EP1309488B1 - Carton and insert and blank for forming the same - Google Patents

Carton and insert and blank for forming the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1309488B1
EP1309488B1 EP01957482A EP01957482A EP1309488B1 EP 1309488 B1 EP1309488 B1 EP 1309488B1 EP 01957482 A EP01957482 A EP 01957482A EP 01957482 A EP01957482 A EP 01957482A EP 1309488 B1 EP1309488 B1 EP 1309488B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
panel
carton
medial
insert
package
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01957482A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1309488A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Michel Auclair
Jean-Yves Daniel
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
Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC filed Critical Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Priority to EP06004616A priority Critical patent/EP1666364A3/en
Publication of EP1309488A1 publication Critical patent/EP1309488A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1309488B1 publication Critical patent/EP1309488B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D71/00Bundles 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
    • B65D71/06Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/12Packaging 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
    • B65D71/36Packaging 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, with end walls
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/0227Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward folding of flaps and securing them by heat-sealing, by applying adhesive to the flaps or by staples
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/441Reinforcements
    • B65D5/445Reinforcements formed separately from the container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/48Partitions
    • B65D5/48024Partitions inserted
    • B65D5/48026Squaring or like elements, e.g. honeycomb element, i.e. at least four not aligned compartments
    • B65D5/48036Longitudinal partition provided with cut flaps folded perpendicular to the partition
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00141Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00333Partitions, i.e. elements contacting a major part of each aarticle or extending across the whole length of the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00401Partitions, i.e. elements contacting a major part of each aarticle or extending across the whole length of the wrapper inserted the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00407Squarings or the like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00333Partitions, i.e. elements contacting a major part of each aarticle or extending across the whole length of the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00401Partitions, i.e. elements contacting a major part of each aarticle or extending across the whole length of the wrapper inserted the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00407Squarings or the like
    • B65D2571/00419Two rows of more than two cells
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00456Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00469Straps made between two handholes
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00537Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means
    • B65D2571/00543Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means consisting of cut-outs, slits, or the like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00555Wrapper opening devices
    • B65D2571/00561Lines of weakness
    • B65D2571/00574Lines of weakness whereby contents can still be carried after the line has been torn
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654Blanks
    • B65D2571/0066Blanks formed from one single sheet
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00722Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
    • B65D2571/00728Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls being closed by gluing
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00808Inserts
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00833Other details of wrappers
    • B65D2571/0087Special features for machine processing, e.g. gripper apertures
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00Bundles 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
    • B65D2571/00123Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00833Other details of wrappers
    • B65D2571/0087Special features for machine processing, e.g. gripper apertures
    • B65D2571/00876Frangible bridges left into cut lines for facilitating folding operations

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a carton and blank for forming a carton for carrying a plurality of articles and an insert structure associated with the carton to provide additional protection to articles contained in the carton.
  • an insert or partition in a carton is well known as a means to serve as a cushion between the articles and/or between the articles and the outer walls to protect them.
  • the insert is free to move in a vertical plane, which is undesirable because the insert will no longer serve as a cushion if moved in an upward position, for example between boule necks.
  • inserts are formed from a unitary blank, which can reduce the rigidity of the erected insert. Examples of inserts formed from a single blank are shown in US 4 294 398 and US 5 529 240.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
  • One advantage of this arrangement is that the insert structure is held in position adjacent the carton bottom. Holding the insert structure in this position is important to allow the insert structure to function as a cushion between the bottles. Beneficially, the amount of board used for the insert structure can be reduced and standard equipment to secure the end panels can be used to secure the insert structure to the outer carton.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a package for carrying one or more articles comprising a carton having a plurality of wall panels for forming a tubular structure wherein each end of the carton is closed by a first panel hinged to one of the wall panels, an intermediate panel hinged to another wall panel of the carton and adapted to be placed such that at least part of the intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with the inner face of the first panel
  • the package further comprises an insert placed in the carton.
  • the intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with at least part of the insert, and an aperture or recess is provided in the intermediate panel such that glue applied to the outer face of the insert at an area in registry with the aperture or recess secures together the insert, first panel and intermediate panel.
  • the intermediate panel is provided by an end flap and the aperture is provided by a recess struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  • a second end flap is provided with a recess in registry with the first recess such that the first panel is secured directly to the insert by the application of glue to that part of the insert on display through the first and second recesses.
  • the insert structure includes a medial panel hinged to the panel that is secured to the carton and disposed along the other wall panel.
  • the insert structure further includes a second medial panel disposed along a still another wall panel disposed opposite to the other wall panel, where the first and second medial panels are hinged to opposite side edges of the securing panel respectively.
  • a transverse partition panel is hinged to the first medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of the first medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
  • one or more of the wall panels are defined by a frangible connection to facilitate detachment of part of the package to define a display window with access to the articles contained therein.
  • a handle struck from and hingedly secured to one or more of the wall panels.
  • a second aspect of the current invention provides a blank for forming a carton for carrying a plurality of articles comprising a top bottom and opposing side wall panels hinged together in series, an end panel hinged to the base panel and an end flap hingedly connected to one of said side wall panels and a separate blank for forming an insert structure including a securing panel connected to a medial panel.
  • An aperture is provided in the end flap such that during construction of the carton glue is applied to an outer face of the securing panel throu gh the aperture in the end flap to secure together said end panel, end flap and securing panel when said end panel, end flap and securing panel are placed together in face contacting relationship in a set up condition.
  • the aperture is provided by a recess struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  • a second end flap is hinged the other side wall panel and is provided with a recess in registry with the first recess such that the end panel is secured directly to the securing panel by application of glue to part of the securing panel on display through the first and second recesses.
  • the insert structure further includes a transverse partition panel struck from the medial panel and hinged to the medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of said medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown one embodiment of a blank for forming a carton and a blank for forming an insert structure made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. It is envisaged that a unitary blank for the carton and insert structure could be used without departing from the scope of invention.
  • the carton is a "fully-enclosed” type although it will be recognised that the invention could be applied to a "wraparound" type carton or "basket-type'' carton where it is required to secure an insert structure to one of the outer panels.
