first main corner panel 24a around fold line 23a, relative to the upper panel 16. The fifth and sixth band panels 40a and 42a are folded inward face-to-face with each other. The ninth and tenth band panels 44a and 46a are folded inward face-to-face with each other. The third main corner panel 30a folds over the base panel 20, around line 31a of RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI fold. The first safety tab 34a is folded to the safety flap 12, around the fold line 35a. The thirteenth and fourteenth band panels 48a, 50a are folded inwards in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The first and second band panels 36a, 38a are folded inwards in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The first top-end closure panel 26a is folded over the first main corner panel 24a, around fold line 25a. The first bottom-end closure panel 32a is folded over the third main corner panel 30a, around fold line 33a. The first side end closure flap 22a is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, around the fold line 21a. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first side-end closure flap 22a. In other embodiments, the glue may be applied to a corresponding region of an inner surface of the third side-end closure flap 28a. The third side end closure flap 28a is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, around the fold line 27a. The third flap 28a of the side end closure is placed in an overlapping relationship with the first flap 22a of RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI side end closure. The third side end closure flap 28a is brought into face-to-face contact with the first side end closure flap 22a. The third side end closure flap 28a is secured to the first side end closure flap 22a. A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second main corner panel 24b around fold line 23a, relative to the upper panel 16. The seventh and eighth band panels 40b and 42b are folded internally in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The eleventh and twelfth band panels 44b and 46b are folded internally in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The fourth main corner panel 30b is folded to the base panel 20 around fold line 31b. The second safety flap 34b is folded to the safety flap 12 around fold line 35b. The fifteenth and sixteenth band panels 48b and 50b are folded inwards in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The third and fourth band panels 36b and 38b are folded inwards in a face-to-face relationship with each other. The second top-end closure panel 26b folds over the second main corner panel 24b, around fold line 25b. The second bottom-end closure panel 32b folds over the fourth main corner panel 30b, around fold line 33b. RRCCbn / l 7Π7 / 3 / ΥΙΛΙ fold . The second side end closure flap 22b folds over the first side panel 14, around the fold line 21b. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second side-end closure flap 22b. In other embodiments, the glue may be applied to a corresponding region of an inner surface of the fourth side-end closure flap 28b. The fourth side end closure flap 28b is folded over the second side panel 18, around the fold line 27b. The fourth side-end closure flap 28b overlaps the second side-end closure flap 22b. The fourth side-end closure flap 28b is face-to-face with the second side-end closure flap 22b. The fourth side-end closure flap 28b is secured to the second side-end closure flap 22b. Figure 4 shows an assembled cardboard box 90 having a pair of fully enclosed ends. The cardboard box 90 comprises a tubular structure defined by a plurality of main or primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. Figure 4 clearly illustrates one of the enclosed ends, which is formed by the closing flap 24b / 26b. RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI upper end, the lower end closure flap 30b / 32b and the second and fourth side end closure flaps 22b, 28b which are secured together to provide the respective closed end. However, any or each of these fully closed ends may optionally be replaced by a partially closed end which is formed by at least two end closure flaps hinged to the tubular structure. Figures 5 and 6 show carton 90 with dispenser D in an unfolded condition. The removable panel 70a / 7Ob / 70c / 70d / 7Oe has been removed to provide an opening through which the contents of the carton can be removed. When the removable panel 70a / 7Ob / 70c / 70d / 7Oe is removed, the outermost items B in rows R1, R2, and R3 are exposed and can be easily removed through the opening created. The outermost B items in the top row or level R1 of the group of B items are presented to the consumer, as shown in Figure 5, but are held within the cardboard box 90 by virtue of the nested arrangement between the pair of outermost B items in the second row or level R2 (this is the innermost R2 row) positioned below the topmost R1 row. The user can remove the outermost B items in the topmost R1 row; by doing so, the outermost B items in the second R2 row are presented to the consumer and are easily removed. Removing the outermost B item in the second R2 row creates instability; the remaining B items in the second R2 level tend to roll forward, toward the dispenser opening, and stop in the gaps between adjacent pairs of B items in the third R3 level.Similarly, any B items not removed from the top R1 level tend to roll forward toward the dispenser opening and stop in the gaps between adjacent pairs of B items on the second R2 level. This, in turn, creates a space or gap beneath the top panel 16, between the top panel 16 and the items above it remaining in the cardboard box 90. This gap allows the user to easily access or remove B items from the first R1 level and the second R2 level, as these B items may not be tightly packed. The fourth separation line 71d defined in the second side-end closure flap 22b and the fifth separation line 71e defined in the fourth side-end closure flap 28b are configured to allow exposure of a more extreme item B on the third level R3 (the lowest inner row R3). A user can easily grasp the most extreme item B on the third level R3 once enough items B have been removed from rows R1 and R2 arranged above the third level R3. The removal of the most extreme item B ABCctzn / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ extreme at the third level R3 again creates instability in the remaining B items at that level; the remaining items tend to roll forward, toward the dispenser opening, and these items stop in the gaps between adjacent pairs of B items at the fourth, lowest level, or row R4. The fourth separation line 71d and the fifth separation line 71e together define a 'U'-shaped channel or cutout in an end wall 22b / 28b of the carton, the end wall 22b / 28b being formed from the second side end-closure flap 22b and the fourth end-closure flap 28b. The channel defined by the fourth separation line 71d and the fifth separation line 71e comprises a bottom or minimum that is disposed at a height below the edge or highest end of the B items at the third level R3. The present description provides a package comprising a cardboard box or an item carrier 90 loaded with one or more items. The cardboard box 90 comprises a plurality of panels defining an interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of primary panels comprises