EP1064206A1 - Wrap-around article carrier - Google Patents

Wrap-around article carrier

Info

Publication number
EP1064206A1
EP1064206A1 EP99914921A EP99914921A EP1064206A1 EP 1064206 A1 EP1064206 A1 EP 1064206A1 EP 99914921 A EP99914921 A EP 99914921A EP 99914921 A EP99914921 A EP 99914921A EP 1064206 A1 EP1064206 A1 EP 1064206A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
article
flap
top panel
aperture
carrier
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP99914921A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1064206B1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Blin
Alain Saulas
Jean-Michel Auclair
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
Mead Corp
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 Mead Corp filed Critical Mead Corp
Publication of EP1064206A1 publication Critical patent/EP1064206A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1064206B1 publication Critical patent/EP1064206B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • 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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
    • B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
    • B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
    • B65D71/18—Tabs inwardly folded tabs from the upper or lower wall
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00154—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked
    • B65D2571/00172—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked by tabs cut within one end and facing towards the other end when blank is unfolded, and co-operting with openings at the other end
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00259—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper inwardly folded tabs, i.e. elements substantially narrower than the corresponding package dimension
    • B65D2571/00265—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper inwardly folded tabs, i.e. elements substantially narrower than the corresponding package dimension extending from the upper or lower wall
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00438—Holes
    • B65D2571/00444—Holes for fingers
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654—Blanks
    • B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00716—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular without end walls

