PANEL INTERLOCKING ARRANGEMENT, CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

Abstract

A panel interlocking arrangement for securing a pair of panels together comprising: first and second panels for placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels are disposed at least in part in a face-contacting arrangement. A pair of locking elements are provided for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male locking element and female locking element. The female locking element is formed in the second panel and the male locking element is connected to the first panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate to a panel interlocking arrangement, a carton and a blank for forming the same more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising a tamper evident lock for securing a pair of panels together.

BACKGROUND

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 purposes and for the 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 as possible in the materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a lock to secure at least two panels together, it is beneficial if the lock indicates that the package has been accessed since being locked.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a panel interlocking arrangement comprising first and second panels for placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. The panel interlocking arrangement comprises a pair of locking elements for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male locking element and female locking element. The female locking element is formed in the second panel. The male locking element is connected to the first panel. The female locking element includes a cut formed in the second panel. The second panel comprises a corner defined by first and second peripheral edges of the second panel. The first peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least in part, to a third panel. The second peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least in part, to a fourth panel. The second panel further comprises first and second portions on the opposite sides of the cut. The first portion extends between the cut and the corner such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element when the male and female locking elements are in the locking engagement. The cut comprises first and second angled segments. The first segment is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges. The second segment extends from the first segment away from the corner.

Optionally, the female locking element further includes an opening formed in the second portion of the second panel, the opening being defined in part by part of the cut.

Optionally, the opening is defined in part by the second segment of the cut.

Optionally, the female locking element further includes a retaining tab hingedly connected to the second portion of the second panel along a fold line. The opening is defined in the second portion when the retaining tab is folded about the fold line out of a plane of the second panel.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels connected together to define an interior of the carton for receiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels includes an inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to the inner front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panel hingedly connected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and an outer front panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourth fold line. The inner and outer front panels are arranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank is erected into a carton. The inner and outer front panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. The blank further comprises a male locking element and a female locking element for locking engagement with each other to secure the inner and outer front panels in the overlapping position. The female locking element is formed in the inner front panel. The male locking element is connected to the outer front panel. The female locking element includes a cut formed in the inner front panel. The inner front panel comprises a corner defined by first and second peripheral edges of the inner front panel. The first peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least in part, to the bottom panel by the first fold line. The second peripheral edge is hingedly connected, at least in part, to an end flap. The inner front panel further comprises first and second portions on the opposite sides of the cut. The first portion extends between the cut and the corner such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element when the male and female locking elements are in the locking engagement. The cut comprises first and second angled segments. The first segment is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges. The second segment extends from the first segment away from the corner.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a panel interlocking arrangement comprising first and second panels for placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. Male and female locking elements are provided for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The female locking element is formed in the second panel. The male locking element is connected to the first panel. The first panel is hingedly connected to a third panel along a first fold line. The first and second panels are hingedly connected together indirectly through at least the third panel for generally linear movement toward and relative to each other along a notional line into the overlapping position. The notional line is parallel to at least one of the first and second panels and is generally perpendicular to the first fold line. The male locking element comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the first panel along a second fold line such that the male and female locking elements are engageable into the locking engagement through the generally linear movement of at least one of the first and second panels. The second fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the notional line.

Optionally, the at least the third panel comprises two or more panels hingedly connected together in series.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels connected together to define an interior of the carton for receiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels includes an inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to the inner front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panel hingedly connected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and an outer front panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourth fold line. The inner and outer front panels are arranged for placement into an overlapping position when the blank is erected into a carton wherein the inner and outer front panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement to form a single front wall in the carton. The blank further comprises male and female locking elements for locking engagement with each other so as to secure the inner and outer front panels in the overlapping position. The female locking element is formed in the inner front panel. The male locking element comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the outer front panel along a fifth fold line. The first, second, third, and fourth fold lines are parallel to one another such that the inner and outer front panels are movable relative to each other along a notional line into the overlapping position. The notional line is parallel to at least one of the inner and outer front panels and is generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line. The fifth fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourth fold line such that the male and female locking elements are engageable into the locking engagement through linear sliding movement of at least one of the inner and outer front panels along the notional line toward and relative to the other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a panel interlocking device for securing a pair of panels together. The panel interlocking device comprises a first part provided by one of the pair of panels and a second part provided by the other one of the pair of panels. The first part comprises a male tab struck from within the one of the pair of panels. The male tab comprises a head section hingedly connected to a body section by a hinged connection. The body section is detachably connected to the one of the pair of panels and struck therefrom or defined therein. The body section is defined by at least one severance line. The severance line extends between a first end of the hinged connection and a second end of the hinged connection. The head section defines a first aperture in the one of the pair of panels. The second part comprises a cutaway struck from the other one of the pair of panels to form a receiver. The cutaway defines a second aperture which receives the head section. The second aperture provides a pair of opposing edges of the other one of the pair of panels. In a locked condition one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a first side of the one of the pair of panels and a portion of the other one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a second side of the one of the pair of panels. A portion of the other one of the pair of panels at least partially occludes the first aperture in the one of the pair of panels. The cutaway may be shaped such that the other one of the pair of opposing edges overlaps with the hinged connection between the head section and body section.

