US20210155389A1

US20210155389A1 - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: US20210155389A1
Application number: US16/624,536
Authority: US
Inventors: Ekaterina V. Gaidaeva; Andrew T. Peeler; Patrick Blin; Matthew E. Zacherle
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2017-06-30
Filing date: 2018-06-27
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: AU2018295288A1; CA3068299A1; WO2019005929A1; CN110997516A; EP3645414A1; KR20200024795A; ES2912163T3; EP3645414B1

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap (30a) having a handle opening (H1), a first side end closure flap (26a) and a web panel (28a). The web panel couples the top end closure flap to the first side end closure flap. The web panel is hingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first fold line (49a). The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge (87a) which extends along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure flaps.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the wrap-around type having an end closure structure for retention of an article therein.

BACKGROUND

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.
It is well known to provide article carriers or cartons in which an end closure structure is provided to retain an article within the carton.
The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging articles. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap having a handle opening, a first side end closure flap and a web panel. The web panel couples the top end closure flap to the first side end closure flap. The web panel is hingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first fold line. The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure flaps. The handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.
Optionally, a distal end of the first fold line is located on the engaging edge of the handle opening.
Optionally, a lower end of the first fold line is located at the engaging edge of the handle opening.
Optionally, the first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a second fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel when the carton is erected.
Optionally, the engaging edge provides a load-bearing contact when the carrying handle is in use.
Optionally, the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined by at least one handle flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a cushioning flap and the top end closure flap.
Optionally, the end closure structure comprises a second side end closure flap and a second web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the second side end closure flap, wherein the second web panel is hingedly connected to the second side end closure flap along a third fold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises a second handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of the engaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is folded into position between the top and second side end closure flaps and wherein the second handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the third fold line.
Optionally, the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined in part by a first handle flap fold line coupling a first handle flap to the top end closure flap and in part by a second handle flap fold line coupling a second handle flap to the top end closure flap.
Optionally, the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a first handle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a first handle reinforcing flap and the first side end closure flap.
Optionally, the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a second handle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a second handle reinforcing flap and the second side end closure flap.
Optionally, the first side end closure flap comprises a handle reinforcing flap hinged thereto by a handle reinforcing flap fold line.
Optionally, the second side end closure flap comprises a second handle reinforcing flap hinged thereto by a second handle reinforcing flap fold line.
A second aspect of the invention provides a blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a plurality of end closure panels for forming an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The plurality of end closure panels comprises a top end closure panel having a handle opening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel for coupling the top end closure panel to the first side end closure panel. The web panel is arranged to be hingedly connected, along a first fold line, to the first side end closure panel in a set-up carton. The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge. In a set-up carton the handle-reinforcing edge is arranged to extend along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure panels. The handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.
Within the scope of this application it is envisaged 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of an end of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 illustrating a stage of assembly of an end closure structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 illustrating a carrying handle in deployed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the carton of FIG. 2 in which a portion of a top end closure flap has been omitted for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an internal view of an end closure structure of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7 in which a handle is shown in a deployed condition; and