  • the blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels for forming the top, base and opposed side walls whereby there is shown a top panel 12, a first side wall panel 14, bottom panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 hingedly connected one to the next in series along fold lines 13, 15 and 17 respectively.
  • the ends of the carton are constructed by one or more end panels.
  • opposed end panels 20 and 22 are hingedly connected to the opposing ends of top wall panel 12 along fold lines 36 and 38 respectively.
  • a second pair of end panels 24, 26 is provided along opposing end edges of base panel 16 and hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 36 and 38 respectively.
  • a pair of end flaps 28, 30 is hingedly connected to first side wall panel 14 along opposing end edges and are connected thereto by fold lines 36, 38 respectively.
  • a second pair of end flaps 32, 34 are hingedly connected to side wall panel 18 along fold lines 36, 38 respectively.
  • the end panels 20, 22; 32, 34 are usually secured to the end flaps, so that in use, the end flaps support the end walls to improve rigidity.
  • the recess enables the insert structure I ( Figure 4) to be secured to one or more of the end panels 20, 24, described below.
  • a pair of recesses 42, 46 are provided in end flaps 28, 32 that are positioned in corresponding positions along the opposing side edges, so as to marry up when the carton is erected.
  • a second pair or recesses 44, 48 is applied to the opposing end flaps 30, 34 so that the insert structure can be inserted from either end to be secured to the outer carton described in more detail below.
  • recess is not limited to the shape illustrated in Figure 1 and indeed could be replaced by other means to allow the insert structure to juxtapose the end panel.
  • end flap 28 could terminate at the lower edge of recess 46 or, alternatively one or more apertures could be struck from end flaps 28 and/or 32.
  • a blank 50 as shown in Figure 2, comprising one or more medial partition panels and a securing panel.
  • first medial partition panel 52 there comprises a first medial partition panel 52, an end panel 54 and second medial partition panel 56 hingedly connected together along fold lines 58 and 60 and adapted to receive twelve articles in a 3 x 4 arrangement
  • FIG. 2 shows medial partition panel 52 is provided with three transverse partition panels 62a, 62b and 62c. Each transverse partition panel is similar and therefore only partition panel 62a is described in any greater detail.
  • Transverse partition panel 62a is connected to medial partition panel 52 along upper and lower fold lines 66a and 68a to create a panel that extends outwardly from both sides of the medial panel 52.
  • fold lines 66 and 68 are aligned in a vertical plane.
  • the upper and lower edges of panel 62a are adapted to extend one side of the medial panel are defined by cut lines 76 and 78 respectively which separate the panel 62a from medial panel 52.
  • Cut line 76 extends from the lower end of fold line 66 to the upper end of the upper fold line 66b connecting panel 62b to medial panel 52.
  • cut line 78 extends from the upper end of fold line 68 to the lower end of the lower fold line connecting panel 62b to medial panel 52.
  • cut lines 77 and 79 define respectively the upper and lower edges of the part of the transverse partition panel that will extend outwardly from the other side of the medial panel 52.
  • the opposing side edges of transverse partition panel 62a are provided by cut lines 72 and 74 respectively and optionally, apertures 70a, 70b.
  • the second medial partition panel is also provided with three transverse partition panels 64a, 64b and 64c. It will be seen that each transverse partition panel is similar and therefore only partition panel 64c is described in any greater detail.
  • Transverse partition panel 64c is similar to transverse partition panel 62a in that it is preferably adapted to extend outwardly on both sides of the medial panel 56.
  • panel 64a is connected to medial partition panel 56 along fold lines 80c and 82c that are aligned in a vertical plane, in this embodiment.
  • the upper and lower edges of panel 64a to extend one side of the medial panel are defined by cut lines 86 and 87 respectively which separate the panel 64a from medial panel 56. Cut line 86 extends from the upper end of fold line 82c to the lower end of the upper fold line 82b connecting panel 64b to medial panel 56.
  • cut line 87 extends from the lower end of fold line 80c to the upper end of lower fold line 80b connecting panel 64b to medial panel 56.
  • a further cut line 84 is shaped to define the part that will extend outwardly from the other side of the medial panel 56. Cut line 84 also defines a protruding portion 96 used to overlap the portion 98 struck from the transverse panel 62c of other medial partition panel 52 and described in more detail above.
  • transverse panel 64a There may further comprise a tab 92 and cut lines 90 extending from the end edge of transverse panel 64a. Additionally or alternatively, there may also comprise apertures 70 struck from medial panel 52. In use, they assist in causing the panels 62a, 64a to separate from the medial panels 52 and 56 respectively.
  • a plurality of apertures 88, 94 struck from each of the transverse partition panels 64a, 64b, 64c and a corresponding aperture 94 may be struck from end panel 54 may be provided: they are used by suitable machinery to open the transverse panels 64 during the mechanical construction of the insert structure.
  • the recesses 142, 146 are provided at opposed and spaced positions in end flap 120, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore the means to connect the outer panel to the insert structure is provided on one end of the carton only.
  • the blank is adapted to receive one or more articles, for example sachets and to be displayed within the carton by means of a display window formed by recesses in end panels 122 and 126.
  • an access structure is provided, which in this embodiment is provided by a plurality of frangible lines.
  • the frangible lines 101, 104, 102, and 108 are formed in the panels 134,118,120,114 and 130 to define a removable cover.
  • the cover is provided by panels 147 and 145 as well as end flap 122 top panel 112 and part of end flap 120.
  • an aperture and finger tab 143 are provided in end flap 120.
  • the cover is provided with a fold line 106, which is used to partially fold back the cover to reveal the contents of the carton.
  • the insert structure 150 is illustrated in Figure 7 and are placed intermediate the outer edges of the sachets and the outer walls to provide extra protection.
  • the handle strip H extends into the adjacent side or end walls.
  • the handle strip extends into side wall panels 218 and 214 and is hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 221 and 223 respectively.
  • the handle strip is separated from side wall panels 218 and 214 by extensions of cut lines 227 and 229 respectively that terminate at the ends of fold lines 221 and 223.
  • the insert blank 250 is illustrated in Figure 15 and, again, is placed intermediate the outer edges of the sachets and the outer walls to provide extra protection.
