U.S. patent application number 17/259324 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for carton and blank therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Gregory P. Hayter, Andrew T. Peeler, Matthew E. Zacherle.
Application Number | 20210229884 17/259324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005533927 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210229884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peeler; Andrew T. ; et
al. |
July 29, 2021 |
CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one
or more articles and a blank (210) for forming the carton. The
carton may have at least one display window (D) for presentation of
an article therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels
forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall (224A,
222A), a first side wall, abase wall, and a second side wall. The
carton comprises a bottom opening (A2) defined, at least, in the
bottom wall (224B, 222B). The bottom opening is vertically aligned
with the at least one article when the at least one article is
received in the carton such that the at least one article is
accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with
respect to the bottom wall.
Inventors: |
Peeler; Andrew T.; (Henrico,
VA) ; Hayter; Gregory P.; (Atlanta, GA) ;
Zacherle; Matthew E.; (Chesterfield, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WestRock Packaging Systems,
LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000005533927 |
Appl. No.: |
17/259324 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
June 28, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2019/039706 |
371 Date: |
January 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62696487 |
Jul 11, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00753
20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 71/0022 20130101; B65D
2571/00728 20130101; B65D 2571/0087 20130101; B65D 2571/00487
20130101; B65D 2571/00907 20130101; B65D 2571/00524 20130101; B65D
2571/00388 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D 2571/00845 20130101;
B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00308 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/58 20060101
B65D071/58; B65D 71/36 20060101 B65D071/36 |
Claims
1. A carton for holding a plurality of articles, the carton
comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton, the panels comprising: at least
one bottom panel; a front panel; a back panel; and at least two end
panels; a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a
front portion and a back portion; and at least one lateral divider
hingedly connected to the partition wall and extending to one of
the front and back panels and spaced apart from the at least two
end panels to divide one of the front and back portions into at
least two article-receiving spaces; the at least one lateral
divider comprising: a first flap formed at least in part from the
partition wall; and a second flap struck from the one of the front
and back panels to define a window in the one of the front and back
panels; wherein the second flap is hingedly connected to the one of
the front and back panels and extends towards the partition wall,
the first flap comprises: a securing portion attached to the second
flap in face contacting relationship; and a beveled portion
hingedly connected to the securing portion and extending to the
partition wall, the bevelled portion being hingedly connected to
the partition wall and being disposed obliquely to the securing
portion and to the partition wall.
2. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton
comprising: a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular
structure and a bottom wall for closing the lower end of the
tubular structure, the tubular structure including: a first end
wall; a first side wall; a second end wall; and a second side wall;
a display window defined at least in the first side wall for
display of at least one article; and a bottom opening defined, at
least, in the bottom wall; wherein the bottom opening is vertically
aligned with the at least one article when the at least one article
is received in the carton such that the at least one article is
accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with
respect to the bottom wall.
3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the bottom opening is
vertically aligned substantially with the display window.
4. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the tubular structure
comprises an open upper end.
5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the carton is a
basket-style carrier.
6. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the carton comprises a
partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front
portion and a back portion, the partition wall extending through
the open upper end.
7. A carton according to claim 4 comprising at least one article
having a top end, wherein the partition wall comprises an upper end
disposed at an elevation above open upper end and above top end of
the at least one article.
8. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the at least one article
comprises a top closure defining the top end of the article.
9. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the carton is a
crate-style carrier.
10. A carton according to claim 2 comprising a top wall which fully
closes the open end of the tubular structure.
11. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the carton comprises: a
partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front
portion and a back portion; and at least one lateral divider
hingedly connected to the partition wall and extending to one of
the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the least two
end walls to divide one of the front and back portions into at
least two article-receiving spaces; the at least one lateral
divider comprising: a first flap formed at least in part from the
partition wall; and a second flap struck from the one of the first
and second side walls to define a window in the one of the first
and second side walls; wherein the second flap is hingedly
connected to the one of the first and second side walls and extends
towards the partition wall, the first flap comprises: a securing
portion attached to the second flap in face contacting
relationship; and a bevelled portion hingedly connected to the
securing portion and extending to the partition wall, the bevelled
portion being hingedly connected to the partition wall and being
disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition
wall.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprises a plurality
of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom
panel for closing the lower end of the tubular structure, the
plurality of panels includes: a first end wall panel, a first side
wall panel, a second end wall panel and a second side wall panel,
the blank comprises a display window defined at least in the first
side wall panel for display of at least one article and a bottom
opening defined, at least, in the bottom panel, the bottom opening
is vertically aligned with the display window such that when the
blank is in a set up condition, an article is accessible through
the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the
bottom wall.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for
forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the
invention relates to a carrier having a display window for
presentation of an article therein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for
carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and
are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a
group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental
considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as
little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the
materials from which they are formed as possible. Further
considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability
for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is
desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the
carton.
[0003] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an
article carrier having a display window for displaying an article
within the carrier, wherein the orientation of the article can be
adjusted whilst within the carrier.
[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the
field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.
SUMMARY
[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for
packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of
panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the
carton. The plurality of panels including: at least one bottom
panel, a front panel, a back panel and at least two end panels. The
carton comprises a partition wall dividing the interior of the
carton into a front portion and a back portion. At least one
lateral divider is hingedly connected to the partition wall and
extends to one of the front and back panels. The at least one
lateral divider is spaced apart from the least two end panels to
divide one of the front and back portions into at least two
article-receiving spaces or cells. The at least one lateral divider
comprises a first flap and a second flap. The first flap is formed
at least in part from the partition wall. The second flap is struck
from the one of the front and back panels to define a window in the
one of the front and back panels. The second flap is hingedly
connected to the one of the front and back panels and extends
towards the partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing
portion attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship
thereto. The first flap comprises a bevelled portion hingedly
connected to the securing portion and extending to the partition
wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly connected to the partition
wall and is disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the
partition wall.
[0006] A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for
packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of
panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom wall for
closing the lower end of the tubular structure. The tubular
structure includes: a first end wall, a first side wall, a second
end wall and a second side wall. The carton comprises a display
window defined at least in the first side wall for display of at
least one article and a bottom opening defined, at least, in the
bottom wall. The bottom opening is vertically aligned with the at
least one article when the at least one article is received in the
carton such that the at least one article is accessible through the
bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom
wall.
[0007] Optionally, the bottom opening is vertically aligned
substantially with the display window.
[0008] Optionally, the tubular structure comprises an open upper
end.
[0009] Optionally, the carton is a basket-style carrier.
[0010] Optionally, the carton comprises a partition wall dividing
the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion,
the partition wall extending through the open upper end.
[0011] Optionally, the carton comprises at least one article having
a top end, wherein the partition wall comprises an upper end
disposed at an elevation above open upper end and above top end of
the at least one article.
[0012] Optionally, the at least one article comprises a top closure
defining the top end of the article.
[0013] Optionally, the carton is a crate-style carrier.
[0014] Optionally, the carton comprises a top wall which fully
closes the open end of the tubular structure.
[0015] Optionally, the carton comprises a partition wall dividing
the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion
and at least one lateral divider hingedly connected to the
partition wall and extending to one of the first and second side
walls and spaced apart from the least two end walls to divide one
of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving
spaces. The at least one lateral divider comprises a first flap and
a second flap. The first flap is formed at least in part from the
partition wall and the second flap is struck from the one of the
first and second side walls to define a window in the one of the
first and second side walls. The second flap is hingedly connected
to the one of the first and second side walls and extends towards
the partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing portion
attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship and a
bevelled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and
extending to the partition wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly
connected to the partition wall and is disposed obliquely to the
securing portion and to the partition wall.
[0016] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for
forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming
walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side
wall, a base wall, and a second side wall. The blank comprises a
display window defined in at least the first side wall for display
of at least one article. A bottom opening is defined in at least
the base wall to access said at least one article to raise and
lower the elevation thereof such that the upper portion of said at
least one article is movable upward and downward through the top
opening.
[0017] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming
a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming
walls of a carton which walls extends at least partially around an
interior of the carton in asset up condition. The plurality of
panels including: at least one bottom panel, a front panel, a back
panel and at least two end panels. The blank comprises a partition
wall for dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion
and a back portion. At least one lateral divider is hingedly
connected to the partition wall and is configured to extend to one
of the front and back panels. The at least one lateral divider is
arranged to be spaced apart from the least two end panels to divide
one of the front and back portions into at least two
article-receiving spaces or cells in a set up condition. The at
least one lateral divider comprises a first flap and a second flap.
