ES2878725T3 - Reinforced container, preform and bag combination and procedure to form the reinforced container - Google Patents

Abstract

A reinforced package (1; 101; 201), comprising: a cardboard box (5; 105; 205) comprising a plurality of panels (21, 23, 28, 29; 21, 23, 128, 129) that are extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel (21), a first side panel (28; 128) foldably connected to the front panel along a first line of folded (33; 133; 233), a rear panel (23) foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line (31; 131; 231), and a second side panel (29; 129) foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel; and a bag (3) fixed, at least partially, to the carton, the bag having an end (7) at least partially open, an end (9) at least partially closed and an interior space (17) to contain a product; wherein the carton can be placed in a non-standing position in which the interior space of the bag is doubled, at least partially, and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag and the box is increased cardboard is configured to support the bag in the upright position; wherein the first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features for at least partially retaining the carton in the upright position, and characterized in that the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line ( 32a, 32b; 132a, 132b) extending from the first fold line and extending into the first side panel.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Reinforced container, preform and bag combination and procedure to form the reinforced container

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to reinforced containers for containing products and to procedures for forming the containers. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a package that includes a bag or liner attached to a carton or blank that has features to reinforce the shape of the formed package and allow access to the contents of the package, and features that facilitate forming the package. container and keep container open.

Bags or liners, such as paper or plastic bags, have traditionally been used to package and transport products from bulk materials, such as rice or sand, to larger items. In general, bags or liners are cheap and easy to manufacture and can be formed in different configurations and sizes, and can be used to store and transport a wide variety of products. In particular, in the food service industry, bags or liners are frequently used to package prepared foods, such as sandwiches, chips, cereals, etc. Currently, there is a growing demand for bags or liners or similar packages for use in packaging various products, including sandwiches, chips, cereals, and other prepared foods, for presentation to consumers. However, it is equally important that the costs of such packages must necessarily be minimized as much as possible. While various packaging designs have been developed that include backing or backing materials, the manufacture of such specialty bags or liners having layers or backing materials supplied thereto has often required multiple steps or operations, which can significantly increase the cost of manufacturing said packages.

Document US 2015/083789 already shows a reinforced container according to the preamble of claim 1 and a combination of a carton preform and a bag to form a reinforced container according to the preamble of claim 17 which, however, still leaves room for improvement.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a reinforced package comprising a carton comprising a plurality of panels extending, at least partially, around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second line fold and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel. The reinforced package further comprises a bag attached at least partially to the carton. The bag has an at least partially open end, an at least partially closed end, and an interior space for containing a product. The carton can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag is increased. The carton is configured to support the bag in the upright position. The first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features to at least partially retain the carton in the upright position, and the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line extending from the first line. folding and extending into the first side panel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to the combination of a carton blank and a bag to form a reinforced package for containing a product. The carton blank is for forming a carton and comprises a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel connected foldably to at least one of the first side panel along a second fold line and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the first front panel and the rear panel. The bag has an at least partially open end, an at least partially closed end, and an interior space for containing a product. The bag is at least partially attached to the carton blank. The reinforced container formed from the carton blank and the bag can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded and in an upright position in which the space is increased. inside the bag. The first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features for at least partially retaining the carton formed from the carton blank in the upright position, and the retention features comprise at least one fold line at V-shape extending from the first fold line and extending into the first side panel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a reinforced package comprising obtaining a carton blank at least partially attached to a bag. The carton blank comprises a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line, a rear panel foldably connected to at least the first panel lateral along a second fold line, and a second side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel. The bag comprises an at least partially open end, an at least partially closed end, and an interior space for containing a product. The method further comprises forming an interior of a carton defined, at least partially, by the plurality of panels by folding the plurality of panels, at least partially, around the bag. The carton can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag is increased. The carton is configured to support the bag in the upright position. The first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features to at least partially retain the carton in the upright position, and the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line extending from the first line. folding and extending into the first side panel.

