U.S. patent application number 14/021061 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for package for containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert L. Sutherland.
Application Number | 20140027318 14/021061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40639451 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140027318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sutherland; Robert L. |
January 30, 2014 |
PACKAGE FOR CONTAINERS
Abstract
A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has
a top panel, end panels, and side panels. The package has retention
features for retaining the containers. The package has gussets for
positioning the end panels and side panels around the
containers.
Inventors: |
Sutherland; Robert L.;
(Kennesaw, GA) |
Assignee: |
Graphic Packaging International,
Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
40639451 |
Appl. No.: |
14/021061 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12271253 |
Nov 14, 2008 |
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14021061 |
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60988291 |
Nov 15, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/147 ;
53/443 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/147 ;
53/443 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/42 20060101
B65D071/42 |
Claims
1. A package for containing a plurality of articles, the package
comprising: a plurality of panels that extend at least partially
around an interior of the package, the plurality of panels
comprises a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top
panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel; at
least one opening in the top panel for at least partially receiving
at least a portion of one of the articles; a first gusset panel
foldably connected to the side panel, at least a portion of the
side panel being in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of
the first gusset panel; and a second gusset panel foldably
connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel, wherein the
first gusset panel is at least partially in face-to-face contact
with a first portion of the second gusset panel, and at least a
portion of the side panel is in face-to-face contact with at least
a second portion of the second gusset panel.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the second
gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the
first gusset panel and the second portion of the second gusset
panel comprises an extension comprising a distal end of the second
gusset panel.
3. The package of claim 2 wherein the extension extends laterally
beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is free from
connection to the first gusset panel.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein the second gusset panel is
adhesively attached to both the first gusset panel and the side
panel.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the end panel along a third fold line.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein the end panel comprises a corner
portion at least partially defined by an oblique fold line
extending in the end panel, the package at least partially
conforming to the shape of an article at the corner portion.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the corner portion of the end panel along a third fold
line.
8. The package of claim 1 wherein each article of the plurality of
articles comprises a beverage container having an upper portion and
a flange, the at least one opening comprises a plurality of
openings, each of the openings of the plurality of openings
comprises a periphery, and the top panel comprises a plurality of
tabs foldably attached to the top panel at the periphery of each of
the openings of the plurality of openings.
9. The package of claim 8 wherein the plurality of tabs at each
opening of the plurality of openings comprises two shorter tabs
that contact the upper portion the respective container at least
partially received in the respective opening and two longer tabs
that contact an underside of the flange of the respective container
to at least partially retain the respective container in the
package.
10. The package of claim 1 wherein each of the first gusset panel
and the second gusset panel comprises a free edge that is free from
foldable connection to another feature of the package.
11. A blank for forming a package for containing a plurality of
articles, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels that
comprises a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top
panel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel; at
least one receptacle in the top panel for at least partially
receiving at least a portion of one of the articles when the
package is formed from the blank; a first gusset panel foldably
connected to the side panel, at least a portion of the side panel
for being in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the
first gusset panel when the package is formed from the blank; and a
second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gusset panel
and the end panel, wherein the first gusset panel is for being at
least partially in face-to-face contact with a first portion of the
second gusset panel when the package is formed from the blank, and
at least a portion of the side panel is for being in face-to-face
contact with at least a second portion of the second gusset panel
when the package is formed from the blank.
12. The blank of claim 11 wherein the first portion of the second
gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the
first gusset panel and the second portion of the second gusset
panel comprises an extension comprising a distal end of the second
gusset panel.
13. The blank of claim 12 wherein the extension extends laterally
beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is free from
connection to the first gusset panel.
14. The blank of claim 11 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the end panel along a third fold line.
15. The blank of claim 11 wherein the end panel comprises a corner
portion at least partially defined by an oblique fold line
extending in the end panel, the package formed from the blank at
least partially conforming to the shape of an article at the corner
portion.
16. The blank of claim 15 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the corner portion of the end panel along a third fold
line.
17. The blank of claim 11 wherein the at least one receptacle
comprises a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle of the
plurality of receptacles comprises a plurality of tabs foldably
connected to the top panel.