The first flap is formed at least in part from the partition wall.
The second flap is struck from the one of the front and back panels
to define, at least in part, a window in the one of the front and
back panels. The second flap is hingedly connected to the one of
the front and back panels and is configured to extend towards the
partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing portion
arranged to be attached to the second flap in face contacting
relationship thereto. The first flap comprises a bevelled portion
hingedly connected to the securing portion and configured to extend
to the partition wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly connected
to the partition wall and is arranged to be disposed obliquely to
the securing portion and to the partition wall in setup
condition.
[0018] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming
a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming
walls of a tubular structure and a bottom panel for closing the
lower end of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels
includes a first end wall panel, a first side wall panel, a second
end wall panel and a second side wall panel. The blank comprises a
display window defined at least in the first side wall panel for
display of at least one article and a bottom opening defined, at
least, in the bottom panel. The bottom opening is vertically
aligned with the display window such that in set up condition an
article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and
lowered with respect to the bottom wall.
[0019] Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or
intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features
and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims
and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered
or taken independently or in any combination thereof.
[0020] Features or elements described in connection with, or
relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments
unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more
features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into,
or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein,
said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be
included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features
or elements of said other embodiment.
[0021] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment
disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features
of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of
features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a first embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2
in which a displayed article has been manipulated within the carton
such that its orientation is adjustable;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a second embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 5A is a perspective view from above of a portion of the
carton of FIG. 5 loaded with articles and showing a divider
structure;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a third embodiment; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the
package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be
understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of
the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be
implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the
ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word
"exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve
as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will
be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described
herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The
Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be
exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components.
Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily
described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present
disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the
invention.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank
10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, (as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3), for containing and carrying a group of primary products
such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred
to as articles B, (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The blank 10 forms a
secondary package for packaging at least one primary product
container or primary package.
[0033] FIGS. 4 to 7, illustrate alternative blanks 110; 210 capable
of forming a carton or carrier (190, 290), for containing and
carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to,
bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B.
[0034] The blanks 10; 110 each form a secondary package of the
basket-carrier style for packaging at least article B.
[0035] The blank 210 forms a secondary package of the gable top
style for packaging at least one article B.
[0036] The carriers 90; 190; 290 each form a tubular structure
having opposed side and end walls which can be loaded through an
upper, or lower, open end. The carriers 90; 190; 290 each comprise
a base wall which closes the lower end of the tubular
structure.
[0037] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and
"carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the
various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for
engaging and carrying articles B. It is contemplated that the
teachings of the invention can be applied to various product
containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.
Exemplary containers include bottles B (for example metallic, glass
or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins,
pouches, packets and the like.
[0038] The blanks 10; 110; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable
substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term
"suitable substrate" includes all manner of foldable sheet material
such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic,
combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that
one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for
example, to provide the carrier structures 90; 190; 290 described
in more detail below.
[0039] The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290 described
herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard,
which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its
strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant
NATRALOCK.RTM. paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be
noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more
than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package.
Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different
characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of
the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may
be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay
coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability.
The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the
other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be
otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of
tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other
desired functional properties.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are
configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging
an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment
illustrated the arrangement is a 2.times.4 matrix or array. In the
illustrated embodiment two rows of four articles B are provided.
The articles B are 16 oz (approx. 473 ml) aluminium bottles.
Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210 can be configured to form a
carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging other types, number and size of
articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different
arrangement or configuration.
[0041] The present invention relates generally to a carton 90; 190;
290 for packaging articles B which carton 90; 190; 290 comprises an
article engaging arrangement for engaging an article B. The
embodiments described herein further comprise a viewing window
arrangement or display window struck from a side wall; from at
least one end wall; or from both a side wall and an end wall of the
carton 90; 190; 290. The window presents, for view, a substantial
portion of an article B contained within the carton 90; 190; 290,
adjacent to a wall from which the window arrangement is struck.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for
forming a carton 90 (see FIG. 2) according to a first embodiment.
The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18,
20 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels
12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a first outer end panel 12 (also
referred to as "outer layer 12"), a first side panel 14, a second
end panel 16, a second side panel 18, and a first inner end panel
(also referred to as "securing panel 20" and "inner layer 20"). The
plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 may be arranged in a linear
series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15,
17, 19.
[0043] The blank 10 comprises a first base panel 26a hinged to the
first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 25a. The blank 10 comprises a second base panel 26b hinged to
the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 25b.
[0044] The first and second base panels 26a, 26b are optionally
engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form
a composite base wall 26a/26b of the carrier 90. The blank 10 may
comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first
base panel 26a to the second base panel 26b. The first base panel
26a may comprise at least one first part M of the complementary
locking mechanism. The second base panel 26b may comprise at least
one second part F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 26a comprises five
male tabs M struck therefrom so as to be defined within the first
base panel 26a. Each of the male tabs M is hingedly connected to
the first base panel 26a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line.
[0045] The second part F of the complementary locking mechanism
forms a receiver. The receiver comprises an opening or slot for
receiving the male tab M. The second base panel 26b comprises five
optional female tabs each defining an opening or slot in the second
base panel 26b; the female tabs forming at least part of the
receiver. The openings in the second base panel 26b are configured
to receive respective ones of the male tabs M.
[0046] The female tabs are arranged to be displaced out of the
second base panel 26b to form said openings and to bear against the
respective male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments
the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first
and second base panels 26a, 26b may be secured to each other by any
other suitable means, such as, but not limited to, adhesive or
staples.
[0047] Optionally, the first and second base panels 26a, 26b may
comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first base panel 26a comprises three first
apertures A1 and the second base panel 26b comprises four first
apertures A1. The first apertures A1 may be employed to facilitate
construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component or
tool may engage with the first apertures A1 to facilitate alignment
of the first and second base panels 26a, 26b with respect to each
other or to align the first part M of the complementary locking
mechanism with the second part F of the complementary locking
mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and
described is entirely optional.
[0048] The first base panel 26a comprises a second aperture A2, a
first portion of which is adapted to facilitate alignment of the
first and second base panels 26a, 26b with respect to each other.
In other embodiments the second aperture A2 may be provided in the
second base panel 26b or in part in each of the first and second
base panels 26a, 26b.
[0049] The second aperture A2 comprises a second portion which
forms an orientation adjustment device TA for enabling the
orientation of an article B described in further detail below.
[0050] The blank 10 comprises a display window aperture W struck in
part from the first side panel 14 and in part from the second end
panel 16. In a set up carrier 90 the display window aperture W
(also referred to as "display window W") exposes to view a portion
of an article B disposed adjacent thereto. The display window is
provided about a corner of the tubular structure formed from the
plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The display window W
exposes to view a portion of an article B disposed at one end of a
first one of the rows of articles B.
[0051] The orientation adjustment device TA is arranged such that
the article B displayed in the first display window W, located in
the first side wall 14 and in the second end panel 16, can be
controlled or adjusted.
[0052] The second aperture A2 is arranged to be in vertical
registry with the article B which is disposed in the display window
W. In the illustrated embodiment, the second aperture TA is
arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the display
window W.
[0053] The first portion of the second aperture A2 may be shaped so
as to comprise a "V" or "U" shaped cutaway portion which provides
an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged
by a tool, for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion
may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 26a with the
second base panel 26b when the carton 90 is assembled. It may
facilitate pulling the first base panel 26a towards the second base
panel 26b so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first
and second base panels 26a, 26b such that the complementary locking
mechanism may be properly employed.
[0054] Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a medial structure for
dividing an interior of the carton 90 into separate compartments
and for providing a carrying handle. The medial structure includes
a first medial panel 22 and a second medial panel 24. The first
medial panel 22 is hingedly connected at a first end to the first
inner end panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 21.
[0055] The second medial panel 24 is hingedly connected to the
first medial panel 22 along a lower edge thereof by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 23.
[0056] The first and second medial panels 22, 24 form a divider
extending longitudinally between the first inner and outer end
panels 20/12 and the second end panel 16.
[0057] The first medial panel 22 provides a first handle structure
H1. The second medial panel 24 provides a second handle structure
H2. Together the first and second medial panels 22, 24 provide a
two-ply handle structure, the second ply reinforcing the first
ply.
[0058] The first handle structure H1 comprises a first handle
opening. The first handle opening may be defined in part by a first
handle aperture A2 struck from an upper portion of the first medial
panel 22. The first handle structure H1 may comprise an optional
first cushioning flap 32 struck from the first medial panel 22 and
hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
31. The first cushioning flap 32 defines at least a part of the
first handle opening.
