CN117813239A - End closure, article carrier and blank therefor - Google Patents

End closure, article carrier and blank therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
CN117813239A
CN117813239A CN202280056322.0A CN202280056322A CN117813239A CN 117813239 A CN117813239 A CN 117813239A CN 202280056322 A CN202280056322 A CN 202280056322A CN 117813239 A CN117813239 A CN 117813239A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
pair
flaps
end closure
innermost
handle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN202280056322.0A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
J·瓦伦西亚
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Original Assignee
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by WestRock Packaging Systems LLC filed Critical WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Publication of CN117813239A publication Critical patent/CN117813239A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/36—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections
    • B65D5/3607—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections formed by folding or erecting a single blank
    • B65D5/3614—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections formed by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body, at least one of the ends of the body remaining connected
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4204—Inspection openings or windows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4295—Ventilating arrangements, e.g. openings, space elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/46—Handles
    • B65D5/46072—Handles integral with the container
    • B65D5/46088—Handles integral with the container formed by extensions of closure flaps, by closure flaps or by extensions of side flaps of a container formed by folding a blank to form a tubular body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
    • B65D85/345—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes having a meshed or apertured closure to allow contents to breathe

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an article carrier (90), a blank (10) and an automatic end closure structure for a tubular carrier (90), i.e., an automatically erectable or foldable end closure (22B/24B/26B/28B/32B/34B). The automated end closure structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps (22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B). The end closure includes a pair of innermost flaps (24B, 28B) hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels (14, 18) of a tubular carrier (90) and providing a multi-layered handle (H). At least one of the pair of innermost petals (24B, 28B) includes a handle opening. At least one of the pair of innermost petals (24B, 28B) can include a handle petal (60B).