  • the insert blank 250 is also provided with additional flaps 251 and 257. In use the flaps envelop the sachets to be held in position as they are loaded into the carton.
  • each blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which are preferably performed in a straight line machine, so that the carton and blank are not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction.
  • the folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.
  • the medial partition panels 52 and 56 are folded out of alignment from securing panel 54 along fold lines 58, 60 to be placed in a substantially perpendicular arrangement, whereby the medial partition panels 52 and 56 are substantially parallel and in a spaced arrangement.
  • the transverse partition panels 62 and 64 are moved out of alignment with medial partition panels 52 and 56 respectively.
  • the panel is folded along fold lines 66c and 68c so that the protruding portion 98 is folded inwardly on one side of the medial panel 52.
  • transverse partition panel 62c is caused to pivot about fold lines 66c and 68c so that the panel extends from both sides of the medial panel 52.
  • the transverse partition panel 62c is substantially perpendicular to the medial panel 52.
  • transverse partition panels 62a and 62b are formed in a like manner.
  • Transverse partition panels 64a, 64b, 64c are formed in a like manner whereby panel 64c is folded out of alignment with medial panel 56 along fold lines 80c and 82c and is caused to pivot so that the transverse panel 64c extends from both sides of the medial panel 56 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to it.
  • Protruding portion 96 extends inwardly and comes into abutment with corresponding protruding portion 98.
  • the corresponding protruding parts 96, 98 are secured together by glue or other suitable means known in the art which creates a rigid insert structure I.
  • Panels 64b and 64a are formed in a like manner and shall therefore not be described in any greater detail.
  • the insert structure is in a set up condition as shown in Figure 3. It will be seen that there are twelve cells O formed to separate and support the articles in adjacent cells.
  • the insert structure I is ready to receive the articles, which are loaded by relative vertical movement between the articles A and the insert structure I during forward feed movement.
  • the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the insert structure. Alternatively, the articles can enter their respective cells through the top of the insert structure I.
  • the outer carton C is constructed by folding top panel 12, first side wall panel 14, base panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 out of alignment with each other along fold lines 13, 15 and 17 to be folded into a tubular structure, shown in Figure 4.
  • Top panel 12 and side panel 18 are secured together by securing flap 40.
  • securing flap 40 it is secured to side panel 18 by folding along fold line 41 to be secured to the side panel 18 by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • the carton is at an intermediate stage of construction whereby the articles and insert structure are inserted into the carton C from one of the ends.
  • the end panels 20 and 24 and end flaps 28 and 32 are folded outwardly along fold line 36 to guide the articles and insert structure into the carton.
  • the opposing end wall is formed prior to receiving the articles whereby end flaps 30 and 34 are folded inwardly along fold lines 31 and 39 respectively.
  • end wall panels 22 and 26 are folded inwardly along fold lines 35 and 38 to be secured to the end flaps 30 and 32 by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • the carton is at the stage illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the insert structure I should be secured to one of the end wall panels 20 or 24.
  • the end flaps 28 and 32 are folded inwardly along fold line 36 so that a portion of the end flaps 28, 32 come into abutment with the end wall 54 of insert structure I, and the recesses 42 and 46 are aligned, as shown in Figure 5.
  • End wall panel 20 is folded downwardly along fold line 36 and is, optionally, secured to the end flaps 28 and 32 by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • the end wall 20 is held in place by end wall panel 24, which is secured to the end flaps described below.
  • the lower end wall panel 24 is folded inwardly along fold line 33 and secured to the end flaps 28 and 32 by glue, such as glue strip G2, or other suitable means known in the art.
  • glue strip G1 is, in this embodiment, applied in a substantially straight line intermediate opposing side edges of the end flaps such that the glue is applied through recesses 42, 46 to the insert structure.
  • glue may be applied to different areas of the blank such as where apertures are used instead of the recess.
  • the construction of the carton of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the outer carton C is constructed by folding top panel 112, first side wall panel 114, base panel 116 and second side wall panel 118 out of alignment with each other along fold lines 113, 115 and 117 to be folded into a tubular structure, shown in Figure 8.
  • Base panel 116 and side panel 18 are secured together.
  • securing flap 140 it is secured to side panel 118 by folding along fold line 142 to be secured thereto by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • the insert structure is inserted into the carton, as shown in Figure 8, which helps to brace the outer carton and maintain it in a set up condition. Thereafter the articles are loaded into the carton and the end flaps 130 and 134 and end panels 122, 126 are folded inwardly and secured together to define a display window, as shown in Figure 9.
  • Figure 10 shows the opposing end wall formed in like manner to the first embodiment whereby end wall panel 120 is folded downwardly along fold line 136 and is, optionally, secured to the end flaps 128 and 132 by glue or other suitable means known in the art. Thereafter, the lower end wall panel 124 is folded inwardly along fold line 133 and secured to the end flaps 128 and 132 by glue, such as glue portions G, or other suitable means known in the art.
  • glue such as glue portions G, or other suitable means known in the art.
  • a strip of glue G is, in this embodiment, applied in a substantially straight line intermediate opposing side edges of the end flaps such that the glue is applied through recesses 42, 46 to the insert structure.
  • the outer carton is formed and loaded in an identical manner to that described above.
  • the insert structure is attached to the outer panels of the end walls at each end. This is achieved by the provision of flaps, 251 and 257 which appear through the recesses 242, 246, as shown in Figure 17. Thereafter the end wall 226 is secured directly to one or both of panels 251, 257 by the application of glue in a standard method.
  • the handle is constructed when the user pushes the hand flaps inwardly to reveal the handle strip shown in Figure 18. Lifting the handle strip will separate it from the top and side walls because of the cut lines 227, 229 and 261.
  • the handle strip is hinged to the top panel 212 by step panels 267, which pivot about their hinged connections between the handle strip H and the side walls 218 and 214 to dissipate some of the load from lifting the handle.
  • cover panel struck from top panel 212 and hinged to end wall panel 222.
  • Cover panel is frangibly connected to top and side walls by frangible lines 227, 229 and 225 which separates it from the respective panels to reveal the articles contained in the carton.
