U.S. patent application number 17/627496 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-18 for carton and blank therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew E. ZACHERLE.
Application Number | 20220258941 17/627496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220258941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZACHERLE; Matthew E. |
August 18, 2022 |
CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one
or more article and a blank for forming the carton. The carton may
have at least one display window (A3) for presentation of an
article therein. The carton 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 carton comprises a
handle feature including first (20) and second (22) handle panels
in a face-contacting relationship. The first handle panel is
hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting
relationship with, the top wall. The second handle panel is
detachably connected to a top end flap (38A, 40A, 38B, 40B) along a
frangible line (50A, 50B) such that when the frangible line is
broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position
where the handle feature extends above the top wall.
Inventors: |
ZACHERLE; Matthew E.;
(Moseley, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/627496 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
July 13, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/041760 |
371 Date: |
January 14, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62905690 |
Sep 25, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
B65D 71/36 20060101
B65D071/36 |
Claims
1. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a
plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including
a first side wall having a display window feature, the display
window feature comprising at least one window flap formed from the
first side wall of the carton and hingedly connected to the first
side wall along a first fold line, the at least one window flap
comprising an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate
portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions, the
at least one window flap being folded inwardly of the carton to
take a folded position in which the upper portion defines a first
angle with respect to a first adjacent portion of the side wall and
the lower portion defines a second angle with respect to a second
adjacent portion of the side wall, wherein the first angle is an
obtuse angle greater than the second angle.
2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the second angle is equal
to or greater than 90 degrees.
3. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion
is hingedly connected to the upper portion about a second fold line
and to the lower portion about a third fold line, and wherein the
second and third fold lines extend divergently toward a free end
edge of the at least one window flap.
4. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the adjacent portion is an
upper section of the side wall and the second adjacent portion is a
lower section of the side wall and wherein the upper and lower
sections are hingedly connected together along a fourth fold line
to define an obtuse angle therebetween.
5. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side
wall panel and a bottom panel hingedly connected to the side wall
panel, the blank comprising a display window feature comprising at
least one window flap formed solely from the side wall panel of the
carton and hingedly connected thereto along a first fold line, the
at least one window flap comprising an upper portion, a lower
portion and an intermediate portion hingedly interconnecting the
upper and lower portions, the lower portion disposed spaced apart
from the bottom panel.
6. The blank of claim 5 wherein the intermediate portion is
hingedly connected to the upper portion about a second fold line
and to the lower portion about a third fold line, and wherein the
second and third fold lines extend divergently from at least a
location on or adjacent to the first fold line toward a free end
edge of the at least one window flap.
7. The blank of claim 6 wherein the side panel comprises an upper
section and a lower section hingedly connected to the upper section
along a fourth fold line, wherein the fourth fold line or a
notional extension thereof extends through said at least a
location.
8. The blank of claim 5 wherein the lower portion has a first
maximum width defined by a distance between the first fold line and
a free end edge of the lower portion, wherein the upper portion has
a second maximum width defined by a distance between the first fold
line and a free end edge of the lower portion, and wherein the
second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
9. The blank of claim 5 wherein the at least one window flap
comprises a pair of opposed window flaps extending toward each
other from the opposed side edges of a window opening defined in
the side wall panel at least in part by the pair of opposed window
flaps, the free end edges of the respective upper portions of the
window flaps being defined by a common cut line, the free end edges
of the respective lower portions of the window flaps being spaced
apart from each other.
10. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a
plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a
carrying handle comprising; a first handle panel hingedly connected
to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at
least one securing panel, the at least one securing panel being
frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle
panels, and wherein the at least one securing panel is separated
from the other one of the first and second handle panels.
11. A carton according to claim 10 wherein the second handle panel
is hingedly connected to a second one of the plurality of
panels.
12. A carton according to claim 11 wherein the second handle panel
is hingedly connected to the first handle panel.
13. A carton according to claim 10 wherein the carton comprises a
plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure includes a
top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side
wall.
14. A carton according to claim 13 wherein each of the pair of
securing panels is a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the
top wall.
15. A carton according to claim 10 wherein the carton comprises at
least one display window for presentation of an article therein,
and at least one orientation device for enabling said article to be
oriented whilst loaded in the carton.
16. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising
plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of
panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, and a
second side panel, the carton comprising a handle feature connected
to the first top panel, the first and second side panels are
interconnected by a top end flap, the handle feature comprises
first and second handle panels disposed in a face-contacting
relationship, the first handle panel is hingedly connected to, and
disposed in a face-contacting relationship with, the first top
panel, the second handle panel is detachably connected to the top
end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line
is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position
where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.
17. A carton according to claim 16 wherein the first and second
handle panels are hingedly connected together.
18. A carton according to claim 16 wherein the frangible line
comprises a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting
the cut line.
19. A carton according to claim 16 wherein the top end flap
comprises an outer top end flap and an inner top end flap disposed
in face-contacting relationship with the outer top end flap.
20. A carton according to claim 19 wherein the second handle panel
is detachably connected to the outer top end flap along the
frangible line, the frangible line comprising a cut line and at
least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line, the inner top
end flap is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a fold
line which includes at least one opening interrupting the fold
line, the at least one opening is in vertical alignment with the at
least one bridging nick.
21. A carton according to claim 16 wherein the carton comprises a
second top panel hingedly connected between the second side panel
and the second handle panel.
22. A carton according to claim 16 wherein a connecting panel is
formed from the second handle panel and secured to the first top
panel.
23. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising
plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of
panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, the carton
comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly
connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such
that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position
where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with
the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature
extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged
connection is disposed between the first side panel and the
top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the
stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the
top-receiving opening.
24. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising
plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of
panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, the carton
comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly
connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such
that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position
where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with
the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature
extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged
connection is disposed between the first side panel and the
top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the
stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening
is operationally exposed.
25. A carton according to claim 24 wherein the top-receiving
opening is sufficiently exposed that an article is receivable in
the top-receiving opening to enable a portion of said article to be
handled or engaged externally of the carton.
26. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a
plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the
plurality of panels including: a first top panel, the carton
comprising at least one top end flap, and a carrying handle having
at least one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the
plurality of panels and disposed in a face-contacting relationship
with, the first top panel, the at least one top end flap being
frangibly connected to a first one of the at least one handle
panels, wherein the at least one handle panel is detachably
connected to the at least one top end flap along a frangible line
such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is
hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends
above the first top panel.
27. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a carrying
handle comprising; a first handle panel hingedly connected to one
of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at least one
securing panel, the at least one securing panel being frangibly
connected to a first one of the first and second handle panels, and
wherein the at least one securing panel is separated from the other
one of the first and second handle panels by a cutaway.
28. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including; a
first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side panel, the
blank comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel,
the first and second side panels configured to be interconnected by
an inner and outer top end flap, the handle feature comprising
first and second handle panels arranged to be disposed in a
face-contacting relationship in a set-up carton, the first handle
panel being hingedly connected to the first top panel, and arranged
to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top
panel in a set-up carton, wherein the second handle panel is
detachably connected to the outer top end flap along a frangible
line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle
feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle
feature extends above the first top panel.
29. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels
including a first side panel and a first top panel, the blank
comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly
connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such
that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial
stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting
relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the
handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the
hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the
top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the
stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the
top-receiving opening.
30. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels
including a first side panel and a first top panel, the blank
comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly
connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such
that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial
stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting
relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the
handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the
hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the
top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the
stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening
is operationally exposed.
31. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality
of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality
of panels including a first top panel, the blank comprising at
least one top end flap and a carrying handle having at least one
handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels,
the at least one handle panel arrange to be disposed in a
face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up
carton, the at least one top end flap being frangibly connected a
first one of the at least one handle panels, wherein the at least
one handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top
end flap along a frangible line, in a set-up carton severance of
the frangible line allows the handle feature to be hingedly moved
to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first
top panel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to cartons or carriers and to
blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not
exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the wrap-around
type having a carrying handle structure.
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 carrying handle structure. Another object of
the present disclosure is to provide a display window for
displaying an article within the carrier in which an orientation
device enables the orientation of the article to 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] An 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 including a first side wall
having a display window feature. The display window feature
comprises at least one window flap formed from the first side wall
of the carton and hingedly connected to the first side wall along a
first fold line. The at least one window flap comprises an upper
portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion hingedly
interconnecting the upper and lower portions. The at least one
window flap is folded inwardly of the carton to take a folded
position in which the upper portion defines a first angle with
respect to a first adjacent portion of the side wall and the lower
portion defines a second angle with respect to a second adjacent
portion of the side wall. The first angle is an obtuse angle
greater than the second angle.
[0006] Optionally, the second angle is equal to or greater than 90
degrees.
[0007] Optionally, the intermediate portion is hingedly connected
to the upper portion about a second fold line and to the lower
portion about a third fold line, and wherein the second and third
fold lines extend divergently toward a free end edge of the at
least one window flap.
[0008] Optionally, the adjacent portion is an upper section of the
side wall and the second adjacent portion is a lower section of the
side wall and wherein the upper and lower sections are hingedly
connected together along a fourth fold line to define an obtuse
angle therebetween.
[0009] An 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 including a side wall panel and a bottom
panel hingedly connected to the side wall panel. The blank
comprises a display window feature comprising at least one window
flap formed solely from the side wall panel of the carton and
hingedly connected thereto along a first fold line. The at least
one window flap comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and an
intermediate portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower
portions. The lower portion is disposed spaced apart from the
bottom panel.
[0010] Optionally, the intermediate portion is hingedly connected
to the upper portion about a second fold line and to the lower
portion about a third fold line, and wherein the second and third
fold lines extend divergently from at least a location on or
adjacent to the first fold line toward a free end edge of the at
least one window flap.
[0011] Optionally, the side panel comprises an upper section and a
lower section hingedly connected to the upper section along a
fourth fold line, wherein the fourth fold line or a notional
extension thereof extends through said at least a location.
[0012] Optionally, the lower portion has a first maximum width
defined by a distance between the first fold line and a free end
edge of the lower portion, wherein the upper portion has a second
maximum width defined by a distance between the first fold line and
a free end edge of the lower portion, and wherein the second
maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
[0013] Optionally, the at least one window flap comprises a pair of
opposed window flaps extending toward each other from the opposed
side edges of a window opening defined in the side wall panel at
least in part by the pair of opposed window flaps. The free end
edges of the respective upper portions of the window flaps are
defined by a common cut line. The free end edges of the respective
lower portions of the window flaps are spaced apart from each
other.
[0014] Another 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 carrying handle.
The carrying handle comprises; a first handle panel hingedly
connected to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel,
and at least one securing panel. The at least one securing panel is
frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle
panels. The at least one securing panel is separated from the other
one of the first and second handle panels.
[0015] Optionally, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to
a second one of the plurality of panels.
[0016] Optionally, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to
the first handle panel.
[0017] Optionally, the plurality of panels forming walls of a
tubular structure includes; a top wall, a first side wall, a base
wall, and a second side wall.
[0018] Optionally, each of the at least one securing panel is a top
end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall.
[0019] Optionally, the at least one securing panel comprises a pair
of securing panels.
[0020] Optionally, each of the pair of securing panels is a top end
closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall.