Description

End closure, article carrier and blank therefor
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming a carton, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a flat collapsible carton configured to include a collapsible wall having a handle structure that automatically erects when the carton is erected into a tubular form.
Background
In the packaging field, it is often desirable to provide consumers with packages comprising a plurality of primary product containers. Such a multi-pack is desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and for the display of promotional information. For cost and environmental reasons, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and with as little loss of material from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the package and its suitability for containing and transporting heavy weight items.
It is desirable to provide a carton that includes a handle structure to facilitate transport of the carton. It is desirable to provide a carton in a flat, collapsible form and to minimize or eliminate the gluing step in a converting mill when the carton is erected and loaded with product.
The present invention seeks to overcome or at least alleviate the problems of the prior art.
Disclosure of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic end closure structure for a tubular carrier is provided. The structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the tubular carrier and providing a multi-layered handle.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic end closure structure for a tubular carrier is provided. The structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the tubular carrier. The pair of innermost petals are arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relation to each other and provide a multi-layered handle. At least one of the pair of innermost petals includes a handle opening providing a first edge. The other of the pair of innermost petals includes a second edge that reinforces the first edge.
Optionally, at least one of the pair of innermost petals comprises a handle petal.
Optionally, at least a portion of the handle flap is disposed, in use, inside the carrier and is received in the handle opening.
Optionally, the at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprise a first outer end closure flap hinged to a first panel adjacent each of the pair of opposed panels, the first outer end closure flap comprising a first securing flap hingedly connected to the first outer end closure flap and secured to one of the pair of innermost flaps.
Optionally, the at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprise a second outer end closure flap hinged to a second panel opposite the first panel, the second outer end closure flap comprising a second securing flap hingedly connected to the second outer end closure flap and secured to the other of the pair of innermost flaps.
Optionally, a first one of the pair of innermost petals is disposed outboard of a second one of the pair of innermost petals.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a carton for packaging one or more articles is provided. The carton comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The carton includes a self-erecting end closure for forming an end wall. The end closure structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier. The pair of innermost petals are arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relation to each other. The pair of innermost petals provides a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost petals includes a handle opening providing a first edge. The other of the pair of innermost petals includes a second edge that reinforces the first edge.
According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a carton for packaging one or more articles is provided. The carton comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The carton includes a self-erecting end closure for forming an end wall. The end closure structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier. The pair of innermost petals are arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relation to each other. The pair of innermost petals provides a multi-layered handle; at least one of the pair of innermost petals includes a handle opening providing a first edge defining a first handle portion. The other of the pair of innermost petals includes a second handle portion disposed in face-to-face relation with the first handle portion to provide reinforcement.
According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an end closure structure for a tubular carrier, the end closure structure comprising inner and outer overlapping end flaps hinged to respective panels of a first pair of opposed panels of the tubular structure. The tubular carrier includes a pair of first and second outermost end flaps hinged to respective ones of a second pair of opposed panels of the tubular structure. The first outermost end flap has a first hingedly secured flap portion secured to an outer surface of the inner flap. The second outermost end flap has a second hingedly secured flap portion secured to an outer surface of the outer end flap. At least one of the inner end flap and the outer end flap includes a handle disposed between the outermost end flaps such that it is exposed to the field of view from outside the carrier.
According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a blank for forming a carton is provided. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing the ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier. The pair of innermost petals are arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relation to each other in an erect (set-up) condition. The pair of innermost petals provides a multi-layered handle. At least one of the pair of innermost petals includes a handle opening providing a first edge and the other of the pair of innermost petals includes a second edge reinforcing the first edge.
According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a blank for forming a carton is provided. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing the ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure includes at least three overlapping end closure flaps including a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier. The pair of innermost petals are arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relationship with one another in an erect condition. The pair of innermost petals provides a multi-layered handle. At least one of the pair of innermost petals includes a handle opening providing a first edge defining a first handle portion. The other of the pair of innermost petals includes a second handle portion disposed in face-to-face relation with the first handle portion to provide reinforcement.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.
Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims and/or the following description and drawings may be considered or employed, individually or in any combination thereof.
Features or elements described in connection with or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of the features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, which features or elements may be included in addition to or in place of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.
The features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be extracted independently of the other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, the features or combinations of features of the embodiments may be omitted from this embodiment.
Drawings
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
fig. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the invention;
fig. 2A-3B illustrate stages of construction of the blank of fig. 1; and
fig. 4 is a top perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of fig. 1.
Detailed Description
Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of end closures, packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be practiced and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the end closures, 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 minimized 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 present invention.
Referring to fig. 1 and 4, a blank 10 is shown for forming a carton 90 capable of receiving an input of a primary product, such as, but not limited to, a food product (hereinafter referred to as an article) such as an apple.
The blank 10 includes a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 hinged one to the next in linear series. The first side panel 12 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection, such as a fold line 13. The second side panel 16 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 15. The base panel 18 is hinged to the second side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The glue panel 20 is hinged to the base panel 18 by a hinged connection, such as a fold line 19.
The first side panel 12 includes at least one opening or aperture A3, the aperture A3 providing ventilation to the interior of the carton 90 and being operable to provide a display window for inspection of the carton contents. The illustrated embodiment includes three apertures A3, which apertures A3 may be generally rectangular or stadium-shaped.
The second side panel 16 includes at least one opening or aperture A2, the aperture A2 providing ventilation to the interior of the carton 90 and being operable to provide a display window for inspection of the carton contents. The illustrated embodiment includes three apertures A2, which apertures A2 may be generally rectangular or stadium-shaped.
The top panel 14 includes at least one opening or aperture A1, the aperture A1 providing ventilation to the interior of the carton 90 and being operable to provide a display window to inspect the carton contents and allowing removal of the carton contents therethrough. The illustrated embodiment includes three orifices A1, and the orifices A1 may be generally rectangular or square in shape.
The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form walls of an open-ended tubular structure in an erected condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by an end closure structure. The tubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction.
Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by an end closure panel forming an end wall of the tubular structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 30A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B.
The end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 30A are configured to close a first end of the tubular structure, and the end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B are configured to close a second end of the tubular structure.
The first end of the tubular structure is closed by a first end closure panel 22A, a second end closure panel 24A, a third end closure panel 26A and a fourth end closure panel 28A. The first end closure panel 22A is hinged to the first end of the first side panel 12 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 23A. The second end closure panel 24A is hinged to the first end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection, such as a fold line 25A. The third end closure panel 26A is hinged to the first end of the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 27A. The fourth end closure panel 28A is hinged to the first end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 29A.
The second end of the tubular structure is closed by a fifth end closure panel 22B, a sixth end closure panel 24B, a seventh end closure panel 26B, and an eighth end closure panel 28B. The fifth end closure panel 22B is hinged to the second end of the first side panel 12 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 23B. The sixth end closure panel 24B is hinged to the second end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection, such as a fold line 25B. The seventh end closure panel 26B is hinged to the second end of the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 27B. The eighth end closure panel 28B is hinged to the second end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection, such as fold line 29B.
The eighth end closure panel 28B may include a cut-out or recess R punched from its side edges. The recess R may be stamped from a side edge of the eighth end closure panel 28B adjacent to the seventh end closure panel 26B. Recess R may at least partially define a tab T in a distal portion of eighth end closure panel 28B opposite a proximal portion adjacent fold line 29B.
The tabs T may facilitate the carton 90 adopting a substantially square configuration, the side walls being disposed substantially perpendicular to the base panel 18 and the top panel 14, and may improve the rigidity of the carton 90 in the erected condition. In the erected condition, the edge of the tab T may abut the inner surface of the second side panel 16.
The first end closure panel 22A and the third end closure panel 26A each form a smaller end closure panel at the first end of the tubular structure.
The second end closure panel 24A and the fourth end closure panel 28A each form a larger end closure panel at the first end of the tubular structure. The fourth end closure panel 28A may close substantially the entire open end of the tubular structure. The fourth end closure panel 28A may extend substantially between the base panel 18 and the top panel 14. The locking flap 30A may be hingedly connected to the fourth end closure panel 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31A. In the closed condition, the locking flap 30A may engage with the first end closure panel 22A and the third end closure panel 26A to secure the fourth end closure panel 28A.