  • the present invention and its preferred embodiment relates to an arrangement for securing together the outer end panels and at least one panel of an insert structure, however it is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a variety of carriers and is not limited to those of the fully enclosed type hereinabove described and could be used for numerous applications where it is desired to secure a separate blank to an outer carton in a face contacting relationship in which a single application of glue is used.
  • hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention.
  • the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape, alternative top and base closure structures may be used.
  • a single glue aperture may be provided in some embodiments.
  • the carton may accommodate more than one article in different arrays. Additional panel(s) may be provided between the main and transverse article receiving panels so as to form a curved interface there between.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Description

  • The invention relates to a carton and blank for forming a carton for carrying a plurality of articles and an insert structure associated with the carton to provide additional protection to articles contained in the carton.
  • The use of an insert or partition in a carton is well known as a means to serve as a cushion between the articles and/or between the articles and the outer walls to protect them. In such known cartons, the insert is free to move in a vertical plane, which is undesirable because the insert will no longer serve as a cushion if moved in an upward position, for example between boule necks.
  • Some inserts are formed from a unitary blank, which can reduce the rigidity of the erected insert. Examples of inserts formed from a single blank are shown in US 4 294 398 and US 5 529 240.
  • The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
  • One advantage of this arrangement is that the insert structure is held in position adjacent the carton bottom. Holding the insert structure in this position is important to allow the insert structure to function as a cushion between the bottles. Beneficially, the amount of board used for the insert structure can be reduced and standard equipment to secure the end panels can be used to secure the insert structure to the outer carton.
  • A first aspect of the invention provides a package for carrying one or more articles comprising a carton having a plurality of wall panels for forming a tubular structure wherein each end of the carton is closed by a first panel hinged to one of the wall panels, an intermediate panel hinged to another wall panel of the carton and adapted to be placed such that at least part of the intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with the inner face of the first panel The package further comprises an insert placed in the carton. The intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with at least part of the insert, and an aperture or recess is provided in the intermediate panel such that glue applied to the outer face of the insert at an area in registry with the aperture or recess secures together the insert, first panel and intermediate panel.
  • Preferably, the intermediate panel is provided by an end flap and the aperture is provided by a recess struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  • Preferably, a second end flap is provided with a recess in registry with the first recess such that the first panel is secured directly to the insert by the application of glue to that part of the insert on display through the first and second recesses.
  • According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the insert structure includes a medial panel hinged to the panel that is secured to the carton and disposed along the other wall panel.
  • Preferably, the insert structure further includes a second medial panel disposed along a still another wall panel disposed opposite to the other wall panel, where the first and second medial panels are hinged to opposite side edges of the securing panel respectively.
  • Preferably a transverse partition panel is hinged to the first medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of the first medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
  • Preferably, one or more of the wall panels are defined by a frangible connection to facilitate detachment of part of the package to define a display window with access to the articles contained therein.
  • According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, there further comprises a handle struck from and hingedly secured to one or more of the wall panels.
  • A second aspect of the current invention provides a blank for forming a carton for carrying a plurality of articles comprising a top bottom and opposing side wall panels hinged together in series, an end panel hinged to the base panel and an end flap hingedly connected to one of said side wall panels and a separate blank for forming an insert structure including a securing panel connected to a medial panel. An aperture is provided in the end flap such that during construction of the carton glue is applied to an outer face of the securing panel throu gh the aperture in the end flap to secure together said end panel, end flap and securing panel when said end panel, end flap and securing panel are placed together in face contacting relationship in a set up condition.
  • Preferably, the aperture is provided by a recess struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  • Preferably, a second end flap is hinged the other side wall panel and is provided with a recess in registry with the first recess such that the end panel is secured directly to the securing panel by application of glue to part of the securing panel on display through the first and second recesses.
  • According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the insert structure further includes a transverse partition panel struck from the medial panel and hinged to the medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of said medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
    • FIGURE 1 illustrates the blank for forming the outer carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURE 2 illustrates the blank for forming the insert structure according to a first embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURE 3 illustrates the insert structure in a set up condition formed from the blank shown in Figure 2;
    • FIGURE 4 shows the carton and insert structure in an erected and loaded condition with the articles;
    • FIGURE 5 illustrates the erected and loaded carton illustrated in Figure 4, with the end panels secured to the end flaps to complete its construction;
    • FIGURE 6 illustrates the blank for forming the outer carton according to a second embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURE 7 illustrates the blank for forming the insert structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the construction and loading of the carton from the blank of Figure 6;
    • FIGURE 11 illustrates the erected and loaded carton illustrated in Figure 10, with the end panels secured to the end flaps to complete its construction;
    • FIGURES 12 and 13 illustrate the carton with the lid removed;
    • FIGURE 14 illustrates the blank for forming the outer carton according to a third embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURE 15 illustrates the blank for forming the insert structure according to a third embodiment of the invention;
    • FIGURES 16 and 17 illustrate the construction and loading of the carton from the blank of Figure 15;
    • FIGURE 18 illustrates the erected and loaded carton illustrated in Figure 17, with the end panels secured to the end flaps to complete its construction; and
    • FIGURE 19 illustrates the carton with the lid removed.
    Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
  • Referring to the drawings and in particular, Figures 1 and 2, there is shown one embodiment of a blank for forming a carton and a blank for forming an insert structure made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. It is envisaged that a unitary blank for the carton and insert structure could be used without departing from the scope of invention. In the embodiments described below, the carton is a "fully-enclosed" type although it will be recognised that the invention could be applied to a "wraparound" type carton or "basket-type'' carton where it is required to secure an insert structure to one of the outer panels.
  • Turning to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels for forming the top, base and opposed side walls whereby there is shown a top panel 12, a first side wall panel 14, bottom panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 hingedly connected one to the next in series along fold lines 13, 15 and 17 respectively.
  • The ends of the carton are constructed by one or more end panels. In this embodiment, opposed end panels 20 and 22 are hingedly connected to the opposing ends of top wall panel 12 along fold lines 36 and 38 respectively. A second pair of end panels 24, 26 is provided along opposing end edges of base panel 16 and hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 36 and 38 respectively.
