Patent Grant
10301091
The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming the same, more specifically, but not exclusively to a carton which comprises a corner window.
In the field of packaging, it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. 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. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.
It is desirable to display a primary product container whilst disposed within a multi-pack so as to enhance the aesthetics of the package. It is also desirable that the primary product containers are securely held within the multi-pack.
The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more primary product containers comprising a plurality of primary panels hingedly interconnected to form a tubular structure and an end closure structure which at least partially closes one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure, wherein the primary panels include a first wall panel and a second wall panel, the end closure structure comprises a first end flap connected to the first wall panel and a second end flap connected to the second wall panel, the first end flap comprises:
Optionally, the bridging portion is hingedly connected to the arm portions along fold lines extending substantially parallel to a fold line between the first wall panel and at least one of the arm portions.
Preferably, the display window has a first dimension and the carton has a second dimension, the first dimension being greater than half of the second dimension.
More preferably, the first dimension is the height of the display window and the second dimension is the height of the carton.
In some embodiments the bridging portion is concealed from view behind the second end flap.
Optionally, the hinged connections between the at least two arm portions and the bridging portion are disposed internally of the second end flap so as to be concealed from view.
Alternatively, the hinged connections between the at least two arm portions and the bridging portion are aligned with a side edge of the second end flap.
In some embodiments, a portion of the bridging portion is visible alongside the second end flap.
Optionally, the hinged connections between the at least two arm portions and the bridging portion are offset, in a direction transverse to the tubular axis, with respect to a side edge of the second end flap, such that a part of the bridging portion is exposed to view.
An edge of the display window may be aligned with a side edge of the second end flap.
Optionally, a portion of the display window is overlaid by a portion of the second end flap.
In some embodiments the display window extends into the first wall panel.
An edge of the display window may be co-linear or aligned with the hinged connection between the at least two arm portions and the first wall panel.
Optionally, an edge of the display window is co-linear or aligned with the hinged connection between the at least two arm portions and the bridging portion.
In some embodiments the two arm portions define a corner of the carton.
Preferably, the two arm portions deform to at least partially follow the contour or shape of an article disposed adjacently thereto. More preferably, the two arm portions are arcuate in shape.
In some embodiments the second wall panel comprises rounded corners adjacent to at least one of the arm portions.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and end flaps for at least partially closing the ends of the tubular structure, wherein one of end flaps comprises:
Optionally, the two arm portions define a corner of a setup carton.
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.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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
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 for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as cans or bottles. However, it is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary articles include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example, aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.
The blank 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 recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.
In the exemplary embodiment, the blank is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. For example, the arrangement is a matrix including rows and columns, such as a 2×3 arrangement of articles. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other articles and/or different arrangements of articles.
The blank 10 comprises a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18 hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 13, 15, 17 respectively. A first side panel 12 is hinged to top panel 14 by fold line 13; top panel 14 is hinged to a second side panel 16 by fold line 15; and second side panel 16 is hinged to bottom panel 18 by fold line 17. A securing flap 20 is hinged to bottom panel 18 by fold line 19.
The primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, when assembled into a carton as shown in
A third side end flap 22b is hinged to first side panel 12 by a pair of fold lines 29b, 31b, and a fourth side end flap 26b is hinged to the second side panel 16 by a pair of fold lines 35b, 37b.
A second top end flap 24b is hinged to top panel 14 by fold line 33b, and a second bottom end flap 28b is hinged to bottom panel 18 by fold line 39b.
The blank 10 comprises a weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E, which forms a deployable access 30. A first portion 32a of the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E extends through the first top end flap 24a into the top panel 14; a second portion 32b of the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E extends from second side panel 16 into top panel 14 to meet the first portion 32a at its terminus. A third portion 32E of the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E extends through the second bottom end flap 28a into the bottom panel 18; a fourth portion 32D of the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E extends from second side panel 16 into bottom panel 18 to meet the third portion 32E at its terminus.
A fifth portion 32C is substantially U-shaped, and weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E is defined within the second side panel 16. Fifth portion 32C extends between terminal ends of the second portion 32b and fourth portion 32D.
