CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to panel interlocking means for securing together a pair of panels, for example, overlapping panels of a carton. In some situations, these panels are provided by the opposite ends of a paper-board wrapper blank, which opposite ends are brought together and interlocked.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to interlock a pair of panels together using locking tabs which are struck from one panel (for example one end of a carton wrapper). The locking tabs are arranged to be driven or punched through corresponding apertures, defined by retaining tabs, struck from another panel (for example the opposite end of a carton wrapper). Such “punch-locks” are known and are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,116 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,588.

It is desirable, for cost saving and environmental reasons to use lighter weight material, particularly for paperboard and plastics packaging and to have more flexibility in terms of the positioning of the locking mechanisms. It is for these and other reasons that the present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of panel interlocking mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an arrangement for locking together two panels the arrangement comprising a first and second male tabs and a first and second female tabs wherein the first and second male tabs are hinged to a first panel by a first and second hinged connection respectively, and the first female tabs are hinged to a second panel by a third hinged connection the first and second hinged connections being divergent with respect to one another.

Preferably, the male tabs are orientated such that the first and second fold lines are disposed at an angular relationship to a free end edge of the first panel.

Preferably, the first and second fold lines are disposed at an angle less than 90° or greater than 90°.

Preferably, the first and second fold lines are disposed at an angle of substantially 45° to the free end edge of the first panel.

Preferably, the first and second fold lines are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to one another.

Preferably, the first and second fold lines are divergent towards a free end edge of the first panel.

Preferably the first and second fold lines are divergent away from a free end edge of the first panel.

Preferably, a third male tab hinged along a fifth hinged connection to the first panel, wherein the first, second and fifth hinged connections are each disposed divergently with respect to one another.

Preferably, the first and second fold lines are in contacting relationship with one another so as to form a vortex.

Preferably, there comprises a second female tab hinged to the second panel along a fourth hinged connection.

Preferably, the third hinged connection is disposed at an angular relationship to a free end edge of the second panel.

Preferably, the third and fourth hinged connection and disposed at an angular relationship to one another and/or to a free end edge of the second panel.

Preferably, a free end or side edge of the/or each female tab is shaped and arranged so as to encourage the tale tabs or respective male tab to fold in an angular relationship to a free end edge of the first panel.

Preferably, the male tabs are shorted in width than the female tabs.

According to a second aspect the invention provides an arrangement for locking together two panels, the arrangement comprising a male tab formed in a first of said panels and a female tab formed in a second of said panels, the arrangement operable to lock the two panels together once the two panels are overlaid by displacing together the male tab and female tab out of the plane of the overlaid panels, the male tab and female tab each comprise a base portion hinged to the respective panel in which they are formed and spaced apart side edges, wherein the female tab comprises means for engaging a side edge of the male tab for locking the displaced tabs together and thereby locking the first and second panels together.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides an arrangement for locking together two panels, the arrangement comprising a male tab formed in a first of said panels and a female tab formed in a second of said panels, the arrangement operable to lock the two panels together once the two panels are overlaid by displacing together the male tab and female tab out of the plane of the overlaid panels, the male tab and female tab each comprise a base portion hinged to the respective panel in which they are formed and spaced apart side edges, wherein the male tab is separable into two male tabs and said female tab is insertable between those two male tabs for spacing those two male tabs apart and locking the displaced female and male tabs together, thereby locking the first and second panels together.

Optionally, the male tab is separable into two male tabs and said female tab is insertable between those two male tabs for spacing those two male tabs apart and locking the displaced tabs together, thereby locking the first and second panels together.

Optionally, the female tab comprises a shoulder portion and a head portion arranged to form a catch in which a side edge of a male tab is engageable.

Optionally, the shoulder portion is an oblique edge of the female tab and the male tab is displaced such that an underneath surface of the male tab abuts the oblique edge.

Optionally, the male tab hinges about an oblique edge which is formed in the second panel once the female tab is displaced out of the plane of the second panel.

Optionally, wherein the male tab is encouraged to form a natural hinge about the oblique edge by virtue of one side edge of the male tab terminating at a point off-set from the terminus of the other spaced side edge.

Optionally, the male tab is hingeable about one or more fold lines angled obliquely relative to a notional central axis of the male tab.

Preferably the male tab comprises a cut line which separates the male tab into two male tabs and each of said two male tabs hinges about a fold line angled obliquely relative to that cut line such that the two male tabs are encouraged to fold away from one another, wherein the female tab comprises two oblique shoulder portions and a head, which head is disposable between those two male tabs such that a spaced edge of each of the two male tabs is engageable in a catch formed between the head and each oblique shoulder portion of the female tab.

Optionally, a fold line of the male tab and oblique edge of the female tab are similarly angled so that the male tab hinges about its fold line and about an edge which is formed in the second panel once the female tab is displaced out of the plane of the second panel and wherein said fold line and edge are substantially overlaid in parallel relationship.