Optionally, the cutaway is shaped such that the one of the pair of opposing edges is spaced apart from the hinged connection between the head section and body section.

Optionally, the severance line comprises a pair of severance lines.

Optionally, the pair of severance lines comprises a first partial depth severance line provided in a first face of the one of the pair of panels and a second partial depth severance line provided in a second, reverse, face of the one of the pair of panels.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line is generally similar in shape to the first partial depth severance line and spaced part therefrom.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line is generally parallel to the first partial depth severance line.

Optionally, the second partial depth severance line and the first partial depth severance line converge with each other at each end thereof.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises one of the features selected from the following group: a cut line, severance line, and opening.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises an opening defined at least in part by a tab foldably connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises a cutline and an opening adjacent to the cutline, the opening being provided on a leading edge or side of the receiver.

Optionally, a cut line defines the receiver and comprises an intermediate portion and end portions, the end portions being offset with respect to the intermediate portion.

Optionally, terminal ends of the end portions define a notional line obliquely oriented with respect to a pair of adjacently disposed brace panels hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton of a clam shell arrangement comprising, a tray and a lid hingedly connected to the tray. The carton comprises the panel interlocking arrangement as described in the foregoing aspects, in which the first part is provided by a panel forming one of the tray and lid and the second part is provided by a panel forming the other one of the tray and lid. The first and second parts are brought into engagement when the lid or cover is closed.

Optionally, the lid is closed by pivoting the lid about a hinged connection between the tray and the lid.

Optionally, the fold line between the head section and the body section is obliquely oriented with respect to the hinged connection between the tray and the lid.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton comprising a plurality of panels hinged one to the next in a linear series by a respective fold line. The carton comprises the panel interlocking arrangement as described in the foregoing aspects, the first part being provided by a first one of the pair of panels, and the second part being provided by a second one of the pair of panels. The first one of the pair of panels is disposed in overlapping relationship second one of the pair of panels to form a composite panel.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended 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 considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

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

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 from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 1B to 1G illustrate stages of construction of a carton from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 showing the carton in an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 showing the carton in a closed condition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 showing an access feature an open condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2 showing a locking feature being brought into engagement;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2 showing a locking feature in a locked condition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2 showing a locking feature in a locked condition in a disengaged or severed condition;

FIGS. 8A to 8B illustrate enlarged views of portions of the blank of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the panel interlocking arrangements, packages, 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. Indeed, it will be understood that the panel interlocking arrangements, 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 FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 capable of accepting an input of primary products such as, but not limited to a food or beverage product.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank 10 forms a carton of a clamshell configuration, that is to say it comprises a base or tray having a lid or cover hingedly connected thereto. The base and cover each having upstanding walls. The base comprises upstanding walls surrounding a base panel 18. The cover may comprise upstanding walls at least partially surrounding a top panel 14.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a cover or outer side wall panel 12 hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A first base side wall panel 16 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The base panel 18 is hinged to the first base side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second base or inner side wall panel 20 is hinged to the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19.

A flap 22 may be hinged connected to second base or inner side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form walls of a tubular structure in a set-up condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures. The tubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction.

The tray comprises end closure panels 28A, 30A, 32A, 28B, 30B, 32B forming end walls of the tray.

End closure panels 28A, 30A, 32A are configured to close a first end of the cover and end closure panels 28B, 30B, 32B are configured to close a second end of the cover.

The cover comprises end closure panels 24A, 26A, 24B, 26B forming end walls of the cover.

End closure panels 24A, 26A are configured to close a first end of the cover and end closure panels 24B, 26B are configured to close a second end of the cover.

A first cover end closure panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the cover side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23A. A second cover end closure panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25A.

A third cover end closure panel 24B is hinged to a second end of the cover side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23B. A fourth cover end closure panel 24B is hinged to a second end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25B.

A first base end closure panel 28A is hinged to a first end of the first base side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27A. A second base end closure panel 30A is hinged to a first end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29A. A third base end closure panel 32A is hinged to a first end of the second base side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31A.

A fourth base end closure panel 28B is hinged to a second end of the first base side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27B. A fifth base end closure panel 30B is hinged to a second end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29B. A sixth base end closure panel 32B is hinged to a second end of the second base side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31B.

The second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closure panel 26B each comprise a fold line F1, F2 respectively, the fold lines F1, F2 are configured to allow the cover to fold into a flat collapsed form. The fold lines F1, F2 extend from a corner of the respective one of the second and fourth cover end closure panels 26A, 26B adjacent to the fold line 25A, 25B hinging said one of the second and fourth cover end closure panels 26A, 26B to the top panel 14. The fold lines F1, F2 extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25A, 25B hinging said one of the second and fourth cover end closure panels 26A, 26B to the top panel 14.

The second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B each comprise a pair of fold lines F3, F4, F5, F6 configured to allow the base to fold into a flat collapsed form.

Each of the fold lines F3, F4 extends from a respective corner of the second base end closure panel 30A adjacent to the fold line 25A hinging the second base end closure panel 30A to the base panel 18. The fold lines F3, F4 extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25A hinging the second base end closure panel 30A to the base panel 18.

