U.S. patent application number 16/496203 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-13 for carton.
The applicant listed for this patent is Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited. Invention is credited to Nigel Davis, David Erwin.
Application Number | 20200047941 16/496203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58688081 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200047941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erwin; David ; et
al. |
February 13, 2020 |
CARTON
Abstract
A carton (1) having a first end and a second end; a plurality of
side panels (9, 11); and a sloping face at the first end of the
carton. The sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel
(3) at the first carton end. A first edge of the first triangular
lid panel (3) is connected along a foldline (15) to the end of a
first one of the side panels at the first carton end. The carton
includes a second triangular lid panel (5) at the first end of the
carton providing an end face for the carton at the first carton
end. A first edge of the second triangular lid panel (5) is
connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel (3)
along a foldline (17). The carton includes a plurality of lid
support panels underlying the first and second triangular lid
panels (3,5) at the first carton end.
Inventors: |
Erwin; David;
(Nottinghamshire, GB) ; Davis; Nigel;
(Nottinghamshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited |
Nottinghamshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
58688081 |
Appl. No.: |
16/496203 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 23, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2018/050769 |
371 Date: |
September 20, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/029 20130101;
B65D 3/20 20130101; B65D 5/06 20130101; B65D 5/0227 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/02 20060101
B65D005/02; B65D 5/06 20060101 B65D005/06; B65D 3/20 20060101
B65D003/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 23, 2017 |
GB |
1704630.1 |
Claims
1. A carton having a first end and a second end, a plurality of
side panels, and a sloping face at the first end of the carton,
wherein the sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel
at the first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the first
triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of a
first one of the side panels at the first end of the carton, the
carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton at the
first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the second
triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of the first
triangular lid panel along a foldline, the carton further
comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first
and second triangular lid panels at the first end of the carton:
wherein two adjacent ones of the side panels of the carton, the
first and second side panels, are trapezoidal, and a further two
adjacent ones of the side panels of the carton, the third and
fourth side panels, are parallelograms, wherein the first
triangular lid panel extends between and connects the trapezoidal
side panels, and the second triangular lid panel extends between
and connects the parallelogram shaped side panels.
2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first edge of the first
triangular lid panel is connected along the foldline to the end
edge of the first side panel at the first end of the carton,
wherein the foldline connecting the first edge to the end edge of
the first side panel is inclined.
3. (canceled)
4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the second triangular lid panel is
in the form of a flap.
5. (canceled)
6. The carton of claim 1 wherein a third edge of the first
triangular lid panel extends along an inclined end edge of the
second side panel at the first end of the carton.
7. (canceled)
8. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first and second side panels
are connected to one another along the shorter parallel sides of
the trapezoids.
9. The carton of claim 6 wherein the first triangular lid panel
defines a point furthest from the first end of the carton
corresponding to the point at which the first and third edges of
the first triangular panel meet.
10. (canceled)
11. The carton of claim 1 wherein each lid support panel is in the
form of a flap.
12. (canceled)
13. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first and second triangular
lid panels are adhesively secured to respective ones of the lid
support panels.
14. The carton of claim 1 wherein a plurality of overlapping lid
support panels underlie the second triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton.
15. The carton of claim 1 wherein a plurality of lid support panels
are provided underlying the second triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton, the lid support panels having edges
aligned with one another along a line corresponding to the position
of the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the
first triangular lid panel.
16. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton comprises first,
second, third and fourth side panels, and first, second and third
lid support panels are attached to the second, third and fourth
side panels respectively, wherein the second lid support panel is
in surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the third
lid support panel, and the second triangular panel is in surface to
surface contact with at least a portion of the second lid support
panel.
17. The carton of claim 16 wherein the second lid support panel is
in surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the third
lid support panel.
18. The carton of claim 17 wherein the second lid support panel
overlaps at least a portion of the third lid support panel.
19. The carton of claim 1 wherein the second triangular panel
provides a flat end face to the carton at the first end
thereof.
20. (canceled)
21. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton comprises first,
second, third and fourth panels, and the third side panel comprises
a glue flap extending along a side edge thereof, which is connected
to the fourth side panel.
22. The carton of claim 21 wherein the first, second, third and
fourth side panels are connected to one another along respective
fold lines.
23. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton also has a sloping
face at the second end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is
defined by a first triangular lid panel at the second end of the
carton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel is
connected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side
panels at the second end of the carton, the carton further
comprising a second triangular lid panel at the second end of the
carton providing an end face for the carton at the second end
thereof, wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel is
connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel at the
second end of the carton along a foldline, the carton further
comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first
and second triangular lid panels at the second end of the
carton.
24. The carton of claim 13 wherein the carton comprises a plurality
of further side panels in addition to the first side panel, and a
lid support panel is connected along a foldline to an edge of each
of the second, third and fourth side panels of the carton.
25. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton is formed from a
single piece blank.
26. A blank of foldable sheet material for making a carton in
accordance with claim 1 the blank comprising a plurality of side
panels for providing the side panels of the erected carton, a first
triangular lid panel for providing the first triangular lid panel
which provides the sloping face of the carton at the first end
thereof, the first triangular lid panel of the blank being
connected to the end of a first one of the side panels of the blank
along a foldline at an end which will be located at the first end
of the carton, the blank further comprising a second triangular lid
panel connected to the first triangular lid panel along a foldline
for providing the second triangular lid panel providing the end
face for the carton at the first end thereof, the blank further
comprising a plurality of lid support panels for providing the lid
support panels of the carton, the lid support panels of the blank
being foldable to underlie the first and second triangular lid
panels in the erected carton.
27-30. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a carton, and in
particular, a carton having a sloping face.
[0002] The present invention is particularly, although not
exclusively, directed to a carton having a sloping face at at least
one end thereof, which may be more readily erected using a machine.
Previously known cartons including a sloping face have required
manual steps to be performed in order to erect the carton.
[0003] The present invention also extends to a blank for use in
obtaining a carton in accordance with the invention in any of its
aspects or embodiments, and a method of erecting the blank.
[0004] The packaging is made of a foldable sheet material, such as
cardboard, paperboard, or other lightweight foldable sheet
material. Any suitable foldable sheet material may be used, for
example a plastic sheet material may be used.
SUMMARY
[0005] From a first aspect of the invention there is provided;
a carton having a first end and a second end, a plurality of side
panels, and a sloping face at the first end of the carton, wherein
the sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the first
triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of a
first one of the side panels at the first end of the carton, the
carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton at the
first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the second
triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of the first
triangular lid panel along a foldline, the carton further
comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first
and second triangular lid panels at the first end of the
carton.
