U.S. patent application number 11/682672 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for package for containers.
Invention is credited to Emili Requena Miret.
Application Number | 20080121536 11/682672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462533 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080121536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miret; Emili Requena |
May 29, 2008 |
Package for Containers
Abstract
A package is formed from a carton and containers extending
through a bottom panel of the carton. First and second struts and
brace apertures in the carton sidewalls provide support for the
containers accommodated within the carton.
Inventors: |
Miret; Emili Requena;
(Igualada, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING 32ND FLOOR, P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Family ID: |
39462533 |
Appl. No.: |
11/682672 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/148 ;
220/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/148 ;
220/62 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/02 20060101
B65D075/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 23, 2006 |
ES |
200602988/6 |
Claims
1. A package, comprising: a carton, comprising: a top panel; a
bottom panel; a first side panel; a second side panel; a plurality
of first struts extending from the bottom panel along a first row,
each first strut comprising an upper first strut section, a lower
first strut section foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a
first inner brace aperture; a plurality of second struts extending
from the bottom panel along a second row, each second strut
comprising an upper second strut section, a lower second strut
section foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a second inner
brace aperture; a first row of first container apertures, each
first container aperture being adjacent to one of the plurality of
first struts; and a second row of second container apertures spaced
from the first row of container apertures, each second container
aperture being adjacent to one of the plurality of second struts;
and a plurality of containers, each container being accommodated in
one of the container apertures and having a flange with an
underside, wherein the flange of the container in each first
container aperture is at least partially accommodated in the first
inner brace aperture of the adjacent first strut, and the flange of
the container in each second container aperture is at least
partially accommodated in the second inner brace aperture of the
adjacent second strut.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein each first inner brace aperture
comprises a first lower brace edge, the underside of the flange of
the container at least partially accommodated in each first inner
brace aperture being supported on the first lower brace edge of the
first inner brace aperture.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the upper first strut section of
each first strut lies on a top surface of the container
accommodated in the adjacent first container aperture.
4. The package of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of first
outer brace apertures in the first side panel; and a plurality of
second outer brace apertures in the second side panel, wherein each
container is supported by at least one of the outer brace apertures
at the underside of its flange.
5. The package of claim 3, wherein each first strut's upper first
strut section is connected to its lower first strut section at a
fold line.
6. The package of claim 1, wherein the upper first strut section of
each first strut lies on a top surface of the container
accommodated in the adjacent first inner container aperture.
7. The package of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first
outer brace apertures in the first side panel; and a plurality of
second outer brace apertures in the second side panel, wherein each
container is supported by at least one of the outer brace apertures
at the underside of its flange.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second rows of
container apertures are arranged in a plurality of columns.
9. The package of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises a first
top panel and a second top panel, the second top panel having a
plurality of recesses, each recess in the second top panel being
complementary in shape with a distal edge of an adjacent upper
second strut section.
10. The package of claim 1, wherein the lower first strut sections
are substantially upright.
11. The package of claim 1, wherein the carton has a substantially
tubular shape with open ends.
12. A blank, comprising: at least one top panel; a first side
panel, the first side panel having at least one first outer brace
aperture; a bottom panel; a second side panel, the second side
panel having at least one second outer brace aperture; a first row
of at least one first container-receiving pattern in the bottom
panel, each first container-receiving pattern defining an upper
first strut section, a lower first strut section foldably connected
to the upper first strut section, and a first inner brace aperture;
and a second row of at least one second container-receiving pattern
in the bottom panel, each second container-receiving pattern
defining an upper second strut section, a lower second strut
section foldably connected to the upper second strut section, and a
second inner brace aperture, wherein each first outer brace
aperture is aligned with a first container-receiving pattern.
13. The blank of claim 12, wherein: each second container-receiving
pattern is aligned with a first container-receiving pattern; and
each second outer brace aperture is aligned a first
container-receiving pattern.
14. The blank of claim 13, further comprising a second top panel
foldably connected to the second side panel.
15. The blank of claim 12, wherein the blank is constructed from
paperboard.
16. The blank of claim 12, wherein the at least one first
container-receiving pattern comprises a plurality of first
container-receiving patterns arranged in a plurality of
columns.