Each of the fold lines F5, F6 extends from a respective corner of the fifth base end closure panel 30B adjacent to the fold line 25B hinging the fifth base end closure panel 308 to the base panel 18. The fold lines F5, F6 extend obliquely with respect to the fold line 25B hinging the fifth base end closure panel 30B to the base panel 18.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises an access feature D for facilitating inspection or access to the contents of the carton 90. The access feature D comprises an access flap 14A struck from at least the top panel 14. In the illustrated embodiment the access flap 14A is defined within the top panel 14. The access flap 14A is defined by a severance line 51. Optionally, a portion 51B of the severance line 51 may serve as a hinged connection between the access flap 14A and the top panel 14.

When severed along at least a first portion 51A of the severance line 51 the access flap 14A may be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 14 to form an opening in the top panel 14.

In some embodiments a film or sheet 70 may be applied to an inner surface of the top panel 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The film or sheet 70 may be transparent so as to form a window to allow inspection of the contents of the carton 90 and simultaneously retain the contents within the carton 90. The film or sheet 70 may prevent or at least inhibit access to the contents by a user. The film or sheet 70 may be secured for example with glue or other adhesive treatment to a portion of the top panel 14 surrounding the access flap 14A. The access flap 14A may unsecured to the sheet 70 or may be secured with a fugitive glue.

The blank 10 comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises first part M provided by the cover and a second part Rx provided by the base.

The first part M forms a male locking element generally of the form of an arrow head. The first part M is struck from, or defined within, the cover side wall panel 12. The second part Rx forms a female locking element or receiver for receiving the first part M.

The first part M comprises a head section 40 defined by a severance line or cut line. The head section 40 comprises a waist defining, at least in part, a pair of catches or barbs on opposing side thereof.

The head section 40 is coupled to a main body 42 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41. The main body 42 is elongate in shape and comprises a longitudinal axis. The fold line 41 is obliquely oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body 42. The main body 42 is defined in part by a first partial depth cut 45 on a first side of the sheet material forming the blank 10. The main body 42 is defined in part by a second partial depth cut 43 on a second opposing or reverse side of the sheet material forming the blank 10. The second partial depth cut 43 is shaped similarly to the first partial depth cut 45 albeit defining a larger area than the first partial depth cut 45. The second partial depth cut 43 substantially surrounds the first partial depth cut 45. The second partial depth cut 43 follows the contour of the first partial depth cut 45 in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Ends of the first partial depth cut 45 converge with ends of the second partial depth cut 43.

A first pair of converging ends of the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43 converge at a first end of the fold line 41 at the point it meets the cut line defining the head section 40.

A second pair of converging ends of the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43 converge at a second end of the fold line 41 at the point it meets the cut line defining the head section.

The main body 42 provides a tear strip or detachable section. The detachable section can be punched or pressed out of the cover side wall panel 12 by a user and is dimensioned so as to be readily engaged by a user's finger or thumb pad. The second partial depth cut 43 being larger than the first partial depth cut 45 and provided upon the reverse surface, which is innermost, an internal face, in normal use of the carton 90 ensures the main body 42 is readily pressed out of the cover side wall panel 12 from the first side or surface of the cover side wall panel 12 which is a external face of the cover side wall panel 12.

The first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43 are substantially “U” shaped, in the illustrated embodiment one leg of the “U” shape cuts is longer than the other.

The first part M is located in the cover side wall panel 12 proximate to a side edge thereof. In the illustrated embodiment the first part M is located proximate to the fold line 23B hinging the third cover end closure panel 24B to the cover side wall panel 12. The third and fourth cover end closure panels 24B, 26B secure the cover side wall panel 12 in a substantially perpendicular relationship to the top panel 14. The third and fourth cover end closure panels 24B, 26B form an end wall which act as a brace between cover side wall panel 12 in and the top panel 14. In this way the end wall provides rigidity to the cover such that when a user presses upon the main body 42 the cover side wall panel 12 resists deformation such that the first part M is readily separated from the carton 90.

A first catch or barb of the head section 40 is located in closer proximity to a free end edge of the cover side wall panel 12 than a first catch or barb of the head section 40.

The second part Rx comprises a outline 63. The outline 63 extends generally obliquely with respect to the fold line 19 hinging the second base side wall panel 20 to the base panel 18.

The cutline 63 extends generally obliquely with respect to the fold line 31B hinging the sixth base end closure panel 32B to the second base side wall panel 20.

The cutline 63 comprises a central or intermediate element and a pair of end cut elements 65A, 65B. The pair of end cut elements 65A, 65B are collinear with each other and may be offset with respect to the intermediate element. The pair of end cut elements 65A, 65B are each linear in shape however in alternative embodiments they may be non-linear or curved. The intermediate element is curved in shape however in alternative embodiments it may be another non-linear shape or may be linear. In some embodiments the cutline 63 may be a continuous curvilinear shape in which the end cut elements 65A, 65B are offset with respect to the central element.

A first end cut element 65A is located in closer proximity to the base panel 18 than the second end cut element 65B.

Optionally, an opening is provided in the second base side wall panel 20 adjacent to the cutline 63. The opening may be elongate and extends along at least a portion of the centre element. The opening may extend along the entire centre element. In the illustrated embodiment the opening is defined, at least in part, by a tab 60 hingedly connected to the second base side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61.

