Patent Application
20130037435
The present invention relates to a packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a package for a beverage to be consumed by a plurality of consumers, as well as to a package assembly for making the package, and to a method of manufacturing the same.
It is known in the art that markers may be used for identifying beer bottles during gatherings to be associated with each of the consumers of the beer bottles. Such markers may be provided as a distinct article which is sold for this purpose. However, such articles must be purchased and furnished separately from the beer bottles, and may be lost, etc. Moreover, when gatherings are held in public areas or outdoor areas, consumers may not be equipped with such markers.
Known in the art are beer bottles which are provided with labels adhered to the bottle which may be personalized (by engraving a mark) for identification purposes. In some cases, consumers will mark their beer bottles using a pen or scratching the label of the particular beer. However, such markings have limited visibility (especially in areas of low lighting, etc.).
Known to the Applicant are U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,196,763 B2 (GREENBERG); 6,295,894 B1 (CRAIG); and 4,197,984 (HARTMAN et al.); United States Patent Applications having publication Nos.: 2010/0313767 A1 (KRAMER); 2009/0212954 A1 (ADSTEDT et al.); 2009/0045081 A1 (HAMANN); and International Patent Application having publication No: WO 2007/003212 A1 (BURATO et al.).
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved package which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.
The object of the present invention is to provide a package which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related packages and/or packaging methods known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above mentioned object is achieved, as will be easily understood, by a package for packaging containers such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a package assembly for forming a package for a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers. The method comprises the steps of:
Preferably, the web of step (a) comprises cellulose fiber material. Still preferably, the shaping of step (a) comprises die-cutting the web to form the blank.
The configuring of step (b) preferably comprises drawing fold lines to define panels which can be folded and assembled into said package. The “configuring” of step (b) may include shaping and providing the blank with the necessary components in order to form the package. For example, providing fold lines and/or folding the blank, gluing portions of the blank or applying an adhesive, cutting tags, slits or openings, in order to assemble the blank, etc.
Preferably, the forming of the detachment delimiters in step (c) comprises perforating the blank along the detachment delimiter of each of the consumer-identification markers.
Preferably, the panels defined at step (b) comprise wall portions to form walls of the package when the wall portions are assembled and deployed, lower flaps extending from the wall portions for forming a floor of the package when assembled with the deployed wall portions in order to give the package a box-shape for holding the beverage, and upper flaps extending from the wall portions opposite the lower flaps to form a cover for the package. Each of the consumer-identification markers may be substantially located on one of the upper flaps, preferably along a peripheral edge of one of the upper flaps. The upper flaps comprise inner flaps which are hidden when the package is closed and outer flaps which cover the inner flaps when the package is closed, each of the consumer-identification markers being provided in one of the inner flaps.
Preferably, the above-method further comprises further comprising printing a field on each consumer-identification marker for receiving at consumption of the beverage, personalization information being representative of an associated one of the consumers.
The mounting element provided at step (d) may comprise: perforating a loop in an inner portion of each consumer-identification marker to form a removable center; providing an open loop in each consumer-identification marker; cutting an inner portion of the each consumer-identification marker to form an opening; and/or applying an adhesive on each consumer-identification marker.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a package assembly for forming a package for a beverage to be dispensed into a plurality of containers for a plurality of corresponding consumers. The method comprises the steps of:
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a package assembly for providing a package for a plurality of beverage containers. The method comprises the steps of:
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers, the package assembly comprising:
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers, the package comprising:
According still to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a package for a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers. The method comprises the steps of:
According still to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers. The method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a package comprising:
The introducing step (b) may include introducing bottled beverage, for example beer bottles or the like. Alternatively, the introducing step (b) may include introducing a bagged beverage, for example wine or the like.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for packaging one or more container(s), the package comprising:
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for packaging one or more container(s), each container having a neck, the package comprising:
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for forming a package for one or more container(s), the blank comprising:
Preferably, the marker(s) in the above-mentioned package and/or blank is delimited from the main body (or main body portion in the case of the blank) by a line of weakness so as to detach from the main body.
In the context of the present invention, the term “package” refers to a material allowing to contain the beverage or to group containers of beverage in a suitable format for transportation, shipping, storing, distributing and/or selling the beverage.
In the context of the present invention, “package assembly” is a partially assembled blank which is intended to form a package. A package assembly may be for example a preassembled collapsed box, which when fully assembled may be filled with a beverage or beverage containers, or a folding carton to be shipped to a packer and which can be assembled into a package. Another example is a sheet of material which group bottles together by the necks of the bottles.