  • Preferably, a pair of end flaps 28, 30 is hingedly connected to first side wall panel 14 along opposing end edges and are connected thereto by fold lines 36, 38 respectively. Likewise, a second pair of end flaps 32, 34 are hingedly connected to side wall panel 18 along fold lines 36, 38 respectively. The end panels 20, 22; 32, 34 are usually secured to the end flaps, so that in use, the end flaps support the end walls to improve rigidity.
  • There may further comprise one or more recesses struck from end flaps. In use, the recess enables the insert structure I (Figure 4) to be secured to one or more of the end panels 20, 24, described below. In this embodiment, a pair of recesses 42, 46 are provided in end flaps 28, 32 that are positioned in corresponding positions along the opposing side edges, so as to marry up when the carton is erected. Preferably, a second pair or recesses 44, 48 is applied to the opposing end flaps 30, 34 so that the insert structure can be inserted from either end to be secured to the outer carton described in more detail below.
  • It is envisaged that the recess is not limited to the shape illustrated in Figure 1 and indeed could be replaced by other means to allow the insert structure to juxtapose the end panel. For example, end flap 28 could terminate at the lower edge of recess 46 or, alternatively one or more apertures could be struck from end flaps 28 and/or 32.
  • Turning to the construction of the insert structure, there comprises a blank 50, as shown in Figure 2, comprising one or more medial partition panels and a securing panel. There further comprises at least one transverse partition panel. Therefore, for a carton holding a group of four articles in a 2 x 2 arrangement, a single medial panel and transverse partition panel is required together with the end panel. Other arrangements are envisaged, so that for three rows of articles, two medial partition panels are provided.
  • In the illustrated embodiment, there comprises a first medial partition panel 52, an end panel 54 and second medial partition panel 56 hingedly connected together along fold lines 58 and 60 and adapted to receive twelve articles in a 3 x 4 arrangement
  • Figure 2 shows medial partition panel 52 is provided with three transverse partition panels 62a, 62b and 62c. Each transverse partition panel is similar and therefore only partition panel 62a is described in any greater detail.
  • Transverse partition panel 62a is connected to medial partition panel 52 along upper and lower fold lines 66a and 68a to create a panel that extends outwardly from both sides of the medial panel 52. It will be seen from Figure 2 that, in this embodiment, fold lines 66 and 68 are aligned in a vertical plane. The upper and lower edges of panel 62a are adapted to extend one side of the medial panel are defined by cut lines 76 and 78 respectively which separate the panel 62a from medial panel 52. Cut line 76 extends from the lower end of fold line 66 to the upper end of the upper fold line 66b connecting panel 62b to medial panel 52. Similarly, cut line 78 extends from the upper end of fold line 68 to the lower end of the lower fold line connecting panel 62b to medial panel 52.
  • Further cut lines 77 and 79 define respectively the upper and lower edges of the part of the transverse partition panel that will extend outwardly from the other side of the medial panel 52. The opposing side edges of transverse partition panel 62a are provided by cut lines 72 and 74 respectively and optionally, apertures 70a, 70b.
  • Adjacent one of the side edges 74 of partition panel 62a, there comprises a protruding portion 98 used to overlap the portion 96 of transverse panel 64a struck from the other medial partition panel 56 and described in more detail below.
  • The second medial partition panel is also provided with three transverse partition panels 64a, 64b and 64c. It will be seen that each transverse partition panel is similar and therefore only partition panel 64c is described in any greater detail.
  • Transverse partition panel 64c is similar to transverse partition panel 62a in that it is preferably adapted to extend outwardly on both sides of the medial panel 56. Thus, panel 64a is connected to medial partition panel 56 along fold lines 80c and 82c that are aligned in a vertical plane, in this embodiment. The upper and lower edges of panel 64a to extend one side of the medial panel are defined by cut lines 86 and 87 respectively which separate the panel 64a from medial panel 56. Cut line 86 extends from the upper end of fold line 82c to the lower end of the upper fold line 82b connecting panel 64b to medial panel 56. Similarly, cut line 87 extends from the lower end of fold line 80c to the upper end of lower fold line 80b connecting panel 64b to medial panel 56. A further cut line 84 is shaped to define the part that will extend outwardly from the other side of the medial panel 56. Cut line 84 also defines a protruding portion 96 used to overlap the portion 98 struck from the transverse panel 62c of other medial partition panel 52 and described in more detail above.
  • There may further comprise a tab 92 and cut lines 90 extending from the end edge of transverse panel 64a. Additionally or alternatively, there may also comprise apertures 70 struck from medial panel 52. In use, they assist in causing the panels 62a, 64a to separate from the medial panels 52 and 56 respectively.
  • A plurality of apertures 88, 94 struck from each of the transverse partition panels 64a, 64b, 64c and a corresponding aperture 94 may be struck from end panel 54 may be provided: they are used by suitable machinery to open the transverse panels 64 during the mechanical construction of the insert structure.
  • Turning now to the second embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 6 to 13 which is similar to the first embodiment and therefore, like numerals have been where possible used to denote like parts with the addition of the prefix "1". Only the differences between the first and second embodiments will be described in any greater detail.
  • In this embodiment, the recesses 142, 146 are provided at opposed and spaced positions in end flap 120, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore the means to connect the outer panel to the insert structure is provided on one end of the carton only.
  • The blank is adapted to receive one or more articles, for example sachets and to be displayed within the carton by means of a display window formed by recesses in end panels 122 and 126. In order to gain access to the interior of the carton an access structure is provided, which in this embodiment is provided by a plurality of frangible lines. The frangible lines 101, 104, 102, and 108 are formed in the panels 134,118,120,114 and 130 to define a removable cover. The cover is provided by panels 147 and 145 as well as end flap 122 top panel 112 and part of end flap 120. To assist in removing the cover an aperture and finger tab 143 are provided in end flap 120.
  • In some embodiments the cover is provided with a fold line 106, which is used to partially fold back the cover to reveal the contents of the carton.
