EP2978679B1 - Emballage à poignée, son ébauche, structure partiellement finie, et procédé associé - Google Patents

Emballage à poignée, son ébauche, structure partiellement finie, et procédé associé Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2978679B1
EP2978679B1 EP14732459.4A EP14732459A EP2978679B1 EP 2978679 B1 EP2978679 B1 EP 2978679B1 EP 14732459 A EP14732459 A EP 14732459A EP 2978679 B1 EP2978679 B1 EP 2978679B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
panel
panels
apertures
article
fold line
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14732459.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
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EP2978679A1 (fr
Inventor
Julien Merzeau
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
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WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2978679A1 publication Critical patent/EP2978679A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2978679B1 publication Critical patent/EP2978679B1/fr
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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
    • B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
    • B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
    • B65D71/22—Openings or windows formed in the side 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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
    • B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
    • B65D71/28—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls characterised by the handles
    • B65D71/30—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls characterised by the handles unitary, i.e. integral with the tubular packaging elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00154—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked
    • B65D2571/00185—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked by tabs cut within one end and facing away from the other end when blank is unfolded, and co-operting with openings at the other end
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00283—Openings in at least a side wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00456—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00462—Straps made by two slits in a wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654—Blanks
    • B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00716—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular without end walls
    • 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
    • B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
    • B65D2571/00839—Integral reinforcements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article carrier having an improved article retention feature. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a blank for forming a carrier and a part-formed structure used in the assembly of the carrier having an improved article retention feature for securely holding articles contained by the package carrier, the automated assembly of which is readily achieved. Additionally, the carrier may have a shape that is characteristic of the brand of product being packaged.
  • Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information.
  • cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible.
  • Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.
  • Carriers are often provided with article retention features so that the articles can be securely held within the carton.
  • An example of a carrier with an article retention feature is disclosed in GB 2,279,065 .
  • the carton has a planar base for supporting the articles and three retaining sections arranged in an oblique and zig-zag orientation relative to the plane of the base.
  • a package is manually assembled by passing the base of a bottle horizontally through an aperture in an intermediate retaining section and then passing the base of the bottle through an aperture in the a lower retaining section.
  • the bottle neck is then passed through an aperture in an upper retaining section by movement of the bottle in the opposite direction. Threading a bottle such that it is partially bottom loaded and then partially top loaded into the carton is highly disadvantageous since automation of the assembly of the carrier and packaging of the bottles cannot be readily achieved and manual loading and assembly is slow and costly. It is therefore desirable to have a carrier that can be loaded and assembled in an automated manner by packaging machinery.
  • Yet another consideration is the eye-catching or aesthetically pleasing qualities of the package which may aid in the marketing of the packaged products to consumers.
  • GB 2279065 to Hailey discloses a carrier for packaging and conveying a plurality of bottles, cans, cylinders and the like, while preventing contact between the bottles, comprises a planar base to support the bottles in side-by-side relation and two upwardly directed retaining sections which extend from opposing edges of the base. At least one of the retaining sections includes at least a first, a second and a third portion which are disposed in oblique, zig-zag orientation with respect to the plane of the base. Each portion has an aperture for passage of at least one of the bottles therethrough. The configuration allows the labels on the bottles to be fully visible when packed, and offers a stable presentation of the bottles both upright and when on their sides.
  • a carrying handle includes a locking mechanism to close the package.
  • GB 2279065 forms the basis of the two-part form of claims 1 and 13.
  • US 2012/0104080 to Spivey discloses a carton for carrying a plurality of articles.
  • the carton comprises a top panel. and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel.
  • the at least one side panel has a first retention feature of retaining a first portion of at least one of the plurality of articles, and a second retention feature for retaining a second portion of the at least one of the plurality of articles.
  • the first retention feature comprises at least two first openings and the second retention feature is spaced apart from the first retention feature.
  • the second retention feature comprises at least two second openings respectively aligned with a respective one of the at least two first openings, and at least two retention flaps foldably connected at a respective fold line.
  • the at least two retention flaps are positioned between the at least two second openings.
  • US 5167325 discloses a carton for packaging a plurality of articles comprising an apertured inner sheet coupling opposite top walls to each other.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
  • a carton for packaging a plurality of articles comprising a bottom panel; a first side panel and a second side panel each having upper and lower portions; the first side panel having first and second apertures for receiving a first article, the first aperture being struck from the upper portion of the first side panel and the second aperture being struck from the lower portion of the first side panel; the second side panel having third and fourth apertures for receiving a second article, the third aperture being struck from the upper portion of the second side panel and the fourth aperture being struck from the lower portion of the second side panel; wherein the first side panel is folded between the first and second apertures such that a first portion of the first side panel is disposed on a first side of the first article and a second portion of the first side panel is disposed upon a second side of the first article; and wherein the second side panel is folded between the third and fourth apertures such that a first portion of the second side panel is disposed on a first side of the second article and a second portion of the second side panel is
  • At least one handle strap is struck from the reinforcing panel and is displaced out of the reinforcing panel for carrying the carton.
  • the first side panel comprises at least one second fold line disposed between first and second aperture
  • the second side panel comprises at least one third fold line (50) disposed between the third and fourth apertures, the at least one second fold line being disposed proximate to the at least one third fold line.
  • the at least one second fold line and the at least one third fold lines are disposed proximate to the at least one first fold line.
  • a package comprising first and second articles and a carton according to the foregoing paragraphs wherein the first articles are received in the first and second apertures of the first side panel such that at least one portion of the first articles is disposed externally of the carton and wherein the second articles are received in the third and fourth apertures of the second side panel such that at least one portion of the second articles is disposed externally of the carton.
  • the at least one portion of the first article is a neck portion of the first article and the at least one portion of the second article is a neck portion of the second article.
  • the handle strap extends over tops of the first and second articles.
