DE60020408T2 - BOX CLOSURE STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Abstract

An end closure structure for a tubular structure has lines of joinder with closure flaps that are disposed to minimize the deformable area of an end wall by creating a tight structure that is less prone to blousing or bulging. The length of top (22) and bottom (26) panels is less than the length of side panels (24). The side panels terminate in weakened lines of joinder (55) that are arced toward adjoining side flaps (25). Almond-shaped transition panels (60) further facilitate a snug, secure end closure that is not easily deformed by bulging or blousing.

Description

The The invention relates to boxes and in particular to boxes with a Closure structure, the integrity and appearance of the box improved.

In forming sealed packages of articles, it is important to have a package that is safe, prone to unexpected opening, and that presents no problems in use. A problem with conventional boxes of the tubular type loaded from the end or from the side is that the end structures become loose when stacking and using the packages. This is particularly the case when items such as beverage cans are packaged in boxes. One solution is to provide bevelled corners. The EP 0 500 258 describes an example of a box with bevelled corners.

modern beverage cans usually Components at the top and at the bottom, which has a smaller one Diameter than the can body exhibit. This means that often a not insignificant Space between the corners of the end structure of a box and the upper ends and the lower ends of the cans is present. About that In addition, the doses are usually designed to be telescopically nested when stacked on top of each other. When packages of cans are stacked, tend the cans thus nest as much as possible. This process reduces the overall height a box, which in turn causes the end walls to move Outside bow. This bending outwards or Bulging is also known as "blousing".

The Blousing creates problems as it can exert disproportionate tension on the flaps, the end walls form the box, which results in stuck wall surfaces failing. A boxing formation of the blousing type also generates one Tab that can cause stubs or otherwise the use to disturb can. The present invention and its preferred embodiments before ferred strive to overcome the problems of the prior art or at least mitigate it.

One Aspect of the invention provides a box comprising opposing ones Ceiling and floor panels and opposite Side panels which are interconnected and form a tubular structure, side flaps, the foldable with the side panels along respective first weakened Connecting lines are connected to main flaps that fold with the ceiling wall surface connected along respective second weakened connection lines are, as well as secondary flaps, which along with the bottom wall surface along third weakling Connecting lines are connected. The first weakened connecting lines each extend completely along an adjacent end edge of the respective side wall surface and run in the direction of the side flaps arcuate, with a length at least one of the top and bottom panels is shorter than a distance between Vertices of arches the side panels.

According to one optional feature of this aspect of the invention are the lengths of Top panel and the bottom wall surface longitudinal shorter as the distance between vertices of arcs of the sidewall surfaces.

According to one another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the Top panel and the bottom wall surface be essentially the same length.

According to one Still another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the box also inwardly inclined transitional panels comprise respective ends of the side panels, each of the first weakened Connecting line is formed, and a fourth weakened connecting line, the inward an imaginary corner of the box is arranged, in order thus the Box to tighten the items.

Preferably is the fourth weakened connection line arcuate, around a transitional wall surface with an elliptical Define form.

In a class of embodiments a handle structure is provided, the fourth weakened connection line along a wall surface is arranged, which forms the handle structure.

According to one still another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, can be the or each side panel separated from its adjacent side flap by the transition panel (s) be.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel for forming a top panel in the erected carton foldably connected to a second panel for forming a side panel in the erect carton foldable with a third wall surface for forming a bottom wall surface in the erect chess telelock foldably connected to a fourth panel to form another side panel in the erected carton, side flaps foldably connected to the second and fourth panels along respective first weakened tie lines, main flaps foldable along respective second weakened tie lines are connected to the first wall surface serving as the top panel in the erected box, side flaps connected along respective third weakened connecting lines to the third wall surface serving as the bottom panel in the erected box. The first weakened connection lines each extend completely along an adjacent end edge of the respective second and fourth wall surfaces and arcuately in the direction of the side flaps, wherein a length of at least one of the first and the third wall surface in the longitudinal direction is shorter than a distance between vertices of arches of the second and the fourth wall surface.

Preferably are the lengths the first wall surface and the third wall surface longitudinal shorter as the distance between vertices of arcs of the second and the fourth Wall surface.

According to one optional feature of this aspect of the invention are the first wall surface and the third wall surface essentially the same length.

According to one another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the Cut further transition panels on comprise respective ends of the second and fourth panels, each weakened from the first Connecting line is formed, and a fourth weakened connecting line, the inward an imaginary corner of the erected box is arranged.

Preferably is the fourth weakened connection line arcuate, around a transitional wall surface with an elliptical Define form. In a class of embodiments, a handle structure provided, the fourth weakened connecting line along a wall surface is arranged, which forms the handle structure.

According to one still another optional feature of this aspect of the invention is the or each second and fourth wall surface of its adjacent Side flap separated by the transition panel.

advantageously, almond-shaped transitional panels facilitate one pliable, secure end closure continues, which is not easy by bulging or blousing is deformed.

exemplary embodiments The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to FIG the attached ones Drawings described.