Definitions

  • This invention relates to article carriers and blanks which are particularly useful for carrying articles, for example, bottles. More particularly, the invention relates to an article carrier of the wrap-around type and is concerned with an improved article retention and carrier reinforcing feature which receive neck portions of bottles accommodated in the carrier.
  • Neck retention means in wrap-around carriers are well known.
  • US 5 549,197 (Riverwood) illustrates a wraparound carrier incorporating downwardly folded retaining flaps struck from and connected to side panels of the carrier. The retaining flaps are used to support a neck portion of an article.
  • the present invention and its preferred embodiments seek to overcome or attempt mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.
  • One aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for containing a plurality of necked articles comprising a top, bottom and opposed side panels interconnected together, wherein the top panel comprises article receiving and retaining means including an article engaging tab formed from the top panel, which article retaining flap is adapted to be folded inwardly of the top panel thereby to define an aperture for receiving a neck portion of the article and wherein the article retaining flap abuts said neck portion to engage and retain said article.
  • the article receiving and retaining means comprises a pair of complementary retaining flaps, each being hinged to on opposite edges of said aperture.
  • the or each hinged flap is foldably joined to the edge of the associated bottle neck receiving aperture along a fold line comprising two angularly related parts.
  • the angularly related parts intersect at the stress relief fold lines defining therebetween an intermediate panel adjacent an end edge of said top panel.
  • this aspect of the invention there may further comprise an outer part adjacent a main part of the top panel which outer part is intermediate adjacent articles receiving and retaining means, wherein the outer part of the top panel is so constructed to be folded out of alignment with the adjacent main part.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides an article receiving and retaining means for an article carrier for packaging articles having a necked portion, said article receiving and retaining means being struck from the top panel of the carrier comprises an aperture formed in part in the top panel and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to the edge of the aperture which flap is adapted to put in an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion there of which extends inwardly of the carrier which is adapted to engage a neck portion of an article retained in the aperture.
  • a third aspect of the invention provides a blank comprising opposed side wall panels and a top panel being foldably interconnected, article receiving and retaining means formed from the top panel, said means comprising an aperture adapted to receive a portion of an article in use and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to an edge of said aperture which flap is adapted to abut the article received in the aperture in use, wherein the flap is adapted to pivot into an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion there of which extends through the aperture in use, the portion of said flap being adapted to engage a neck part of the article.
  • An advantage of the carrier outlined in any one of the aspects of the invention may be that there is provided a carton which can package two or more rows of cartons and/or the top panel to be defined which is not limited in its dimensions, thereby improving carrying capabilities in those carriers with handle means.
  • a larger area of the side panel can be used as an advertising panel.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article engaging and retaining means according to a first embodiment of the invention in a uniform blank;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article engaging and retaining means shown in Fig. 1 in a formed condition in engagement with article A;
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the article engaging and retaining means according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the article carrier shown in Fig. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of the article engaging and retaining means according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the article engaging and retaining means shown in Fig. 5.
  • an article carrier is formed from one or more blanks of paperboard or other suitable foldable sheet material.
  • the article carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles each. It is envisaged the carton can be adapted to accommodate a different number and/or configuration of articles, according to user requirements.
  • the blank 10 comprises a first base panel 14, inclined heel (or sloping) panel 16, first side panel 18 comprising lower, middle and upper side panels 20, 21 22, top panel 24, second side panel 26 comprising upper, middle and lower side panels 27, 28, 29, inclined heel panel 30 and second base panel 32 hingably connected one to the next along fold lines 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 respectively.
  • Article receiving and retaining means 12 which can be of a known type as shown in Fig. 1 is formed in a top wall 24 of a wrap-around carrier.
  • the article receiving and retaining means 12 can be formed at the ends of the tubular structure of a wraparound carton, for example to retain the end corner articles (as shown in Fig. 1) or alternatively, can be provided for one or more of the articles held in a carrier.
  • the article receiving and retaining means 12 comprises a retaining aperture 54 which, in this example, receives the neck portion of a bottle, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the article receiving and retaining means 12 may also comprise one or more retaining flaps 56, 58 which in the formed carton, provide internal flap portions that abut part of the neck of an article A.
  • first flap 56 including outer, and inner flap portions 60, 62 respectively.
  • Outer flap portion 60 is hinged to top wall 24 along fold line 64, and to inner flap portion 58 along fold line 66.
  • Inner flap portion 62 is hinged to top panel 24 along fold line 68.
  • a cut line 70 is struck from fold line 64 and fold line 68 at their interconnection to make folding easier and can define a portion which extends upwardly above the top panel, as illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • First flap 56 may be struck from top panel 24, to define an outer side edge 72, and an inner side edge 74 which are interconnected by a cut line 76 defining an end edge of first flap 56.
  • First flap 56 is pivotal about the fold lines 64 and 66 such that these fold lines 64, 66 and optional cut line 70 together define a lateral edge 71 of aperture 54 in use, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • a complementary second flap 58 comprises outer, and inner flap portions 78, 80 respectively. In this embodiment, second flap 58 is a larger area than of first flap 56.
  • first and second flaps 56, 58 need not necessarily be different sizes and could be identical in construction.
  • one flap only might be provided for a given article receiving and retaining means 12. It is envisaged that where two flaps are provided, they need not abut along cut line 76 and indeed, a significant gap could be provided between the flaps, for example.