  • The insert structure 150 is illustrated in Figure 7 and are placed intermediate the outer edges of the sachets and the outer walls to provide extra protection. In this embodiment there are opposed medial panels 152 and 156 and securing panel 154 hingedly connected together along fold lines 158 and 160, as shown in Figure 7.
  • Turning now to the third embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 14 to 18 which is similar to the first embodiment and therefore, like numerals have been where possible used to denote like parts with the addition of the prefix "2". Only the differences between the first and third embodiments will be described in any greater detail.
  • It will be seen from Figure 14 that the construction of the end panels 224, 226; 220, 222 and end flaps 232,234; 228, 230 is very similar to the first embodiment. The principal difference is that in this embodiment there is provided a handle structure. The handle is struck from top panel 212 by opposed cut lines 227a, 227b; 261a, 261b; 229a, 229b to define a handle strip H and is hingedly connected thereto along fold lines proximate a central portion of top panel 212.
  • Preferably the handle strip H extends into the adjacent side or end walls. In this embodiment, the handle strip extends into side wall panels 218 and 214 and is hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 221 and 223 respectively. The handle strip is separated from side wall panels 218 and 214 by extensions of cut lines 227 and 229 respectively that terminate at the ends of fold lines 221 and 223. There may further comprise hand support flaps 265 hingedly connected to opposed side edges of handle strip H.
  • The insert blank 250 is illustrated in Figure 15 and, again, is placed intermediate the outer edges of the sachets and the outer walls to provide extra protection. In this embodiment there are opposed medial panels 252 and 256 and securing panel 254 hingedly connected together along fold lines 258 and 260, as shown in Figure 15.
  • The insert blank 250 is also provided with additional flaps 251 and 257. In use the flaps envelop the sachets to be held in position as they are loaded into the carton.
  • Turning to the construction of the carton from any of the carton blanks illustrated in Figures 1, 6 or 14 and the insert structure from the insert blanks illustrated in Figure 2, 7 or 15 each blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which are preferably performed in a straight line machine, so that the carton and blank are not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.
  • Dealing with the construction of the insert structure I of the first embodiment from the blank 50, shown in Figure 2, the medial partition panels 52 and 56 are folded out of alignment from securing panel 54 along fold lines 58, 60 to be placed in a substantially perpendicular arrangement, whereby the medial partition panels 52 and 56 are substantially parallel and in a spaced arrangement. To construct the individual cells O (shown in Figure 3), the transverse partition panels 62 and 64 are moved out of alignment with medial partition panels 52 and 56 respectively. Turning first to transverse partition panel 62c, the panel is folded along fold lines 66c and 68c so that the protruding portion 98 is folded inwardly on one side of the medial panel 52. It will be seen that the transverse partition panel 62c is caused to pivot about fold lines 66c and 68c so that the panel extends from both sides of the medial panel 52. Preferably, the transverse partition panel 62c is substantially perpendicular to the medial panel 52. Likewise, transverse partition panels 62a and 62b are formed in a like manner.
  • Transverse partition panels 64a, 64b, 64c are formed in a like manner whereby panel 64c is folded out of alignment with medial panel 56 along fold lines 80c and 82c and is caused to pivot so that the transverse panel 64c extends from both sides of the medial panel 56 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to it. Protruding portion 96 extends inwardly and comes into abutment with corresponding protruding portion 98. Preferably, the corresponding protruding parts 96, 98 are secured together by glue or other suitable means known in the art which creates a rigid insert structure I. Panels 64b and 64a are formed in a like manner and shall therefore not be described in any greater detail. Thus, the insert structure is in a set up condition as shown in Figure 3. It will be seen that there are twelve cells O formed to separate and support the articles in adjacent cells.
  • The insert structure I is ready to receive the articles, which are loaded by relative vertical movement between the articles A and the insert structure I during forward feed movement. The articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the insert structure. Alternatively, the articles can enter their respective cells through the top of the insert structure I.
  • The outer carton C is constructed by folding top panel 12, first side wall panel 14, base panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 out of alignment with each other along fold lines 13, 15 and 17 to be folded into a tubular structure, shown in Figure 4. Top panel 12 and side panel 18 are secured together by securing flap 40. In those embodiments with securing flap 40, it is secured to side panel 18 by folding along fold line 41 to be secured to the side panel 18 by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • The carton is at an intermediate stage of construction whereby the articles and insert structure are inserted into the carton C from one of the ends. It will be seen from Figure 4 that the end panels 20 and 24 and end flaps 28 and 32 are folded outwardly along fold line 36 to guide the articles and insert structure into the carton. Preferably, the opposing end wall is formed prior to receiving the articles whereby end flaps 30 and 34 are folded inwardly along fold lines 31 and 39 respectively. Thereafter, end wall panels 22 and 26 are folded inwardly along fold lines 35 and 38 to be secured to the end flaps 30 and 32 by glue or other suitable means known in the art. Thus, the carton is at the stage illustrated in Figure 4.
  • In order to complete construction of the carton C, the insert structure I should be secured to one of the end wall panels 20 or 24. To this end, the end flaps 28 and 32 are folded inwardly along fold line 36 so that a portion of the end flaps 28, 32 come into abutment with the end wall 54 of insert structure I, and the recesses 42 and 46 are aligned, as shown in Figure 5.
  • End wall panel 20 is folded downwardly along fold line 36 and is, optionally, secured to the end flaps 28 and 32 by glue or other suitable means known in the art. Alternatively, the end wall 20 is held in place by end wall panel 24, which is secured to the end flaps described below. Thereafter, the lower end wall panel 24 is folded inwardly along fold line 33 and secured to the end flaps 28 and 32 by glue, such as glue strip G2, or other suitable means known in the art. In order to secure the insert structure I to end wall panel 24, a strip of glue G1 is, in this embodiment, applied in a substantially straight line intermediate opposing side edges of the end flaps such that the glue is applied through recesses 42, 46 to the insert structure.