18. The blank of claim 17 wherein the plurality of tabs at each
receptacle of the plurality of receptacles comprises two shorter
tabs and two longer tabs.
19. The blank of claim 11 wherein each of the first gusset panel
and the second gusset panel comprises a free edge that is free from
foldable connection to another feature of the blank.
20. A method of forming a package, the method comprising: providing
a blank comprising a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to
the top panel, an end panel foldably connected to the top panel, a
plurality of receptacles in the top panel, a first gusset panel
foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel
foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel;
positioning a plurality of articles relative to the blank;
positioning the blank relative to the articles so that the
plurality of articles are at least partially received in respective
receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; downwardly folding the
end panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose
the articles in an interior space of the package; and downwardly
folding the side panel relative to the top panel to at least
partially enclose the articles in the interior space of the
package, wherein the downwardly folding the side panel comprises
inwardly folding the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel
to position the first gusset panel in face-to-face contact with a
first portion of the second gusset panel, and the downwardly
folding the side panel comprises positioning at least a portion of
the side panel in face-to-face contact with the first gusset panel
and positioning at least a portion of the side panel in
face-to-face contact with a second portion of the second gusset
panel.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the first portion of the second
gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to the
first gusset panel and the second portion of the second gusset
panel comprises an extension extending beyond an edge of the first
gusset panel.
22. The method of claim 20 further comprising applying adhesive to
at least one of the first gusset panel, the second gusset panel,
and the side panel to secure the end panel and the side panel in
the downwardly folded position.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the end panel along a third fold line.
24. The method of claim 20 wherein the end panel comprises a corner
portion at least partially defined by an oblique fold line
extending in the end panel, and the downwardly folding the end
panel comprises positioning the end panel so that the corner
portion at least partially conforms to the shape of an article of
the plurality of articles.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the first gusset panel is
foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the
second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first gusset panel
along a second fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably
connected to the corner portion of the end panel along a third fold
line.
26. The method of claim 20 wherein each receptacle of the plurality
of receptacles comprises a plurality of tabs foldably connected to
the top panel.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the plurality of tabs at each
receptacle of the plurality of receptacles comprises two shorter
tabs and two longer tabs.
28. The method of claim 20 wherein each of the first gusset panel
and the second gusset panel comprises a free edge that is free from
foldable connection to another feature of the blank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/271,253, filed Nov. 14, 2008, which application claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/988,291, filed
on Nov. 15, 2007.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/271,253, which was filed Nov. 14, 2008, and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/988,291, which was filed on Nov. 15, 2007, are
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to packages or
cartons for holding and carrying containers.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally
directed to a package for holding a plurality of containers. The
package has a top panel and a side panel. The package has retention
features for retaining the containers and gusset features for
facilitating forming of the package.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
package for containing a plurality of articles. The package
comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior
of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, a side panel
foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably
connected to the top panel. At least one opening in the top panel
is for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of
the articles. A first gusset panel is foldably connected to the
side panel, and a second gusset panel is foldably connected to the
first gusset panel and the end panel.
[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
blank for forming a package for containing a plurality of articles.
The blank comprises panels that comprise a top panel, a side panel
foldably connected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably
connected to the top panel. At least one receptacle is in the top
panel. A first gusset panel is foldably connected to the side
panel, and a second gusset panel is foldably connected to the first
gusset panel and the end panel.
[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
method of forming a package. The method comprises providing a blank
comprising a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top
panel, an end panel foldably connected to the top panel, a
plurality of receptacles in the top panel, a first gusset panel
foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel
foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel. The
method further comprising positioning a plurality of articles
relative to the blank and positioning the blank relative to the
articles so that the plurality of articles are at least partially
received in respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.
The method further comprises downwardly folding the end panel
relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose the
articles in an interior space of the package and downwardly folding
the side panel relative to the top panel to at least partially
enclose the articles in the interior space of the package.
[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated
advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional
embodiments reading the following detailed description of the
embodiments with reference to the below-listed 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 disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to
form a package according to a first embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the blank of FIG. 1 partially
erected into the package.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially
erected.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially
erected.