a top panel 16, a first side panel 14 hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel 16, a second side panel 18 hinged to the other side edge of the top panel 16, an end-closure flap 24b / 26b hinged to the top panel 16, and a pair of side end-closure flaps 22b, 28b. A first of one of the pair of RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI side end closure flaps 22b, 28b are hinged to the first side panel 14. A second pair of side end closure flaps 22b, 28b are hinged to the second side panel 18. The carton 90 comprises a folding reinforcement or band 40b / 42b folded inside the carton 90; the band 40b / 42 is hinged to the top end closure flap 24b / 26b. The band 40b / 42b is further hinged to the first side panel 14 along a beveled or chamfered edge thereof. The beveled edge extends between the first side end closure flap 22b and the top panel 16. The cardboard box 90 further comprises an opening feature D that is at least partially removable from the cardboard box 90. The opening feature D is defined, at least in part, by a tear line 71d extending through the first side-end closure flap 22b.The opening feature D is defined, at least in part, by another tear line 71e that extends through the second side-end closure flap 28b. The opening feature D includes band 40b / 42b and a portion of each of the first and second side end closure flaps 22b, 28b. The cardboard box 90 can comprise the first and second rows R1, R2 upper of items B, the first row R1 upper is the highest row, the second row R2 upper RRCCbn / l ZηZ / 3 / YILI is arranged immediately below the first upper row R1 so that it is the second row of the upper panel 16. The opening feature D defines an access opening in the carton 90 through which the items B in the first and second upper rows R1, R2 can exit the carton 90. At least one of the items B in the second upper row R2 can be exposed, at least partially, to view when the opening feature D is completely removed from the carton 90. The cardboard box 90 may comprise a third upper row R3 of items B, the third upper row R3 being arranged immediately below the second upper row R2 to be the third row from the top panel 16. At least one of the items B in the third upper row R3 may be exposed, at least in part, to view when the opening feature D is completely removed from the cardboard box 90. The top-end closure flap 24b / 26b comprises a skewed or inclined panel 24b arranged obliquely with respect to the upper panel 16. The top-end closure flap 24b may be free of tear lines to define the opening feature. The first and second side end closure flaps 22b, 28b may be arranged at least partly in overlapping relation to the end closure flap 24b RRCCbn / l ZηZ� / 3 / YILI upper and where tear lines 71d, 71e are routed so that no portion of tear lines 71d, 71e overlaps with top end closure flap 24b / 26b. The entirety of the tear lines 71d, 71e may be arranged under a lower end edge of the upper end closure flap 24b / 26b. It can be seen that several changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels can be adjusted to accommodate items of different sizes or shapes. It shall be recognized that, as used herein, directional references such as top, bottom, base, front, back, end, side, inside, outside, upper and lower do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may simply serve to distinguish these panels from one another. As used herein, the terms hinged connection and fold line refer to all types of lines that define hinged features of the template, facilitate folding of template portions together, or indicate optimal panel folding locations for the template. Any reference to hinged connection should not necessarily be interpreted as aRRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI refers to a single fold line; in fact, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines, where each of the two or more fold lines can be straight / linear or curved / curvilinear. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they can be parallel to each other or slightly inclined to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they can intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area enclosed by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection might comprise a pair of arched or arc-shaped fold lines that intersect at two points so as to define an elliptical panel between them. A hinged connection can be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines.A typical example of such an articulated connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arc-shaped or arched fold line that intersect at two points so as to define a crescent-shaped panel between them. As used herein, the term crease line may refer to one of the following: a dotted line, a raised line, a debossed line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, a crease line RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI interrupted cut, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the options mentioned. It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines may include elements formed into the template substrate, including perforations, a perforation line, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, dots, and any combination thereof. These elements may be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a perforation line may be sized or designed with varying degrees of weakness to define a fold line and / or a parting line. The perforation line may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, to facilitate folding and facilitate breakage with greater effort, or to facilitate breakage with little effort. The phrase "in register with," as used herein, refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected cardboard box, such as an opening formed in the first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second pair of overlapping panels. Elements that are in register with each other may be aligned along the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when a RRCCbn / l 7P7 / 3 / YILI opening in a first panel is in register with a second opening in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second opening and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second opening.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A cardboard box for packaging one or more items, the cardboard box characterized in that it comprises a plurality of panels defining an interior of the cardboard box, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a first side panel hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel, a second side panel hinged to the other side edge of the top panel, a top end closure flap hinged to the top panel, a first side end closure flap hinged to the first side panel, a second side end closure flap hinged to the second side panel, and a folding reinforcement folded inside the cardboard box, the reinforcement being hinged to the top end closure flap,the reinforcement being additionally articulated to the first side panel along a beveled edge thereof extending between the first side end closure flap and the top panel, the carton further comprising an opening feature that is at least partially removable from the carton, the opening feature being defined at least in part by first and second tear lines extending through the first and second side end closure flaps respectively.

