EP0592606A1

EP0592606A1 - A blank for grouping articles together

Info

Publication number: EP0592606A1
Application number: EP92916370A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven James Nicholas; David Cosker; Robert Wilkinson; Stuart Austin Coe; John Chislett; Roger Bernard Horton
Original assignee: DAVID S SMITH Ltd
Current assignee: DAVID S SMITH Ltd
Priority date: 1991-07-26
Filing date: 1992-07-24
Publication date: 1994-04-20
Also published as: HU9400227D0; GB2258447A; HUT68991A; CA2114134A1; GB9208464D0; IE922415A1; WO1993002941A1; GB2258447B; AU2362392A; JPH06509310A; AU657160B2

Abstract

L'invention concerne une ébauche de matériau en feuille dans laquelle sont ménagées des découpes (35, 36, 40, 42) qui, lorsque l'ébauche est pliée le long des lignes de pliure, forment des colliers respectifs destinés à recevoir les articles à maintenir. Les lignes de pliure (6) sont disposées de façon que, lorsque l'ébauche est pliée, une nervure de renforcement et d'espacement se forme entre les articles juxtaposés et s'étend vers le bas à partir de du plan général de la partie restante du matériau en feuille. La nervure de renforcement et d'espacement est formée de préférence dans le sens perpendiculaire à une ligne réunissant les récipients respectifs. De manière générale, l'ébauche est conçue de façon à maintenir des groupes de récipients pour boisson et nourriture lorsqu'elle est pliée.The invention relates to a blank of sheet material in which there are cutouts (35, 36, 40, 42) which, when the blank is folded along the fold lines, form respective collars intended to receive the articles to be to keep. The fold lines (6) are arranged so that when the blank is folded, a reinforcing and spacing rib is formed between the juxtaposed articles and extends downward from the general plane of the part remaining sheet material. The reinforcing and spacing rib is preferably formed in the direction perpendicular to a line joining the respective containers. Generally, the blank is designed to hold groups of beverage and food containers when folded.

Description

A bl ank for groupi ng arti cl es together

The present invention relates to means for grouping articles, and in general to means for grouping and retaining articles such as containers having rims (for example cans for containing beverages or foodstuffs).

At present, beverage or food cans are frequently grouped together using a resilient plastics grouping member, which typically defines four circular apertures which are arranged to engage a respective four beverage or food cans around a recess provided immediately below the rims of respective cans, so as to group and retain the cans together. The grouping member is typically discarded after use; because it is of plastics material it can become a hazard to the environment and is not easily disposed of.

We have now devised improved means for grouping articles. According to the present invention, therefore, there is provided a blank of sheet material for forming grouping means for a plurality of articles arranged in side by side relationship, which blank is provided with a plurality of cut-out portions shaped and dimensioned to provide a corresponding plurality of collars, each collar being suitable to receive a respective one of said articles, said blank having a plurality of fold lines such that said blank can be folded to provide at least one strengthening and spacing ridge intermediate between respective adjacent articles and extending downwardly from the general plane of the remainder of said sheet material.

Typically, the articles received by the collars defined by the cut-out portions will be containers such as beverage/food cans or the like; certain embodiments of the grouping means according to the invention are also particularly suitable for use in grouping other articles, articles such as eggs, certain fruits, or the like. References in the specification to advantageous aspects of the grouping means in relation to containers should be interpreted as providing similar advantages in relation to other articles.

It is preferred that when the blank is folded the downwardly extending strengthening and spacing ridge extends intermediate between the respective adjacent articles in a direction which is transverse to a line joining the respective articles. -9-

Typically the fold lines which enable a respective ridge to be formed are substantially parallel and may be scored or perforated to provide easier folding; the strengthening and spacing ridge typically comprising parts of the blank which are contiguous to one another or either side of a central fold line being bonded together.

Advantageously, each ridge comprises three fold lines such that when folded, adjacent faces of the fold may be adhered to one another to form a ridge of double the thickness of the sheet material extending downwardly between respective adjacent articles. It is preferred that the cut-out portions in the blank are arranged such that the articles are grouped in an arrangement of rows and columns. Advantageously, each set of fold lines is arranged to provide a strengthening and spacing ridge intermediate the or each row or column.

It is particularly preferred that the sets of fold lines are arranged to provide a downwardly extending ridge intermediate each article and adjacent articles in each respective row and columns such that strengthening and spacing ridges are provided along at least two substantially mutually perpendicular axes.

In a "first embodiment, the cut-out portions may be substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the article, with the article arranged to project through the surface of the blank.