[0014] FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the blank of FIG. 1 showing
alternative steps for erecting the package of the first
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the package formed from the
blank of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to
form a package according to a second embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to
form a package according to a third embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 partially erected
into the package of the third embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the package according to
the third embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 showing alternative
steps for erecting the package of the third embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used
to form a package according to a fourth embodiment.
[0022] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present disclosure generally relates to constructs,
sleeves, cartons, or the like, and packages for holding and
displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The
containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products,
for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in
composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and
the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as
PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like;
aluminum and/or other metals; glass; or any combination
thereof.
[0024] Packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate
containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of
illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the
disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage
containers (e.g., plastic containers) at least partially disposed
within the package embodiments. In this specification, the terms
"lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" indicate orientations
determined in relation to fully erected packages.
[0025] The present embodiments are addressed to cartons or packages
for attachment to and accommodation of containers. A package or
carrier 150 is illustrated in its erected state in FIG. 7, in which
it is attached to containers C arranged in two rows of three
containers. In the illustrated embodiments the containers C are
illustrated as beverage containers having a top portion generally
comprising a flange portion F and an upper neck portion N, and a
cap CP, but containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations
may be held in the package 150 without departing from the
disclosure. The upper neck portion N of the containers are receive
in respective openings 18 (e.g., receptacle) (FIG. 2) in the
package and retained in the package by retaining features described
further herein. The containers could be arranged in other than a
2.times.3 arrangement (e.g., 2.times.4, 1.times.3, 1.times.4, etc.)
without departing from the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side 3 of a blank 8
used to form the package or carrier 150. The blank 8 has a
longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 8 comprises a
top panel 10 foldably connected to a first end panel 20 at a first
lateral fold line 21 and foldably connected to a second end panel
30 at a second lateral fold line 31. A first side panel 40 is
foldably connected to the top panel 10 at a first longitudinal fold
line 41. A second side panel 50 is foldably connected to the top
panel 10 at a second longitudinal fold line 51.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 8 includes six
receptacles 12 formed by tabs 22 and 24, which are connected to the
top panel 10 by respective fold lines 37, 39. Slits 62 and 63
separate the tabs 22, 24 and arcuate slits 64 separate the tab fold
lines 37, 39. The arcuate slits 64 and tab fold lines 37, 39 extend
around and define a periphery of each of the openings 18 in the top
panel 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 22, 24
surrounding each opening 18 (FIG. 2) are of different sizes so that
when containers C are inserted into the openings 18 and the tabs
22, 24 are upwardly struck from the top panel 10, the shorter tabs
22 contact only the necks N of the containers and the longer tabs
24 contact both the necks and the underside of the flanges F to
support the containers when the carrier is lifted. A variety of
different configurations of tabs (e.g., tabs 22, 24) are within the
scope of this disclosure.
[0028] The diameter of the openings 18 (FIG. 2) in the top panel 10
is related to the diameter of the neck portion N of the containers
C to be packaged so that the containers are able to pass through
the opening while contacting the support tabs 22, 24 of the
receptacles 12 to pivot the support tabs up about their fold lines.
In the illustrated embodiment, the support tabs 22, 24 at the
corner openings 18 are of somewhat different design than the
support tabs 22 and 24 at the central openings. In both cases the
support tabs 22, 24 take the form of four contiguous tabs arranged
so that the fold lines 37, 39 of adjacent tabs are at right angles
to each other. In both cases, one pair of oppositely located tabs
24 is longer than the other pair 22. In the illustrated embodiment,
the tabs 22, 24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 of the
receptacle 12 at each of the two corners of the top panel 10
adjacent the second end panel 30 are respectively rotated clockwise
and counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees from the orientation
of the tabs, slits, and fold lines of the two central receptacles.
The tabs 22, 24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 of the
receptacle 12 at each corner of the top panel 10 adjacent the first
end panel 20 are respectively rotated counterclockwise and
clockwise approximately 45 degrees from the orientation of the
tabs, slits, and fold lines of the four central openings. The
receptacles 12 in the top panel 10 can have other features
including other tabs, slits, fold lines, tear lines, etc., and may
be otherwise arranged and/or configured, without departing from the
disclosure.