1 shows an isometric view of a box with a closure structure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a plan view of a blank for forming the box of 1 ,

3 shows a sectional view of the box of 1 from one end.

In The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar features to mark the invention.

In the following explanation of the invention is generally applied simultaneously to the 1 and 2 Referenced. A box 10 with a closure structure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is in 1 shown. A cut 12 who is responsible for the training of the box 10 is suitable is in 2 shown. A tubular structure in 1 is shown, is formed of wall surfaces, which for the sake of simplicity as a ceiling 22 , first sidewall 24 , Ground 26 and second side wall 20 / 28 be designated, wherein the wall surfaces are hingedly connected in series with each other.

The designation of the orientation of these panels refers to the orientation of items, such as cans C, that are packed in the boxes, which is not limiting. Like yourself 1 can be seen, the upright orientation of a can C corresponds to the designation of the wall surfaces 22 and 26 as ceiling or floor panels and the designation of the wall surfaces 24 and the divided wall surface 20 / 28 as side panels. For simplicity, the panels that make up the top and bottom panel assembly in the erected carton 10 ingest, with 22 and 26 and may be considered as the first and third panels in the blank. The end side panel is in split form 20 / 28 however, it may not necessarily be so designed to practice the teachings of the invention. For the sake of simplicity, the first side wall surface 24 may be considered as the second wall surface in the blank and the outermost side wall surface may be considered as the fourth wall surface.

The orientation of each side wall surface the pair of side wall surfaces with respect to each other and from each wall surface of the pair of top and bottom wall surfaces with respect to each other is irrelevant to the effect and the teachings of the invention. For example, the ceiling wall surface 22 as the bottom wall surface 26 may be used without departing from the teachings of the invention.

A variety of flap and gusset structures form an end closure for the tubular structure. In this embodiment, the side flaps 25 . 21 / 29 with respective ends of the side wall surfaces 24 . 20 / 28 along notched, perforated or otherwise weakened connecting lines 55 connected. For the sake of simplicity, these are referred to as the first weakened connection lines. Any weakened connection lines described herein may be notched, perforated or otherwise weakened. The main flaps 23 are along second weakened connecting lines 45 connected to the top panel (or first wall panel). The secondary flaps 27 are along third weakened connecting lines 35 connected to the bottom wall surface (or the third wall surface).

The first weakened connecting lines 55 arcuate towards the side flaps 25 . 21 / 29 , The bogenför shaped connecting lines act in the erected box 55 there, the box 10 to narrow in width at both ends (as in 3 is shown).

The length L2 or L3 (in other words, the distance between the second weakened connecting lines 35 or the third weakened connecting lines 45 ) at least one of the top and bottom panels 26 . 22 is smaller than the length L1 (in other words, the distance between the vertices of the arcuate first weakened connecting lines 55 ) to provide a stronger box closure structure which is less susceptible to being deformed by so-called blousing.

This is achieved by the lengths L2, L3 of the top panel 22 and the bottom wall surface 26 smaller than the distance L1 between the vertices of the sidewalls 24 . 20 / 28 are, so the fold lines 45 . 35 the main flaps 23 or the secondary flaps 27 closer to the bells (chimes) of cans C or similar packaged items or even coincide with them. This makes it possible for the package to be initially made firmer with a smaller free area or smaller unused major and minor flap area affected by the blousing effect. Accordingly, the side flaps 25 . 21 / 29 able to rest in contact with the cans (C) while the main flaps and side flaps 23 . 27 fit snugly to the sections at the top and bottom ends of the cans.

In one class of embodiments, the box end closure is in terms of the items held within the box by means of the arrangement of a transition panel 50 . 60 between the side panels 24 . 20 / 28 and the end walls of the box even made more pliable fitting. Each transitional wall surface 50 . 60 is from a first weakened connection line 55 and a fourth weakened connection line 58 educated. Preferably, the two lines extend with respect to the transition panels 50 . 60 arcuate outward, the fourth weakened connecting line 58 arcuately extending toward the opposite end of the respective side wall surface. This allows the end structures to adhere even more firmly to the packaged articles (such as cans C). In the preferred embodiment, the arcuate weakened lines define 55 . 58 an ellipse, wherein the transition panels / gussets have ends that overlap at the corners of the box. Thus, the transition panels provide a uniform transition from the sidewall surfaces to a narrower endwall structure, which is described in greater detail in FIG 3 is shown.

The curvature of the connecting lines 55 . 58 , which form the transition panel (or gusset), further contributes to the vertical strength of the erected carton. This strength is useful in providing support for attaching the various flaps with respect to each other on the box end closure. In the preferred embodiment, the vertex of each first weakened connection line 55 arranged to coincide with the body of a corner article at the end of a box. Further, the vertex of the fourth weakened connecting line 58 be arranged to coincide with the body of the corner article at its tangent to the side wall surface, so that at least a part of the transition wall surface abuts a portion of the side of the object C.

In the embodiments with a handle structure H having an in 2 Contained carrying strap is the fourth weakened connecting line 58 configured to be placed over or through the belt.