Typically, in this embodiment the articles to be received in the respective cut¬ out portions are containers, typically of circular cross section, and therefore collars formed by the cut-out portions in the blank are typically circular, octagonal, hexagonal or any other shape capable of suitably receiving a container of circular cross-section. In particular, respective collars are arranged to be at least partly arcuate and extend at least partly around a correspondingly arcuate portion of a respective container. The cut-out portions may, in one embodiment, be pre-formed as suitably shaped collars. However in an alternative embodiment the cut-out portions may define non-unitary boundary members, the free ends of which can be disposed in an overlapping arrangement to form a rounded corner of the blank. In this alternative embodiment, the upper edges of the non-unitary boundary members in use lie contiguous with the lowermost extent of the upper peripheral rim of the container, with, advantageously, a cover portion of the blank at least partially overlying the upper end of the container. Typically, in this embodiment, further cut-out portions will be provided in the blank arranged to receive and engage with other spaced portions of the upper peripheral rim of the container.

The circular containers typically have an outwardly projecting rim or lip and may also have an associated adjacent recess immediately below the rim as may typically be found on beverage cans. It is therefore preferred that the edge of each cut-out portion is provided with engagement means for engaging with the container immediately below the rim or lip of the respective container.

In one embodiment the engagement means may be in the form of a plurality of spaced slits provided in the blank extending away from edges of respective cut-out portions. The plurality of slits effectively provide a resilient peripheral rim for each respective cut-out portion. When the collars formed by the cut-out portions are circular, the engagement means may be in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced slits in the blank extending radially outward from the edge of respective cut-out portions.

It is preferred that scored crease lines are provided spaced from and surrounding the rim of each respective cut-out portion to aid in formation of the resilient peripheral rim of the cut-out portions in the region of the slits. Advantageously the scored crease lines form a shape around each respective cut-out portion, corresponding to the shape of that cut-out portion.

In a preferred embodiment, four substantially circular or octagonal collars are provided. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the fold lines are arranged to be folded to provide two ridge axes which are mutually substantially perpendicular. In a second embodiment, six substantially circular or octagonal collars are provided. In this embodiment it is preferred that the fold lines are arranged to be folded to provide two ridge axes which are substantially parallel to one another and a third ridge axis substantially perpendicular thereto. Typically in these embodiments, each ridge axis will have two ridges lying thereon spaced about the point of intersection of the two perpendicular axes.

In the alternative embodiment mentioned above, the engagement means is typically the upper edge of the non-unitary boundary members provided on the blank, and also preferably, the further cut-out apertures provided in the blank. It is preferred that further fold lines are provided defining a periphery around the plurality of containers. Advantageously these further fold lines define a substantially square or rectangular periphery around the plurality of containers and also define peripheral flap portions of the blank which may be folded along the fold lines to form flaps extending downwardly substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the remainder of the blank. Advantageously at least four flaps are defined, individual ones of which flaps may be bonded or adhered to respective other ones of the flaps to form a securing surround for the containers. Typically the surround will be in the form of a substantially continuous outer wall extending around substantially the entire periphery of the plurality of articles when the blank is assembled. Advantageously, the substantially continuous outer wall comprises wall portions extending in substantially mutually transverse perpendicular directions.

Li the alternative embodiment mentioned above, the surround portion comprises the non-unitary boundary members which in use are disposed in overlapping relationship to form a rounded comer of the blank contiguous with the downwardly extending surface of the container.

It is preferred that one or more of the flap portions comprising the surround are provided with a line of perforations extending towards, and preferably up to, the outermost edge of the flap portion; preferably extending from a respective fold line defining the rectangular or square periphery around the containers. It is particularly preferred that each wall portion comprising the rectangular or square outer surround is provided with at least one line of perforation extending to the outermost edge of a respective flap portion.

Typically the blank is formed from a sheet of rigid or semi-rigid material which may be, for example, of card.

Advantageously the blank is provided with handle formations arranged when the blank is formed into the grouping means, to define handle means. In one embodiment the handle formations comprise respective sets of fold lines provided intermediate selected cut-out portions to provide upwardly projecting handle means. In an alternative embodiment, the handle means may comprise flap portions of the blank, preferably extending downwardly, the flap portions typically defining the boundary of a finger-receiving aperture when the blank is assembled. Typically the upwardly projecting handle means are provided with respective apertures therethrough shaped and dimensioned to receive a person's finger (or fingers) enabling the group of articles to be carried thereby.