Optionally, the male tab comprises a bulging shoulder portion shaped and sized to engage a portion of the second panel close to an edge (E) which is formed in the second panel once the female tab is displaced out of the plane of the second panel.

A carton comprising two panels interlocked by an arrangement as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

A package comprising a plurality of articles and a carton as defined in the immediately preceding paragraph.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a wraparound carton having panel interlocking means for interlocking bottom panels of the blank together for securing the wraparound carton in a set-up condition;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 showing a “full-version” and a “half-version” of the panel interlocking means of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the wraparound carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1, wherein the “half-version” panel interlocking means can be seen at the bottom of the carton;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a blank (similar to that shown in FIG. 1), wherein a “full-version” and a “half-version” of a panel interlocking means according to a second embodiment of the invention are shown;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the two panels of FIG. 4 overlaid on top of one another with the top panel shown in a transparent view such that features of the underneath panel, that would normally be obscured from view, can be seen; these features are shown in dotted outline;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are perspective views of the two variations of panel interlocking means of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the interlocking means has been deployed to secure the panels together; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a blank (similar to that shown in FIG. 1), wherein a “full-version” and a “half-version” of a panel interlocking means according to a third embodiment of the invention are shown; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the “full-version” panel interlocking means of FIG. 9 shown in a locked configuration;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton having a panel interlocking means according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is an enlarged plan view of a female element of the panel interlocking means according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is an enlarged plan view of a male element of the panel interlocking means according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the panel interlocking means of FIGS. 11 to 12B in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above right of an internal portion of a carton having the panel interlocking means of FIG. 11 in a deployed position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above left of an internal portion of a carton having the panel interlocking means of FIG. 11 in a deployed position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton having a panel interlocking means according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the male and female elements of the panel interlocking means according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view from above right of an internal portion of a carton having a panel interlocking means according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from above left of an internal portion of a carton having a panel interlocking means according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton having a panel interlocking means according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged plan view of a male and female elements of the panel interlocking means of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23
a is an enlarged plan view of a female element according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23
b is an enlarged plan view of a male element according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view from above of an internal portion of a carton having a panel interlocking means according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described. The embodiments are examples and as such do not represent an exhaustive record of all of the ways in which the invention could be implemented. The law does not require, and it would be prohibitive to describe and illustrate every possible variation and combination of the way in which the invention could be put into effect. The detailed description of each of the exemplary embodiments contains specific details in order to provide the reader with an understanding of the invention; however the invention may be implemented without these particular details.

In the different exemplary embodiments described, like reference numerals have, where possible, been used to indicate like features in each of the illustrated embodiments, albeit, the pre-fix ‘100’ and ‘200’ used to distinguish the different embodiments from one another.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a blank 10 of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard or plastics material, for forming a wraparound style carton 30 illustrated in FIG. 3. The blank 10 is sized, shaped and configured to securely hold six bottles B in a 2×3 arrangement. It will be understood from reading the foregoing description that the panel interlocking means described could be utilised in a number of applications. The panel interlocking means has a beneficial application in the field of packaging, however the style of packaging, materials from which the packaging are formed, articles to be packaged and number of articles packaged may be selected from many various options and as such the blank 10 and carton 30 formed therefrom represent only one of many different ways in which the invention can be put into effect.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels hinged one to the next in series including: first bottom panel 12, first side panel 14, top panel 16, second side panel 18 and second bottom panel 20. The blank 10 further comprises a number of entirely optional features for securing the articles B within the carton 30 once formed, these include: heel locking apertures 22, tear access opening means 28, bottle top securing apertures 24 and handling means 26. These features do not form part of the invention and are not further described.

The first and second bottom panels 12, 20 of the blank 10 are provided with panel interlocking means according to a first embodiment of the invention. Two variations of the first embodiment are shown corresponding to a “half-version” (IM1) and a “full-version” (IM2). The “male” elements Ml, M2 of both variations (IM1, IM2) are struck from first bottom panel 12, whereas the “female” elements Fl, F2 of both variations (IM1, IM2) are struck from the second bottom panel 20.

A close up view of the first and second bottom panels 12, 20 is shown in FIG. 2. The first variation of the panel interlocking means (IM1) comprises male element M1 and female element F1. The male element M1 is defined by an arcuate cutline 34 and a linear cut line 32. A first terminus of arcuate cut line 34 is co-incident with the terminus of linear cut line 32. From this point the arcuate cut line 34 and linear cut line 32 diverge with the area between them representing a male tab 39 of the male element M1. The other terminus of arcuate cut line 34 is co-incident with an optional fold line or hinged connection 41 which extends between the cut line 32 and arcuate cut line 34. Preferably the non-co-incident terminals of arcuate cut line 34 and linear cut line 32 are off-set from one another and spaced from one another both in the horizontal and the vertical axes of the panel 12. As such the optional hinge line 41 is angled.