It will be appreciated that the directional references used herein, such as "blanket,""floor,""end,""side,""main," and "side," do not refer to the respective wall surfaces but merely serve to distinguish these wall surfaces from each other. Any reference to a hinged connection or connection lines should not be construed as necessarily indicating a single fold line. Indeed, it is conceivable that a hinged connection may be formed of any of the following without departing from the scope of the invention: a score line, a break line, or a fold line.

It should be recognized that numerous changes within the scope of the present invention can be made. For example, the Size and the Shape of the transition panels and / or The connecting lines are adapted to objects with other size or Form or alternative cover and bottom closure structures can used become. The box may have more than one article in other arrays accommodate.

Claims (14)

Box ( 10 ), comprising opposing ceiling and floor panels ( 22 . 26 ) and opposite side panels ( 24 . 20 . 28 ), which are interconnected and form a tubular structure, side flaps ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) foldable with the side panels ( 24 . 20 . 28 ) along respective first weakened connection lines ( 55 ), main flaps ( 23 ) foldable with the top panel ( 22 ) along respective second weakened connection lines ( 45 ) and secondary flaps ( 27 ) connected to the bottom wall surface ( 26 ) along respective third weakened connection lines ( 35 ), characterized in that the first weakened connecting lines ( 55 ) each completely along an adjacent end edge of the respective side wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ) and in the direction of the side flaps ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) and in that a length (L2, L3) of at least one of the top and bottom wall surfaces ( 22 . 26 ) is shorter than a distance (L1) between vertices of arcs of the side wall surfaces ( 24 . 20 . 28 ). Box according to claim 1, wherein the lengths (L2, L3) of the top panel ( 22 ) and the bottom wall surface ( 26 ) are shorter than the distance (L1) between vertices of arcs of the side wall surfaces ( 24 . 20 . 28 ). Box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top panel ( 22 ) and the bottom wall surface ( 26 ) are substantially the same length. A carton according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carton further comprises inwardly sloping transition panels (10). 50 . 60 ) at respective ends of the side panels ( 24 . 20 . 28 ), each of the first weakened connecting line ( 55 ), and a fourth weakened connection line ( 58 ) located inwardly of an imaginary corner of the box so as to tighten the box around the items. Box according to claim 4, wherein the fourth weakened connecting line ( 58 ) is arcuate to a transition wall surface ( 50 . 60 ) with an ellipsoidal shape. A carton according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carton has a handle structure (H), the fourth weakened tie line (H) 58 ) along a wall surface ( 20 . 28 ) is arranged, which forms the handle structure (H). Box according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the or each side wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ) from its adjacent side flap ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) through the transition wall surface (s) ( 50 . 60 ) is disconnected. Cut ( 12 ) for forming a box ( 10 ), the blank ( 12 ) a first wall surface ( 22 ) for forming a top panel in the erected carton foldable with a second panel (Fig. 24 ) is connected to form a side panel in the erected carton foldable with a third panel (Fig. 26 ) is connected to form a bottom wall surface in the erected box foldable with a fourth wall surface (Fig. 20 . 28 ) is connected to form another side wall surface in the erected box, side flaps ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) along respective first weakened connection lines ( 55 ) foldable with the second and the fourth wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ), main flaps ( 23 ) along respective second weakened connection lines ( 45 ) foldable with the first wall surface ( 22 ) serving as the top panel in the erected box, side flaps ( 27 ) along respective third weakened connection lines ( 35 ) with the third wall surface ( 26 ), which serves as the bottom wall surface in the erected box, characterized in that the first weakened connecting lines ( 55 ) are each completely along an adjacent end edge of the respective second and fourth wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ) and in the direction of the side flaps ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) and in that a length (L2, L3) of at least one of the first and the third wall surface ( 22 . 26 ) is shorter than a distance (L1) between vertices of arcs of the second and the fourth wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ). A blank according to claim 8, wherein the lengths (L2, L3) of the first wall surface ( 22 ) and the third wall surface ( 26 ) are shorter than the distance (L1) between vertexes of arcs of the second and fourth wall surfaces ( 24 . 20 . 28 ). Blank according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first wall surface ( 22 ) and the third wall surface ( 26 ) are substantially the same length. A blank according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the blank further comprises transition panels ( 50 . 60 ) at respective ends of the second and fourth wall surfaces ( 24 . 20 . 28 ), each of the first weakened connecting line ( 55 ), and a fourth weakened connection line ( 58 ) located inwardly of an imaginary corner of the erected box. A blank according to claim 11, wherein the fourth weakened connecting line ( 58 ) is arcuate to a transition wall surface ( 50 . 60 ) with an ellipsoidal shape. Blank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the blank has a handle structure (H), the fourth weakened connecting line (H) 58 ) along a wall surface ( 20 . 28 ) is arranged, which forms the handle structure (H). A blank according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the or each second and fourth wall surface ( 24 . 20 . 28 ) from its adjacent side flap ( 25 . 21 . 29 ) through the transition wall surface ( 50 . 60 ) is disconnected.