  • second flap 58 the outer portion 78 is foldably connected to top wall 24 along fold line 82 and to inner portion 80 along fold line 86. Inner portion 80 is hingably connected to top panel 24 along fold line 88. Likewise, a second cut line 90 can be optionally provided to separate fold line 82 from fold line 86. Second flap 58 is struck from top panel 24, to define an outer side edge 92 and an inner side edge 94 which is interconnected by cut line 76 defining one end edge of second flap 32. Second flap 58 is pivotal about fold lines 82, 88 such that these fold lines 82, 88 and cut line 90 together define an opposing lateral edge 73 of aperture 54, as shown in Fig. 2. When both flaps 56, 58 are co-planer, such as when the carrier is in blank form illustrated in Fig. 1, the aperture 54 is substantially closed. Optionally, the aperture 54 may extend in to the side wall 18.
  • the carrier is formed to package two rows of three articles.
  • the blank 10 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a further article receiving and retaining means 12 for one row of articles formed from top wall 24.
  • article receiving and retaining means 13 for a second row of articles is also formed from top wall 24.
  • Article receiving and retaining means 13 is substantially the same as retaining means 12 and is therefore not described in any greater detail.
  • a pair of apertures 94 adapted to receive articles positioned intermediate the end most articles. These apertures can support a neck portion of the articles and may optionally include a pair of substantially "V" shaped cut lines 96, 98 struck from the side panels 18, 26 to define fold lines for support tabs that protrude outwardly of the side wall 18.
  • the carton can also include article heel retention means 99 formed from the panels, as is well known in the art.
  • Handle tabs 93 may be struck from top panel 24. Suitable known securing means are provided to secure the base panels together. In this embodiment, locking and retaining tabs 95, 97 are provided as is well known.
  • the second embodiment illustrates article receiving and retaining means 112 formed in the top panel 124 which corresponds to article receiving and retaining means 12 illustrated in Fig. 1, with corresponding features shown in Fig. 3 prefixed by the numeral "1".
  • the second embodiment illustrates article receiving and retaining means 112 which further comprises a pair of divergent fold lines 111, 113 struck from top panel 124 and extending outwardly from the intersection of fold lines 164 and 166 to the end edges of top panel 124 to define intermediate panel 115.
  • Fold lines 111, 113 are intended to act as stress relief folds.
  • intermediate panel 115 may be moved out of the plane of top panel to minimise unwanted flexing of top panel 124, thereby to improve the rigidity of the end portion of the top panel.
  • the third embodiment which is adapted for large glass bottles, there is illustrated article receiving and retaining means 212 formed in the top panel 224 which corresponds to article receiving and retaining means 12 illustrated in Fig. 1, with corresponding features shown in Fig. 5 prefixed by the numeral "2".
  • the third embodiment illustrates the or each article receiving and retaining means 212 which further comprises a pair of divergent fold lines 211,213 struck from top panel 224 and extending outwardly from the intersection of fold lines 264 and 266 to the end edge of top panel 224 to define intermediate panel 215.
  • Fold lines 211, 213 are intended to act as stress relief folds.
  • intermediate panel 215 may be moved out of the plane of top panel to minimise unwanted flexing of top panel 224.
  • the article receiving and retaining means 212 may further comprise a pair of flaps 231,233 struck from and foldably connected to each upper side panel 222,227 illustrated in Fig. 5, which are adapted to be folded out of alignment with the associated upper side panel 222,227, to receive and retain a shoulder portion of the article A.
  • the flaps 56, 58 are displaced inwardly by suitable means which may be similar, at least in function to those known, for example from WO 94/25363.
  • the top panel 24 of the carrier blank 10 is applied to the tops of a group of articles A to be packaged in the carrier, and the side walls 18, 26 folded downwardly to be disposed in flanking relationship along the side walls of the articles.
  • the neck portion of an article A is thereby engaged in the aperture 54 and is also received by the flaps 56, 58 of article receiving and retaining means 12.
  • each flap is folded during the set up of the article engaging and retaining means about fold line 64, 66, 68; 82, 86, 88 respectively to move outer and inner flap portions out of alignment and into abutment with a neck portion of the article A as shown in Fig. 2.
  • heel retention flaps of article heel retention means 99 are formed to receive and retain a heel portion of the articles as is well known.
  • Base panel 14 can then be folded inwardly and upwardly into engagement with the base portions of the articles A as illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • a similar operation on the other side of the group of articles is also performed, and the wraparound carrier can be completed by securing the overlapping base panels 14, 32 together by means known in the art, for example by gluing or preferably by the use of locking and retaining tabs 95,97 as is well known.
  • the carrier is in a set-up condition, shown in Fig. 2 and the article receiving and retaining means 12 is formed such that the internal retaining flap portions 60, 62, 78, 80 are provided to engage the neck of article A and to closely conform to the neck portions of the articles thereby to prevent unwanted movement of the articles in the carrier and to reduce the risk of tearing.
  • FIG. 4 and 6 show intermediate panels 115, 215 that are folded out of alignment with top panel 124, 224 respectively.
  • the third embodiment includes flaps 231,233 that are folded out of alignment with upper side panels 222, 227 to receive a shoulder portion of the articles. Outer parts 219 of the top panel are folded out of alignment with main portion 223 to form a carrier shown in Fig. 6.
  • a large amount of paperboard may be put into contact with the retained article using a retaining structure according to the invention, thereby providing both protection and securing for the article.
  • a two part article engaging flap i.e. inner and outer portions 60,62;78,80 so that they are folded about fold line 66;86 respectively to define two angularly related parts.
  • Each part desirably abuts a portion of the neck of the article to improve article retention.
  • the improved conformity of the retaining flaps and of those embodiments with intermediate panel 115 and/ or top panel portion 219 enables a relatively strong pack tightening whilst minimising the risk of tearing.
  • the invention is not limited to a configuration as described above, and it is envisaged, it would be possible to provide article retaining means according to the invention comprising one or more hinged means per retaining flap to be provided in the assembled carrier.
  • top, bottom and side with respect to the panels of the carton (or carton blank) are relative terms, and that the carton (formed from the blank) may be re-oriented as necessary or as described. It will be recognized that rather than the carton being formed with a plurality of the article receiving apertures, the carton may be formed with only one receiving aperture.
  • the present invention and its preferred embodiment relate to an article carrier which is shaped to provide satisfactory strength to hold the bottle securely but with a degree of flexibility so that the load transferred to the retaining means is absorbed by the carrier.
  • the shape of the blank minimises the amount of paperboard required.
  • the carrier can be applied to an array of bottles by hand or automatic machinery. It is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a variety of carriers and not limited to those of the wraparound type.

