U.S. patent application number 10/482390 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for carrier for cans and a carboard blank for a carrier for cans.
Invention is credited to Karlsson, Kenneth.
Application Number | 20040206639 10/482390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 20284722 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206639 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karlsson, Kenneth |
October 21, 2004 |
Carrier for cans and a carboard blank for a carrier for cans
Abstract
The present invention relates to a carrier for cans made of
cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard, for connecting a
plurality of generally cylindrical cans (4), being disposed in one
or several rows and having an inclined upper part and a top closure
(6) with a circular projecting rim (8). The carrier (1; 31) is
produced from a plane blank (2; 32), having, for each can to be
connected by the carrier, two mutually opposing, essentially
arcuate slits (14; 44, 45), the outer edges of which engage below
the rim (8) of the cans when the carrier is assembled on the
plurality of cans to connect the carrier and the cans and form a
package assembly. The essentially arcuate slits (14; 44, 45)
comprise an arcuate intermediate section (16; 46) and arcuate end
sections (18; 48) on both sides thereof, said intermediate section
(16; 46) being formed radially inside the extended arcuate end
sections (18; 48), such that an inward projecting engagement tongue
(22; 52) is formed between the end sections (18; 48). The tongue is
adapted to abut on and engage below the rim (8) to connect the
carrier (1; 31) and the cans (4) to a package assembly. The
invention also relates to a plane blank of cardboard for a carrier
of cans.
Inventors: |
Karlsson, Kenneth; (Paryd,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET
SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
20284722 |
Appl. No.: |
10/482390 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 3, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE02/01317 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/170 ;
206/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/44 20130101;
B65D 71/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/170 ;
206/139 |
International
Class: |
B65D 075/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 3, 2001 |
SE |
01023795 |
Claims
1. A carrier of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard, for
connecting a plurality of generally cylindrical cans (4), being
disposed in one or several rows and having an inclined upper part
and a top closure (6) with a circular projecting rim (8), said
carrier (1; 31) being produced from a plane blank (2; 32), having,
for each can to be connected by the carrier, two mutually opposing,
essentially arcuate slits (14; 44, 45), the outer edges of which
engage below the rim (8) of the cans when the carrier is assembled
on the plurality of cans to connect the carrier and the cans and
form a package assembly, characterized in that the essentially
arcuate slits (14; 44, 45) comprise an arcuate intermediate section
(16; 46) and arcuate end sections (18; 48) on both sides thereof,
that the arcuate end sections (18; 48) are circular having a radius
which is equal to or slightly larger than the radius of the
circular rim (8), and that said intermediate section (16; 46) being
formed radially inside the extended arcuate end sections (18; 48),
such that an inward projecting engagement tongue (22; 52) is formed
between the end sections (18; 48), said tongue being adapted to
abut and exert a tightening force on and engage below the rim (8)
to connect the carrier (1; 31) and the cans (4) to a package
assembly.
2. A carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the plane
blank (2; 32) is essentially rectangular and that foldable panels
(30; 60) are disposed in the blank, parallel with the long sides of
the blank.
3. A carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the panels
(30; 60) are foldable in folding lines (24; 54), connecting the
ends of the arcuate slits (14; 44, 45) with each other or with an
adjacent side (28; 58) of the blank.
4. A carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer
edges of the carrier are disposed in line with or inside the
maximum external dimensions of the group of cans (4) in the package
assembly.
5. A carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that gripping
recesses (12; 42), adapted to be gripped by fingers to lift and
handle the package assembly, are disposed in the carrier blank.
6. A carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the
carrier is adapted to connect two or more cans (4) in one row, and
that said gripping recesses (12) are centrally arranged in the
sides (26) of the blank.
7. A carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the
carrier is adapted to connect two or more cans (4) in two rows, and
that said gripping recesses (42) constitute openings, preferably
circular or oval, centrally disposed between the rows of cans
(4).