17. A method of erecting a package, comprising: providing a blank
comprising: at least one top panel; a first side panel, the first
side panel having at least one first outer brace aperture; a bottom
panel; a second side panel, the second side panel having at least
one second outer brace aperture; a first row of at least one first
container-receiving pattern in the bottom panel, each first
container-receiving pattern defining an upper first strut section,
a lower first strut section foldably connected to the upper first
strut section, and a first inner brace aperture; and a second row
of at least one second container-receiving pattern in the bottom
panel, each second container-receiving pattern defining an upper
second strut section, a lower second strut section foldably
connected to the upper second strut section, and a second inner
brace aperture, wherein each first outer brace aperture is aligned
with a first container-receiving pattern; providing a plurality of
containers, each container having an upper portion with a flange;
moving the upper portion of one of the containers through each one
of the first container-receiving patterns; moving the upper portion
of one of the containers through each one of the second
container-receiving patterns; for each first container-receiving
pattern, folding the upper first strut section over a top of the
container moved through the first container-receiving pattern; for
each second container-receiving pattern, folding the upper second
strut section over a top of the container moved through the second
container-receiving pattern; and securing the top panel over the
containers.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving the flanges
of each container through a brace aperture in an adjacent one of
the side panels.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: for each first
container-receiving pattern, folding the lower first strut section
upwardly before folding the upper first strut section; and for each
second container-receiving pattern, folding the lower second strut
section upwardly before folding the upper second strut section.
20. A package, comprising: a carton, comprising: a top panel; a
bottom panel; a first side panel; a second side panel; at least one
first strut extending from the bottom panel along a first row, each
first strut comprising an upper first strut section and a lower
first strut section foldably connected to the bottom panel; at
least one second strut extending from the bottom panel along a
second row, each second strut comprising an upper second strut
section and a lower second strut section foldably connected to the
bottom panel; at least one first container aperture, each first
container aperture being adjacent to one of the at least one first
struts; and at least one second container aperture, each second
container aperture being adjacent to one of the at least one second
struts; and a plurality of containers, each container being
accommodated in one of the container apertures and having a flange
with an underside, wherein the upper first strut section of each
first strut lies on a top surface of the container accommodated in
the adjacent first container aperture, and the upper second strut
section of each second strut lies on a top surface of the container
accommodated in the adjacent second container aperture.
21. The package of claim 20, further comprising: a plurality of
first outer brace apertures in the first side panel; and a
plurality of second outer brace apertures in the second side panel,
wherein each container is supported by at least one of the outer
brace apertures at the underside of its flange.
22. The package of claim 21, wherein each first strut comprises a
first inner brace aperture, the flange of the container in each
first container aperture being at least partially accommodated in
the first inner brace aperture of the adjacent first strut.
23. The package of claim 22, wherein each first inner brace
aperture comprises a first lower brace edge, the underside of the
flange of the container at least partially accommodated in each
first inner brace aperture being supported on the first lower brace
edge of the first inner brace aperture.
24. The package of claim 20, wherein: each first strut's upper
first strut section is connected to its lower first strut section
at a fold line; and each first strut's lower first strut section is
connected to the bottom panel at a fold line.
25. The package of claim 20, wherein the lower first strut sections
are substantially upright.
26. The package of claim 20, wherein the carton has a substantially
tubular shape with open ends.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The technical field relates to cartons for accommodating
containers and packages formed therefrom.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Cartons for engaging and securing upper portions of
containers are known. The containers are typically inserted through
apertures in a bottom panel of the carton and secured by engaging
radially protruding parts of the containers. One such carton is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,892 to Bakx. Conventional cartons,
however, may not securely retain the containers, or may fail to
satisfy other requirements recognized in the art.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a package
comprises a plurality of containers accommodated in a carton. The
carton comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, a
second side panel, a plurality of first struts extending from the
bottom panel along a first row, a plurality of second struts
extending from the bottom panel along a second row, a first row of
first container apertures, each first container aperture being
adjacent to one of the plurality of first struts, and a second row
of second container apertures, each second container aperture being
adjacent to one of the plurality of second struts. Each first strut
comprises an upper first strut section, a lower first strut section
foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first inner brace
aperture. Each second strut comprises an upper second strut
section, a lower second strut section foldably connected to the
bottom panel, and a second inner brace aperture. The inner brace
apertures may include lower brace edges that support flanges of the
containers accommodated in the carton.