The invention will now be further described in several embodiments by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of blank according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 1 in use in grouping a plurality of containers;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a first alternative blank according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a second alternative blank according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified blank similar to the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a third alternative blank according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a fourth alternative blank according to the invention arranged to group two containers;

Figures 8 to 10 are alternative blanks similar to that shown in Figure 7 arranged to group three, four and six containers respectively;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a blank according to the invention, the blank shown being adapted to group a plurality of eggs;

Figure 12 is a plan view of a yet further embodiment of a blank according to the invention.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a still further embodiment of a blank according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a plan view of still yet a further embodiment of a blank according to the invention.

Figure 15 is a plan view of a further alternative blank according to the invention; and

Figure 16 is a plan view of a blank similar to that shown in Figure 15 but arranged to group six articles. Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 in particular, the blank, generally designated 1, is made of semi-rigid card material and includes four circular "cut¬ out" apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

The four apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, are provided at their circumferential edges with a plurality of radially extending slits 3, the purpose of which is outlined below. A fifth substantially square "cut-out" portion 4, is provided centrally, so as to enable to blank 1 to be suitably folded to form "grouping means" as outlined below. The apertures are arranged in rows 2a, 2b, and 2c, 2d, and columns 2a, 2d and 2b, 2c, the rows and columns being mutually perpendicular.

Scored fold lines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d define the substantially square periphery of the blank around the apertures 2 which in use forms the upper substantially planar surface of a device for grouping cans or the like. Intermediate each adjacent pair of apertures 2 is a respective series of three scored fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c which extend substantially parallel to two respective peripheral fold lines 5 from a normal peripheral fold line 5 to a central "cut-out" portion 4. Each peripheral fold line 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, has a flap portion 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, divided into two flaps by means of cut lines 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.

The blank 1 is formed into a device for grouping cans or the like together by folding along each of the fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c such that the folded edges 6a and 6c of each folded portion are brought close together with the intermediate fold line 6b forced downwards relative to the remainder of the blank 1. In this way, faces 9a, 9b of the fold portion are brought into contiguous relationship, with an adhesive applied therebetween to secure the fold in position forming a downwardly extending folded ridge 10 (see Figure 2). All four groups of fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c are similarly folded and adhered such that four downwardly extending ridges 10 are formed spaced at 90° intervals on two perpendicular axes A and B which intersect at the centre of the group of apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

Once the fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c have been folded and adhered in the manner described, a respective container, in this case a respective beverage can 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is inserted into the respective aperture 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d from below, such that the slits 3 resiliently deform around the rim 11 of the can 10 on insertion, and "snap back" to engage the recess immediately below the rim of the can, in the manner of a collar. In this way, the cans 20 are securely grouped and held by the blank 1. Circular perforated or scored crease lines 14 (shown for convenience only around aperture 2c) are provided to aid the resilient deformation of the slitted portion of the blank. To further ensure secure grouping of the cans 20, flap portions 7 are folded along respective peripheral fold lines 5 to form an outer fence or surround for the grouping device with adjacent flaps 7 being secured to adjacent flaps 7 by means of adhesion of tab portions 13 using suitable adhesive. The cut lines 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d enable the two flaps 7 to slide relative to one another when the ridges 10 are formed and prevent buckling of the flaps 7 as would otherwise be the case.

As can be seen from Figure 1 , several flap portions formed from adjacent flaps 7 are provided with perforation lines 15 extending outwardly from the peripheral fold lines 5 to the outermost edges of the respective flap 7. In use, when a container such as a beverage can is being removed from the pack by tugging the base of the container outwards, the blank material tears along the perforated line 15 making removal of the container easier.

Referring now to Figure 3, features of the alternative blank corresponding to those shown in Figure 1 are identified by like reference numerals. In the alternative arrangement shown, octagonal receiving apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, each have a series of outwardly extending slits 3 provided around the periphery. These function on the same way as the corresponding apertures shown on Figure 1 retaining the containers in the pack, with scored crease lines 14 (shown around aperture 2d only for convenience) aiding the resilience of the slitted portion around each aperture 2.

The blank is folded and secured in a similar manner to the blank Figure 1, with individual containers being removed in the same way by levering each container relative o the remainder of the pack causing the pack to tear along a respective perforation line 15.