  • the handle strap is shaped such that a portion of the handle strap is disposed over the tops of the first and second articles.
  • the handle strap is hinged to the upper portions of the first and second side panels such that in use the handle panel tightens the upper portions of the first and second side panels and the reinforcing panel about the first and second articles.
  • a blank for forming a carton comprising a first panel for forming a reinforcing panel of the carton; a second panel hinged to a first edge of the first panel to form an upper portion of a first side panel of the carton; a third panel hinged to a second edge of the first panel to form an upper portion of a second side panel of the carton, the second edge opposing the first edge; a fourth panel hinged to the second panel to form a lower portion of the first side panel; a fifth panel hinged to the third panel to form a lower portion of the second side panel; and a sixth panel hinged to at least one of the fourth and fifth panels to form a bottom panel of the carton, characterised in that the first panel comprises first and second openings for receiving an article, wherein the second and third panels each comprises at least one aperture which is arranged to be in at least partial alignment with a respective one of the first and second openings in the first panel, and wherein the fourth and fifth panels each comprise at least one aperture
  • the blank further comprises a handle panel struck at least in part from the first panel, being coupled to each of the second and third panels.
  • the sixth panel comprises a first part hinged to the fourth panel and a second part hinged to the fifth panel.
  • a part-formed structure for forming a carton comprising: a first panel forming a reinforcing panel of the carton; a second panel hinged to a first edge of the first panel by a first hinge line, to form an upper portion of a first side panel of the carton; a third panel hinged to a second edge of the first panel, by a second hinge line, to form an upper portion of a second side panel of the carton, the second edge opposing the first edge; a fourth panel hinged to the second panel, by a third hinge line to form a lower portion of the first side panel; a fifth panel hinged to the third panel, by a fourth hinge line to form a lower portion of the second side panel; and a sixth panel hinged to at least one of the fourth and fifth panels, and wherein the first panel comprises first and second openings for receiving articles and the second and third panels each comprise at least one aperture and the fourth and fifth panels each comprise at least one aperture, characterised in that the second
  • a handle panel is struck at least in part from the first panel and is coupled to each of the second and third panels.
  • a method of packaging articles comprising providing a blank having a first panel forming a reinforcing panel including a plurality of apertures or cutaways each for receiving an article respectively and a first fold line extending transversely thereacross; a second panel for forming a first upper side panel hinged to a first edge of the first panel by a second fold line, the second panel comprising one or more apertures each for receiving a respective article; a third panel for forming a second upper side panel hinged to a second edge of the first panel by a third fold line, the second edge opposing the first edge, the third panel comprising one or more apertures each for receiving a respective article; a fourth panel for forming first lower side panel hinged to the second panel by a fourth fold line, the fourth panel comprising one or more apertures each for receiving a respective article; a fifth panel for forming a second lower side panel hinged to the second panel by a fifth fold line, the fifth panel comprising one or more
  • the method may comprise deforming or folding the fourth and fifth panels about the opposing side of the group of articles; folding the sixth panel about the base of the group of articles; and securing the sixth panel to form a carrier.
  • the method may comprise at least partially unfolding the handle panel with respect to the second and third panels.
  • the method comprises securing the first panel and the respective portions of the second and third panels in face contacting relationship.
  • the handle panel is unfolded with respect to the second and third panels simultaneously with the at least partial folding of the first panel in response to receiving the group of article in the blank.
  • the method comprises a step wherein a handle panel is struck at least in part from the first panel and is coupled to each of the second and third panels.
  • the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as bottles.
  • teachings of the invention can be applied to various containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.
  • Other exemplary articles include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.
  • the blank 10 shown in Figure 1 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate.
  • suitable substrate includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.
  • the term "outerside” as used herein may be taken to mean the coated and/or printed side that is more exposed in the finished package.
  • underside as used herein may be taken to mean the uncoated and/or unprinted side that is less exposed in the finished package.
  • the blank 10 is sized and configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles.
  • the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array and the articles are bottles.
  • the shape of the carrier formed from the blank 10 has characteristics that are evocative and/or suggestive of aspects of the brand of product contained in packaged bottles. In this way the package of the present invention has an improved marketing quality because the package itself is not only physically structured for being a useful carry-pack, but its appearance is also evocative of the product brand packaged.
  • the blank 10 can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other articles, other brands of product, different numbers of articles and/or different arrangements of articles.
  • the blank 10 comprises a linear series of interconnected panels that are foldable and affixable (optionally by adhesive) to form, in the first instance, a part-formed structure 80 (see Figures 3 and 4 ) and thereafter, a carrier 90 which forms part of a completed package comprising the carrier and a group of articles B (see Figure 6 ).
  • the linear series of interconnected panels comprises: a first bottom panel 12, a first lower side panel 14, a first upper side panel 16 (also referred to herein as a first retention panel 16), a first pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b, a handle panel 18, a second pair of reinforcing panels 20c, 20d, a second upper side panel 26 (also referred to herein as a second retention panel 26), a second lower side panel 24 and a second bottom panel 22.
  • the linear series of interconnected panels 12, 14, 16, 20a, 20b, 18, 20c, 20d, 26, 24 and 22 are hinged together one to the next along transversely arranged fold lines: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46a, 46b, 48, 50, 52 and 54.
  • the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are larger in dimension than the respective first or second upper side panel 16, 26 to which they are hinged.
  • the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are longer or taller than the respective first or second upper side panel 16, 26 to which they are hinged. In other embodiments other arrangements are envisaged depending upon the shape and configuration of the articles B.
  • first and second lower side panels 14, 24 and first and second upper side panels 16, 26 are arranged such that the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 extend from the base of an article B to a shoulder region where a neck portion of the article B meets a body portion.
  • the first and second upper side panels 16, 26 extend from the shoulder region and extend over the neck portion to the top of the article B.