Abstract

An article carrier and blank for forming an article carrier for containing a plurality of necked articles (A) comprising a top, bottom and opposed side panels (24, 14, 32, 18, 26) interconnected together, wherein the top panel (24) comprises article receiving and retaining means (12) including an article retaining flap (56, 58) formed from the top panel (24), which article retaining flap (56, 58) is being adapted to be folded inwardly of the top panel (24) thereby to define an aperture (54) for receiving a neck portion of the article (A) and wherein the article retaining flap (56, 58) abuts said neck portion to engage and retain said article (A)

Description

WRAP-AROUND ARTICLE CARRIER
Background of the Invention This invention relates to article carriers and blanks which are particularly useful for carrying articles, for example, bottles. More particularly, the invention relates to an article carrier of the wrap-around type and is concerned with an improved article retention and carrier reinforcing feature which receive neck portions of bottles accommodated in the carrier.
Neck retention means in wrap-around carriers are well known. For example, US 5 549,197 (Riverwood) illustrates a wraparound carrier incorporating downwardly folded retaining flaps struck from and connected to side panels of the carrier. The retaining flaps are used to support a neck portion of an article.
The present invention and its preferred embodiments seek to overcome or attempt mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.
Summary of the Invention One aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for containing a plurality of necked articles comprising a top, bottom and opposed side panels interconnected together, wherein the top panel comprises article receiving and retaining means including an article engaging tab formed from the top panel, which article retaining flap is adapted to be folded inwardly of the top panel thereby to define an aperture for receiving a neck portion of the article and wherein the article retaining flap abuts said neck portion to engage and retain said article.
According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, there further comprising a fold line extending across the article retaining flap such that the flap is folded to define adjacent flap portions adapted to abut the neck portion at two positions thereby to improve article retention.
According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the article receiving and retaining means comprises a pair of complementary retaining flaps, each being hinged to on opposite edges of said aperture.
According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the or each hinged flap is foldably joined to the edge of the associated bottle neck receiving aperture along a fold line comprising two angularly related parts.
Optionally, the angularly related parts intersect at the stress relief fold lines defining therebetween an intermediate panel adjacent an end edge of said top panel.
According to a still further optional feature of this aspect of the invention there may further comprise an outer part adjacent a main part of the top panel which outer part is intermediate adjacent articles receiving and retaining means, wherein the outer part of the top panel is so constructed to be folded out of alignment with the adjacent main part.
A second aspect of the invention provides an article receiving and retaining means for an article carrier for packaging articles having a necked portion, said article receiving and retaining means being struck from the top panel of the carrier comprises an aperture formed in part in the top panel and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to the edge of the aperture which flap is adapted to put in an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion there of which extends inwardly of the carrier which is adapted to engage a neck portion of an article retained in the aperture.
A third aspect of the invention provides a blank comprising opposed side wall panels and a top panel being foldably interconnected, article receiving and retaining means formed from the top panel, said means comprising an aperture adapted to receive a portion of an article in use and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to an edge of said aperture which flap is adapted to abut the article received in the aperture in use, wherein the flap is adapted to pivot into an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion there of which extends through the aperture in use, the portion of said flap being adapted to engage a neck part of the article. An advantage of the carrier outlined in any one of the aspects of the invention may be that there is provided a carton which can package two or more rows of cartons and/or the top panel to be defined which is not limited in its dimensions, thereby improving carrying capabilities in those carriers with handle means. Beneficially, a larger area of the side panel can be used as an advertising panel.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article engaging and retaining means according to a first embodiment of the invention in a uniform blank;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article engaging and retaining means shown in Fig. 1 in a formed condition in engagement with article A;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the article engaging and retaining means according to a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the article carrier shown in Fig. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the article engaging and retaining means according to a third embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the article engaging and retaining means shown in Fig. 5.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to the drawings, and in particular Fig. 1 and 2 thereof, an article carrier is formed from one or more blanks of paperboard or other suitable foldable sheet material. The article carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles each. It is envisaged the carton can be adapted to accommodate a different number and/or configuration of articles, according to user requirements.