[0059] The second handle structure H2 comprises a second handle
opening. The second handle opening may be defined in part by a
second handle aperture A3 struck from, or defined within, an upper
portion (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the second medial panel 24.
The second handle structure H2 may comprise an optional second
cushioning flap 34 struck from the second medial panel 24 and
hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
35. The second cushioning flap 34 defines at least a part of the
second handle opening.
[0060] The second handle opening is arranged to be disposed in
registry or alignment with the first handle opening.
[0061] The blank 10 comprises a medial partition glue flap 28
hingedly connected to the first medial panel 22 along a second end
(the second end opposes the first end and the first end is defined
by fold line 21) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
29.
[0062] The blank 10 comprises a first partition structure P1. The
first partition structure P1 defines or creates a plurality of
cells disposed between the first side panel 14 and the first medial
panel 22. The first side panel 14 and the first medial panel 22,
along with portions of the first and second end panels 12, 20, 16,
define a tubular structure or first compartment on a first side of
the medial structure.
[0063] The first compartment provides an interior for receiving at
least a lower portion of one or more articles B.
[0064] An enlarged view of a portion of the first partition
structure P1 is shown in FIG. 1. The first partition structure P1
comprises a first partition panel 50 struck from the first medial
panel 22 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end
by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51.
[0065] The first partition structure P1 comprises a second
partition panel 54 struck from the first medial panel 22 and
hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 55.
[0066] The first partition structure P1 comprises a third partition
panel 58 struck from the first medial panel 22 and hingedly
connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
59.
[0067] The first, second and third partition panels 50, 54, 58 are
dimensioned to extend between the first medial panel 22 and the
first side panel 14 in a set up condition (see FIG. 2).
[0068] The first partition structure P1 comprises a first glue
panel 52 to which the first, second and third partition panels 50,
54, 58 are each coupled by distal end joints.
[0069] The third partition panel 58 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to a first end of the first glue panel 52 by
a hinged connection in the form of fold line 57. Fold line 57
defines an outer end of the third partition panel 58 and fold line
59 defines an inner end of the third partition panel 58. A linear
dimension is defined between fold line 57 and fold line 59.
[0070] Fold line 57 is collinear with fold line 55 in the blank 10
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0071] The second partition panel 54 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the first glue
panel 52 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 53. Fold
line 53 defines an outer end of the second partition panel 54 and
fold line 55 defines an inner end of the second partition panel 54.
A linear dimension is defined between fold line 53 and fold line
55.
[0072] Fold line 53 is collinear with fold line 51 in the blank
10.
[0073] The first partition panel 50 is separated from the first
glue panel 52 by a cut line or severance line 71. The first
partition panel 50 may be severably coupled to the first glue panel
52 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt
the cut line or severance line 71.
[0074] The second partition panel 54 is separated from the first
glue panel 52 by a cut line or severance line 73. The second
partition panel 54 may be temporarily and severably coupled to the
first glue panel 52 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N
which interrupt the cut line or severance line 73.
[0075] The third partition panel 58 and first glue panel 52 are
defined in part by a cut line or severance line 75b. The first
partition panel 50, third partition panel 58 and first glue panel
52 are separated from the first medial panel 22 by the cut line or
severance line 75b. The first partition panel 50, third partition
panel 58 and first glue panel 52 may be severably coupled to the
first medial panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N
which interrupt the cut line or severance line 75b.
[0076] The second partition panel 54 is separated from the first
medial panel 22 by a cut line or severance line 75c. The second
partition panel 54 may be severably coupled to the first medial
panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which
interrupt the cut line or severance line 75c.
[0077] The third partition panel 58 is separated from the first
medial panel 22 by a further cut line or severance line 75a. The
third partition panel 58 may be severably coupled to the first
medial panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which
interrupt the cut line or severance line 75a.
[0078] The first partition panel 50 is coupled, at a second or
distal end, to the first glue panel 52 by a twistable strip 60. The
twistable strip 60 is formed in part from a distal end portion of
the first partition panel 50 and in part from a second end portion
of the first glue panel 52. The twistable strip 60 extends between,
and joins with, the first partition panel 50 and the first glue
panel 52.
[0079] The first partition panel 50 has a length defined by a first
distance. The first distance is defined by a linear dimension
extending between a proximal end fold line 51 of the first
partition panel 50 and a distal end edge 63 of the first partition
panel 50. The first distance is generally equal to or less than a
second distance defined as the distance between the first medial
panel 22 and the first side wall panel 14 in a setup carrier
90.
[0080] The distal end portion of the first partition panel 50 is
disposed in vertical alignment with the second end portion of the
first glue panel 52 (in the blank 10).
[0081] The twistable strip 60 may form a single joint which
connects between the distal end of the first partition panel 50 and
the first glue panel 52.
[0082] The first glue panel 52 may comprise a glue-free region 65
along an end edge 64 thereof. The end edge 64 of the first glue
panel 52 is continuous with the distal end edge 63 of the first
partition panel 50. The glue-free region 65 extends along the
distal end edge 63 into the first partition panel 50.
[0083] The glue-free region 65 extends continuously into the first
partition panel 50.
[0084] The twistable strip 60 is defined at least in part by a tear
stopper or element 62 disposed in at least one of the first
partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52.
[0085] The element 62 may take the form of a cutaway, extending in
at least one of the first partition panel 50 and the first glue
panel 52. The element 62 may be a cutline. The element 62 may be a
nonlinear cutline or may be comprised of two or more divergently
arranged linear cut lines. The element 62 may be arcuate or
curvilinear. In some embodiments the element 62 may be an aperture,
J-shaped cut, slot, slit, oval slot or frangible line. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the element 62 is a curved element
62 and extends into both the first partition panel 50 and the first
glue panel 52. The curved element 62 comprises at least one
terminal end which is spaced apart from an adjacent end edge of the
twistable strip 60 provided by the end edge 64 of the first glue
panel 52 or by the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel
50 or by both the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 and the
distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50.
[0086] The distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50 and
the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 are arranged to be
continuous and define an end edge 63/64 of the first partition
structure P1.
[0087] The at least one terminal end and the adjacent end edge 63,
64 of the twistable strip 60 define a third distance. The third
distance is defined by a linear dimension extending between the at
least one terminal end and the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable
strip 60.
[0088] The third distance may be equal to or greater than the
distance between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60 and
another part of the curved element 62.
[0089] The curved element 62 may be arranged such that at least one
terminal end is directed away from the end edge 64 of the first
glue panel 52, or from the distal end edge 63 of the first
partition panel 50, or from both the end edge 64 of the first glue
panel 52 and the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel
50.
[0090] The cut line 71 separating the first partition panel 50 from
the first glue panel 52 extends between the proximal end fold line
51 and the curved element 62. The curved element 62 may be formed
from a C-shaped cut as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments
the curved element 62 may be formed from a J-shaped cut, an oval
slot or an aperture.
[0091] The glue-free region 65 includes at least an area defined
between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60 and a
notional line X-X. The notional line X-X passes through the cut
line 71 separating the first partition panel 50 from the first glue
panel 52.
[0092] The notional line X-X may be spaced apart from the vertex or
intersection between the cut line 71 and the curved element 62. The
notional line X-X may be inset from said vertex or
intersection.
[0093] The notional line X-X may be oriented perpendicular to the
cut line 71.
[0094] The notional line X-X extends alongside the end edge 63, 64
of the first partition structure P1.
[0095] The notional line X-X may be oriented in parallel with the
end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60.
[0096] The notional line X-X may be oriented in parallel with the
fold line 21 between the first medial panel and the first inner end
panel 12.
[0097] The notional line X-X may pass through the at least one
terminal end of the curved element 62. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1A the notional line X-X passes through both
terminal ends of the curved element 62. The notional line X-X
extends along the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60.
[0098] The twistable strip 60 has a maximum width. In the
illustrated embodiment, the maximum width is defined between the at
least one terminal end and the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable
strip 60. In other words, the maximum width of the twistable strip
is the distance between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip
and the notional line X-X.
[0099] The twistable strip 60 is disposed at an elevation
vertically offset from the distal end fold line 51.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment the elevation of the twistable
strip 60 is below the lower end of the distal end fold line 51. In
other embodiments, the elevation of the twistable strip 60 may be
above the upper end of the distal end fold line 51.