The male tab 39 is foldable, about hinge line 41, out of the plane of first bottom panel 12. The male tab 39 is insertable into an aperture created by the male tab displacing the female element Fl out of the plane of second bottom panel 20. The female element F1 is defined by a linear cut line 42, a head portion 44, an oblique shoulder portion 48 and a second linear cut line 53. The head portion 44 is defined by a rounded end.

The second variation (IM2) of the panel interlocking means according to the first embodiment of the invention is also illustrated in enlarged view in FIG. 2. In effect the male element M2 comprises two male elements of the M1 type disposed adjacent one another in mirrored fashion. As such, the male element M2 comprises a pair of male tabs 39a, 39b that are defined by two continuous and arcuate cut lines 34 disposed side-by-side. Male tabs 39a, 39b are separated by a linear cut line 32a. A first terminus of linear cut line 32a is co-incident with a mid-point of the two continuous and arcuate cut lines 34. A second terminus of linear cut line 32a is off-set from and spaced in both the horizontal and the vertical axes of the first bottom panel 12 from the terminals of the arcuate cut lines 34. Optional oblique fold lines 41 connect the second terminus of linear cut line 32a with the adjacent terminus of each arcuate cut line 34.

The hinge lines 41 of the male elements M1 and M2 of both variations of the first embodiment serve to control the direction of the displacement of the male tabs 39, 39a, 39b out of the plane of first bottom panel 12.

In the second variation (IM2) of the panel interlocking means according to the first embodiment of the invention, the female element F2 effectively is a pair of female elements Fl disposed adjacent one another in mirrored fashion, albeit without a central slit line. The female element F2 comprises a single head 44; two oblique shoulder portions 48 and two further cut lines 53 terminating at points 46. The female tab 43 thereby defined is displacable out of the plane of the second bottom panel 20 as a unitary piece that remains hingedly joined to the second bottom panel 20.

A second embodiment of the panel interlocking means is shown in FIG. 4. Again there are two variations (IM3 and IM4) of the interlocking elements of the second embodiment corresponding to a “half-version” (IM3) and a “full-version” (IM4). The variations of the second embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment only in that the optional fold lines 41 are not provided in the male elements M101 and M102.

A first method of interlocking the panels will now be described with reference to the “full version” (IM4) and then with reference to the “half-version” (IM3) of the second illustrated embodiment.

The first step in interlocking the first and second bottom panels 112, 120 is to position the second bottom panel 120 on top of the first panel 112. This first step is illustrated in FIG. 5. The second bottom panel 120 is shown as being transparent so that the male elements M101 and M102 of the first bottom panel 112 (that would otherwise be obscured from view) can be seen. The male elements M101 and M102 are shown in dotted outline.

The second step in interlocking the first and second bottom panels 112, 120 is to apply a force to push the male tab 139 against the female tab 143 and to push the female tab 143 out of the plane of second bottom panel 120. As the female tab 143 is displaced out of the plane of the second bottom panel 120, a natural crease 162 is formed between the terminals 146 and a gap ‘G’ is formed between the head 144 of the female tab 143 and the second bottom panel 120.

The force applied to the male tabs 139a, 139b causes those male tabs 139a, 139b to be pushed through the gap ‘G’. As the male tabs 139a, 139b are folded out of the plane of the first bottom panel 112 a natural crease 164a, 164b is formed along a notional line between the terminus 136 of each arcuate cut line 134 and the end of linear cut line 132a. The rounded shape and size of the head 144 of the female tab 143 encourages the male tabs 139a, 139b to separate or diverge. The male tabs 139a, 139b are caused to fold or crease 164a, 164b about the edges (‘E’) of the aperture created by displacement of the female tab 143. Similarly, the off-set nature of the terminus 136 of each arcuate cut line 134 and the end of linear cut line 132a means that the natural creases 164a, 164b are formed in an oblique manner and in substantially parallel alignment with the oblique shoulders 148 of the female element F102. This also encourages the male tabs 139a, 139b to move either side of the central head 144.

