KR20230157423A - Goods carriers and blanks for them - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank to form the article carrier. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles having recesses. The article carrier includes an article retention device for engaging a recess in one of the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device includes a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels.

Description

Goods carriers and blanks for them

The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming them. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wraparound carrier having an article holding structure that includes an engagement device for securing the top of the article.

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for transporting various items. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for transporting, storing and making groups of items accessible to consumers for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, these cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and waste of the material from which they are formed should be minimized as much as possible. Additional considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weight items. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are safe inside the carton.

It is desirable that the items contained in the carton are safely stored and protected during transportation.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from cardboard or the like.

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each article may include a recess, a protrusion or an upstand. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article. The article carrier includes an article retention device for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. The article holding device may engage a recess, protrusion, or upright portion of one of the at least one article. The article retention device includes a single engaging tab disposed at least partially in an incision or recess in an end edge of one of the plurality of panels. The tab is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels along a beveled edge of the cutout or recess. The beveled edge is spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, said one of said plurality of panels is a top panel.

Optionally, the flap is positioned in alignment with the at least one item contained in the carrier.

Optionally, the cutout or recess is defined by the beveled edge, an opposing beveled edge and an intermediate edge extending between the beveled edges.

Optionally, the engaging tab comprises a first maximum width, the cut-out or recess comprises a second maximum width, and the first maximum width of the tab comprises the second maximum width of the cut-out or recess. greater than half of

Optionally, the tab is positioned completely within the incision or recess.

Optionally, the article holding device is positioned within an incision or recess defined or formed at an end of the one of the plurality of panels, wherein the incision or recess does not increase the footprint of the panel from which it is cut. No.

Optionally, the tab partially defines a concave edge of the one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the tab is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to the one of the plurality of panels such that it is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the panel being hinged.

Optionally, the article carrier is of the wraparound type comprising a composite wall formed by two panels fastened together.

Optionally, the composite wall is the bottom wall of the tubular structure.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article. An article retaining device is provided for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to the free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels along an oblique hinged connection. The free edge may oppose a hinged edge between one of the pair of overlapping panels and the other of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the angled hinged connection is angled to avoid the tab obstructing the machine access opening when the tab is folded.

Optionally. The oblique hinged connection is a single oblique fold line.

Optionally, the article carrier is of a wraparound type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels fastened together and the composite wall is the bottom wall of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the tab is folded inwardly more than 90 degrees about the hinged connection to the one of the pair of overlapping panels such that it is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the panel to which it is hingedly connected.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and a panel for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. Includes article holding device. The plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels and having a recess along the free end edge. The free edge of the tab opposes a hinged edge between the tab and the one of the pair of overlapping panels.

Optionally, the recess is positioned and sized to align with at least a portion of the machine access opening when the tab is maintained in the collapsed position.

Optionally, the article carrier is of the wraparound type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels fastened together, the composite wall being the bottom wall of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the tab is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to the one of the pair of overlapping panels such that it is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the hingedly connected panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a combination of an article carrier and at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and a panel for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. Includes article holding device. The article retention device includes a single engaging tab disposed in and at least partially defining the cutout at an end edge of one of the plurality of panels. The tab is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection along an beveled edge of the cutout. The beveled edge is spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels. The tab is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the one of the plurality of panels and is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to engage a recess in the article.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a combination of an article carrier and at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and a panel for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. Includes article holding device. The plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to the free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels along an oblique hinged connection. The tab is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the one of the plurality of panels and is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the oblique hinged connection to engage a recess in the article.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a combination of an article carrier and at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and a panel for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. Includes article holding device. The plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels by a hinged connection. The engaging tab has a recess along its free end edge. The tab is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the one of the plurality of panels and is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to engage a recess in the article.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and an article for engaging the at least one article to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. Includes holding device. The article holding device includes a single engaging tab disposed at least partially in a recess in an end edge of one of the plurality of panels. The tab is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels along an beveled edge of the recess. The beveled edge is spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and at least one panel to prevent the article from dislodging from at least one of the opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a setup article carrier. It includes an article holding device for engaging the article. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to the free edge of one of a pair of overlapping panels along an oblique hinged connection.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article, and a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article and comprising at least one article and Includes an article holding device for engaging. The article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to the free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels and having a recess along the free end edge.