[0101] The first partition panel 50 comprises a proximal portion 72
connected to, or integral with, the first medial panel 22; an
intermediate portion 74 joined to, or integral with, the proximal
portion 72; and a distal portion 76 joined to, or integral with,
the intermediate portion 74 and wherein the proximal and distal
portions 72, 76 are disposed at their respective elevations
vertically offset from each other.
[0102] Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a second partition
structure P2. The second partition structure P2 defines a plurality
of cells disposed between the second side panel 18 and the second
medial panel 24. The second side panel 18 and the second medial
panel 24 along with portions of the first and second end panels 12,
16 define a second tubular structure or compartment on a second
side of the medial structure.
[0103] The second compartment provides an interior chamber for
accommodating at least a lower portion of one or more articles
B.
[0104] The second partition structure P2 comprises a fourth
partition panel 40 struck from the second medial panel 24 and
hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 41.
[0105] The second partition structure P2 comprises a fifth
partition panel 44 struck from the second medial panel 24 and
hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 45.
[0106] The second partition structure P2 comprises a sixth
partition panel 36/46 struck from the second medial panel 24 and
hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of
fold lines 37, 47. The sixth partition panel 36/46 comprises an
upper partition panel 36 and a lower partition panel 46. The upper
partition panel 36 is hingedly connected, at first or a proximal
end, to the second medial panel 24 by fold line 37 and the lower
partition panel 46 is hingedly connected, at first or a proximal
end, to the second medial panel 24 by fold line 47.
[0107] The fourth, fifth and sixth partition panels 40, 44, 36/46
are dimensioned to extend between the second medial panel 24 and
the second side panel 18 in a set up condition.
[0108] The second partition structure P2 comprises a second glue
panel 42/48 to which the fourth and fifth partition panels 40, 44
are each coupled.
[0109] The fourth partition panel 40 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to a first end of the glue panel 42 by a
hinged connection in the form of fold line 43. Fold line 43 defines
an outer end of the fourth partition panel 40 and fold line 41
defines an inner end of the fourth partition panel 40.
[0110] The fifth partition panel 44 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the second glue
panel 42/48 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 49.
Fold line 49 defines an outer end of the fifth partition panel 44
and fold line 45 defines an inner end of the fifth partition panel
44.
[0111] Fold line 43 is collinear with fold line 45 in the blank
10.
[0112] The second glue panel 42/48 comprises a first portion 42 to
which the fourth partition panel 40 is hingedly connected and a
second portion 48 to which the fifth partition panel 44 is hingedly
connected.
[0113] The upper partition panel 36 is separated from the lower
partition panel 46 by the second glue panel 42/48.
[0114] The upper partition panel 36 is separated from the lower
partition panel 46 by the second portion 48 of the second glue
panel 42/48.
[0115] The upper partition panel 36 is coupled to the lower
partition panel 46 by a glue flap 30. Glue flap 30 is hingedly
connected to a second or distal end of the upper partition panel 36
by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 33b. Glue flap 30
is hingedly connected to a second or distal end of the lower
partition panel 46 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line
33a.
[0116] The glue flap 30 may be unitary or integral with the second
glue panel 42/48. In this way the glue flap 30 is joined to the
second glue panel 42/48 in an uninterrupted fashion.
[0117] A cutline or severance line defines a lower edge of the
fourth partition panel 40 and the second glue panel 42/48; the
cutline separates the fourth partition panel 40 and a first portion
42 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the second medial panel 24,
the cutline separates a second portion 48 of the second glue panel
42/48 from the lower partition panel 46.
[0118] A further cutline or severance line defines an upper edge of
the fourth partition panel 40 and the first portion 42 of the
second glue panel 42/48; the further cutline separates the fourth
partition panel 40 from the second medial panel 24; and the further
cutline separates the first portion 42 of the second glue panel
42/48 from the fifth partition panel 44.
[0119] Another cutline or severance line defines an upper edge of
the fifth partition panel 44 and the second portion 48 of the
second glue panel 42/48. This cutline separates the fifth partition
panel 44 from the second medial panel 24; and separates the second
portion 48 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the upper partition
panel 36.
[0120] The upper partition panel 36 is separated, in part, from the
second medial panel 24 by a first cut line or severance line
23c.
[0121] The upper partition panel 36 is separated, in part, from the
second medial panel 24 by a first cutaway R1 in the form of a
notch, slot or recess. The first cutaway R1 is struck from an end
portion of the blank 10.
[0122] The first cutaway R1 is arranged to be contiguous or
co-operative with the first cut line 23c.
[0123] The lower partition panel 46 is separated, in part, from the
first medial panel 22 by a second cut line or severance line 23b.
At least a portion of the second cut line 23b may arranged
collinearly with the fold line 23 hinging the first and second
medial panels 22, 24 to each other.
[0124] The lower partition panel 46 is separated, in part, from the
first medial panel 22 by a second cutaway R2 in the form of a
notch, slot or recess. The second cutaway R2 is struck from an end
portion of the blank 10.
[0125] The second cutaway R2 may be offset from the portion of the
second cut line 23b which is collinear with the fold line 23. The
second cutaway R2 is arranged to be contiguous or co-operative with
the second cut line 23b.
[0126] The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated
in FIG. 2.
[0127] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated
in FIG. 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential
folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90
is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its
construction. The folding process is not limited to that described
below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing
requirements.
[0128] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to one or both
of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.
[0129] The second medial panel 24 is folded, with respect to the
first medial panel 22 about fold line 23. The second medial panel
24 is secured to the first medial panel 22 in face contacting
relationship therewith.
[0130] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second
glue panel 42/48. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment
may be applied to a corresponding region of the second side panel
18.
[0131] The first medial panel 22 (and consequently the second
medial panel 24) is folded, with respect to the first inner end
panel 20 about fold line 21. The second medial panel 24 is brought
into face to face relationship with the second side panel 18 and
the first inner end panel 20. The second glue panel 42/48 is
secured to the second side panel 18 in face contacting relationship
therewith.
[0132] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first
glue panel 52. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may
be applied to a corresponding region of the first side panel
14.
[0133] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the medial
partition glue flap 28. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive
treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the second
end panel 16.
[0134] The second side panel 18, together with the first and second
medial panels 22, 24, is folded about the fold line 17 to bring the
first medial panel 22 into face to face relationship with the
second end panel 16 and the first side panel 14.
[0135] The medial partition glue flap 28 is secured to the second
end panel 16.
[0136] The first glue panel 52 is secured to the first side panel
14.
[0137] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first
inner end panel 20. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment
may be applied to a corresponding region of the first outer end
panel 12.
[0138] The first outer end panel 12 is folded about the fold line
13 so as to be disposed in face to face relationship with the first
inner end panel 20.
[0139] The first outer end panel 12 is secured to the first inner
end panel 20. In this way a flat collapsed tubular structure is
formed.
[0140] A flat collapsed carrier is thereby formed; the flat
collapsed carrier can be readily shipped or distributed in the flat
condition to a plant for erecting and loading with primary product
containers.
[0141] The flat collapsed carrier can be opened into a basket-style
article carrier by separating the first and second side panels 14,
18 to form a tubular structure defined by the main panels 12, 14,
16, 18, 20. The main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 define an interior
chamber. The partition structures P1, P2 are automatically erected
when the flat collapsed carrier is opened out or erected into the
tubular form.
[0142] Once the carrier 90 is erected, the first and second medial
panels 22, 24 form a partition, that is disposed medially within
the interior of the carrier 90 formed by the main panels 12, 14,
16, 18, 20. The partition divides the interior of the carrier 90
into two separate compartments on opposing sides of the first and
second medial panels 22, 24.
[0143] The first partition structure P1 is automatically erected to
form a first plurality of cells in a first compartment disposed on
a first side of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.
[0144] The second partition structure P2 is automatically erected
to form a second plurality of cells in a second compartment
disposed on a second side of the first and second medial panels 22,
24.
[0145] The carrier 90 may be loaded with a group of articles B; in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 eight articles B are arranged
in a 4.times.2 array.
[0146] The group of articles B may be loaded through a lower end of
the tubular structure formed by the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
prior to folding the first and second base panel 26a, 26b.
Alternatively, the group of articles B may be loaded through an
upper end of the tubular structure subsequent to assembly of the
composite base panel 26a, 26b.
[0147] The second base panel 26b is folded with respect to the
second side panel 18 about fold line 25b. The first base panel 26a
is folded with respect to the first side panel 14 about fold line
25a. The first base panel 26a is brought into face contacting
relationship with the second base panel 26b. The first base panel
26a is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with
the second base panel 26b.