  • the first and second bottom panels 12, 22 are optionally provided with complementary parts 70, 72 of a mechanical locking mechanism for affixing the first and second bottom panels 12, 22 together to form a composite bottom wall 12/22.
  • a mechanical locking mechanism for affixing the first and second bottom panels 12, 22 together to form a composite bottom wall 12/22.
  • Such mechanisms are known in the art and are typical of wraparound style carriers, where the mechanical locking mechanism provides for some adjustability to enable the carrier to be tightly wrapped about a group of articles B for securing the articles B within the carrier.
  • the mechanical locking mechanism 70, 72 is entirely optional.
  • the mechanical locking mechanism may be replaced by other types of affixing means, for example, adhesive, tuck flaps and/or staples.
  • heel locking features 74 are provided between the first bottom panel 12 and first lower side panel 14; and between the second bottom panel 22 and second lower side panel 24, heel locking features 74 are provided. These again are optional features, typically provided in wraparound style carriers where the tight fit of the carrier 90 to the articles B is important in ensuring that the articles B are securely held. It will be recognised that where the invention is implemented in another style of carrier that such heel locking features 74 may be omitted. In embodiments in which such heel locking features 74 are provided, their style and type, size, number and configuration all may be adapted from that illustrated in order to accommodate articles B of varying style, type, shape, position and number.
  • the blank 10 comprises a series of article receiving apertures and openings 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d.
  • Two approximately elongated-oval-shaped article receiving apertures 30a, 30b are struck from the first lower side panel 14; and two approximately elongated-oval-shaped article receiving apertures 30c, 30d are struck from the second lower side panel 24.
  • Two approximately oval-shaped article receiving apertures 32a, 32b are struck from the first retention panel 16; two approximately oval-shaped article receiving apertures 32c, 32d are struck from the second retention panel 26.
  • apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are illustrated in Figure 1 and is not limited to that shown in the exemplary illustrated embodiment.
  • the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are shaped such that when the carrier 90 is constructed from the blank 10 and the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 and the first and second retention panels 16, 26 are disposed at oblique angles relative to the articles B contained in the completed package and relative to one another, that the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d fit about a portion of an article B.
  • the blank 10 is additionally provided with partial apertures or openings 34a, 34b and 34c, 34d disposed in the first pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b, and second pair of reinforcing panels 20c, 20d respectively.
  • These openings 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are shaped similarly to corresponding portions of the apertures 32a, 32b and 32c, 32d provided in the first and second retention panels 16, 26 respectively.
  • the openings 34a, 34b and 34c, 34d are similarly shaped to the corresponding portions of the apertures 32a, 32b and 32c, 32d.
  • the openings 34a, 34b and 34c, 34d may be significantly larger than the apertures 32a, 32b and 32c, 32d and/or not similarly shaped. This however would reduce the amount of reinforcement provided by the first pair and second pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b and 20c, 20d to the first and second retention panels 16, 26.
  • the blank 10 is configured for forming a carton or carrier 90 that houses four similarly sized and shaped bottles B in a 2 x 2 arrangement.
  • the completed package with bottles B is shown in Figure 7.
  • Figure 7 depicts a notional vertical axis 'Y' (running between the crown of the bottle B and the base of the bottle B) and a notional orthogonal, horizontal axis 'X'.
  • the bottles B have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, when considering cross-sections taken through the bottle B in a plane that is orthogonal to the vertical 'Y' axis.
  • the first and second retention panels 16, 26 in a set-up carrier 90 are disposed at an angle (V) of between about 35° and about 45° relative to the horizontal 'X' axis.
  • Sections of the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are disposed at an angle (W) of between about 25° and about 45° relative to the horizontal 'X' axis.
  • Cross-sections taken through the bottles B at angles of between about 25° and about 45° are not circular, but rather oval in shape.
  • the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are shaped similarly to the ovaloid shape of the bottle B on an oblique angle.
  • the article receiving apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d may have a different shape and/or size.
  • the part-formed structure 80 and carton or carrier 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the part-formed structure 80 and/or carrier 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction.
  • the folding process is not necessarily limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.
  • Affixing means for example adhesive may be applied in the regions illustrated by 'G' in Figure 2 .
  • the regions illustrated by 'G' are optional, but provide for a linear application of adhesive in four interrupted strips at positions that: facilitate affixing the inside faces of the first pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b to the inside face of the first retention panel 16; and facilitate affixing the inside faces of the second pair of reinforcing panels 20c, 20d to the inside face of the second retention panel 26.
  • the first retention panel 16 is folded about fold lines 44 and 42 to bring part of its inside surface into face contacting relationship with each panel of the first pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b; and into face contacting relationship with part of the handle panel 18.
  • the second retention panel 26 is folded about fold lines 48 and 50 to bring part of its inside surface into face contacting relationship with each panel of the second pair of reinforcing panels 20c, 20d; and into face contacting relationship with part of the handle panel 18.
  • the first and second retention panels 16, 26 are not affixed to the handle panel 18.
  • the resulting part-formed structure 80 is shown in Figures 3 and 4 .
  • FIG 3 it can be seen from the underside of the part-formed structure 80 that as the first and second retention panels 16, 26 are folded about fold lines 44/42 and 48/50, the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are brought toward one another, such that their top folded edges, defined by fold lines 42 and 50 respectively, are disposed side-by-side.
  • the first and second retention panels 16, 26 have been affixed together such that their hinged edges 42, 40 with the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 respectively are immediately side-by-side (see Figure 3 ).
  • Disposed on top of the hinged edges 42, 50 are the fold lines 46a, 46b between the first and second pairs of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
  • a top structure is thereby formed comprising the handle panel 18 and a composite retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d.
  • the composite retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d is "V"-shaped (see Figures 6 and 7 ).