Within the scope of this application, various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims and/or the following description and drawings may be considered independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments as long as the features are compatible. One or more features or elements of one embodiment may be integrated or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and the feature or element extracted from the one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more features or elements of the other embodiment. It may be included in addition to or in place of .

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted separately from other features of the embodiment. Alternatively, a feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment.
Figure 1B is a top plan view of the blank of Figure 1, showing the position of the article relative to its top and bottom panels.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1;
Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the item carrier of Figure 2 with the items removed or omitted for illustration purposes.
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the carton of Figure 2 with the positions of internal features indicated by imaginary lines.
Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to the second embodiment.
Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a bottom view of the carton of Figure 7 with the positions of internal features indicated by imaginary lines.

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be implemented. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as an example, sample, model, or pattern. In fact, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be implemented in a variety of alternative forms. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to make various uses of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , for receiving and transporting a group of primary products, for example beverage or food cans (hereinafter referred to as article B), as shown in FIG. 2 . A plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90 can be formed is shown. The blank 10 may be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. An alternative blank 110 is shown in FIG. 6 to form a carton or carrier 190 such as that shown in FIG. 7 for receiving and transporting a group of primary products.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer to an article (B), such as a primary product container (B), for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the invention. It refers to a container (90; 190) for combining and transporting. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers (B), which may or may not be tapered or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, cups, jars, pouches, packets, etc. do.

The blank 10; 110 is formed from a sheet of a suitable substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" should be understood to include all manner of foldable sheet materials such as paperboard, corrugated cardboard, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be appreciated that more than one blank may be used, where appropriate, for example to provide a carrier structure as described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90; 190 described herein may be formed from sheet material, such as cardboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase strength. An example of such sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant material may be provided in two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, one surface of a sheet material may have different properties than another surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward in the 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 inward-facing sheet material, on the other hand, may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or prepared to provide properties such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or one or more of the other desired functional properties. there is.

In the illustrated embodiment, blanks 10; 110 are configured to form cartons or carriers 90; 190 for packaging exemplary articles B in the exemplary arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the array is an m x n matrix or array with one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2); A row of two items (B) is provided, where item (B) is a 200 g steel can. In the embodiment shown in Figure 66, the array is an m x n matrix or array with one row (m=1) and three columns (n=3); A row of 3 items (B) is provided, where item (B) is a 200 g steel can. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110 may be carriers for packaging articles B of different types, numbers and sizes and/or for packaging articles B in different arrangements or configurations, for example completely sealed. It may be configured to form a carton or basket carrier, and the article (B) may be a bottle or can.

1, a blank 10 is shown for forming an article carrier 90 of the wrap-around type (see FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 10 includes a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 to form a tubular structure. A plurality of main panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) include a first base panel (12), a first side panel (14), a top panel (16), a second side panel (18), and a second base panel. Includes (20). The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may be hingedly connected to each other by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, and 19 and arranged in a linear series.

Blank 10 may be folded to form package 90 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The first and second base panels 12, 20 may engage one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/20 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism to secure the second base panel 20 to the first base panel 12 . The first base panel 12 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 20 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, first base panel 12 includes female tabs F forming an opening in first base panel 20 . The second base panel 20 includes a male tab M; The opening of the first base panel 12 is configured to receive the male tab M. The female tab (F) is displaced out of the first base panel (12) to form the opening and is arranged to support the male tab (M) when the latter is received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism (M/F) may be omitted; The first and second base panels 12, 20 may be fixed to each other by other means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 20 may include at least one first aperture A1 (also referred to herein as a machine access opening). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second base panels 12, 20 each include two first holes A1. The first hole A1 may be used to facilitate construction of the carton 90. The packaging machine component engages the first aperture (A1) to allow a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) to be fastened around the group of articles (B). The first aperture (A1) also facilitates alignment of the first and second base panels (12, 20) with respect to each other or to connect the first part (F) of the complementary locking mechanism to the second part of the complementary locking mechanism. It can also be used to align with part (M).

The complementary locking mechanism shown and described is entirely optional.