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the handle structure shown in FIG. 7 in a stowed or initial, pre-deployment, condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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.
Referring to FIG. 1 and to FIG. 1A, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container B or package B.
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 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.
The blank 10 is 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.
The packaging structures or cartons 90 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® 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.
In the illustrated embodiment, 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 4×2 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) aluminium bottles. Alternatively, the blank 10 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.
The present disclosure relates generally to a carton 90 for packaging articles B which carton 90 comprises an article engaging arrangement for engaging an article B, however said article engaging arrangement is optional. The carton 90 may comprise at least one display window for presentation of an article B. The embodiments described herein may comprise a viewing window arrangement or display window W struck from a side wall 14 a/14 b of the carton 90. The display window W presents for view a substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton 90 which is disposed adjacent to the side wall 14 a/14 b. The embodiments described herein also disclose an optional viewing window arrangement or display window DW2 in at least one end wall.
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 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 comprises a first base panel 12, a first lower side panel 14 a, a first upper side panel 14 b, a top panel 16, a second upper side panel 18 b, a second lower side panel 18 a and a second base panel 20. The plurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23. The first upper side panel 14 b and the first lower side panel 14 a form a first side wall 14 a/14 b of a carton 90. The second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower side panel 18 a form a second side wall 18 a/18 b of a carton 90.
The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first and second base panels 12, 20 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/20 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 20 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 20 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the first base panel 12. The second base panel 20 comprises a plurality of male tabs M, 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 first and second base panels 12, 20 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 20 comprises four first apertures A1. The first apertures A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first apertures A1 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first apertures A1 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 20 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. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.
Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a first display window W formed in each of the first upper and first lower side walls 14 b, 14 a.
The first display window W comprises an opening in each of the first upper and first lower side walls or panels 14 b, 14 a. The opening is defined in part by: a first displaceable tab or flap 50 a; in part by a second displaceable tab or flap 50 b; in part by a second aperture A2 struck in part from the first upper side wall 14 b and the first lower side wall 14 a; and in part by a third aperture A3 struck from the first upper side wall 14 b. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b are separated from each other in part by the second aperture A2 and in part by a severable line in the form of a cutline. The third aperture A3 defines upper edges of each of the first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b. The cutline extends between the second aperture A2 and the third aperture A3. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b are hinged to the first lower side panel 14 a by fold lines 51 a, 51 b respectively. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b are hinged to the first upper side panel 14 b by fold lines 51 c, 51 d respectively. The fold line 51 a is contiguously arranged with the fold line 51 c and the fold line 51 b is convergently arranged with respect to the fold line 51 d. The fold line 51 a and the fold line 51 c define a non-straight angle optionally, an obtuse angle of no less than 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an oblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 51 b is contiguously arranged with the fold line 51 d and the fold line 51 b is convergently arranged with respect to the fold line 51 d. The fold line 51 b and the fold line 51 d define an obtuse or oblique angle therebetween.
The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b are hingedly connected to the first upper and first lower side walls 14 b, 14 a and are positioned opposite to one another.
In this way the fold lines 51 a/51 c and the fold lines 51 b/51 d, form non-linear hinged connections between a respective one of the displaceable tabs 50 a, 50 b and the first side wall 14 a/14 b as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In other embodiments the fold lines may be curvilinear or arcuate or may be comprised of two or more linear portions arranged contiguously and divergently with respect to each other.
When the tabs 50 a, 50 b are displaced to display an article B, each of the non-linear hinged connections 51 a/51 c, 51 b/51 d increases the tendency of the respective displaceable tab 50 a, 50 b to return to its original, unfolded, planar position. In this way the tabs 50 a, 50 b, when displaced, are encouraged or biased towards the article B displayed within the window W. The tabs 50 a, 50 b 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 14 a/14 b. The tabs 50 a, 50 b may at least partially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.
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 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20.
In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.
Each of the end closure structures may comprise or define a second display window DW2 (see FIG. 2) for the display of one or more articles B disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of the second display windows DW2 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 DW2 may be omitted.
The blank 10 comprises a first end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 24 a, 26 a, 28 a, 30 a, 30 c, 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 50 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a first upper top end closure flap 30 a, hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by a fold line 31 a. A first lower top end closure flap 30 c is hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57 a. The first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the first lower top end closure flap 30 c together form or define a first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c. The first upper top end closure flap 30 a forms a proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c disposed adjacent to the top panel 16. The first lower top end closure flap 30 c forms a distal glue flap portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.
The first end closure structure comprises a first upper side end closure flap 26 a coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b.
Optionally, a first web panel 28 a is hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55 a. The first web panel 28 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper side end closure flap 26 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49 a.
The first upper side end closure flap 26 a may be coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b by a first upper corner panel 40 a.
Optionally, the first upper side end closure flap 26 a is hingedly connected to the first upper corner panel 40 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 a. When the carton is in the blank form as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the fold line 49 a between the first web panel 28 a and the first upper side end closure flap 26 a defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 31 a between the top panel 16 and the first upper top end closure flap 30 a. When the carton 90 is erected, the fold line 49 a defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 a.
Optionally, the first upper corner panel 40 a is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 14 b by a fold line 29 a. The first upper corner panel 40 a may be hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 a by a fold line 27 a. The fold line 27 a and the fold line 29 a define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no less than 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an oblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 27 a and the fold line 29 a may converge to form a vertex which meets at a first end of fold line 15 between the first upper side panel 14 b and the first lower side panel 14 a.
An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a first corner of the top panel 16. The first relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the first side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a, and forms a free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a is not hinged to another panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the first web panel 28 a from the first corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spaces apart the first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the first upper side end closure flap 26 a.
The first end closure structure may comprise a second upper side end closure flap 34 a coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b.
Optionally, a second web panel 32 a is hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a along a second side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59 a. The second side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a opposes the first side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a.
The second web panel 32 a may be hingedly connected to the second upper side end closure flap 34 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 a.