  • the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 have their upper edges 42, 50, disposed side-by-side and each hanging from a substantially common position, disposed centrally of the composite retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d.
  • part-formed structure 80 may be folded on top of the other second or first side panel 24, 14. This folding step may be completed at the same time as the folding of the first and second retention panels 16, 26 or as a subsequent step.
  • the term part-formed structure 80 therefore refers to the structure formed when the first pair of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b have been affixed to the first retention panel and the second pair of reinforcing panels 20c, 20d have been affixed to the second retention panel 26. This is irrespective of whether the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are folded into overlapping relationship with one another or remain in an "open" state, as depicted in Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the part-formed structure 80 may be transported to a converting plant, whereat a package of articles B and carrier 90 is formed from the part-formed structure 80 and a group of articles B.
  • the part-formed structure if necessary is unfolded and placed into its "open"-state, ready for it being applied to an assembled group of articles B.
  • Figure 5 wherein it can be seen that the part-formed structure 80 is placed over an article group. This may be performed manually or in an automated manner using a packaging assembly.
  • the part-formed structure 80 is arranged such that the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, of the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 (which now form part of an inner most layer of the part-formed structure 80), are in at least partial alignment with the apertures 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, of the first and second retention panels 16, 26 (which now form an intermediate layer of the part-formed structure 80), and are in at least partial alignment with the openings 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, of the first and second pairs of reinforcing panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d (which now form part of an outermost layer of the part-formed structure 80).
  • each set of three apertures and openings 30a/32a/34a, 30b/32b/34b, 30c/32c/34c, 30d/32d/34d is illustrated in Figure 3 and 4 by the directional arrow 'D'.
  • the arrangement of the sets of apertures and openings 30a/32a/34a, 30b/32b/34b, 30c/32c/34c, 30d/32d/34d in this way makes the application of the part-formed structure 80 onto the bottles B simpler, and therefore easier to automate, than a method involving loading the neck portion of each bottle B first through a side wall aperture 30a, then through a retention wall aperture 32a and then finally through an opening 34a.
  • wraparound style carrier of the illustrated embodiment is loaded by movement (of either the bottles or the carrier) in a single direction which places each bottle into a set of apertures.
  • movement of either the bottles or the carrier
  • This enables automation of the loading and assembly process to be carried out simply and quickly.
  • This is in stark contrast to the prior art where manual weaving or threading of articles B is required in order to assemble a carrier with oppositely directed, obliquely angled panels.
  • the part-formed structure 80 may be gripped to keep part of each of the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 in contact with, or at least close to, the first or second retention panel 16, 26.
  • the apertures and openings 30a/32a/34a, 30b/32b/34b, 30c/32c/34c, 30d/32d/34d may, thereby, be maintained in their sets, at least until, a bottle B has been loaded into each set 30a/32a/34a, 30b/32b/34b, 30c/32c/34c, 30d/32d/34d. Thereafter, the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 will be released from being maintained in contact with, or at least close to, the first or second retention panel 16, 26.
  • the size and shape of the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d in the first and second side panels 14, 24, will allow the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 to move further down the bottle B (in the direction of axis 'Y' as shown in Figure 7 ) compared to the apertures 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d in the first and second retention panels 16, 26 and openings 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d that together moved down from the crown of the bottle B slightly down the neck of the bottle B.
  • the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are thereafter folded about the sides of the group of bottles B and the first and second bottom panels 12, 22 are then folded about fold lines 38, 40, 52 and 54 to locate the heel of each article B in a heel locking feature 74 and to bring the first and second bottom panels 12, 22 into overlapping relationship.
  • the complementary locking mechanism 70, 72 is then deployed, as is known in the art, to connect the two panels 12, 22 together and thereby form a composite bottom wall and secure the carrier in a tightly wrapped form about the articles B.
  • the articles B may be loaded into a respective one of the aperture/opening sets 30a/32a/34a, 30b/32b/34b, 30c/32c/34c, 30d/32d/34d by relative movement of the part-formed structure 80 and articles B.
  • the bottles B may be moved toward the part-formed structure 80 and/or the part-formed structure 80 may be moved toward the articles B.
  • the handle panel 18 is preferably sized and shaped such that it contacts or partially overlaps (in superposition) part of the top or crown of each bottle B in the finished package.
  • the completed package is shown in Figure 6 ; the package comprises four articles B disposed within the carton 90.
  • the articles are disposed upon the composite base panel 12/22.
  • the carton 90 comprises a first side panel14/16 formed from first lower side panel 14 and first upper side panel 16 and a second side panel 24/26 formed from second lower side panel 24 and second upper side panel 26.
  • a first article B is received in the article receiving aperture 30a struck from the first lower side panel 14 and a second article B is received in the article receiving aperture 30b struck from the first lower side panel 14, a third article B is received in the article receiving aperture 30c struck from the second lower side panel 24 and a fourth article B is received in the article receiving aperture 30d struck from the second lower side panel 24.
  • the first article B is received in the article receiving aperture 32a struck from the first upper side panel 16 and the second article B is received in the article receiving aperture 32b struck from the first upper side panel 16, the third article B is received in the article receiving aperture 32c struck from the second upper side panel 26 and the fourth article B is received in the article receiving aperture 32d struck from the second upper side panel 26.
  • the first side panel 14/16 is folded such that a first portion "100" of the first side panel 14/16 is disposed upon a first side of the first and second articles B and a second portion "200" of the first side panel 14/16 is disposed upon a second, opposing, side of the first and second articles B.
  • the second side panel 24/26 is folded such that a first portion "300" of the second side panel 24/26 is disposed upon a first side of the third and fourth articles B and a second portion "400" of the second side panel 24/26 is disposed upon a second, opposing, side of the third and fourth articles B (see Figure 7 ).
  • the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d couples the first side panel 14/16 to the second side panel 24/26.