Blank 10 includes at least one first article retaining device or upper article engagement structure for engaging the top portion of article B. The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 includes two upper article engaging structures. The first article holding device secures the distalmost article (B) within the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20).

Each of the upper article engagement structures includes a tab or flap (70) hingedly connected to the top panel (16). The first upper article engagement structure includes a flap (70) hingedly connected to the top panel (16). The second upper article engagement structure includes a flap (70) hingedly connected to the top panel (16). A second upper article engagement structure is disposed proximate the second end of the top panel 16.

The flap 70 of the first upper article engagement structure is formed from a first edge end region of the top panel 16. The free edge portion of flap 70 may be flush with the first outer edge of blank 10 .

The flap 70 of the second upper article engagement structure is formed from the second edge end region of the top panel 16. The free edge portion of flap 70 may be flush with the second outer edge of blank 10 .

The flaps 70 of the upper article engagement structure do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 16. The flaps 70 of the upper article engagement structure are completely contained within the footprint of the top panel 16.

A cutaway or recess (C) is provided at the first end of the top panel (16), and the flap (70) of the first upper article engaging structure has an engagement edge formed by the cutaway (C). Includes (E1). The flap 70 of the first upper article engagement structure is considered to form part of the cutout C and increases the size of the cutout C when folded out of the plane of the top panel 16.

The cutout C is formed only in the top panel 16 and does not extend into the first and second side panels 14, 18.

The flaps 70 of the first upper article engaging structure are in the form of fold lines 71 oriented at an angle to the fold lines 17 hingedly connecting the top panel 16 to the second side panel 18. It is hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by a hinged connection.

An incision or recess C is provided at the second end of the top panel 16, and the flap 70 of the second upper article engaging structure includes an engagement edge E1 formed by the incision C. . The flap 70 of the second upper article engagement structure is considered to form part of the cutout C and increases the size of the cutout C when folded out of the plane of the top panel 16. The cutout C is formed only in the top panel 16 and does not extend into the first and second side panels 14, 18.

The flaps 70 of the second upper article engaging structure are in the form of fold lines 71 oriented at an angle to the fold lines 17 hingedly connecting the top panel 16 to the second side panels 18. It is hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by a hinged connection.

The hinged connection between the flap 70 of the second upper article engagement structure and the top panel 16 is oriented apart from the hinged connection between the flap 70 of the first upper article engagement structure and the top panel 16. do.

A cutting line extends from the first or inner end of each of the fold lines 71 to each of the incised portions C.

Blank 10 includes at least one second article retaining device or lower article engagement structure for engaging the lower or opposite end of article B. The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 includes two lower article engaging structures. The first article holding device secures the distalmost article (B) within the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20).

Each of the lower article engagement structures includes a tab or flap (60) hingedly connected to the first base panel (12). The first base panel 12 is disposed inside the second base panel 20 in the setup carrier 90. The first lower article engagement structure includes a flap (60) hingedly connected to the first base panel (12). The second lower article engagement structure includes a flap (60) hingedly connected to the first base panel (12). The first and second lower article engaging structures are arranged on opposite sides of a conceptual midline that bisects the first base panel 12 in the transverse direction.

The flaps 60 of the first and second lower article engaging structures are hinged to the side edges of the first base panel 12 (also referred to herein as free edges) by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 61. connected. The side edge of the first base panel 12 opposes the hinged edge defined by the hinged connection between the first base panel 12 and the first side panel 14. A fold line (61) hingedly connecting the flap (60) of the first lower article engaging structure to the first base panel (12) connects the flap (60) of the second lower article engaging structure to the first base panel (12). It is oriented non-linearly with respect to the fold line 61 that connects it in a hinged manner.

A fold line 61 hingedly connects the flap 60 of the first lower article engaging structure to the first base panel 12 and the flap 60 of the second lower article engaging structure is connected to the first base panel 12. The fold lines 61 hinged to are arranged to converge toward a conceptual midline bisecting the first base panel 12 in the transverse direction.

A fold line (61) hingedly connecting the flap (60) of the first lower article engaging structure to the first base panel (12) connects the flap (60) of the second lower article engaging structure to the first base panel (12). It may be oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 61 that connects it in a hinged manner.