8. A carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner
arcuate slit (45) in each pair of opposing slits (44, 45) has an
arcuate intermediate section (46) with a radius which is larger
than the radius of the arcuate end sections (48).
9. A carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that the
arcuate intermediate section (46) of said inner slit (45) forms a
projecting engagement tongue (52, 52, 52), which is delimited by an
arcuate folding line (53) extending between the end sections (48)
and is divided by radially extending incisions (47), such that at
least two engagement flaps (52) are formed, said engagement flaps
(52) being adapted to be folded upwardly to bear on the inclined
surface of the can (4) and to engage below the rim (8) of the can
when the carrier is assembled on the cans.
10. A carrier according to claim 9, characterized in that oblique
folding lines (55) are disposed in the carrier blank (32),
connecting each outermost engagement flap (52) with an adjacent
gripping recess (42) or with an adjacent side (58) of the blank
(32).
11. A carrier according to the claim 10, characterized in that a to
folding line (54) is disposed in the carrier blank (32) extending
parallel with the sides (56) of the blank and with the rows of
cans, said folding line (54) connecting step-like portions (20)
between the intermediate section (16) and the end sections (18) in
the outer slits (44) with each other or with an adjacent side (58)
in order to form an outer foldable is panel on each long side
(56).
12. A plane blank of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard,
said blank being adapted to be assembled as a carrier for
cylindrical cans and having, for each can to be connected by the
carrier, a pair of two mutually opposing, essentially arcuate slits
(14; 44, 45), characterized in that the essentially arcuate slits
(14; 44, 45) comprise an arcuate intermediate section (16; 46) and
arcuate end sections (18; 48) on both sides thereof, that the
arcuate end sections (18; 48) are circular having a radius which is
equal to or slightly larger than the radius of the cans, and that
the intermediate section (16; 46) being formed radially inside the
extended arcuate end sections (18; 48), such that an inward
projecting engagement tongue (22; 52) is formed between the end
sections (18; 48).
13. A plane blank according to claim 12, characterized in that
foldable panels (30; 60) are disposed in the blank and are foldable
in folding lines (24; 54), said folding lines being parallel with
the long sides of the blank and connecting the ends of the arcuate
slits (14; 44, 45) with each other or with an adjacent side (28;
58) of the blank.
14. A plane blank according to claim 13, characterized in that said
pairs of two mutually opposing, essentially arcuate slits (14) are
arranged in one row and that gripping recesses (12) are centrally
arranged in the sides (26) of the blank.
15. A plane blank according to claim 13, characterized in that to
said pairs of two mutually opposing, essentially arcuate slits (44,
45) are arranged in two rows and that gripping recesses (42) are
centrally arranged between said rows.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier of cardboard,
preferably corrugated cardboard, for connecting a plurality of
generally cylindrical cans being disposed in one or several rows
and having an inclined upper part and a top closure with a
projecting circular rim. The carrier is produced from a plane
blank, having, for each can to be connected by the carrier, two
mutually opposing, essentially arcuate slits, the outer edges of
which engage below the rim of the cans when the carrier is
assembled on the plurality of cans to connect the carrier and the
cans and form a package assembly.
[0002] The invention also relates to a plane blank of cardboard for
a carrier for cans.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cylindrical cans are used in the beverage industries for
drinks, such as for instance mineral water, bear and soft drinks.
For carrying a plurality of cans, package assemblies are provided,
which may comprise from two up to ten cans. Heretofore there have
been many different types of package assembly means provided for
enabling a plurality of cans to be lifted and handled by, for
example, a consumer.
[0004] Plastic materials are used as package assembly means, e.g.
in the form of a plastic film wrap extending around the packaged
cans or in the form of mutually connected plastic rings which are
applied around the cans. These package assembly means, however, are
costly and cause environmental problems. Other types of carriers
for cans, made of cardboard, having both environmental and
commercial advantages, have thus been introduced. Also combinations
of plastic and cardboard materials have been used as package
assembly means.