[0021] Optionally, the carton comprises at least one display window
for presentation of an article therein, and at least one
orientation device for enabling said article to be oriented whilst
loaded in the carton.
[0022] Another aspect of the invention provides a carton for
packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of
panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels
includes: a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side
panel. The carton comprises a handle feature connected to the first
top panel. The first and second side panels are interconnected by a
top end flap. The handle feature comprises first and second handle
panels disposed in a face-contacting relationship. The first handle
panel is hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting
relationship with, the first top panel. The second handle panel is
detachably connected to the top end flap along a frangible line
such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is
hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends
above the first top panel.
[0023] Optionally, the first and second handle panels are hingedly
connected together.
[0024] Optionally, the frangible line comprises a cut line and at
least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.
[0025] Optionally, the top end flap comprises an outer top end flap
and an inner top end flap disposed in face-contacting relationship
with the outer top end flap.
[0026] Optionally, the second handle panel is detachably connected
to the outer top end flap along the frangible line, the frangible
line comprising a cut line and at least one bridging nick
interrupting the cut line, the inner top end flap is hingedly
connected to the first top panel along a fold line which includes
at least one opening interrupting the fold line, the at least one
opening is in vertical alignment with the at least one bridging
nick.
[0027] Optionally, the carton comprises a second top panel hingedly
connected between the second side panel and the second handle
panel.
[0028] Optionally, a connecting panel is formed from the second
handle panel and secured to the first top panel. The connecting
panel ay define at least in part a handle opening in the second
handle panel.
[0029] A further aspect of the invention provides a carton for
packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of
panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels
includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The carton
comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to
the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is
hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the
handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first
top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above
the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the
first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the
handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be
devoid of blocking the top-receiving opening.
[0030] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a carton for
packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of
panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels
includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The carton
comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a
top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to
the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to
the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is
hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the
handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first
top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above
the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the
first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the
handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that
the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.
[0031] Optionally, the top-receiving opening is sufficiently
exposed that an article is receivable in the top-receiving opening
to enable a portion of said article to be handled or engaged
externally of the carton.
[0032] Still a further 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. The
plurality of panels includes a first top panel. The carton
comprises at least one top end flap and a carrying handle. The
carrying handle has at least one handle panel hingedly connected to
one of the plurality of panels and disposed in a face-contacting
relationship with the first top panel. The at least one top end
flap is frangibly connected a first one of the at least one handle
panels. The at least one handle panel is detachably connected to
the at least one top end flap along a frangible line such that when
the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly
movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above
the first top panel.
[0033] Still another 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 carrying handle. The
carrying handle comprises; a first handle panel hingedly connected
to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at
least one securing panel. The at least one securing panel is
frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle
panels. The at least one securing panel is separated from the other
one of the first and second handle panels by a cutaway.
[0034] Yet a further 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. The plurality of panels
includes; a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side
panel. The blank comprises a handle feature connected to the first
top panel. The first and second side panels are configured to be
interconnected by an inner and outer top end flap. The handle
feature comprises first and second handle panels arranged to be
disposed in a face-contacting relationship in a set-up carton. The
first handle panel is hingedly connected to the first top panel and
is arranged to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with
the first top panel in a set-up carton. The second handle panel is
detachably connected to the outer top end flap along a frangible
line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle
feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle
feature extends above the first top panel.
[0035] Still yet another aspect of the invention provides a blank
for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for
forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a
first side panel and a first top panel. The blank comprises a
handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving
opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side
panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top
panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is
hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the
handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first
top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above
the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the
first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the
handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be
devoid of blocking the top-receiving opening.
[0036] Still yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank
for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for
forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a
first side panel and a first top panel. The blank comprises a
handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving
opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side
panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top
panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is
hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the
handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first
top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above
the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the
first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the
handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that
the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.
[0037] Yet another 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. The plurality of panels
includes a first top panel. The blank comprises at least one top
end flap and a carrying handle. The carrying handle has at least
one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of
panels. The at least one handle panel is arranged to be disposed in
a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up
carton. The at least one top end flap is frangibly connected a
first one of the at least one handle panels. The at least one
handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top end
flap along a frangible line. In a set-up carton severance of the
frangible line allows the handle feature to be hingedly moved to a
use position where the handle feature extends above the first top
panel.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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
[0041] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a first embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 1B illustrates a stage of construction of the blank of
FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the
carton of FIG. 2 showing a carrying handle in a deployed
condition;
[0046] FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a second embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 4;
[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the
carton of FIG. 5 showing a carrying handle in a stowed
condition;
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the
carton of FIG. 5 showing a carrying handle in a deployed
condition;
[0050] FIG. 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a third embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 8;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a
carton according to a fourth embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 10B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank
of FIG. 10;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed
from the blank of FIG. 10; and
[0055] FIG. 12 is an alternative perspective view from above of a
carton formed from the blank of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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 FIG. 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary
package for packaging at least one primary product container or
package.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of a blank
110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in FIGS. 6
and 7, for containing and carrying a group of primary products.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a plan view of a blank
210 capable of forming a carton or carrier 290, as shown in FIG. 9,
for containing and carrying a group of primary products.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a plan view of a blank
310 capable of forming a carton or carrier 390, as shown in FIG.
11, for containing and carrying a group of primary products. 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; 390 for
engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product
containers 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.
[0061] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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 structure described in more detail
below.
[0062] The packaging structures or cartons 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.
[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the blank 10 is
configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an
exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment
illustrated the arrangement is a 3.times.2 matrix or array; in the
illustrated embodiment two rows of three articles B are provided,
and the articles B are 12 oz (approx. 355 ml) glass bottles.
[0064] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the blank 110 is
configured to form a carton or carrier 190 for packaging an
exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment
illustrated the arrangement is a 4.times.2 matrix or array; in the
illustrated embodiment two rows of four articles B are provided,
and the articles B are 16 oz (approx. 473 ml) glass bottles.
[0065] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, blanks
210, 310 are configured to form cartons or carriers 290, 390 for
packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the
embodiments illustrated the arrangement is a 3.times.2 matrix or
array; in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B
are provided, and the articles B are 12 oz (approx. 355 ml) glass
bottles.
[0066] Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can be
configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and
size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different
arrangement or configuration.
[0067] The present invention relates generally to a carton 90; 190;
290; 390 for packaging articles B which carton 90; 190; 290; 390
comprises a carrying handle H.
[0068] Embodiments described herein may comprise an article
engaging arrangement for engaging an article B. Embodiments
described herein may further comprise a viewing window arrangement
or display window W struck from a side wall 14/16; 114; 314/316 of
the carton 90; 190; 290; 390. The window presents, for view, a
substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton 90;
190; 290; 390, adjacent to that side wall 14/16; 114; 314/316. The
embodiments described herein may also comprise a viewing window
arrangement or display window in at least one end wall.
[0069] Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for
forming a carton 90 according to a first embodiment. The blank 10
comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,
26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main
panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises; a first base
panel 12, a first lower side panel 14, a first upper side panel 16,
a top panel 18, a first handle panel 20, a second handle panel 22,
a second upper side panel 24, a second lower side panel 26, and a
second base panel 28. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the
next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25,
27.
[0070] The first base panel 12 is hinged to the first lower side
panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The
first lower side panel 14 is hinged to the first upper side panel
16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The first
upper side panel 16 is hinged to the top panel 18 by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 17. The top panel 18 is
hinged to the first handle panel 20 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line 19. The first handle panel 20 is hinged to the
second handle panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 21. The second handle panel 22 is hinged to the second upper
side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.
The second upper side panel 24 is hinged to the second lower side
panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25. The
second lower side panel 26 is hinged to the second base panel 28 by
a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27.
[0071] The blank 10 may comprise a grain or machine direction, the
grain direction is indicated in FIG. 1 by direction arrows GR, the
grain direction may extend between the first and second base panels
12, 28.
[0072] The first upper side panel 16 and the first lower side panel
14 form a first side wall 14/16 of a carton 90. The second upper
side panel 24 and the second lower side panel 26 form a second side
wall 24/26 of a carton 90.
[0073] The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are
engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form
a composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may
comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second
base panel 28 to the first base panel 12.
[0074] The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part
F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 28
may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary
locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base
panel 28 comprises a plurality of male tabs M. The first base panel
12 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the
first base panel 12, the openings in the first base panel 12 being
configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The
female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the first base
panel 12 to form the openings and to bear against the male tabs M
when received therein. The openings form a receiver for receiving
the male tabs M. In some embodiments the female tabs F may be
omitted.
[0075] The first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise at
least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the
first base panel 12 comprises two first apertures A1, the second
base panel 28 comprises three first apertures A1. The first base
panel 12 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises one
second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1, A2 may be
employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging
machine component may engage with the first and second apertures
A1, A2 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22,
24, 26, 28 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first
and second apertures A1, A2 may also be employed to facilitate
alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 28 with respect
to each other or to align the first part of the complementary
locking mechanism with the second part of the complementary locking
mechanism.
[0076] The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and
described is entirely optional.
[0077] The blank 10 comprises at least one first display window W
for presentation of an article B.
[0078] Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a first display window W
formed in each of the first upper and first lower side walls 16,
14.
[0079] The first display window W comprises an opening in each of
the first upper and first lower side walls or panels 16, 14. The
opening is defined: in part by a first displaceable tab or flap
52a; in part by a second displaceable tab or flap 52b; in part by a
first window aperture A3 struck in part from the first upper side
wall 16 and the first lower side wall 14; and in part by a second
window aperture A4 struck from the first upper side wall 16. The
first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are separated from
each other in part by the first window aperture A3 and in part by a
severable line in the form of a cutline 53. The second window
aperture A4 defines upper edges of each of the first and second
displaceable flaps 52a, 52b. The cutline extends between the first
window aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4. The first and
second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are hinged to the first upper
and lower side panels 16, 14 by fold lines 51a, 51b
respectively.
[0080] The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are
hingedly connected to the first upper and lower side panels 16, 14
and are positioned opposite to one another.
[0081] The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b may
comprise at least one fold line. In the illustrated embodiment the
first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each comprise two fold
lines. The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each
comprises a first fold line 15a, 15b, the first fold lines 15a, 15b
are collinear with the fold line 15 hinging the first upper side
panel 16 to the first lower side panels 14. The first and second
displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each comprises a second fold line 55a,
55b. The second fold lines 55a, 55b are divergently arranged with
respect the respective one of the first fold lines 15a, 15b. The
first and second fold lines 15a, 15b, 55a, 55b diverge away from
the respective hinged connection 51a, 51b.
[0082] When the tabs 52a, 52b are displaced or folded with respect
to the first side wall 14/16 to display an article B as shown in
FIG. 2, the tabs 52a, 52b form a frame about the displayed article
B and may at least partially separate the displayed article B from
adjacent articles B in the row of articles B proximate the first
side wall 14/16. The tabs 52a, 52b may at least partially conceal
aforesaid adjacent articles B.
[0083] The tabs 52a, 52b are visible through the display window W
in a set up carton 90.
[0084] At least a portion of the display window W is larger in
dimension, wider, than an adjacent portion of the article B such
that the full width of a portion of the article B is visible
through the display window W.
[0085] The blank 10 comprises at least one end closure structure
for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure
defined by the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26,
28.
[0086] In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is
provided for partially closing each end of the tubular
structure.
