Carton Corner Dispenser with Retainer Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton dispenser systems for beverage and non-beverage containers often lose structural integrity once opened, leading to unintended rolling and falling of containers, making them difficult to carry and store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A carton design with a dispenser opening in the top panel, oriented along a longitudinal axis and located in a corner, featuring a removable dispenser flap and retainer flaps to maintain carton integrity, allowing for sequential removal of containers without rolling or falling, and enabling storage on either end or bottom for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transverse end mouth dispenser system is used, then containers can be dispensed sequentially, but the carton loses structural integrity once opened causing containers to roll out
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser opening is segmented into a removable flap portion and a fixed frame portion. The flap can be removed to allow container access while the fixed frame maintains the carton's structural integrity and prevents containers from rolling out. This segmentation allows the opening mechanism to be separated from the structural support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser opening is positioned in the top panel rather than the end wall, changing the spatial dimension of access. The opening extends across a portion of the top panel width, creating a horizontal access dimension while the carton maintains its vertical structural integrity through the remaining top panel and side walls.
2Ease of operation
If a transverse end mouth dispenser is opened, then containers can be removed, but the carton can no longer be carried safely as containers may roll out
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser opening is segmented into a removable flap portion and a fixed frame portion. The flap can be removed to allow container access while the fixed frame maintains the carton's structural integrity and prevents containers from rolling out. This segmentation allows the opening mechanism to be separated from the structural support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed to be removed before container removal, establishing a preliminary action that prepares the dispensing path while preserving the structural frame. This preliminary flap removal allows subsequent container access without compromising the carton's ability to maintain its shape and prevent rolling.
3Ease of operation
If the dispenser opening includes the carton corner, then container access is maximized, but carton integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser opening is segmented into a removable flap portion and a fixed frame portion. The flap can be removed to allow container access while the fixed frame maintains the carton's structural integrity and prevents containers from rolling out. This segmentation allows the opening mechanism to be separated from the structural support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser opening is positioned to extend across a portion of the top panel width but stops before including the carton corner. This local positioning provides sufficient container access while preserving the corner's structural integrity and its ability to maintain carton rigidity and prevent rolling.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser is for removal of containers, e.g., beverage and non-beverage containers, held in a matrix configuration within a carton. A dispenser opening is defined in the carton's top panel with the dispenser opening being oriented on a single longitudinal axis oriented normal to the top panel. The dispenser opening is sized to allow egress of each container in the container matrix. Retaining flaps are included with the dispenser to inhibit unintended egress of the containers. A push hole may be provided in the carton opposite from the dispenser to allow access by a user to push the container out of the dispenser.