Carton for Multiples of Tapered Containers

Abstract

A tubular carton is configured to be erected to a first pre-load height, and then to a second post-load height. This carton comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of opposed side walls. The walls define a void of a first height for receiving articles, such as tapered bottles. In addition, this carton includes a structure that funnels the articles into the void, such that the articles force the carton to flex along a score line and at least a portion of one or more walls to retract inwardly, thereby increasing the height of the void from a first height to a second greater height. The funneling structure may be connected to one of the walls and, after loading of the articles, is arranged to seal the carton.

1 . A carton configured to be erected to a first pre-load height and then to a second post-load height; comprising: 
 a first wall defining opposite edges and opposite ends;    a pair of opposed side walls, defining opposite ends and upper and lower edges, said opposed side walls connected along said lower edges to respective edges of said first wall;    a second wall defining opposite edges and opposite ends, comprising at least one score line, said second wall connected along said edges to respective upper edges of said opposed side walls, said walls defining a void for receiving articles, said second wall being spaced apart from said first wall by said first height;    at least one means for funneling said articles into said void such that said articles apply a force to said second wall to displace at least a portion of said second wall such that the portion of said second wall is spaced apart from said first wall by a second height, said score line for facilitating said displacement, said means for funneling connected to at least one of said walls; and,    at least one end wall structure comprising said means for funneling.    
   
   
       2 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said second post-load height is greater than said first pre-load height.  
   
   
       3 . The carton of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said side walls includes a fold line for facilitating displacement of said second wall.  
   
   
       4 . The carton of  claim 1  wherein said first height is defined by the height of one of said side walls.  
   
   
       5 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said first pre-load height is greater than said second post-load height.  
   
   
       6 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said second wall includes a fold line for facilitating displacement of said second wall.  
   
   
       7 . A carton configured to be erected to a first pre-load height and then to a second post-load height; comprising: 
 a first wall defining opposite edges and opposite ends;    a pair of opposed side walls defining opposite ends and upper and lower edges, said side walls connected along said lower edges to opposite edges of said first wall and to one another along said respective upper edges to define a void of a first height for receiving articles;    at least one score line located on at least one of said walls;    at least one means for funneling said articles into said void such that said articles apply a force to at least one of said walls such that said at least one score line facilitates a change in the height of said void from said first height to said second height, said means for funneling connected to at least one of said walls; and,    at least one end wall structure comprising said means for funneling.    
   
   
       8 . A package, comprising: 
 a plurality of containers and a carton enclosing said containers, the carton comprising:    a plurality of walls, each hingedly connected to at least one other wall, defining a void of a first configuration to receive said containers;    a means for funneling said containers into said void, said means for funneling connected to at least one of said walls;    wherein said void is reconfigured in response to receiving said containers; and,    an end wall structure comprising said means for funneling.    
   
   
       9 . The package of  claim 8 , wherein said containers comprise a first body portion of a first dimension and a second body portion of a second dimension;  
   
   
       10 . A method for loading articles of a first height into a carton of an initial lesser height, comprising: 
 providing a tubular carton comprising a first void defined by a plurality of walls and at least one open end;    scoring at least one of said walls;    configuring said open end to form a means for funneling;    pushing said articles through said means for funneling toward said void;    directing at least one of said articles to apply a force to at least one of said scored walls; and,    displacing at least one of said scored walls to move from a first position to a second position under said force, thereby converting said first void to a second void.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising loading said articles into said second void.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising reconfiguring said means for funneling into an end wall structure.