[0029] The blank 8 includes corner cutouts 32 generally adjacent a
respective corner of the top panel 10. Fold line 42 in the side
panel 40 and fold line 52 in side panel 50 extend between
respective cutouts 32 in each side panel to form sloped side panel
sections which generally conform to the slope of the bottles in the
transition area between the bottle neck and the barrel of the
bottle. The corner cutouts 32 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
and/or configured, or could be omitted without departing from the
disclosure.
[0030] The blank 8 is preferably formed of paperboard, but may be
of any suitable material having sufficient strength and flexibility
to function in the manner of paperboard. The side panels 40, 50 are
longer than the length of the top panel 10, terminating beyond the
cutouts 32. First and second gusset panels 45, 47 are located at
each corner of the blank 8 between respective side panels 40, 50
and end panels 20, 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the end
panels 20, 30 comprise a corner portion 49 foldably connected to
the second gusset panels 47 and connected to the end panels. The
gusset panels 45, 47 and corner portions 49 of the end panels 20,
30 are foldably connected by respective fold lines 53, 55, 57, 59.
The gusset panels 45, 47 and corner panels 49 facilitate forming of
the package 150 in a manner so that the package conforms to the
shape of the containers C.
[0031] At each corner of the blank 8, the first gusset panel 45 is
foldably connected to one of the side panels 40, 50 at the fold
line 53, and the second gusset panel 47 is foldably connected to
the first gusset panel at a fold line 55. The second gusset panel
is foldably connected to the corner portion 49 of the end panels
20, 30 at the fold line 57. The corner portion 49 is foldably
connected to a respective end panel 20, 30 at the fold line 59. The
first and second gusset panels 45, 47 and corner portion 49 could
be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the corner
portions 49 of each end panel 20, 30 could be omitted without
departing from the disclosure.
[0032] The blank 8 includes two handle panels 84 foldably connected
to the top panel 10 by lateral fold lines 86. In the illustrated
embodiment, the handle panels 84 are further defined by curved cuts
87, 89, 91 in the top panel. The blank 8 could include handle
features other than the handle panels 84 or the handle panels could
be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, to form the package 150, in
accordance with one acceptable method, bottles C to be packaged are
grouped together and the top panel 10 is first pushed down over the
tops of the bottles C. The caps CP of the bottles C contact the
support tabs 22, 24 to pivot the support tabs up relative to the
top panel 10 to create the openings 18 in the top panel. Relative
upward movement of the containers C continues until the support
tabs 24 snap into place as the edges of these tabs engage the
underside of the bottle flanges F (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the
shorter tabs 22 do not reach the flanges F but snugly engage the
bottle necks.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the end panels 20, 30 are downwardly
folded relative to the top panel 10 in the direction of arrow Al.
Next, the second gusset panels 47 are folded inwardly in the
direction of arrow A2 (FIG. 4) so as to cause an adjacent first
gusset 45 and side panel 40, 50 to fold downwardly to the position
of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the second gusset panel 47 and first
gusset panel 45 are brought into face-to-face relationship such
that the second gusset panel 47 is in contact with and overlapped
by the first gusset panel 45. Further, a portion of a respective
side panel 40, 50 is in face-to-face relationship with the first
gusset panel 45 so that the portion of the respective side panel
overlays and is in contact with the first gusset panel. In one
embodiment, the corner portion 49 of the end panels 20, 30 helps
facilitate inward folding of the second gusset panel 47 and
conforms the package 150 to a tight fit against the corner
containers C. Adhesive such as glue may be applied to the second
gusset panel 47 or the first gusset panel 45 to secure the side
panels 40, 50 in the downwardly folded position. Also, adhesive
(e.g., glue) can be applied to the first gusset panel 45 or a
portion of a respective side panel 40, 50 that overlays the first
gusset panel to secure the side panels in the downwardly folded
position.