The second upper side end closure flap 34 a may be coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b by a second upper corner panel 50 a.
Optionally, the second upper side end closure flap 34 a is hingedly connected to the second upper corner panel 50 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45 a.
When the carton 90 is in the blank form as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the fold line 71 a between the second web panel 32 a and the second upper side end closure flap 34 a defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 31 a between the top panel 16 and the first upper top end closure flap 30 a. When the carton 90 is erected, the fold line 71 a defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 a.
Optionally, the second upper corner panel 50 a is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 18 b by a fold line 33 a. The second upper corner panel 50 a may be hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 18 a by a fold line 35 a. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35 a define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no less than 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an oblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35 a may converge to form a vertex which meets at a first end of fold line 21 between the second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower side panel 18 a.
An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a second corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the second side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a, and forms a free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the second side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a is not hinged to another panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the second web panel 32 a from the second corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spaces apart the first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the second upper side end closure flap 34 a.
Optionally, in addition to the upper end closure structure described above, the first end closure structure also comprises a lower end closure structure. The lower end closure structure of the first end closure structure is now described and comprises a first lower side end closure flap 24 a hingedly connected to a first gusset panel 42 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 a. The first gusset panel 42 a is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43 a. Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 36 a is hinged to a second gusset panel 44 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37 a. The second gusset panel 44 a is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 18 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47 a. Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 38 a is hinged to the second base panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39 a. The first lower side end closure flap 24 a, first gusset panel 42 a, second lower side end closure flap 36 a, second gusset panel 44 a and first bottom end closure flap 38 a are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.
The blank 10 comprises a second end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 24 b, 26 b, 28 b, 30 b, 30 d, 32 b, 34 b, 36 b, 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 50 b.
The second end closure structure also comprises an upper end closure structure and a lower end closure structure. The second upper end closure structure will now be described and it comprises a second upper top end closure flap 30 b, hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by a fold line 31 b. A second lower top end closure flap 30 d is hingedly connected to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57 b. The second upper top end closure flap 30 b and the second lower top end closure flap 30 d together form or define a second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d. The second upper top end closure flap 30 b forms a proximal portion of the second top end closure flap 30 d/30 d disposed adjacent to the top panel 16. The second lower top end closure flap 30 d forms a distal glue flap portion of the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 b.
The second upper end closure structure comprises a third upper side end closure flap 26 b coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b.
Optionally, a third web panel 28 b is hingedly connected to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55 b. The third web panel 28 b may be hingedly connected to the third upper side end closure flap 26 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49 b.
The third upper side end closure flap 26 b may be coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b by a third upper corner panel 40 b.
Optionally, the third upper side end closure flap 26 b is hingedly connected to the third upper corner panel 40 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 b.
When the carton 90 is in the blank form 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the fold line 49 b between the third web panel 28 b and the third upper side end closure flap 26 b defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 31 b between the top panel 16 and the upper top end closure flap 30 b. When the carton 90 is erected as shown in FIG. 2, the fold line 49 b defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 b.
Optionally, the third upper corner panel 40 b is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 14 b by a fold line 29 b. The third upper corner panel 40 b may be hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 a by a fold line 27 b. The fold line 27 b and the fold line 29 b define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no less than 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an oblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 27 b and the fold line 29 b may converge to form a vertex which meets at a second end of fold line 15 between the first upper side panel 14 b and the first lower side panel 14 a.
An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a third corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the first side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b, and forms a free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b is not hinged to another panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the third web panel 28 b from the third corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spaces apart the third upper top end closure flap 30 b and the third upper side end closure flap 26 b.
The second end closure structure may comprise a fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b.
Optionally, a fourth web panel 32 b is hingedly connected to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b along a second side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59 b. The second side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b opposes the first side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b.
The fourth web panel 32 b may be hingedly connected to the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 b.
The fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b may be coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b by a fourth upper corner panel 50 b.
Optionally, the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b is hingedly connected to the fourth upper corner panel 50 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45 b.
When the carton 90 is in the blank form 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the fold line 71 b between the fourth web panel 32 b and the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 31 b between the top panel 16 and the upper top end closure flap 30 b. When the carton 90 is erected as shown in FIG. 2, the fold line 71 b defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 b.
Optionally, the fourth upper corner panel 50 b is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 18 b by a fold line 33 b. The fourth upper corner panel 50 b may be hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 18 a by a fold line 35 b. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35 b define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no less than 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an oblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 33 b and the fold line 35 b may converge to form a vertex which meets at a second end of fold line 21 between the second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower side panel 18 a.
An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a fourth corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the second side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b, and forms a free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the second side edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b is not hinged to another panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the fourth web panel 32 b from the fourth corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spaces apart the second upper top end closure flap 30 b and the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b.
Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a third lower side end closure flap 24 b hingedly connected to a third gusset panel 42 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 b. The third gusset panel 42 b is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43 b. Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 36 b is hinged to a fourth gusset panel 44 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37 b. The fourth gusset panel 44 b is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 18 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47 b. Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 38 b is hinged to the second base panel 20, along a second end edge thereof, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39 b. The third lower side end closure flap 24 b, third gusset panel 42 b, fourth lower side end closure flap 36 b, fourth gusset panel 44 b and second bottom end closure flap 38 b are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.
Referring now to FIG. 1A, the first upper side end closure flap 26 a comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 80 a extending therefrom. The lower limb portion 80 a defines in part a recess or cutaway 82 a.