2. The cardboard box in accordance with AECctzn / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ 48 claim 1, characterized in that the opening feature includes the reinforcement and a part of each of the first and second side end closing flaps.

3. The cardboard box according to claim 1, characterized in that the cardboard box further comprises a first and second upper row of articles, wherein the opening feature defines an access opening in the cardboard box through which the articles of the first and second upper rows can exit the cardboard box, and wherein at least one of the articles of the second upper row is at least partially exposed to view when the opening feature is completely removed from the cardboard box.

4. The cardboard box according to claim 3, characterized in that the cardboard box further comprises a third upper row of articles, and wherein at least one of the articles in the third upper row is at least partially exposed to view when the opening feature is completely removed from the cardboard box.

5. The cardboard box according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end closing flap comprises an inclined panel disposed obliquely with respect to the upper panel, and wherein the upper end closing flap is free of tear lines to define the opening feature.

6. The cardboard box according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second side end closure flaps are arranged at least partly over the top end closure flap and wherein the first and second tear lines are routed so that no portion of the first and second tear lines overlaps the top end closure flap.

7. The cardboard box according to claim 6, characterized in that the first and second stripping lines are arranged completely below a lower end edge of the upper end closing flap.

8. A template for forming a cardboard box, the template comprising a plurality of primary panels for defining an interior of the cardboard box, the plurality of panels characterized in that it comprises: a top panel; a first side panel hinged to one of the opposite side edges of the top panel; a second side panel hinged to the other side edge of the top panel; a top end closing flap hinged to the top panel; a first side end closing flap hinged to the first side panel; a second side end closing flap hinged to the second side panel;and at least one band panel to form a foldable reinforcement inside the carton box, the reinforcement being hinged to the top end closure flap, the reinforcement being further hinged to the first side panel along a beveled edge thereof extending between the first side end closure flap and the top panel, wherein the template further comprises an opening feature that is at least partially removable, the opening feature being defined at least in part by first and second tear lines extending through the first and second side end closure flaps respectively.

9. A package comprising a cardboard box and a plurality of articles, the cardboard box characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the cardboard box, the plurality of panels comprising: a top panel; a first side panel and at least two end closure flaps forming at least partially a partially closed end of the cardboard box, the partially closed end comprising a first portion and a second portion, at least one of the first and second portions being oblique with respect to the top panel, wherein the plurality of articles are arranged in a plurality of article rows comprising a first row and a second row, the first row being adjacent to the top panel and generally aligned with the first portion of the partially closed end,the second row being separated from the top panel and generally aligned with the second portion of the at least partially closed end, the second row being adjacent to the first row and comprising at least one more item than the first row, wherein the carton further comprises an opening feature that is at least partially removable from the carton, the opening feature being defined at least in part by a first parting line extending across the second portion of the at least partially closed end.

10. A package according to claim 9, characterized in that the carton further comprises a second side panel, at least two end-closing flaps comprising first and second side end-closing flaps hinged to the first and second side panels respectively, the second portion comprising the first and second end-closing flaps, and wherein the opening feature is defined at least in part by a second tear line, the first and second tear lines extending through the first and second side end-closing flap respectively.

11. A package according to claim 9, characterized in that the cardboard box further comprises a base panel, the at least partially closed end further comprises a third portion, the third portion being oblique with respect to the top panel, the plurality of rows of articles further comprises a third row adjacent to the base panel, the third row generally being aligned with the third portion of the at least partially closed end and separated from the first row, the second row comprising at least one more article than the third row.

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