EP1957377A2

EP1957377A2 - Carton for tapered articles

Info

Publication number: EP1957377A2
Application number: EP06850825A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John M Holley, Jr
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2006-11-28
Publication date: 2008-08-20
Also published as: WO2007111715A3; CA2632132A1; WO2007111715A2

Abstract

A carton (200) is provided with side walls (104, 108) that are shaped to securely or tightly enclose a group of tapered cylindrical articles. The curvature of the edges (126a, 126b, 134a, 134) of each side wall is selected to cause the end wall or end closure structure (210, 212) to conform to the tapered shape of articles in the endmost row that is disposed adjacent to the respective end closure structure of the carton. The edges of each side wall are substantially continuously arcuate and the curvature of the edge is determined such that the maximum width (W2) of each side wall is greater than the width (W1)of the respective bottom edge (114, 116) of the side wall.

Description

Th=s sπvenUors relates generally to cartons and, more specifically, to cartons that are shaped to better enclose a QΓOUD of articles.

IAC KGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cartons are commonly used Io enclose articles such as conventionally shaped bottles. To securely enclose a group of bottles, the side panels of a carton can be shaped io match the features of a botOe including a tapered neck and a cylindrical base wnft a relatively larger circular or other shaped cross-section. Accordingly, side panels have been gable-shaped with the lower edge portions * the side panel expending vertically from the bottorn panel a?^'*d ihe upper edge portions of the side panel extending at an angle horn the respective lower edge portion to the top panel so as io follow the taper of the neck of the bottle

Although, .he gabie-shaped carton is useful for enclosing a group of bodies., the bottom po lion of each bottle is not supported as securely as the tapered portion Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to provide a carton tha is shaped to better stabilize the bottom portion of each bottle

IVEHHON

The various emi>odsm<snls of she present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a carton wsUi a curved Side wall that has a tightening effect or^; a group o? bottles to better stabilize the tapered and bottom portions of a boUle According Io one aspect of the inye-nϋon, a package includes a carton thai encloses a group of articles, where each article is cylindrical with a cross- seetional area thai may change m size and shape along the length of she article or otherwise taper, for example from a bottom portion having a maximum cross sectional area to an upper portion having a minimum cross sectional a^ea (hat is less than the maximum cross sectional area The carton includes an end closure structure and a pair of opposed side walls that are hmgedly connected to opposite edges of the end closure structure, where each Side wall includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and an end edge defined by the hinged connection between the side wall and me end closure structure. The end edge is substantially continuously arcuate so that ϊhe side wall nas a width thai varies along extent of the end edge, tviore specifically, the Side wall has a maximum width that ss greater than the extent of sis bottom edge. The maximum Width occurs at a distance from the bottom edge that is no greater than half the carton height, the carton height being defined as me distance between she top edge and the bottom edge

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention wlii be or become apparent to one With skill in me an upon examination of the following diawings and detailed description U is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included wsmio this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely Illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed Information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by refernng to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction wsih the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by ihe claims.

F^G 1 is a pten vsew of an exemplary embodiment of a blank according so the present invention

is* FiG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a carton formed from the blank of FiG 1 .

FlG 3 is a perspective yiev/ of toe carton of FiG. 2 in an open ended condition

^ FlG. 4 is a side view of me carton of FIG, 2 showing the shape of the side walls,

b.1 AlLhD ObSC-KlPTsUH

.?» As required, detailed embodiment of the present invention are disclosed herein, it will be understood that She disclosed embodiments are merely examples to illustrate aspects of the invention lhat n^ay be embodied in var sous and alternative forms The figures are not necessarily to scate, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized u> show details of particular components in other ^ instances, weli-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuπng the preseni invention. Therefore, specmc sύuctufal and functional delays disclosed neresπ are not to be interpreted as ismiting. Put as a basis for the ciasms and for reaching one sKsϋed m the art to variously employ the present invention

Referring now Io the drawings in which !ϋ<e nusrseiBis indicate iike elements throughout the severai views, tne drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of an exemplary embodiment of a carton thai is adapted for enclosing articles such as glass bottles according to the present invention Generally speaking, the exemplary carton is formed from any foldahle material, but preferably foldable sheet mateπal such as paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, ;^: combinations or laminates of these materials, and the like. The carton includes ssde walls with subs!antialiy continuously arcuate or otherwise contoured edges that closely conform to the enclosed articles.