A fold line 61 hingedly connects the flap 60 of the first lower article engaging structure to the first base panel 12 and the flap 60 of the second lower article engaging structure is connected to the first base panel 12. The fold lines 61 hingedly connecting the first base panel 12 to the first side panel 14 are arranged at an angle with respect to the fold lines 13 hingedly connecting the first base panel 12 to the first side panel 14 . .

The second base panel 20 is dimensioned such that at least a portion (the middle portion in the illustrated embodiment) extends between the first and second side panels 14, 18. The illustrated embodiment includes an intermediate tongue within which the second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism is formed or defined. Opposite edges of the tongue are defined by respective recesses R. The recess R is constructed and arranged so that the second base panel 20 does not interfere with the first hole A1 of the first base panel 12.

The flaps 60 of the first and second lower article engaging structures are arranged so that in the folded state the flaps 60 do not interfere with the first hole A1 of the first base panel 12, and the folded position is shown in FIG. 1B. It is indicated by a dashed line (60').

The folded positions of the flaps 70 of the first and second upper article engagement structures are indicated in FIG. 1B by dashed line 70'. The position of article B is indicated by a dashed line B' relative to the top panel 16, as shown in FIG. 1B. The engaging edge E1 is arranged to engage the inner surface of the upright wall of the article B or any other suitable part. The top and bottom portions of article B include recesses, rims, annular ridges or other features into which tabs 60, 70 may engage.

Returning to the construction of carton 90 as shown in Figure 2, carton 90 may be formed by a series of successive folding operations on a straight machine so that carton 90 may rotate or rotate to complete its construction. There is no need to reverse it. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be modified depending on specific manufacturing requirements.

A group of items (B) is assembled; In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, two articles B are arranged in a 1x2 array. The top panel 16 of the blank 10 is disposed over the article group B and provides a top wall 16 of the carton 90.

The flaps 70 of the upper article engagement structure are folded into facing relationship with the top panel 16.

The flap 70 may be folded by any part of the packaging machine, such as a passive device such as a static guide or an active device such as a folding wheel, or by a combination of active and passive devices.

In one embodiment, the blank 10 is oriented transversely to the conveyor such that the flap 70 of the first upper article engagement structure precedes (is downstream from) the flap 70 of the second upper article engagement structure. .

The leading flap 70 can be folded by a static guide that retards the movement of the flap 70 relative to the blank 10, resulting in the effect of folding the flap 70.

The trailing (upstream) flap 70 may be folded by an active device that accelerates the movement of the flap 70 relative to the blank 10, causing the effect of folding the flap 70.

When the flap 70 of the article engagement structure is folded into facing relationship with the top panel 16, the blank 10 is moved relative to the group of articles B to be disposed over the top portions of the articles B.

The flap 70 may be received in a recess or space in the upper end T of the article B.

The flap 70 may be arranged to contact a portion of the article B that provides a contact surface W or may be positioned proximate to the contact surface W to prevent movement of the article B relative to the article carrier 90. .

The first and second side panels 14, 18 are arranged around opposite sides of the group of articles B such that the first and second side panels 14, 18 are centered around fold lines 15, 17, respectively, and top panels 16 are arranged around opposite sides of the group of articles B. ) is folded for. First and second side panels 14, 18 form first and second side walls 14, 18, respectively, of carton 90.

The flap 60 of the lower article engaging structure is folded relative to the first base panel 12 around each fold line 61 to form a facing relationship with the inner surface of the first base panel 12.

The first base panel 12 is folded around the fold line 13 to be disposed adjacent to the base L of the article group B.

The flap 60 may be received in a recess or space in the lower end L of the article B (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

The flap 60 may be arranged to contact a portion of the article B that provides a contact surface W or may be positioned proximate to the contact surface W to prevent movement of the article B relative to the article carrier 90. .

Next, the second base panel 20 is folded around the fold line 19 so as to have an at least partially overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12.

The first and second base panels 12 and 20 are fixed together. The male tab M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 20 . By doing so, the female tab F is displaced inward to create a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12 . The male tab M is received in the opening and locks the first base panel 12 and the second base panel 20 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed around the group of articles (B).

The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4.