In this embodiment, the blank 10 comprises a first base panel 14, inclined heel (or sloping) panel 16, first side panel 18 comprising lower, middle and upper side panels 20, 21 22, top panel 24, second side panel 26 comprising upper, middle and lower side panels 27, 28, 29, inclined heel panel 30 and second base panel 32 hingably connected one to the next along fold lines 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 respectively. Article receiving and retaining means 12 which can be of a known type as shown in Fig. 1 is formed in a top wall 24 of a wrap-around carrier. The article receiving and retaining means 12 can be formed at the ends of the tubular structure of a wraparound carton, for example to retain the end corner articles (as shown in Fig. 1) or alternatively, can be provided for one or more of the articles held in a carrier.
The article receiving and retaining means 12 comprises a retaining aperture 54 which, in this example, receives the neck portion of a bottle, as shown in Fig. 2. The article receiving and retaining means 12 may also comprise one or more retaining flaps 56, 58 which in the formed carton, provide internal flap portions that abut part of the neck of an article A.
Turning in detail to the article receiving and retaining means 12 in this particular embodiment, there comprises a first flap 56 including outer, and inner flap portions 60, 62 respectively. Outer flap portion 60 is hinged to top wall 24 along fold line 64, and to inner flap portion 58 along fold line 66. Inner flap portion 62 is hinged to top panel 24 along fold line 68.
Optionally, a cut line 70 is struck from fold line 64 and fold line 68 at their interconnection to make folding easier and can define a portion which extends upwardly above the top panel, as illustrated in Fig. 2. First flap 56 may be struck from top panel 24, to define an outer side edge 72, and an inner side edge 74 which are interconnected by a cut line 76 defining an end edge of first flap 56. First flap 56 is pivotal about the fold lines 64 and 66 such that these fold lines 64, 66 and optional cut line 70 together define a lateral edge 71 of aperture 54 in use, as shown in Fig. 2. Similarly, a complementary second flap 58 comprises outer, and inner flap portions 78, 80 respectively. In this embodiment, second flap 58 is a larger area than of first flap 56. It is anticipated that the first and second flaps 56, 58 need not necessarily be different sizes and could be identical in construction. Optionally, one flap only might be provided for a given article receiving and retaining means 12. It is envisaged that where two flaps are provided, they need not abut along cut line 76 and indeed, a significant gap could be provided between the flaps, for example.
Turning to the construction of second flap 58, the outer portion 78 is foldably connected to top wall 24 along fold line 82 and to inner portion 80 along fold line 86. Inner portion 80 is hingably connected to top panel 24 along fold line 88. Likewise, a second cut line 90 can be optionally provided to separate fold line 82 from fold line 86. Second flap 58 is struck from top panel 24, to define an outer side edge 92 and an inner side edge 94 which is interconnected by cut line 76 defining one end edge of second flap 32. Second flap 58 is pivotal about fold lines 82, 88 such that these fold lines 82, 88 and cut line 90 together define an opposing lateral edge 73 of aperture 54, as shown in Fig. 2. When both flaps 56, 58 are co-planer, such as when the carrier is in blank form illustrated in Fig. 1, the aperture 54 is substantially closed. Optionally, the aperture 54 may extend in to the side wall 18.
In this embodiment, the carrier is formed to package two rows of three articles. The blank 10 shown in Fig. 1, comprises a further article receiving and retaining means 12 for one row of articles formed from top wall 24. In addition, article receiving and retaining means 13 for a second row of articles is also formed from top wall 24. Article receiving and retaining means 13 is substantially the same as retaining means 12 and is therefore not described in any greater detail.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, there may further comprise a pair of apertures 94, adapted to receive articles positioned intermediate the end most articles. These apertures can support a neck portion of the articles and may optionally include a pair of substantially "V" shaped cut lines 96, 98 struck from the side panels 18, 26 to define fold lines for support tabs that protrude outwardly of the side wall 18. The carton can also include article heel retention means 99 formed from the panels, as is well known in the art. Handle tabs 93 may be struck from top panel 24. Suitable known securing means are provided to secure the base panels together. In this embodiment, locking and retaining tabs 95, 97 are provided as is well known.
Turning to the second and third embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, 6 respectively, there comprises additional or alternative modifications to article engaging and retaining means and/or to the carton of the invention. Each embodiment can be applied to a wraparound carton of the type substantially as herein before described and so only the differences of the carrier of the second and third embodiments are described in any greater detail.
The second embodiment illustrates article receiving and retaining means 112 formed in the top panel 124 which corresponds to article receiving and retaining means 12 illustrated in Fig. 1, with corresponding features shown in Fig. 3 prefixed by the numeral "1". Thus, the second embodiment illustrates article receiving and retaining means 112 which further comprises a pair of divergent fold lines 111, 113 struck from top panel 124 and extending outwardly from the intersection of fold lines 164 and 166 to the end edges of top panel 124 to define intermediate panel 115. Fold lines 111, 113 are intended to act as stress relief folds. Further or alternatively intermediate panel 115 may be moved out of the plane of top panel to minimise unwanted flexing of top panel 124, thereby to improve the rigidity of the end portion of the top panel.