  • the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d is hinged at one end to the first upper side panel 16 and at an opposing end to the second upper side panel 26.
  • the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d comprises openings such as recesses, cutaways or apertures 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d each of which receives a respective one of the articles B. It will be appreciated that the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d comprises a fold line 46a defined therein and extending transversely across the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d. The fold line 46a is disposed between the openings 34a, 34b and the openings 34c, 34d.
  • the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d is disposed in face contacting relationship with the respective first or second upper side panels 24, 26, and is substantially 'V' shaped.
  • the carton 90 comprises a handle strap 18 struck from the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d which is displaced out of the reinforcing panel 20a/20b/20c/20d when carrying the carton 90.
  • the handle strap or top panel 18 when not in substantially rests upon the tops of the articles B and may be in contacting relationship with at least a portion of the top of each article B.
  • handle strap 18 extends over the top of the articles B and may be considered to be a top panel since it partially covers the tops of the articles B.
  • Figure 6 shows that the first retention panel 16 is disposed at an angle (V) relative to a notional horizontal axis (X) as depicted in Figure 7 .
  • An upper section of the first lower side panel 14 is also disposed at an angle (W) relative to a notional horizontal axis (X) as depicted in Figure 7 .
  • the first retention panel 16 and upper section of the first lower side panel 14 are disposed at an angle relative to one another of about angle (V) plus angle (W).
  • the sum of angles (V) and (W) may total between about 60° and about 90°.
  • the second retention panel 26 and upper section of the second lower side panel 24 are similarly configured. As such, in end view, the package has a shaped form that is substantially 'X' shaped in part.
  • each lower side panel 14, 24 may bow to some extent. This is due to the lower side panel 14, 24 intersecting a bottle B and being tightly wrapped about it; and having a lower section of each lower side panel 14, 24 that is substantially parallel with the straighter sides of the bottle B.
  • Each bottle B is retained by two obliquely angled retaining panels (part of the retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d and part of a side wall 14, 24).
  • Each obliquely angled retaining panel (part of the retention wall 16/16/20a/20b/20c/20d and part of a side wall 14, 24) is disposed at an angle relative to the bottle B such that the edges of each aperture or opening 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d 32a/34a, 32b/34b, 32s/34c, 32d/34d, secure the bottle B at a range of heights.
  • the upper article retention apertures or openings 32a/34a, 32b/34b, 32c/34c, 32d/34d in the composite retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d are angled such that the uppermost and lower most edges of the upper article retention apertures or openings 32a/34a, 32b/34b, 32c/34c, 32d/34d are spaced apart by the greatest diameter of the upper article retention apertures or openings 32a/34a, 32b/34b, 32c/34c, 32d/34d, which may be between about 3cm and about 6cm and preferably about 4cm.
  • the lower article retention apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d in the first and second lower side panels 14, 24 are angled such that the uppermost and lower most edges of the lower article retention apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are spaced apart by the greatest diameter of the lower article retention apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, which may be between about 6cm and about 9cm and preferably about 7.3cm.
  • the upper article retention apertures or openings 32a/34a, 32b/34b, 32c/34c, 32d/34d and indeed the "V"-shaped composite retention wall 16/26/20a/20b/20c/20d are inwardly angled.
  • the uppermost edge 44, 48 of each upper retention panel 16/20a/20b and 26/20c/20d is outermost and that each upper retention panel 16/20a/20b and 26/20c/20d is angled inwardly towards the centre of the carrier 90; and it is meant that the uppermost edge 42, 50 of the lower retention panels 14, 24 are disposed innermost (and centrally of the carrier 90), whereas the lowermost sections of the lower retention panels 14, 24 are disposed outermost.
  • the handle panel 18 can be formed as a strap handle that extends across the top of the article B group and which bows upwardly above the tops of the bottles B. This provides a convenient and comfortable way to lift the carrier 90.
  • the optional, cross end shape of the package gives an aesthetically pleasing quality which may make the package stand-out to a consumer for an improved marketing effect. This may be especially so, where the brand or branding associated with the packaged product has a connection to the cross-end shape of the package.
  • the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles B of differing size or shape.
  • one or more or all of the apertures and openings 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d may comprise one or more or a series of foldable tabs.
  • Such tabs may increase the tightness of fit of an aperture or cut-out about an article.
  • the number, position and shape of the apertures 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d and cut-outs 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d shown in the illustrated example may be different in other embodiments in order to support different types, sizes, number and configurations of articles B.
  • sticking tape other chemical bonding agent or a mechanical fixing means such as staples, Velcro, a mechanical lock, may be used for fastening the bottom panels together.
  • the reinforcing panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may not comprise cut-outs as such, but rather may serve only to attach the first and second retention panels 16, 26 to one another.
  • the reinforcing panels may be rectangular in shape and of uniform width. In blank form, their innermost edge may or may not be defined by the handle panel 18.
  • hinged connection and "fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank.
  • a fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • severed line refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.
  • opening refers to a recess, a cutaway or an aperture.
  • upper side panel refers to the upper portion 16 or 26 of the first or second side panel while the term “lower side panel” refers to the lower portion 14 or 24 of the first or second side panel.
  • hinged connection, severance lines and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like.
  • the elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.
  • a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line.