[0148] Each of the first parts M of the complementary locking
mechanism is aligned with a respective one of the second parts F of
the complementary locking mechanism. The first parts M of the
complementary locking mechanism are folded inwardly of the interior
of the carrier such that they are received by the second parts F of
the complementary locking mechanism, when the second parts F of the
complementary locking mechanism comprises female tabs these are
also folded inwardly and may bear against the first parts M of the
complementary locking mechanism.
[0149] The corner article B, which is exposed to view through the
first side wall 14 and second end wall 16 by the display window W,
can be oriented to a desired orientation by inserting a tool
through the orientation device TA in the first base panel 26A so as
to elevate the article B.
[0150] A tool 80, see FIG. 3, is inserted through the base wall
26A/26B, passing through the opening of the orientation adjustment
device TA, the opening being disposed below the article. The tool
80 lifts or elevates the article B such that a rotation device (not
shown) can engage the article B to rotate the article B to a
desired orientation.
[0151] When the article B is elevated, an upper portion passes
through the open end of the tubular structure defined by the side
and end walls 12, 14, 16, 18, and is external of the tubular
structure. The upper end of the article B may also be disposed
above the upper end of the medial partition wall 22/24. In this
second deployed position the article B is readily accessible. The
orientation of the article B may be adjusted in the deployed
position, upon reaching the desired orientation the article B may
be returned to the rest position.
[0152] Once the article B is disposed in the desired orientation it
is lowered to a position of rest upon the base wall 26A/26B, the
tool 80 is withdrawn from the opening of the orientation adjustment
device TA.
[0153] Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 7, there are shown alternative
embodiments of the present invention. In the second and third
illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been
used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix
"100"; "200" and so forth to indicate that these features belong to
the second and third embodiments respectively. The alternative
embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment,
and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described in any greater detail.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a blank 110 according to
a third embodiment for forming the carrier 190 shown in FIG. 5.
[0155] The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114,
116, 118, 120 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of
main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a first outer end
panel 112 (also referred to as "outer layer 112"), a first side
panel 114, a second end panel 116, a second side panel 118, and a
first inner end panel or securing panel 120 (also referred to as
"inner layer 120"). The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120
may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by a
corner or bevel panel B1, B2, B3, B4. Each bevel panel B1, B2, B3,
B4 is defined by a pair fold lines 113A/113B, 115A/115B, 117A/117B,
119A/119B.
[0156] The blank 110 comprises a first base panel 126A hinged to
the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 125A. The blank 110 comprises a second base panel 126B
hinged to the second side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line 125B.
[0157] The first and second base panels 126A, 126B are engageable
with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite
base wall 126A/126B of the carrier 190. The blank 110 may comprise
a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first base panel
126A to the second base panel 126B.
[0158] Optionally, the first and second base panels 126A, 126B may
comprise at least one first aperture A7. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first base panel 126A comprises four first
apertures A7 and the second base panel 126B comprises three first
apertures A7. The first apertures A7 may be employed to facilitate
construction of the carton 190. A packaging machine component or
tool may engage with the first apertures A7 to facilitate alignment
of the first and second base panels 26A, 126B with respect to each
other or to align the first part M of the complementary locking
mechanism with the second part F of the complementary locking
mechanism.
[0159] The blank 110 comprises a first display window aperture A1
struck from the first end panel 112. In a set up carrier the first
display window aperture A1 exposes to view a portion of at least
one article B disposed adjacent thereto. The first display window
aperture A1 exposes to view a portion of the endmost articles B
disposed in each row of articles B proximate the first end panel
112.
[0160] The blank 110 comprises a complementary aperture A4 struck
from at least the inner end panel 120. The complementary aperture
A4 and first display window aperture A1 together form a first
window W1 in the first end wall 112 of the carrier 190.
[0161] The blank 110 comprises a second display window aperture A2
struck from the second end panel 116. In a set up carrier the
second display window aperture A2 exposes to view a portion of at
least one article B disposed adjacent thereto. The second display
window aperture A2 exposes to view a portion of the endmost
articles B disposed in each row of articles B proximate the second
end panel 116. The second display window aperture A2 forms a second
window W2 in the second end wall 116 of the carrier 190.
[0162] The blank 110 comprises a third display window formed in
part from a third display window aperture A1 and in part from a tab
146. The tab 146 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 118
by a fold line 149 so as to be foldable with respect to the second
side panel 118. The tab 146 is struck from the second side panel
118 so as to be defined therein.
[0163] The second base panel 126B comprises a second aperture A8, a
first portion of which is adapted to facilitate alignment of the
first and second base panels 126A, 126B with respect to each
other.
[0164] The second aperture A8 comprises a second portion which
forms an orientation adjustment device TA for enabling the
orientation of an article B.
[0165] The orientation adjustment device TA is arranged such that
the relative orientation of the article B displayed in the third
display window D in the second side wall 118 can be controlled or
adjusted.
[0166] The second aperture A8 is arranged to be in vertical
registry with the article B which is disposed in the third display
window D.
[0167] In the illustrated embodiment, the second aperture A8 is
arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the third
display window D.
[0168] The first portion of the second aperture A8 may be shaped so
as to comprise a "V" or "U" shaped cutaway portion which provides
an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged
by a tool for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion
may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 126A with the
second base panel 126B when the carton 190 is assembled. It may
facilitate pulling the first base panel 126A towards the second
base panel 126B so as to increase the degree of overlap between the
first and second base panels 126A, 126B such that the complementary
locking mechanism may be employed.
[0169] Optionally, the blank 110 comprises a medial structure
including a first medial panel 122 and a second medial panel
124.
[0170] The first medial panel 122 is hingedly connected at a first
end to the first inner end panel 120 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line 121.
[0171] The second medial panel 124 is hingedly connected to the
first medial panel 122 along a lower edge thereof by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 123.
[0172] The first and second medial panels 122, 124 form a divider
which extends longitudinally between the first inner and outer end
panels 120/112 and the second end panel 116, when the blank 110 is
assembled into a carton 190.
[0173] The first medial panel 122 provides a first handle structure
H1. The second medial panel 124 provides a second handle structure
H2. Together the first and second medial panels 122, 124 provide a
two-ply handle structure, the second ply reinforcing the first
ply.
[0174] The first handle structure H1 comprises a first handle
opening.
[0175] The first handle opening may be defined in part by a first
handle aperture A5 struck from an upper portion of the first medial
panel 122.
[0176] The first handle structure H1 may comprise an optional first
cushioning flap 132 struck from the first medial panel 122 and
hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
131. The first cushioning flap 132 defines at least a part of the
first handle opening.
[0177] The second handle structure H2 comprises a second handle
opening.
[0178] The second handle opening may be defined in part by a second
handle aperture A6 struck from, or defined within, an upper portion
of the second medial panel 124.
[0179] The second handle structure H2 may comprise an optional
second cushioning flap 134 struck from the second medial panel 124
and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 135. The second cushioning flap 134 defines at least a part of
the second handle opening.
[0180] The second handle opening is arranged to be disposed in
registry or alignment with the first handle opening.
[0181] The blank 110 comprises a pair of medial partition glue
flaps 128A, 128B hingedly connected to the first medial panel 122
along a second end, (the second end opposes the first end and the
first end is defined by fold line 121) by respective hinged
connections in the form of fold lines 129A, 129B.
[0182] The pair of medial partition glue flaps 128A, 128B are
separated from each other so as to be spaced apart. A cutaway or
recess R separates or interrupts the medial partition glue flaps
128A, 128B. The cutaway or recess R extends into the first medial
panel 122.
[0183] The blank 110 comprises a first partition structure P1. The
first partition structure P1 defines or creates a plurality of
cells disposed between the first side panel 114 and the first
medial panel 122. The first side panel 114 and the first medial
panel 122 along with portions of the first and second end panels
112/120, 116 define a tubular structure or first compartment on a
first side of the medial structure.
[0184] The first compartment provides an interior for receiving at
least a lower portion of one or more articles B.
[0185] The first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition
panel 152 struck from the first medial panel 122 and hingedly
connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 153.
[0186] The first partition structure P1 comprises a second
partition panel 154 struck from the first medial panel 122 and
hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 157.
[0187] The first and second partition panels 152, 154 are
dimensioned to extend between the first medial panel 122 and the
first side panel 114 in a set up condition.
[0188] The first partition structure P1 comprises a first glue
panel 150 to which the first and second partition panels 152, 154
are each coupled by distal end joints.