[0006] It has been found that providing first and second triangular
lid panels, one for providing an end face i.e. endmost face of the
carton at the first end thereof, and one for providing a sloping
face of the carton at the first end, with the first and second
triangular lid panels being attached along respective foldlines to
a first side panel of the carton, and to each other, results in a
carton with a sloping face which may be readily erected by a
machine. The first and second triangular lid panels are folded
along the respective foldlines connecting them to the first side
panel of the carton and to each other, and used to close the open
first end of the carton during assembly thereof. In some
embodiments, the first triangular lid panel may provide the only
sloping face of the carton. However, in other embodiments the
carton comprises a sloping face at a second end thereof.
[0007] A first edge of the first triangular lid panel, which
defines the sloping face of the carton at the first end thereof, is
connected to the end of a first one of the plurality of side panels
along a foldline at the first end of the carton, and preferably to
the end edge of the first side panel. The foldline preferably
defines an end edge of the first side panel. The foldline
preferably extends between and connects the side edges of the first
side panel. The first edge of the first triangular lid panel
preferably extends along the entire length of the end edge of the
first side panel. The foldline along which the first edge of the
first triangular lid panel is connected to the end of the first
side panel is preferably an inclined foldline. The end edge of the
first side panel is therefore preferably inclined. The side edges
of the first side panel are connected, preferably along foldlines,
to respective adjacent side panels. The foldline along which the
first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected to the
end of the first side panel may extend between and connect longer
and shorter side edges of the first panel. The first side panel
further comprises an end edge at the second end of the carton. The
end edge at the second end may be defined by a foldline which may
connect the first side panel to one of a plurality of panels which
provide a closed second end of the carton.
[0008] The first side panel to which the first triangular lid panel
is connected may be a trapezoidal panel. A trapezoidal panel as
referred to herein has one pair of parallel sides. In some
embodiments the first side panel may be a right angled trapezoidal
panel. The side edges of the panel then define right angles with an
end edge of the panel at the second end of the carton. However, in
other embodiments, for example, where the second end of the carton
also includes a sloping face, the edge of the first side panel at
the second end of the carton may be an inclined edge.
[0009] The first edge of the first triangular lid panel is
connected along a foldline to the end of the first side panel at
the first end of the carton, and a second one of the edges of the
first triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to a first
edge of the second triangular lid panel. The third edge of the
first triangular lid panel is preferably a free edge. A free edge
as defined herein refers to an edge which is not connected to
another panel along a foldline. The edge will be an unattached edge
in the blank from which the carton is assembled, but may be secured
to another e.g. panel, such as by adhesive, in the erected carton.
Preferably the third edge of the second triangular lid panel is
free from tabs or flaps. Preferably no construction formations thus
extend from the third edge of the second triangular lid panel.
[0010] A first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected
along a foldline to the second edge of the first triangular lid
panel. The other edges of the second triangular lid panel are
preferably free edges. Preferably the other edges of the second
triangular lid panel are free from tabs or flaps. Preferably no
construction formations thus extend from the other edges of the
second triangular lid panel.
[0011] The second triangular lid panel is preferably in the form of
a flap. The second triangular lid panel preferably provides a flat
i.e. non-sloping end face to the carton at the first end thereof.
The second triangular lid panel provides an endmost face to the
carton at the first end thereof. The first triangular lid panel may
slope away from the second triangular lid panel in a direction
towards the second end of the carton.
[0012] It will be appreciated that the first and second triangular
lid panels may be of any suitable dimensions. The configuration of
the first and second triangular lid panels may be selected as
appropriate based on the desired shape and configuration of the
carton. The second triangular lid panel may be of smaller area than
the first triangular lid panel. In some embodiments the second
triangular lid panel is a right angled triangle. The second and
third edges of the second triangular lid panel may then meet one
another at approximately 90 degrees.
[0013] In the carton, the first triangular lid panel preferably
extends between and connects the first side panel and an adjacent
i.e. second one of the side panels at the first end of the carton.
The third edge of the first triangular lid panel preferably extends
along an end edge of the second side panel at the first end of the
carton, and preferably along the entire length thereof. The end
edge of the second side panel is preferably inclined. The third
edge of the first triangular lid panel preferably extends between
and connects the side edges of the second side panel. The side
edges of the second side panel connect the second side panel to
adjacent side panels, and are preferably defined by respective
foldlines connecting the second side panel to the adjacent side
panels. The end edge of the second side panel at the first end of
the carton may connect longer and shorter side edges of the second
side panel. The second side panel further comprises an end edge at
the second end of the carton. The end edge at the second end of the
carton may be defined by a foldline which may connect the second
side panel to one of a plurality of panels which provides a closed
second end of the carton.
[0014] The second side panel is preferably a trapezoidal panel. The
second side panel may be a right angled trapezoidal panel. The side
edges of the panel then define right angles with a bottom edge of
the panel. However, in other embodiments, for example, where the
second end of the carton also includes a sloping face, the edge of
the second side panel at the second end of the carton may be an
inclined edge.
[0015] The first triangular lid panel may define a point closest to
the second end of the carton corresponding to the point at which
the first and third edges of the first triangular panel meet. The
point may correspond to the end of the line (e.g. a foldline)
connecting the side edges of the first and second side panels of
the carton which is closest to the first end of the carton.
[0016] In preferred embodiments in which the first and third edge
of the first triangular lid panel are connected to inclined edges
of the first and second side panels respectively at the first end
of the carton, the inclined edges may be inclined toward the second
end of the carton to meet at the end of a line e.g. a foldline
connecting the side edges of the adjacent first and second side
panels which is closest to the first end of the carton. Where the
first and second side panels each comprise longer and shorter side
edges, the line defines the shorter side edges of the first and
second side panels. The end edges of the first and second side
panels at the first end of the carton extend toward the second end
of the carton from apexes corresponding to the ends of opposite
(longer) side edges of the first and second panels at the first end
of the carton. Where the first and second side panels are each
trapezoidal in shape, they may be connected to one another along
the shorter parallel sides of the trapezoids.
[0017] The second triangular lid panel preferably extends between
and connects two (further) side panels of the carton, e.g. the
third and fourth side panels. The second and third edges of the
second triangular lid panel may extend along the end edges of the
third and fourth side panels respectively at the first end of the
carton. The two further side panels are preferably connected
respectively e.g. along foldlines to the first and second side
panels.
[0018] In preferred embodiments two adjacent ones of the side
panels of the carton, the first and second side panels, are
trapezoidal (having one set of parallel sides, being the side
edges), and the carton comprises a further two adjacent side panels
(the third and fourth side panels) which are parallelograms (having
two sets of parallel sides, being the side edges and the end edges
at the first and second ends of the carton respectively). The first
triangular lid panel preferably extends between and connects the
trapezoidal side panels (preferably connecting the end edges of the
trapezoidal side panels at the first end of the carton), and the
second triangular lid panel preferably extends between and connects
the parallelogram shaped side panels, (preferably connecting the
end edges of the parallelogram shaped side panels at the first end
of the carton). It will be understood that such arrangements are
merely exemplary. Preferably the carton has four side panels.
[0019] The side panels of the carton may differ in size, even where
they are of the same general shape. The dimensions of the side
panels should be selected as appropriate to provide a desired
configuration of carton.
[0020] It will be appreciated that the shape of the side panels may
depend upon whether the second end of the carton includes a sloping
face. If a sloping face is present at the second end, the ends of
the side panels at the second end of the carton may be shaped in a
corresponding manner to the side panels at the first end of the
carton to allow them to be associated with a corresponding
arrangement of triangular lid panels and lid support panels. As
discussed below, any triangular lid panels provided at the second
end of the carton may be associated with the same or different side
panels to those with which the triangular lid panels at the first
end of the carton are associated.
[0021] Preferably, where the carton comprises first, second, third
and fourth side panels, one of the third and fourth side panels
comprises a glue flap extending along a side edge thereof, which is
connected to the other one of the third and fourth side panels.
This creates the closed sides of the carton. Preferably a third
side panel adjacent the second side panel comprises the glue flap.
The glue flap may then underlie the fourth side panel. Thus, in
exemplary embodiments, the carton comprises, first, second, third
and fourth side panels, the first and second side panels being
connected to one another along a foldline, the second and third
side panels being connected to one another along a foldline, and
the first and fourth side panels being connected to one another
along a foldline, the third and fourth side panels being connected
to one another (in the assembled carton) through attachment of the
glue flap of the third side panel to the fourth side panel. Of
course, any other suitable arrangement may be used. The glue flap
may be attached to the other one of the third and fourth side
panels, or glue flaps may be attached to each of the third and
fourth side panels. Alternatively or additionally, a different pair
or pairs of the adjacent side panels may be connected to one
another by foldlines, with different ones of the panels being
connected using a glue flap or flaps. The side panels may be
provided by a plurality of blanks connected to one another.
[0022] In accordance with any of its aspects or embodiments, the
carton further comprises a plurality of lid support panels
underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at the first
end of the carton. Preferably each lid support panel is in the form
of a flap. Any suitable arrangement of lid support panels may be
used to support the first and second triangular lid panels. At
least one lid support panel underlies the first triangular lid
panel, and at least one lid support panel underlies the second
triangular lid panel. At least some of the lid support panels may
overlap one another.
[0023] In some embodiments a plurality of lid support panels
underlie the second triangular lid panel. The plurality of lid
support panels underlying the second triangular lid panel are
preferably overlapping lid support panels. The overlap is at least
a partial overlap, and may be only a partial overlap. However, it
is envisaged that one or more lid support panel underlying the
second triangular lid panel may extend over i.e. overlap the entire
area of another lid support panel underlying the second triangular
lid panel. Multiple overlapping lid support panels may provide
greater support to the second triangular lid panel, and hence the
end face of the carton. In embodiments a single lid support panel
underlies the first triangular lid panel. In some embodiments a
single lid support panel underlies the first triangular lid panel
and a plurality of lid support panels underlie the second
triangular lid panel.
[0024] The lid support panel or panels may extend over the entire
area of the overlying first or second triangular lid panel, or over
only a portion thereof. Any suitable arrangement may be used which
provides a desired level of support. In preferred embodiments the
one or more (and preferably plurality) of lid support panels
underlying the second triangular lid panel extend over the entire
area thereof. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments, each
lid support panel, where a plurality of lid support panels are
provided, may extend over only a portion of the area of the second
triangular lid panel with the lid support panels together extending
over the entire area of the lid panel. In embodiments the or each
lid support panel (and, preferably only a single lid support panel)
underlying the first triangular lid support panel extends over only
a portion of the area thereof.
[0025] The first and second triangular lid panels are preferably
adhesively secured to respective ones of the lid support panels. A
given lid support panel may, and typically does, underlie only one
of the first and second triangular lid panels.
[0026] Each lid support panel is preferably associated with a
respective side panel of the carton, and is preferably connected
e.g. along a foldline to the side panel. Each lid support panel is
preferably connected to the end edge of its respective side panel
at the first end of the carton. In embodiments, the carton
comprises a plurality of further side panels in addition to the
first side panel, and a lid support panel is connected to i.e. the
end edge of each of a plurality of the further side panels of the
carton at the first end of the carton, and preferably to each such
further side panel. Preferably a single lid support panel is
connected to each further side panel having a lid support panel
connected thereto. Preferably the carton comprises first, second,
third and fourth side panels, and first, second and third lid
support panels are connected to the second, third and fourth side
panels respectively. Each lid support panel is preferably connected
to its respective side panel along a respective foldline. It has
been found that providing one lid support panel in respect of the
end edge of each of a plurality of, or each, further side panel, at
the first end of the carton, may facilitate folding of the lid
support panels into position using a machine.
[0027] In general, at least two lid support panels are provided,
and preferably at least three lid support panels are provided. In
some embodiments, there may be one less lid support panel than the
number of side panels of the carton, with lid support panels being
associated with the end of each of the side panels at the first end
of the carton other than the first side panel having the first
triangular lid panel connected thereto.
[0028] It will be appreciated that a lid support panel need not
extend along the entire length of the end edge of a side panel with
which it is associated. For example, in some exemplary embodiments
with first to fourth side panels and first to third lid support
panels, the second and third lid support panels extend over the
entire length of the end edge of the third and fourth side panels
respectively at the first end of the carton, but the first lid
support panel only extends along a portion of the length of the end
edge of the second panel at the first end of the carton. The extent
of a lid support panel along an end edge of a side panel may be
selected as desired to facilitate folding and handling of the lid
support panel, and location of the respective triangular lid panel
thereover.
[0029] The lid support panels may or may not overlap one another to
provide support to the first and second triangular lid panels.
Where overlap is present, this may be at least partial overlap, and
need not (although may) be full overlap. In some embodiments there
is overlap between at least some of the lid support panels e.g.
where first, second and third lid support panels are provided
connected to second, third and fourth side panels, an overlap may
be present between the second and third lid support panels. In some
embodiments having first, second and third lid support panels, one
of the second and third lid support panels overlies the other of
the second and third lid support panels. In preferred embodiments
the second lid support panel overlies the third lid support panel.
The second lid support panel may overlap at least a portion, and
preferably only a portion of the third lid support panel. In
embodiments, there is no overlap between the first lid support
panel and either of the second or third lid support panels. The
second triangular lid panel may overlie both the second and third
support panels. The first triangular lid panel may overlie the
first lid support panel. In embodiments the second triangular lid
panel does not overlie the first lid support panel and the first
triangular lid support panel does not overlie the second or the
third lid support panel. In preferred embodiments the first and
second triangular lid panels overlie, and are preferably adhesively
secured, to respective ones of the lid support panels.
[0030] While in the above embodiments, the securing of the
triangular lid panels to the respective lid support panel(s), or,
in some cases, the securement of the lid support panel(s) to one
another, has been described as an adhesive attachment, any suitable
attachment may be used e.g. thermal etc. Thus, any reference to
adhesive securement may be replaced by a reference to "securement"
in general. However, preferably adhesive attachment is used. An
adhesive securement between a triangular lid panel and an
underlying lid support panel may be achieved through applying
adhesive to either or both of the lid panel and the lid support
panel, although in some embodiments, adhesive is applied only to
the lid support panels, and not to the triangular lid panels
themselves.
[0031] In exemplary embodiments having first, second and third lid
support panels, the second lid support panel (i.e. the underside
thereof) may be in surface to surface contact with at least a
portion (e.g. only a portion) of the third lid support panel, and
is optionally adhesively secured to the at least a portion of the
third lid support panel. The second triangular lid panel (i.e. the
underside thereof) may be in surface to surface contact with at
least a portion of the second lid support panel, and preferably the
entire surface thereof, and is preferably adhesively secured to the
at least a portion of the second lid support panel. The second
triangular lid panel may additionally be in surface to surface
contact with at least a portion of the third lid support panel, and
preferably only a portion thereof, and is optionally is adhesively
secured to the at least a portion of the third lid support panel.
The first triangular lid panel (i.e. the underside thereof) is in
surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the first lid
support panel, and preferably the entire surface thereof, and is
preferably adhesively secured thereto.
[0032] The lid support panels may be of any suitable shape, and may
vary in shape. For example, the lid support panels may be
triangular, or four sided, or a combination thereof. For example,
the lid support panels may each be either trapezoidal or triangular
in shape. The lid support panels may include at least one
triangular panel and at least one trapezoidal panel. In some
embodiments having first to third lid support panels, the first
support panel is triangular, and the second and third lid support
panels are trapezoidal. However, other arrangements may be used
e.g. all three lid support panels may be trapezoidal. Trapezoidal
lid support panels may differ in size and shape.
[0033] It will be appreciated that the configuration of the lid
support panels, and the way in which they are used to support the
first and second triangular lid panels e.g. including factors such
as the extent of the area of the triangular lid panels which
overlaps lid support panel(s), which panels overlap one another,
the extent of any overlap, or even whether any overlap is present,
the sequence of folding of the lid support panels, and the location
of any securement between lid support panels and/or the triangular
lid panels, may vary depending upon e.g. the configuration of the
carton, and the nature of the machinery used to assemble the
carton.
[0034] It is desirable that no lid support panel underlying the
second triangular lid panel extends over the second foldine
connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular
lid panel in the assembled carton. Preferably the or each lid
support panel underlying the second triangular lid panel has an
edge which is aligned with a line extending across the interior of
the carton at the first end i.e. a diagonal line. The line may
extend between and connect the side panels to which the lid support
panels are connected. It will be appreciated that the edge of the
or each lid support panel aligned with the line will be a free edge
thereof. The edges may be aligned so as to define a continuous
line. Preferably a plurality of lid support panels are provided
underlying the second triangular lid panel having edges aligned
with one another along the (same) line. Preferably the line does
not extend beyond, and most preferably corresponds to the position
of the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the
first triangular lid panel (in the assembled carton). The line then
connects corners of the second triangular lid panel. Preferably a
plurality of lid support panels are provided underlying the second
triangular lid panel having edges aligned with one another along a
line corresponding to the position of the foldline connecting the
second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel (in
the assembled carton). Thus, edges of the second and third lid
support panels in embodiments having first to third lid support
panels preferably align in this manner. This is desirable to enable
the lid support panel(s) to support the second triangular lid panel
but without the folded lid support panels interfering with the
ability to fold the second triangular lid panel along the foldline
connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular
lid panel for use in closing the first end of the carton. The size
and shape of the lid support panels is preferably selected to
enable them to be aligned in this manner. It will be appreciated
that the alignment refers to the alignment when the lid support
panels are folded in the assembled carton. The shape and
configuration of the lid support panels underlying the second
triangular lid panel may vary, and may be chosen as desired, but is
preferably such as to provide the above described alignment of the
edges of the panels.
[0035] In a similar manner, preferably the lid support panel
underlying the first triangular lid panel e.g. the first lid
support panel does not extend over the foldline connecting the
second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel.
[0036] The second end of the carton is preferably a closed second
end. The first and second ends of the carton are opposite ends. The
second end of the carton may be provided by a plurality of panels.
In some embodiments the panels are connected to different ones of
the plurality of sidewalls along respective foldlines, and
preferably a panel for use in providing the closed second end of
the carton is connected to each one of the side panels of the
carton. In some embodiments the second end does not include a
sloping face i.e. it has a flat end. The second end may then be a
rectilinear flat end. In other embodiments the second end comprises
a sloping face which is preferably constructed in the same manner
as the sloping face at the first end of the carton.
[0037] In embodiments the carton also has a sloping face at the
second end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is defined by a
first triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton, wherein
a first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along a
foldline to the end of a first one of the side panels at the second
end of the carton, the carton further comprising a second
triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton providing an
end face for the carton at the second end of the carton, wherein a
first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected to a
second edge of the first triangular lid panel along a foldline, the
carton further comprising a plurality of lid support panels
underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at the second
end of the carton.
[0038] In these embodiments, the components used to provide the
sloping face and to close the second end of the carton may include
any or all of the features described in relation to the
corresponding components at the first end of the carton e.g. the
configuration and/or interaction of the various panels, foldlines,
shape of the side panels, lid support panels etc. Thus, any feature
described above in relation to a component of the first end of the
carton e.g. the first triangular lid panel, second triangular lid
panel, lid support panel (including a first, second or third lid
support panel) etc. is equally applicable to the corresponding
feature at the second end of the carton. The second end may
comprise a corresponding set of panels to the first end for
providing a closed end incorporating a sloping face. The second
triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton may provide a
flat end face i.e. endmost face at the second end of the carton. As
described in relation to the first end, preferably the or each lid
support panel underlying the second triangular lid panel at the
second end of the carton has an edge which is aligned with a line
extending across the interior of the carton at the second end i.e.
a diagonal line. Preferably the line does not extend beyond, and
most preferably corresponds to the position of the foldline
connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular
lid panel at the second end of the carton (in the assembled
carton). The arrangement may incorporate any of the features
described in relation to the first end of the carton.
[0039] It will be appreciated that while in preferred embodiments
the components are associated with the same side panels as the
corresponding components at the first end of the carton e.g. the
first triangular lid panel at each end is connected to the opposed
ends of the same (first) side panel etc., this is not necessarily
the case, and the "a first one of the side panels" at the second
end of the carton need not be the first side panel to which the
first triangular lid panel is connected at the first end of the
carton.
[0040] In some preferred embodiments the carton is symmetrical
about a transverse centreline, and preferably also about a
longitudinal centreline.
[0041] In any of its aspects or embodiments the carton may be of
any suitable dimensions, depending upon the intended purpose of the
carton.
[0042] The carton is made from a foldable sheet material such as
cardboard, paperboard or other lightweight foldable sheet material.
However, any suitable sheet material may be used, for example a
plastics material. The plastics material should be of appropriate
rigidity to enable the material to be folded, while maintaining the
shape of the carton. The carton may comprise any suitable
arrangement of construction flaps or other means to retain the
respective parts in its dimensional state.
[0043] The carton may be made from a number of separate parts
assembled together in an appropriate manner. Preferably the carton
is constructed from a blank of material. The blank is preferably a
single piece blank.
[0044] As mentioned above, the carton is advantageously assembled
using a fully automated process. In accordance with a further
aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting the
carton in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the
invention herein described from a blank of foldable sheet material,
wherein the method is performed entirely by machine.
[0045] The present invention extends to a blank of foldable sheet
material for making a carton in accordance with the invention in
any of its aspects or embodiments, preferably wherein the blank is
a single piece blank. The present invention in this further aspect
may include any or all of the features described in relation to the
earlier aspects and embodiments of the invention i.e. for providing
a carton having any of the features earlier described.
[0046] The blank comprises a plurality of side panels for providing
the side panels of the erected carton, a first triangular lid panel
for providing the first triangular lid panel which provides the
sloping face of the carton at the first end thereof, the first
triangular lid panel of the blank being connected to the end of a
first one of the side panels of the blank along a foldline at an
end which will be located at the first end of the carton, the blank
further comprising a second triangular lid panel connected to the
first triangular lid panel along a foldline for providing the
second triangular lid panel providing the end face for the carton
at the first end thereof, the blank further comprising a plurality
of lid support panels for providing the lid support panels of the
carton, the lid support panels of the blank being foldable to
underlie the first and second triangular lid panels at the first
end of the carton in the erected carton. It will be appreciated
that each of the lid support panels underlies at least one, and
preferably only one of the triangular lid panels.
[0047] The present invention also extends to a method of erecting
the blank in accordance with these further aspects and embodiments
of the invention to provide a carton in accordance with the
invention. The method is preferably performed entirely by machine
i.e. is a fully automated method. The method may comprise partially
erecting the blank to provide a partially erected carton having
side panels, folding the lid support panels toward the interior of
the partially erected carton, folding the first triangular lid
panel about the foldline connecting the first triangular lid panel
to the first side panel, and folding the second triangular lid
panel about the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel
to the first triangular lid panel, and securing (preferably
adhesively) each of the first and second triangular lid panels to
one or more lid support panel underlying the respective lid support
panel to provide a closed first end to the carton. Although in the
exemplary embodiments described, the securing of a triangular lid
panel to underlying lid support panel(s) is achieved through
adhesive applied to the underlying lid support panel(s), it is
envisaged that this may alternatively be achieved through applying
adhesive to the triangular lid panel alternatively or additionally
to applying adhesive to the lid support panel(s).
[0048] It will be appreciated that the first and second triangular
lid panels may be handled as one component, and the folding about
the foldline connecting the first triangular lid panel to the first
side panel, and the foldline connecting the second triangular lid
panel to the first triangular lid panel may take place as part of
the action of drawing the first and second triangular lid panels
over the lid support panels for use in closing the end of the
carton. Such a step is ideally suited to being performed by a
machine.
[0049] Preferably each lid support panel is folded in turn.
Preferably adhesive is applied to at least some, and optionally
each lid support panel, as the lid support panel is folded.
[0050] It will also be appreciated that the first or second
triangular lid support panel may be secured to one or more of the
underlying lid support panels where multiple lid support panels
underlie the triangular lid panel. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, only a single lid support panel may underlie the or
each triangular lid support panel. Various arrangements are
discussed above.
[0051] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there
is provided a blank of foldable sheet material for making a carton
having a first end and a second end, a plurality of side panels,
and a sloping face at the first end of the carton, wherein the
sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the first
triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of a
first one of the side panels at the first end of the carton, the
carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel at the
first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton,
wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel is
connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel along
a foldline, the carton further comprising a plurality of lid
support panels underlying the first and second triangular lid
panels at the first end of the carton; [0052] wherein the blank
comprises a plurality of side panels for providing the side panels
of the erected carton, a first triangular lid panel for providing
the first triangular lid panel which provides the sloping face of
the carton at the first end thereof, the first triangular lid panel
of the blank being connected along a foldline to the end of a first
one of the side panels of the blank at an end which will be located
at the first end of the carton, the blank further comprising a
second triangular lid panel connected to the first triangular lid
panel along a foldline for providing the second triangular lid
panel providing the end face for the carton at the first end
thereof, the blank further comprising a plurality of lid support
panels for providing the lid support panels of the carton, the lid
support panels of the blank being foldable to underlie the first
and second triangular lid panels in the erected carton. Preferably
the blank is a single piece blank.
[0053] The present invention also extends to a method of erecting
the blank in accordance with this further aspect of the invention
to provide the carton. The method may comprise partially erecting
the blank to provide a partially erected carton having side panels,
folding the lid support panels toward the interior of the partially
erected carton, folding the first triangular lid panel about the
foldline connecting the lid panel to the first side panel, folding
the second triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting the
lid panel to the first triangular lid panel, and securing each of
the first and second triangular lid panels to one or more lid
support panel underlying the respective triangular lid panel to
provide a closed first end to the carton. The partially erected
carton having side panels will have closed sides defined by the
side panels.
[0054] The method is preferably a fully automated method. The
method may comprise folding a lid support panel toward the interior
of the partially erected carton and applying adhesive thereto in a
single step, and securing the first triangular lid panel thereto,
and/or folding a lid support panel toward the interior of the
partially erected carton and applying adhesive thereto in a single
step, and securing the second triangular lid panel thereto.
Preferably each lid support panel is folded in turn. Preferably
adhesive is applied to at least some, and optionally each lid
support panel, as the lid support panel is folded. It is
advantageous to fold a lid support panel and apply adhesive thereto
in a single step using a machine. However, it will be appreciated
that the sequence of folding panels, the sequence of applying
adhesive, and/or the location(s) of adhesive applied may vary
depending upon the machinery e.g. packing line used. For example,
it is envisaged that adhesive may additionally or alternatively be
applied to the first or second triangular lid panel. This could be
carried out with or without application of adhesive to the lid
support panel(s). For example, adhesive could be applied only to
the triangular lid panels as part of a final closure step. However,
application of adhesive to the lid support panel(s), (and in
embodiments to the lid support panel(s) and not the triangular lid
panels), may be advantageous in terms of ease of construction of
the carton using a machine, as adhesive may be more readily applied
to the relevant surface of the lid support panel as part of a
single step in which the panel is also folded.
[0055] The blank in accordance with these further aspects and
embodiments, and the method of erecting the blank, may include any
or all of the features described in the earlier aspects and
embodiments relating to a blank, and may include features for
providing any of the features described in relation to the carton
in the earlier aspects of the invention.
[0056] In accordance with any of the further aspects or embodiments
of the invention relating to a blank, the side panels of the blank
are arranged in a row. The blank preferably comprises first,
second, third and fourth side panels for providing first, second,
third and fourth side panels of the carton. While any suitable
arrangement may be used which enables the carton to be partially
erected into a three-dimensional form, the first and second side
panels, second and third side panels, and first and fourth panels
are preferably connected to one another respectively by foldlines.
The foldlines are parallel. The first and second side panels
provide intermediate panels connected along foldlines at each side
edge of the side panel to an adjacent one of the panels. The first
and fourth side panels provide end panels of the blank. A glue flap
is preferably connected to a side edge of the third side panel
along a foldline for connection to the fourth side panel in
erecting the carton. Preferably the first and second side panels
are trapezoidal in shape. The side panels are connected along the
shorter parallel edges of the trapezoids. Preferably the third and
fourth side panels are parallelograms.
[0057] The step of partially erecting the blank to provide a
partially erected carton may, in embodiments, comprise folding the
blank along the foldlines connecting the first and second, second
and third, and first and fourth side panels respectively, and
securing the glue flap attached to the third side panel to the
fourth side panel to provide a three dimensional semi-erected
carton having side panels (i.e. having closed sides defined by the
side panels).
[0058] Whatever the construction of the blank, preferably a lid
support panel is connected to the end edge of each one of the side
panels of the carton other than the first side panel to which the
first triangular panel is attached, each lid support panel being
connected to its respective side panel along a respective foldline
for use in closing the first end. In preferred embodiments in which
the blank comprises first, second, third and fourth side panels,
the blank may include a first lid support panel connected to the
end edge of the second side panel along a foldline, a second lid
support panel connected to the end edge of the third side panel
along a foldline, and a third lid support panel connected to an end
edge of the fourth side panel along a foldline at the ends of the
side panels which will be located at the first end of the
carton.
[0059] In these embodiments in which the blank comprises first,
second and third lid support panels, the method of erecting the
blank may comprise partially erecting the blank to provide a
partially erected carton having side panels;
folding the third lid support panel toward the interior of the
partially erected carton, and optionally applying adhesive to the
outer surface of the third lid support panel; then folding the
second lid support panel toward the interior of the carton so as to
overlie at least a portion of the third lid support panel, and
applying adhesive to the outer surface of the second lid support
panel; and, before or after said folding the third lid support
panel and folding the second lid support panel to overlie at least
a portion of the second lid support panel, folding the first lid
support panel toward the interior of the partially erected carton,
and applying adhesive to the outer surface of the first lid support
panel; and then folding the first triangular lid panel about the
foldline connecting it to the first side panel, and the second
triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting it to the first
triangular lid panel, and adhesively securing the first triangular
lid panel to the first lid support panel and the second triangular
lid panel to the second lid support panel to provide a closed first
end to the carton. The second triangular lid panel may also be
adhesively secured to the third lid support panel. Folding each of
the lid support panels individually in this manner has been found
to be particularly suited to machine implementation. It will be
seen that in some exemplary embodiments, the method involves
folding the lid support panels in the following order; first lid
support panel, third lid support panel, second lid support panel,
while in other exemplary embodiments the method may involve folding
the lid support panels in the order; third lid support panel,
second lid support panel, first lid support panel. Preferably the
folding of a lid support panel and the application of adhesive
thereto is carried out in a single step i.e. by a machine. However,
as described above, the sequence of folding the lid support panels,
and the location or timing of application of adhesive may vary
depending upon the machinery used.
[0060] As described above, in any of the embodiments of the
invention, preferably, when folded, the or each lid support panel
underlying the second triangular lid panel has an edge which is
aligned with a line extending across the interior of the carton at
the first end i.e. a diagonal line. Preferably a plurality of lid
support panels are provided underlying the second triangular lid
panel having edges aligned with one another along the (same) line.
Preferably the line does not extend beyond, and most preferably
corresponds to the position of the foldline connecting the second
triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel (in the
assembled carton). Preferably a plurality of lid support panels are
provided underlying the second triangular lid panel (i.e. the
second and third lid support panels) having edges aligned with one
another along a line corresponding to the position of the foldline
connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular
lid panel (in the assembled carton). The method may therefore
involve folding the lid support panel(s) so that they are aligned
in any of the above manners.
[0061] Regardless of the configuration of side panels and other
panels, the blank preferably comprises a plurality of panels for
providing a closed second end of the erected carton. Where the
blank comprises first, second, third and fourth side panels,
preferably one panel for use in providing the closed second end of
the carton is connected to each one of the first, second, third and
fourth panels along respective foldlines. In some embodiments the
carton may not include a sloping face at the second end thereof.
The panels may then be for providing a flat second end to the
erected carton. In other embodiments the carton also has a sloping
face at the second end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is
defined by a first triangular lid panel at the second end of the
carton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel is
connected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side
panels at the end of the side panel at the second end of the
carton, the carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel
at the second end of the carton providing an end face for the
carton at the second end thereof, wherein a first edge of the
second triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of the
first triangular lid panel along a foldline, the carton further
comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first
and second triangular lid panels at the second end of the
carton.
[0062] The blank may then comprise a first triangular lid panel for
providing the first triangular lid panel which provides the sloping
face of the carton at the second end thereof, the first triangular
lid panel of the blank being connected to the end of a first one of
the side panels of the blank along a foldline at the end of the
blank which will provide the second end of the carton, the blank
further comprising a second triangular lid panel connected to the
first triangular lid panel along a foldline for providing the
second triangular lid panel providing the end face for the carton
at the second end thereof, the blank further comprising a plurality
of lid support panels for providing the lid support panels of the
carton at the second end thereof, the lid support panels of the
blank being foldable to underlie the first and second triangular
lid panels at the second end of the carton in the erected
carton.
[0063] In any of the embodiments of the invention, whether or not
the second end of the carton includes a sloping face, the method of
erecting the blank may comprise using the plurality of panels for
providing a closed second end to the carton to close the second end
of the carton. This may be carried out as part of the step of
providing the partially erected carton. Thus, such a method may
comprise partially erecting the blank to provide a partially
erected carton having a closed second end and closed sides. It will
be appreciated that the step of closing the second end may be
carried out before, simultaneously with, or after the step of
closing the first end of the carton. In embodiments in which the
carton does not include a sloping face at the second end, this step
is preferably carried out before the step of closing the first
end.
[0064] Where the second end comprises a sloping face, the method of
erecting the blank may comprise folding the lid support panels
toward the interior of the partially erected carton at the second
end thereof, folding the first triangular lid panel about the
foldline connecting the lid panel to the first side panel, folding
the second triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting the
second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel, and
securing each of the first and second triangular lid panels to one
or more lid support panel underlying the respective triangular lid
panel to provide a closed second end to the carton.
[0065] Whatever the configuration of the second end, the steps
involved in providing the side panels (i.e. closed sides defined by
the side panels) and the closed second end of the carton during
erection thereof may be performed sequentially in any order, or
simultaneously. Preferably in embodiments of the blank having
first, second, third and fourth side panels with a glue flap
connected to the third side panel, the glue flap is secured to the
fourth side panel to provide the semi-erected carton having closed
sides, and the panels then used to close the second end of the
erected carton.
[0066] As mentioned above, any suitable steps may be used in
providing the partially erected carton, and it is not necessary
that the blank is of the configuration of the examples set out
above, or that it is erected as described in the above exemplary
arrangements. However, the partially erected carton is obtained,
the present invention is concerned with the way in which the first
end (and in some embodiments, the second end) thereof is closed, so
as to provide a sloping face at the respective end.
[0067] Any reference to the first and second ends of the carton may
be replaced by a reference to the top and bottom ends thereof
respectively. It will be appreciated that references to top,
bottom, upper etc. or first and second end, herein are not intended
to confer any limitation in the intended orientation of the carton
in use, or its function, but serve to distinguish the ends of the
carton from one another. For example, where the first end is
referred to as a top end of the carton, the sloping face is an
upper sloping face, a first edge of the first triangular lid panel
being connected along a foldline to the top of a first one of the
side panels, and the second triangular panel provides a top face of
the carton.
[0068] In those embodiments including first, second and third lid
support panels, the application of adhesive to the second lid
support panel is optional, but may be used to provide additional
closure strength to the applicable end of the carton. A fold line
as referred to herein refers to any line about which components
have been folded. The fold line may comprise a line of weakness,
creaseline and/or perforations. If not explicitly stated, and
unless inconsistent therewith, any connection described herein may
be about a foldline.
[0069] The present invention in accordance with any of its further
aspects or embodiments may include any of the features described in
reference to other aspects or embodiments of the invention to the
extent it is not mutually inconsistent therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0070] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above and one side showing
a carton in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0072] FIG. 2 is a view of the carton shown in FIG. 1 from the
front;
[0073] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton shown in FIG. 1
from the same side as FIG. 1;
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a blank for forming the carton of FIG. 1 from
the surface that will form the exterior of the carton;
[0075] FIG. 5 shows a first stage in an embodiment of a process of
closing the top end of the semi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce
the carton of FIG. 1;
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a second stage in the process of closing the
top end of the semi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton
of FIG. 1;
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a third stage in the process of closing the top
end of the semi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton of
FIG. 1;
[0078] FIG. 8 shows a fourth stage in the process of closing the
top end of the semi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton
of FIG. 1;
[0079] FIG. 9 illustrates a carton from above in accordance with a
second embodiment of the invention;
[0080] and
[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates a blank for use in providing the carton
of FIG. 9.
[0082] A carton in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention will be described by reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1-3
show the erected carton, and FIG. 4 shows the blank 48 from which
the carton is erected. The carton is formed from a single piece
blank. The carton includes first, second, third and fourth side
panels 7, 9, 11 and 13 (the fourth side panel not shown in FIGS.
1-3). A first edge of a first triangular lid panel 3 is connected
to the first side panel 7 along a first foldline 15. A second edge
of the first triangular lid panel 3 is connected to a first edge of
a second triangular lid panel 5 along a second foldline 17. The
first and second triangular lid panels are adhesively secured to
underlying ones of a plurality of lid support panels to close the
top of the carton. The second triangular lid panel is in the form
of a flap. The lid support panels may be seen in FIG. 4, and are
described in more detail below. The first triangular lid panel 3
provides a sloping upper face of the carton, while the second
triangular lid panel 5 provides a flat top face to the carton.
[0083] The first and second side panels 7, 9 are trapezoidal in
shape, and are connected to one another along the shorter parallel
edges of the trapezoids along a third foldline 19. The third and
fourth side panels 11, 13 are rectangular in shape. The second side
panel 9 is connected to the third side panel 11 along a fourth
foldline 21. Although not shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first side panel
7 is connected to the fourth side panel 13 along a fifth foldline
23. The fourth side panel 13 is connected to the third side panel
11 by adhesively securing a glue flap 27 attached to the third side
panel 11 to the interior of the fourth side panel 13. The glue flap
27 is connected to the third side panel 11 along a sixth foldline
28.
[0084] A first lid support panel 29 is attached to the top edge of
the second side panel 9 along a seventh foldline 31. A second lid
support panel 33 is connected to the top of the third side panel 11
along an eighth foldline 35. A third lid support panel 37 is
connected to the top of the fourth side panel 13 along a ninth
foldline 39. The lid support panels are in the form of flaps. The
shape and size of the lid support panels may vary from the
particular example illustrated.
[0085] Each of the first, second, third and fourth side panels has
a panel 41, 43, 45, 47 respectively connected to the bottom edge
thereof along a foldline 49, 51, 55, 53 which are used to provide a
closed bottom end to the carton. The panel 41 provides the flat
bottom panel of the carton, with the panels 43, 45, 47 underlying
the panel as known in the art.
[0086] Erection of the blank 48 shown in FIG. 4 to provide the
carton of FIGS. 1-3 will now be described by reference to FIGS.
5-8. FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an exemplary sequence of steps used in
closing the top end of the semi erected carton. The process of
erecting the carton from the blank is carried out entirely by a
machine, i.e. is a fully automated process, and does not require
any steps to be manually performed.
[0087] The construction of the blank to provide a semi-erected
carton will not be described in detail. Briefly, the blank is
partially erected to provide the semi erected carton of FIG. 5. The
blank is folded along the third, fourth, and fifth foldlines 19,
21, 23 to adopt a three dimensional configuration, and the exterior
of the glue flap 27 adhesively secured to the interior of the
fourth side panel 13 to retain the semi erected carton in a 3
dimensional configuration having closed sides. The panels 41, 43,
45, 47 are used to provide a closed bottom end to the semi-erected
carton.