The blank includes a handle structure. The fourth end closure panel 28A includes a handle opening in the form of a handle aperture HA.
The third end closure panel 24A may include a handle flap 60A hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61A. The handle flap 60A may provide a cushioning flap and may be arranged to fold through the handle aperture HA in the fourth end closure panel 28A about fold line 61A. Folding the handle flap 60A through the handle aperture HA in the fourth end closure panel 28A secures the third end closure panel 24A in place.
The third end closure panel 24A may be disposed outermost and provide a reinforcing feature to the handle structure. The third end closure panel 24A may be arranged to reinforce at least the engaging or carrying edge E1 of the handle aperture HA.
The fifth end closure panel 22B and the seventh end closure panel 26B each form a smaller end closure panel at the second end of the tubular structure.
The sixth end closure panel 24B and the eighth end closure panel 28B each form a larger end closure panel at the second end of the tubular structure.
The eighth end closure panel 28B includes a handle opening in the form of a handle aperture HA.
The sixth end closure panel 24B can include a handle flap 60B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61B. The handle flap 60B may provide a cushioning flap and may be arranged to fold through the handle aperture HA in the eighth end closure panel 28B about fold line 61B. Folding the handle flap 60B through the handle aperture HA in the eighth end closure panel 28B secures the sixth end closure panel 24B in place.
The sixth end closure panel 24B may be disposed outermost and provide a reinforcing feature for the handle structure. The third end closure panel 24A may be arranged to reinforce at least the engaging or carrying edge E2 of the handle aperture HA.
The fifth end closure panel 22B includes a first fixed flap 32B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B. Fold line 33B is oriented obliquely relative to fold line 23B which articulates fifth end closure panel 22B to first side panel 12. Fold line 33B and fold line 23B may define a non-zero angle therebetween, which may be about 45 °.
The seventh end closure panel 26B includes a second fixed flap 34B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B. Fold line 35B is oriented obliquely relative to fold line 27B which hinges seventh end closure panel 26B to second side panel 16. Fold line 35B and fold line 27B may define a non-zero angle therebetween, which may be about 45 °.
The first securing flap 32B is configured to be secured to the sixth end closure panel 24B.
The second securing flap 34B is configured to be secured to the eighth end closure panel 28B.
The carton 90 can be formed in a linear machine through a series of sequential folding operations such that it may not be necessary to rotate or reverse the carton 90 to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements. During loading and assembly of the carton 90, the carton 90 may be oriented such that the end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B at the second end of the tubular structure form a loading surface, wherein the tubular axis of the tubular structure is substantially vertical. The carton 90 may be top loaded through a first end of the tubular structure that forms an upper end in a loading orientation. Alternatively, the carton 90 may be oriented such that the base panel 18 forms a loading or base surface, and the carton 90 may be side loaded through a first end of the tubular structure, wherein the tubular axis of the tubular structure is substantially horizontal.
When the handle structure H is used as a carrying handle by a user, the main panel 14 forms a top panel (top wall) 14.
The main panel 18 forms the base panel 12 when the handle structure H is used as a carrying handle by a user in use. The main panel 12 may also form the base panel 12 when dispensing articles from the carton 90 or when the carton 90 is at rest on a surface (such as a shelf). Thus, it will be appreciated that the descriptive terms "top," "base," and "side" do not necessarily limit the carton 90 to adopting a particular orientation, but rather are used to distinguish those panels from one another.
Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in fig. 2, the blank 10 is folded about the fold line 17 such that the second side panel 18 is disposed in overlying relation to the top panel 16 and such that the securing panel 20 is disposed in face contacting relation to the first side panel 14.
The fifth end closure panel 22B is folded about fold line 23B to bring it into contact with the first side panel 12 as shown in fig. 2.
The sixth end closure panel 24B is folded about fold line 25B to contact the top panel 14.
The seventh end closure panel 26B is folded about fold line 27B to contact the second side panel 16.
The eighth end closure panel 28B is folded about fold line 29B to contact the base panel 18.
The first securing flap 32B is folded about fold line 33B to contact the fifth end closure panel 22B.
The second securing flap 34B is folded about fold line 35B to contact the seventh end closure panel 26B.
Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the surface of the second fixed flap 34B. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the corresponding portion of the eighth end closure panel 28B.
The blank 10 is folded about fold line 17 as shown in fig. 3A. The base panel 18 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the second side panel 16 and with a portion of the top panel 14. With glue panel 20 in face-to-face relation with top panel 14. The eighth end closure panel 28B is brought into face contacting relationship with the second securing flap 34B. The eighth end closure panel 28B is secured to the second securing flap 34B.
Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the surface of the first fixed flap 32B. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the corresponding portion of the sixth end closure panel 26B.
Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the surface of the glued panel 20. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the corresponding portion of the first side panel 12.
The blank 10 is folded about fold line 13 as shown in fig. 3B. The first side panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship with the glue panel 20. The first side panel 12 is secured to the glue panel 20. The first side panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the top panel 14. The first securing flap 32B is brought into face contacting relationship with the sixth end closure panel 26B. The first securing flap 32B is secured to the sixth end closure panel 26B.