Once the upward pushing force is no longer applied, the folded tabs 143, 139a, 139b will attempt to relax. The natural resilience of the paperboard along the naturally formed creases 162, 164a, 164b will mean that the displaced tabs 143, 139a, 139b will try and return to their unfolded planar state. However it is not possible for the displaced tabs 143, 139a, 139b to return to their unfolded planar state because the male tabs 139a, 139b have been pushed past the edges of the female tab 143, and as the female tab 143 relaxes and wedges between the male tabs 139a, 139b, the male tabs 139a, 139b are pushed further apart from one another. At the same time the male tabs 139a, 139b are attempting to relax back to their planar position which is in the opposite direction to the direction in which the female tab 143 is attempting to move. The female tab 143 and male tabs 139a, 139b therefore act in opposition to one another and prevent each other from returning to their unfolded states. The opposing forces of the tabs 143, 139a, 139b, helps maintain the female tab 143 in locking engagement with the male tabs 139a, 139b. The angle at which the male tabs 139a, 139b fold is guided by edge ‘E’ and is preferably in substantially parallel alignment with the oblique shoulder portions 148 which further assists the locking engagement of each male tab 139a, 139b against an oblique shoulder portion 148 of the female tab 143. These factors contribute to the secure interlocking of the first and second bottom panels 112, 120. Furthermore, the linear edge 132 of the male tabs 139a, 139b may catch in a nook between the head 144 and oblique shoulder 148 to further stabilise the locked inter-engagement of the tabs 143, 139a, 139b. FIG. 6 illustrates the locking engagement of the male tabs 139a, 139b with the female tab 143.

Turning now to the interlocking of the “half-version” (IM3) of the second embodiment. The male tab 139 is forced (by an external force) in an upward direction. The applied force also displaces the female tab 143 out of the plane of the second bottom panel 120. In a similar way as is described above, the male tab 139 is pushed past the oblique shoulder edge 148 of the female tab 143. Once the force is removed, the female tabs 143 each attempt to fold back to their planar positions. To achieve this, the female and male tabs 143, 139 attempt to fold in opposing directions. As the female tab 143 attempts to relax to its planar position, the head portion 144 prevents the male tab 139 from relaxing back to its planar position. Likewise the presence of the male tab 139 and the angle of its hinge connection prevents the female tab 143 from completely relaxing into its original planar state and the opposing requirements of the tabs 143, 139 result in an interlocked equilibrium wherein the male tab 139 abuts the oblique shoulder 148 of female tab 143. FIG. 7 illustrates the locking engagement of the male tab 139 with the female tab 143.

FIG. 8 illustrates the locking engagement of the male tabs 139a, 139b with the female tab 143 of the “full-version” (IM4) and the locking engagement of the male tab 139 with the female tab 143 of the “half-version” (IM3).

The interlocking of the “full-version” (IM2) and “half-version” (IM1) of the locking arrangements of the first embodiment can be carried out in the same way as described above. The specific demarcated fold line or hinge line 41 facilitates the obliquely angled folding of the male tabs 39, 39a, 39b against edge ‘E’ and encourages the male tabs 139, 139a, 139b to abut the similarly angled oblique shoulder portions 48 of the female tab 43.

In a second, alternative, method of interlocking the first and second bottom panels 12; 112, 20; 120 together using the locking mechanisms described, the first bottom panel 12; 112 is disposed on top of the second bottom panel 20; 120. An external force is applied to push the female tab 43; 143 upwardly out of the plane of the second bottom panel 20; 120. The male elements Ml, M2, M101, M102 being disposed on top of the female elements Fl, F2, F101, F102. The external force is also used to displace the male tabs 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b out of the plane of the first bottom panel 12; 112. The female tab 43, 143 is pushed out of the plane of the second panel 20; 120 and pushed through a gap created by the male tab(s) 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b being displaced. The head portion 44; 144 is pushed past the linear cut line 32, 32a; 132, 132a so that the female tab is also displaced out of the plane of the first bottom panel 12; 112, In this way the female tab 43; 143 and the or each male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b are both upstanding from the first bottom panel 12; 112. Once the external force is removed, the locking tabs 43; 143, 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b attempt to relax to their natural, unfolded positions (due to the natural resilience of the paperboard material).

The locking tabs 43; 143, 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b attempt to move in opposite directions in order to achieve this until an equilibrium position is reached where neither female tab 43; 143 or male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b can move because of the other. In this position, the oblique shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab 43; 143 abuts the underside of the adjacent male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b. Additionally the head 44; 144 of the female tab 43; 143 and adjacent oblique shoulder portion 48; 148 create a nook into which the edge defined by the linear cut line 32, 32a,; 132, 132a is caught.

In the “full-versions” (IM2, IM4), the female locking head 44; 144 also serves to push apart the male tabs 39a, 39b; 139a, 139b thus further restricting those male tabs 39a, 39b; 139a, 139b from relaxing into their unfolded positions and thus increasing the tension set-up in the interlocked arrangement. This assists in creating a stronger more secure locking mechanism.

The second method of engaging the interlocking means (IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4) is not illustrated in the attached figures.