[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, the side
panels of the carton can include outer brace apertures through
which portions of the container flanges extend. The outer brace
apertures have lower brace edges that support the undersides of the
container flanges. During erection of the carton, the carton blank
can be tightly wrapped around the upper portions of the containers
to securely retain the containers within the carton.
[0007] According to the above aspects of the invention and
additional aspects described below, the brace apertures and the
struts serve to prevent the containers from inadvertently being
pulled downward through the container apertures, and also prevent
excessive movement or pivoting of the containers.
[0008] Other aspects, features, and details of the present
invention can be more completely understood by reference to the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
drawings and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0009] According to common practice, the various features of the
drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be
expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a package
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an erection step for forming the first
package embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an erection step for forming the first
package embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an erection step for forming the first
package embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the first package embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present embodiments are addressed to cartons for
attachment to containers. The cartons engage and secure upper
portions of the containers to form a package.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 8 used to form a carton or
carrier 150. The carton 150 is illustrated in its erected state in
FIG. 5, in which it is attached to upper portions of containers
170, forming a package 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 8 may be
wholly or partially symmetric about a longitudinal centerline CL.
Therefore, certain elements in the drawing figures share common
reference numerals in order to reflect the whole and/or partial
longitudinal symmetry. In this specification, the terms "bottom,"
"top," "lower," "upper," and "side" indicate orientations
determined in relation to a fully erected carton placed in an
upright configuration.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the blank 8 comprises a first top panel
10 foldably connected to a first side panel 20 at a first
transverse fold line 21, a bottom panel 30 foldably connected to
the first side panel 20 at a second transverse fold line 31, a
second side panel 40 foldably connected to the bottom panel 30 at a
third transverse fold line 41, and a second top panel 50 foldably
connected to the second side panel 40 at a fourth transverse fold
line 51. An aperture 12 may be formed in the first top panel 10 for
allowing a user to grasp and carry the package.
[0018] The transverse fold lines 21, 31, 41, 51 in the blank 8 can
be more generally referred to as "lines of weakness" or "lines of
disruption" in the blank about which the blank is foldable. Each of
the transverse fold lines 21, 31, 41, 51 may be interrupted at one
or more locations, for example, and need not be continuous across
the transverse direction of the blank 8. One or more cuts may be,
for example, placed along one or more of the transverse fold lines
21, 31, 41, 51. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
the transverse fold lines 21, 31, 41, 51 may be cut/crease lines in
which the cuts facilitate folding of the blank 8 at the fold lines.
Any number of cuts may be formed along the fold lines 21, 31, 41,
51, and the number and length of the cuts may be selected according
to, for example, the gauge and the stiffness of the material used
to form the blank 8. The cuts may be partial cuts (e.g. kiss cuts),
or 100% cuts extending through the entire thickness of the blank
8.
[0019] The bottom panel 30 includes a plurality of first
container-receiving patterns 80 and a plurality of second
container-receiving patterns 100. The first container-receiving
patterns 80 are arranged in a first row, and the second
container-receiving patterns 100 are arranged in a second row
spaced from the first row. Each container-receiving pattern 80, 100
is shaped and sized to receive an upper portion of a container 170
that is to be held within the erected carton 150. In the exemplary
embodiment, two columns of first container-receiving patterns 80
and two columns of second container-receiving patterns 100 are
formed in the bottom panel 30 so that four containers 170 can be
accommodated in the erected carton 150, forming a 2.times.2
package. Other package configurations, such as 2.times.3, 2.times.4
or 2.times.5, 3.times.2, etc. are also within the scope of the
present invention.
[0020] Each first container-receiving pattern 80 defines a first
strut 81. Each second container-receiving pattern 100 defines a
second strut 101. Each first strut 81 includes an upper first strut
section 84 and a lower first strut section 86 foldably connected to
the upper section 84 at a transverse fold line 82. The first lower
strut sections 86 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 30 at
transverse fold lines 88. Each second strut 101 includes an upper
second strut section 104 and a lower second strut section 106
foldably connected to the upper section 104 at a transverse fold
line 102. The second lower strut sections 106 are foldably
connected to the bottom panel 30 at transverse fold lines 108.