Thus, the blank 10 is formed into a flat, collapsed tubular structure 10B that can be easily shipped or distributed to a converting mill where the flat, collapsed tubular structure 10B can be erected into an open-ended tubular structure and loaded with articles.
By expanding the first side panel 12 relative to the base panel 18 such that the first side panel 12 is disposed substantially perpendicularly relative to the base panel 18, the flat collapsed tubular structure 10B may be erected to form a tubular structure that is open at one end.
The end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B are self-erecting to form end walls that close the ends of the tubular structure.
Once the carton 90 has been loaded with articles (not shown), the open end of the carton 90 is closed.
The first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the first end closure panel 22A about fold line 23A and by folding the third end closure panel 26A about fold line 27A.
The fourth end closure panel 28A is then folded about fold line 29A so that it is in contact with the first end closure panel 22A and the third end closure panel 26A. Locking flap 30A is then folded relative to fourth end closure panel 28A and inserted into the interior of carton 90 as fourth end closure panel 28A is folded about fold line 29A.
The second end closure panel 24A is then folded about fold line 25A to bring it into contact with the fourth end closure panel 28A.
The handle flap 60A is then folded about fold line 61A and inserted into the handle aperture HA in the fourth end closure panel 28A to secure the second end closure panel 24A in the folded condition.
The present invention provides an automatic end closure structure for a tubular carrier 90, i.e., an automatically erectable or collapsible end closure 22B/24B/26B/28B/32B/34B, comprising at least three overlapping end closure flaps 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 32B, 34B. The end closure includes a pair of innermost flaps 24B, 28B hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels 14, 18 of the tubular carrier 90 and providing a multi-layered handle. At least one of the pair of innermost petals 24B, 28B includes a handle opening. At least one of the pair of innermost petals 24B, 28B can include a handle petal 60B.
The pair of innermost petals 24B, 28B are disposed in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other; a first innermost flap of the pair of innermost flaps 24B, 28B is disposed outboard of a second innermost flap of the pair of innermost flaps 24B, 28B.
The first innermost flap of the pair of innermost flaps 24B, 28B can include a handle flap 60B. The second innermost flap of the pair of innermost flaps 24B, 28B may include a handle aperture HA. Handle flap 60B is received in handle aperture HA.
The present disclosure provides an end closure structure for a tubular carrier 90 that includes overlapping inner end flaps 28B and outer end flaps 24B hinged to opposing first and second panels 18, 14 of the tubular structure. The tubular carrier 90 includes a pair of first and second outermost end flaps 26B, 22B hinged to the opposite third and fourth panels 16, 12 of the tubular structure. The first outermost end flap 26B has a first hinged fixed flap portion 34B secured to the outer surface of the inner flap 28B. The second outermost end flap 22B has a second hinged fixed flap portion 32B secured to the outer surface of the outer end flap 24B. At least one of the inner end flap 28B and the outer end flap 26B has a handle H disposed between the outermost end flaps 26B, 22B such that it is exposed to the field of view from the exterior of the carrier 90.
It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.
While the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to fully enclosed cartons, it is contemplated that dispensers may be employed in alternative designs of cartons, such as, but not limited to, wraparound cartons, basket carriers, and top gripping clips.
It will be appreciated that directional references (such as "top," "base," "front," "rear," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower") as used herein are not limited to such orientations of the respective panels, but are merely used to distinguish the panels from one another. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; indeed, it is contemplated that the hinged connection can be formed from one or more of: short slits, frangible lines, or fold lines without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.
As used herein, the term "resection port" may refer to one of the following: recesses, notches, grooves, openings, cut lines, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, interrupted cut lines, aligned slits, a line of short scores, and any combination of the above without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" each refer to a variety of lines that define the hinge characteristics of a blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding of portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material relative to one another, or otherwise indicate an optimal panel folding position of the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in practice, the hinged connection can be formed by one or more fold lines.
As used herein, the term "polyline" may refer to one of the following: score lines, relief lines, recessed lines, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, interrupted cut lines, aligned slits, a line of short scores, and any combination of the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the term "split line" may refer to various lines formed in a blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another or otherwise indicate an optimal separation location on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the term "split 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 above.
It should be appreciated that the hinge connection, fold line, and split line can each comprise an element formed in a blank or substrate of sheet material including a perforation, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, a broken cut line, a slit, a score, any combination thereof, and the like. These elements can be sized and arranged to provide the desired function. For example, a row of perforations can be sized or designed with a weakness to define a fold line and/or a split line. The row of perforations can be designed to promote folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, promote folding and promote breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or promote breaking with less effort to provide a split line.