  • In alternative embodiments, glue may be applied to different areas of the blank such as where apertures are used instead of the recess. By folding the end wall panel 24 inwardly, it is secured in face contacting relationship with the end flaps 28 and 32 and, the part of the insert structure I revealed by the recesses 42, 46. In this way, the insert structure I is secured directly to an outer wall of the carton by the application of glue in a standard method i.e. using a straight line gluing gun. Thus, the carton is in a set up condition.
  • The construction of the carton of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the outer carton C is constructed by folding top panel 112, first side wall panel 114, base panel 116 and second side wall panel 118 out of alignment with each other along fold lines 113, 115 and 117 to be folded into a tubular structure, shown in Figure 8. Base panel 116 and side panel 18 are secured together. In those embodiments with securing flap 140, it is secured to side panel 118 by folding along fold line 142 to be secured thereto by glue or other suitable means known in the art.
  • The insert structure is inserted into the carton, as shown in Figure 8, which helps to brace the outer carton and maintain it in a set up condition. Thereafter the articles are loaded into the carton and the end flaps 130 and 134 and end panels 122, 126 are folded inwardly and secured together to define a display window, as shown in Figure 9.
  • Figure 10 shows the opposing end wall formed in like manner to the first embodiment whereby end wall panel 120 is folded downwardly along fold line 136 and is, optionally, secured to the end flaps 128 and 132 by glue or other suitable means known in the art. Thereafter, the lower end wall panel 124 is folded inwardly along fold line 133 and secured to the end flaps 128 and 132 by glue, such as glue portions G, or other suitable means known in the art. In order to secure the insert structure to end wall panel 124, a strip of glue G is, in this embodiment, applied in a substantially straight line intermediate opposing side edges of the end flaps such that the glue is applied through recesses 42, 46 to the insert structure.
  • By folding the end wall panel 124 inwardly, it is secured in face contacting relationship with the end flaps 128 and 132 and, the part of the insert structure revealed by the recesses 142, 146. In this way, the insert structure is secured directly to an outer wall of the carton by the application of glue in a standard method i.e. using a straight line gluing gun. Thus, the carton is in a set up condition as shown in Figure 11.
  • In order to remove the cover to gain access to the interior of the carton, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the user pulls on the pull tab and tears the cover from the carton by tearing along the frangible lines 102, 113, 115, 104, 108, 101, and 103, to separate it as shown in Figure 13, thereby to reveal the articles A.
  • Turning to the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 16, the outer carton is formed and loaded in an identical manner to that described above. In this embodiment the insert structure is attached to the outer panels of the end walls at each end. This is achieved by the provision of flaps, 251 and 257 which appear through the recesses 242, 246, as shown in Figure 17. Thereafter the end wall 226 is secured directly to one or both of panels 251, 257 by the application of glue in a standard method.
  • The handle is constructed when the user pushes the hand flaps inwardly to reveal the handle strip shown in Figure 18. Lifting the handle strip will separate it from the top and side walls because of the cut lines 227, 229 and 261. The handle strip is hinged to the top panel 212 by step panels 267, which pivot about their hinged connections between the handle strip H and the side walls 218 and 214 to dissipate some of the load from lifting the handle.
  • In order to gain access to the interior of the carton shown in Figure 19, there is provided a cover panel struck from top panel 212 and hinged to end wall panel 222. Cover panel is frangibly connected to top and side walls by frangible lines 227, 229 and 225 which separates it from the respective panels to reveal the articles contained in the carton.
  • The present invention and its preferred embodiment relates to an arrangement for securing together the outer end panels and at least one panel of an insert structure, however it is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a variety of carriers and is not limited to those of the fully enclosed type hereinabove described and could be used for numerous applications where it is desired to secure a separate blank to an outer carton in a face contacting relationship in which a single application of glue is used.
  • It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "base", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention.
  • It should be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape, alternative top and base closure structures may be used. A single glue aperture may be provided in some embodiments. The carton may accommodate more than one article in different arrays. Additional panel(s) may be provided between the main and transverse article receiving panels so as to form a curved interface there between.

Claims (13)

  1. A package for carrying one or more articles (A) comprising a carton (C) having a plurality of wall panels (12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118; 212, 214, 216, 218) for forming a tubular structure wherein each end of the carton is closed by a first panel (20, 22, 24, 26; 120, 122, 124, 126; 220, 222, 224, 226) hinged to one of the wall panels, an intermediate panel (28, 30, 32, 34; 128, 130, 132, 134; 228, 230, 232, 234) hinged to another wall panel (14, 114, 214) of the carton and adapted to be placed such that at least part of said intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with the inner face of the first panel, said package further comprising an insert (1) in said carton, characterised in that the intermediate panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with at least part of the insert, an aperture (42, 44, 46, 48; 242, 244, 246, 248) or recess is provided in the intermediate panel such that glue applied to the insert at an area in registry with the aperture or recess secures together said insert, first panel and intennediate panel.
  2. A package as claimed in claim 1 wherein the intermediate panel is provided by an end flap (30, 34; 130,134; 230, 234) and the aperture is provided by a recess (44, 48; 244, 248) struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  3. A package as claimed in claim 2 wherein a second end flap (28, 32; 128, 132; 228, 232) is provided with a recess (42, 46; 242, 246) in registry with the first recess such that the first panel is secured directly to the insert by the application of glue (G 1) to that part of the insert on display through the first and second recesses.
  4. A package as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the insert structure includes a medial panel (52; 152; 252) hinged to the panel (54, 154, 254) that is secured to the carton and disposed along said other wall panel (14; 114; 214).
  5. A package as claimed in claim 4 wherein the insert structure further includes a second medial panel (56; 156; 256)disposed along a still another wall panel (18; 118; 218) disposed opposite to said other wall panel (14, 114, 214), said first and second medial panels hinged to opposite side edges of said securing panel (54, 154, 254) respectively.
  6. A package as claimed in claim 5 wherein a transverse partition panel (64a, 64b, 64c) is hinged to said first medial panel (52, 152, 252) by a pair of spaced fold lines ([66a, 68a], [66b, 68b] [66c, 68c]) intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of said first medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
  7. A package as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second medial panel is provided with a transverse partition panel (62a, 62b, 62c) hinged thereto so as to be secured to the transverse partition panel of the first medial panel.