A third embodiment of the panel interlocking means is shown in FIG. 9. Again there are two variations (IM5 and IM6) of the interlocking elements of the third embodiment corresponding to a “half-version” (IM5) and a “full-version” (IM6). The variations of the third embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment in that the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b are shaped in a more exaggerated and bulging manner. Additionally, the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b comprise a short straight side edge 237. The bulged portions 236 cooperate with the respective oblique fold lines 241 (as well as the center cut line 232a) such that the bulged portions 236 somewhat move outwardly of the locking aperture (which is formed when the female tab 243 is displaced out of the plane of second bottom panel 220) as the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b are inserted and are thus split open or otherwise folded about the fold lines 241. Such outward movement of the male locking tabs 239, 239a, 239b, deepens or strengthens the engagement of the locking male tab 239, 239a, 239b within the locking aperture. This is because the bulged portions 236 engage with a portion of the side edge or edges ‘E’ of the locking aperture, particularly at the area adjacent the short straight side edge or edges 237. In fact the bulged portions 236 overhang the second bottom panel 220 and restrict any further backward movement of the male tabs 239, 239a and 239b such that the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b provide stronger opposition to the female tabs 243 returning to their unfolded state and thus enhancing the secure locking capability of the interlocking arrangement.

Preferably, fold lines of the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b are angled similarly to the oblique edges of the female tab 243 and consequently to the corresponding portion of the locking aperture, so as to encourage the male tabs 239, 239a, 239b to hinge about their fold lines 241.

The fold lines 241 of the male tabs and at least a portion of oblique edges (E) of a locking aperture edge (E) are substantially overlaid in parallel relationship.

The male tabs include a bulged shoulder portions shaped and sized to engage opposed side edges of a locking aperture.

The side edges of a locking aperture are formed in the second panel once the female tab is displaced out of the plane of the second panel.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the locking tabs 43; 143, 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b may be adjusted to accommodate panels of differing size or shape.

Furthermore whereas cut line 32, 32a; 132, 132a has been described as linear in other embodiments the cut line is shaped and is non-linear. It is preferable that the cut line 32, 32a; 132, 132a is shaped in complimentary fashion to the nook between the head 44; 144 and adjacent oblique shoulder portion 48; 148. In this way the edge of the male tabs 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b defined by the cut line 32, 32a; 132, 132a can be caught in that nook to improve the secure engagement of the interlocking mechanism. In some embodiments of the invention the or each male tabs 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b is provided with a grove, cut out or niche to further strengthen the engagement of the male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b with the catch or nook or nick provided between the head 44; 144 and adjacent shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab 43; 143.

Fold line 41; 141 has been described and illustrated as entirely optional. It will be understood that in some circumstances demarcating a fold line can facilitate the controlled displacement of the male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b out of the plane of the first bottom panel 12; 112. This is particularly beneficial where the fold line 41; 141 becomes aligned with the edge in the second bottom panel 20; 120 created by the oblique shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab 43; 143 ‘E’. As such it is desirable for the fold line 41; 141, when present, to be aligned with the edge E created by and shaped similarly to the oblique shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab. It is envisaged that in other embodiments, the shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab may not be straight edged and may be angled differently to that illustrated and described. In such arrangements it would be beneficial to facilitate the folding of the male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b in alignment with that shaped shoulder portion 48; 148 and the optional fold line 41; 141, if provided, would be shaped in a complimentary fashion thereto. In this way the underside face of the male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b can be made to engage and be held in abutting contact with the shaped shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab 43; 143. In some circumstances demarcating a fold line to facilitate the displacement of the male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b out of the plane of the first bottom panel 12; 112 can reduce the natural resilience of the paperboard to want to return to its unfolded position. This may be of particular importance or benefit where the second method of folding is concerned. In such arrangements, advantage can be taken of the off-set arrangement of the terminus of cut line 32, 32a; 132, 132a and terminus 36 of arcuate cut line 34. The male tab 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b is encouraged to crease between these terminals and as such this off-set arrangement facilitates the angular folding of the male tab in a manner that is complimentary to the shape of the shoulder portion 48; 148 of the female tab so that the two tabs can be held in locking abutment.

In a further non-illustrated embodiment, the female tabs 43; 143 are provided with a demarcating fold line to facilitate the displacement of the female tabs 43; 143 out of the plane of the second bottom panel 20; 120. The fold line is provided between the terminals 46; 146 in the “full-version” and between terminus 46; 146 and the terminus of the linear cut line 42; 142.

Furthermore, the shape and size of locking head 44; 144 may be varied from that described and illustrated. In other embodiments the locking head 44; 144 is angular rather than rounded, for example square shaped or trapezoidal shaped, or triangular (as non-limiting examples of alternative shapes). It is also envisaged that the locking head comprises two distinct elements, each for optionally providing a nook for catching the edge of the a male tab 39, 39a, 39b; 139, 139a, 139b and preferably said distinct elements are spaced apart to provide a means for causing the male tabs 39a; 39b; 139a, 139b to be folded away from one another. Such a locking head 44; 144 may have a “horseshoe” style shape. Such a locking head is more beneficially provided in the “full-version” interlocking arrangement wherein the split 32a; 132a is disposed between a pair of male tabs 39a, 39b; 139a, 139b.