[0005] Considering the extensive use of package assemblies for
drinks and the great quantity of cans sold in these packages or
assemblies, the cost of the individual package, including material
as well as assembly costs, is an important factor in the cost of
the packaged assembly as sold. Hence, relatively small changes in
the costs of the package assemblies are very important. In
addition, it is important that the contents of the packages are
clearly visible and can be identified in the package assembly.
[0006] One type of carrier of cardboard configured as a banderole
or a so called wrap-around extending around the group of cans are
frequently used and is, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,194,476. This wrap-around carrier is costly and also complicated
to apply around the cans in a continuously running production line.
A further disadvantage is that the contents of the package can not
easily be identified by the consumer.
[0007] Other types of carriers of cardboard are known, which are
adapted to be applied against the upper side of the group of
containers and to be connected to the containers. A carrier of this
type is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,094,210. The
carrier is produced from a plane cardboard blank having two
opposing U-shaped slits for each container to be connected by the
carrier. The plane blank is assembled on the group of containers by
folding side flanges downwardly towards the sides of the container,
such that outer edges of the slits in the carrier engage below the
shoulder of the containers. However, in order to prevent the edges
of the slits to disengage from the shoulder, following mutual
movements between the containers, an additional corresponding
carrier must be applied on the bottom part of the containers. The
carrier as described above is disadvantageous in that it can be
used for a single row of containers only and is costly due to
material costs and a more complicated assembly of a two-piece
carrier. A further disadvantage is that the side flanges of the
carrier projecting downwardly along the sides of the containers,
may easily get caught by an adjacent package assembly or some other
element, such that the flanges are forced upwardly and the edges of
the slits are disengaged from the shoulder of the container.
[0008] A similar carrier for cans is disclosed in EP-B-0496807. The
carrier comprises two opposing arcuate slits for each can and short
incisions extending radially from said slits. A plurality of flaps,
formed between the incisions, engage below the projecting neck of
the cans. Grasping flaps are provided on each side of the carrier
adapted to be folded when the carrier with the cans is grasped and
lifted by the user. The carrier as disclosed has proven
insufficient to securely engage the carrier on the cans, especially
when lifting forces are applied in the gripping recesses in the
sides of the carrier. The carrier has a centrally arranged folding
line, which serves as a "hinge" when lifting forces are applied in
the gripping recesses in the opposing sides of the carrier, such
that the cans are separated and tend to disengage from the carrier.
In addition, the side flaps are forced, by the lifting forces, in
an upward direction, thus further increasing the risk for
disengagement of the carrier from the cans.
BASIC IDEA OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The object of the present invention is to solve the
above-mentioned problems by providing a carrier for cans, which may
be securely fitted to the cans in order to connect, lock and
support the cans and provide a package assembly which may be lifted
and handled without risking disengagement, and which is
material-effective and may be readily and effectively applied to
and assembled on a plurality of cans.
[0010] This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in
a carrier for cans and a cardboard blank for a carrier for cans as
described above and with the characterising features as defined in
the appended claims.