[0087] Each of the end closure structures may comprise a second
display window W2, see FIG. 2, for the display of one or more
articles B disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of
the second display windows may be omitted such that a display
window is provided at only one end of the tubular structure, in
still other embodiments both the second display windows may be
omitted.
[0088] The blank 10 comprises a first end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a,
38a, 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a.
[0089] The first end closure structure comprises a first or inner
top end closure flap 36a, hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by
a fold line 37a.
[0090] A second or outer top end closure flap 38a/40a is hingedly
and severably connected to the second handle panel 22 by a
frangible line 50a. The second top end closure flap 38a/40a
comprises an upper part 38a hingedly connected to a lower part 40a
by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39a.
[0091] The frangible line 50a may comprise a cut line and at least
one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.
[0092] A first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 16 by a fold line 31a.
[0093] The first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected
to first top end closure flap 36a by a first gusset panel 34a. The
first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected to the first
gusset panel 34a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
33a. The first gusset panel 34a is hingedly connected to the first
top end closure flap 36a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 35a.
[0094] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part
from one or more of the first gusset panel 34a, the first upper end
closure flap 32a, the first top end closure flap 36a, the first
upper side panel 16, and the top panel 18.
[0095] A second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected
the second upper side panel 24 by a fold line 45a.
[0096] The second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected
to the second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a second gusset panel
42a. The second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected to
the second gusset panel 42a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 43a. The second gusset panel 42a is hingedly connected to
the second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 41a.
[0097] A first relief aperture A9 may be struck from, or defined,
in part from one or more of the second gusset panel 42a, the second
upper end closure flap 44a, the second top end closure flap
38a/40a, the second upper side panel 24, and the second handle
panel 22.
[0098] Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a
first lower side end closure flap 30a hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 29a.
[0099] Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 46a is
hinged to the second lower side panel 26 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 47a.
[0100] Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 48a is hinged to
the second base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 49a. The first lower side end closure flap 30a, second
lower side end closure flap 46a and the first bottom end closure
flap 48a are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open
end of the tubular structure.
[0101] The blank 10 comprises a second end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b,
38b, 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b, 48b.
[0102] The second end closure structure comprises a third or inner
top end closure flap 36b hingedly connected to the top panel 18, at
a second end thereof, by a fold line 37b.
[0103] A fourth or outer top end closure flap 38b/40b is hingedly
and severably connected to the second handle panel 22, at a second
end thereof, by a frangible line 50b. The second top end closure
flap 38b/40b comprises an upper part 38b hingedly connected to a
lower part 40b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
39b.
[0104] The frangible line 50b may comprise a cut line and at least
one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.
[0105] A third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 16, at a second end thereof, by a fold
line 31b.
[0106] The third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected
to third top end closure flap 36b by a third gusset panel 34b. The
third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected to the third
gusset panel 34b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
33b. The third gusset panel 34b is hingedly connected to the third
top end closure flap 36b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 35b.
[0107] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part
from one or more of the third gusset panel 34b, the third upper end
closure flap 32b, the third top end closure flap 36b, the first
upper side panel 16, and the top panel 18.
[0108] A fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected to
the second upper side panel 24, at a second end thereof, by a fold
line 45b.
[0109] The fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected
to the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a fourth gusset panel
42b. The fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected to
the fourth gusset panel 42b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 43b. The fourth gusset panel 42b is hingedly connected to
the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 41b.
[0110] A second relief aperture A10 may be struck or defined, in
part, from one or more of the fourth gusset panel 42b, the fourth
upper end closure flap 44b, the fourth top end closure flap
38b/40b, the second upper side panel 24, and the second handle
panel 22.
[0111] Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a
third lower side end closure flap 30b hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 29b.
[0112] Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 46b is
hinged to the second lower side panel 26 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 47b.
[0113] Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 48b is hinged
to the second base panel 28, at a second end thereof, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 49b. The third lower side end
closure flap 30b, fourth lower side end closure flap 46b and second
bottom end closure flap 48b are arranged to partially close a lower
region of a second open end of the tubular structure.
[0114] The blank 10 comprises a carrying handle structure. The
carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 20
and the second handle panel 22. The first handle panel 20 comprises
a first handle opening H1 defined at least in part by a first
handle aperture A6. The first handle opening H1 may be defined at
least in part by a flap 60 which serves as a cushioning flap when
the carrying handle is in use. The flap 60 is hinged to the first
handle panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
61.
[0115] The first handle opening H1 may interrupt the fold line 19
between the first handle panel 20 and the top panel 18.
[0116] The carrying handle structure may comprise a pair of relief
devices 67a, 67b defined in the top panel 18. The relief devices
67a, 67b may be formed from arcuate or curvilinear cut lines or
severance lines. The relief devices 67a, 67b may facilitate
deformation of the top panel 18 when deploying the carrying
handle.
[0117] The second handle panel 22 comprises a second handle opening
H2 defined at least in part by a tab 62. The tab 62 is hinged to
the second upper side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form
of a fold line 63, the fold line 63 is collinear with fold line 23,
the fold line 63 is contiguous with fold line 23. The second handle
opening H2 may be defined at least in part by a flap 60 which
serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The
flap 60 is hinged to the second handle panel 22 by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 61.
[0118] The second handle opening H2 may interrupt the fold line 23
between the second handle panel 22 and the second upper side panel
24.
[0119] A cutline defining the second handle opening may extend into
the second upper side panel 24. The cutline may comprise first and
second end portions 65a, 65a defined in the second upper side panel
24, the first and second end portions 65a, 65a may be arcuate or
curvilinear, the first and second end portions 65a, 65a may be "J"
or "C" shaped.
[0120] The tab 62 secures the second side wall 24/26 forming a
connecting panel, particularly the second upper side panel 24, to
the top panel 18 when the carrying handle H is deployed, and may
serve to reinforce the carton when the carrying handle H is in
use.
[0121] The second handle panel 22 is frangibly connected to the
second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a frangible connection 50a.
The second handle panel 22 is partially separated from second top
end closure flap 38a/40a by the first relief aperture A9.
[0122] The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is separated from
the first handle panel 20 by a cutaway in the form of a recess
R1.
[0123] The frangible connection 50a is disposed between the first
relief aperture A9 and the recess R1, in this way the upper part
38a of the second top end closure flap 38a/40a comprises a bridging
portion coupling the second top end closure flap 38a/40a to the
second handle panel 22.
[0124] The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is free from
connection to the first handle panel 20.
[0125] The blank 10 comprises a third relief aperture A7 struck in
part from the top panel 18 and in part from the first top end
closure panel 36a. The third relief aperture A7 interrupts the
hinged connection between top panel 18 and the first top end
closure panel 36a.
[0126] The second handle panel 22 is frangibly connected to the
fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a frangible connection 50b.
The second handle panel 22 is partially separated from fourth top
end closure flap 38b/40b by the second relief aperture A10.
[0127] The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is separated from
the first handle panel 20 by a second cutaway in the form of a
second recess R2.
[0128] The frangible connection 50b is disposed between the second
relief aperture A10 and the second recess R2, in this way the upper
part 38b of the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b comprises a
bridging portion coupling the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b
to the second handle panel 22.
[0129] The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is free from
connection to the first handle panel 20.
[0130] The blank 10 comprises a fourth relief aperture A8 struck in
part from the top panel 18 and in part from the third top end
closure panel 36b. The fourth relief aperture A8 interrupts the
hinged connection between top panel 18 and the third top end
closure panel 36b.
[0131] The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 reduce or
relieve pressure upon the frangible connections 50a, 50b
respectively when the blank 10 is assembled into a carton 90, this
may reduce inadvertent or unintentional separation of the frangible
connections 50a, 50b prior to deployment of the carrying handle
H.
[0132] The blank 10 may comprise at least one orientation
adjustment device for enabling the orientation of an article B.
[0133] The orientation adjustment device is arranged such that the
article B displayed in the first display window W located in the
first side wall 14/16 can be controlled or adjusted. It will be
appreciated that the orientation adjustment device may be located
such that one or both articles B presented in the second display
windows in the end walls of the carton 90 can be controlled or
adjusted.
[0134] The orientation adjustment device comprises a bottom cutaway
or opening (also referred to herein as a second opening) in the
form of the second aperture A2 provided in first base panel 12. In
the illustrated embodiment the second aperture A2 forms a lower
aperture of the orientation adjustment device. In other embodiments
a lower aperture may be provided in the second base panel 28. In
still other embodiments a lower aperture may be provided in each of
the first and second base panels 12, 28.
[0135] The lower aperture A2 is arranged to be in vertical registry
with the article B which is disposed in the first display window
W.
[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower aperture A2 is
arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the display
window W.
[0137] The lower 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 12 with the second base panel 28
when the carton 90 is assembled about a group of articles B.
Additionally or alternatively the cutaway portion may facilitate
tightening or wrapping of the carton 90 about the group of articles
B. It may facilitate pulling the first base panel 12 towards the
second side panel 24/26 so as to increase the degree of overlap
between the first and second base panels 12, 28 such that the
complementary locking mechanism may be employed.
[0138] The orientation adjustment device comprises a top cutaway or
opening (also referred to herein as a first opening) in the form of
an upper aperture A5 provided at least in part in the top panel 18.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the upper aperture A5 is provided in
part in the top panel 18 and in part in the first upper side panel
16. Extending the aperture A5 into the first upper side panel 16
may facilitate folding the top panel 18 with respect to the first
upper side panel 16 along the fold line 17.
[0139] In other embodiments, the upper aperture A5 may be provided
solely in the top panel 18, so as to be struck from only material
forming the top panel 18. Such an arrangement may be advantageous
when the article B is returned or lowered to a rest position within
the interior chamber of the carton 90.
[0140] The upper aperture A5 is spaced apart from the display
window W (for example from the second window aperture A4) by a
portion of the first upper side panel 16. The region of the first
upper side panel 16 separating the upper aperture A5 from the
display window W may serve as a retainer to prevent or inhibit
removal or egress of the display article B from the carton 90.
[0141] In such alternative embodiments, a front or outer edge of
the upper aperture A5 is provided by the top panel 18 and therefore
is oriented horizontally or perpendicularly with respect to the
direction of travel of the article B as it moves, or descends, into
the carton 90. This may reduce the likelihood of a portion of the
article B, such as a flange or cap or other closure, from being
caught or snagged upon material defining an edge of the upper
aperture A5.
[0142] The upper aperture A5 is arranged to be in vertical registry
with the upper end of the article B which is disposed in the
display window W. The upper aperture A5 is dimensioned such that an
upper portion of said article B can pass through the top panel
18.
[0143] The upper aperture A5 is arranged to be vertically aligned
with the first display window W.
[0144] The orientation adjustment device 70 is arranged to allow
adjustment of the orientation of the article displayed in the
display window W.
[0145] The lower aperture A5 is disposed mid-way between opposed
free end edges of the first base panel 12.
[0146] The upper aperture A6 is struck in part from the top panel
18 and interrupts the fold line 17; the upper aperture A6 is
arranged to be disposed mid-way between opposed hinged connections,
fold lines 37a, 37b, hinging the first and third top end closure
panels 36a, 36b to the top panel 18.