The flap 70 engages a rim, chime or upright wall W or other protrusion of the article B. If the article B is a can, the top wall T of the can may be countersunked and positioned below the top of the side wall or end seam of the article B. The top wall (T) of the can is connected to the side wall by a can chime or end seam.

The flap 70 engages the inner surface or contact surface of the rim (W). The flap 70 may be placed in a recess or space provided by the deeply recessed top wall T of the article B as shown in Figure 4.

The flaps 70 remain engaged with the article B when the carrier 90 is transported, due to the inherent resilience or elasticity of the carrier substrate upon upward displacement of the top panel 16 relative to the group of articles B. The flap 70 can be unfolded.

Flap 60 engages the rim, chine or upright wall W or other protrusion of article B. If the article B is a can, the bottom wall L of the can may be deeply recessed and positioned over the bottom of the side wall or end seam of the article B. The bottom wall (L) of the can is connected to the side wall by a can chime or end seam.

The flap 60 engages the inner surface or contact surface of the rim (W). The flap 60 may be disposed in a recess or space provided by the deeply recessed bottom wall L of the article B as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

The flaps 60 remain engaged with the article B when the carrier 90 is transported, and the flaps 60 support the carrier substrate upon upward displacement of the composite base panel 12/20 relative to the group of articles B. It can unfold due to its inherent resilience or elasticity.

Figure 5 shows the position of the flap 60 relative to the walls of the article B, the first holes A1 and the recess R. The tab 60 is configured to allow movement of the first holes A1 of the first base panel 12 relative to the recess R in the side edge of the second base panel 20 . This allows the first base panel 12 to move relative to the second base panel 20 to align with each other, and allows the first and second portions F, M of the complementary locking mechanism to align with each other. do.

The locking mechanism (F/M) is arranged between the first hole (A1) of the first base panel (12) and the recess (R) of the second base panel (20).

The locking mechanism (F/M) is arranged to be positioned in vertical alignment with the space within the carrier 90; The space is located between the side wall of the article B and the first side panel 14 of the carrier 90.

The flap 60 of the lower article engaging structure is disposed substantially or generally between the first aperture A1 of the first base panel 12 and the recess R of the second base panel 20 .

The locking mechanism (F/M) is substantially or generally disposed between the flap 60 of the first of the lower article engagement structures and the flap 60 of the second of the lower article engagement structures.

The flaps 70 of the upper article engaging structures and the flaps 60 of the lower article engaging structures push the pair of articles (B) toward each other, causing the pair of articles (B) to contact or come into close proximity to prevent or suppress collision with each other. can do.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numbers are used where possible to indicate similar parts, but the prefix "100" has been added to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. Since this additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment, only the differences from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

Figure 6 shows a blank 110 comprising a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 to form a tubular structure. A plurality of main panels (112, 114, 116, 118, 120) include a first base panel (112), a first side panel (114), a top panel (116), a second side panel (118), and a second base panel. Includes (120). The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 may be hingedly connected to each other by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, and 119 and arranged in a linear series.

Blank 110 may be folded to form package 190 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The first and second base panels 112, 120 may be engaged together in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 112/120 of the carton 190.

The blank 110 is configured to accommodate three articles B arranged in a row.

The first base panel 112 includes a pair of female tabs (F). The second base panel 120 includes a pair of male tabs (M). The second base panel 120 includes a pair of tongue portions each defined at least partially by a pair of recesses R. Male tabs M are formed from or within each of the tongues.

The first and second base panels 112, 120 each include three handling holes A1 for aligning the first base panel 112 with respect to the second base panel 120.

Top panel 116 includes an upper article engagement structure at each end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, each upper article engagement structure includes a flap 170. Flap 170 includes a free edge, a portion of which provides an engaging edge E1. The engaging edge E1 may be arcuate or curved. The free edge of flap 170 may include a straight portion. The straight portion may be substantially parallel to the side edge of the blank 110 and may be offset (inserted) relative to the side edge of the blank 110 . Inserting the edge of the flap 170 provides a gap or space between the flap 170 and the second side panel in the setup carrier 190 to accommodate a portion of the article B therebetween. The flap 170 is hingedly connected to the top panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171.

The fold line 171 may be oriented at an angle relative to the hinged connection between the top panel 116 and the second side panel 118.