Referring now to FiG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an elongated carton blank

:<^; 100 according to me present invention may be folded and secured or otherwise assembled to form the carton 200 shown in FIG 2. Sn FiG, 1 , a unnary blank 100 ^■s shown. Those skilled In the art wϋ! understand that two or more blanks may be used to form the illustrated blank 100. The blank 100 includes primary panels thai are hiπgedly connected one to the next along a longitudinal axis. More

; 5 specifically, the blank 100 includes an outer top panel 102, a first side panel 104, a bottom panel 106. a second side panel 108, and an inner top panes 110 The outer top panel 102 is hinged ?y connected Io the frrst side panel 104 along fold hne 1 12, which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blank Thus, fold line 1 12 defines the top edge of hrsr side panel 104 The first side

20 panel 104 rs hngedly connected to the bottom panel 106 along transverse told line 114, which defines the bottom edge of first side panel 104. The bottom panel 106 Is hlngediy connected to the second side panel 108 along transverse fold line 1 18, which defines me bottom edge of second side panel 108. The second side panel 108 is hsnge&ly connected to the inner top panel 110 along transverse fold

:.^•?^■ linei 18, which defines the tap edge of second side panel 108, U should be noted that. In an alternative embodiment, an edge flap may he substituted for the inner rop panel 110. in me exemplary embodiment, the bottom panel 106 is substantially Wider than the top panels 102. 1 10 Accordingly_: the side panels 104, 108 have substantially continuously curving or arcuate end edges and

.Ui varying width such toat a longer bottom edge of each side panel 104, 108 is hingedSy connected to *he bottom panel 106 and a relatively shorter top edge of each side pane! 104, 108 is hingedly connected to a respective top pane! 102, 1 10

Further, each of the panels 102, 104. 106, 108, is hingediy connected to opposing and preferably symmetric end flaps, defined so part by substantially longitυdinaily-orienied fold lines disposed along opposite end edges of the panels 102, 104, 106, 108. When erected, the end flaps cooperate to form a respective end closure structure 210. 212 (shown m FiG, 2) In the embodiments illustrated throughout, each set of end flaps is sufficiently identical that like references have been used, with "a^" or "LV affixed to distinguish the components of one ersd of the carlon ?rom the other, in other words, vviih regard Io the dlustrated embodiments, lypicaliy what applies to the elements designated with an "a" reference applies equally to those element designated with a "b^" reference. Accordingly, for the sake of clarify, the present teaching and description wsϋ refer io only those elements with the ^"a^'' reference unless a clear understanding of the illustrated embodiments requires a discussion of en element with a ^"b^* reference

A top end flap 120a is hsngedly connected to the outer top pane! 102 along fold line 122a. A first side end flap 124a is hngediy connected along an end edge to the first side pane! 104 along lold hne 126a. A bottom end flap 128a ;s hmgediy connected to the bottom pane! 106 along fold isne 130a A second side end flap 132a is hingediy connected along an end edge *o the second ssde panel 108 aiong fold hne 134a Ii should be noted that each fold hne 126a, 134a forms a plane curve, i.e.,, fold isne i ?6a, 134a is substantially continuous and arcuate so as to preferably snciude no intersecting hnear segments, although ihe degree of curvature aiong the extent of the lold line 126a is not necessarily constant Rather, it rs contemplated that the degree of curvature at any given posm P along each fold hne 126a, 134a may be zero, but typically Will have some magnitude es dictated by the contour of the intended articles,

The side end flaps 124a. 132a include a respective flap notch I 36a_: 138a that facilitates the folding of the side end flaps 124a, 132a along the arcuate fold hnes 126a, 134a, and discourages bowing of the side panels 104, 108 duπng stacking, as Wiϋ be described sn more detail below.

