Multi-pack packaging and dispenser

Abstract

A multi-pack packaging and dispenser that is suitable for carrying and dispensing glass bottles, such as beer bottles, as well as a variety of other objects. The packaging includes a main access panel that is generally located on the top of the package but, could also be located on the sides or bottom. The main access panel includes a weakened portion that extends the entire width of the panel and less the half of the depth of the panel. When the weakened portion is removed and the main access panel is turned to face a point of access, the contents can be removed through the opening in the access panel created by removing the weakened portion. By orienting the opening to be in the lower portion of the access panel and orienting the access panel to be perpendicular to the surface on which the package rests, as objects are removed from the package, other objects fall into the opening for dispensing.

1 . A product packaging for housing and dispensing elongated objects, the product packaging including five panels connected in a single sheet that can be folded such that:
 an access panel that defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the elongated objects disposed within the product packaging, the access panel including a weakened portion that extends the entire width of the first side such that when removed, an end portion of the elongated objects can be viewed when looking at the access panel.   
   
   
       2 . The product packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the access panel includes a first opening and a second opening, the first and second opening being suitable for receiving one or more digits of a human hand and thereby facilitate lifting of the product packaging. 
   
   
       3 . The product packaging of  claim 2 , where in the first opening is elongated and the second opening is substantially circular. 
   
   
       4 . The product packaging of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated objects are disposed within the product packaging in such a manner that the top of the elongated objects is proximal to the plane of the access panel. 
   
   
       5 . The product packaging of  claim 3 , wherein the product packaging includes dividers that are placed perpendicular and parallel to each other to isolate the elongated objects. 
   
   
       6 . An object carrier made of foldable flat material, comprising:
 a first panel;   a second panel joined to a first side of the first panel;   a third panel joined to a second side of the first panel; and   a fourth panel joined to a first side of the second panel and being adhesively attached in proximity to a first side of the third panel;   the fourth panel including a weakened portion that extends the entire width of the fourth panel and less the half of the depth of the fourth panel, which when removed, provides access to the objects within the carrier, wherein the objects have an axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the fourth panel.   
   
   
       7 . The object carrier of  claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the first, second, third and fourth panels include one or more flaps that can be folded to create enclosing side panels for the object carrier. 
   
   
       8 . The object carrier of  claim 7 , wherein the fourth panel includes a first opening and a second opening for receiving digits of a person, thereby creating an handle for facilitating the carrying of the object carrier. 
   
   
       9 . The object carrier of  claim 8 , wherein the first opening and second opening are offset on the fourth panel away from the weakened portion so as to provide strength to the handle. 
   
   
       10 . The object carrier of  claim 9 , wherein the objects are oriented within the object carrier in such a manner that they are substantially parallel to the plane of the fourth panel and whereby the objects can be removed from the object carrier upon removal of the weakened portion by laterally extracting the objects. 
   
   
       11 . The object carrier of  claim 8 , wherein a support structure is applied to the fourth panel to encourage the correct removal of the weakened portion.