Referring now to the blank shown in Figure 4, the features of the blank shown are generally identical to those of the blank shown in Figure 3 with folding and securing being effected in a similar manner to the blank of Figures 1 and 3. In this embodiment, octagonal receiving apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are again provided with perforations 14 and outwardly extending slits 3 being provided for ease of retention and securing of the containers in the pack as described above for Figures 1 and 3. In addition, slots 22 are provided at alternative vertices of the octagonal apertures, which serve to prevent buckling of the surface of the blank when containers are inserted into the apertures by reducing stresses induced at those points. Further triangular cut-out portions 21 are provided in the region of the three "ridge forming" fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c. Once the blank has been folded and the container inserted, the triangular cut-out portions 21 provide a recess immediately behind the outer wall formed by the flaps 7 into which recess a finger may be inserted and wedged between the wall 7 and containers enabling the pack to be carried.

Referring to Figure 5, the assembled blank 1 is shown (with peripheral flaps 7 not shown for convenience) with the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and intermediate downwardly projecting ridges 10 clearly shown.

Referring to Figure 6, features of the alternative blank which correspond to those shown in the preceding figures are identified by like numerals. In this embodiment cut¬ out portions 23 define non-unitary boundaries comprising free end portions or flaps 24 (separated by cut line 24a) which can, in use, be disposed in an overlapping arrangement (not shown) so as to form collars suitable to wrap around portions of, and thereby receive, individual containers. In such an arrangement, the free end portions or flaps 24 overlap and are secured to define rounded boundary wall co ers of blank 1. When the blank is assembled, the downwardly extending boundary wall comprises the overlapping and secured free end portions or flaps 24 extends around the entire periphery of the group of containers, thereby ensuring the containers are securely grouped together and adding to the rigidity of the assembled blank.

Referring now to Figure 7, the blank 1 shown is cut or stamped from a generally rectangular cardboard sheet, with the shaded area being removed. The set of fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c, are similar to those previously described for the alternative blanks described above in this case being provided intermediate adjacent cover portions 30a, 30b formed by removal of the cut-out portions 37, 38.

In use, the cover portions 30a, 30b, overlay the top of respective containers in the grouped array. Peripheral non-unitary boundary members 31, 32, 33, 34, are formed when the blank is cut out, and subsequently folded downwardly relative to the cover portions 30a, 30b, and around the containers (which are typically circular in section) where the ends of respective pairs 31, 33 and 32, 34, overlap and are secured to one another by suitable adhesive. As a result a peripheral surround wall is formed which is in use contiguous with the curved outer wall of the containers. The edges 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, of the non-unitary boundary members in use form the uppermost wall of the surround wall, and engage with the lower edge of the container rim, with the upper edge of the container rim contiguous with the lower edge of the container rim gripped between the cover portion 30a or 30b and respective edges 31a, 33a or 32a, 34a. Further cut-out apertures 35, 36 are provided on the blank having longitudinal aperture edges arranged to receive and retain further portions of the upper container rim.

The blank shown in Figure 8 is generally similar to the blank shown in Figure 7 with cover portions 30a, 30b, being formed by removal of cut-out portions 37, 38, however a third cover portion 30c is provided such that three cans may be grouped in a row cut-out apertures 39, 40, 41, 42, are provided for gripping the rim of the intermediate container with the end containers being retained in the same manner as described above between cover portions 30a, 30b and edges of the respective non-unitary boundary members 31, 32, 33, 34, comprising the surround wall.

Figures 9 and 10 show blanks similar to those in Figures 7 and 8, but in these cases arranged to group containers in arrays of four and six respectively.

Referring to Figure 11, there is shown a blank 50 in its unfolded state, which is when folded adapted to receive six fresh eggs. The blank 50 is folded in a generally similar manner to that described above in relation to the folding of blanks for receiving containers, four downwardly extending ridges being formed by folding along fold lines 51a, 51b, 51c. Cut-out portions (shaded) are provided in the blank, those identified by reference numerals 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 defining the collars for receiving the eggs (not shown). Each circular aperture defines a respective collar is provided with radially extending slits extending therefrom, the slits providing a resiliently deformable collar rim arranged to receive a respective egg which is inserted therein. Cover portions 58, 59 are folded along fold line 60 and define top and bottom covers of the grouping means. Peripheral flaps 61 are folded downwardly are adhered to one another (or to respective cover portions 58, 59) to provide a rigid outer wall for the grouping means. Finally, with eggs inserted in respective collar apertures 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, the grouping means is folded along axis X-X with the collar apertures 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, mating with the upper portions of the eggs projecting from respective collar apertures 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57.

Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a blank similar to that shown in Figure 6, which is adapted to group (in a similar manner) eight containers in respective collars defined by respective cut-out portions 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70. As described above, the downwardly extending ridge portions, which in use lie intermediate adjacent containers, are defined by respective sets of three fold lines 6a, 6b, 6c. In this embodiment, the blank 1 is provided with further cut-out portions (further shaded portions) and fold lines 71, 72, 73 arranged to define handle portions 74 extending upwardly from the general plane of the blank when folded (i.e. out of the plane of the paper in Figure 12), such that the grouping means may be carried thereby.

Referring to Figure 13, the blank shown is similar to that described with reference to Figure 6, and like parts are identified with like reference numerals. In the embodiment shown, the central 'cut-out' portion 4 is provided with peripheral flaps 80 which, when the blank is assembled, extend downwardly thereby defining the periphery of a central finger-receiving aperture by which the pack may be lifted. The embodiment shown in Figure 13 also differs from that shown in Figure 6 in that sets of creases 81 are provided on certain end portions 24 enabling the respective curved boundary wall comers to more easily be formed to correspond to the outer surface contour of the containers being held.

Referring to Figure 14, the blank shown is generally similar to the blank described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. The blank 1 is provided with flap portions 80 around the periphery of the central 'cut-out' portion 4. These flap portions being arranged (when the blank is assembled) deform downwardly about scored fold lines 82 to form a finger-receiving aperture by which the pack may be lifted. The blank is also provided with sets of creases 81 similar in nature and purpose with those described above with reference to Figure 13. Referring now to the blanks shown in Figures 15 and 16, these are identical to one another in all respects save that the blank shown in Figure 15 is adapted to receive four containers, and the blank shown in Figure 16 adapted to receive six containers. Both blanks are generally similar in structural terms to the blank shown in Figure 6, however in this instance, the cut line 24a is replaced with a pair of angled crease lines 90, 91 such that adjacent flap portions 24 are in fact connected to one another. During assembly the downwardly depending outer boundary wall comprising the flaps 24 is formed in a similar manner as for the other blanks described above (particularly that shown in Figure 6). In this instance, the flaps 24 fold along the crease lines 90, 91 such that the intermediate portion 92 becomes sandwiched between adjacent flap portions where it is secured with adhesive to form the continuous, downwardly depending outer wall. It has been found that since adjacent flaps 24 are not separated by an intervening cut line 24a (see Figure 6), mechanised assembly of the blank is more practical than with other blanks.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A blank of sheet material for forming grouping means for a plurality of articles arranged in side by side relationship, which blank is provided with a plurality of cut¬ out portions shaped and dimensioned to provide a corresponding plurality of collars, each collar being suitable to receive a respective one of said articles, said blank having a plurality of fold lines such that said blank can be folded to provide at least one strengthening and spacing ridge intermediate between respective adjacent articles and extending downwardly from the general plane of the remainder of said sheet material.

2. A blank according to claim 1, wherein said fold lines are substantially parallel to one another and are scored or perforated.

3. A blank according to claims 1 or 2, wherein there are three said fold lines such that when folded, adjacent faces of the fold may be adhered to one another to form a ridge of double the thickness of the sheet material.

4. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the cut-out portions in the blank are arranged such that the articles can be grouped in an arrangement of rows and columns.

5. A blank according to claim 4, wherein said fold lines are arranged to provide a respective strengthening and spacing ridge intermediate each row or column.

6. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the collars are arranged to be at least partly arcuate and extend at least partly around a correspondingly arcuate portion of a respective article.

7. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein said strengthening and spacing ridges are provided along at least two substantially mutually perpendicular axes.

8. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein the collars are arranged such that respective articles may project through said general plane.

9. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the collars defined by the cut-out portions are adapted to receive respective containers.

10. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein edges of the cut-out portions are provided with engagement means for engaging with a respective article immediately below a rim or lip provided thereon.

11. A blank according to claim 10, wherein the engagement means comprises a plurality of spaced slits provided in the blank and extending away from edges of respective cut¬ out portions.

12. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein scored crease lines are provided spaced from and surrounding the rim of each respective cut-out portion.

13. A blank according to any preceding claim, wherein further fold lines are provided, said further fold lines defining peripheral flap portions of the blank which may be folded along the further fold lines to form a peripheral surround for the articles depending downwardly from the general plane of the remainder of said sheet material.

14. A blank according to claim 13, wherein, when said blank is assembled, said peripheral surround provides a substantially continuous outer wall extending around the entire periphery of said plurality of articles.

15. A blank according to claim 13 or 14, wherein one or more of said peripheral flap portions is provided with a line of perforations extending towards the outermost edge of said flap portion.

16. A blank according to any preceding claim further provided with formations arranged to define handle means for said grouping means.