Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC

Erica L Watson

Aaron L Bates

Jean-Michel Auclair

Patrick Blin

John W Cargile, Jr

Cynthia R Parks

Dispensing aids () are provided to facilitate removing articles (B) from cartons () having openings (O) that function as article dispensers. The dispensing aids () engaging at least the articles (B) furthest from the opening (O) with means for engaging. The means for engaging includes an article engaging portion such as a top engaging collar (), a bottom engaging sled (), a side engaging crossbar (), or a belt (). The means for engaging is displaced toward the opening (O) of the carton by a means for displacing. The means for displacing may be a grip () or strap (). As the grip, strap, or other means for displacing the article engaging portion is pulled, the article engaging portion is drawn toward the opening (O) as are the articles that are engaged.

Product dispensing aids

A carton for dispensing articles having a dispensing feature is adapted for restraining articles within the carton until the consumer desires to remove the endmost articles from the carton. To erect the carton, a plurality of panels are connected together to define an end of the carton. A first detachable portion at the end of the carton may be detached from the carton to define an opening for dispensing articles from an upper or lower row of articles within the carton. A second detachable portion at the end of the carton borders the first detachable portion and may also be detached from the carton to enlarge the opening in an alternative embodiment. The second detachable portion restrains articles in an upper row of articles prior to detaching the second detachable portion from the erected carton.

Dispenser with detachable retention feature

A carton for dispensing and retaining articles such as cans or bottles is opened by at least partially removing a first detachable portion and then by at least partially detaching a second detachable portion. Removal of the first detachable portion defines an opening for dispensing articles, and defines means for retaining articles in the carton after one or both of the detachable portions have been removed, such as a stopper wall. Removal of the first detachable portion provides access to the second detachable portion to facilitate subsequent and at least partial detachment thereof. The second detachable portion may be yieldable so as to variably and reversibly redefine or reconfigure the opening to enlarge the opening to facilitate removal of articles that are being dispensed, and to reduce the opening to retain articles in the carton that are not being dispensed.

Growing community of inventors

Franklin, TN, United States of America

Erica L Watson