In the context of the present invention, a “detachment delimiter” refers to a line, portion or area in the blank or package with facilitate separation of one of markers from the package. A detachment delimiter may be provided by a “line of weakness” which refers to a line portion or region on the package or blank which facilitates tearing along this line portion or region, when subjected to tension. Accordingly, the “line of weakness” may be provided by a cut-score crease, a line of perforations, a fold line, a line portion being pressed, a slit, a line or portion of material having a weaker composition than the rest of the material forming the package and/or any combination thereof which facilitates detaching the marker from the main body. Another “detachment delimiter” may be provided when the marker is an adhesive (i.e. a “sticker”), such that the detachment delimiter extends along the area delimiting the sticker.
Also in the context of the present invention, it is to be understood that the “blank” from which the package is assembled may be provided by a plurality of components. Also, the blank may be configured to be assembled with other components in order to make the final package.
Preferably, the above-mentioned package, package assembly and/or blank is made of a cellulose fiber material, for example, containerboard, corrugated material, a folding carton, boxboard, paperboard, paper material, cardboard, and/or the like, which may include virgin material, recycled material, molded pulp, etc. and may be multi-layered, laminated, etc. Alternatively, the package and/or blank may include any suitable material for holding the containers (for example, plastic, aluminum, etc).
The main body generally refers to a wrapping or any suitable packaging component for packaging the container(s) or beverage for storage, transportation and/or distribution to consumers. The main body may enclose or partially enclose the container(s) and/or beverage, and/or it may hold or bind a plurality of containers together to form a unit.
By the term “support”, it is meant that the marker sits or rests about the neck, or that it “clings” to the neck to be supported by friction, and/or the like.
According to another aspect, there is provided the above-mentioned package in combination with containers.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned blank.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned package.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling the above-mentioned package from the blank.
The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
In the context of the present invention, the expressions “package”, “packaging”, “box”, “compartment”, “main body”, and any other equivalent expression and/or compound words thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as “perforation”, “line of perforation”, and “perforation line”, for example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises components such as wall portions, upper flaps, lower flaps, handles, perforation lines, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of package and/or blank and corresponding parts (for example: markers, openings, perforations, etc.) thereof consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the package and/or blank according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Furthermore, the order of the steps of the method described herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the invention, as the sequence of the steps may vary in a number of ways, without affecting the scope or working of the invention, as can also be understood.
Broadly described, there is provided a package for packaging a beverage, having markers which are made integral with the package and which are detachable from the package, in order to provide a disposable marker for each of the consumers of the beverage. Preferably, each of the markers is provided with an opening in order to be placed about the neck of a container, such as a beer bottle, for example. Preferably, the markers are colored with different colors and/or provided with different visual markings in order to be visually distinct.
Preferably and as better illustrated in
According to embodiments of the present invention, the packaging material may comprise cellulose fiber material, for example, containerboard, corrugated material, a folding carton, boxboard, paperboard, paper material, cardboard, and/or the like, which may include virgin material, recycled material, molded pulp, etc. and may be multi-layered, laminated, etc. Alternatively, the packaging material may include any suitable material for packaging the beverage (for example, plastic, aluminum, etc).
The detachment delimiters and lines of weakness are generally identified by reference numerals 116 and 16, respectively in
According to embodiments of the present invention, the containers (120) may be provided in the package, each container (120) containing the beverage. Alternatively, the containers (120) or a portion thereof are provided separately. Indeed and for example, the package component (112) may be adapted to package a container (122) filled with the beverage, the package component further comprising a dispenser (124) being in connected to the container (122), in order to dispense the beverage into the plurality of containers (120), as exemplified in
More particularly, with reference to
Thus, the package component (112) is adapted to package beverage containers (120) such as bottles (20). According to alternate embodiments, the beverage containers may comprise a can, a disposable glass and/or the like. The package component is preferably adapted to package 2 or more beverage containers. For example, the package component may be adapted to package 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 beverage bottles. The packaged beverage may be beer, a cooler beverage, wine, liquor, a cocktail beverage, sparkling wine, champagne, juice, a soft drink, water, and/or the like.
The package component (112) is made from a package assembly (126), as illustrated in
More particularly, the blank (24) is manufactured by first providing a web of corrugated containerboard. With reference to
The blank may then be shipped immediately or assembled to form a package assembly (126), such as a collapsed folding carton, as illustrated in
More particularly, a collapsed carton (also referred to herein as “collapsed assembly”) is produced as shown in
In order to deploy (or “erect”) the package, the collapsed carton is folded along fold lines (34, 38) to form a tubular shape as shown in
Once the containers are placed in the box compartment, the upper flaps (62, 64, 66, 68) are folded about fold line (30) in order to close the box compartment and complete the packaging process.