[0021] The first struts 81 include first inner brace apertures 90
cut from the lower first strut sections 86. The second struts 101
include second inner brace apertures 110 cut from the lower second
strut sections 106. The first inner brace apertures 90 include
lower brace edges 92, and the second inner brace apertures 110
include lower brace edges 112. The inner brace apertures 90, 110
are sized to receive a part of a flange of a container 170 in the
interior of the erected carton 150 (illustrated in FIG. 5). The
upper first strut sections 104 may each have a distal edge 105 that
is complementary in shape with recesses 54 cut into the second top
panel 50.
[0022] The first side panel 20 includes first outer brace apertures
22. The number of first outer brace apertures 22 may correspond to
the number of columns of first container-receiving patterns 80 and
to the number columns of patterns 100. Referring also to FIG. 3,
each first outer brace aperture 22 is adapted to receive a part of
an upper flange portion 175 of a container 170 held within an
adjacent, aligned first container aperture 85 formed from a
corresponding first container-receiving pattern 80. The first outer
brace apertures 22 have lower brace edges 24 located at or adjacent
to the first transverse fold line 21 and cut from the first side
panel 20. The second side panel 40 includes second outer brace
apertures 42 adapted to receive upper flange portions 175 of
containers 170 received within second container apertures 105
formed from the second container-receiving patterns 100. The number
of second outer brace apertures 42 may also correspond to the
number of columns of first container-receiving patterns 80 and to
the number of columns of patterns 100. The second outer brace
apertures 42 have lower brace edges 44 cut from the second side
panel 40. The container-receiving patterns 80, 100 and the first
and second brace apertures 22, 42 are arranged in two columns in
FIG. 1. From right to left, each column in the blank 8 includes an
aligned first outer brace aperture 22, a first container-receiving
pattern 80, a second container-receiving pattern 100, and a second
outer brace aperture 42.
[0023] An exemplary method of erection of the carton 150 to form
the package 200 is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2-5.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an erection step of the
carton 150 and its initial attachment to the containers 170. Top
portions of four containers 170, including their flanges 175, are
inserted through the first and second container-receiving patterns
80, 100, one container per pattern. In accordance with the
exemplary embodiment, the flanges 175 are defined by lids that
close the containers 170. Inserting the containers 170 may serve to
open up the first and second container apertures 85, 105 at the
first and second container-receiving patterns 80, 100,
respectively. The container apertures 85, 105 may, for example,
have curved or arcuate sidewalls at each end that may generally
conform in shape to the exterior profiles of the containers 170. In
FIG. 2, the containers 170 push the first and second struts 81, 101
so that they fold about the transverse fold lines 88, 108,
respectively, and extend generally upwardly from the bottom panel
30. The flange 175 of each container 170 in a first container
aperture 85 extends in part through a corresponding inner brace
aperture 90 of an adjacent first strut 81. The flange 175 of each
container 170 in a second container aperture 105 extends in part
through a corresponding inner brace aperture 110 of an adjacent
second strut 101.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the first top panel 10 and the first
side panel 20 are folded about the transverse fold line 31 so that
the panels 10, 20 extend generally upwardly. Folding the first side
panel 20 upwardly causes the flange 175 of each container 170 in a
first container aperture 85 to extend in part through a
corresponding, aligned first outer brace aperture 22. The second
side panel 40 and the second top panel 50 are folded about the
transverse fold line 41 so that the panels 40, 50 extend generally
upwardly. The flange 175 of each container 170 in a second
container aperture 105 thus extends in part through a
corresponding, aligned second outer brace aperture 42.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, the upper first strut sections 84 of
the first struts 81 are folded over at the fold lines 82 so that
each upper first strut section 84 rests on the upper surface of a
flange 175 of a container 170. The flange 175 of each container 170
in a first container aperture 85 extends in part through a
corresponding, adjacent inner brace aperture 90, with the underside
of the flange resting on a brace edge 92. Similarly, the upper
second strut sections 104 of the second struts 101 are folded over
at the fold lines 102 so that each upper first strut section 104
rests on the upper surface of a flange 175 of a container 170. The
flange 175 of each container 170 in a second container aperture 105
extends in part through a corresponding, adjacent inner brace
aperture 110, with the underside of the flange resting on a brace
edge 112.
