EP1390273B1 - Carton convertible into compartmented container - Google Patents

Carton convertible into compartmented container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1390273B1
EP1390273B1 EP02729229A EP02729229A EP1390273B1 EP 1390273 B1 EP1390273 B1 EP 1390273B1 EP 02729229 A EP02729229 A EP 02729229A EP 02729229 A EP02729229 A EP 02729229A EP 1390273 B1 EP1390273 B1 EP 1390273B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carton
region
hinge member
hinge
wall
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
EP02729229A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1390273A1 (en
Inventor
James R. Oliff
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
Publication of EP1390273A1 publication Critical patent/EP1390273A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1390273B1 publication Critical patent/EP1390273B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • 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
    • B65D71/36—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, with end walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
    • B65D5/5405—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form
    • B65D5/542—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form the lines of weakness being provided in the container body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00555—Wrapper opening devices
    • B65D2571/00561—Lines of weakness
    • B65D2571/00567—Lines of weakness defining a narrow removable strip
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00722—Shape 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to cartons, and more specifically to cartons for articles which cartons are convertible to compartmented containers.
  • Typical storage areas for such articles are food cabinets and pantries, refrigeration/cooling devices and packages containing multiples of the articles.
  • Articles such as beverages in containers are typically purchased and transported in a package containing multiples of the articles.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a carton which is separable into adjacent compartments, the carton comprising a tubular wall structure provided, at least in part, by first and second walls joined by opposing side walls and end walls and wherein the structure is separable into said adjacent compartments along a circumferential region, the separated adjacent compartments being joined together by a hinge member having spaced apart lateral edges defined by fold lines extending across said second wall characterized in that said hinge member is of substantially elliptical configuration to provide a transition from the carton end walls and second wall to the hinge member
  • the circumferential region extends across the first wall and opposing end walls that join the first, second and side walls.
  • the circumferential region is defined at least in part by a frangible line.
  • the circumferential region is defined at least in part by a frangible line and a tear strip.
  • the hinge member has an aperture formed therethrough to facilitate lifting.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a series of adjoined panels for forming a tubular structure for the erected carton, said panels having integrally formed therein a region of separability extending transversely along portions of said panels and a hinge-forming region having spaced-apart lateral edges such that the erected tubular structure is separable along said region of separability into compartments joined by a hinge member having spaced-apart lateral edges characterised in that the hinge-forming region and the hinge member are substantially elliptical.
  • the hinge-forming region is defined by weakened lines of demarcation.
  • the panels form opposing first and second walls, opposing side walls and opposing end walls in the erected carton, said region of separability being disposed such that it extends across said first wall and opposing end walls of the erected carton, and said hinge-forming region being formed in said second wall.
  • the region of separability s defined at least in part by a frangible line.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a blank 10 for forming a carton in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention while Fig. 2 illustrates a carton 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention formed from the blank of Fig. 1.
  • the carton 12 has a tubular structure.
  • the tubular structure is formed by opposing top and bottom walls, which for convenience of discussion may be referred to as first and second walls 20, 22, respectively, and opposing side walls 24, 26a/26b.
  • a handle 40 is formed in one of the side walls. Ends walls 30/34, 32/36 generally enclose the ends of the structure.
  • An open-ended tubular structure is first generally formed by adhering the side wall panels 26a and 26b to one another.