The first web panel 28 a comprises or defines a recesses or contoured free edge 87 a. The contoured free edge 87 a extends between a distal end of the fold line 49 a and a distal end of the fold line 55 a. The contoured free edge 87 a is shaped complementary to a portion of the handle opening O in the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.
The lower limb portion 80 a comprises a projection or lobe 83 a extending toward or into the recess or cutaway 82 a. The projection or lobe 83 a defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limb portion 80 a.
The second upper side end closure flap 34 a, when provided, comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 96 a extending therefrom. The lower limb portion 96 a defines in part a recess or cutaway 94 a.
The second web panel 32 a comprises or defines a recesses or contoured free edge 99 a. The contoured free edge 99 a extends between a distal end of the fold line 71 a and a distal end of the fold line 59 a. The contoured free edge 99 a is shaped complementary to a portion of the handle opening O in the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.
The lower limb portion 96 a comprises a projection or lobe 95 a extending toward or into the recess or cutaway 94 a. The projection or lobe 95 a defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limb portion 96 a.
The third upper side end closure flap 26 b, when provided, comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 80 b extending therefrom. The lower limb portion 80 b defines in part a recess or cutaway 82 b.
The third web panel 28 b comprises or defines a recesses or contoured free edge 87 b. The contoured free edge 87 b extends between a distal end of the fold line 49 b and a distal end of the fold line 55 b. The contoured free edge 87 b is shaped complementary to a portion of the handle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.
The lower limb portion 80 b comprises a projection or lobe 83 b extending toward or into the recess or cutaway 82 b. The projection or lobe 83 b defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limb portion 80 b.
The fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b, when provided, comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 96 b extending therefrom. The lower limb portion 96 b defines in part a recess or cutaway 94 b therebetween.
The fourth web panel 32 b comprises or defines a recesses or contoured free edge 99 b. The contoured free edge 99 b extends between a distal end of the fold line 71 b and a distal end of the fold line 59 b. The contoured free edge 99 b is shaped complementary to a portion of the handle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.
The lower limb portion 96 b comprises a projection or lobe 95 b extending toward or into the recess or cutaway 94 b. The projection or lobe 95 b defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limb portion 96 b.
The blank 10 comprises a carrying handle structure H1, H2 in each of the first and second top end closure flaps 30 a/30 c, 30 b/30 d respectively. The carrying handle structures H1, H2 may be employed by a user to carry the carton 90. The first top end closure flap 30 a comprises a carrying handle structure H1 having a handle opening defined at least in part by a handle flap 60 struck, at least in part, from the first top end closure flap 30 a. The handle flap 60 is hinged to the first top end closure flap 30 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61. The handle flap 60 comprises a pair of fold lines 63, 65 extending from the fold line 61 to an opposing side edge of the handle flap 60 so as to define a pair of foldable end portions 62, 64. The pair of fold lines 63, 65 are arranged so as to diverge towards the fold line 61. The handle flap 60, including the end portions 62, 64 is struck in part from the first upper top end closure flap 30 a and in part from the first lower top end closure flap 30 c. In this way the handle flap 60 and therefore the handle opening interrupt the fold line 57 a hinging the first lower top end closure flap 30 c to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a.
Optionally, the handle flap 60 comprises a tongue 67 extending from, and defining, a portion of the opposing side edge. The tongue 67 defines a recessed or cutaway portion of the handle opening.
The first lower top end closure flap 30 c (also referred to as distal glue flap 30 c) may be hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a (also referred to as proximal portion 30 a of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c) along a glue flap fold line 57 a. The handle flap 60 may be hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a along a handle flap fold line 61 in FIG. 1A. The handle flap fold line 61 may be disposed at a higher elevation than the glue flap fold line 57 a. In other words the handle flap fold line 61 may be disposed closer to fold line 31 a (connecting the first upper top end closure flap 30 a to the top panel 16) than the glue flap fold line 57 a.
The web panel 28 a may interconnect the first side end closure flap 26 a and first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c. The web panel 32 a may interconnect the second side end closure flap 34 a and first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.
The web panel 28 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c along a first web fold line 55 a; such that a lower end of the first web fold line 55 a is disposed proximate the glue flap fold line 57 a.
The web panel 32 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c along a second web fold line 59 a; such that a lower end of the second web fold line 59 a is disposed proximate the glue flap fold line 57 a.
The handle flap 60 may be coupled to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion 30 a and be separate or separable from the distal glue flap 30 c.
The handle flap 60 may be severably connected or coupled to the first upper top end closure flap 30 a or the proximal portion 30 a by at least one nick 2 such that the at least one nick 2 is intact when the first lower top end closure flap 30 c or distal glue flap 30 c is folded out of an end-closing position about the glue flap fold line 57 a.
The handle structure H1 may comprise two or more nicks 2 which are disposed along opposite side edges of the handle flap 60.
The second top end closure flap 30 b also, optionally, comprises a carrying handle structure H2 which is substantially the same in construction as the first carrying handle structure H1 and will not be described in further detail.
Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a dispensing or access feature A (see FIG. 1) for facilitating access to the contents of the carton 90. The access feature A comprises an access panel struck in part from the top panel 16, in part from the second upper side panel 18 b, and in part from the second lower side panel 18 a. The access panel A is defined by a weakened line of severance 53 formed as a continuous loop such that the access panel A is at least partially severable from the carton 90. The access feature A may comprise a tear initiation feature I comprising a pair of tabs T1, T2 hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 18 a by respective fold lines and defined by a outline interrupted by connecting portions or nicks so as to be readily severable. The tear initiation feature I defines a finger opening to enable engagement with the access panel A for removal thereof.
The first corner panel 40 a comprises a first lower free end edge. The second corner panel 50 a comprises a second lower free end edge. The third corner panel 40 b comprises a third lower free end edge. The fourth corner panel 50 b comprises a fourth lower free end edge.
The first corner panel 40 a terminates at the first lower free end edge. The first lower free end edge is distal from the first lower side end closure flap 24 a, such that the first lower side panel 14 a comprises a first free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of a first side edge of the first lower side panel 14 a is free from any hinged connection to the panels of the first side end closure structure.
The second lower corner panel 50 a terminates at the second lower free end edge. The second lower free end edge is distal from the second lower side end closure flap 36 a, such that the second lower side panel 18 a comprises a first free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of a first side edge of the second lower side panel 18 a is free from any hinged connection to the panels of the second end closure structure.
The third corner panel 40 b terminates at the third lower free end edge. The third lower free end edge is distal from the third lower side end closure flap 24 b, such that the first lower side panel 14 a comprises a second free edge portion, that is to say a portion of a second side edge of the first lower side panel 14 a is free from any hinged connection to the panels of the first side end closure structure.
The fourth lower corner panel 50 b terminates at the fourth lower free end edge. The fourth lower free end edge is distal from the fourth lower side end closure flap 36 b, such that the second lower side panel 18 a comprises a second free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of a second side edge of the second lower side panel 18 a is free from any hinged connection to the panels of the second end closure structure.
The top panel 16 comprises a first length dimension extending between fold lines 31 a, 31 b. The first and second base panels 12, 20 comprise a second length dimension extending between free end edges of the first base panel 12 or between fold lines 39 a, 39 b. The second length dimension may be greater than the first length dimension.
The top panel 16 comprises a first width dimension extending between fold lines 17, 19. The second base panel 20 comprises a second width dimension. The second width dimension may be greater than the first width dimension. In some embodiments, the second width dimension may be defined by both the first and second base panels 12, 20, and may be equivalent to the sum of the widths of the first and second base panels 12, 20 minus the width of a region of overlap between the first and second base panels 12, 20.
Returning to FIG. 1, the blank 10 may comprise an orientation adjustment device for enabling adjustment of the orientation of an article B.