Referring to
As better illustrated in
Alternatively, the consumer-identification markers are located in a visible portion of the package when the blank is deployed, in order to attract attention to the markers to to distinguish the package from conventional packages.
As exemplified in
Alternatively, or additionally, the consumer-identification markers are configured to be personalized with information representing each of the consumers. For example, the consumer-identification markers may each comprise an identification field for writing personalized information representing the given consumer, such as a person's name for example. Preferably, the markers are suitably colored and have a suitable surface to allow easily writing information on the markers. It is to be understood that markers may be visually distinct and still allow personalization by consumers, for example with a substantially light colored design. Yet another example package where markers each have a distinct black and white design, where white areas may be colored or marked for personalization in accordance with the specific consumer. Alternatively, the white areas may be left blank as the designs still allow distinguishing each marker.
The mounting element includes an opening (18) in order to mount the consumer-identification marker (14) about one of the containers (20). According to alternative embodiments, the mounting element is provided by a line of weakness defining a removable an inner portion of the corresponding consumer-identification marker, defining an opening when the inner portion is detached along the line of weakness; and adhesive provided on the consumer-identification marker, i.e. a sticker.
The consumer-identification markers (14) preferably comprise a water resistant material, in order to resist from condensation or other fluids surrounding the container on which it is mounted. For example, the markers (14) may be made of a laminated cardboard. Still preferably, the entire blank (24) is made of this water resistant material, in order to simplify manufacture and to further protect the package from condensation and other fluids.
The blank may be configured, when deployed, to hold the plurality of containers to be marked by the consumer-identification marker, as previously mentioned. According to the embodiment described herein, the package resulting from assembling the package assembly, is shaped and sized to fit twelve beer bottles and is provided with four markers (14). Namely, two markers (14) are provided on each of upper flaps (62, 66). It is to be understood that the package may be shaped and sized according to other standard formats, for example to fit six, eighteen or twenty-four bottles of beer or coolers, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the number of markers provided on the package, may vary, for example according to the number of containers held in the package, as can also be readily understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, according to alternative embodiments, the package may be formatted and configured to any suitable number of containers and have any suitable number of markers provided thereon.
Still according to an alternative embodiment, with reference to
The mounting means comprises a perforation segment (19) which cooperates with the opening (18), thereby defining an open loop when the segment (19) is torn, in order to mount the consumer-identification markers (14) about the container (120) which may be a glass, a wine glass and/or the like (i.e. the marker is C-shaped).
Each of the markers (14) may be detached from the main body (12) (as shown in
The containers may be for example beverage containers, such as beer bottles, coolers and/or the like. The container may have a neck and shoulder configuration, i.e. narrow portion (neck) with broader portion (shoulder) thereunder, to allow the marker to sit on the shoulder, such as in the case of a conventional beer bottle or the like. Alternatively, the container may have a conical trunk, which will also allow a marker to sit about this trunk, provided a lower portion of the conical trunk is broader than an upper portion thereof. Still alternatively, the container may be substantially cylindrical, such as a can container. In such a case, the marker must be shaped in tight conformity with the circumference of the cylindrical container, so as to frictionally engage thereabout. Moreover, it is to be understood that the neck portion may be provided at any suitable location or region of the container (i.e. not necessarily an upper portion of the container).
The opening is preferably shaped to fit about the neck of the container. The opening may be circular, oval, etc. or but may also be of any other shape such as triangular, rectangular, etc. so long as it can be supported about the neck of the container. According to an alternate embodiment, the opening is provided by one or more slit, partial slit and/or the like being formed on the marker. For example, a slit on the marker may be widened (which in some cases may further tear the marker, either along a partial slit or beyond the slit or partial slit) and thus provide the opening to be placed about the neck of the container. Preferably, the opening is sized and shaped to conform to the shape of the neck of the container which the main body of the package is made to hold (i.e. if the necks are circular, the opening is circular and shaped to size, or if the opening is a slit, it is sized and configured to conform to the neck when the slit is opened).