Turning to the third embodiment which is adapted for large glass bottles, there is illustrated article receiving and retaining means 212 formed in the top panel 224 which corresponds to article receiving and retaining means 12 illustrated in Fig. 1, with corresponding features shown in Fig. 5 prefixed by the numeral "2". Thus, the third embodiment illustrates the or each article receiving and retaining means 212 which further comprises a pair of divergent fold lines 211,213 struck from top panel 224 and extending outwardly from the intersection of fold lines 264 and 266 to the end edge of top panel 224 to define intermediate panel 215. Fold lines 211, 213 are intended to act as stress relief folds. Further or alternatively intermediate panel 215 may be moved out of the plane of top panel to minimise unwanted flexing of top panel 224. There may further comprises an additional fold line 217 interconnecting adjacent article engaging and retaining means 212 to define a top panel portion 219 that is positioned out of alignment to the main portion 223 of top panel 224, thereby to minimise unintended flexing of the top panel 224, thereby to improve the rigidity of the top panel. Optionally, the article receiving and retaining means 212 may further comprise a pair of flaps 231,233 struck from and foldably connected to each upper side panel 222,227 illustrated in Fig. 5, which are adapted to be folded out of alignment with the associated upper side panel 222,227, to receive and retain a shoulder portion of the article A.
In order to erect a wraparound carrier comprising article receiving and retaining means 12, the flaps 56, 58 are displaced inwardly by suitable means which may be similar, at least in function to those known, for example from WO 94/25363. In the first embodiment, the top panel 24 of the carrier blank 10 is applied to the tops of a group of articles A to be packaged in the carrier, and the side walls 18, 26 folded downwardly to be disposed in flanking relationship along the side walls of the articles. The neck portion of an article A is thereby engaged in the aperture 54 and is also received by the flaps 56, 58 of article receiving and retaining means 12. Preferably, each flap is folded during the set up of the article engaging and retaining means about fold line 64, 66, 68; 82, 86, 88 respectively to move outer and inner flap portions out of alignment and into abutment with a neck portion of the article A as shown in Fig. 2.
Thereafter, heel retention flaps of article heel retention means 99 are formed to receive and retain a heel portion of the articles as is well known. Base panel 14 can then be folded inwardly and upwardly into engagement with the base portions of the articles A as illustrated in Fig. 2. A similar operation on the other side of the group of articles is also performed, and the wraparound carrier can be completed by securing the overlapping base panels 14, 32 together by means known in the art, for example by gluing or preferably by the use of locking and retaining tabs 95,97 as is well known.
Thus, the carrier is in a set-up condition, shown in Fig. 2 and the article receiving and retaining means 12 is formed such that the internal retaining flap portions 60, 62, 78, 80 are provided to engage the neck of article A and to closely conform to the neck portions of the articles thereby to prevent unwanted movement of the articles in the carrier and to reduce the risk of tearing.
The construction of the second and third embodiments is substantially the same as the first embodiment to produce carriers illustrated in Fig.s 4 and 6 respectively and therefore only the differences are described in any greater detail. Figs. 4 and 6 show intermediate panels 115, 215 that are folded out of alignment with top panel 124, 224 respectively.
It will be seen from Fig. 6 that the third embodiment includes flaps 231,233 that are folded out of alignment with upper side panels 222, 227 to receive a shoulder portion of the articles. Outer parts 219 of the top panel are folded out of alignment with main portion 223 to form a carrier shown in Fig. 6.
It is apparent that a large amount of paperboard may be put into contact with the retained article using a retaining structure according to the invention, thereby providing both protection and securing for the article. It is preferable to use a two part article engaging flap i.e. inner and outer portions 60,62;78,80 so that they are folded about fold line 66;86 respectively to define two angularly related parts. Each part desirably abuts a portion of the neck of the article to improve article retention. Additionally, the improved conformity of the retaining flaps and of those embodiments with intermediate panel 115 and/ or top panel portion 219 enables a relatively strong pack tightening whilst minimising the risk of tearing.
Further, the invention is not limited to a configuration as described above, and it is envisaged, it would be possible to provide article retaining means according to the invention comprising one or more hinged means per retaining flap to be provided in the assembled carrier.
It will be recognized that as used herein, the terms "top", "bottom" and "side" with respect to the panels of the carton (or carton blank) are relative terms, and that the carton (formed from the blank) may be re-oriented as necessary or as described. It will be recognized that rather than the carton being formed with a plurality of the article receiving apertures, the carton may be formed with only one receiving aperture.
The present invention and its preferred embodiment relate to an article carrier which is shaped to provide satisfactory strength to hold the bottle securely but with a degree of flexibility so that the load transferred to the retaining means is absorbed by the carrier. The shape of the blank minimises the amount of paperboard required. The carrier can be applied to an array of bottles by hand or automatic machinery. It is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a variety of carriers and not limited to those of the wraparound type.