Each fold line 171 defines an angle with respect to fold line 117, which may be about 45° (in the embodiment of FIG. 1 each fold line 71 is relative to fold line 17). defined as an angle of approximately 20° relative to the In other embodiments, other angles ranging from 0° to 90° may be employed, which may be greater than 0° and less than 90°.

The fold line 171 may be oriented apart from the hinged connection between the top panel 116 and the second side panel 118.

The fold lines 171 may be oriented to be apart from each other.

The first base panel 112 includes a pair of first lower article engagement structures that are substantially similar in construction to the lower article engagement structures of the previous embodiment but are spaced a greater distance apart from each other.

First base panel 112 includes a second lower article engagement structure. The second lower article engagement structure includes a flap (162) hingedly connected to a side edge of the first base panel (112), the side edge opposing the hinged edge defined by the fold line (113).

Flap 162 is generally disposed between flaps 160 of a pair of first lower article engagement structures.

Flap 162 includes a pair of second engagement edges E3, each second engagement edge E3 being a first engagement edge of one of the flaps 160 of each of the first lower article engagement structures. Opposite of (E2).

The flap 162 is hingedly connected to the side edge of the first base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a second fold line 163.

The second fold line 163 may be substantially parallel to the fold line 113 between the first base panel 112 and the first side panel 114.

Flap 162 may include a second recess R1 cut from the free edge opposite the hinged edge defined by second fold line 163 .

Optionally, the second base panel 120 includes at least one second aperture A2, and the illustrated embodiment includes two second apertures A2.

The second hole A2 is formed so that the first base panel 112, especially the flap 160 passing through it, is not exposed. The second hole A2 is shaped to partially surround each first or handling hole A1. The second hole A2 is spaced apart from the handling hole A1 to prevent or suppress tear propagation between the second hole A2 and the adjacent handling hole A1.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier (90; 190) for packaging at least one article (B). The article carrier 90; 190 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B. and an article retaining device for engaging the at least one article (B) to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or unintentional release of the article (B) from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. The article holding device includes a single flap or tab (60, 70; 160, 170) hingedly connected to one of a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120). One of the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) may be a top panel (16; 116). Flaps 60, 70; 160, 170 are arranged in alignment with at least one article B.

Engaging tabs 70; 170 are at least partially disposed in recesses C at the end edges of top panel 16; 116. The tabs 60, 70; 160, 170 are hingedly connected along the slanted edge P1 of the hinged panels 12, 16; 112, 116, respectively. The tabs 70 and 170 are hingedly connected along the slanted edge P1 of the recess C. The beveled edge P1 is spaced apart from the adjacent side edge 17; 117 of the top panel 16; 116.

The recess C may be defined by a beveled edge P1, an opposing beveled edge P2, and an intermediate edge P3 extending between the beveled edges P1 and P2.

Engaging tabs 70; 170 include a maximum width W2. The recess C includes the maximum width W1. The maximum width W2 of the tab 70 (170) may be greater than half the maximum width W1 of the concave portion C.

Tabs 70; 170 may be disposed entirely within the recess C.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier (90; 190) for packaging at least one article (B). The article carrier (90; 190) includes a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article (B) and , comprising an article retaining device for engaging the at least one article (B) to prevent or restrain the article (B) from dislodging or being unintentionally released from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. A plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) are a pair of overlapping panels (12) forming a composite wall (12/20; 112/120) of the tubular structure. , 20; 112, 120). The article holding device includes engaging tabs (60; 160) hingedly connected to the free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels (12, 20; 112, 120) along an oblique hinged connection (61; 161) in the form of a fold line. ) includes.

The oblique fold lines 61; 161 are inclined so that the tabs 60; 160 do not interfere with the machine access opening A1 when the tabs 60; 160 are folded against the oblique fold lines 61; 161.

The hinged connection (61; 161) may be a single oblique fold line.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier (90; 190) for packaging at least one article (B). The article carrier (90; 190) includes a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article (B), and an article retaining device for engaging the at least one article (B) to prevent or restrain the article (B) from dislodging or being unintentionally released from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. A plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) are a pair of overlapping panels (12) forming a composite wall (12/20; 112/120) of the tubular structure. , 20; 112, 120). The article holding device comprises an engaging tab (162) hingedly connected to the free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels (12, 20; 112, 120) and having a recess (R1) along its free end edge. Includes.