The opening or tab 60 is arranged to located above the cutline 63 when in normal use. The opening or tab 60 is located prior to the cut line 63 when the first part M is brought into registry with the second part Rx. That is to say during engagement of the first part M with the second part Rx the head section 40 first encounters or meets the opening or tab 60—before it meets the cut line 63.

The opening or tab 60, when pressed inwardly or out of the plane of the second base side wall panel 20, exposes an edge of the second base side wall panel 20 defined by the cutline 63. The opening or tab 60 facilitates insertion of the head section 40 through the aperture created by the cutline 63 when opened up.

The second part Rx is located in the second base side wall panel 20 proximate to a pair of hinged edges, a first hinged edge is provided by the hinged connection to sixth base end closure panel 32B, and a second hinged edge is provided by the hinged connection to the base panel 18.

In a set up condition the base panel 18 and an end wall provided by the fifth and sixth base end closure panels 30B, 32B each serve to provide supports or braces to the second base side wall panel 20 when pressure is applied thereto. In this way the second base side wall panel 20 resists deformation when the first part M is pressed out of the cover side wall panel 12.

Optionally, a recess or cutaway R is struck from the free end edge of the cover side wall panel 12. The recess R may facilitate grasping an edge of the cover side wall panel 12 when disposed in face to face relationship with the second base side wall panel 20 in a setup carton 90.

The carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 may not be 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.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closure panel 26B are folded about fold lines 25A, 25B respectively such that the second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closure panel 26B are disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel 14, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The first cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel 24B are folded about fold lines 23A, 23B respectively such that the first cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel 24B are disposed in overlying relationship with the cover side wall panel 12, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The second cover end closure panel 26A is folded about fold line F1 such that a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second cover end closure panel 26A, as shown in FIG. 1C. The fourth cover end closure panel 26B is folded about fold line F2 such that a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of the fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first cover end closure panel 24A and third cover end closure panel 24B. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the corner portions of the second cover end closure panel 26A and fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 13 such that the cover side wall panel 12 is disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel 14, as shown in FIG. 1D. The first cover end closure panel 24A is secured to the second cover end closure panel 26A. The second cover end closure panel 24B is secured to the fourth cover end closure panel 26B.

The second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B are folded about fold lines 29A, 29B respectively such that the second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B are disposed in overlying relationship with the base panel 18, as shown in FIG. 10.

The flap 22 is folded about fold line 21 to be disposed in overlying relationship with the second base side wall panel 20.

The third base end closure panel 32A and sixth base end closure panel 32B are folded about fold lines 31A, 31B respectively such that the third base end closure panel 32A and sixth base end closure panel 32B are disposed in overlying relationship with the second base side wall panel 20, as shown in FIG. 1D.

The first base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel 28B are folded about fold lines 27A, 27B respectively such that the first base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel 28B are disposed in overlying relationship with the first base side wall panel 16.

The second base end closure panel 30A is folded about fold line F4 such that a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second base end closure panel 30A, as shown in FIG. 1E.

The fifth base end closure panel 30B is folded about fold line F6 such that a corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of the fifth base end closure panel 30B, as shown in FIG. 1E.

The second base end closure panel 30A is folded about fold line F3 such that a second corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of second base end closure panel 30A, as shown in FIG. 1E. The fifth base end closure panel 30B is folded about fold line F5 such that a second corner portion overlies an adjacent portion of the fifth base end closure panel 30B, as shown in FIG. 1E.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the corner portions of the third base end closure panel 32A and sixth base end closure panel 32B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second base side wall panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the base panel 18, as shown in FIG. 1F. The third base end closure panel 32A is secured to the second base end closure panel 30A. The sixth base end closure panel 32B is secured to the fifth base end closure panel 30B.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first base end closure panel 28A and fourth base end closure panel 28B. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the second corner portions of the second base end closure panel 30A and fifth base end closure panel 30B.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 17 such that the first base side wall panel 16 is disposed in overlying relationship with the base panel 18, as shown in FIG. 1G. The first base end closure panel 28A is secured to the second base end closure panel 30A. The fourth base end closure panel 28B is secured to the fifth base end closure panel 30B.

The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed.

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form a tray and cover. The cover is formed by unfolding the cover side panel 12 with respect to the top panel 14 such that the cover side panel 12 is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the top panel 14. Cover end walls are automatically erected as a consequence.

The base is formed by unfolding the first base side panel 16 and the second base side panel 20 with respect to the base panel 18 such that the first base side panel 16 and the second base side panel 20 are disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base panel 18. Base end walls are automatically erected as a consequence.

The carton 90, in its erected form, may be loaded with one or more products through an open, upper, end of the tray.

Once the carton 90 has been loaded with product the carton 90 is closed by folding the cover about the base. The side and end walls of the cover are brought into face to face relationship with the second base end wall 20 and end walls of the base, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first part M of the locking mechanism being brought into engagement with the second part Rx as the cover is closed about the base of the carton 90.

The head section 40 is displaced out of the plane of the cover side wall panel 12 inwardly of the cover. The head section 40 folds with respect to the main body 42 about fold line 41.

The head section 40 is inserted into an aperture created in the second base side wall panel 20 by opening the cutline 63. This may be achieved by displacing a region of the second base side wall panel 20 inwardly of the base. The tab 60 may be folded internally of the carton 90 to facilitate creation of the aperture, or to enlarge the aperture.