  • the line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Claims (20)

  1. Carton (90) pour emballer une pluralité d'articles (B), comportant :
    un panneau de fond (12, 22) ;
    un premier panneau latéral (14/16) et un second panneau latéral (24/26) ayant chacun des parties supérieure (16, 26) et inférieure (14, 24) ;
    le premier panneau latéral ayant des première (32a, 32b) et deuxième (30a, 30b) ouvertures destinées à recevoir un premier article, la première ouverture (32a, 32b) étant découpée dans la partie supérieure (16) du premier panneau latéral (14/16) et la deuxième ouverture (30a, 30b) étant découpée dans la partie inférieure (14) du premier panneau latéral (14/16) ;
    le second panneau latéral (24/26) ayant des troisième (32c, 32d) et quatrième (30c, 30d) ouvertures destinées à recevoir un second article, la troisième ouverture (32c, 32d) étant découpée dans la partie supérieure (26) du second panneau latéral (24/26) et la quatrième ouverture (30c, 30d) étant découpée dans la partie inférieure (24) du second panneau latéral (24/26) ;
    le premier panneau latéral (14/16) pouvant être plié entre les première et deuxième ouvertures de telle sorte qu'une première partie du premier panneau latéral puisse être disposée sur un premier côté d'un premier article et qu'une seconde partie du premier panneau latéral puisse être disposée sur un second côté du premier article
    et le second panneau latéral étant plié entre les troisième et quatrième ouvertures de telle sorte qu'une première partie du second panneau latéral puisse être disposée sur un premier côté d'un second article et qu'une seconde partie du second panneau latéral puisse être disposée sur un second côté du second article ; le carton étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un panneau de renforcement (20a/20b, 20c/20d) reliant l'un à l'autre les premier (14/16) et second (24/26) panneaux latéraux
    le panneau de renforcement comprenant une première (34a, 34b) et une deuxième (34c, 34d) ouvertures destinées chacune à recevoir l'un, respectif, des premier et second articles ;
    le panneau de renforcement comprenant au moins une première ligne de pliage (46a, 46b) disposée entre les première et deuxième ouvertures ; et
    le panneau de renforcement étant disposé, face à face, au contact des parties supérieures des premier et second panneaux latéraux de façon à avoir une forme sensiblement en "V".
  2. Carton (90) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une lanière (18) de poignée est découpée dans le panneau de renforcement (20a/20b), 20c/20d) et, pour qu'on puisse porter le carton (90), est dégagée du panneau de renforcement (20a, 20b), 20c/20d).
  3. Carton (90) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier panneau latéral (14/16) comprend au moins une deuxième ligne de pliage (42) disposée entre les première (32a, 32b) et deuxième (30a, 30b) ouvertures, et le second panneau latéral (24/26) comprend une troisième ligne de pliage (50) disposée entre les troisième (32c, 32d) et quatrième (30c, 30d) ouvertures, la/les deuxième ligne(s) de pliage (42) étant disposée(s) tout près de la/des troisième(s) ligne(s) de pliage (50).
  4. Carton (90) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel la/les deuxième ligne(s) de pliage (42) et la/les troisième(s) ligne(s) de pliage (50) sont disposées tout près de la/des première(s) ligne(s) de pliage (46a, 46b).
  5. Pack comportant les premier et second articles (B) et le carton (90) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel des premiers articles (B) sont reçus dans les première (32a, 32b) et deuxième (30a, 30b) ouvertures du premier panneau latéral (14/16) de telle sorte qu'au moins une partie des premiers articles soit disposée à l'extérieur du carton (90) et dans lequel des seconds articles sont reçus dans les troisième (32c, 32d) et quatrième (30c, 30d) ouvertures du second panneau latéral (24/26) de telle sorte qu'au moins une partie des seconds articles soit disposée à l'extérieur du carton (90).
  6. Pack selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la/les partie(s) du premier article (B) est/sont une partie formant goulot du premier article et la/les partie(s) du second article est/sont une partie formant goulot du second article.
  7. Pack selon la revendication 5, comportant le carton (90) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la lanière (18) de poignée s'étend au-dessus du haut des premier et second articles.
  8. Pack selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la lanière (18) de poignée est dotée d'une forme telle qu'une partie de la lanière (18) de poignée est disposée par-dessus le haut des premier et second articles (B).
  9. Pack selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la lanière (18) de poignée est articulée avec la partie supérieure des premier et second panneaux latéraux (14/16, 24/26) de telle sorte que, pendant l'utilisation, le panneau de poignée (18) serre la partie supérieure des premier et second panneaux latéraux (14/16, 14/26) et du panneau de renforcement (20a/20b, 20c/20d) autour des premier et second articles (B).
  10. Flan (10) pour former un carton comportant :
    un premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) pour former un panneau de renforcement du carton ;
    un deuxième panneau (16) articulé avec un premier bord du premier panneau pour former une partie supérieure d'un premier panneau latéral (14/16) du carton (90) ;
    un troisième panneau (26) articulé avec un second bord du premier panneau pour former une partie supérieure d'un second panneau latéral (24/26) du carton, le second bord étant opposé au premier bord ;
    un quatrième panneau (14) articulé avec le deuxième panneau pour former une partie inférieure du premier panneau latéral ;
    un cinquième panneau (24) articulé avec le troisième panneau pour former une partie inférieure du second panneau latéral ; et
    un sixième panneau (12, 22) articulé avec au moins un des quatrième et cinquième panneaux (14, 24) pour former un panneau de fond du carton, caractérisé en ce que
    le premier panneau comprend des première (34a, 34b) et deuxième (34c, 34d) ouvertures destinées à recevoir un article, les deuxième et troisième panneaux comprenant chacun au moins une ouverture (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) ménagée de façon à être au moins partiellement alignée avec l'une, respective, des première et deuxième ouvertures présentes dans le premier panneau, et les quatrième et cinquième panneaux comprenant chacun au moins une ouverture (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) ménagée de façon à être au moins partiellement alignée avec l'une, respective, des première et deuxième ouvertures présentes dans le premier panneau, et avec l'ouverture ou l'une, respective, des ouvertures présente(s) dans le deuxième ou le troisième panneau quand les deuxième, troisième, quatrième et cinquième panneaux sont pliés de façon à recouvrir, au moins partiellement, le premier panneau, et le premier panneau comprenant au moins une ligne de pliage (46a, 46b) disposée entre les première et deuxième ouvertures du premier panneau, le premier panneau étant conçu pour être disposé, face à face, au contact des deuxième et troisième panneaux, les premier, deuxième et troisième panneaux pouvant être pliés en "V".