[0147] The upper aperture A5 may be dimensioned so as to be smaller
than a shoulder portion of the article B. In this way an upper end
portion of the article B may pass through the upper aperture A5 but
is prevented from being fully withdrawn through the upper aperture
A5. The upper aperture A5 may be dimensioned so as to be larger
than an upper portion of the article B, this upper portion may
include a cap/closure of the article B, when the article B is a
bottle, the upper portion may include the "finish" and at least
some of the "neck". The upper portion may be positioned externally
of the carton 90. The "shoulder", "body" and "heel" of the bottle,
being retained within the carton 90.
[0148] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated
in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3, 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.
[0149] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the
first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b. In other
embodiments the glue may be applied to a corresponding regions of
an inner surface of the second and fourth top end closure flaps
38a/40a, 38b/40b.
[0150] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing
tab 62. In other embodiments the glue may be applied to a
corresponding regions of an outer surface of the top panel 18.
[0151] Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a
surface of at least one of the first and second handle panels 20,
22 such that when the first and second handle panels 20, 22 are
brought into face to face relationship the first and second handle
panels 20, 22 may be secured to each other.
[0152] The blank 10 is folded about fold line 19 to bring the first
handle panel 20 into face contacting relationship with the top
panel 18.
[0153] The blank 10 is folded about fold line 21 to bring the
second handle panel 22 into face contacting relationship with the
first handle panel 20. The securing tab 62 is brought into face
contacting relationship with the top panel 18 as shown in FIG. 1B.
The securing tab 62 is secured to the top panel 18.
[0154] The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is brought into face
contacting relationship with the first top end closure flaps 36a.
The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is secured to the first top
end closure flaps 36a.
[0155] The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is brought into face
contacting relationship with the third top end closure flap 36b.
The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is secured to the third top
end closure flap 36b.
[0156] In this way a part formed blank 10 is created, part formed
blank 10 can be shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at
which the part formed blank 10 may be erected into an article
carrier about a group of articles B.
[0157] A group of articles B is assembled; in the preferred
embodiment six articles B are arranged in a 3.times.2 array. The
top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of
articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90. The first and
second handle panels 20, 22 are disposed above the top panel 18
over the group of articles B. The first and second handle panels
20, 22 are held in folded condition in an overlying position.
[0158] The window panels 52a, 52b are folded inwardly of the carton
90 either prior to or simultaneously with the first and second side
walls 14/16, 24/26 being folded about the fold lines 17, 23 so as
to be disposed on opposing sides of the group of articles B. The
window panels 52a, 52b are disposed such that they are interposed
between a pair of adjacent articles B.
[0159] Once the first and second sidewalls 14/16, 24/26 are folded
about the opposing sides of the group of articles B; the first base
panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed
adjacent the base of the group of articles B. The second base panel
28 is then folded about the fold line 27 so as to be in at least
partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12. The
first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each of
the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the
second base panel 28. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is
displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first
base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of
the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 28
together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group
of articles B.
[0160] In some embodiments, the blank 10 may be formed into a
tubular structure and subsequently loaded with articles B through
at least one open end thereof.
[0161] The first and second end closure structures are folded about
the open ends of the tubular structure. The folding sequence for
each of the first and second end closure structures is
substantially the same and will be described in more detail by
reference to the first end closure structure only.
[0162] The first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a
are folded about the fold lines 27a, 31a, 45a so as to partially
close a first open end of the tubular structure.
[0163] The first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a at least
partially fold in response to folding the first and second upper
side end closure flaps 32a, 44a. The first and second top end
closure panels 36a, 38a/40a fold, at least partially, in response
to folding of the first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a.
[0164] The first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a are folded
between the first and second top end closure panel 36a, 38a/40a and
the respective one of first and second upper side end closure flaps
32a, 44a to which they are coupled.
[0165] The first and second top end closure panel 36a, 38a/40a are
folded about fold line 37a and frangible line 50a to be brought in
to face to face relationship with first and second upper side end
closure flaps 32a, 44a and the first and second gusset panels 34a,
42a.
[0166] The second or lower part 40a of the second top end closure
panel 38a/40a is folded, outwardly, with respect to the first or
upper part 38a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a by
folding about fold line 39a.
[0167] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the
first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a. In other
embodiments the glue may be applied to corresponding regions of an
inner surface of the second part of the second top end closure
panel 38a/40a.
[0168] The second part 40a of the second top end closure panel
38a/40a is unfolded with respect to the first part 38a of the
second top end closure panel 38a/40a by folding about fold line 39a
to bring the second part 40a of the second top end closure panel
38a/40a into face contacting relationship with the first and second
upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a.
[0169] The second top end closure panel 38a/40a is secured to the
first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a.
[0170] The first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a
are folded about fold lines 29a, 49a respectively.
[0171] The first lower side end closure flap 30a may be secured to
the second lower side end closure flap 46a. In some embodiments the
first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a may be
dimensioned so as to be arranged in an at least partial overlapping
arrangement. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to one
of the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a so as
to secure them together.
[0172] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the
first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a. In other
embodiments the glue may be applied to corresponding regions of an
inner surface of the bottom end closure flap 48a.
[0173] The bottom end closure flap 48a is folded about fold line
49a so as to be brought up into face contacting relationship with
the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a.
[0174] The bottom end closure flap 48a is secured to the first and
second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a.
[0175] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a carton 90 in which a first side
wall 14/16 comprises a first display window W exposing to view an
article B. The pair of displaceable flaps 52a, 52b form a frame
about the article B, best shown in FIG. 2. The article B is shown
in a first, rest, position in FIG. 2.
[0176] The article B which is presented in the first display window
W in the first side wall 14/16 is moveable or translatable within
the assembled carton 90. A finger or tool (not shown) may be
inserted through an opening, provided by second aperture A2, in the
base wall 12/28 formed by the first and second base panels 12, 28.
The article B can be moved into an elevated position.
[0177] When the article B is moved an upper portion of the article
B passes through the upper aperture A5 and is external of the
carton 90. In this second, deployed, position the article B is
readily accessible. The upper portion of the article B may be
engaged by a tool or user. The orientation of the article B may be
adjusted in the deployed position by rotating the article B about a
tubular or vertical axis thereof, upon reaching the desired
orientation the article B may be returned to the rest position.
[0178] The carton 90 and the articles B form a package in which the
upper portion of the article B is arranged in a rest position such
that the top of the upper portion is disposed below the upper
aperture A6 and is not substantially received therein.
[0179] A lower portion of the article B is restricted from passing
through the opening in the top panel 18 formed from the upper
aperture A5; the lower portion having a dimension greater than the
opening in the top panel 18.
[0180] The package or carton 90 is arranged such that the height of
the article B is no greater than the height of the carton 90,
wherein the height of the carton 90 is defined by the distance
between the top wall 18 and the base wall 12/28.
[0181] The carton comprises a carrying handle H having at least one
handle panel 20, 22, the carrying handle is arranged such that the
at least one handle panel 20, 22 does not obscure or close the
upper aperture A5 of the article orientation device. In the
illustrated embodiment neither of the first and second handle
panels 20, 22 obscures or closes the upper aperture A5.
[0182] The at least one handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying handle
H comprises a first, hinged or coupling, edge which in use forms a
lower hinged edge hinging or coupling the at least one handle panel
20, 22 to the tubular structure of the carton 90. The at least one
handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying handle H comprises a second
edge, the second edge opposes the first edge.
[0183] When the at least one handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying
handle H is in the folded or stowed position, shown in FIG. 2, the
second edge is disposed in closer proximity to the first edge of
the at least one handle panel 20, 22 than the upper aperture
A5.
[0184] A first distance is defined between the first edge of the at
least one handle panel 20, 22 and the second edge of the at least
one handle panel 20, 22. A second distance is defined between the
upper aperture A5 and the first edge of the at least one handle
panel 20, 22 or second side wall 24/26. The first distance is less
than the second distance.
[0185] In some embodiments the second edge of the at least one
handle panel 20, 22 may be shaped to accommodate the upper aperture
A5, for example, but not limited to, a cutaway in the form of a
recess may be provided; in embodiments where the carrying handle H
comprises a pair of hinged, first and second, handle panels 20, 22
the cutaway may be formed from an aperture struck in part from the
first handle panel 20 and in part from the second handle panel 22
so as to interrupt the hinged connection between the first and
second handle panels 20, 22.
[0186] The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 remove material
from the top panel 18 and the first and third top end closure flaps
36a, 36b in regions of the hinged connections between the top panel
18 and the first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b which are
disposed adjacent to the frangible connections 50a, 50b between the
at least one handle panel 20, 22 (the second handle panel 22 in the
illustrated embodiment) and the second and fourth top end closure
flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.
[0187] In this way the neither the top panel 18 or the first and
third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b exert force or pressure upon
the frangible connections 50a, 50b.
[0188] The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 may allow the
respective bridging portion of the second and fourth top end
closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b to be at least partially received
therein.
[0189] Optionally, the frangible connections 50a, 50b between the
at least one handle panel 20, 22 (the second handle panel 22 in the
illustrated embodiment) and the second and fourth top end closure
flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b are arranged to be disposed adjacent to a
void or gap between a pair of articles B disposed adjacent to an
end wall of the carton formed at least in part by the second and
fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.
[0190] The second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b
serve as securing panels for holding the carrying handle in the
stowed position. The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected
to the securing panels, the first handle panel 220 is free from
connection to the securing panels.
[0191] 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 second top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b may be configured
to obscure from view at least the neck portion. In some
embodiments, the shoulder region or an upper portion of the main
body or both may be obscured from view by the top end closure flaps
38a/40a, 38b/40b.
[0192] A second display window W2 is defined in part by free side
edge portions of each of the first and second lower side panels 14,
26.
[0193] In this way branding or other indicia provided upon the
articles B may be displayed through the first display window W or
the second display window W2. The articles B may be arranged in a
desired orientation. The displaceable flaps 52a, 52b may bear
against an article B so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the
article B away from the desired orientation.
[0194] The first and second end closure structures may be tightened
so as to bear against the endmost articles B, with frictional
forces, so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the endmost
articles B away from a predefined orientation.
[0195] Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 7 there is shown an alternative
embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated
embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote
like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" to
indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The
second embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment
of FIGS. 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described in any greater
detail.
[0196] FIG. 4 illustrates a blank 110 for forming a carton 190
according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a
plurality of main panels 112, 114, 118, 120, 122, 126, 128 for
forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114,
118, 120, 122, 126, 128 comprises a first base panel 112, a first
side panel 114, a top panel 118, a first handle panel 120, a second
handle panel 122, a second side panel 126, and a second base panel
128. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 118, 120, 122, 126, 128 may
be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by
corresponding fold lines 113, 117, 119, 121, 123, 127.
[0197] The fold lines 15, 25 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 have been
omitted and the sidewalls of the carton are formed from a single,
unitary, side panel 114, 126.
[0198] The blank 110 comprises at least one end closure structure
for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure
defined by the plurality of panels 112, 114, 118, 120, 122, 126,
128.
[0199] In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is
provided for partially closing each end of the tubular
structure.
[0200] Each of the end closure structures may comprise a second
display window W2 for the display of one or more articles B
disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of the second
display windows W2 may be omitted such that a display window W2 is
provided at only one end of the tubular structure, in still other
embodiments both the second display windows may be omitted.
[0201] The blank 110 comprises a first end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 130a, 132a, 134a,
138a, 140a, 144a, 146a, 148a, 170a, 172a, 174a, 176a.