[0189] The first partition panel 152 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the first glue
panel 150 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 151. Fold
line 151 defines an outer end of the first partition panel 152;
fold line 153 defines an inner end of the first partition panel
152; and a linear dimension is defined between fold lines 151 and
153.
[0190] The second partition panel 154 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to an end of the first glue panel 150 by a
hinged connection in the form of fold line 155. Fold line 155
defines an outer end of the second partition panel 154; fold line
157 defines an inner end of the second partition panel 154; and a
linear dimension is defined between fold lines 155 and 157.
[0191] Fold line 153 is collinear with fold line 155 in the blank
10.
[0192] The first partition panel 152 is separated from the first
glue panel 150 along or by a cut line or severance line 161. The
first partition panel 152 may be severably coupled to the first
glue panel 150 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which
interrupt the cut line or severance line 161.
[0193] The first partition panel 152 has a length defined by a
first distance, the first distance is defined by a linear dimension
extending between a proximal end fold line 153 of the first
partition panel 152 and a distal end fold line 151 of the first
partition panel 152. The first distance is generally equal to or
less than a second distance. The second distance is defined as the
length between the first medial panel 122 and the first side wall
panel 114 in a setup carrier 190.
[0194] Optionally, the blank 110 comprises a second partition
structure P2. The second partition structure P2 defines a plurality
of cells disposed between the second side panel 118 and the second
medial panel 124. The second side panel 118 and the second medial
panel 124 along with portions of the first and second end panels
112, 116 define a second tubular structure or compartment on a
second side of the medial structure.
[0195] The second compartment provides an interior chamber for
accommodating at least a lower portion of one or more articles
B.
[0196] The second partition structure P2 comprises a fourth
partition panel 140 struck from the second medial panel 124 and
hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 141.
[0197] The second partition structure P2 comprises a fifth
partition panel 144A/144B struck from the second medial panel 124
and hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a
hinged connection in the form of a fold line 145.
[0198] The fourth partition panel 140 is dimensioned to extend
between the second medial panel 124 and the second side panel 118
in a set up condition.
[0199] The second partition structure P2 comprises a second glue
panel 142 to which the fourth partition panel 140 is coupled.
[0200] The fourth partition panel 140 is hingedly connected, at a
second or distal end, to a first end of the second glue panel 142
by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 143. Fold line 143
defines an outer end of the fourth partition panel 140, fold line
141 defines an inner end of the fourth partition panel 140.
[0201] The fifth partition panel 144A/144B (also referred to herein
as "divider flap 144A/144B") is defined in part by a cut line or
severance line 123B which defines a lower edge thereof. The
severance line 123B or part thereof may be collinear with fold line
123 hinging the second medial panel 124 to the first medial panel
122.
[0202] The fifth partition panel 144A/144B comprises a fold line
147 extending substantially parallel to the fold line 145 hinging
the fifth partition panel 144A/144B to the second medial panel 124.
The fold line 147 divides the fifth partition panel 144A/144B into:
a first part 144A; and a second part 144B.
[0203] The second part 144B is configured to be secured to the tab
146 to form a partition panel 144B/146 which extends between the
second medial panel 124 and the second side panel 118; (see FIGS. 5
and 5A).
[0204] Optionally, the first part 144A may comprises at least one
additional fold line 139 which extends substantially parallel to
the fold line 147.
[0205] The fold line 147 (and additional fold line 139 when
provided) allows the divider flap 144A/144B to fold thereabout when
the carton 190 is set up. This enables the location of the fold
line 149 hinging the tab 146 to the second side panel 118 to be
located in a more desirable location. In this way the width and/or
position of the window D (see FIG. 5) can be adjusted as desired to
display the adjacent window article. The provision of the fold line
147 may also enable the divider structure 1446/146 to absorb, or
compensate for, the slack created due to the beveled corner panels
B1-B4. The divider structure 144A/144B/146 can be positioned so as
to be located between a pair or articles B in a set up condition
and the blank 110 is configured such that the divider structure
144A/144B/146 can be folded into a flat collapsed condition and
also automatically erected. The fold lines 147, 139 may provide
relief in the blank structure 110 during the erection process.
[0206] The blank 110 is foldable to form a package 190 as
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A. The blank 110 forms a carton 190 for
holding a plurality of articles B. The carton 190 comprises a
plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 126A, 126B, B1, B2, B3, B4
that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton
190. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 126A, 126B, B1,
B2, B3, B4 comprise at least one bottom panel 126A, 126B, a back
panel 114 or first side panel 114; a front panel 118 or second side
panel 118; and at least two end panels 112, 116. A partition wall
122/124 divides the interior of the carton 190 into: a front
portion or first side chamber; and a back portion or second side
chamber. The carton 190 comprises at least one lateral divider
hingedly connected to the partition wall 122/124 and extending to
one of the back and front panels 114, 118. The at least one lateral
divider is spaced apart from the least two end panels 112, 116 to
divide one of the front and back portions of the carton interior
into at least two article-receiving spaces or cells. The at least
one lateral divider comprises a first flap 144A/144B formed at
least in part from the partition wall 122/124 and a second flap 146
struck from the one of the back and front panels 114, 118. The
second flap 146 defines at least in part a window D in the one of
the back and front panels 114, 118. The second flap 146 is hingedly
connected to the one of the back and front panels 114, 118 and
extends towards the partition wall 122/124. The first flap
144A/1448 comprises a securing portion 144B which is attached in
face contacting relationship to the second flap 146. The first flap
144A/144B comprises a bevelled portion 144A hingedly connected to
the securing portion 144B. The bevelled portion 144A extends to the
partition wall 122/124. The bevelled portion 144A is disposed
obliquely to the securing portion 144B and to the partition wall
122/124 and is hingedly connected to the partition wall
122/124.
[0207] The article B which is exposed to view through the second
side wall 118 (front panel 118) by the display window D can be
oriented to a desired orientation by inserting a tool through the
orientation device TA provided in the second base panel 126B. This
elevates the article B in the same way as the articles B of the
previous embodiment. In some embodiments, the articles B displayed
in the end panel windows W1 (formed by the apertures A1, A2) may
also be oriented to a desired orientation, the base panel 126A/126B
may comprises additional orientation devices TA to facilitate
this.
[0208] Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a blank 210 according to
a third embodiment for forming the carrier 290 shown in FIG. 7. The
blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218,
220 hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first side panel
212 is hinged to a first end wall panel 214 by a hinged connection
such as a fold line 213. The first end wall panel 214 is hinged to
a second side wall panel 216 by a hinged connection such as a fold
line 215. The second side wall panel 216 is hinged to a second end
wall panel 218 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 217. The
second end wall panel 218 is hinged to a securing panel 220 by a
hinged connection such as a fold line 219.
[0209] The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 of the
blank 210 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition.
The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure
structures.
[0210] Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least
partially closed by end closure panels 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B
which, in the illustrated embodiment, form a top wall and a bottom
wall of the tubular structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the
ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure
panels 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B.
[0211] End closure panels 222A, 224A are configured to close a
first, upper, end of the tubular structure and form a composite top
panel 222A/224A of a carton 290.
[0212] End closure panels 222B, 224B are configured to close a
second, lower, end of the tubular structure and form a composite
base panel 222B/224B of a carton 290.
[0213] A first end closure panel 222A forms a first top panel 222A
and is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side wall
panel 212 by a fold line 23A. A second end closure panel 224A forms
a second top panel 224A and is hingedly connected to a first end of
the second side wall panel 216 by a fold line 225A.
[0214] A third end closure panel 222B forms a first base panel 222B
and is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side wall
panel 212 by a fold line 23B. A fourth end closure panel 224B forms
a second base panel 224B and is hingedly connected to a second end
of the second side wall panel 216 by a fold line 225B.
[0215] The blank 210 comprises a complementary locking system for
securing the first base panel 222B to the second base panel 224B.
The second base panel 224B comprises at least one female component
F in the form of an aperture defined by a tab. The tab is struck
from the first base panel 222B and is hingedly connected thereto.
In the illustrated embodiment the first base panel 222B comprises a
plurality of female components F for example, but not limited to,
six female components F.
[0216] The first base panel 222B comprises at least one male
component M in the form of a punch tab. The punch tab is
substantially arrowhead-shaped and comprises shoulders or barbs for
interlocking with the aperture of the female component F.
[0217] Optionally, the first and second base panels 222B, 224B each
comprise at least one handling aperture A1, A2.
[0218] Optionally, the blank 210 comprises a plurality of handling
apertures A1, A2 for facilitating construction of the composite
base panel 222B/224B. Two first handling apertures A1 are struck
from the first base panel 222B. One first handling aperture A1 is
struck from the second base panel 224B. Two second handling
apertures A2 are struck from the first base panel 222B. Three
second handling apertures A2 are struck from the second base panel
224B.