[0011] According to the invention, the opposing arcuate slits for
each can to be connected by the carrier, comprise an arcuate
intermediate section between two arcuate end sections, said
intermediate section of the slit being formed radially inside the
arcuate end sections of the slit, such that a radially projecting
arcuate engagement tongue is formed in the intermediate section of
the slit. The tongue is adapted to slip over the rim of the can
when the side panels and possibly the centre portion of the blank
are forced in a downward direction towards the inclined sides of
the can, and to snap in below the rim of the can to securely
connect the carrier to the cans. The can is securely tightened in
the carrier by the tightening forces ensuing from the contact
pressure of the carrier on the top closure of the can arising when
the engagement tongue snaps in below and bear on the rim of the
can. The curvature of the engagement tongue thoroughly follows the
curvature of the can and through the deflection of the end sections
of the slits and the ensuing tension in these sections effected by
the contact pressure on the top closure, the engagement tongues are
tightened and provides a secure and steady connection.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
invention will be made more apparent in the following description
of embodiments of the invention and in the appended drawings.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will be described more in detail below with
reference to the appended drawings, in which
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a plane cardboard blank for a carrier for cans
according to a first embodiment of the invention, said carrier
being adapted for one row of cans with two cans,
[0015] FIG. 2 shows in a perspective view a package assembly
comprising a carrier with two cans, the carrier being produced from
the cardboard blank of FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a plane cardboard blank for a carrier for cans
according to a second embodiment of the invention, said carrier
being adapted for two rows of cans with six cans, and
[0017] FIG. 4 shows in a perspective view a package assembly
comprisng a carrier with six cans, the carrier being produced from
the cardboard blank of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The carrier according to the invention is produced from a
plane lank of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard. A thin
and compact F-flute corrugated cardboard is preferably used.
However, a thicker E-flute corrugated cardboard may also constitute
a suitable material in the carrier. In order to minimise the
humidity effect on the material, the corrugated cardboard may be
coated with a plastic layer, preferably on its inner side. Besides
that the plastic layer increases the resistance of the material
against moisture, the layer also increases the ductility of the
material. The advantages of the environment friendly corrugated
cardboard remain also with a plastic coating, since the plastic
material in the coated layer may be recycled.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows the plane blank 2 for a carrier according to a
first preferred embodiment of the invention. The carrier is adapted
to hold and connect a plurality of cans disposed in a single row,
in the embodiment as shown, a row of two cans. FIG. 2 shows the
carrier 1 produced from the blank 2 of FIG. 1 and assembled on the
plurality of cans 4. The cans 4, which do not form part of the
present invention, are conventionally designed with an essentially
circular-cylindrical basic form. The upper part of the can is
slightly inclined and is closed by a top closure 6 which is sealed
by means of a circular projecting rim 8.
[0020] The plane blank 2 in FIG. 1 has an essentially rectangular
basic form, preferably with dented or inclined corners 10 for
reducing the risk that a projecting part of the carrier may get
caught by an adjacent element, such as for example another package
assembly of cans. Two centrally disposed gripping recesses 12,
forming a finger grip for two fingers, are provided on the long
sides 26 of the blank. The carrier 1 and the cans 4, forming a
package assembly as shown in FIG. 2, may simply be lifted by a two
finger grip in the recesses 12.
[0021] Two mutually opposing and essentially arcuate slits 14 are
disposed in the blank 2 for each can 4 to be connected by the
carrier. The arcuate slit 14 comprises an arcuate intermediate
section 16 having arcuate end sections 18 on both sides thereof.
Step-like portions 20 are disposed between the intermediate section
16 and the end sections 18. The arcuate end sections 18 are part
circular, the radius of which is equal to or slightly larger than
the radius of the projecting rim 8 of the top closure 6 on the can,
such that the end sections 18 are in line with or project slightly
outside the edge of the shoulder 8 in the assembled state as shown
in FIG. 2. The outer edge of the slit 14 may thus, along the end
sections 18, easily be displaced downwardly past the rim 8, as will
be explained more in detail below.
[0022] The arcuate intermediate section 16 of the slit 14 is formed
radially inside the arcuate end sections 18 of the slit, such that
the intermediate section forms an arc inside the arched line formed
by the extensions of the two end sections 18. The outer edge of the
intermediate section 16 of the slit 14, thus forms a projecting
engagement tongue 22 directed towards the centre of the blank. As
mentioned above, the engagement tongue 22 is arched and may be part
circular, the curvature of which corresponding to the curvature of
the can just below the rim. The engagement tongue 22 may also be
differently arched, for example, the arc may be part circular and
"wider". Hence, this engagement tongue 22 has a larger radius and a
centre which does not coincide with the centre of the cans in the
assembled state of the carrier. The engagement tongue 22 is adapted
to snap in below the projecting rim 8 of the can 4 to connect and
lock the can to the carrier, as will be described more in detail
below.