[0202] The first end closure structure comprises a first top end
closure flap 138a/140a, hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by
a fold line 137a. The first top end closure flap 138a/140a
comprises an upper part 138a hingedly connected to a lower part
140a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139a.
[0203] A first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected to
a first upper corner panel 172a by a fold line 131a. The first
upper corner panel 172a is hingedly connected to the first side
panel 114 by a fold line 173a. Fold line 173a may be nonlinear for
example it may comprise first and second linear portions
divergently arranged with respect to each other.
[0204] The first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected
to the first top end closure flap 138a/140a by a first gusset panel
134a. The first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected
to the first gusset panel 134a by a hinged connection in the form
of a fold line 133a. The first gusset panel 134a is hingedly
connected to the first top end closure flap 138a/140a by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 135a.
[0205] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined in, the
first gusset panel 134a.
[0206] A second upper end closure flap 144a is hingedly connected
to a second upper corner panel 174a by a fold line 145a, the second
upper corner panel 174a is hingedly connected to the second side
panel 126 by a fold line 175a. Fold line 175a may be nonlinear for
example it may comprise first and second linear portions
divergently arranged with respect to each other.
[0207] Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a
first lower side end closure flap 130a hingedly connected to the
first side panel 114 by a first lower corner panel 170a. The first
lower side end closure flap 130a is hingedly connected to the first
lower corner panel 170a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 129a. The first lower corner panel 170a is hingedly
connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line 171a.
[0208] Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 146a is
hinged to the second lower side panel 126 by a by a second lower
corner panel 176a. The second lower side end closure flap 146a is
hinged to the second lower corner panel 176a by a hinged connection
in the form of a fold line 147a.
[0209] The second lower corner panel 176a is hinged to the second
side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
177a.
[0210] Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 148a is hinged
to the second base panel 128 by a hinged connection in the form of
a fold line 149a. The first lower side end closure flap 130a,
second lower side end closure flap 146a and the first bottom end
closure flap 148a are arranged to partially close a lower region of
an open end of the tubular structure.
[0211] The blank 110 comprises a second end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 130b, 132b, 134b,
138b, 140b, 144b, 146b, 148b, 170b, 172b, 174b. 176b.
[0212] The second end closure structure comprises a second top end
closure flap 138b/140b, hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by
a fold line 137b. The second top end closure flap 138b/140b
comprises an upper part 138b hingedly connected to a lower part
140b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139b.
[0213] A third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly connected to
a third upper corner panel 172b by a fold line 131b. The third
upper corner panel 172b is hingedly connected to the first side
panel 114 by a fold line 173b. Fold line 173b may be nonlinear for
example it may comprise first and second linear portions
divergently arranged with respect to each other.
[0214] The third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly connected
to the second top end closure flap 138b/140b by a third gusset
panel 134b. The third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly
connected to the third gusset panel 134b by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 133b. The third gusset panel 134b is
hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 138b/140b by
a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135b.
[0215] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined in, the
third gusset panel 134b.
[0216] A fourth upper end closure flap 144b is hingedly connected
to a fourth upper corner panel 174b by a fold line 145b, the fourth
upper corner panel 174b is hingedly connected to the second side
panel 126 by a fold line 175b. Fold line 175b may be nonlinear for
example it may comprise first and second linear portions
divergently arranged with respect to each other.
[0217] Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a
third lower side end closure flap 130b hingedly connected to the
first side panel 114 by a third lower corner panel 170b. The third
lower side end closure flap 130b is hingedly connected to the third
lower corner panel 170b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 129b. The third lower corner panel 170b is hingedly
connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line 171b.
[0218] Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 146b is
hinged to the second lower side panel 126 by a by a fourth lower
corner panel 176b. The fourth lower side end closure flap 146b is
hinged to the fourth lower corner panel 176b by a hinged connection
in the form of a fold line 147b.
[0219] The fourth lower corner panel 176b is hinged to the second
side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
177b.
[0220] Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 148b is hinged
to the second base panel 128 by a hinged connection in the form of
a fold line 149b. The third lower side end closure flap 130b,
fourth lower side end closure flap 146b and second bottom end
closure flap 148b are arranged to partially close a lower region of
an open end of the tubular structure.
[0221] Optionally, the blank 110 comprises a first display window W
formed in the first side panel 114.
[0222] The first display window W comprises an opening in the first
side wall or panel 114. The opening is defined: in part by a first
displaceable tab or flap 152a; in part by a second displaceable tab
or flap 152b; in part by a first window aperture A3 struck in part
from the first side wall 114; and in part by a second window
aperture A4 struck from the first side wall 114. The first and
second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are separated from each other
in part by the first window aperture A3 and in part by a severable
line in the form of a cutline 153. The second window aperture A4
defines upper edges of each of the first and second displaceable
flaps 152a, 152b. The cutline extends between the first window
aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4. The first and second
displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are hinged to the first side panel
114 by fold lines 151a, 151b respectively.
[0223] The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are
hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 and are positioned
opposite to one another.
[0224] The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are each
hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by non-linear hinged
connections. In the illustrated embodiments the hinged connections,
fold lines, are curvilinear or arcuate, in other embodiments the
hinged connections may be comprised of two or more linear portions
arranged contiguously and divergently with respect to each
other.
[0225] When the tabs 152a, 152b are displaced or folded with
respect to the first side wall 114 to display an article B as shown
in FIG. 5, the non-linear hinged connections increase or encourage
the tendency of the displaceable tabs 152a, 152b to return to their
original, unfolded, planar position. In this way the tabs 152a,
152b, when displaced, are biased towards the article B displayed
within the window W. The tabs 152a, 152b form a frame about the
displayed article B and may at least partially separate the
displayed article B from adjacent articles B in the row of articles
B proximate the first side panel 114. The tabs 152a, 152b may at
least partially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.
[0226] The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b may each
comprise a foldable wing portion.
[0227] The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b may
comprise at least one fold line 155a, 155b. In the illustrated
embodiment the first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b each
comprise one fold line 155a, 155b. The fold line 155a, 155b defines
at least in part a foldable wing portion of a respective one of the
first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b. The fold lines
155a, 155b extend between the first window aperture A3 and the
second window aperture A4.
[0228] The tabs 152a, 152b are visible through the display window W
in a set up carton 190.
[0229] In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which the display
window W is arranged to display a centrally disposed article in one
of the rows of articles. The display window W is disposed in an off
centre position in the first side panels 114 to display an
adjacently disposed article B.
[0230] The orientation adjustment device is arranged to allow
adjustment of the orientation of the article B displayed in the
display window W.
[0231] The location of the lower aperture A2 in the first base
panel 112 and the upper aperture A6 in the top panel 118 is
adjusted to be similarly off centre; display window W, upper and
lower apertures A6, A2 being aligned with each other.
[0232] The blank 110 comprises a carrying handle structure. The
carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 120
and the second handle panel 122. The first handle panel 120
comprises a first handle opening H1 defined at least in part by a
first handle aperture A6. The first handle opening H1 may be
defined at least in part by a flap 160 which serves as a cushioning
flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 160 is hinged to
the first handle panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 161.
[0233] The first handle opening H1 may interrupt the fold line 119
between the first handle panel 120 and the top panel 118.
[0234] The second handle panel 122 comprises a second handle
opening H2 defined at least in part by a tab 162. The tab 162 is
hinged to the second side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the
form of a fold line, the fold line is collinear with fold line 123;
the fold line is contiguous with fold line 123. The second handle
opening H2 may be defined at least in part by a flap 160 which
serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The
flap 160 is hinged to the second handle panel 122 by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 161.
[0235] The second handle opening H2 may interrupt the fold line 123
between the second handle panel 122 and the second side panel
126.
[0236] A cutline defining the second handle opening H2 may extend
into the second side panel 126. The cutline may comprise first and
second end portions defined in the second side panel 126, the first
and second end portions may be arcuate or curvilinear, the first
and second end portions may be "J" or "C" shaped.
[0237] The tab 162 secures the second side wall 126 to the top
panel 118 when the carrying handle H is deployed, and may serve to
reinforce the carton when the carrying handle H is in use.
[0238] The blank 110 comprises a first securing panel 178a hingedly
connected to the second side panel 126, along an upper edge
thereof, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123a.
The blank 110 may comprise a second securing panel 178b hingedly
connected to the second side panel 126, along an upper edge
thereof, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
123b.
[0239] The first securing panel 178a and the second securing panel
178b are disposed at or about opposing ends of the first and second
handle panels 120, 122.
[0240] The second handle panel 122 is frangibly connected, along
end edges thereof, to each of the first and second securing panels
178a, 178b by a frangible connection 179a, 179b.
[0241] The second handle panel 122 may be partially separated from
each of the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by a
cutaway in the form of a cutline.
[0242] The first handle panel 120 is separated from the each of the
first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by a respective cutaway
C1, C2 in the form of a recess. In other embodiments the cutaways
C1, C2 may take alternative forms such as but not limited to cut
lines, slot, slits, frangible lines or severance lines.
[0243] The frangible connection 179a is disposed between a first
cutaway C1 and a cutline. In this way a bridging portion couples
the first securing panel 178a to the second handle panel 122. The
bridging portion may comprise at least one connecting portion or
frangible nick portion.
[0244] The first handle panel 120 is free from connection to the
first securing panel 178a.
[0245] The frangible connection 179b is disposed between the second
cutaway C2 and a cutline. In this a second bridging portion couples
the second securing panel 178b to the second handle panel 122. The
bridging portion may comprise at least one connecting portion or
frangible nick portion.
[0246] The second securing panel 178b is free from connection to
the second handle panel 122.
[0247] The blank 110 is assembled in a manner substantially similar
to that described herein with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
The assembled carton 190 is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a close
up view of the top wall 118 of the carton 190 and the carrying
handle H in a stowed condition. The carton 190 is shown in FIG. 7
with the carrying handle H in a deployed condition.
[0248] The first and second handle panels 120, 122 and the first
and second securing panels 178a, 178b are arranged to accommodate
the upper aperture A5 of the article orientation device. The upper
aperture A5 is located within, or in registry with, a recess
defined in part by: edges of the first and second handle panels
120,122 --said edge may be a hinged edge as illustrated; a first
edge portion of the first securing panel 178a; and a second edge
portion of the second securing panel 178b. The first edge portion
is defined, or provided by, the first cutaway C1. The second edge
portion is defined, or provided by, the second cutaway C2.
[0249] The second handle panel 122 is frangibly connected to the
securing panels 178a, 178b, the first handle panel 120 is free from
connection to the securing panels 178a, 178b.
[0250] The first or inner handle panel 120 is hingedly connected to
the top wall 118 along fold line 119 and the second or outer handle
panel 122 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 126 by the
fold line 123.
[0251] In the deployed condition, shown in FIG. 7, the securing tab
162 remains secured to the top wall 118 when the first and second
handle panels 120, 122 are folded outwardly from the top wall
118.
[0252] The second handle panel 122 is separated from the first and
second securing panels 178a, 178b by severing the frangible
connections 179a, 179b. The first and second securing panels 178a,
178b remain secured to the top wall 118. The first and second
securing panels 178a, 178b are hingedly connected to the second
side panel 126 by the respective fold lines 123a, 123b.