Other aspects, features, and details of the present disclosure may be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages noted above and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawing figures listed below. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the items discussed above are provided both individually and in various combinations.

In accordance with common practice, the various characteristic features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a carton of a package in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 1A is a detailed view of a side panel of the preform of Fig. 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of a band for forming a package bag in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 3 is an exterior plan view showing the bag formed from the band portion of Fig. 2 attached to the interior of the carton blank of Fig. 1.

Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the package formed from the carton blank and bag of Fig. 3 in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a carton of a package in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 6A is a detailed view of a side panel of the preform of Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is an exterior plan view showing the bag formed from the band portion of Fig. 2 attached to the interior of the carton blank of Fig. 6.

Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the package formed from the carton blank and bag of FIG. 7, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a carton of a package in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Figs. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the package formed from the carton blank of Fig. 10 and the bag of Fig. 2, in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODES OF IMPLEMENTATION AS AN EXAMPLE

The present disclosure generally refers to a reinforced container for containing products such as food products or other items. Packages according to the present disclosure can house articles of any shape. The packages may comprise a bag, liner, or wrapping material comprising a relatively flexible material attached to a backing construction comprising a relatively rigid material (eg, cardboard). The bags or liners can generally be made from a paper, plastic or other raw material and can be attached to the reinforcing construction. In a mode In embodiment, the liners comprise polyethylene material or any other suitable heat-sealable material. The reinforcing construction can be of different widths and can extend around or over the closed ends of the bags; In some embodiments, it wraps said closed ends and will provide support to the bags when loaded with a product or item or series of items therein. In some embodiments, the stiffener construction can be folded with its bags into a configuration that supports the bags in a self-supporting, upright, and open condition for ease of loading and use.

Fig. 1 illustrates a preform 10 for forming a reinforced package indicated generically at 1 (Figs. 4 and 5), including a bag 3 attached to a carton 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. The bag 3 has an open upper end 7 (Fig. 4), a closed or sealed lower end 9 (Fig. 3) and an interior space 17 (Fig. 4) to contain a product. In one embodiment, bag 3 has sealed sides 19 (Figs.

3-5) extending the length of the bag between the upper part 7 and the lower part 9. The reinforcing cardboard box 5 has a lower part 20 that supports the sealed lower part 9 of the bag 3. The cardboard box 5 has other features as described in detail herein to strengthen package 1 by increasing the rigidity of package 1 and to lock the package in the formed state of Figs. 4 and 5. The carton 5 can facilitate the formation of the package 1 and keep the package 1 open to allow access to the contents in the interior space 17 of the bag 3. Furthermore, the bottom 20 of the carton 5 It has support characteristics to allow the container 1 to be placed in the vertical position of Figs. 4 and 5.