The orientation adjustment device is arranged such that the article B displayed in the first display window W in the first side wall 14 a/14 b 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 one or both of the second display windows DW2 in the end walls of the carton 90 can also be controlled or adjusted.
The orientation adjustment device comprises first cutaway or opening in the form of a lower aperture A5 provided in at least one of the first and second base panels 12, 20. In the illustrated embodiment the lower aperture A5 is provided in the first base panel 12.
In other embodiments the lower aperture A5 may be provided in the second base panel 20 or in part in each of the first and second base panels 12, 20.
The lower aperture A5 is arranged to be in vertical registry with the article B which is disposed in the first display window W.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lower aperture A5 is arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the first display window W.
The lower aperture A5 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 (not shown), for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 12 with the second base panel 20 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 18 a/18 b so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base panels 12, 20 such that the complementary locking mechanism may be employed.
The orientation adjustment device comprises a second cutaway or opening in the form of an upper aperture A6 provided at least in part in the top panel 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the upper aperture A6 is provided in part in the top panel 16 and in part in the first upper side panel 14 b. Extending the aperture A6 into the the first upper side panel 14 b may facilitate folding the top panel 16 with respect to the first upper side panel 14 b along the fold line 17.
In other embodiments, the upper aperture A6 may be provided solely in the top panel 16, so as to be struck from only material that would otherwise have formed the top panel 16. 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.
In such alternative embodiments, a front or outer edge of the upper aperture A6 is provided by the top panel 16 and therefore is oriented horizontally or perpendicularly with respect to a 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 A6.
The upper aperture A6 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 A6 is dimensioned such that an upper portion of said article B can pass through the top panel 16.
The upper aperture A6 is arranged to be vertically aligned with the first display window W.
The upper aperture A6 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 A6 but is prevented from being fully withdrawn through the upper aperture A6. When the article B is a bottle, the “finish”, and at least some of the “neck”, may be positioned externally of the carton 90. The “shoulder”, “body” and “heel” of the article B, being retainable within the carton 90.
In embodiments having a dispensing or access feature A the upper aperture A6 may interrupt the weakened line of severance 53. The upper aperture A6 may also, optionally, serve to facilitate removal of the access panel A.
The first display window W defines a notional centre axis perpendicular to the fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, which hingedly connect the plurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 in series. The blank 10 is arranged such that the upper aperture A6 is aligned with the first display window W along the notional centre axis.
Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.
A group of articles B is assembled; in the preferred embodiment eight articles B are arranged in a 4×2 array. The top panel 16 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 16 of the carton 90.
The window panels 50 a, 50 b (when present) are folded inwardly of the carton 90 either prior to or simultaneously with the first and second side walls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b being folded about the fold lines 17, 19 so as to be disposed on opposing sides of the group of articles B. The window panels 50 a, 50 b are disposed such that they are interposed between a pair of adjacent articles B. Folding the window panels 50 a, 50 b in this manner warps the corresponding one of the first or second side walls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b to which they are attached due to the non-linear nature of the fold lines 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d connecting the window panels 50 a, 50 a to the first side wall 14 a/14 b. The warping of the first side wall 14 a/14 b urges the window panels 50 a, 50 b against the article B.
Once the first and second sidewalls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b 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 20 is then folded about the fold line 23 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12. The first and second base panels 12, 20 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 20. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 20 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.
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.
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 second end closure structure only as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and the third and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b (when present) are folded about the fold lines 27 b, 29 b, 41 b, 33 b, 35 b, 45 b so as to partially close the second open end of the tubular structure.
As a consequence of folding third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and the third and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b inwardly about the fold lines 27 b, 29 b, 41 b, 33 b, 35 b, 45 b the second top end closure flap 30 b,30 d is folded downwardly.
The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b are folded inwardly so as to be brought into close proximity or contact with the endmost articles B in the carton 90. The third web panel 28 b and the fourth web panel 32 b are folded into face to face relationship with the respective one of third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b, such that a first surface of each of the third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b faces a first surface of the respective one of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b, best illustrated in FIG. 5.
The contoured edge 87 b of the third web panel 28 b is disposed in registry or alignment with an upper edge of the recess 82 b in the third upper side end closure flap 26 b. The contoured edge 87 b of the third web panel 28 b is disposed in registry or in close proximity to an upper edge portion of the handle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.
In this way the third web panel 28 b provides a handle reinforcing member. The handle reinforcing member extends at least partially across an upper or engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.
The contoured edge 99 b of the fourth web panel 32 b is disposed in registry or alignment with an upper edge of the recess 94 b in the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b. The contoured edge 99 b of the fourth web panel 32 b is disposed in registry or in close proximity to an upper edge portion of the handle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.
In this way the fourth web panel 32 b provides a handle reinforcing member. The handle reinforcing member extends at least partially across an upper or engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.
The third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b may be arranged such that in combination they provide a handle reinforcing member which extends fully across the engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.
In other embodiments the third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b may be arranged such that in combination they provide a handle reinforcing member which at least partially extends across the engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.
It will be appreciated that the sheet material from which the blank 10 is formed comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may be a coated, printed or otherwise finished surface. The second surface may be an uncoated surface typically referred to in the art as a “brown side”. The folding arrangement is such that the disposition of the respective one of the first and second surfaces of the sheet material provided by the third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b is reversed in orientation with respect to the first and second surfaces of the sheet material provided by the top end closure panel 30 b, 30 d, third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and third and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b. In other words the coated, printed or otherwise finished surface of the top end closure panel 30 b, 30 d, third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and third and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b faces outwardly of the interior of the carton 90 whereas the brown side of third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b faces outwardly of the interior of the carton 90.
The second upper top end closure flap 30 b is folded downwardly such that a second surface thereof is brought into close proximity or contact and faces a second surface of the respective one of third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.
The third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b are disposed between the second upper top end closure flap 30 b and the respective one of third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b to which they are hingedly connected.
The second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d is secured to the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.
The second lower top end closure flap 30 d is folded upwardly, out of, or away from, an end closing position, with respect to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b about the fold line 57 b as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this way the lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and adjacent portions of the main body of each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b are exposed.
The handle flap 60 serves as a retention member, holding each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b in their folded positions as shown in FIG. 7. The tongue 67 of the handle flap 60 is disposed in overlying or overlapping relationship with the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.