[0219] The first handling apertures A1 are optionally substantially
triangular in shape and facilitate assembly of the composite base
panel 222B/224B.
[0220] The second handling apertures A2 comprise a first portion
shaped so as to form a "V" or "U" shaped cutaway portion which
provides an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may
be engaged by a tool for example of a packaging machine. The
cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel
222Ba with the second base panel 224B when the carton 290 is
assembled about a group of articles B. It may facilitate pulling
the first base panel 222B towards the second base panel 224B so as
to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base
panels 222B, 224B such that the complementary locking mechanism may
be employed.
[0221] The handling apertures A1, A2 may facilitate placing the
first and second base panels 222B, 224B in at least partial
overlapping relationship with one another.
[0222] The handling apertures A1, A2 may be engaged by a tool to
facilitate alignment of the first base panel 222B with respect to
the second base panel 224B, may also facilitate alignment of the
male components M in vertical registry or alignment with the female
components F, and may also be employed to tighten the carton
290.
[0223] The second handling apertures A2 each comprise a second
portion which forms an orientation adjustment device TA for
enabling the orientation of an article B substantially similar to
that described above. The second portion enables a tool to pass
through the composite base panel 222B/224B so as to lift an article
B disposed thereabove. The article B in the elevated position may
be grasped by a further tool or gripper capable of rotating the
article B about its vertical or cylindrical axis, the tool may
comprise a sensor such as but not limited to a camera to monitor or
determine the orientation of the elevated article with respect to a
display window.
[0224] Optionally, the first side wall panel 212 comprises a first
fold line 231. First fold line 231 divides the first side wall
panel 214 into an upper portion 212U and a lower portion 212L. The
second side wall panel 216 comprises an optional second fold line
233. Second fold line 233 divides the second side wall panel 218
into an upper portion 216U and a lower portion 216L. The first and
second fold lines 231, 233 are arranged collinearly with each
other. In other embodiments, the first and second end wall panels
214, 218 may comprise additional fold lines dividing the end walls
into upper and lower portions.
[0225] The first and second fold lines 231, 233 facilitate the
formation of the blank 210 into a carton 290 having a gable top.
Optionally, the composite top panel 222A/224A may be smaller in a
transverse direction (the transverse direction extends between the
first and second side panels 212, 216) than the composite base
panel 222B/224B.
[0226] The upper portion 212U of the first side panel 212 is
convergently arranged in a set up carton 290 with respect to the
upper portion 216U of the second side panel 216. The upper portion
212U of the first side panel 212 and the upper portion 216U of the
second side panel 216 converge towards the composite top panel
222A/224A.
[0227] An upper portion of the second end panel 218 is convergently
arranged in a set up carton 290 with respect to an upper portion of
the first end panel 214. The upper portion converges with respect
to the upper portion towards the composite top panel 222A/224A.
[0228] The first end panel 214 comprises a first web structure
struck from an upper portion thereof. The first end panel 214
comprises a second web structure struck from an upper portion
thereof. The second end panel 218 comprises a third web structure
struck from an upper portion thereof. The second end panel 218
comprises a fourth web structure struck from an upper portion
thereof.
[0229] The first web structure comprises a first web panel 232A
struck from the upper portion of the first end panel 214. The first
web panel 232A is hinged to the first end panel 214 by a fold line
235A. The first web panel 232A is hinged to the first side panel
212 by a portion of the fold line 213. The fold line 235A is
divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 213. The fold
line 235A and the fold line 213 diverge with respect to each other
towards an upper free edge of the first end panel 214. The first
web panel 232A is substantially trapezoidal in shape.
[0230] The second web structure comprises a second web panel 232B
struck from the upper portion of the first end panel 214. The
second web panel 232B is hinged to the first end panel 214 by a
fold line 235B. The second web panel 232B is hinged to the second
side panel 216 by a portion of the fold line 215. The fold line
235B is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 215. The
fold line 235B and the fold line 215 diverge with respect to each
other towards an upper free edge of the first end panel 214. The
second web panel 232B is substantially triangular in shape.
[0231] The third web structure comprises a third web panel 234A
struck from the upper portion of the second end panel 218. The
third web panel 234A is hinged to the second end panel 218 by a
fold line 237A. The third web panel 234A is hinged to the second
side panel 216 by a portion of the fold line 217. The fold line
237A is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 217. The
fold line 237A and the fold line 217 diverge with respect to each
other towards an upper free edge of the second end panel 218. The
third web panel 234A is substantially trapezoidal in shape.
[0232] The fourth web structure comprises a fourth web panel 234B
struck from the upper portion of the second end panel 218. The
fourth web panel 234B is hinged to the second end panel 218 by a
fold line 237B. The fourth web panel 234B is hinged to the securing
panel 220 by a portion of the fold line 219. The fold line 237B is
divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 219. The fold
line 237A and the fold line 219 diverge with respect to each other
towards an upper free edge of the second end panel 218. The fourth
web panel 234B is substantially triangular in shape.
[0233] The blank 210 comprises at least one product display
structure D, W1, W2, see FIG. 7.
[0234] The blank 210 comprises a first product display structure D
in at least one side wall panels 212, 216 thereof, in other
embodiments the blank 210 comprises first product display structure
D in both side wall panels 212, 216.
[0235] The first product display structure D comprises a first tab
240 struck from, and hingedly connected, to the second side panel
216, and a second tab 242 struck from, and hingedly connected, to
the second side panel 216. The first tab 240 is hinged to the
second side panel 216 by a fold line 241. The fold line 241 is
non-linear and is optionally arcuate in shape. In the illustrated
embodiment the fold line 241 is formed from two, or more,
contiguous linear sections arranged divergently with respect to
each other. The second tab 242 is hinged to the second side panel
216 by a fold line 245. The fold line 245 is non-linear and is
optionally arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the fold
line 245 is formed from two, or more, contiguous linear sections
arranged divergently with respect to each other. A part of the
first tab 240 is separated from a part of the second tab 242 by a
cut line 243.
[0236] The first product display structure D may comprise a first
slot, cutaway or aperture A5. The first aperture A5 defines in part
the first and second tabs 240, 242. The first aperture A5 defines a
lower edge of each of the first and second tabs 240, 242. In other
embodiments the first aperture A5 may be replaced with a cut line
or severance line. The first aperture A5 or at least a portion
thereof separates a portion of the first tab 240 from a portion of
the second tab 242.
[0237] The first product display structure D comprises a second
slot, cutaway or aperture A6. The second aperture A6 defines in
part the first and second tabs 240, 242. The second aperture A6
defines an upper edge of each of the first and second tabs 240,
242. In other embodiments the second aperture A6 may be replaced
with a cut line or severance line.
[0238] The blank 210 comprises a first window aperture A3 struck in
part from the second end panel 218 and in part from the second side
panel 216 and in part from the securing panel 220. A cutaway or
recess R is struck from the first side panel 212. The recess R is
struck from a free side edge which opposes the hinged connection
213 between the first side panel 212 and the first end panel 214.
The recess R is shaped so as to complementary to the first window
aperture A3. Together the first window aperture A3 and the recess R
form a further display structure W2 in the carrier 290.
[0239] The blank 210 comprises a second window aperture A4 struck
in part from the first end panel 214 and in part from the first
side panel 212 and in part from the second side panel 216. The
second window aperture A4 forms another display structure W1 in the
carrier 290.
[0240] The carton 290 can be formed by a series of sequential
folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton
290 may not be required to be rotated or inverted to complete its
construction. The folding process is not limited to that described
below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing
requirements.
[0241] Turning to the construction of the carton 290 as illustrated
in FIG. 2, the securing panel 220 is folded about fold line 219 to
overly the second end panel 218. Glue G or other adhesive treatment
is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 220.
Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to
a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the second end panel
218.
[0242] The blank 210 is folded about the fold line 215 such that
the first end panel 214 is disposed in overlying relationship with
the second side panel 216, and the first side panel 212 is disposed
in overlying relationship with the second end panel 218, the
securing panel 220 and a portion of the second side panel 216. The
first side panel 212 is secured to the securing panel 220.
[0243] The blank 210 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular
structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a
convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may
be erected into an open ended tubular structure and loaded with
articles.