[0023] Several longitudinal folding lines 24 are disposed in the
blank 2, extending parallel with the long sides 26 of the blank and
the row of cans. The folding lines 24 connect the ends of the
arcuate slits 14 with each other or with an adjacent short side 28
of the blank.
[0024] In forming the carrier 1 as shown in FIG. 2 from the plane
blank 2 of FIG. 1, the blank 2 is first superimposed on the top
closures 6 of the cans, such that the slits 14 in the blank on the
whole coincide with the projecting rims 8 of the cans. Side panels
30 in the blank 2, formed between the long sides 26 and the folding
lines 24, are forced and thus folded downwardly towards the
inclined surfaces of the cans. The outer edge of the slit 14 is
thereby displaced downwardly and the projecting engagement tongue
22 is turned into a slightly upward direction. Hence, the arcuate
end sections 18 of the slit 14 pass the outside of the projecting
rim 8 of the top closure 6 and the engagement tongue 22 slips over
the rim 8 and snaps in below said rim, such that the carrier is
securely locked to the can by the tongue.
[0025] The arcuate engagement tongue 22 is formed to fit the
cylindrical curvature of the can 4, such that the entire tongue 22
bears on the surface of the can below the rim 8 and exerts a
tightening force ensuing from tensions distributed in the carrier
along the outer edges of the end sections 18 of the slits from the
contact pressure of the carrier 1 on the top closure 6, such that a
secure and stable connection between the carrier and the cans is
achieved. The package assembly is further stabilised by the panels
30 bearing on the inclined surfaces of the cans 4.
[0026] The width (along the short sides 28) of the plane blank 2 is
approximately equal to the cylindrical diameter of the cans. In the
assembled state, with the side panels 30 in an inclined position,
the width of the carrier 1 is further reduced. Hence, in the
assembled state, the edges of the carrier 1 do not exceed the
maximum dimensions of the cans. As a consequence, the risk of an
unintentional disengagement of the carrier from the cans due to
upwardly directed forces on the side panels, is considerably
reduced. The upper plane parts of the assembled carrier 1, cover
the upper portions of the cans, i.e. the top closure 6, such that
these portions are protected from contamination during
transportation and storing.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the plane cardboard blank 32 for a carrier
according to a second embodiment of the invention. The blank is
adapted, in the assembled state, to connect and hold a plurality,
i.e. six in the embodiment as shown, of cans 4 arranged in two
rows. The blank 32 is shown in an assembled state in FIG. 4. The
plane blank 32 has an essentially rectangular basic form,
preferably with dented or inclined corners 10 as in the embodiment
as shown in FIGS. 1-2. At least two gripping recesses 42,
preferably configured as circular or oval openings, are centrally
disposed in the blank between the rows of cans, forming a finger
grip for two fingers in order to lift and handle the package
assembly.
[0028] Two mutually opposing and essentially arcuate slits 44, 45
are disposed in the blank 32 for each can 4 to be connected by the
carrier 31. Each pair of slits comprises an outer slit 44,
corresponding in substance with the slits 14 in the embodiment as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and an inner slit 45 adjacent to the centre
34 of the blank between the rows of cans. The inner slit 45 differs
from the outer slit 44, primarily in the configuration of the
intermediate section 46, but also in that the arcuate end sections
48 are smaller than the corresponding end sections 18 in the outer
slit 44. As a consequence, the intermediate section 46 of the inner
slit is larger than the corresponding intermediate section 16 in
the outer slit 44.