The handle flap 60 engages with the projections or lobes 83 b, 95 b of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.
Glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the outer surface of the lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and/or to the outer surface of said adjacent portions of the main body of each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the inner surface of the second lower top end closure flap 30 d.
The outer surfaces of each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b provide a glue area or region. The glue areas of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b are secured to the inside surface of the second lower top end closure flap 30 d.
The glue areas of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b are disposed below the handle opening O, as shown on FIG. 4.
The inside surface of the third upper side end closure flap 26 b opposing the glue area is disposed substantially in face-contacting arrangement along its inside surface with at least one of the bottles B disposed within the carton 90.
The inside surface of the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b opposing the glue area is disposed substantially in face-contacting arrangement along its inside surface with at least one of the bottles B disposed within the carton 90.
In this way the endmost bottles in the carton 90 may be securely held by the carton 90. Further the endmost bottles in the carton 90 may facilitate construction of the carton 90 by serving as a brace or backstop against which the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b may engage or press, as a force or pressure is applied to the second lower top end closure flap 30 d during a gluing or other assembly process.
The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b engage with the main body portion M of a respective article B.
The second lower top end closure flap 30 d (distal glue flap) is folded downwardly, into, or towards, an end closing position, with respect to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b about the fold line 57 b. The distal glue flap 30 d is brought into face contacting relationship with the lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b and said adjacent portions of the main body of each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b so as to secure them together.
The third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b along with the third and fourth gusset panels 42 b, 44 b, when present, are folded about the fold lines 25 b, 37 b, 43 b, 47 b. The third lower side end closure flap 24 b may be secured to the fourth lower side end closure flap 36 b. In some embodiments the third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b 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 third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b so as to secure them together.
Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b or to the second bottom end closure flap 38 b.
The second bottom end closure flap 38 b is folded about fold line 39 b so as to be brought up into face contacting relationship with the third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b.
The second bottom end closure flap 38 b is secured to the third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b.
The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 illustrates the handle structure of the carton 90 in a deployed condition. The handle flap has been folded inwardly of the carton 90.
FIG. 4 shows that the lower limbs 80 b, 96 b are arranged such that an end edge of the lower limb 80 b abuts an end edge of the lower limb 96 b.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an additional 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.
Turning to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a blank 110 for forming a carton, of the fully enclosed type, according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a securing panel 112, a top panel 114, a first side panel 116, a base panel 118 and a second side panel 120. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119.
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, 116, 118, 118, 120.
In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.
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, 116, 118, 118, 120.
In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.
Each of the end closure structures is substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to a first end closure structure.
The blank 110 comprises a first end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 122 a, 144 a, 124 a, 148 a, 126 a, 128 a, 150 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a first top end closure flap 122 a hingedly connected to the top panel 114 by a fold line 123 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a first bottom end closure flap 126 a hingedly connected to the base panel 118 by a fold line 129 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a first upper side end closure flap 144 a coupled to the first side panel 116. The first upper side end closure flap 144 a may be coupled to the first side panel 116 by a first corner panel 148 a. The first upper side end closure flap 144 a is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 148 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a first lower side end closure flap 124 a coupled to the first side panel 116. The first lower side end closure flap 124 a may be coupled to the first side panel 116 by the first corner panel 148 a. The first lower side end closure flap 124 a is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 148 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 153 a.
The first corner panel 148 a is hingedly connected to the first side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 125 a, 127 a.
Optionally, a first web panel 138 a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 122 a along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 145 a. The first web panel 138 a is hingedly connected to a second web panel 140 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 147 a. Fold line 147 a is arranged to be collinear with fold line 115 hinging the top panel 114 to the first side panel 116.
The second web panel 140 a is hingedly connected to the first upper side end closure flap 144 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 149 a.
The first lower side end closure flap 124 a is hingedly connected to the first upper side end closure flap 144 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 159 a.
The first upper side end closure flap 144 a comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 180 a. A recess or cutaway portion is struck from or defined by the first upper side end closure flap 144 a. The recess defines an upper edge of the lower limb portion 180 a.
An optional relief aperture A1 is provided proximate a first corner of the top panel 114. The first relief aperture A1 defines a portion of the first side edge of the first top end closure flap 122 a, and forms a free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first side edge of the first top end closure flap 122 a is not hinged to another panel. The relief aperture A1 spaces the first and second web panels 138 a, 140 a from the first corner of the top panel 114. The relief aperture A1 spaces apart the first top end closure flap 122 a and the first upper side end closure flap 144 a.
The first end closure structure may comprise a second upper side end closure flap 150 a coupled to the second upper side panel 120.
The second upper side end closure flap 150 a may be coupled to the second side panel 120 by a second corner panel 158 a. The second upper side end closure flap 150 a is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 158 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 165 a.
The first end closure structure comprises a second lower side end closure flap 128 a coupled to the second side panel 120. The second lower side end closure flap 128 a may be coupled to the second side panel 120 by the second corner panel 158 a. The second lower side end closure flap 128 a is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 158 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161 a.
The second corner panel 158 a is hingedly connected to the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 131 a, 133 a.
Optionally, a third web panel 136 a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 122 a along a second side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143 a. The first web panel 136 a is hingedly connected to a glue flap panel 134 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141 a. Fold line 141 a is arranged to be collinear with fold line 113 hinging the top panel 114 to the securing panel 112.
A fourth web panel 154 a is hingedly connected to the second upper side end closure flap 150 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 167 a. The fourth web panel 154 a is configured to be secured to the glue flap panel 134 a such that the third web panel 136 a is hingedly coupled to the fourth web panel 154 a.
The second lower side end closure flap 128 a is hingedly connected to the second upper side end closure flap 150 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 163 a.
The second upper side end closure flap 150 a comprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 182 a. A recess or cutaway portion is struck from or defined by the second upper side end closure flap 150 a. The recess defines an upper edge of the lower limb portion 182 a.
An optional relief cutaway is provided proximate an upper corner of the second side panel 120.
The glue flap panel 134 a is coupled to the securing panel 112 by a pair of gusset panels 130 a, 132 a. A first gusset panel 130 a is hingedly connected to the securing panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135 a. The first gusset panel 130 a is hingedly connected to a second gusset panel 132 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137 a. The second gusset panel 132 a is hingedly connected to the glue flap panel 134 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139 a.
The blank 110 comprises at least one handle structure H1, H2. The first top end closure panel 122 a comprises a first handle structure H1. The first handle structure H1 is struck from or defined within the first top end closure panel 122 a. The first handle structure H1 comprises a handle opening defined at least in part by a pair of handle flaps 184 a, 186 a. Each of the pair of handle flaps 184 a, 186 a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure panel 122 a by a respective hinged connection in the form of fold lines 181 a, 183 a. The fold line 181 a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 183 a.
A first handle flap 184 a is separated from a second handle flap by a cutline 185. The first handle flap 184 a may comprise a fold line 187 a extending from the cutline 185 to a free edge opposing the hinged connection defined by the fold line 181 a. The second handle flap 186 a may comprise a fold line 189 a extending from the cutline 185 to a free edge opposing the hinged connection defined by the fold line 183 a. The fold line 187 a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 189 a.
The blank 110 comprises handle reinforcing flaps 142 a, 146 a, 142 b, 146 b, 152 a, 156 a, 152 b, 156 b.
The second web panel 140 a comprises a first handle reinforcing flap 142 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 155 a.
The first upper side end closure flap 144 a comprises a second handle reinforcing flap 146 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 157 a.
The fourth web panel 154 a comprises a third handle reinforcing flap 156 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 159 a.
The second upper side end closure flap 150 a comprises a fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 a.
Turning to the construction of the carton 190 as illustrated in FIG. 7, the carton 190 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 190 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.
The blank 110 is folded about the fold line 115 so as to bring top panel 114 into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 116. The blank 110 is also folded about the fold lines 147 a, 147 b which are collinear with the fold line 115.
Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the securing panel 112 and to the glue flaps 134 a, 134 b or corresponding regions of the second side panel 120 and the web panels 154 a, 154 b.
The blank 110 is folded about the fold line 119 so as to bring the second side panel 120 into overlying relationship with the base panel 118. A portion of the second side panel 120 is brought into face contacting relationship with the securing panel 112. Portions of the web panels 154 a, 154 b are brought into face contacting relationship with respective glue flaps 134 a, 134 b.
The second side panel 120 is secured to the securing panel 112. The web panel 154 a is secured to the glue flap 134 a. The web panel 154 b is secured to the glue flap 134 b.
In this way a flat collapsed carton is formed, the carton in this flat collapsed form is readily shipped or transported.
The flat collapsed carton may be erected into a tubular form by unfolding, about fold line 119, the second side panel 120 with respect to the base panel 118 so as to be disposed substantially perpendicular thereto.
The erected carton 190 may be loaded with articles through one or both open ends. In some embodiments one of the open ends may be closed prior to loading with articles.
Each of the open ends of the carton 190 is closed by folding the end closures structures, and will be described with reference to the first end closure structure, assembly of the second end closure structure being is the same as that of the first end closure structure.
The first upper side end closure flap 144 a and the first lower side end closure flap 124 a are folded about the fold lines 151 a, 153 a respectively. The first upper side end closure flap 144 a and the first lower side end closure flap 124 a form a first side end closure panel 144 a/124 a. The first corner panel 148 a is folded about the fold lines 125 a, 127 a.
The second upper side end closure flap 150 a and the second lower side end closure flap 128 a are folded about the fold lines 165 a, 161 a respectively. The second upper side end closure flap 150 a and the second lower side end closure flap 128 a form a second side end closure panel 150 a/128 a. The second corner panel 158 a is folded about the fold lines 131 a, 133 a.
As a consequence of folding the first and second side end closure panels 144 a/124 a, 150 a/128 a the top end closure flap 122 a is folded downwardly. The top end closure flap 122 a is folded automatically due to being coupled to each of the first and second side end closure panels 144 a/124 a, 150 a/128 a by the web panels 138 a, 140 a and the web panels 136 a, 154 a respectively.
The top end closure flap 122 a is folded downwardly, the web panels 138 a, 140 a are brought into face to face relationship with the first upper side end closure panel 144 a, by folding about the fold lines 145 a, 149 a.
The web panels 136 a, 154 a are brought into face to face relationship with the second upper side end closure panel 150 a by folding about the fold lines 143 a, 167 a.
Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the first top end closure flap 122 a or an inner surface of the bottom end closure flap 126 a.
The bottom end closure flap 126 a is folded upwardly about the fold line 129 a and brought in face contacting relationship with the first top end closure flap 122 a. The bottom end closure flap 126 a is disposed in partial overlapping relationship with the first top end closure flap 122 a. The bottom end closure flap 126 a is secured to the first top end closure flap 122 a.
In some embodiments, the bottom end closure flap 126 a may be adhesively secured to one or both of the first and second lower end closure flaps 124 a, 128 a.
FIG. 7 illustrates an internal view of the first end closure structure in an assembled condition. The contents of the carton 90 have been omitted for illustrative purposes. The carrying handle H1 is shown in a deployed or use condition.
The handle flaps 184 a, 186 a have been folded internally of the carton 90. The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a have been folded internally as a consequence of folding the second handle flap 186 a. The third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a have been folded internally as a consequence of folding the first handle flap 184 a.
The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a, the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a and the second handle flap 186 a together with the third handle reinforcing flap 156 a, the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a and the first handle flap 184 a form an inverted “V” shaped handle structure.
The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a reinforce a first portion of the carrying handle H1. The third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a reinforce a second portion of the carrying handle H1.
Together the first handle reinforcing flap 142 a, the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a, the third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a provide a reinforcing member across the entirety of an engaging edge of the carrying handle H1 defined by the fold lines 181 a, 183 a.
FIG. 7a illustrates the carrying handle H1 in an initial, undeployed or stowed condition. The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a are arranged such that their upper edges, defined by the fold lines 155 a, 157 a, are disposed substantially in registry with the fold line 183 a defining an upper edge of the second handle flap 184 a. The third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a are arranged such that their upper edges, defined by the fold lines 169 a, 171 a, are disposed substantially in registry with the fold line 181 a defining an upper edge of the first handle flap 184 a.
The ends of the first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handle reinforcing flap 146 a may be arranged to overlap with the ends of the third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a.
In the assembled condition the first and second web panels 140 a, 138 a are substantially coplanar; that is to say they are unfolded with respect to each other. The first and second web panels 140 a, 138 a may be considered to be a unitary panel coupling the first top end closure flap 122 a to the first upper side end closure flap 144 a.
In the assembled condition the third and fourth web panels 136 a, 154 a are substantially coplanar, that is to say they are unfolded with respect to each other. The third and fourth web panels 136 a, 154 a may be considered to be a unitary panel coupling the first top end closure flap 122 a to the second upper side end closure flap 150 a.
The present disclosure provides a carton for packaging articles. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap having a handle opening and a side end closure flap and a web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the side end closure flap. The web panel is hingedly connected to the side end closure flap along a first fold line. The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of a load-bearing or engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded to take a “tucked” or “sandwiched” position between the top and side end closure flaps and wherein the handle-reinforcing edge extends, directly, from the lower end of the first fold line.
The lower or distal end of the first fold line is located substantially on, or at, the load-bearing edge of the handle opening.
The first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a second fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel when the carton is erected.
The present disclosure may be particularly advantageous in cartons configured to be loaded with one or two rows of articles (FIG. 5 illustrates a carton 90 comprising two rows of articles B. A compact reinforcement member is provided. The structure allows the top end closure flap comprising the handle opening to extend across a substantial (greater than 50%, optionally greater than 60%) of portion of the end of the carton 90. In this way the top end closure flap provides adequate material for the provision of the handle opening.
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.
In some embodiments, the fold lines 15 and 21 may extend into the corner panels 40 a, 40 b, 50 a, 50 b.
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.
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.
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 outline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.
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.
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.