[0244] The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form
an open ended tubular structure by displacement or translation of
the first side panel 212 relative to the second side panel 216 such
that the first side panel 212 is spaced apart from the second side
panel 216. In some embodiments this may be achieved by unfolding
one of the side panels 212, 216 with respect to one of the adjacent
end panels 214, 218. For example, the first end panel 214 may be
unfolded about fold line 215 with respect to the second side panel
216; in doing so, the first end panel 214 is folded about fold line
213 with respect to the first side panel 212.
[0245] When the flat collapsed tubular structure is erected into
the tubular form the first display structure D may be formed by
folding the first and second, tabs 240, 242 with respect to the
second side pane 216 to which they are hinged.
[0246] The carton 290 may be loaded with articles through one of
the open ends by relative movement of the carton 290 with respect
to a group of articles B. In some embodiments the lower end of the
carton 290 may be closed before loading with articles B, the carton
290 being top loaded--that is to say articles B are inserted
through the open upper end.
[0247] The orientation of the articles B that are disposed adjacent
the openings of the display structures D, W1, W2 may be adjusted as
required to a desired orientation with respect to the window whilst
loaded in the carton 290 prior to closure of the top panels 222A,
224A.
[0248] A tool can be inserted through the base wall 222B/224B,
passing through the respective opening of the orientation
adjustment device TA disposed below the articles being
adjusted.
[0249] The tool lifts or elevates the article B such that a
rotation device can engage the article to rotate the article to a
desired orientation.
[0250] When the article B is moved an upper portion passes through
the open end of the tubular structure defined by the side and end
walls 212, 214, 216, 218 and is external of the tubular structure.
In this second deployed position the article B is readily
accessible. The top panels 222A, 224A may be bent of folded
outwardly to facilitate access to the articles B when in the
elevated position. The orientation of the article B may be adjusted
in the deployed position, upon reaching the desired orientation the
article B may be returned to the rest position.
[0251] Once the articles B are disposed in the desired orientation
they are lowered to a position of rest upon the base wall 212/220,
the tool is withdrawn from the opening of the orientation
adjustment device TA.
[0252] The composite top panel 222A, 224A is then assembled by
folding the first top panel 222A about fold line 223A. The second
top panel 224A is then folded about fold line 225A into face
contacting relationship with the first top panel 222A; the second
top panel 224A secured to the first top panel 222A.
[0253] In some embodiments the composite top panel 222A, 224A is
assembled by application of glue G or other adhesive treatment to
an outer surface of the second top panel 224A. Alternatively, glue
G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding
portion of an inner surface of the first top panel 222A.
[0254] When the composite top panel 222A, 224A is assembled the
first, second, third and fourth web panels 232A, 232B, 234A, 234B
are folded into face to face relationship with a respective one of
the side panels 212, 216 to which they are hinged. In doing so
upper portions of the first and second end panels 214, 218 are
deformed or bent about the inwardly with respect to the respective
adjacent lower portions. In this way each of the opposing ends of
the carton 290 are erected so as to have upper portions which taper
inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A, 224A.
[0255] The upper portions 212U, 216U of the first and second side
panels 212, 216 are folded about the respective fold lines 231, 233
to the respective adjacent lower portions 212L, 216L. In this way
each of the opposing upper portions 212U, 216U of the side wall
212, 216 of the carton 290 are erected so as to taper inwardly
towards the composite top panel 222A, 224A.
[0256] Once the carton 290 has been loaded with articles B the
upper open end of the carton 290 is closed. The upper open end may
be closed as described in the foregoing paragraphs. The lower end
may be closed by assembly of the composite base panel 222B,
224B.
[0257] The composite base panel 222B, 224B is formed by folding the
first base panel 222B about fold line 23B and by folding the second
base panel 224B about fold line 225B into at least partial
overlapping relationship with the first base panel 222B. The male
components M are brought into vertical registry or alignment with
the female components F.
[0258] The punch tabs M in the second base panel 224B are displaced
inwardly of the carton 290 so as to press the tabs F provided in
the first base panel 222B out of the plane of the first base panel
222B. The punch tabs M are received in apertures in the first base
panel 222B created by said displacement of the tabs F. In this way
the first and second base panels 222B, 224B are secured
together.
[0259] In other embodiments alternative securing means may be
employed to secure the first and second base panels 222B, 224B for
example, but not limited to, mechanical locking devices such as
staples, glue or other adhesive treatment.
[0260] FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled carton 290 forming a package
with a plurality of articles B.
[0261] In the erected condition, the web panels 232A, 232B, 234A,
234B are disposed in an overlying or face to face relationship with
the respective one of the first and second side panels 212,
216.
[0262] When the carton is erected the upper portions 212U, 216U of
the side panels 212, 216, are folded with respect to the lower
portions 212L, 216L such that the upper portions 212U, 216U taper
inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A/224A. Upper portions
of the first and second end panels 214, 218 converge inwardly
towards the composite top panel 222A/224A.
[0263] The first tab 240 and the second tab 242 of the first
product display structure D are disposed internally of the carton
290 and form a partition structure 240/242 which at least partially
separates an article B disposed adjacent the first product display
structure D from its adjacent neighbours. The first tab 240 and the
second tab 242 of the first product display structure D form a
frame about the article being displayed in the display window of
the first product display structure D.
[0264] The first tab 240 and the second tab 242 in the erected
state are non-planar; that is to say they are not flat surfaces. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first tab 240 and the second tab
242 may each comprise two or more planar portions folded with
respect to each other. In other embodiments, the first tab 240 and
the second tab 242 form into plane curves; that is to say, they
comprise a curved surface.
[0265] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 for
packaging articles B; the carton 90; 190; 290 may have at least one
display window for presentation of an article B therein. The carton
90; 190; 290 comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a
tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base
wall, and a second side wall, optionally hingedly connected to each
other in a linear series.
[0266] The cartons 90; 190; 290 may comprise at least one display
window W, D, W1, W2 defined in or by an end or side wall.
[0267] The display window W, W1, W2 may expose to view a pair of
endmost articles B, particularly a label or other indicia printed
or otherwise displayed on a lower or main body portion of the
articles B.
[0268] The articles B comprise a main body and a neck portion
disposed above the main body; the neck portion comprises a smaller
dimension or diameter than the main body. A shoulder region
provides a transition between the main body and the neck portion.
The display window is arranged such that a portion of the side or
end wall obscures from view at least the neck of portion thereof.
In some embodiments, the shoulder region or an upper portion of the
main body or both may be obscured from view. A lower portion, heel
or base of the article B may be obscured from view.
[0269] The second display window DW1, DW2 is defined in part by
free side edge portions of each of the first and second side walls
214a, 218a.
[0270] In this way branding or other indicia provided upon the
articles B may be displayed through the display window W, D, W1,
W2. The articles B may be arranged in a desired orientation. The
displaceable flaps 240, 242 may bear against an article B so as to
prevent or inhibit rotation of the article B away from the desired
orientation.
[0271] The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises an orientation adjustment
device for enabling the orientation of an article B which is at
least partially exposed to view through the display window. The
orientation adjustment device comprises a first cutaway in the form
of an aperture or opening in a first panel of the carton. The first
panel may be a base panel. The first cutaway is configured to allow
access to a first end, optionally a base portion, of an article B.
The first cutaway is configured to prevent the first end of the
article B passing therethrough.
[0272] The top wall of the carton may be shorter than the base wall
in a transverse direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the
tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels.
[0273] The present disclosure further provides a method of
packaging articles or a method of assembling a carton, in which the
method enables the position of one or more articles, or the
orientation of said one or more articles, or both the position and
orientation of said one or more articles, to be adjusted and
optionally secured or held whilst within the carton.
[0274] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made
within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size
and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to
accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
[0275] It will be recognised that as used herein, directional
references such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "back", "end",
"side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily
limit the respective panels to such orientation but may merely
serve to distinguish these panels from one another.
[0276] As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold
line" refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of
the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to
one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations
for the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be
construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only;
indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold
lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either
straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold
lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with
each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When
curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect
each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by
the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged
connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines
intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical
panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or
more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A
typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a
combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold
line which intersect at two points such that they define a half
moon-shaped panel therebetween.
[0277] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the
following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line
of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a
single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a
line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.
[0278] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold
lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of
the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of
short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an
interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and
the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide
the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can
be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a
fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be
designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate
folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate
breaking with little effort.
[0279] The phrase "in registry with" as used herein refers to the
alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an
aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second
aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those
elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other
in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For
example, when an aperture in a first panel is "in registry with" a
second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping
arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may
extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture
and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first
and second panels, with the second aperture.
* * * * *