  • Articles A such as beverage containers are typically loaded into the open-ended tubular structure by a continuous-motion packaging machine. Once the carton 12 is loaded, the various end panels and flaps 30, 32, 34, 36, 42, 44 46a, 46b, 48a, 48b are folded over to provide end closures for the carton.
  • the carton 12 has a region along which the carton is separable.
  • a region along which the carton 12 is separable includes a tear strip 50 and a frangible line 56, 58 such as a perforated line.
  • the separable region extends partially around a circumference of the tubular structure. As a convenient point of reference, this will be referred as a longitudinal direction.
  • the direction has been described as longitudinal in relation to the orientation of an imaginary axis for the open tubular structure that is formed when the side flaps 26a and 26b are joined.
  • the orientation of the handle may be considered to be "transverse" with respect to the open-ended tubular structure.
  • the terms longitudinal and transverse may be interchanged as points of reference without affecting the scope or teachings of the invention.
  • the separable region may consist of any structure that allows the carton to be separated.
  • the separable region may consist of either a tear strip or a frangible line alone.
  • use of a tear strip 50 and a frangible line 56/58 in combination helps prevent the carton from opening prematurely while facilitating easy separation of the carton compartments once the tear strip 50 has been removed thus providing an opening through which separation can be initiated.
  • the separable region may also be defined by a cut line having an adhesive strip applied thereto to hold the carton together until intentionally pulled apart.
  • Fig. 3 depicts the carton after removal of the tear strip 50. Removal of the tear strip 50 provides an opening through which the carton can be manipulated to separate one side from the other along the separable region. In addition, the opening provided by removal of the tear strip in essence provides a starter area for the separation of the carton into compartments.
  • FIG. 4 therein is illustrated the carton as separated and divided into compartments 14, 16.
  • the compartments 14, 16 are joined by a hinge member 52.
  • the hinge member 52 has transverse edges that are spaced apart from one another. This helps produce a strong hinge for supporting the compartments.
  • the compartments 14, 16 may be lifted by the hinge structure by grasping the inside of the bottom (or second) wall 22 about the hinge member 52.
  • a simple, perhaps more convenient lifting mechanism is provided by an aperture 54 formed in the hinge member 52. An individual may lift the compartments by inserting a finger through the aperture and lifting upward as illustrated in Fig. 5.
  • a carton 12 in use, is formed from the blank 10 or otherwise is generally first formed into an open-ended tubular structure. Then, cans are loaded in from the ends and the carton 12 is placed in enclosed condition. Once the tear strip 50 is removed as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the carton 12 can be separated along the frangible line 56/58 into the compartments 14, 16 illustrated in Fig. 4.
  • the hinge member 52 has spaced-apart lateral edges that provide both a strong hinge structure and a bridge between the two compartments 14, 16. The opened carton 12 can then be lifted through the hinge member.
  • a simple manner of lifting is to grasp the inside surfaces of the U-shaped structure formed by the hinge member 52.
  • a more convenient yet simple lifting mechanism is provided through placement of an aperture 54 in the hinge member 52. With the aperture 54, the carton 12 is simply lifted by insertion of the finger of a user through the aperture 54.
  • a package containing multiples of articles such as beverage containers is convertible into a compartmented container from which individual ones of the articles can be retrieved. Because the package is easily transported after it has been converted into a compartmented container, it may be carried around by hand and used as a serving unit for the articles.
  • the compartmented container formed can be easily placed in a storage area such as a food cabinet or pantry or a refrigeration unit where the articles may be maintained as an aggregation from which individual units may be easily removed.
  • the hinge member has spaced-apart lateral edges and in a preferred embodiment described above is substantially elliptical.
  • the tapered ends of the substantially elliptical configuration help provide a transition from the carton end walls and bottom wall to the hinge member.
  • the hinge member may have other configurations, such as substantially rectangular.