[0253] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown an alternative
embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated
embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote
like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "200" to
indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The
third embodiment shares many common features with the embodiments
of FIGS. 1 to 7, therefore only the differences from the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 will be described in any
greater detail.
[0254] FIG. 8 illustrates a blank 210 for forming a carton 290, as
shown in FIG. 9, according to a third embodiment. The blank 210
comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222,
218B, 224, 226, 228 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality
of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228
comprises a first base panel 212, a first lower side panel 214, a
first upper side panel 214, a first top panel portion 218a, a first
handle panel 220, a second handle panel 222, a second top panel
portion 218b, a second upper side panel 224, a second lower side
panel 226, and a second base panel 228. The plurality of panels
212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228 may be arranged
in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold
lines 213, 215, 217, 219a, 221, 223, 219b, 225, 227.
[0255] The first base panel 212 is hinged to the first lower side
panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213.
The first lower side panel 214 is hinged to the first upper side
panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215.
The first upper side panel 216 is hinged to the first top panel
portion 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
217.
[0256] The first top panel portion 218 is hinged to the first
handle panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
219. The first handle panel 220 is hinged to the second handle
panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221.
The second handle panel 222 is hinged to the second top panel
portion 218b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
219b. The second top panel portion 218b is hinged to the second
upper side panel 224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 223. The second upper side panel 224 is hinged to the second
lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 225. The second lower side panel 226 is hinged to the second
base panel 228 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
227.
[0257] The blank 210 comprises at least one end closure structure
for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure
defined by the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222,
218B, 224, 226, 228.
[0258] In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is
provided for partially closing each end of the tubular
structure.
[0259] The blank 210 comprises a first end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 230a, 232a, 234a,
236a, 238a, 240a, 242a, 244a, 246a, 248a.
[0260] The first end closure structure comprises a first or inner
top end closure flap 336a, hingedly connected to the first top
panel portion 218a by a fold line 237a.
[0261] A second or outer top end closure flap 238a/240a is hingedly
connected to the second top panel portion 218b by a fold line
237c.
[0262] The second or outer top end closure flap 238a/240a is
hingedly connected and severably connected to the second handle
panel 222 by a frangible line 250a.
[0263] The second top end closure flap 238a/240a comprises an upper
part 238a hingedly connected to a lower part 240a by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 239a.
[0264] A first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 216 by a fold line 231a.
[0265] The first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected
to first top end closure flap 236a by a first gusset panel 234a.
The first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected to the
first gusset panel 234a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 233a. The first gusset panel 234a is hingedly connected
to the first top end closure flap 236a by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 235a.
[0266] A relief aperture may be struck in part from, or defined in
part by, one or more of the first gusset panel 234a, the first
upper end closure flap 232a, the first top end closure flap 236a,
the first upper side panel 216, and the first top panel portion
218a.
[0267] A second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly connected
the second upper side panel 224 by a fold line 245a.
[0268] The second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly connected
to the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a second gusset
panel 242a. The second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly
connected to the second gusset panel 242a by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 243a. The second gusset panel 242a is
hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by
a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 241a.
[0269] A first relief aperture A9 may be struck or defined, in part
from one or more of the second gusset panel 242a, the second upper
end closure flap 244a, the second top end closure flap 238a/240a,
the second upper side panel 24, and the second top panel portion
218b.
[0270] Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a
first lower side end closure flap 230a hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 229a.
[0271] Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 246a is
hinged to the second lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 247a.
[0272] Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 248a is hinged
to the second base panel 228 by a hinged connection in the form of
a fold line 249a. The first lower side end closure flap 230a,
second lower side end closure flap 246a and the first bottom end
closure flap 248a are arranged to partially close a lower region of
an open end of the tubular structure.
[0273] The blank 210 comprises a second end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 230b, 232b, 234b,
236b, 238b, 240b, 242b, 244b, 246b, 248b.
[0274] The second end closure structure comprises a third or inner
top end closure flap 236b hingedly connected to the first top panel
portion 218a, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 237b.
[0275] A fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b is hingedly
connected to the second top panel portion 218b by a fold line
237d.
[0276] The fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b is
hingedly connected and severably connected to the second handle
panel 222 by a frangible line 250b.
[0277] The fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b comprises
an upper part 238b hingedly connected to a lower part 240b by a
hinged connection in the form of a fold line 239b.
[0278] A third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 216, at a second end thereof, by a fold
line 231b.
[0279] The third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected
to third top end closure flap 236b by a third gusset panel 234b.
The third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected to the
third gusset panel 234b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 233b. The third gusset panel 234b is hingedly connected
to the third top end closure flap 236b by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 235b.
[0280] A relief aperture may be struck in part from, or defined in
part by, one or more of the third gusset panel 234b, the third
upper end closure flap 232b, the third top end closure flap 236b,
the first upper side panel 216, and the first top panel portion
218a.
[0281] A fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly connected
to the second upper side panel 224, at a second end thereof, by a
fold line 245b.
[0282] The fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly connected
to the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a fourth gusset
panel 242b. The fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly
connected to the fourth gusset panel 242b by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 243b. The fourth gusset panel 242b is
hingedly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by
a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 241b.
[0283] A second relief aperture A10 may be struck in part from, or
defined in part by, one or more of the fourth gusset panel 242b,
the fourth upper end closure flap 244b, the fourth top end closure
flap 238b/240b, the second upper side panel 224, and the second top
panel portion 218b.
[0284] Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a
third lower side end closure flap 230b hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 229b.
[0285] Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 246b is
hinged to the second lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 247b.
[0286] Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 248b is hinged
to the second base panel 228, at a second end thereof, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 249b. The third lower side
end closure flap 230b, fourth lower side end closure flap 246b and
second bottom end closure flap 248b are arranged to partially close
a lower region of a second open end of the tubular structure.
[0287] The blank 210 comprises a carrying handle structure. The
carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 220
and the second handle panel 222. The first handle panel 220
comprises a first handle opening defined at least in part by a
first handle aperture A6. The first handle opening may be defined
at least in part by a flap 260 which serves as a cushioning flap
when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 260 is hinged to the
first handle panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 261.
[0288] The first handle opening may interrupt the fold line 219a
between the first handle panel 220 and the first top panel portion
218a.
[0289] The carrying handle structure may comprise a pair of relief
devices defined in the first top panel portion 218a. The relief
devices may be formed from arcuate or curvilinear cut lines or
severance lines. The relief devices may facilitate deformation of
the first top panel portion 218a when deploying the carrying
handle.
[0290] The second handle panel 222 comprises a second handle
opening defined at least in part by a tab 262. The tab 262 is
hinged to the second top panel portion 218b by a hinged connection
in the form of a fold line, the fold line is collinear with fold
line 219b, the fold line is contiguous with fold line 219b. The
second handle opening may be defined at least in part by a flap 260
which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in
use. The flap 260 is hinged to the second handle panel 222 by a
hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261.
[0291] The second handle opening may interrupt the fold line 219b
between the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel
portion 218b.
[0292] A cutline defining the second handle opening may extend into
the second top panel portion 218b. The cutline may comprise first
and second end portions defined in the second top panel portion
218b, the first and second end portions may be arcuate or
curvilinear, the first and second end portions may be "J" or "C"
shaped.
[0293] The tab 262 secures the second top panel portion 218b to the
first top panel portion 218a when the carrying handle H is
deployed, and may serve to reinforce the carton 290 when the
carrying handle H is in use.
[0294] The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the
second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a frangible connection
250a. The second handle panel 222 may be partially separated from
second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a first cutaway C1. The
second top panel portion 218b may be partially separated from the
second top end closure flap 238a/240a by the first relief aperture
A9.
[0295] The second top end closure flap 238a/240a may be partially
separated from the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel
portion 218b by a cutaway in the form of a cutline. The cutline may
be disposed between the frangible connection 250a and the fold line
237c.
[0296] The frangible connection 250a is disposed between the first
cutaway C1 and the fold line 237c, in this way the upper part 238a
of the second top end closure flap 238a/240a comprises a bridging
portion coupling the second top end closure flap 238a/240a to the
second handle panel 222.
[0297] The second top end closure flap 238a/240a is free from
connection to the first handle panel 220.
[0298] The first top end closure flap 236a is free from connection
to the first handle panel 220.
[0299] The blank 210 comprises a third relief aperture A7 struck in
part from the first top panel portion 218a and in part from the
first top end closure panel 236a. The third relief aperture A7
interrupts the hinged connection between the first top panel
portion 218a and the first top end closure panel 236a.
[0300] The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the
fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a frangible connection
250b. The second handle panel 222 may be partially separated from
fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a second cutaway C2. The
second top panel portion 218b may be partially separated from the
fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by the second relief aperture
A10.
[0301] The fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b may be partially
separated from the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel
portion 218b by a cutaway in the form of a cutline. The cutline may
be disposed between the frangible connection 250b and the fold line
237d.
[0302] The frangible connection 250b is disposed between the first
cutaway C2 and the fold line 237d, in this way the upper part 238b
of the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b comprises a bridging
portion coupling the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b to the
second handle panel 222.
[0303] The fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b is free from
connection to the first handle panel 220.
[0304] The third top end closure flap 236b is free from connection
to the first handle panel 220.
[0305] The blank 210 comprises a fourth relief aperture A8 struck
in part from the first top panel portion 218a and in part from the
third top end closure panel 236b. The fourth relief aperture A8
interrupts the hinged connection between the first top panel
portion 218a and the third top end closure panel 236b.
[0306] The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 reduce or
relieve pressure upon the frangible connections 250a, 250b
respectively when the blank 210 is assembled into a carton 290,
this may reduce inadvertent or unintentional separation of the
frangible connections 250a, 250b prior to deployment of the
carrying handle H. The first frangible connection 250a is disposed
in registry with the third relief aperture A7, the second frangible
connection 250b is disposed in registry with the fourth relief
aperture A8.
[0307] The assembled carton 290 is shown in FIG. 9, the carrying
handle H is coupled or hinged to a top wall 218a/218b of the carton
290. The top wall 218a/218b is formed from the first top panel
portion 218a and the second top panel portion 218b. The carrying
handle H is centrally or medially coupled or hinged to the top wall
218a/218b. The fold lines 219a, 219b are medially disposed between
opposing side edges of the top wall 218a/218b.
[0308] The first and second handle panels 220, 222 extend from the
fold lines 219a, 219b towards the first side wall 214/216. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, marginal portions of the first and second
handle panels 220, 222 may extend beyond or overhang the first side
wall 214/216, or at most a portion of the first upper side panel
216 adjacent to the fold line 217 (in such embodiments the marginal
portions of the first and second handle panels 220, 222 may not
extend beyond the base wall 212/228 and/or the first lower side
panel 214--in this way the footprint of the carton 290 is not
increased). The overhanging marginal portions may facilitate
deployment of the carrying handle providing a readily engageable
lip or flange E.
[0309] The first handle panel 220 defines a first distance between
the fold line 219a and the fold line 221.
[0310] The second handle panel 222 defines a second distance
between the fold line 219b and the fold line 221. The second
distance may be equal to the first distance.
[0311] The first top panel portion 218a defines a third distance
between the fold line 219a and the fold line 217. The third
distance may be less than the first distance. The third distance
may be less than second distance. The third distance may be less
than the first and second distances.
[0312] The second and fourth top end closure flaps 238a/240a,
238b/240b serve as securing panels for holding the carrying handle
in the stowed position. The second handle panel 222 is frangibly
connected to the securing panels, the first handle panel 220 is
free from connection to the securing panels.