Claims

1. An article carrier for containing a plurality of necked articles comprising a top, bottom and opposed side panels interconnected together, wherein the top panel comprises article receiving and retaining means including an article retaining flap formed from the top panel, which article retaining flap is being adapted to be folded inwardly of the top panel thereby to define an aperture for receiving a neck portion of the article and wherein the article retaining flap abuts said neck portion to engage and retain said article.
2 An article carrier as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a fold line extending across the article retaining flap such that the flap is folded to define adjacent flap portions adapted to abut the neck portion at two positions thereby to improve article retention.
3. An article carrier according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the article receiving and retaining means comprises a pair of complementary retaining flaps hinged to opposite edges of said aperture.
4. An article carrier according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the or each hinged flap is foldably joined to the edge of the associated neck receiving aperture along a fold line comprising two angularly related parts.
5. An article carrier according to claim 4 wherein the angularly related parts intersect at stress relief fold lines defining therebetween an intermediate panel adjacent an end edge of said top panel.
6. An article carrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there further comprises an outer part adjacent a main part of the top panel which outer part is intermediate adjacent articles receiving and retaining means, wherein the outer part of the top panel is so constructed to be folded out of alignment with the adjacent main part.
7. An article receiving and retaining means for an article carrier for packaging articles having a neck portion, said article receiving and retaining means being struck from the top panel of the carrier comprises an aperture formed in part in the top panel and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to the edge of the aperture which flap is adapted to put in an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion thereof which extends inwardly of the carrier which is adapted to engage a neck portion of an article retained in the aperture.
8. A blank comprising opposed side wall panels and a top panel being foldably interconnected, article receiving and retaining means formed from the top panel, said means comprising an aperture adapted to receive a portion of an article in use and a flap struck from the top panel and hingably connected to an edge of said aperture which flap is adapted to abut the article received in the aperture in use, wherein the flap is adapted to pivot into an operative position about its hinged connection to provide a portion there of which extends through the aperture in use, the portion of said flap being adapted to engage a neck part of the article.
9. A blank for forming an article carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 or claim 7.
EP99914921A 1998-03-16 1999-03-16 Wrap-around article carrier Expired - Lifetime EP1064206B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9805467.9A GB9805467D0 (en) 1998-03-16 1998-03-16 Article carrier
GB9805467 1998-03-16
PCT/US1999/005761 WO2000037331A1 (en) 1998-03-16 1999-03-16 Wrap-around article carrier

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1064206A1 true EP1064206A1 (en) 2001-01-03
EP1064206B1 EP1064206B1 (en) 2002-09-25

Family

ID=10828560

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99914921A Expired - Lifetime EP1064206B1 (en) 1998-03-16 1999-03-16 Wrap-around article carrier

Country Status (19)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1064206B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003529496A (en)
KR (1) KR100553793B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1163387C (en)
AT (1) ATE224846T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3355999A (en)
BR (1) BR9908770A (en)
CA (1) CA2321698C (en)
CZ (1) CZ20002973A3 (en)
DE (1) DE69903140T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1064206T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2185332T3 (en)
GB (1) GB9805467D0 (en)
HK (1) HK1033823A1 (en)
HU (1) HUP0101184A3 (en)
PL (1) PL194913B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1064206E (en)
TR (1) TR200002509T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000037331A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102574619B (en) * 2009-10-05 2014-10-22 印刷包装国际公司 Carrier for containers
CN104340454A (en) * 2013-08-02 2015-02-11 米德韦斯特瓦科包装系统有限责任公司 Cardboard box and cardboard box blank
KR20200003372A (en) * 2017-04-18 2020-01-09 웨스트락 패키징 시스템스, 엘엘씨 Blank for carton and carton
USD982457S1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2023-04-04 Fishbone Packaging Inc. Container carrier

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4463852A (en) * 1980-11-12 1984-08-07 Packaging Corporation Of America Article carrier
US4545485A (en) * 1984-08-01 1985-10-08 The Mead Corporation Bottle carrier chime engaging flap structure
GB9309048D0 (en) 1993-04-30 1993-06-16 Mead Corp Bottle carrier
US5549197A (en) 1994-12-09 1996-08-27 Riverwood International Corporation Wrap-around carrier with bottle neck retainer tabs
US5524756A (en) * 1995-05-19 1996-06-11 Riverwood International Corporation Wrap-around carrier with article retaining flaps

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0037331A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1064206B1 (en) 2002-09-25
CN1163387C (en) 2004-08-25
BR9908770A (en) 2000-11-14
AU3355999A (en) 2000-07-12
CZ20002973A3 (en) 2001-12-12
PL342966A1 (en) 2001-07-16
DE69903140D1 (en) 2002-10-31
JP2003529496A (en) 2003-10-07
CN1293638A (en) 2001-05-02
PL194913B1 (en) 2007-07-31
HUP0101184A3 (en) 2002-10-28
ATE224846T1 (en) 2002-10-15
PT1064206E (en) 2003-02-28
DE69903140T2 (en) 2003-05-22
GB9805467D0 (en) 1998-05-13
KR100553793B1 (en) 2006-02-22
ES2185332T3 (en) 2003-04-16
CA2321698C (en) 2005-07-05
KR20010041731A (en) 2001-05-25
CA2321698A1 (en) 2000-06-29
TR200002509T2 (en) 2001-04-20
HUP0101184A2 (en) 2001-08-28
DK1064206T3 (en) 2003-01-20
HK1033823A1 (en) 2001-09-28
WO2000037331A1 (en) 2000-06-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6527108B1 (en) Article carrier
US7278538B2 (en) Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
US7264114B2 (en) Carton with top retaining structure and blank therefor
US4784266A (en) Means for stabilizing articles in multiple article packages
US20030146269A1 (en) Carton with a glued insert and a blank combination for forming the same
US20040245326A1 (en) Blank for a tubular carton
NZ531948A (en) Article carrier having automatic end retention means
WO1985002385A1 (en) Carton and blank therefor
US6942140B2 (en) Carton with handle and blank thereof
EP1334043A1 (en) Carton and carton blank
EP0428354B1 (en) Top gripping article carrier
EP1012062B1 (en) Article carrier
US6155412A (en) Wraparound multipack with carrying handle
EP1151935B1 (en) Carton and carton blank
EP0952951B1 (en) Wraparound multipack with carrying handle
EP1064206B1 (en) Wrap-around article carrier
AU711475B2 (en) Two-tier cup package having divider panel-retaining means
EP1058651A2 (en) Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
EP1436207B1 (en) Carton with handle and blank thereof
EP1268303B1 (en) Article carrier and blank
EP1034119B1 (en) Braced tubular carton and blank therefor
EP1218257A1 (en) Article carrier with internal partion structure and blank therefor
MXPA00008743A (en) Wrap-around article carrier
WO2004099026A1 (en) Wraparound carton and blank

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20001016

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010118

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 224846

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20021015

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: KIRKER & CIE SA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69903140

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20021031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20020403668

Country of ref document: GR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20021212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2185332

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030626

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20050208

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20050211

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050211

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20050211

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050214

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20050214

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050216

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20050217

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20050222

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20050223

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20050224

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Payment date: 20050228

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20050304

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20050311

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20050311

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC

Free format text: THE MEAD CORPORATION#COURTHOUSE PLAZA NE#DAYTON OHIO 45463 (US) -TRANSFER TO- MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC#ONE HIGH RIDGE PARK#STAMFORD, CT 06905 (US)

NLS Nl: assignments of ep-patents

Owner name: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Owner name: MW CUSTOM PAPERS, INC (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

NLT1 Nl: modifications of names registered in virtue of documents presented to the patent office pursuant to art. 16 a, paragraph 1

Owner name: MW CUSTOM PAPERS, LLC

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060316

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060316

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060316

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060317

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060317

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060331

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061001

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061003

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20060918

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20061001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20061130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20060317

BECA Be: change of holder's address

Owner name: *MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLCONE HIGH RIDGE

Effective date: 20060703

BECH Be: change of holder

Owner name: *MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Effective date: 20060703

BECN Be: change of holder's name

Owner name: *MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Effective date: 20060703

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Effective date: 20060331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061002

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070316