According to an alternate embodiment, the opening of the marker may also communicate with the outer periphery of the marker, that is to say, the opening forms an open loop, as exemplified in
Preferably, the marker is positioned on a peripheral edge of the blank, as previously mentioned to facilitate detaching from the main body. As also previously mentioned, the marker is preferably located on a non supporting portion of the main body, in order to preserve the rigidity, strength, etc. required to hold the containers. The main body may thus still hold the containers, even after the markers have been detached from the main body. For example, it may be desirable for the main body to contain empty containers after consumption. It is to be understood however that the marker(s) may be provided at any suitable location on the main body of the package. Moreover, even if one or more markers are located on one of the wall members, or even the floor of the box, etc., the box compartment of the package may still be suitable for holding containers, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it is to be understood, that the package may be formed of multiple layers of carton, or at the very least, the portion where a marker is located may be multi-layered, such that the marker may be defined on only one of the multiple layers. In such a case, when the marker is detached, the area where the marker was located is still covered with a layer of carton.
According to embodiments, additional markers may be provided between or adjacent the two markers (14) on each flap (62, 66) which are exemplified in the drawings. In the alternative, markers may be provided away from a peripheral edge of the blank. Indeed, one or more markers may be provided at any suitable location of the package. According to an alternative embodiment, the main body is entirely made of detachable markers. Still according to an alternative embodiment, one or more marker (14) may be provided on a handle portion (28) of the box (12).
The package is preferably configured such that the markers are visible when the package is closed (for advertisement, visibility, informative purposes, etc.). Alternatively, the markers may be hidden, for example under upper flaps, also referred to herein as “outer flaps” (64 and 68) when the package is closed, as can also be understood.
According to an alternative embodiment, a set of packages may be provided with integral markers having different combinations of shape and/or color and/or pattern, in order to cater to a large group of users. This may be desirable when a set of packages is required for a same group of people and it is desirable to have a corresponding number of distinct markers.
According to an alternate embodiment, the main body may be have filler disks extending integrally within the markers, each being defined by a perforation line so as to facilitate detaching and thereby provide the corresponding marker with a hole. In other words, the hole in the marker may be created by the user, by pushing out the filler disk.
According to an alternate embodiment, one or more markers are provided with an adhesive, for example they may be peeled off a corresponding area of the package and adhered to the container, for example on the label of a beer bottle. Preferably, the adhesive is water resistant, so as to resist to condensation, water, ice, spilled beverage, and/or any other similar fluent.
Still according to other embodiments, the markers include water resistant, and/or waterproof material, so as to maintain their integrity in the presence of fluid and/or humidity, for example ice and/or water in an icebox, condensation on a bottle, rain, spilled beverage, humidity in the surrounding atmosphere, etc. According to some embodiments, the blank or a portion thereof is made of or comprises said water resistant material. Thus, the blank, package and/or markers may be coated with a water resistant or waterproofing coating.
According to other embodiments, the markers may each be distinguished from the other markers of the same package or set of packages, by other visual elements such as a particular design, sticker, motif, pattern, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, the markers may be tactilely distinct, for example by way of particular textures, embossing, perforations and/or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the markers may each have a distinct combination of fold lines resulting, when folded, in a three dimensional shape. Alternatively or additionally, the markers have a distinct size, or size of opening (for example, depending on the size of the opening, the marker rests at a different level along the neck of the beer bottle, such that the level at which it rests allows to distinguish each beer bottle).
According to another embodiment, the markers are identical, and preferably of a light color, in order to allow users to personalize their markers as desired (shape, colour, markings, size, etc.). For example, some users may write down their names, initials or the like using a pen or marker. Other users may choose to color their bottle markers. Other users may add a distinct sticker, pin, or the like.
According to other embodiments, the marker may be coated with a latex ink which can be scratched by users for identifying their markers. Alternatively, the marker may be coated with a substance which reacts to water, or the like to provide the marker with a distinct coloration or design.
According to other embodiments, the marker is provided with advertisement.
Still according to an alternate embodiment, the package is designed such that the markers may be cut out, for example, by using scissors, or torn off by the users. In such an embodiment, the openings or portions corresponding to the openings of the markers may be pre-established on the package. Additionally, the shape, color, texture, etc. of the marker may also be pre-established.
The present invention is advantageous in that the package provides markers for the containers packaged therein, thereby eliminating the need to supply markers separately. The markers are disposable so as to avoid concern over losing markers. Moreover, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the markers are located at portions of the box (for example, the upper panels of the box) which are normally no longer useful once the box is opened.
As previously mentioned, the box for packaging the beer bottles may be made of any suitable material, including corrugated containerboard or folding carton.
Numerous modifications could be made to the above-described package with integral markers, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments are considered in all respect only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the present application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations thereof, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61522437 | Aug 2011 | US |