[0313] In the illustrated embodiment the article orientation device
and the side wall display window of the previous embodiments have
been omitted. In alternative embodiments these features may be
provided. The display window may be provided in a second side wall
224/226 formed from the second upper and lower side panels 224,
226. The upper aperture of the article orientation device may be
provided in the second top panel portion 218b. The lower aperture
of the article orientation device may be provided in the second
base panel 228. In such embodiments the first and second handle
panels 220,222 of the carrying handle H do not obscure, overlie or
interfere with the upper aperture of the article orientation
device.
[0314] Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 12 there is shown an
alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth
illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been
used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix
"300" to indicate that these features belong to the second
embodiment. The fourth embodiment shares many common features with
the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9, therefore only the differences
from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 will be described
in any greater detail.
[0315] FIG. 10 illustrates a blank 310 for forming a carton 390
according to a fourth embodiment. The blank 310 comprises a
plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 324, 326, 328 for
forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 312, 314,
316, 318, 324, 326, 328 comprises a first base panel 312, a first
lower side panel 314, a first upper side panel 316, a top panel
318, a second upper side panel 324, a second lower side panel 326,
and a second base panel 328. The plurality of panels 312, 314, 316,
318, 324, 326, 328 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to
the next by corresponding fold lines 313, 315, 317, 319, 325,
327.
[0316] In the embodiment of FIG. 10 the handle panels 20, 22;
120,122; 220, 222 have been omitted. The top panel 318 is hinged
directly to the second upper side panel 324 by a hinged connection
in the form of a fold line 319.
[0317] The first base panel 312 is hinged to the first lower side
panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313.
The first lower side panel 314 is hinged to the first upper side
panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315.
The first upper side panel 316 is hinged to the top panel 318 by a
hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317.
[0318] The second upper side panel 324 is hinged to the second
lower side panel 326 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 325. The second lower side panel 326 is hinged to the second
base panel 328 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
327.
[0319] The blank 310 may comprise a grain or machine direction, the
grain direction may extend between the first and second base panels
312, 328.
[0320] The first upper side panel 316 and the first lower side
panel 314 form a first side wall 314/316 of a carton 390. The
second upper side panel 324 and the second lower side panel 326
form a second side wall 324/326 of a carton 390.
[0321] The blank 310 is foldable to form a package 390 as
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The first and second base panels
312, 328 are engageable with one another in an overlapping
relationship to form a composite base wall 312/328 of the carton
390. The blank 310 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism
for securing the second base panel 328 to the first base panel
312.
[0322] The first base panel 312 may comprise at least one first
part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base
panel 328 may comprise at least one second part M of the
complementary locking mechanism.
[0323] The first and second base panels 312, 328 may comprise at
least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the
first base panel 312 comprises two first apertures A1, the second
base panel 28 comprises three first apertures A1. The first base
panel 312 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 312 comprises one
second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1, A2 may be
employed to facilitate construction of the carton 390.
[0324] The second aperture A2 provided in the first base panel 312
may also form part of an article orientation adjustment device for
control or adjustment of the orientation of an article B displayed
in a first display window W located in the first side wall 314/316
of the carton 390.
[0325] The article orientation adjustment device also comprises an
upper aperture A5 provided at least in part in the top panel 318.
In the embodiment of FIG. 10 the upper aperture A5 is provided in
part in the top panel 318 and in part in the first upper side panel
316. The upper aperture A5 is arranged to receive a portion of the
article B displayed in the first display window W.
[0326] The first display window W comprises an opening in each of
the first upper and first lower side walls or panels 316, 314. The
opening is defined: in part by a first displaceable tab or flap
350a/352a/354a; in part by a second displaceable tab or flap
350b/352b/354b; in part by a first window aperture A3 struck in
part from the first upper side wall 316 and the first lower side
wall 314; and in part by a second window aperture A4 struck from
the first upper side wall 316.
[0327] The first displaceable flap 350a/352a/354a comprises an
upper portion 352a, a lower portion 350a and intermediate portion
354a. The upper portion 352a is hingedly connected to the
intermediate portion 354a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 355a. The intermediate portion 354a is hingedly connected
to the lower portion 350a by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 315a.
[0328] The upper portion 352a is hingedly connected to the first
upper side wall 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 351c. The lower portion 350a is hingedly connected to the
first lower side wall 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 351a.
[0329] The second displaceable flap 350b/352b/354b comprises an
upper portion 352b, a lower portion 350b and intermediate portion
354b. The upper portion 352b is hingedly connected to the
intermediate portion 354b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 355b. The intermediate portion 354b is hingedly connected
to the lower portion 350b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 315b.
[0330] The upper portion 352b is hingedly connected to the first
upper side wall 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 351d. The lower portion 350b is hingedly connected to the
first lower side wall 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 351b.
[0331] The lower portions 350a, 350b of the first and displaceable
flaps 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b each comprises a hinged edge
defined by the respective fold line 351a, 351b and a free end edge
opposing the hinged edge. The free edges of the lower portions
350a, 350b are defined by the first window aperture A3. The hinged
edges and the free edges define a maximum linear, width dimension
W1 of the lower portions 350a, 350b.
[0332] The first and second displaceable flaps 350a/352a/354a,
350b/352b/354b are separated from each other in part by the first
window aperture A3 and in part by a severable line in the form of a
cutline 353.
[0333] The upper portions 352a, 352b of the first and displaceable
flaps 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b each comprises a hinged edge
defined by the respective fold line 351c, 351d and a free end edge
opposing the hinged edge. The free edges of the upper portions
352a, 352b are defined in part by the first window aperture A3 and
in part by a cutaway which takes the form of the severance line 353
in the illustrated embodiment. The hinged edges and the free edges
define a maximum linear, width dimension W2 of the upper portions
352a, 352b.
[0334] The maximum width dimension W2 of the upper portions 352a,
352b is greater than the maximum width dimension W1 of the lower
portions 350a, 350b.
[0335] The second window aperture A4 defines upper edges of each of
the upper portions 352a, 352b first and second displaceable flaps
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b. The cutline 353 extends between the
first window aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4.
[0336] The first and second displaceable flaps 350a/352a/354a,
350b/352b/354b are hingedly connected to the first upper and lower
side panels 316, 314 in opposition to one another.
[0337] The fold lines 315a, 315b are collinear with the fold line
315 hinging the first upper side panel 316 to the first lower side
panel 314. The fold lines 355a, 355b are divergently arranged with
respect the respective one of the first fold lines 315a, 315b.
[0338] Optionally, the fold line 315 may comprise or be interrupted
by at least one cutline 315c, 315d.
[0339] The illustrated embodiment comprises at least two outlines
315c, 315d. A first cutline 315c is provided on a first side of the
display window W and a second cutline 315d is displayed on a second
side of the display window W.
[0340] The or each cutline 315c, 315d is collinearly arranged with
the fold line 315.
[0341] When the flaps 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b are displaced
or folded with respect to the first side wall 314/316 to display an
article B as shown in FIG. 12, the flaps 350a/352a/354a,
350b/352b/354b form a frame about the displayed article B and may
at least partially separate the displayed article B from adjacent
articles B in the row of articles B proximate the first side wall
314/316. The flaps 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b may at least
partially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.
[0342] The flaps 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b are visible through
the display window W in a set up carton 390.
[0343] At least a portion of the display window W is larger in
dimension, wider, than an adjacent portion of the article B such
that the full width of a portion of the article B is visible
through the display window W.
[0344] The blank 310 comprises at least one end closure structure
for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure
defined by the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 324, 326,
328.
[0345] In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is
provided for partially closing each end of the tubular
structure.
[0346] Each of the end closure structures may comprise a second
display window W2, see FIG. 11, for the display of one or more
articles B disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of
the second display windows may be omitted such that a display
window is provided at only one end of the tubular structure, in
still other embodiments both the second display windows may be
omitted.
[0347] The blank 310 comprises a first end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 330a, 332a, 334a,
338a, 340a, 344a, 346a, 348a.
[0348] The first end closure structure comprises a first top end
closure flap 338a/340a hingedly connected to the top panel 318 by a
hinged connection in the form of a fold line 337a. The first top
end closure flap 338a/340a comprises an upper part 338a hingedly
connected to a lower part 340a by a hinged connection in the form
of a fold line 339a.
[0349] A first upper end closure flap 332a is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 316 by a fold line 331a.
[0350] The first upper end closure flap 332a is hingedly connected
to first top end closure flap 338a/340a by a first gusset panel
334a. The first upper end closure flap 332a is hingedly connected
to the upper part 338a of the first top end closure flap 338a/340a
by a first gusset panel 334a. The first upper end closure flap 332a
is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 334a by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 333a. The first gusset panel
334a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap
338a/340a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
335a.
[0351] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part
from one or more of the first gusset panel 334a, the first upper
end closure flap 332a, the first top end closure flap 338a/340a,
the first upper side panel 316, and the top panel 318.
[0352] A second upper end closure flap 344a is hingedly connected
the second upper side panel 324 by a fold line 345a.
[0353] Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a
first lower side end closure flap 330a hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 329a.
[0354] Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 346a is
hinged to the second lower side panel 326 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 347a.
[0355] Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 348a is hinged
to the second base panel 328 by a hinged connection in the form of
a fold line 349a. The first lower side end closure flap 330a,
second lower side end closure flap 346a and the first bottom end
closure flap 348a are arranged to partially close a lower region of
an open end of the tubular structure.
[0356] The blank 310 comprises a second end closure structure
comprising a plurality of end closure panels 330b, 332b, 334b,
338b, 340b, 44b, 46b, 48b.
[0357] The second end closure structure comprises a second top end
closure flap 338b/340b hingedly connected to the top panel 318, at
a second end thereof, by a fold line 337b.
[0358] The second top end closure flap 338b/340b comprises an upper
part 338b hingedly connected to a lower part 340b by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 339b.
[0359] A third upper end closure flap 332b is hingedly connected to
the first upper side panel 316, at a second end thereof, by a fold
line 331b.
[0360] The third upper end closure flap 332b is hingedly connected
to third top end closure flap 336b by a third gusset panel 334b.
The third upper end closure flap 332b is hingedly connected to the
third gusset panel 334b by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 333b. The third gusset panel 334b is hingedly connected
to the third top end closure flap 336b by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 335b.
[0361] A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part
from one or more of the third gusset panel 334b, the third upper
end closure flap 332b, the third top end closure flap 336b, the
first upper side panel 316, and the top panel 318.
[0362] A fourth upper end closure flap 344b is hingedly connected
to the second upper side panel 324, at a second end thereof, by a
fold line 345b.
[0363] Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a
third lower side end closure flap 330b hingedly connected to the
first lower side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a
fold line 329b.
[0364] Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 346b is
hinged to the second lower side panel 326 by a hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 347b.
[0365] Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 348b is hinged
to the second base panel 328, at a second end thereof, by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 349b. The third lower side
end closure flap 330b, fourth lower side end closure flap 346b and
second bottom end closure flap 348b are arranged to partially close
a lower region of a second open end of the tubular structure.
[0366] Referring to FIG. 11 there is shown an assembled carton 390,
the carton 390 can be assembled substantially as described in
relation to the previous embodiments, albeit omitting the steps
regarding the handle panels.