[0088] A particular sequence of steps which may be used to provide
a closed top end to the carton will now be described. This
particular sequence is merely exemplary, and it will be appreciated
that other sequences may be used depending upon factors such as the
type of machinery used to assemble the carton. In the first step,
as shown in FIG. 5, the first lid support panel 29 is folded along
the seventh foldline 31 toward the interior of the semi erected
carton in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5, and adhesive
is applied to the upper surface thereof. The application of
adhesive and folding of the lid support panel may be accomplished
in a single step by a machine.
[0089] In the second step, as shown in FIG. 6, the third lid
support panel 37 is folded inwardly in the direction of the arrow
in FIG. 6 toward the interior of the partially erected carton along
the ninth foldline 39. Adhesive may optionally be applied to the
upper surface of the third lid support panel 37 if it is desired to
provide the panel with additional closure strength. The folding of
the third lid support panel 37 and the application of adhesive
thereto may be accomplished in a single step by a machine.
[0090] In the third step, as shown in FIG. 7, the second lid
support panel 33 is folded in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7
along the eighth foldline 35 toward the interior of the partially
erected carton, so as to overlie a portion of the third lid support
panel 37. Adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the second
lid support panel 33. The application of adhesive and folding of
the lid support panel may be accomplished in a single step by a
machine.
[0091] As may be seen in FIG. 7, once folded, edges of the second
and third lid support panels 33, 37 are aligned along a line A-A
extending across the diagonal of the open end of the carton. This
line corresponds to the position of the foldline 17 connecting the
second triangular lid panel 5 to the first triangular lid panel 3
when the first and second triangular lid panels are folded over to
close the top of the carton in the fourth and final step. This
prevents the lid support panels from interfering with the ability
to fold the second triangular lid panel into position.
[0092] In the fourth and final step, as shown in FIG. 8, the first
and second triangular lid panels 3, 5 are folded in the direction
of the arrow about the first and second foldlines 15, 17 as they
are brought up to close the top of the carton. Folding may occur
first about the first foldline 15 and then about the second
foldline 17. The second triangular lid panel is adhesively secured
to the upper surface of the second lid support panel 33, and
optionally to an exposed portion of the third lid support panel 37.
The first triangular lid panel 3 is adhesively secured to the upper
surface of the first lid support panel 29.
[0093] The first and second triangular lid panels may be handled as
one unit, as they are folded over to close the top of the carton,
facilitating performance of this step by a machine.
[0094] In an alternative exemplary sequence, rather than folding
the first lid support panel 29 as an initial step before folding
the third and second lid support panels 37, 33, the folding
sequence may commence with the folding of the third lid support
panel 37, with the second lid support panel 33 being folded second,
and the first lid support panel 29 being folded third, before the
first and second triangular lid panels are brought up to close the
top of the carton. The folding of each lid support panel, and the
application of adhesive thereto may be in accordance with the
earlier embodiment described.
[0095] It will be appreciated that while the end of the carton with
the sloping face has been described as the top end thereof, this
does not confer any limitation in terms of function or use, and the
end may alternatively be referred to as a first end.
[0096] It will be appreciated that as well as the possible
variation in the sequence of folding of panels, the application of
adhesive to the lid support panels and triangular lid panels may
differ from that described in the above examples, in terms of the
location and/or the timing of adhesive application e.g. depending
upon the machinery, e.g. packing line used. It is not necessary
that adhesive be applied to each of the lid support panels provided
that the triangular lid panels may ultimately be secured in
position. Alternatively or additionally adhesive may be applied to
the first or second triangular lid panels. For example it is
envisaged that adhesive could be applied only to the first and
second triangular lid panels as part of the final closure step (and
not to the underlying lid support panels), or might only be applied
to the second triangular lid panel. Application of adhesive to the
outer surface of a lid support panel is advantageous as this may be
achieved at the same time as folding the lid support panel in an
automated process.
[0097] The alignment of the edges of the lid support panels
underlying the second triangular lid panel across a diagonal of the
open end of the carton, and preferably so as to be aligned with the
foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first
triangular lid panel is an advantageous feature in its own right,
and is not limited to the particular embodiment, or folding
sequence illustrated. Similar arrangements may be obtained using
different shaped and sized lid support panels to those
illustrated.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, a carton 50 in accordance with a second
embodiment of the invention is shown. This carton is similar to
that of the first embodiment, but includes a sloping face 56, 58 at
both a first 52 and second 54 end thereof. The arrangement used to
provide the sloping face at each end of the carton 50 is identical
to that used to provide the sloping face at the top end of the
carton of the earlier embodiment. Each sloping face 56, 58 is
provided by a respective first triangular lid panel at the
applicable end of the carton 50. The first triangular lid panel at
each end extends toward the opposite end of the carton from an end
face of the carton provided by a respective second triangular lid
panel connected along a foldline to the applicable first triangular
lid panel (not visible in FIG. 9).
[0099] FIG. 10 illustrates a blank 60 which may be used to provide
the carton 50. The blank includes identical sets of panels and
flaps at each end 62, 64 for providing the closed first and second
ends 52, 54 of the carton respectively. It will be appreciated that
in this embodiment, the first and second ends of the carton are
interchangeable, and the carton is symmetrical about a transverse
(and longitudinal axis). The components corresponding to those of
the blank 48 of the earlier embodiment are given corresponding
reference numerals. The components for providing the closed second
end of the carton are given the same reference numerals as those
associated with the corresponding structure for providing the first
closed end of the carton, but annotated by a "''" symbol. Thus, the
first triangular lid panel at the second end is 3', the second
triangular lid panel at the second end 5', and the second, third
and fourth lid support panels at the second end are 29', 33' and
37' respectively, and so on. The corresponding foldlines are
labelled in a corresponding manner.
[0100] The method of using the set of flaps and panels 64 at the
second end to provide the second closed end incorporating a sloping
face may be in accordance with any of the embodiments described in
relation to using the set of panels and flaps at the top end of the
embodiment of the earlier blank 48 to provide a closed top end to
the earlier carton. Thus, the steps involved in using the sets of
flaps and panels 62, 64 of the blank 60 for providing the closed
first and second ends of the carton may be identical, and may be in
accordance with the earlier embodiment. The closing of the first
end and second end may occur in any order, or simultaneously.
[0101] While in the embodiment illustrated the first triangular lid
panel, and hence the lid support panels, for providing the second
closed end including a sloping face, are associated with the same
side panels to which the corresponding components for providing the
first closed end including a sloping face are associated, this need
not be the case.
* * * * *