The outer top panel 102 and the snner top panel i 10 further delude optional elements that define a handle and dispenser, More specifically, handie severance fines 140 at feast partially define handle punchouts 142 that are hlngediy connected to a respective top pane! 102, 1 10 abng a handle fold line 144, Here, the handie \s illustrated as two elliptical shapes, believed to be comfortable to the user, but aϋ known handles are contemplated and included in the scope of the invention The blank 100 further includes severance fines 146 that extend from a respective handle severance line 140 and define a panel thai may be at least partially torn away to gain access to enclosed adscies Each severance line 146 may be a tear line or any other weakened line thai facilitates access to the lntenor of the carton 200, Ii is contemplated rha* each of the severance lines 146 includes, but ;s not limited to, a line of perforations, a line of shofi slits, a hne of half cuts, a single half cut, pull tape, np cords, and any combination of perforations, sills score iines, half cuts, tape, cord, or the equivalent As understood by those skilled m me art. the severance lines I4ø assist the user wsϊh opening the carton and accessing the articles therein As further understood by one skilled in the art, here the curvature, shape, and/or onentation of the severance isnes 146 are merely design choices Hence, the severance lines 146 are merely illustrative a^d are not limiting

One method of erecting an open ended tubular carton 200. as shown so FiG. 3. includes toldlng the blank 100 to connect or otherwise secure the outer surface o? the inner top panel 1 10 to the inside surface of the outer lop panel 102. preferably such that tne free edge of the mne? top panel is immediately adjaceπ* to the top panel fold lsne 1 1 ?, and such that the respective severance and fold isnes 140, 142 on the outer and inner top panels 102. 1 10 align to define the handle. More specifically, when the carton 200 is erected, the outer top panel 102 and the inner top panel 1 10 Form a composes top wall 202, the first side panel 104 forms a first side wall 204, the bottom panel 106 forms a bottom wall 206. and the second side paπei 108 forms a second ssde wall 208.

Articles (not shown) may be loaded into the open ends of the tubular carton 200 before folding and securing the end flaps affixed with an "a" reference U) form a first end wall 210 and the end flaps affixed with a "b" reference to form a second end wall 212 (shown in FiG 2). More specifically, (he side end flaps 124B. 132a are folded inwardly along fold lines 126a. 134a, the bottom end Hap 128a is folded inwardly along foid hne 130a. and the fop end Hap 12Qa ;s folded inwardly along fold line 122a, The flap notches 136a, 138a facilitate folding the side end flaps 124a, 128a along the substantially continuously arcuate or otherwise contoured fold ϋnes 126a, 134a such thai the side end flaps 124a, 128a are allowed to flex as necessary to curve around the base of each end most article. Each flap notch 136a, 13Sa preferably extends toward but does nor meet the respective fold hne 126a. 1348. thereby enabling the side end flaps 124a_; 128β to provide support for the side wall 204. 208 along fold line 126a, 134a to prevent bowing, bulging, or other deformation of the side walis 204, 208 when multiple cartons 200 are sacked, while providing flexibility needed to conform to the contours defined by fold lines 128a, 134a. The end flaps 120a. 128a at least partially overlap the Side end flaps 124a, 132a and may additionally overlap one another. The top panels 102, 110 and the end flaps 120a, 124a, 128a, 132a may be secured by any means for attaching sheet material including, but no? limited to, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, VELCRO₁ or the IiKo.

in the exemplary embodiment the side walis 204, 208 are shaped or otherwise contoured Io securely enclose articles (not shown) such as bottles in the carton 200. The shape and degree of me curvature of the end edges of the Side walls 204 _> 208 is selected Io conform to the contour and shape of the eπdmos? articles thai are disposed adjacent to the end wall closures when the carton 200 is fully loaded. Th!s_: the curvature of the end edges of the side wails 204, 208, Is most useful when each article gradually tapers or otherwise vanes In circumference along its length. By conforming to the shape of the article, the carton 200 offers a lighter fit, thereby discouraging tiUino of the ørticies within, which may result sn undesirable clinking thai can damage the articles or scuff labels affixed thereto. More? specifically, as shown ;n FlG. 4, the width WI at the bottom edge of the first side wall 204 is less than the maximum width W2 at the widest pad of the first side wail 204. as defined as the distance between contact posnts C where vertical tangent lines T, which are substantially perpendicular to the bottom waH 206. intersect the arcuate end edges of the first side waii 204. The contact points C he above the horizontal plane defined by the bottom wall 206. fVlore specifically, as shown In FiG 5, me contact points C lie on the artcuaie edges of the first side wail 204 within a vertioai range between the bottom wall 206 and the shoulder heigh? of an article. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, me contact points C that define the maximum width W2 of the firs* side waii 204 are located at a vertical distance HI from the bottom wail 206 where the vertical distance HI Is approximately one-third of the vertical height H2 of the carton 200. The width W3 et the top edge of the side waii 204 is less than the width Wi at the bottom edge of the side wall 204 and the width Wi at the bottom edge of the side wall 204 is iess than the maximum width W2. Thus, the exemplary carton 200 is suitable for enclosing long-necked bottles that taper inward from a maximum circumference at about one-third of the height of the bottle and has a tightening effect on the bottles contained therein to provide additional support to the bottom portion of the bodies. Other embodiments are contemplated to provide a tighter enclosure for the alternatively shaped bottles where the maximum width W2 Is disposed, for example, at about one haif the vertical height H2. Accordingly, articles that taper equally at both ends and flare in the middle can be accommodated by setting WI ~ W3 and W2 > (WI or W3). Numerous other article shapes can he accommodated by varying the position of HI and the relative lengths of WI ₁ YV2, and VV3. The most common beverage bottles currently distributed dictate Hi being disposed at or below approximately one half the carton height H2.