[0035] The package 150 can be formed by other folding and panel
positioning steps. For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative
configuration for forming the blank 8 into the package 150. As
shown in FIG. 5, the side panels 40, 50 can be folded downward at
fold lines 41, 51 relative to the top panel 10 in the direction of
arrow A3 prior to the downward folding of the end panels 20, 30. As
shown in FIG. 6, the first gusset panel 45 can be folded inwardly
in the direction of arrow A4 to assist in downwardly folding the
second gusset panel 47 and the end panels 20, 30. Glue or other
adhesive can be applied to either or both of the gusset panels 45,
47 prior to downwardly folding the end panels 20, 30. When the end
panels 20, 30 are downwardly folded, the gusset panels 45, 47 are
in face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel 47 overlaying
the first gusset panel 45. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the
corner portions 49 of the end panels 20, 30 is in face-to-face
relationship with the second gusset panel 47. Adhesive can be
applied to one or more than one of the end panels 20,30, the first
gusset panels 45, the second gusset panels 47, or the side panels
40, 50 to secure the package 150 in the formed position.
[0036] In either forming configuration, the package 150 can be
maintained in the assembled configuration by the adhesive between
the overlapped and adhered gusset panels 45, 47 or other panels.
Other folding, assembly, or forming steps and configurations are
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a blank 208 of a second embodiment of the
disclosure having similar features as the first embodiment.
Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are
provided with like or similar reference numbers. The blank 208 of
the second embodiment includes a smaller opening 32 at each corner
and the gusset panels 45, 47 have a different shape than the gusset
panels of the first embodiment. Further, the side panels 40, 50
include additional longitudinal fold lines 42a, 52a extending
between respective openings 32. Each side panel 40, 50 has an
additional foldable panel for positioning relative to the top panel
10. The blank 208 can be formed into a package in a similar manner
described above for forming the blank 8 into the package 150.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a blank 308 for forming a package 350 of a
third embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 308 has similar
features as the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or
identical features of the embodiments are provided with like or
similar reference numbers. The blank 308 of the third embodiment
has first and second gusset panels 45, 47 that function in a
similar manner as the first and second gusset panels of the
previous embodiments. In the third embodiment, each of the second
gusset panels 47 has a base portion 47a adjacent the opening 32 and
an extension 47b that includes a distal portion of the gusset panel
extending from the base portion. The extension 47b of each of the
second gusset panels 47 extends laterally outward beyond an edge
45a of the first gusset panel 45. The base portion 47a of the
second gusset panel 47 is foldably connected to the corner portion
49 of the end panel 20, 30 at the fold line 57 and is foldably
connected to the gusset panel 45 at the fold line 53. The
extensions 47b allow a larger target area for the application of
adhesive to the package 350. Further, each of the first gusset
panels 45 of the third embodiment are smaller that the previous
embodiments so that the extension 47b can extend outward from the
edge 45a of the first gusset panel and underlie at least a portion
of the side panels 40, 50 when the package 350 is assembled.
[0039] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the package 350 can be
assembled in a similar manner as the first embodiment by first
downwardly folding the end flaps 20, 30 in the direction of arrow
A5 (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 12, the second gusset panels 47 are
inwardly folded in the direction of arrow A6 to lower the first
gusset panels 45 and the side panels 40, 50. As the side panels 40,
50 are further lowered in the direction of arrow A7, the first
gusset panels 45 are brought into face-to-face contact with the
base portion 47a of the gusset panel 47. The extensions 47b extend
beyond the edge 45a of the first gusset panels 45. As the side
panels 40, 50 are further downwardly folded, the side panels
overlap and are in a generally face-to-face relationship with the
first gusset panels 45 that overlap the base portions 47a of the
gusset panels 47 and the extensions 47b of the gusset panels 47.
Adhesive can be applied to the extensions 47b (or the side panels
40, 50) so that at least a portion of the side panels 40, 50 is
adhered to at least a portion of the extensions 47b of the second
gusset panels 47. Further, the base portions 47a of the second
gusset panels 47 can be adhered to the first gusset panels 45.
Other folding and assembly steps and configurations are within the
scope of this disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows a blank 408 of a fourth embodiment of the
disclosure having similar features as the blank 308 of the third
embodiment. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the
embodiments are provided with like or similar reference numbers.