Claims (12)

1. An automatic end closure structure for a tubular carrier, the structure comprising at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the tubular carrier and providing a multi-layered handle.
2. An automatic end closure structure for a tubular carton, the structure comprising at least three overlapping end closure flaps, the at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective ones of a pair of opposed panels of the tubular carton, the pair of innermost flaps arranged to be disposed in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other and to provide a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a handle opening providing a first edge, the other of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a second edge reinforcing the first edge.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprises a handle flap.
4. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the handle flap is located in use inside the carton and is received in the handle opening.
5. The carton of claim 2, wherein the at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprise a first outer end closure flap hinged to a first panel adjacent each of the pair of opposing panels and comprising a first securing flap hingedly connected to the first outer end closure flap and secured to one of the pair of innermost flaps.
6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprise a second outer end closure flap hinged to a second panel opposite the first panel and comprising a second securing flap hingedly connected to the second outer end closure flap and secured to the other of the pair of innermost flaps.
7. A carton according to claim 2 wherein a first one of the pair of innermost flaps is disposed outboard of a second one of the pair of innermost flaps.
8. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing an end of the tubular structure, wherein the end closure structure comprises at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective panels of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier, the pair of innermost flaps being arranged in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other, and wherein the pair of innermost flaps provides a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a handle opening providing a first edge, the other of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a second edge reinforcing the first edge.
9. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing an end of the tubular structure, wherein the end closure structure comprises at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective panels of a pair of opposed panels of the article carrier, the pair of innermost flaps being arranged in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other, and wherein the pair of innermost flaps provides a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a handle opening providing a first edge defining a first handle portion, the other of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a second handle portion arranged in face-to-face relationship with the first handle portion to provide reinforcement.
10. An end closure structure for a tubular carrier comprising overlapping inner and outer end flaps hinged to respective ones of a first pair of opposed panels of the tubular structure, the tubular carrier comprising a pair of first and second outermost end flaps hinged to respective ones of a second pair of opposed panels of the tubular structure, wherein the first outermost end flap has a first hinged fixed flap portion secured to an outer surface of the inner flap and the second outermost end flap has a second hinged fixed flap portion secured to an outer surface of the outer end flap, and wherein at least one of the inner and outer end flaps has a handle disposed between the outermost end flaps such that it is exposed to the field of view from outside the carrier.
11. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing an end of the tubular structure, wherein the end closure structure comprises at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective panels of a pair of opposed panels of the carton, the pair of innermost flaps being arranged in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other in an erected condition, and wherein the pair of innermost flaps provides a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a handle opening providing a first edge, the other of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a second edge reinforcing the first edge.
12. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and an automatically erectable end closure structure for closing an end of the tubular structure, wherein the end closure structure comprises at least three overlapping end closure flaps comprising a pair of innermost flaps hinged to respective panels of a pair of opposed panels of the carton, the pair of innermost flaps being arranged in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other in an erected condition, and wherein the pair of innermost flaps provides a multi-layered handle, at least one of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a handle opening providing a first edge defining a first handle portion, the other of the pair of innermost flaps comprising a second handle portion arranged in face-to-face relationship with the first handle portion to provide reinforcement.
CN202280056322.0A 2021-06-17 2022-06-16 End closure, article carrier and blank therefor Pending CN117813239A (en)

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US202163212022P 2021-06-17 2021-06-17
US63/212022 2021-06-17
PCT/US2022/033818 WO2022266339A1 (en) 2021-06-17 2022-06-16 End closure, article carrier and blank therefor

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US (1) US20240286789A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2024522776A (en)
CN (1) CN117813239A (en)
CA (1) CA3222793A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2023015039A (en)
WO (1) WO2022266339A1 (en)

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US6092716A (en) * 1998-11-06 2000-07-25 Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C. Collapse-resistant, merchandise display

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JP2024522776A (en) 2024-06-21
CA3222793A1 (en) 2022-12-22
MX2023015039A (en) 2024-01-17
WO2022266339A1 (en) 2022-12-22

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