Recess R1 may be positioned and sized to align with at least a portion of machine access opening A1 when tab 162 is in a collapsed position.

The article holding device may be located in a recess C defined at or formed from an end of one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120. . In this way, the article holding device does not increase the footprint of the top panel (16; 116) or the blank (10; 110).

Top panel 16 (116) includes at least one concave edge to which an article holding device is hingedly connected.

In some embodiments flaps (70; 170) partially define the at least one concave edge of top panel (16; 116). That is, the flaps 70 (170) do not fill or complete the concave end edges in the unfolded state.

The flaps 60, 70; 160, 170 have hinged connections to the carton panels 12, 16; 112, 116 such that they are in substantially face-to-face relationship with the corresponding hinged panels 12, 16; 112, 116. It is folded inward beyond 90 degrees to the center.

The article carrier 90; 190 may be of the wraparound type and comprises a composite wall 12/20; 112/120 formed from two panels 12, 20; 112, 120 fastened together. The composite wall (12/20; 112/120) may be the bottom wall of the tubular structure.

It will be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and holes can be adjusted to accommodate items of various sizes or shapes. The illustrated embodiment shows a carton or blank to form a wraparound style article carrier; In other embodiments, the item carrier may take on an alternative form or style and may employ one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

As used herein, “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “medial”, “lateral”, “top” and “bottom”. It does not necessarily limit each panel in that direction, but may simply serve to distinguish these panels from each other.

As used herein, the terms "hinged joint" and "fold line" define the hinge characteristics of the blank, facilitate folding of the blanks relative to each other, or otherwise provide optimal panel folding relative to the blank. It refers to any type of line that indicates location. Any reference to a “hinged joint” should not necessarily be construed as referring to a single fold line only. In practice, a hinged connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, where each of the two or more fold lines may be straight/linear or curved/curved in shape. The linear fold lines may be placed parallel to each other or at a slight angle to each other when forming a hinged connection. When the curved fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points, defining an oval panel between them. The hinged connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of linear and arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points and define a half-moon shaped panel between them.

As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to any of the following: scored line, raised line, debossed line, perforated line, short slit line, half-cut line, single half. -Cuts, interrupted cutting lines, lines of aligned slits, lines of scores and any combination of the previously mentioned options.

Hinged joints and fold lines are, respectively, of a blank including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, notches, and any combination thereof. It may include elements formed on the substrate. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines may be dimensioned or fragility designed to define fold lines and/or separation lines. The perforated lines may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, to facilitate folding and facilitate breakage with more effort, or to facilitate breakage with less effort.

As used herein, the phrase "in registry with" refers to two cartons in an upright position, such as an aperture formed in the first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in the second of the two overlapping panels. It refers to the arrangement of the above elements. Elements that are aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, if a hole in a first panel is "aligned" with a second hole in a second panel placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the hole will extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second hole. It can be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims (26)