  8. A package as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein one or more of the wall panels are defined by a frangible connection (101, 102, 103, 104, 108) to facilitate detachment of part of the package to define a display window with access to the articles contained therein.
  9. A package as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there further comprises a handle (H) struck from and hingedly secured to one or more of the wall panels.
  10. A blank (10; 110; 210) for forming a carton (C) for carrying a plurality of articles (A) comprising a top (12; 112; 212) bottom (16; 116; 216) and opposing side wall panels (14, 18; 114, 118; 214, 218) hinged together in series, an end panel (24; 124; 224) hingedly connected to the base panel and an end flap (28; 128; 228) hinged to one ofsaid side wall panels and a separate blank (50; 150; 250) for forming an insert structure (I) including a securing panel (54; 154; 254)connected to a medial panel (52; 152; 252), characterised in that an aperture (46; 246) is provided in the end flap such that during construction of the carton glue (G1) is applied to an outer face of the securing panel through the aperture in the end flap to secure together said end panel, end nap and securing panel when said end panel, end flap and securing panel are placed together in face contacting relationship in a set up condition.
  11. A blank (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the aperture is provided by a recess (46, 246) struck from the free side edge of the end flap.
  12. A blank (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 14 wherein a second end flap (32; 132; 232) is hinged the other side wall panel and is provided with a recess (42; 242) in registry with the first recess such that the end panel is secured directly to the securing panel by application of glue to part of the securing panel on display through the first and second recesses.
  13. A blank (50) as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the insert structure further includes a transverse partition panel (62a, 62b, 62c) struck from the medial panel and to the medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines ([66a, 68a], [66b, 68b], [66c, 68c]) intermediate opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of said medial panel when the insert structure is formed in a set up carrier.
EP01957482A 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same Expired - Lifetime EP1309488B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06004616A EP1666364A3 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0019755.8A GB0019755D0 (en) 2000-08-10 2000-08-10 Carton and insert and blank thereof
GB0019755 2000-08-10
PCT/US2001/024698 WO2002014166A1 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06004616A Division EP1666364A3 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1309488A1 EP1309488A1 (en) 2003-05-14
EP1309488B1 true EP1309488B1 (en) 2006-03-08

Family

ID=9897413

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01957482A Expired - Lifetime EP1309488B1 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same
EP06004616A Withdrawn EP1666364A3 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06004616A Withdrawn EP1666364A3 (en) 2000-08-10 2001-08-07 Carton and insert and blank for forming the same

Country Status (19)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1309488B1 (en)
AR (1) AR030440A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE319621T1 (en)
AU (2) AU2001279220B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2454630C (en)
CZ (1) CZ20033369A3 (en)
DE (1) DE60117806T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1309488T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2260257T3 (en)
GB (1) GB0019755D0 (en)
HU (1) HUP0302679A2 (en)
MX (1) MXPA03001283A (en)
NO (1) NO20030663L (en)
PL (1) PL360184A1 (en)
PT (1) PT1309488E (en)
RU (1) RU2247688C2 (en)
SK (1) SK14742003A3 (en)
WO (1) WO2002014166A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200301855B (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0218392D0 (en) * 2002-08-08 2002-09-18 Riverwood Int Corp Dispensing package
GB0326435D0 (en) 2003-11-13 2003-12-17 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Dispensing package
WO2006127488A1 (en) 2005-05-20 2006-11-30 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Llc Package for articles with a product dispensing aid
GB0808110D0 (en) * 2008-05-02 2008-06-11 Ds Smith Packaging Ltd Packaging carton
GB201010995D0 (en) * 2010-06-30 2010-08-18 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Carton and carton blank
WO2014066557A2 (en) * 2012-10-24 2014-05-01 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc Package with strap handle
CN104608984A (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-05-13 米德韦斯特瓦科包装系统有限责任公司 Paper box and paper box blank
RU2629144C1 (en) * 2016-04-28 2017-08-24 Елена Александровна Сикорская Box for bottles

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB858214A (en) * 1957-08-01 1961-01-11 Unipak Cartons Ltd Cartons
GB896479A (en) * 1960-08-11 1962-05-16 Unipak Cartons Ltd Cartons
US3868055A (en) * 1973-03-26 1975-02-25 Marinus J M Langen Carton divider
US3951332A (en) * 1974-07-22 1976-04-20 Torbeck Frank W Container closure with tuck-under tab
US3980223A (en) * 1975-06-02 1976-09-14 Curran John J Cellular structure for cartons
US4294398A (en) * 1981-01-22 1981-10-13 Container Corporation Of America Partition for carrier carton
US4469222A (en) * 1982-02-18 1984-09-04 Manville Service Corporation Two-piece beverage carrier
US5518111A (en) * 1994-03-02 1996-05-21 The Mead Corporation Removable divider panel for multiple-tier article package
US5529240A (en) * 1994-08-18 1996-06-25 Riverwood International Corporation Carton bottle partition

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR030440A1 (en) 2003-08-20
ZA200301855B (en) 2004-02-16
CA2454630C (en) 2008-01-08
EP1309488A1 (en) 2003-05-14
WO2002014166A1 (en) 2002-02-21
PT1309488E (en) 2006-07-31
EP1666364A3 (en) 2008-02-13
GB0019755D0 (en) 2000-09-27
DE60117806T2 (en) 2006-11-16
HUP0302679A2 (en) 2003-12-29
ES2260257T3 (en) 2006-11-01
DE60117806D1 (en) 2006-05-04
SK14742003A3 (en) 2006-04-06
AU7922001A (en) 2002-02-25
CZ20033369A3 (en) 2007-01-31
EP1666364A2 (en) 2006-06-07
NO20030663D0 (en) 2003-02-10
RU2247688C2 (en) 2005-03-10
CA2454630A1 (en) 2002-02-21
AU2001279220B2 (en) 2006-05-18
NO20030663L (en) 2003-03-31
DK1309488T3 (en) 2006-07-17
ATE319621T1 (en) 2006-03-15
PL360184A1 (en) 2004-09-06
MXPA03001283A (en) 2005-02-25

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