[0027] The second top panel 50 is folded about the transverse fold
line 51 so that it extends over the tops of the containers 170
disposed within the second row of container apertures 105. The
upper strut sections 84, 104 now extend generally parallel to the
bottom panel 30. The distal edge 105 of each upper first strut
section 104 is complementary in shape with one of the adjacent
recess 54 formed in the edge of the second top panel 50. The
complementary shape of the edges 105 with the recesses 54 allows
the upper second strut sections 104 and the second top panel 50 to
lay adjacent to one another on the top of an adjacent flange 175
without the upper strut sections 104 overlapping the top panel 50.
When the first top panel 10 is folded over the upper strut sections
104 and the second top panel 50 to close the top of the package,
the resulting top panel will therefore have a smoother, flatter
appearance.
[0028] The first top panel 10 is folded about the transverse fold
line 21 so that the underside of the first top panel 10 can be
adhered or otherwise secured to the upper surface of the second top
panel 50, forming a top panel 120, as shown in FIG. 5. If desired,
the underside of the first top panel 10 may be adhered to one or
more of the upper strut sections 84, 104. The carton 150 is
therefore closed about the upper portions of the containers 170 to
complete the package 200. When viewed from the end, the carton 150
has a generally tubular shape with open ends. The width of the top
panel 120, measured across the open end of the carton 150, is less
than the width of the bottom panel 30. The first and second side
panels 20, 40 therefore slope inwardly toward the top of the
package 200.
[0029] When closing the carton 150, the first top panel 10 and the
second top panel 50 can be brought together and joined relatively
tightly so that the flanges 175 of the containers 170 extend
through and are supported in the outer brace apertures 22, 42 in
the side panels 20, 40, respectively. At the exterior edge of the
carton 150, the undersides of a flange 175 of a container 170
accommodated in a first container aperture 85 is thereby securely
engaged with a first brace edge 24, and the underside of a flange
of a container accommodated in a second container aperture 105 is
securely engaged with a second brace edge 44.
[0030] In the interior of the carton, the first struts 81 support
the containers 170 accommodated in the first row of container
apertures 85, and the second struts 101 support the containers 170
accommodated in the second row of container apertures 105.
Referring also to FIG. 4, the flange 175 of each container 170 in a
first container aperture 85 extends in part through a corresponding
first inner brace aperture 92. The lower brace edge 94 of the brace
aperture 92 is positioned to exert an upward force on the underside
of the container's flange 175. Similarly, the flange 175 of each
container 170 in a second container aperture 105 extends in part
through a corresponding second inner brace aperture 112. The lower
brace edge 114 of the brace aperture 112 is positioned to exert an
upward force on the underside of the container's flange 175.
[0031] According to the above embodiment, containers 170 are
securely retained by the outer brace apertures 22, 42 in the side
panels 20, 40 and by the struts 81, 101 in the carton interior. The
containers 170 are thereby secured against being pulled downwardly
through the bottom panel 30, and are also secured against excessive
translation and/or pivoting within the carton 150.
[0032] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 illustrates a
carton 150 accommodating four containers 170 arranged in two rows
and four columns. Additional columns, for example, may be added by
increasing the width of the blank 8 (in the transverse direction in
FIG. 1) and forming additional opposed container-receiving patterns
80, 100 in the bottom panel 30 and corresponding aligned brace
apertures 22, 42 in the side panels 10, 20, respectively.
[0033] In this specification, the term "flange" indicates any
radially projecting rim, collar, ring, raised portion or protrusion
extending from an upper portion of a container.
[0034] The blank 8 according to the present invention can be, for
example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. The
blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties
suitable for enabling the resultant package to function at least
generally as described in this specification.
[0035] The interior and/or exterior sides of the blank 8 can be
coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed
over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information
or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect
any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank, or laminated to or coated with one or more
sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
[0036] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although
not necessarily straight, form of disruption or weakening in the
blank 8 that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but
not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present
invention, fold lines include: score lines; crease lines; a cut or
a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely
through the material along the desired line of weakness; and
various combinations of these features.
[0037] The above embodiments may be described as having one or
panels adhered together by glue. The term "glue" is intended to
encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton
panels in place.
[0038] The description is not intended to limit the invention to
the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include alternative embodiments, not
explicitly defined in the detailed description.
* * * * *