Other variations may also be made within the scope of the invention. For example the size, shape, position and number of interlocking means may be altered. The sides of the female tab 43; 143 are not straight edges on other embodiments.

Furthermore it is envisaged that in applications where more than one interlocking means is utilized in a panel locking application, that only “full-versions” of the interlocking means could be used; only “half-portions” of the interlocking means could be used; or a combination of “full-versions” and “half-versions” are used. In any of the foregoing combinations, the interlocking means may be provided with all female elements on one panel and all male elements on another panel, or with a mixture of female and male elements on each panel (in which case female elements on one panel would be aligned with a male element of the other panel). In such situations some of the panel interlocking elements would be interlocked using the first method of interlocking where the female element overlays the male element to start with whereas others of the panel interlocking means would be interlocked using the second method of interlocking wherein the male element overlays the female element to start with.

In applications where more than one interlocking means is utilized in a panel locking application the adjacent panel interlocking means are not necessarily disposed along the same longitudinal axis of the panels. Indeed one beneficial aspect of the invention is that the interlocking means are compact (have a small foot-print), particularly the “half-versions” (IM1, IM3) which can be disposed in small areas of the interlocked panels. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the composite bottom wall of a wrap-around style carrier supports articles and the upstanding tabs 43; 143, 39; 39a, 39b, 139; 139a, 139b need to be disposed in gaps between these articles. In efficient packaging, these gaps can be small and awkwardly positioned. However the interlocking means of the present invention can still be used in such arrangements.

A further illustrated embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11 to 16.

The first and second bottom panels 312, 320 of the blank 310 are provided with panel interlocking means IM7 according to a fourth illustrated embodiment.

A close up view of the first and second bottom panels 312, 320 is shown in FIG. 12A and 12B.

The panel interlocking means IM7 comprises a male element M302 and a female element F302. The male element M302 comprises three male tabs 339a, 339b, 339c.

First male tab 339a is hinged to first bottom panel 312 along first fold line 341a, second male tab 339b is hinged to first bottom panel 312 along a second fold line 341b, and third male tab 339c is hinged to first bottom panel 312 along a third fold line 341c.

The first, second and third fold lines 341a, 341b, 341c are each disposed at an angle with respect to one another.

Preferably, first and third fold lines 339a, 339c are perpendicular with respect to one another, more preferably, first and third fold lines are disposed at an angle of 45° with respect to one another.

The first, second and third male tabs 339a, 339b, 339c are struck from the first bottom panel 312 in a series, one adjacent to the next, such that the first and second male tabs 339a, 339b share, at least in part, a common line of severance and the second and third male tabs 339b, 339c share, at least in part, a common line of severance.

First male tab 339a comprises a shoulder portion and a waist portion disposed along a first side edge opposing a second side edge adjacent to the second male tab 339b.

Third male tab 339c comprises a shoulder portion and a waist portion disposed along a first side edge opposing a second side edge adjacent to the second male tab 339b.

Second male tab 339b comprises a pair of oppositely disposed shoulder portions and a waist portion along opposing side edges thereof.

Female element F302 comprises three female tabs 343a, 343b, 343c.

First female tab 343a and second female tab 343b are disposed adjacent one another and are substantially pentagonal in shape.

First and second female tabs 343a, 343b are hinged to second bottom panel 320 by first fold line 347a and second fold line 347b respectively.

First and second fold lines 347a, 347b are orientated at an angle with respect to a free end edge 350 of second bottom panel 320.

First and second fold lines 347a, 347b are orientated at an angle with respect to one another and preferably are in contact with one another at one end to form a vertex.

Third female tab 343c is substantially rectangular in shape.

Third female tab 343c is hinged to the second bottom panel 320 along a fold line 347c.

Third female tab 343c is hinged to the second base panel 320 such that it folds in the opposite direction to that of the first and second female tabs 343a, 343b. Third fold line 343c is disposed closer to the free end edge 350 of second bottom panel 320 than a free end edge of the third female tab 343c.

Third female tab 343c is struck in part from both first and second female tabs 343a, 343b such that the first and second female tabs 343a, 343b comprise a recessed portion disposed at a free end edge thereof.

FIG. 13 illustrates a panel interlocking means of the fourth illustrated embodiment in a set up condition. Second panel 320 has been arranged to at least partially overlap with first panel 312.

Male tabs 339a, 339b, 339c have been folded out of the plane of the first panel 312 and through an aperture in second panel 320 formed by displacing the female tabs 343a, 343b, 343c out of the plane of the second panel 320.

A side edge of first female tab 343a is in contact with an external free of the first male tab 339a.

A side edge of second female tab 343b is in contact with an external face of third male tab 343c. In this way first and second female tabs 343a, 343b maintain first and third male tabs 339a, 339c in a folded position.

Second male tab 339b is held in a folded position by both first and second female tabs 343a, 343b.