The cover is pivoted about the hinged connection (provided by the fold line 15) between the cover and the base. In doing so the first part M is moved downwardly into face to face relationship with the second base side wall panel 20. The head section 40 passes through the aperture in the second base side wall panel 20 to be internal of the carton 90.

A portion of the second base side wall panel 20 defined by the cutline 63, or at least the intermediate element thereof, passes through an aperture A1 created in the cover side wall panel 12 created when the head section 40 is folded internally. The portion of the of the second base side wall panel 20 which passes through the aperture A1 in the cover side wall panel 12 may cover or conceal, that is to say overlap or overlie, the hinged connection, fold line 41, between the head section 40 and the main body 42.

The tab 60 is disposed in overlapping relationship with the main body 42 of the first part M.

The tab 60 is hinged to the second base side wall panel 20 in sympathy with the head section 40.

The tab 60 is arranged such that a free edge opposing its hinged connection, fold line 61, to the second base side wall panel 20 does not overlap with the head section 40, the free edge is spaced apart from the fold line 41 when the first part M is fully inserted into the second part Rx.

The second part Rx comprises a hinged female tab 60 on a leading edge of the receiver or cutline 63.

FIG. 4 shows the carton 90 in a locked condition, the cover is engaged with the base. The access feature D has been deployed severing the severance line 51 along a section 51A thereof. The access flap 14A is folded about a second section 51B of the severance line 51. The contents of the carton 90 can be viewed or inspected through the opening in the top panel 14.

The film 70 retains the contents of the carton 90 and prevents ingress of dirt, moisture or other matter. The film 70 inhibits removal of the contents of the carton 90 through the opening in the top panel 14 created by partially or fully separating access flap 14A from the carton 90.

FIG. 7 illustrates disengaging the lock mechanism. The main body 42 is pressed inwardly tearing a region of the cover side wall panel 12 between the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43. The main body 42 and head section 40 are separated from the cover. The head section 40 remains engaged with the second part Rx; the carton 90 can be opened by pivoting the cover with respect to the base by unfolding about fold line 15.

The head section 40 remains attached to the main body 42.

The tab 60 (or opening) may facilitate unlocking by providing a yieldable region (or void) in registry, behind, the main body 42 which is readily displaced inwardly, thus enabling tearing to initiate or propagate between the first and second partial depth cuts 45, 43.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8B will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 shows a blank 110 for forming a carton, the blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank 110 forms a carton of a clamshell configuration, that is to say it comprises a base or tray having a lid or cover hingedly connected thereto. The base and cover each having upstanding walls. The base comprises upstanding walls surrounding a base panel 118. The cover may comprise upstanding walls at least partially surrounding a top panel 114.

The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a cover or outer side wall panel 112 hinged to the top panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A first base side wall panel 116 is hinged to the top panel 114 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 115. The base panel 118 is hinged to the first base side wall panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second base or inner side wall panel 120 is hinged to the base panel 118 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 119.

The blank 110 comprises a pair of locking mechanisms, each locking mechanism comprises first part M1, M2 provided by the cover and a second part Rx1, Rx2 provided by the base. Each of the locking mechanisms is substantially the same in construction as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and described above.

The blank 10 comprises a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism comprises a first part M1 disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 123B, between the cover side wall panel 112 and a third cover end closure panel 124B. The second locking mechanism comprises a first part M2 disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 123A, between the cover side wall panel 112 and a first cover end closure panel 124A.

The first part M1 of the first locking mechanism is a mirror image of the first part M2 of the second locking mechanism.

The first locking mechanism comprises a second part Rx1, forming a receiver, disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 131B, between the second base side wall panel 120 and a sixth base end closure panel 132B and disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 119, between the second base side wall panel 120 and the base panel 118.

The second locking mechanism comprises a second part Rx2, forming a receiver, disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 131A, between the second base side wall panel 120 and a third base end closure panel 132A and disposed proximate the hinged connection, fold line 119, between the second base side wall panel 120 and the base panel 118.

The second part Rx1 of the first locking mechanism is a mirror image of the second part Rx2 of the second locking mechanism.