  11. Flan (10) selon la revendication 10, comportant en outre un panneau (18) de poignée découpé au moins partiellement dans le premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) et relié à chacun des deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26).
  12. Flan (10) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le sixième panneau (12, 22) comprend une première partie (12) articulée avec le quatrième panneau (14) et une seconde partie (22) articulée avec le quatrième panneau (24).
  13. Structure partiellement formée (80) pour former un carton (90) selon la revendication 1, comportant :
    un premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) formant un panneau de renforcement du carton ;
    un deuxième panneau (16) articulé avec un premier bord du premier panneau par une première ligne d'articulation (44) pour former une partie supérieure d'un premier panneau latéral (14/16) du carton (90) ;
    un troisième panneau (26) articulé avec un second bord du premier panneau par une deuxième ligne d'articulation (48) pour former une partie supérieure d'un second panneau latéral (24/26) du carton, le second bord étant opposé au premier bord ;
    un quatrième panneau (14) articulé avec le deuxième panneau par une troisième ligne d'articulation (42) pour former une partie inférieure du premier panneau latéral ;
    un cinquième panneau (24) articulé avec le troisième panneau par une quatrième ligne d'articulation (50) pour former une partie inférieure du second panneau latéral ; et
    un sixième panneau (12, 22) articulé avec au moins un des quatrième et cinquième panneaux (14, 24), et le premier panneau comprenant des première (34a, 34b) et deuxième (34c, 34d) ouvertures destinées à recevoir des articles (B), et les deuxième et troisième panneaux comprenant chacun au moins une ouverture (32a, 32b ; 32c, 32d) et les quatrième et cinquième panneaux comprenant chacun au moins une ouverture (30a, 30b ; 30c, 30d),
    caractérisé en ce que les deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26) sont pliés chacun autour des première et deuxième lignes d'articulation (44, 48), reliant le deuxième ou le troisième panneau au premier panneau, de façon à être disposés, face à face, au contact de parties respectives du premier panneau de telle sorte que chacune des ouvertures présentes dans les deuxième et troisième panneaux soit prévue pour être au moins partiellement alignée avec l'une, respective, des ouvertures du premier panneau,
    les quatrième et cinquième panneaux (14, 24) sont pliés chacun autour des troisième et quatrième lignes d'articulation (42, 50), reliant les quatrième et cinquième panneaux respectivement aux deuxième et troisième panneaux, afin d'amener une partie de chacun des quatrième et cinquième panneaux à chevaucher l'un, respectif, des deuxième et troisième panneaux avec lequel ils sont articulés, et pour couvrir la partie respective du premier panneau que couvre le deuxième ou troisième panneau, et le premier panneau comprenant une cinquième ligne d'articulation (46a, 46b) disposée entre les première (34a, 34b) et deuxième (34c, 34d) ouvertures, la troisième ligne d'articulation (42) et la quatrième ligne d'articulation (50) étant disposées tout près de la cinquième ligne d'articulation (46a, 46b).
  14. Structure partiellement formée (80) selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle un panneau (18) de poignée est découpé au moins partiellement dans le premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) et est relié à chacun des deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26).
  15. Procédé pour emballer des articles (B), comportant :
    la fourniture d'un flan selon la revendication 10 ayant un premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) formant un panneau de renforcement comprenant une pluralité d'ouvertures (334a, 34b, 34c, 34d) ou découpes, destinées respectivement chacune à recevoir un article (B), et une ligne de pliage (46a, 46b) s'étendant transversalement d'un bord à l'autre de celui-ci ;
    un deuxième panneau (16) destiné à former un premier panneau latéral supérieur articulé avec un premier bord du premier panneau par une deuxième ligne de pliage (44), le deuxième panneau comprenant une ou plusieurs ouverture(s) (32a, 32b) destinée(s) chacune à recevoir un article respectif ;
    un troisième panneau (26) destiné à former un deuxième panneau latéral supérieur articulé avec un second bord du premier panneau par une troisième ligne de pliage (48), le second bord étant opposé au premier bord, le troisième panneau comprenant une ou plusieurs ouverture(s) (32c, 32d) destinée(s) chacune à recevoir un article respectif ;
    un quatrième panneau (14) destiné à former un premier panneau latéral inférieur articulé avec le deuxième panneau par une quatrième ligne de pliage (42), le quatrième panneau comprenant une ou plusieurs ouverture(s) (30a, 30b) destinée(s) chacune à recevoir un article respectif ;
    un cinquième panneau (24) destiné à former un second panneau latéral inférieur articulé avec le second panneau par une cinquième ligne de pliage (50), le cinquième panneau comprenant une ou plusieurs ouverture(s) (30c, 30d) destinée(s) chacune à recevoir un article respectif ;
    un sixième panneau (12, 22) destiné à former un panneau de fond articulé avec le quatrième ou le cinquième panneau par une sixième ligne de pliage (38, 54) ;
    le procédé comportant :
    le pliage du deuxième panneau (16) autour de la deuxième ligne de pliage pour le mettre, face à face, au contact d'une première partie du premier panneau afin d'amener l'ouverture/chacune des ouvertures du deuxième panneau à s'aligner au moins partiellement avec l'une, respective, de la pluralité d'ouvertures du premier panneau ;
    le pliage du troisième panneau (20) autour de la troisième ligne de pliage pour le mettre, face à face, au contact d'une seconde partie du premier panneau afin d'amener l'ouverture/chacune des ouvertures du troisième panneau à s'aligner au moins partiellement avec l'une, respective, de la pluralité d'ouvertures du premier panneau ;
    le pliage du quatrième panneau (14) autour de la quatrième ligne de pliage pour couvrir le deuxième panneau et la première partie du premier panneau afin d'amener l'ouverture/chacune des ouvertures du quatrième panneau à s'aligner au moins partiellement avec une ouverture du premier panneau et une ouverture du deuxième panneau et de telle sorte que la quatrième ligne de pliage (42) soit disposée tout près de la première ligne de pliage (46a, 46b) ;
    le pliage du cinquième panneau (24) autour de la cinquième ligne de pliage afin de couvrir le troisième panneau et la seconde partie du premier panneau afin d'amener l'ouverture/chacune des ouvertures du cinquième panneau à s'aligner au moins partiellement avec une ouverture du premier panneau et une ouverture du troisième panneau et de telle sorte que la cinquième ligne de pliage soit disposée tout près de la première ligne de pliage (46a, 46b) ;
    la fourniture d'un groupe d'articles ;
    le déplacement du flan dans un état plié par rapport au groupe d'articles ;
    la réception d'un article dans chacune de la pluralité d'ouvertures ou de découpes du premier panneau et dans une ouverture respective du deuxième ou du troisième panneau et dans une ouverture respective du troisième ou du quatrième panneau, avec laquelle sont alignées la pluralité de découpes ou d'ouvertures du premier panneau ;
    le dépliage au moins partiel des quatrième et cinquième panneaux respectivement autour des quatrième et cinquième lignes de pliage ; et
    le pliage du premier panneau autour de la première ligne de pliage pour obtenir un agencement sensiblement en "V".