Second male tab 339b is received in a recess formed in first female tab 343a, when the third female tab 343c is folded out of the same plane as the first female tab 343a.

Second male tab 339b is also received in a recess in second female tab 343b when the third female tab 343c is folded out of the same plane as the first female tab 343a. In this way the first and second female tabs 343a, 343b each receive a portion of the second male tab 339b in a respective recessed portion and held in a deployed position.

Third female tab 343c is folded out of the plane of the second panel 320, preferably simultaneously with the folding of the second male tab 339, out of the plane of the first panel 312.

An external force and/or end edge of the third female tab 343c engages with an internal face of the second male tab 339b. In this way the third female tab 343c encourages the second male tab 339b to maintain engagement first and second female tabs 343a, 343b preferably within the recesses thereof.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an internal portion of a carton 330 in which the panel interlocking means IM7 is in a deployed state. An optional keel structure 323 may be deployed between two rows of articles (not shown). Optionally the keel structure 323 may engage with one or more of the male or female tabs 339a, 339b, 339c, 343a, 343b, 343c to hold the keel structure in position and/or to provide additional securing means to hold the male tabs 339a, 339b, 339c in an interlocking position.

FIG. 17 illustrates a blank 510 for forming a carton 530 according to a fifth illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

The first and second bottom panels 512, 520 of the blank 510 are provided with panel interlocking means IM8 according to a fifth illustrated embodiment.

A close up view of the first and second bottom panels 512, 520 is shown in FIG. 18.

The panel interlocking means IM8 comprises male element M502 and female element F502. The male element M502 comprises two male tabs 539a, 538b.

First male tab 539a is hinged to a first bottom panel 512 along first fold line 541a, second male tab 539b is hinged to the first bottom panel 512 along a second fold line 541b.

The first and second fold lines 541a, 541b are each disposed at an angle to one another.

The first and second male tabs 539a, 539b are struck from the first bottom panel 512 adjacent to one another in a series, such that the first and second male tabs 539a, 539b share, at least in part, a common line of severance.

First male tab 539a comprises a shoulder portion and a waist portion disposed on a first side edge opposing a second side edge adjacent to the second male tab 539b.

Second male tab 539b comprises a shoulder portion and a waist portion disposed on a first side edge opposing a second side edge adjacent to the first male tab 539a.

Each of the male tabs 539a, 539b comprise a foldable locking element 537a, 537b hinged to a respective one of the male tabs 539a, 539b along a fold line 546a, 546b respectively and disposed along the second side edge.

Female element F502 comprises two female tabs 543a, 543b.

First female tab 543a and second female tab 543b are disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from one another and are substantially trapezoidal in shape.

First and second female tabs 543a, 543b are hinged to second bottom panel 520 by a first fold line 547a and a second fold line 547b respectively.

First and second fold lines 547a, 547b are orientated at an angle to a free end edge 550 of second bottom panel 520.

First and second fold lines 547a, 547b are orientated at an angle with respect to one another.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an internal portion of a carton 530 in which the articles B have been removed illustrative purposes. The panel interlocking means IM8 is in a deployed condition.

Male tabs 339a, 539b have been folded out of the plane of first base panel 512 and received through an aperture in the second base panel 520 formed by displacement of the first and second female tabs 543a, 543b out of the plane of the second base panel 520.

Preferably the female tabs 543a, 543b are folded simultaneously with the male tabs 539a, 539b.

The foldable locking elements 537a, 537b fold about the fold lines 546c, 546b to allow the respective male tabs 539a, 539b to pass through the aperture defined by the respective female tabs 543a, 543b.

The foldable locking element 537a, 537b then unfold at least partially, or return to the plane of the male tabs 539a, 539b due to the inherent resilience of the material from which the carton 550 is formed.

A locking edge of the foldable locking element 537a, 537b which engages with the second base panel 520 so as to prevent the respective male tabs 539a, 539b passing through the aperture defined by the respective female tabs 543a, 543b, thereby locking the male tabs 539a, 539b in a deployed position.

A sixth illustrated embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24.

FIG. 21, illustrates a blank 710 of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard or plastics, for forming a wraparound style carton.

The blank 710 comprises a plurality of panels arranged in series and hinged one to the next including: a first bottom panel 712, a first side panel 714, a top panel 716, a second side panel 718 and a second bottom panel 720. The blank 710 further comprises a number of entirely optional features for securing the articles B within the carton 730 once formed, these include: heel locking apertures 722, tear access opening means 728, bottle top securing apertures 724 and handling means 726.

The first and second bottom panels 712, 720 of the blank 710 are provided with panel interlocking means IM9 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates the panel interlocking means IM9 in further detail. The panel interlocking means IM9 comprises a first punch lock having male element M701 which mates with female element F301. Female element F701 comprises a substantially rectangular shaped tab defined at least in part by a “U” shaped line of severance. Male element M701 comprises an arrowhead shaped tab which arrowhead points toward the free end edge of the first bottom panel 712.

