Carton convertible into compartmented container

Abstract

A carton has a tubular structure that is separable along a circumferential region of the carton into compartments joined by a hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges. In one embodiment, the hinge member is substantially elliptical. In another embodiment, an aperture is formed in the hinge member for lifting the carton.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A carton comprising a tubular wall structure separable along a substantially longitudinal circumferential region into adjacent compartments joined by a hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges.  
     
     
         2 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said tubular wall structure includes opposing first and second walls joined by opposing side walls, said substantially longitudinal circumferential region extends across said first wall and opposing end walls that join said first, second and side walls, and said hinge member is integrally formed with said second wall.  
     
     
         3 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said substantially longitudinal circumferential region is defined at least in part by a frangible line.  
     
     
         4 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said substantially longitudinal circumferential region is defined at least in part by a frangible line and a tear strip.  
     
     
         5 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge member facilitates lifting.  
     
     
         6 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge member is substantially elliptical.  
     
     
         7 . The carton of  claim 1 , said hinge member having an aperture formed therethrough to facilitate lifting.  
     
     
         8 . The carton of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge member is substantially elliptical and has an aperture formed therethrough to facilitate lifting.  
     
     
         9 . A carton comprising a tubular wall structure separable along a substantially longitudinal circumferential region into adjacent compartments joined by a substantially elliptical hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges and having an aperture defined therethrough.  
     
     
         10 . A blank for forming a carton the blank comprising a series of adjoining panels for forming a tubular structure for the erected carton, said panels having integrally formed therein a region of separability transversely extending along portions of said panels and a hinge-forming region having spaced-apart lateral edges such that the erected tubular structure is separable along said region of separability into compartments joined by a hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges.  
     
     
         11 . The blank of  claim 10 , wherein said hinge-forming region and said hinge member are substantially elliptical.  
     
     
         12 . The blank of  claim 10 , wherein said hinge-forming region is defined by weakened lines of demarcation.  
     
     
         13 . The blank of  claim 10 , wherein said panels form opposing first and second walls, opposing side walls and opposing end walls in the erected carton, said region of separability is disposed such that it extends across said first wall and opposing end walls of the erected carton, and said hinge-forming region is formed in said second wall.  
     
     
         14 . The blank of  claim 10 , wherein said region of separability is defined at least in part by a frangible line.  
     
     
         15 . The blank of  claim 10 , wherein said region of separability is defined at least in part by a frangible line and a tear strip.  
     
     
         16 . The blank of  claim 10 , said hinge-forming region having an aperture defined therethrough to facilitate lifting at said hinge member.  
     
     
         17 . A compartmented container comprising compartments joined by a hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges.  
     
     
         18 . The compartmented container of  claim 17 , wherein said hinge member is substantially elliptical.  
     
     
         19 . The compartmented container of  claim 17 , said hinge member having an aperture formed therethrough to facilitate lifting.  
     
     
         20 . The compartmented container of  claim 17 , wherein said hinge member is substantially elliptical and has having an aperture formed therethrough to facilitate lifting.