An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, comprising:
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and retaining the articles for engaging the one or more articles to prevent the articles from dislodging from one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. a device, wherein the article retaining device includes a single engaging tab disposed partially or entirely in a recess at an end edge of one of the plurality of panels,
wherein the engaging tab is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels along a beveled edge of the recess, the beveled edge being spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels. According to paragraph 1,
An article carrier, wherein said one of said plurality of panels is a top panel. According to paragraph 1,
wherein the engaging tabs are disposed in alignment with one or more items received in the article carrier. According to paragraph 1,
wherein the recess is defined by the beveled edge, an opposing beveled edge, and an intermediate edge extending between the beveled edge and the opposing beveled edge. According to paragraph 1,
The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the engaging tab includes a first maximum width and the recess includes a second maximum width, wherein the first maximum width of the engaging tab is greater than half a second maximum width of the recess. According to paragraph 1,
The article carrier, wherein the engaging tab is disposed entirely within the recess. According to paragraph 1,
Wherein the article holding device is located in a recess defined at the end of one of the plurality of panels and does not increase the footprint of that panel. According to paragraph 1,
An article carrier wherein an engaging tab partially defines a recessed edge of said one of said plurality of panels. According to paragraph 1,
wherein the engaging tab is folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to the one of the plurality of panels such that the engaging tab is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the hingedly connected panel. According to paragraph 1,
The article carrier is of the wrap-around type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels fastened together. According to paragraph 1,
The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the composite wall is a bottom wall of the tubular structure. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, comprising:
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and retaining the articles for engaging the one or more articles to prevent the articles from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. and a device, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure, wherein the article holding device is positioned along an oblique hinged connection along a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels. An article carrier comprising an engaging tab hingedly connected thereto. According to clause 12,
wherein the angled hinged connection portion is angled to prevent the engaging tab from interfering with a machine access opening when the engaging tab is folded. According to clause 12,
The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the oblique hinged connection is a single oblique fold line. According to clause 12,
The article carrier is of the wraparound type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels fixed together, the composite wall being the bottom wall of the tubular structure. According to clause 12,
The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the engaging tabs are folded inward beyond 90 degrees about a hinged connection to said one of said pair of overlapping panels such that said engaging tabs are in substantially face-to-face relationship with said hingedly connected panel. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, comprising:
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and retaining the articles for engaging the one or more articles to prevent the articles from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. and a device, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure, wherein the article holding device is hingedly connected to a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels. An article carrier comprising an engaging tab having a recess along its free end edge. According to clause 17,
and wherein the recess is positioned and sized such that the recess aligns with some or all of the machine access opening when the engaging tab is maintained in the collapsed position. According to clause 17,
The article carrier is of the wraparound type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels secured together, the composite wall being the bottom wall of the tubular structure. According to clause 17,
The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the engaging tabs are folded inward beyond 90 degrees about a hinged connection to said one of said pair of overlapping panels such that said engaging tabs are in substantially face-to-face relationship with said hingedly connected panel. A package comprising a combination of one or more articles having a recess and an article carrier,
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging a recess in the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. an article retention device, the article retention device comprising a single engaging tab disposed in and partially or fully defining an ablation at an end edge of one of the plurality of panels, wherein the engagement tab is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels along a beveled edge of the portion, wherein the beveled edge is spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels, and the engaging tab wherein the package is in substantially face-to-face relationship with the one of the plurality of panels and is folded inwardly beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to engage a recess in the article. A package comprising a combination of one or more articles having a recess and an article carrier,
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging a recess in the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. an article holding device, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure, wherein the article holding device is positioned along one of the pair of overlapping panels along an oblique hinged connection. and an engaging tab hingedly connected to the free edge, wherein the engaging tab is folded inwardly more than 90 degrees about the hinged connection to substantially face-to-face relationship with the one of the plurality of panels and a recess in the article. A package that fits together. A package comprising a combination of one or more articles having a recess and an article carrier,
The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging a recess in the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure. an article holding device, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of overlapping panels forming a composite wall of the tubular structure, wherein the article holding device includes a hinge at a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels. comprising an engaging tab hingedly connected by the knowledge connection and having a recess along a free end edge thereof, the engaging tab being folded inward beyond 90 degrees about the hinged connection to substantially align the plurality of panels. A package that is in face-to-face relationship with one of the above and engages a recessed portion of the article. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising:
The blank includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposed open ends of the tubular structure in a set-up article carrier. an article retaining device, the article retaining device comprising a single engaging tab disposed partially or entirely in a recess at an end edge of one of the plurality of panels, wherein the engaging tab is obliquely positioned in the recess. A blank hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels along an edge, wherein the beveled edge is spaced apart from an adjacent side edge of the one of the plurality of panels. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising:
The blank includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposed open ends of the tubular structure in a set-up article carrier. 1. A blank comprising an article retention device for an article retention device, the article retention device comprising an engaging tab hingedly connected to a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels along an oblique hinged connection. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising:
The blank includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles and engaging the one or more articles to prevent the article from dislodging from one or more of the opposed open ends of the tubular structure in a set-up article carrier. Includes an article holding device for
wherein the article holding device includes an engaging tab hingedly connected to a free edge of one of the pair of overlapping panels and having a recess along the free end edge.