[0367] The carton 390 comprises a display window W in the first
side wall 314/316. The first and second flaps 350a/352a/354a,
350b/352b/354b are folded inwardly of the interior of the carton
390.
[0368] The upper portion 352a is folded inwardly from a planar
position with the first upper side panel 316. The upper portion
352a is folded inwardly through an angle .theta.2 such that a first
angle .theta.1 is defined between the upper portion 352a of the
first flap 350a/352a/354a and the first upper side panel 316.
[0369] The first angle .theta.1 may be greater than 90.degree.. The
first angle .theta.1 may be around 125.degree..
[0370] The lower portion 350a is folded inwardly from a planar
position with the first lower side panel 314. The upper portion
350a is folded inwardly through an angle .beta.2 such that a second
angle .beta.1 is defined between the lower portion 350a of the
first flap 350a/352a/354a and the first lower side panel 314.
[0371] The second angle .beta.1 may be equal to or greater than
90.degree.. The second angle .beta.1 may be around 105.degree.
[0372] In this way the upper portion 352a is disposes at a
different angle to the first side wall 314/316 than the lower
portion 350a.
[0373] The intermediate portion 354a provides a transition between
the upper portion 352a and the lower portion 350a.
[0374] The intermediate portion 354a defines an angle with respect
to the lower portion 350a, the angle may be greater than
90.degree., it may be about 135.degree..
[0375] The intermediate portion 354a defines an angle with respect
to the upper portion 352a, the angle may be greater than
90.degree., it may be about 125.degree..
[0376] The intermediate portion 354a may create an overhang.
[0377] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290; 390
for packaging articles B. The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 comprises a
plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including
a top wall 18; 118; 218a/218b; 318, a first side wall 14/16; 114;
214/216; 314/316, a base wall 12/28; 112/128; 212/228; 312/328, and
a second side wall 24/26; 126; 224/226; 324/326, optionally
hingedly connected to each other in a linear series.
[0378] The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 may comprise a display window
feature. The window feature may comprise at least one window flap
52a, 52b; 152a, 152b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b formed from
the side wall 14/16; 114; 314/316 of the carton 90; 190; 390 and
hingedly connected to the side wall 14/16; 114; 314/316 along a
first fold line 51a, 51a; 151a, 151b; 351a/351c, 351b/351d. The at
least one window flap 52a, 52b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b may
comprise an upper portion 352a, 352b, a lower portion 350a, 350b
and an intermediate portion 354a, 354b hingedly interconnecting the
upper and lower portions. The at least one window flap 52a, 52b;
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b is folded inwardly of the carton 90;
390 to take a folded position in which the upper portion 352a, 352b
defines a first angle 81 with respect to a first adjacent portion
316 of the side wall 314/316 and the lower portion 350a, 350b
defines a second angle .beta.1 with respect to a second adjacent
portion 314 of the side wall 314/316. The first angle 81 may be an
obtuse angle greater than the second angle .beta.1. The second
angle .beta.1 may equal to or greater than 90 degrees.
[0379] The intermediate portion 354a, 354b is hingedly connected to
the upper portion 352a, 352b about a second fold line 55a, 55b;
355a, 355b and to the lower portion 350a, 350b about a third fold
line 15a, 15b; 315a, 315b. The second and third fold lines 55a,
55b; 355a, 355b, 15a, 15b; 315a, 315b extend divergently toward a
free end edge of the at least one window flap 52a, 52b;
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b.
[0380] The first adjacent portion 316 is an upper section 16; 316
of the side wall 14/16; 314/316 and the second adjacent portion 314
is a lower section 14; 314 of the side wall 14/16; 314/316.
[0381] The upper and lower sections 14, 16; 314, 316 are hingedly
connected together along a fourth fold line 15; 315 to define an
obtuse angle therebetween.
[0382] The present disclosure also provides a blank 10; 110; 310
comprising side wall panel 14/16; 114; 314/316, a bottom panel 12;
112; 312 hingedly connected to the side wall panel 14/16; 114;
314/316 and a display window feature W. The display window feature
W comprises at least one window flap 52a, 52b; 350a/352a/354a,
350b/352b/354b formed solely from the side wall panel 14/16;
314/316 and hingedly connected to thereto along a first fold line
51a, 51a; 351a/351c, 351b/351d, the at least one window flap 52a,
52b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b comprising an upper portion
352a, 352b, a lower portion 350a, 350b and an intermediate portion
354a, 354b hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions
352a, 352b, 350a, 350b. The lower portion 350a, 350b is disposed
spaced apart from the bottom panel 12; 312.
[0383] The intermediate portion 354a, 354b is hingedly connected to
the upper portion 352a, 352b about a second fold line 55a, 55b;
355a, 355b and to the lower portion 350a, 350b about a third fold
line 15a, 15b; 315a, 315b. The second and third fold lines 55a,
55b; 355a, 355b, 15a, 15b; 315a, 315b extend divergently from at
least a location on or adjacent to the first fold line 51a, 51a;
351a/351c, 351b/351d toward a free end edge of the at least one
window flap 52a, 52b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b.
[0384] The side wall panel 14/16; 314/316 comprises an upper
section 16; 316 and a lower section 14; 314 hingedly connected to
the upper section 16; 316 along a fourth fold line 15; 315. The
fourth fold line 15; 315 or a notional extension thereof extends
through said at least a location.
[0385] The lower portion 350a, 350b has a first maximum width W1
defined by a distance between the first fold line 51a, 51a; 351a,
351b and a free end edge of the lower portion 350a, 350b. The upper
portion 352a, 352b has a second maximum width W2 defined by a
distance between the first fold line 51a, 51a; 351c, 351d and a
free end edge of the upper portion 352a, 352b. The second maximum
width W2 is greater than the first maximum width W1.
[0386] The at least one window flap 52a, 52b; 152a, 152b;
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b comprises a pair of opposed window
flaps 52a, 52b; 152a, 152b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b
extending toward each other from the opposed side edges of a window
opening defined in the side wall panel 14/16; 114/116; 314/316 at
least in part by the window flaps 52a, 52b; 152a, 152b;
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b. The free end edges of respective
upper portions of the window flaps 52a, 52b; 152a, 152b;
350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b are defined by a common cut line 53;
153; 353. The free end edges of respective lower portions of the
window flaps 52a, 52b; 152a, 152b; 350a/352a/354a, 350b/352b/354b
are spaced apart from each other.
[0387] The carton 90; 190; 290 may comprise a carrying handle H
comprising at least one handle panel 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222
hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. The carrying
handle H may comprise a first handle panel 20; 120; 220 hingedly
connected a first one of the plurality of panels. The carrying
handle H may comprise a second handle panel 22; 122; 222. The
second handle panel may hingedly connected a second one of the
plurality of panels, to the first handle panel or to both the
second one of the plurality of panels and the first handle
panel.
[0388] The carrying handle H may comprise at least one securing
panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b. The at
least one securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a,
238b/240b may be frangibly connected to a handle panel 20, 22;
120,122; 220, 222 along an end edge thereof. The at least one
securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b
may be frangibly connected to a first one of a pair of handle
panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222. The at least one securing panel
38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be separated
from or free from direct connection to a second one of a pair of
handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222.
[0389] The carrying handle H may comprise a pair of securing panels
38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b. The pair of
securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b
may be frangibly connected to a handle panel 20, 22; 120,122; 220,
222 along opposed end edges thereof. Each of the pair of securing
panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be
frangibly connected to a first one of a pair of handle panels 20,
22; 120,122; 220, 222. Each of the pair of securing panels 38a/40a,
38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be separated from or
free from direct connection to a second one of a pair of handle
panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222.
[0390] The pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b;
238a/240a, 238b/240b may be hingedly connected to each other.
[0391] The carton 90; 190; 290 may have at least one display window
for presentation of an article B therein. The carton 90; 190; 290
may have at least one orientation device for enabling a display
article to be oriented whilst within the carton 90; 190; 290.
[0392] The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190; 290
comprising a first side panel 14/16; 114; 214/216, a first top
panel 18; 118; 218a, a second side panel 24/26; 126; 224/226 and a
handle feature H connected to the first top panel. The first and
second side panels are interconnected by a top end flap
38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 138a/140a, 138b/140b; 238a/240a/236a,
238b/240b/236b. The handle feature comprises first and second
handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 in a face-contacting
relationship. The first handle panel 20; 120; 220 is hingedly
connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with,
the first top panel 18; 118; 218a.
[0393] The second handle panel 22; 222 may be detachably connected
to the top end flap 38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 238a/240a/236a,
238b/240b/236b along a frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b such
that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature H is
hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends
above the first top panel 18; 218a.
[0394] The first and second handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222
may be hingedly connected together.
[0395] The frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b may comprise a cut
line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.
[0396] The top end flap 38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 138a/140a,
138b/140b; 238a/240a/236a, 238b/240b/236b comprises an outer top
end flap 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b and an inner top
end flap 36a, 36b; 236a, 236b disposed in face-contacting
relationship with the outer top end flap.
[0397] The second handle panel 22; 222 may be detachably connected
to the outer top end flap 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b
along a frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b. The inner top end flap
may be hingedly connected to the first top panel 18; 218a along a
fold line 37a, 37b; 237a, 237b which includes at least one opening
A7, A8 interrupting the fold line. The at least one opening is in
vertical alignment with the at least one bridging nick.
[0398] The carton 290 may comprise a second top panel 218b hingedly
connecting between the second side panel 24/226 and the second
handle panel 222.
[0399] The carton 90; 190; 290 may comprise a connecting panel 62;
162; 262 formed from the second handle panel 22; 122; 222 and
secured to the first top panel 18; 118; 218a.
[0400] The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190
comprising a first side panel 14/16; 114, a first top panel 18; 118
and a handle feature H connected to the first top panel. A
neck-receiving or top-receiving opening A5 may be defined in the
first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle
feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged
connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial
stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting
relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the
handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged
connection is disposed between the first side panel and the
top-receiving opening A5 such that when the handle feature is in
the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking
the top-receiving opening. The handle feature is arranged such that
the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed, the
top-receiving opening is sufficiently exposed that an article is
receivable in the top-receiving opening to enable a portion of said
article to be handled or engaged externally of the carton.
[0401] The carton 90; 190 may 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 A5 in a first panel of the carton. The
orientation adjustment device comprises a second cutaway in the
form of an aperture or opening A2 in a second panel of the carton
90; 190, wherein the second panel opposes the first panel. The
first panel may be a top panel 18; 118 and the second panel may be
a base panel 12; 212. The second cutaway is configured to allow
access to a first end, optionally a base portion, of an article B.
The second cutaway is configured to prevent the first end of the
article B passing therethrough. The first cutaway configured to
allow a second, opposing, end portion of the article (optionally a
top or upper portion) of the article to pass through.
[0402] The top wall 18; 118; 218a/218b of the carton 90; 190; 290
may be shorter than the base wall 12/28; 112/128; 212/228 in a
longitudinal direction parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular
structure formed by the plurality of main panels.
[0403] The top wall 18; 118; 218a/218b of the carton 90; 190; 290
may be shorter than the base wall 12/28; 112/128; 212/228 in a
transverse direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the
tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels.
[0404] 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.
[0405] 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.
[0406] 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.
[0407] 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.
[0408] 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.
[0409] 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.
* * * * *