Claims

1. A carton for packaging articles comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure, the primary panels include a top panel, the end closure structure comprising a top end closure flap having a handle opening, a first side end closure flap and a web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the first side end closure flap, wherein the web panel is hingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first fold line, and wherein the web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure flaps and wherein the first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a second fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel when the carton is erected.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.

3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein a distal end of the first fold line is located on the engaging edge of the handle opening.

4. A carton according to claim 2 wherein a lower end of the first fold line is located at the engaging edge of the handle opening.

5. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the engaging edge provides a load-bearing contact when the carrying handle is in use.

6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined by at least one handle flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a cushioning flap and the top end closure flap.

7. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the end closure structure comprises a second side end closure flap and a second web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the second side end closure flap, wherein the second web panel is hingedly connected to the second side end closure flap along a third fold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises a second handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of the engaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is folded into position between the top and second side end closure flaps and wherein the third fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the second fold line when the carton is erected.

8. A blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a plurality of end closure panels for forming an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure, the primary panels include a top panel, the plurality of end closure panels comprising a top end closure panel having a handle opening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel for coupling the top end closure panel to the first side end closure panel, wherein the web panel is arranged to be hingedly connected along a first fold line to the first side end closure panel, and wherein the web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge, the handle-reinforcing edge is configured to extend along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening in a set up carton when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure panels and wherein the first fold line is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to a second fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel.

9. A carton for packaging articles comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising a top end closure flap having a handle opening, a first side end closure flap and a web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the first side end closure flap, wherein the web panel is hingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first fold line, and wherein the web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure flaps and wherein the handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.

10. A carton according to claim 9 wherein a distal end of the first fold line is located on the engaging edge of the handle opening.

11. A carton according to claim 9 wherein a lower end of the first fold line is located at the engaging edge of the handle opening.

12. A carton according to claim 9 wherein the primary panels include a top panel to which the top end closure panel is hingedly connected along a second fold line, and wherein the first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the second fold line when the carton is erected.

13. A carton according to claim 9 wherein the engaging edge provides a load-bearing contact when the carrying handle is in use.

14. A carton according to claim 9 wherein the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined by at least one handle flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a cushioning flap and the top end closure flap.

15. A carton according to claim 9 wherein the end closure structure comprises a second side end closure flap and a second web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the second side end closure flap, wherein the second web panel is hingedly connected to the second side end closure flap along a third fold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises a second handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of the engaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is folded into position between the top and second side end closure flaps and wherein the second handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the third fold line.

16. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined in part by a first handle flap fold line coupling a first handle flap to the top end closure flap and in part by a second handle flap fold line coupling a second handle flap to the top end closure flap.

17. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a first handle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a first handle reinforcing flap and the first side end closure flap.

18. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a second handle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a second handle reinforcing flap and the second side end closure flap.

19. A carton according to claim 9 wherein the first side end closure flap comprises a handle reinforcing flap hinged thereto by a handle reinforcing flap fold line.

20. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the second side end closure flap comprises a second handle reinforcing flap hinged thereto by a second handle reinforcing flap fold line.

21. A blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a plurality of end closure panels for forming an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure, the plurality of end closure panels comprising a top end closure panel having a handle opening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel for coupling the top end closure panel to the first side end closure panel, wherein the web panel is arranged to be hingedly connected along a first fold line to the first side end closure panel, and wherein the web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge, the handle-reinforcing edge is configured to extend along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening in a set up carton when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure panels and wherein the handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.