The free edge of the cover side wall panel 112 comprises a pair of recesses or cutaways. Each recess is disposed adjacent to one of the first parts M1, M2 of the first and second locking mechanisms respectively.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a carton 90 for packaging one or more articles. The carton 90 comprises a pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 locked or secured together by a panel interlocking device M/Rx; M1/Rx1, M2/Rx2. The panel interlocking device M/Rx; M1/Rx1, M2/Rx2 comprises a first part M; M1, M2 provided by one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 and a second part Rx; Rx1, Rx2 provided by the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The first part M; M1, M2 comprises a male tab 40/42 struck from within the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The male tab 40/42 comprises a head section 40 hingedly connected to a body section 42 by a hinged connection. The body section 42 is detachably connected to the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 and struck therefrom or defined therein. The body section 42 is defined by at least one severance line 45, 43. The severance line 45, 43 extends between a first end of the hinged connection and a second end of the hinged connection. The severance line 45, 43 may comprise a pair of severance lines 45, 43. The pair of severance lines 45, 43 may comprise a first partial depth severance line 45 defined, or provided in, a first side or surface of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The pair of severance lines 45, 43 may comprise a second partial depth severance line 43 defined, or provided in, a second, reverse, side or surface of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The second partial depth severance line 43 is generally similar in shape to the first partial depth severance line 45 and spaced part therefrom. The second partial depth severance line 43 may be generally parallel to the first partial depth severance line 45. The second partial depth severance line 43 and the first partial depth severance line 45 may converge with each other at each end thereof. The head section 40 defines a first aperture A1 in the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The second part Rx; Rx1 Rx2 comprises a cutaway struck from the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 to form a receiver. The cutaway may take the form of a cut or severance line 63 or opening. The opening may be defined at least in part by a tab foldably connected to the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The cutaway defines a second aperture which receives the head section 40, the second aperture provides a pair of opposing edges of the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. In an engaged or locked condition one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a first, internal, side of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120, and a portion of the other one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a second, external, side of the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. A portion of the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120 at least partially closes, obscures or occludes the first aperture A1 in the one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The cutaway may be shaped such that the other one of the pair of opposing edges overlaps with the hinged connection, fold line 41, between the head section 40 and body section 42. The cutaway may be shaped such that the one of the pair of opposing edges is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 41, between the head section 40 and body section 42.

The cutaway may comprise a cutline 63 and an opening adjacent to the cutline 63, the opening being provided on a leading edge or side of the receiver. The leading edge or side of the receiver being that which the male tab 40/42 meets first when the first and second parts M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are brought into engagement.

The carton 90 may be of a clam shell type, a tray or base having a lid or cover hingedly connected to the tray or base. The first and second parts M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are brought into engagement when the lid or cover is closed. The lid or cover is closed by pivoting or rotating the lid or cover about a hinged connection, fold line 15; 115, between the tray or base and the lid or cover. The fold line 41 between the head section 40 and the body section 42 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the hinged connection, fold line 15; 115, between the tray or base and the lid or cover.

The carton 90 may comprise a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 hinged one to the next in a linear series by a respective fold line 13, 15, 17, 19; 113, 115, 117, 119. The first part M; M1, M2 may be provided by a first one of the pair of panels 12, 112, and the second part Rx; Rx1, Rx2 may be provided by a second one of the pair of panels 20; 120. The first one of the pair of panels 12, 112, is disposed in overlapping relationship with the second one of the pair of panels 20; 120.

The cut line 63 defining the receiver may comprise an intermediate or central portion and end portions 65A, 65B; the end portions 65A, 65B may be offset with respect to the intermediate or central portion. Terminal ends of the end portions 65A, 65B define a notional line y-y obliquely oriented with respect to fold lines 19, 31B; 119, 131A, 131B hingedly connecting a pair of adjacently disposed brace panels 18, 32B; 118, 132A, 132B to the other one of the pair of panels 12, 20; 112, 120.

The present disclosure also provides a panel interlocking arrangement M/Rx; M1/Rx1, M2/Rx2 comprising: first 12; 112 and second 20; 120 panels for placement in an overlapping position. The first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120 are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. A pair of locking elements is provided for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element and a female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the second panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 is connected to the first panel 12; 112. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 includes a cut 63 formed in the second panel 20; 120. The second panel 20; 120 comprises a corner C defined by first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B of the second panel 20; 120. The first peripheral edge 19; 119, at least in part, is hingedly connected to a third panel 18; 118. The second peripheral edge 31B; 131A, 131B, at least in part, is hingedly connected to a fourth panel 32B; 132A, 132B. The second panel 20; 120 further comprises first and second portions on the opposite sides of the cut 63. The first portion extends between the cut 63 and the corner C such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element M; M1, M2 when the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are in the locking engagement. The cut 63 comprises first 65A, 65B and second 67A, 67B angled segments, best shown in FIG. 8B. The first segment 65A, 65B is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B. The second segment 67A, 67B extends from the first segment 65A, 65B away from the corner C.

The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 further includes an opening formed in the second portion of the second panel 20; 120, the opening is defined in part by part of the cut 63.

The opening is defined in part by the second segments 67A, 67B of the cut 63.

The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 further includes a retaining tab 60 hingedly connected to the second portion of the second panel 20; 120 along a fold line 61. The opening is defined in the second portion when the retaining tab 60 is folded about the fold line 61 out of a plane of the second panel 20; 120.

The present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110 for forming a carton 90. The blank 10; 110 comprises a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 connected together to define an interior of the carton 90 for receiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 includes an inner front panel 20; 120, a bottom panel 18, 118 hingedly connected to the inner front panel 20; 120 along a first fold line 19; 119, a rear panel 16; 116 hingedly connected to the bottom panel 18; 118 along a second fold line 17; 117, a top panel 14, 114 hingedly connected to the rear panel 16; 116 along a third fold line 15; 115, and an outer front panel 12; 112 hingedly connected to the top panel 14; 114 along a fourth fold line 13; 113. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 are arranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank 10; 110 is erected into a carton 90. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 are disposed at least in part in a face-contacting arrangement. The blank 10; 110 further comprises a pair of locking elements for locking engagement with each other to secure the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element and female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the inner front panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 is connected to the outer front panel 12; 112. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 includes a cut 63 formed in the inner front panel 20; 120. The inner front panel 20; 120 comprises a corner C defined by first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B of the inner front panel 20; 120. The first peripheral edge 19; 119, at least in part, is hingedly connected to a bottom panel 18; 118 by the first fold line 19; 119. The second peripheral edge 31B; 131A, 131B, at least in part, is hingedly connected to an end flap 32B; 132A, 132B. The inner front panel 20; 120 further comprises first and second portions on the opposite sides of the cut 63. The first portion extends between the cut 63 and the corner C such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element M; M1, M2 when the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are in the locking engagement. The cut 63 comprises first 65A, 65B and second 67A, 67B angled segments, best shown in FIG. 8B. The first segment 65A, 65B is disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B. The second segment 67A, 67B extends from the first segment 65A, 65B away from the corner C.