It muss, be emphasized that the above- described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding ol the principles of the invention. Many vanaiions &nύ modifications niay be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the daϊms Aii such modifications._: combinations, and variation are included herein by the scope of th=s disclosure and the following claims.

What is ciasπed i&.

Claims

- i O •

1. A carton, comprising: an end closure structure; a pair of opposed side waiis hingediy connected Io opposite side edges of said end closure structure, each side waN comprising, a top edge, a bottom edge; and an end edge defined by the hinged connection between said side waH and said end closure structure, said end edge being substantially continuously arcuate such that said side wan has a Width thai varies along the extent of said end edge; wherein said side wail has a maximum width that is greater than the extent of said bottom edge.

2. The carton of claim 1 _< wherein; said carton has a height that ss defined by the distance between said top edge and sasd bottom edge, and the distance between said bottom edge and a point along said end edge at which said side wail achieves its maximum width is no more than half of sa;d carton height.

3. The carton of Claim 1 _: sasd end closure structure comprising a pair of side end flaps each hiπgediy connected aiong an arcuate fold line extending along said one of said end edges to a respective one of said end edges of one of said side walis: wherein each of said side end flaps is notched to facilitate folding said respective sicie end flap afong sa;d ibid Hne

4. A blank for forming a carton for enclosing a plurality of lapered arises havsng relatively larger bottom portions and relatively smaller lop portions, (he blank comprising. a bottom panel,

> a first side panel and a second Side panel, each comprising. a pasr of end edges; a top edge; and a bottom edge along which said side panel is hsngediy connected to said boitom panel: and

!'^•> a top panel hingecPy connected to one o?^" said side panels along said respective top edge, wheresn each of said end edges is substantially continuously arcuate,

5. The blank of Clam 4. wheresπ -said first side panel and said second side panel S^ each has a maximum width that is greater than the extent of said respective too edge and of said respective bottom edge

6 A ρackage_: composing- a carton, comprising: .Y an end closure structure: a pair of opposed side walls hsngediy connected to opposite side edges of said end closure structure, each side wall comprising' a top edge; a bottom edge, and λ-^; an end edge dsftned by the hinged connection between said side wail and sasd end closure structure, said end edge being substantially continuously arouste such that said side- wall has a width that vanes along the extend of sasd end edge; wherein sad side wall has a maximum width that is greater than tne ^rs extent of said bottom edge; and a plurality of articles enclosed within sasd carton, said ariides being disposed or: ends thereof, each article having a shape that ;s substantially cylindrical With iower portion having a maximum cross -seclsonai ares thai tapers to an upper portion having a minimum cross-secnonai area that is tess tha^ said maximum cross -sectional area; vvheresn each of said end edges has a degree of curvature that approximates said shape of each of said plurality of arfeies.

7. The package of Clasm 6, wheresn said piuraWy of articles is arranged sn rows aligned WiUi sasd end closure structure, wherein each endmosi row of artsdes ss adjacent to one of said end closure structures such that said upper portion and said iower portion of sasd endrnosϊ artsde is tsghrly engaged Dy sasd adjacent end ciosu re structure