The blank 408 of the fourth embodiment includes first gusset panels
45 that each have an oblique fold line 55a that is parallel to and
spaced-apart from the fold line 55 connecting each of the first
gusset panels to a respective second gusset panel 47. The
additional fold line 55a of the fourth embodiment allows the gusset
panels 45, 47 and to more closely conform to a variety of
containers C having different sizes. In the fourth embodiment, the
fold line 53 connecting each of the first gusset panels 45 to a
respective side panel 40, 50 slopes upward or downward (depending
on the frame of reference) relative to the lateral axis L2 as the
fold line extends from the edge 45a of the first gusset panel to
the opening 32. As shown in FIG. 13, the first gusset panels 45 and
the second gusset panels 47 are larger than the corresponding
gusset panels of the previous embodiments to provide larger surface
areas for securing the gusset panels in the assembled
configuration. The gusset panels 45, 47 could be otherwise shaped
and could include other features without departing from the
disclosure.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 13, each end panel 20, 30 includes a
respective lateral fold line 23, 33 so that each end panel is
divided into two portions 20a, 20b, and 30a, 30b that are
independently foldably connected at a respective lateral fold line.
Each outer portion 20a, 30a of end panels 20, 30 has a respective
curved edge 30c, 20c. Each end panel 20, 30 comprises a respective
handle panel 121, 123 foldably connected to a respective end panel
at a curved fold line 125, 127.
[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 includes handle
features 184 in the top panel. The handle features comprising
respective handle panels 185, 187 that are foldably connected to
the top panel 10 at respective fold lines 189, 191. When the
package is formed from the blank 408 the package can be grasped at
the end panels 20, 30 by folding under the handle panel 121, 123
and can be grasped at the top panel by folding in the handle panels
185, 187. For example, a user can place their thumb against either
group of handle panels 185, 184 and can place their other four
fingers of the same hand on one of the handle panels 121, 123 to
fold the handle panel in for grasping the package at the end panel
20, 30. In this manner, the package formed from the blank 408 can
be grasped and carried by a user. Alternatively, only the handle
features 184 can be used to grasp the package formed from the blank
408 or only the handle panels 121, 123 in the end panels 20, 30 can
be used to grasp the package formed from the blank. The blank 408
and package formed from the blank can have other handle features or
the handle features shown can be omitted without departing from the
disclosure.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 has dispensing
features for removal of the containers C from the package formed
from the blank. Each side panel 40, 50 has two tabs 191, 193 formed
by a respective tear line 195, 197 in the side panel between a
respective longitudinal fold line 41, 51 connecting the side panel
to the top panel 10 and a longitudinal fold line 42, 52 forming the
sloped side panel sections. The top panel 10 includes oblique cuts
199 adjacent a respective tabs 191, 193 that facilitate tearing of
the top panel when the tabs 191, 193 are activated by separating
the tabs from the side panels 40, 50. In the package formed from
the blank 408, a respective tab 191, 193 can be grasped and lifted
upward to separate the tab from the side panel 40, 50. The
respective tab 191, 193 can be further positioned and pulled to
initiate tearing or deformation of the top panel 10 at the cuts 199
to facilitate removal of the containers C from a respective
receptacle 12. The blank 408 and package formed from the blank can
have other dispensing features or the dispensing features
illustrated and described herein can be changed or omitted without
departing from the disclosure. The blank 408 can be formed into a
package in a similar manner described above for the previous
embodiments.
[0044] The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for
example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For
example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks 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 blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect
any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described
embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a
caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties
suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as
described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with
one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel
sections.
[0045] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the
present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear,
although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that
facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the
purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold
lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt
scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the
material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends
partially into a material along the desired line of weakness,
and/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.
[0046] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends
partially into the material along the desired line of weakness,
and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into
and/or completely through the material along the desired line of
weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more
specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of
spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material,
with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick
(e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is
defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily
connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken
during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a
relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the
nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear
line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced
with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be
a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing
from the present disclosure.
[0047] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more
panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton
embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of
adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
[0048] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and
describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions,
modifications, changes, etc. could be made to the exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the
claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected
embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use
in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and
is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the
inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above
teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant
art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each
embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other
illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
* * * * *