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, comportant en outre :
    la déformation ou le pliage des quatrième et cinquième panneaux (14, 24) autour du côté opposé du groupe d'articles (B) ;
    le pliage du sixième panneau (12, 22) autour de la base du groupe d'articles ; et
    la fixation du sixième panneau pour former un emballage de transport.
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 15, comportant en outre le dépliage au moins partiel d'un panneau (18) de poignée par rapport aux deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26).
  18. Procédé selon la revendication 15, comportant en outre la fixation du premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) et des parties respectives des deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26), face à face, au contact les uns des autres.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 15 ou 17, dans lequel un/le panneau (18) de poignée est déplié par rapport aux deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26) en même temps que le pliage au moins partiel du premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) en réponse à la réception du groupe d'articles (B) dans le flan (10).
  20. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel un panneau (18) de poignée est dégagé au moins partiellement du premier panneau (20a/20b, 20c/20d) et est relié à chacun des deuxième et troisième panneaux (16, 26).
EP14732459.4A 2013-03-28 2014-03-28 Emballage à poignée, son ébauche, structure partiellement finie, et procédé associé Active EP2978679B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1305793.0A GB201305793D0 (en) 2013-03-28 2013-03-28 Package with handle, blank therefor and part-formed structure
PCT/US2014/032250 WO2014160977A1 (fr) 2013-03-28 2014-03-28 Emballage à poignée, son ébauche et structure constituée de parties

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EP2978679A1 EP2978679A1 (fr) 2016-02-03
EP2978679B1 true EP2978679B1 (fr) 2019-05-08

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US (1) US20160039586A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2978679B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2016514655A (fr)
KR (1) KR102176527B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN105408224A (fr)
AU (1) AU2014240899A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2908070A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB201305793D0 (fr)
MX (1) MX2015013662A (fr)
WO (1) WO2014160977A1 (fr)

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CN110520366A (zh) * 2017-04-18 2019-11-29 维实洛克包装系统有限公司 纸板箱及用于其的坯件
USD980069S1 (en) 2020-07-14 2023-03-07 Ball Corporation Metallic dispensing lid

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US5167325A (en) * 1991-12-09 1992-12-01 Field Container Company, L.P. Carrier for containers

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US4637515A (en) * 1985-10-17 1987-01-20 Manville Sales Corporation Wrap-around carrier with improved handle
GB9312475D0 (en) * 1993-06-17 1993-08-04 Hailey Daniel T Pack rack holder
US5485915A (en) * 1994-09-21 1996-01-23 Riverwood International Corporation Wrap-around carrier with article heel lock
US5595292A (en) * 1995-01-04 1997-01-21 The Mead Corporation Carton having shock-absorbing carrying handle and package formed therefrom
GB9603234D0 (en) * 1996-02-15 1996-04-17 Riverwood Int Corp Bottle carrying arrangement
US6945390B2 (en) * 2000-03-24 2005-09-20 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc Article carrier with handle-reinforcing bridging structure
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FI119629B (fi) * 2003-10-06 2009-01-30 Takon Kotelotehdas Oy Kantopakkaus
GB0814872D0 (en) * 2008-08-14 2008-09-17 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Carton and carton blank
CN102470962B (zh) * 2009-08-17 2013-12-11 印刷包装国际公司 带把手的纸板箱、用于形成纸板箱的坯件和用于竖立纸板箱的方法
JP5744218B2 (ja) * 2010-10-29 2015-07-08 グラフィック パッケージング インターナショナル インコーポレイテッド 保持機能部を有するキャリア

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US5167325A (en) * 1991-12-09 1992-12-01 Field Container Company, L.P. Carrier for containers

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CN105408224A (zh) 2016-03-16
KR20150138283A (ko) 2015-12-09
GB201305793D0 (en) 2013-05-15
EP2978679A1 (fr) 2016-02-03
CA2908070A1 (fr) 2014-10-02
MX2015013662A (es) 2016-03-09
WO2014160977A1 (fr) 2014-10-02
JP2016514655A (ja) 2016-05-23
US20160039586A1 (en) 2016-02-11
KR102176527B1 (ko) 2020-11-10
AU2014240899A1 (en) 2015-10-15

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