Landscapes

  • 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)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
EP02729229A 2001-05-18 2002-05-16 Carton convertible into compartmented container Expired - Lifetime EP1390273B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US860843 2001-05-18
US09/860,843 US20020170845A1 (en) 2001-05-18 2001-05-18 Carton convertible into compartmented container
PCT/US2002/015557 WO2002094677A1 (en) 2001-05-18 2002-05-16 Carton convertible into compartmented container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1390273A1 EP1390273A1 (en) 2004-02-25
EP1390273B1 true EP1390273B1 (en) 2005-11-23

Family

ID=25334153

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02729229A Expired - Lifetime EP1390273B1 (en) 2001-05-18 2002-05-16 Carton convertible into compartmented container

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US20020170845A1 (es)
EP (1) EP1390273B1 (es)
JP (1) JP2004525835A (es)
AT (1) ATE310682T1 (es)
CA (1) CA2447664C (es)
DE (1) DE60207551T2 (es)
DK (1) DK1390273T3 (es)
ES (1) ES2251590T3 (es)
MX (1) MXPA03010546A (es)
WO (1) WO2002094677A1 (es)

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US7225930B2 (en) * 2003-11-05 2007-06-05 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Combination shipping carton and twin dispenser boxes
EP1689648A2 (en) * 2003-11-19 2006-08-16 MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC Carton with two-step opening feature defining yieldable dispenser for selective removal and retention of articles
GB0403470D0 (en) * 2004-02-17 2004-03-24 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Carton for multiple articles
JP4504792B2 (ja) * 2004-11-25 2010-07-14 麒麟麦酒株式会社 包装箱
CA2623406C (en) * 2005-09-21 2011-11-15 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Reinforced cartons
US8622280B2 (en) 2005-09-21 2014-01-07 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Shipping and dispensing carton
NZ572395A (en) 2006-05-18 2011-05-27 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Packaging article comprising at least two blanks adhered together and a liquid-tight vessel attached to the interior surface
ES2773704T3 (es) * 2006-06-23 2020-07-14 Graphic Packaging Int Llc Caja de cartón con configuraciones de dispensación
US20090121005A1 (en) * 2006-06-23 2009-05-14 Ho Fung Charles F Cartons having dispensing configurations
US8033449B2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2011-10-11 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Cartons having dispensing configurations
EP2032450B1 (en) * 2006-06-23 2014-01-08 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Method of dispensing generally cylindrical containers from a carton
EP2117939A1 (en) 2007-02-23 2009-11-18 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Reinforced carton and methods of making carton blanks
US20090090642A1 (en) * 2007-10-03 2009-04-09 Christopher Trimarco Foldable beverage receptacle
US8028839B2 (en) * 2008-06-05 2011-10-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Shipping and dispensing carton
US8186570B2 (en) * 2008-10-24 2012-05-29 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Package for food product
FR2941934B1 (fr) * 2009-02-12 2016-05-13 Fay De Choisinet Laure Du Emballage pour produits alimentaires et flan pour la realisation d'un tel emballage
US8328079B2 (en) 2009-06-05 2012-12-11 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with display header
US8814033B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2014-08-26 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Triangular vented tray
US20110180594A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 Fitzwater Kelly R Package for Multiple Food Items
US8840011B2 (en) 2010-06-24 2014-09-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with reinforced corner
US8740054B2 (en) 2010-10-18 2014-06-03 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Convertible shipping and display carton
US8740050B2 (en) 2010-12-06 2014-06-03 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with lid
US9309034B2 (en) * 2013-09-24 2016-04-12 Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. Dispensing carton
MX2017006248A (es) 2014-11-17 2017-07-31 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Cajon de carton con caracteristicas de refuerzo.
US9630736B2 (en) 2014-11-17 2017-04-25 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with reinforcement features
AU2016222829C1 (en) 2015-02-27 2018-12-13 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Construct with locking features
WO2016200901A1 (en) 2015-06-09 2016-12-15 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with locking feature
US9969523B2 (en) 2015-10-09 2018-05-15 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with display feature
WO2017210249A1 (en) 2016-06-03 2017-12-07 Graphic Packaging Internaitonal, Inc. Package including carton with insert
USD837645S1 (en) * 2016-07-22 2019-01-08 Ach Food Companies, Inc. Packaging
BR112019009756B1 (pt) 2016-11-14 2023-10-24 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Caixa para conter um produto em um revestimento, combinação da caixa com o revestimento, peça em bruto para formar uma caixa para conter um produto em um revestimento, e método de formar uma caixa para conter um produto em um revestimento
WO2018183416A1 (en) 2017-03-28 2018-10-04 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with impact-resistant features
US11174064B2 (en) 2017-03-28 2021-11-16 Graphie Packaging International, LLC Carton with impact-resistant features

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US3002613A (en) * 1959-10-05 1961-10-03 Schmidt Lithograph Company Carton
NL1005038C2 (nl) * 1997-01-17 1998-07-20 Bouwe Prakken Rechthoekige vouwdoos met displaymogelijkheid.
US5857570A (en) * 1997-08-18 1999-01-12 Labatt Brewing Company Limited Primary and secondary packaging system for beverage products

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2447664A1 (en) 2002-11-28
MXPA03010546A (es) 2004-05-27
JP2004525835A (ja) 2004-08-26
DK1390273T3 (da) 2006-04-03
US20020170845A1 (en) 2002-11-21
DE60207551T2 (de) 2006-07-20
DE60207551D1 (de) 2005-12-29
EP1390273A1 (en) 2004-02-25
WO2002094677A1 (en) 2002-11-28
CA2447664C (en) 2008-03-25
ATE310682T1 (de) 2005-12-15
ES2251590T3 (es) 2006-05-01

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