[0029] The intermediate section 46 of the inner slit 45 has at
least one, in the embodiment as shown two, radially extending
incisions 47. The incisions 47 extend between the edge of the slit
45 and an arcuate folding line 53, extending between the end
sections 48 and delimiting an engagement tongue between the
step-like portions 50. The incisions 47 divide the engagement
tongue into three engagement flaps 52. The curvature of the
intermediate section 46 of the slit 45 differs from the curvature
of the arcuate folding line 53 in that it is wider and has a larger
radius than the folding line 53. The arcuate folding line 53 has a
curvature corresponding to the curvature of the contact line on the
inclined surface of the can, as will be described more in detail
below with reference to FIG. 4.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of additional folding lines
are disposed in the blank 32. Three longitudinal folding lines 54,
for each row of cans, extend parallel to the long sides 56 of the
blank and the rows of cans. Two of the three longitudinal folding
lines 54 connect the ends of the arcuate slits 44, 45 with each
other or with an adjacent short side 58 of the blank and the third
folding line 54 connects the step-like portions 20 in the outer
slits 44 with each other or with an adjacent short side 58 of the
blank. In addition, a plurality of oblique folding lines 55 are
disposed in the blank, said folding lines connecting the outer
engagement flaps 52 with an adjacent gripping recess 42 or with an
adjacent short side of the blank.
[0031] The plurality of cans 4, disposed in two rows, are connected
and held together by the carrier 31 in a package assembly, as shown
in FIG. 4. In forming the carrier as shown in FIG. 4 from the plane
blank 32 of FIG. 3, the plane blank is first superimposed on the
rows of cans and then the side panels 60 on the long sides as well
as the central portions of the blank are forced and thus folded in
a downward direction, preferably by means of a specially designed
pressure-applying tool. During this pressing procedure, the
essentially circular parts of the blank between the slits 44, 45
bear on and cover the top closures 6 of the cans, while the side
panels 60 and the central portions are forced downwardly. Through
the downwardly directed pressure, the blank 32 is folded in the
folding lines 54, 55. Hence, the side panels 60 are folded in two
steps in the two longitudinal folding lines 54, whereby the arcuate
outer edge of the outer slits 44 is displaced in a downward
direction past the rim 8 of the can, in a corresponding manner as
in FIG. 2. The outermost part of the side panels 60 is additionally
folded, such that the engagement tongue 22 slips over the rim 8 and
snaps in below said rim into its locking position.
[0032] Between the rows of cans, centrally on the blank 32, a
special designed tool applies pressure at certain points along the
centre line 34 of the blank. The blank 32 is folded in the
longitudinal inner folding line 54, such that the outer edges of
the inner slits 45 are displaced in a downward direction past the
rim 8 of the can. In addition, the blank 32 is folded in the
oblique folding lines 55 and the arcuate folding lines 53. The
downward pressure is applied, such that the arcuate folding lines
53 are forced against the inclined surfaces of the cans, and the
engagement flaps 52 are folded upwardly to finally snap in below
the rim 8 of the can into a locking position. The downward pressure
is applied at certain portions of the blank between each pair of
cans, thus forming bowl-shaped indentations between the oblique
folding lines 55 and the arcuate folding lines 53.
[0033] When the carrier 31 of to FIG. 4, with its heavy load of
liquid-filled cans 4, is lifted by a two finger grip in the
gripping recesses 42, the oblique folding lines 55 and especially
the indentations formed therebetween in the carrier 31 prevent that
the lifting forces, as in other previously known carriers, are
transformed to a separation of and mutual movements between the
cans, which may cause a disengagement of the cans from the carrier.
According to the invention, the lifting forces are instead
distributed in the direction of the oblique folding lines 55 and is
transformed into an increased pressure of the engagement flaps 52
against the rim 8.
[0034] According to the invention, the blanks may effectively be
assembled on the cans in an automated production line. The blanks
may however also effectively be assembled in a semi-automated line
or in a packaging line and it is also convenient to assemble the
blank manually into a package assembly.
[0035] It will be understood that the invention is not restricted
to the aforedescribed exemplifying embodiments thereof and that
several conceivable modifications of the invention are possible
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *