EP1454841B1

EP1454841B1 - Panel interlocking means for wrap-around cartons

Info

Publication number: EP1454841B1
Application number: EP04004621A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guenter Roos; Rainer Erschfeld
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2003-03-03
Filing date: 2004-03-01
Publication date: 2009-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-01
Also published as: GB0304783D0; DE602004023780D1; ATE446924T1; EP1454841A1

Abstract

Panel interlocking means comprising a pair of male tabs (M1,M2) formed from, and foldably connected to, a first panel (P1) to define at least in part a single aperture (S) in the first panel, and a locking aperture (L) defined in a second panel (P2) to receive and engage the male tabs (M1,M2), further comprising a female tab (F) formed from, and foldably or removably connected to, the second panel (P2) to define at least in part the locking aperture (L), and a provisional locking tab (A1) formed from at least one of the male tabs (M1,M2) to engage the female tab (F). A pack, carton or wraparound incorporating such panel-interlocking means is also provided, together with a blank thereof and in assembled form including an array of a plurality of containers particularly suited for retention within a star crate. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention is concerned with a carton or pack and a blank for forming same. More particularly, the invention is directed to a pack or carton adapted to receive an array of containers, typically bottles or bottled beverages, intended for use in star post crates. Star post crates are containers, typically of box-like configuration, in which packs of containers located therein become locked in a final configuration by means of a star-shaped post engaging inter-engageable panel formations in the panels of such packs or cartons. Star post crates are particularly useful in high speed and/or high volume packaging.
Locking together some configurations of pack intended for star post crates presents difficulties. For example, in packs holding four containers such as bottles in a 2x2 array, at the base of the pack there is normally only space for one secure locking formation. After transport through an appropriate packaging machine, the pack is locked relatively loosely with only one locking formation, and then inserted into the star post crate, whereafter the pack becomes more securely locked through star post cut outs.
Such arrangement leads to instability problems in the handling procedures of transportation from the packaging machine to the crate packer. We have now found that such instability problems can be lessened by providing supplementary locking formations within the star post cut outs of the pack. Preferably a standard locking formation is retained. Such arrangement provides a more stable pack able to reduce stability or integrity problems in transportation between the packaging machine and the crate packer. US-A-5094347 and W098/50284 illustrate wraparound carriers having panel interlocking means.
A first aspect of the invention provides a panel interlocking means comprising a pair of male tabs formed from, and foldably connected to, a first panel to define at least in part a single aperture in the first panel, and a female tab formed from, and foldably or removably connected to, a second panel to define at least in part the locking aperture in the second panel, characterised in that a provisional locking tab is formed from at least one of the male tabs for engagement with the female tab, the provisional locking tab being foldable connected to the male tab, the male tab being disposed in the plane of the first panel, the provisional locking tab being folded out of the plane of the male tab and engaged with the female tab, and wherein the female tab is disposed in the plane of the second panel and the provisional locking tab is received in and engaged with a provisional locking aperture in the female tab and the locking aperture receives and engages the male tabs.
Preferably, the provisional locking tab is struck at least in part from the one male tab from which it is formed.
Preferably, the male tab from which the provisional locking tab is struck is adapted to be folded out of the plane of the first panel to have one of its opposed sides/faces engaged with an edge of the locking aperture.
Optionally, the male tab from which the provisional locking tab is formed has a laterally projecting shoulder portion for engagement with an edge of the locking aperture.
Preferably, the single aperture and the locking aperture are arranged to receive a spacer post of a crate so that engagement of the male tabs with locking aperture is ensured when the post is received in the apertures.
Preferably, the provisional locking tab is formed in part from the one male tab and in part from the other male tab.
Preferably, the provisional locking tab extends from the one male tab into the other male tab when the male tabs lie flat in the plane of the first panel.
Optionally, each male tab has a pair of laterally projecting shoulder portions each of which is adapted to engage a corner portion of the locking aperture.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of forming an interlocked pack, carton or wraparound which comprises folding a pack, carton or wraparound blank incorporating panel interlocking means as defined in the first aspect around a plurality of containers, causing the blank to become at least partially interlocked, transferring the partially assembled pack, carton or wraparound to a star crate wherein the said male tabs and locking aperture are located adjacent to the base of the star crate, and causing a star post to engage an under surface of said crate in a manner to project through to engage the said male tabs and cause said male tabs to pass through said locking aperture in a panel interlocking manner before withdrawal of said star post therefrom.
In order that the invention may be illustrated, more easily appreciated and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the invention according to the first, second and third aspects thereof will now be described purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank incorporating panel interlocking means according to one embodiment of to the invention;
FIGURE 2 provides an enlarged detail of one panel of the blank illustrated in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 depicts an enlarged detail of another panel of the blank of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of an assembled pack according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 5 is an underneath plan view of a partly assembled pack, corresponding to the arrangement before inter-engagement of the panel interlocking means by star post;
FIGURE 6 schematically depicts application of a pack, such as a pack illustrated in FIGURE 4, to a star post for interlocking the juxtaposed panels shown in FIGURES 2 and 3; and
FIGURE 7 is an underneath plan view, corresponding to the view of FIGURE 5, of a fully assembled pack after interlocking of the overlying panels shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

Referring firstly to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, there is shown a blank suitable for forming a pack, carton or wraparound formed from paperboard or like foldable sheet material.
The blank incorporates panels having panel interlocking means as defined in the first aspect of the invention. The carton blank 1 has a top panel 2 provided between fold lines 4 and 4a, and from which fold lines 4 and 4a apertures 3 are, optionally, provided from which e.g. bottle tops can partly project in the finally assembled form. The top panel 2 is connected to first and second side wall panels 5 and 5a respectively, each of which is provided with a further fold line (not referenced). The first side wall panel 5 is connected to a first panel P1 by means of hinged connection along fold line 6.
In some embodiments, the panel P1 is provided with a pair of apertures 7 through which e.g. the base of containers such as bottles can project, in the finally assembled form of pack.
The panel P1 has a projecting part 8 in which a conventional locking tab B is struck. The panel P1 is also provided with a single aperture S in the region of which a pair of male tabs M1 and M2 are provided. The male tabs M1 and M2 are struck from the panel P1 and between them a provisional locking tab A1 extends, which is cut so as to form a tab capable of projecting through a co-operating formation to be described in subsequently in connection with a second panel P2.
In this embodiment, each male tab M1 and M2 is provided with shoulder portions SH which extend in the plane of the panel P1 but project beyond the notional completed circumference of the single aperture S.
At the distant end of the blank 1, a second panel P2 is provided which extends from and is hingedly connected to second side wall panel 5a by fold lines 6a. At this region of the blank, corresponding apertures 7a are, optionally, provided through which parts of the underside of containers such as bottles can project in the fully assembled form of pack.
The panel P2 is provided with a co-operating formation B1 struck there from which acts as a receptor for the primary locking tab B described above. The panel P2 is also provided with cut lines defining an aperture L, wherein a female tab F is struck from the blank to lie within the boundaries of aperture L. Accordingly female tab F can be folded away or at least partially removed from panel P2 by use of appropriate means to be described subsequently.
The female tab F is provided with a provisional locking aperture A2 struck from the tab which is of a shape and dimension to co-operate with the provisional locking tab A1 described above in connection with panel P1.
With reference to FIGURES 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, enlarged details of the panels P1 and P2 just described are shown wherein the functional components can be more clearly ascertained.
In order at least partially to assemble a carton, blank or wraparound from the blank of FIGURE 1, side wall panels 5 and 5a can be folded about the fold lines 4 and 4a, whereafter panel P2 can be folded about its corresponding fold line 6a and panel P1 folded about its corresponding fold line 6 in such a manner that panel P1 overlies panel P2 in an array whereby single aperture S is caused to align with female tab F in juxtaposition.
With reference to FIGURE 4, an assembled pack according to one embodiment of the invention is provided in a 2x2 array whereby four containers such as bottles V are housed within the pack in a wraparound fashion, the bases of the four bottles positioned adjacent to the panels respectively P1 and P2, the sides of the bottles V being protected by the sidewalls 5 and 5a and the tops of the bottles V adjacent the top panel 2, whereby the tops of the bottles may at least partly project through the respective apertures 3 in the assembled pack.
With reference to FIGURE 5, an underneath plan view of a partially assembled pack in 2x2 array is shown, wherein panel P1 has been folded to overly its companion panel P2 in a partially locked configuration. In this arrangement the primary locking tab B has been inserted through the co-operating formation B1 within the secondary panel P2 in an interengaging manner to hold the panels P1 and P2 together. Moreover in this configuration the provisional locking tab A1 has been folded out of the plane of panel P1 to project through the provisional locking aperture A2 in female tab F which tab at this stage is still present and not removed or part folded.
Accordingly in this configuration the panels P1 and P2 are coupled by two separate and spaced locking means which provides a more secure and more stable part assembled pack than arrangements wherein similar panels are interlocked by means only of a primary interlocking means such as the tab and co-operating formation B and B1.
Accordingly in such arrangement the pack is less susceptible to accidental or unwanted opening with possible loss of contents in transit between packaging machine and crate packing assembly stage. It will also be appreciated that the male tabs M1 and M2 in this arrangement overly the female tab F in preparation for a more complete assembly and full locking of the members M1 and M2 within the aperture L to be formed upon partial removal or folding of the female tab F as described subsequently.
Referring to FIGURE 6, the partially assembled pack (having partially interlocked panels P1 and P2 as in the FIGURE 5 configuration) is shown in a manner about to encounter a star post of a star crate assembly mechanism (not shown). The Figure depicts intended insertion of the star post into the principal interlocking assembly M1, M2, L, F which operation is normally completed when the packs containing the bottles V are loaded into a star crate (not shown) and the star crate is engaged by the projecting star post shown in the Figure.
With reference to FIGURE 7, the underside of the fully assembled pack is shown in a view corresponding to the FIGURE 5 arrangement. It will be appreciated that both male tabs M1 and M2 have been caused to pass through the aperture L defined by at least partial removal of the female tab F in such manner that the shoulder portions of both male tabs M1, M2 have passed through to the remote side of the panel P whereby all shoulder portions SH of both male tabs rest within corner formations of the locking aperture L in a fully inter-engaged and locked manner. Of course it is envisaged that the carton could use male tabs of the half lock type comprising one shoulder and a corresponding aperture without departing from the scope of invention.
In such fully locked configuration, the packs containing the array of containers V are even more stable so that the packs can easily be removed from their corresponding star crates (not shown) as and when required.
Accordingly, after initial assembly involving interlocking of primary interlocking means B and B1 and provisional locking means A1 and A2 a partially locked pack is provided. It remains a simple matter of lowering the partly assembled packs onto a star crate packing assembly and causing star posts to project from a surface underneath the packs to cause displacement of the male tabs M1 and M2 and corresponding at least partial displacement or possible removal of the female tab F in a rapid panel-interlocking action.
As will be appreciated from the arrangements particularly in FIGURES 5 and 7, the amount of material forming the base panels P1 and P2 can be reduced in that these need not comprise a full or complete rectangle. Final interlocking of the panels P1 and P2 can be undertaken in a one step process and whilst the packs are loaded within the star crates, given alignment and juxtaposition of tab F with single aperture S having male tabs M1 and M2 to provide an assembled star crate package with enhanced stability compared to known such packs locked with only one interlocking means.
It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "base", "side", "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. The carton may accommodate more than one article in different arrays. Furthermore, the panel interlocking means can be applied to a variety of carton types, for example clip, fully enclosed or basket carriers, without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Panel interlocking means comprising a pair of male tabs (M1, M2) formed from and foldably connected to a first panel (P1) to define at least in part a single aperture (S) in the first panel, and a female tab (F) formed from, and foldably or removably connected to, a second panel (P2) to define at least in part a locking aperture (L) in the second panel (P2) which can receive and engage the male tabs (M1, M2), characterised in that a provisional locking tab (A1) is formed from at least one (M1) of the male tabs (M1, M2) for engagement with the female tab (F), the provisional locking tab (A1) being foldably connected to the male tab (M1), such that, in use, the male tab (M1) is disposed in the plane of the first panel (P1), the provisional locking tab (A1) is folded out of the plane of the male tab (M1) and engaged with the female tab (F), the female tab (F) is disposed in the plane of the second panel (P2) and the provisional locking tab (A1) is received in and engaged with a provisional locking aperture (A2) in the female tab (F).
Panel interlocking means according to claim 1, wherein the provisional locking tab (A1) is struck at least in part from the male tab (M1) from which it is formed.
Panel interlocking means according to claim 2, wherein the male tab (M1) from which the provisional locking tab (A1) is struck is adapted to be folded out of the plane of the first panel (P1) to have one of its opposed sides/faces engaged with an edge of the locking aperture (L).
Panel interlocking means according to any preceding claim, wherein the male tab (M1) from which the provisional locking tab (A1) is formed has a laterally projecting shoulder portion (SH) for engagement with an edge of the locking aperture (L).
Panel interlocking means according to any preceding claim, wherein the single aperture (S) and the locking aperture (L) are arranged to receive a spacer post of a crate so that engagement of the male tabs (M1, M2) with locking aperture (L) is ensured when the post is received in the apertures (S, L).
Panel interlocking means according to any preceding claim, wherein the provisional locking tab (A1) is formed in part from the one male tab (M1) and in part from the other male tab (M2).
Panel interlocking means according to claim 6, wherein the provisional locking tab (A1) extends from the one male tab (M1) into the other male tab (M2) when the male tabs lie flat in the plane of the first panel (P1).
Panel interlocking means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each male tab (M1, M2) has a pair of laterally projecting shoulder portions (SH) each of which is adapted to engage a corner portion of the locking aperture (L).
A pack, carton or wraparound carrier incorporating panel interlocking means as claimed in any preceding claim.
A pack, carton or wraparound carrier as claimed in claim 9 constructed for use within star post crates.
A blank for forming a pack, carton or wraparound carrier incorporating panel interlocking means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.
An assembled pack, carton or wraparound carrier derived from a blank incorporating panel interlocking means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.
An assembled pack, carton or wraparound carrier as claimed in claim 12 further incorporating a plurality of containers.
A star crate including a plurality of packs, cartons or wraparound carriers as claimed in claim 12 or 13.
A method of forming an interlocked pack, carton or wraparound which comprises folding a pack, carton or wraparound blank as claimed in claim 13 around a plurality of containers, causing the blank to become at least partially interlocked, transferring the partially assembled pack, carton or wraparound to a star crate wherein the said male tab (M1, M2) and locking aperture (L) are located adjacent to the base of the star crate, and causing a star post to engage an under surface of said crate in a manner to project through to engage the said male tabs (M1, M2) and cause said male tabs to pass through said locking aperture (L) in a panel interlocking manner before withdrawal of said star post therefrom.