Fifth portion 32C defines in part a tab 34, which is coupled to the second side panel 16 by a first fold line 36. First fold line 36 is substantially co-linear with the second and fourth portions of weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E. Fold line 36 extends between the ends of the U-shaped fifth portion 32C of the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E. A further fold line 38 is defined within the tab 34 and is disposed a parallel to first fold line 36.
When the blank 10 is assembled, the weakened line of severance 32a, 32b, 32C, 32D, 32E is continuous such that a corner of the carton can be removable to provide access to the carton's contents.
Bottom panel 18 comprises a pair of rounded corners 40, 42 at one end thereof. Each rounded corner 40, 42 defines a free edge of the bottom panel 18, which is separated from any other part of the blank 10 and is not directly joined to the same. The other end of the bottom panel 18 comprises square corners defined by adjacent fold lines 17, 19 which intersect orthogonally with fold line 27a.
Top panel 14 comprises a pair of rounded corners 44, 46 at one end thereof. Each rounded corner 44, 46 defines a free edge of the top panel 14 which is separated from any other part of the blank 10 and is not joined directly to any other part of the blank. The rounded corners 44, 46 of the top panel 14 have a smaller radius of curvature than the rounded corners of the bottom panel 18. The other end of the top panel 14 comprises square corners defined by adjacent fold lines 13, 15 which intersect orthogonally with fold line 23a.
The side end flap 22b comprises a first arm portion 52 hingedly connected to the first side panel 12 by a fold line 29b. Fold line 29b is orientated substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 13 hinging the first side panel 12 to the top panel 14. The side end flap 22b further comprises a second arm portion 54 hingedly connected to the first side panel 12 by a fold line 31b. Fold line 31b is orientated substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 13. The first arm portion 52 is hingedly connected to a first bridging portion 50 by a fold line 51. The second arm portion 54 is also hingedly connected to the first bridging portion 50 by a fold line 53. Fold line 51 is substantially parallel to fold line 29b. Fold line 53 is substantially parallel to fold line 31b. A display window 56 is defined in part by the first bridging portion 50, in part by the first side panel 12, in part by the first arm portion 52 and in part by the second arm portion 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the display window 56 is trapezoidal in shape. The display window 56 comprises a pair of converging edges. The converging edges converge towards the first side panel 12. The size of the display window 56 is large enough to allow the contents of the carton to be recognized by a consumer. For example, the maximum length of the display window 56 along the longer one of the parallel edges of the display window 56 is greater than one third of the height of the carton, e.g., the length of the side panel 12 along the fold line 21a.
The side end flap 26b comprises a third arm portion 62 hingedly connected to the side panel 16 by a fold line 35b. Fold line 35b is orientated substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 15 hinging the second side panel 16 to the top panel 14. The side end flap 26b further comprises a fourth arm portion 64 hingedly connected to the side panel 16 by a fold line 37b. Fold line 37b is orientated substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 17 hinging the second side panel 16 to the bottom panel 18. The third arm portion 62 is hingedly connected to a second bridging portion 60 by a fold line 61. The fourth arm portion 64 is also hingedly connected to the second bridging portion 60 by a fold line 63. Fold line 61 is substantially parallel to fold line 35b. Fold line 63 is substantially parallel to fold line 37b. A display window 66 is defined in part by the second bridging portion 60, in part by the second side panel 16, in part by the third arm portion 62 and in part by the fourth arm portion 64. In the illustrated embodiment the display window 66 is trapezoidal in shape. The display window 66 comprises a pair of parallel edges connected by a pair of converging edges which converge towards the second side panel 16. The size of the display window 66 is similar to that of the display window 56 discussed earlier. One of the parallel edges of the display window 66 which defines one of the opposed ends of the display window 66 is generally co-linear or aligned with the fold lines 61, 63 and extends alongside one of the side edges of each of the top and bottom end flaps 24b, 28b. The other parallel edge which defines the other end of the display window 66 is generally co-linear or aligned with the fold lines 35b, 37b. In an alternative embodiment, however, the fold lines 61, 63 may be generally aligned with the one side edge of each of the top and bottom end flaps 24b, 28b. In a further alternative embodiment, the fold lines 61, 63 may be positioned behind the top and bottom end flaps 24b, 28d such that they are hidden from view or not visible from the outside of the carton.
Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in
The bottom panel 18 is folded about fold line 17 to place the bottom panel 18 in overlaying relationship with the second side panel 16; as a consequence, the securing flap 20 is placed in overlaying relationship with the second side panel 16. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the outside surface of the securing flap 20 or to the inside surface of a corresponding portion of the first side panel 12. The first side panel 12 is then folded about fold line 13 to place the first side panel 12 in overlaying relationship with the top panel 14. The free end portion of the first side panel 12 is brought into flat face contact with the securing flap 20 and is thereby secured thereto. Pressure may be applied to the first side panel 12 to ensure a secure bond between the first side panel 12 and the securing flap 20. In this way, a flat collapsed tubular structure is formed. This partially assembled blank may be transported or shipped to a conversion plant where it is converted into a carton 90.
In order to convert the partially assembled blank into a carton, the tubular structure must be erected. This can be achieved by engaging either a pair of adjacent ones of the primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18 or a pair of opposing ones of the primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18. In the case of engaging adjacent ones of the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, the adjacent panels are unfolded with respect to one another about the fold line hinging them together. In the case of engaging opposing ones of the primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, the opposing panels are separated from one another.
Once the partially assembled blank is erected into tubular structure, the carton 90 is loaded with substantially cylindrical articles, such as cans A, from one end of the tubular structure.
In alternative an embodiment, the carton may be loaded from both the ends. In order to facilitate loading of the articles A, one or more of the end flaps 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b may remain unfolded in the respective planes of the adjacent primary panels or may be folded outwardly so as to act as a funnel. Such a form of the half-erected carton can avoid interference with the articles A during the course of the articles loading.
Once loaded with the articles A, the ends of the tubular structure are closed by folding the end flaps 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b.
The first end of the tubular structure is closed by the first end closure structure 1 provided by the end flaps 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a. The first end closure structure 1 is formed by folding the side end flaps 22a, 26a to be substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels 12, 16 to which they are hinged (or to be substantially perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular structure). The first top end flap 24a is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the top panel 14, and is secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the first and second side end flaps 22a, 26a. The first bottom end flap 28a is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 18, and is secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the first and second side end flaps 22a, 26a. By this means, all the end flaps of the first end closure structure are held in their respective folded/closing positions.
The second opposed end 2 of the tubular structure is closed by the second end closure structure 2 provided by the end flaps 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b. The second end closure structure is formed by folding or flexing the side end flaps 22b, 26b somewhat around the articles “A” adjacent respectively to the first and second side panels 12, 16. The first, second, third and fourth arm portions 52, 54, 62, 64 substantially conform to the shape of the articles “A” about which they are folded. In the illustrated embodiment, the article is substantially cylindrical and the arm portions 52, 54, 62, 64 take an arcuate or otherwise curved shape. In other embodiments, other shapes are envisaged. The first and second bridging portions 50, 60 are each folded about the respective fold lines 51/53, 61/63 such that the first and second bridging portions 50, 60 are disposed substantially orthogonally to the first or second side panel 12, 16. The second top end flap 24b is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the top panel 14, and is secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the first and second bridging portions 50, 60. The second bottom end flap 28b is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 18, and is secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the first and second bridging portions 50, 60 and to the second top end flap 24b. By this means, all the end flaps 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b of the second end closure structure are held in their respective folded/closing positions.
The display windows 56, 66 each form a display window through which a portion of the respective endmost article A can be viewed. In the illustrated embodiment of
Referring now to
Referring to
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 display windows may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but 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. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the term “severance line” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another, or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.
It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, 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.
This application is a National Phase application of PCT Application PCT/US2016/012958, filed Jan. 12, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/102,721, filed Jan. 13, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2016/012958 | 1/12/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016/115074 | 7/21/2016 | WO | A |
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| 9527642 | Ramsuer | Dec 2016 | B2 |
| 9868582 | Gilpatrick | Jan 2018 | B2 |
| 20040188508 | Holley | Sep 2004 | A1 |
| 20070158226 | Coltri-Johnson | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| 20100122998 | Burke | May 2010 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
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| 1915058 | Apr 1965 | DE |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180009585 A1 | Jan 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62102721 | Jan 2015 | US |