The panel interlocking means IM9 also comprises a second punch lock according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; the punch lock comprises a male element M702 and a female element F702. The female element F702 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 23a and comprises a pair of female tabs 743a, 743b which are rectangular or substantially trapezoidal in shape, which are defined, at least in part, by a “H” shaped line of severance. The pair of female tabs 743a, 743b each comprises a hinged connection 747a, 747b to the second base panel 720.

Preferably, the side edges of each of the female tabs 743a, 743b are accurately shaped. The female tabs 743a, 743b have a length Xf.

Preferably, the female tabs 743a, 743b are tapered in shape such that they have a width Yf1 at the point of the hinged connection to the second base panel 720 and have a width Yf2 at a free end edge wherein the width Yf2 is preferably less than the width Yf1.

The male element M302 is illustrated in FIG. 23B and comprises a pair of male tabs 739a, 739b which are defined in part by an “H” shaped line of severance. Each of the male tabs 739a, 739b is hinged to the first male panel 712 along fold line 741a, 741b. Preferably the male tabs 739a, 739b are rectangular in shape and have a length Xm and a width Ym. In the preferred embodiment the length Xm of the male 739a, 739b is greater than the Xf of the female tabs 747a, 747b.

In the preferred embodiment the hinged connection 741a, 741b of the male tabs 739a, 739b to the first base panel 712 is defined by an embossed line or score line, preferably the embossed line is longer than the hinged connection 747a, 747b.

The hinged connection 747a, 747b between the female tabs 743a, 743b and the second base panel 720 are also defined, at least in part, by an embossed line or score line, preferably the score line is shorter than the hinged connection.

Referring to FIG. 22, it can be seen that the male and female tabs 739a, 739b, 743a, 743b are disposed at an angle a to a free end edge 750, 760 of the respective first and second base panels 712, 720. Preferably the angle α is 45°.

In the preferred embodiment a pair of locking means are arranged adjacent one another and at an angle 13 to one another preferably the pair of locking means are disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another, and more preferably arranged such that both of the locking means are provided within an area of the respective base panel 712, 720 which is defined, in part, by a pair of adjacent article receiving means 722.

In a set up package a pair of locking means are positioned in registry with a void defined between two adjacent articles in a first row of articles B and two adjacent articles B in a second row of articles B.

Turning to the construction of a carton from blank 710, it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 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 carton is formed by wrapping the blank 710 of FIG. 21 about a group of articles B and engaging the male elements M701, M702 of the panel interlocking means IM9 with the female elements F701, F702 to form a carton.

FIG. 24 shows an internal portion of the base of a carton formed from the blank 710 of FIG. 21 the articles B have been removed for illustrative purposes.

The second base panel 720 has been folded internally of the first base panel 712 in an overlapping relationship thereto.

The male and female elements M701, M702, F701, F702 of the panel interlocking means IM9 are in registry with one another. The male tabs 739a, 739b have been folded out of the plane of the first base panel 712 and inserted through the second base panel 720, through an aperture in the second base panel 720 formed by folding the female tabs 743a, 743b out of the plane of the second base panel 720.

The female tabs 743a, 743b have been arranged so that side edges of the female tabs 743a, 743b engage with an external face of the male tabs 739a, 739b such that the male tabs 739a, 739b are maintained in a folded position preferably, folded so as to form an arcuate angle between an internal face of the male tabs 739a, 739b and an internal face of the second base panel 720. In other words the male tabs 739a, 739b are folded out of the plane of the first base panel 712 by more than 90° and are maintained in that position by the female tabs 743a, 743b. The arcuate nature of the side edges of the aperture formed in the second base 720 panel acts upon the male tabs 739a, 739b causing them to bend about the side edges of the aperture.

The tapered shape of the female tabs 743a, 743b acts upon the male tabs 739a, 739b so that the female tabs 743a, 743b and the second base panel 720 tighten about the male tabs 739a, 739b, gripping the male tabs 739a, 739b between the edge of the aperture in the second base panel 720 and the side edge of the female tabs 743a, 743b. It is envisaged this occurs naturally due to the inherent resilient quality of the material the carton 730 is constructed from, the female tabs 743a, 743b will be resiliently biased to return to the plane of the second base panel 720. It is envisaged that by providing an embossed line or score line only partially along the length of the hinged connection between the female tabs 743a, 743b and the second base panel 720 more of the natural resilience of the material will be retained.

It will also be apparent that the locking mechanism of the present invention could be applied to a variety of cartons and its application is not limited to a wraparound carton. It is also clear that the interlocking slit and tab could be formed from opposite ends of a unitary blank, or indeed from two separate panels.

It will also be recognized that as used herein, any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

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