The present disclosure provides a panel interlocking arrangement comprising: first 12; 112 and second 20; 120 panels for placement in an overlapping position where the first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120 are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement. A pair of locking elements is provided for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element and a female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the second panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 is connected to the first panel 12; 112. The first panel 12; 112 is hingedly connected to a third panel 14; 114 along a first fold line 13; 113. The first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120 are hingedly connected together indirectly through at least the third panel 14; 114 for generally linear movement toward and relative to each other along a notional line X-X into the overlapping position. The notional line X-X is parallel to at least one of the first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120 and is generally perpendicular to the first fold line 13; 113. The male locking element M; M1, M2 comprises a locking tab 40 hingedly connected to the first panel 12; 112 along a second fold line 41 such that the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are engageable into the locking engagement through the generally linear movement of at least one of the first and second panels 12, 20; 112, 120. The second fold line 41 is disposed obliquely with respect to the notional line X-X.

The at least the third panel 14; 114 comprises two or more panels 14, 16, 118; 114, 116, 118 hingedly connected together in series.

The present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110 for forming a carton 90. The blank 10; 110 comprises a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 connected together to define an interior of the carton 90 for receiving at least one article. The plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 includes an inner front panel 20; 120, a bottom panel 18, 118 hingedly connected to the inner front panel 20; 120 along a first fold line 19; 119, a rear panel 16; 116 hingedly connected to the bottom panel 18; 118 along a second fold line 17; 117, a top panel 14, 114 hingedly connected to the rear panel 16; 116 along a third fold line 15; 115, and an outer front panel 12; 112 hingedly connected to the top panel 14; 114 along a fourth fold line 13; 113. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 are arranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank 10; 110 is erected into a carton 90. The inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement to form a single front wall in the carton 90. The blank 10; 110 further comprises a pair of locking elements for locking engagement with each other to secure the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 in the overlapping position. The pair of locking elements comprises a male M; M1, M2 locking element and female Rx; Rx1, Rx2 locking element. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 is formed in the inner front panel 20; 120. The male locking element M; M1, M2 comprises a locking tab 40 hingedly connected to the outer front panel 12; 112 along a fifth fold line 41. The female locking element Rx; Rx1, Rx2 includes a cut 63 formed in the inner front panel 20; 120. The inner front panel 20; 120 comprises a corner C defined by first and second peripheral edges 19, 31B; 119, 132A, 131B of the outer front panel 20; 120.

The first, second, third and fourth fold lines 17, 15, 13; 117, 115, 113 are parallel to one another such that the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 are movable relative to each other along a notional line X-X into the overlapping position. The notional line X-X is parallel to at least one of the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 and is generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line 13; 113. The fifth fold line 41 is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourth fold line 13; 113 such that the male and female locking elements M, Rx; M1, M2, Rx1, Rx2 are engageable into the locking engagement through linear sliding movement of at least one of the inner and outer front panels 20, 12; 120, 112 along the notional line X-X toward and relative to the other.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a fully enclosed carton it is envisaged that the dispenser may be employed in cartons of alternative design such as, but not limited to, wraparound style cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “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. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

As used herein, the term “cutaway” may refer to one of the following: a recess, a notch, a slot, an opening, a outline, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options.

It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines and severance lines can each include elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, 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 provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line.

Claims

1. A panel interlocking arrangement comprising: first and second panels for placement in an overlapping position wherein the first and second panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement; anda pair of locking elements for locking engagement with each other to secure the first and second panels in the overlapping position, the pair of locking elements comprises a male locking element and female locking element, the female locking element being formed in the second panel, the male locking element being connected to the first panel,wherein the female locking element includes a cut formed in the second panel, the second panel comprising a corner defined by first and second peripheral edges of the second panel, the first peripheral edge being hingedly connected, at least in part, to a third panel, the second peripheral edge being hingedly connected, at least in part, to a fourth panel, the second panel further comprising first and second portions on the opposite sides of the cut, the first portion extending between the cut and the corner such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element when the male and female locking elements are in the locking engagement, andwherein the cut comprises first and second angled segments, the first segment being disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges, the second segment extending from the first segment away from the corner.

2. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the female locking element further includes an opening formed in the second portion of the second panel, the opening being defined in part by part of the cut.

3. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the opening is defined in part by the second segment of the cut.

4. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the female locking element further includes a retaining tab hingedly connected to the second portion of the second panel along a fold line, wherein the opening is defined in the second portion when the retaining tab is folded about the fold line out of a plane of the second panel.

5. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality of primary panels connected together to define an interior of the carton for receiving at least one article, the plurality of primary panels including an inner front panel, a bottom panel hingedly connected to the inner front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a second fold line, a top panel hingedly connected to the rear panel along a third fold line, and an outer front panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fourth fold line, the inner and outer front panels being arranged for placement in an overlapping position when the blank is erected into a carton wherein the inner and outer front panels are disposed, at least in part, in a face-contacting arrangement;a male locking element and a female locking element for locking engagement with each other to secure the inner and outer front panels in the overlapping position, the female locking element being formed in the inner front panel, the male locking element being connected to the outer front panel,wherein the female locking element includes a cut formed in the inner front panel, the inner front panel comprising a corner defined by first and second peripheral edges of the inner front panel, the first peripheral edge being hingedly connected, at least in part, to the bottom panel by the first fold line, the second peripheral edge being hingedly connected, at least in part, to an end flap, the inner front panel further comprising first and second portions on opposite sides of the cut, the first portion extending between the cut and the corner such that the first portion is brought into contact at an inside surface thereof with at least part of the male locking element when the male and female locking elements are in the locking engagement, andwherein the cut comprises first and second angled segments, the first segment being disposed obliquely with respect to each of the first and second peripheral edges, the second segment extending from the first segment away from the corner.

6. The panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to a third panel along a first fold line, wherein the first and second panels are hingedly connected together indirectly through at least the third panel for generally linear movement toward and relative to each other along a notional line into the overlapping position, the notional line being parallel to at least one of the first and second panels and being generally perpendicular to the first fold line, wherein the male locking element comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the first panel along a second fold line such that the male and female locking elements are engageable into the locking engagement through the generally linear movement of at least one of the first and second panels, and wherein the second fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the notional line.

7. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the at least the third panel comprises two or more panels hingedly connected together in series.

8. The blank according to claim 5 wherein the male locking element comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to the outer front panel along a fifth fold line, wherein the first, second, third and fourth fold lines are parallel to one another such that the inner and outer front panels are movable relative to each other along a notional line into the overlapping position, the notional line being parallel to at least one of the inner and outer front panels and being generally perpendicular to the fourth fold line, and wherein the fifth fold line is disposed obliquely with respect to the fourth fold line such that the male and female locking elements are engageable into the locking engagement through linear sliding movement of at least one of the inner and outer front panels along the notional line toward and relative to the other.

9. A panel interlocking device for securing a pair of panels together, the panel interlocking device comprising: a first part provided by one of the pair of panels and a second part provided by the other one of the pair of panels,wherein the first part comprises a male tab struck from within the one of the pair of panels, the male tab comprises a head section hingedly connected to a body section by a hinged connection, the body section is detachably connected to the one of the pair of panels and struck therefrom, the body section is defined by at least one severance line, the severance line extends between a first end of the hinged connection and a second end of the hinged connection, the head section defines a first aperture in the one of the pair of panels,wherein the second part comprises a cutaway struck from the other one of the pair of panels to form a receiver, the cutaway defines a second aperture which receives the head section, the second aperture provides a pair of opposing edges of the other one of the pair of panels,wherein in a locked condition, one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a first side of the one of the pair of panels and a portion of the other one of the pair of opposing edges is disposed on a second side of the one of the pair of panels, a portion of the other one of the pair of panels at least partially occludes the first aperture in the one of the pair of panels, the cutaway may be shaped such that the other one of the pair of opposing edges overlaps with the hinged connection between the head section and body section.

10. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cutaway is shaped such that the one of the pair of opposing edges is spaced apart from the hinged connection between the head section and body section.

11. (canceled)

12. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the severance line comprises a pair of severance lines, wherein the pair of severance lines comprises a first partial depth severance line provided in a first face of the one of the pair of panels and a second partial depth severance line provided in a second, reverse, face of the one of the pair of panels.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cutaway comprises one of the features selected from the following group: a cut line, severance line, and opening.

17. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cutaway comprises an opening defined at least in part by a tab foldably connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

18. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cutaway comprises a cutline and an opening adjacent to the cutline, the opening being provided on a leading edge or side of the receiver.

19. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein a cut line defines the receiver and comprises an intermediate portion and end portions, the end portions being offset with respect to the intermediate portion.

20. A panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 19, wherein terminal ends of the end portions define a notional line obliquely oriented with respect to a pair of adjacently disposed brace panels hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of panels.

21. A carton of a clam shell arrangement comprising the panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the carton comprises, a tray and a lid hingedly connected to the tray, and wherein the first part is provided by a panel forming one of the tray and lid and the second part is provided by a panel forming the other one of the tray and lid, the first and second parts being brought into engagement when the lid or cover is closed.

22. A carton according to claim 21, wherein the lid is closed by pivoting the lid about a hinged connection between the tray and the lid.

23. A carton according to claim 22, wherein the fold line between the head section and the body section is obliquely oriented with respect to the hinged connection between the tray and the lid.

24. A carton comprising the panel interlocking arrangement according to claim 9, the first part being provided by a first one of the pair of panels, and the second part being provided by a second one of the pair of panels, the first one of the pair of panels being disposed in overlapping relationship with the second one of the pair of panels to form a composite wall, the pair of panels being two of a plurality of panels hinged together in a linear series by respective fold lines.