As shown in Fig. 1, the preform 10 has a lateral axis L1 and a longitudinal axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 has a front panel 21 foldably connected to a first side panel 28 in a first fold line 33. The first side panel 28 includes two individual panel portions 28a, 28b connected in a manner. foldaway to each other on a side fold line 26. A first rear panel 23 foldably connects to first side panel 28 on a second fold line 31. A second side panel 29 foldably connects to front panel 21 at a third fold line 35. The second side panel 29 includes two individual panel portions 29a, 29b foldably connected to each other in a side fold line 27. A tie flange or second rear panel 25 is foldably connected to the second side panel 29 in a fourth fold line 37. In the illustrated embodiment, preform 10 includes a first bottom end flange or bottom panel 41 foldedly connected bile to the front panel 21 on a longitudinal fold line 43 and a second lower end flange 45 foldably connected to the first rear panel 23 on a longitudinal fold line 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lower end flange 41 includes a longitudinal fold line 49 (eg, the bottom fold line) that extends across the width of the lower end flange 41. Any of the front panel 21, the rear panels 23, 25, the side panels 28, 29, the lower end flanges 41,45 could be omitted or otherwise arranged, shaped, positioned and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, panel portions 28a, 28b of first side panel 28 include a longitudinal fold line 51 extending between respective V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b touching respective fold lines 31, 33. As shown in Figs. 1 and 1A, the longitudinal fold line 51 extends from the vertex of the V-fold line 32a to the vertex of the V-fold line 32b and intersects the lateral fold line 26. At In the illustrated embodiment, panel portions 29a, 29b of second side panel 29 include a longitudinal fold line 53 extending between respective V-shaped fold lines 34a, 34b touching respective fold lines 35, 37. As shown in Fig. 1, the longitudinal fold line 51 extends from the vertex of the V-shaped fold line 34a to the vertex of the V-shaped fold line 34b and intersects the Side fold line 27. In one embodiment, each of the fold lines 31, 33, 35, 37 can be cut-fold style fold lines or any other suitable fold line. As shown in Figs. 1 and 1A, the fold line 31 may include an arcuate cutting portion 31a and two oblique portions 31b, 31c extending from the arcuate cutting portion 31a to the respective upper edge of the preform 10 and the lower flange 45. Similarly, the fold line 33 may include an arcuate cutting portion 33a and two oblique portions 33b, 33c, the fold line 35 may include an arcuate cutting portion 35a and two oblique portions 35b, 35c, and the line of Fold 37 may include an arcuate cutting portion 37a and two oblique portions 37b, 37c. Alternatively, the arcuate cutting portions could have other suitable characteristics (eg, arcuate and / or alternatively shaped pleats) without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 1A, the V-shaped fold line 32a may include a vertex 52 and two ends 54, 56 spaced opposite the vertex 52. In one embodiment, the vertex 52 may be separated by a distance D1 from the lateral fold line 26 (for example, a longitudinal distance), the ends 54, 56 can be separated from each other by a distance D2 (for example, a lateral distance), and each of the ends 54, 56 can be separated a distance D3 from vertex 52 (eg, a skew distance). In other words, the distance D3 is the length of each of the sides of the V-shaped fold line 32a. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the V-shaped fold line 52 may extend at an angle A to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the distances D2, D3 can be less than the distance D1 (for example, the distances D2, D3 could be less than, or approximately equal to half the distance D1 in a example) so that the V-shaped fold line 32a is relatively small compared to the rest of the panel portion 28a. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, angle A could be about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the distances D1, D2, D3 could have any suitable relative dimensions and / or the angle A could be any suitable angle. As shown in Fig. 1A, the end 54 of the V-shaped fold line 32a may intersect the respective ends of the arcuate cutting portion 31a and the oblique portion 31b of the fold line 31, and the line V-shaped folding pattern 32a could be continuous with oblique portion 31b so that end 54 can be considered a corner in one embodiment. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 1A, the end 56 of the V-shaped fold line 32a may intersect the respective ends of the arcuate cutting portion 31a and the oblique portion 31c of the fold line 31. , and the V-shaped fold line 32a could be continuous with the oblique portion 31c, so that the end 56 could be considered a corner in one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the other V-fold lines 32b, 34a, 34b are configured similarly to the V-fold line 32a.

In one embodiment, the fold lines 26, 27, 31, 32a, 32b, 33, 34a, 34b, 35, 37, 51 and 53 comprise reinforcing features of the preform that consolidate and reinforce the container 1 formed from of the preform by increasing the rigidity of the sides of the carton 5. For example, in one embodiment, the reinforcing features can help to retain the package in the upright or expanded configuration shown in Figs. 4 and 5, as described in more detail below. Any of the fold lines 26, 27, 31,32a, 32b, 33, 34a, 34b, 35, 37, 51, 53 and the side panels 28, 29 could be omitted and / or could be arranged, shaped, placed and / or otherwise configure without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, each of the panel portions 28a, 28b of the side panel 28 includes a lower edge having a support or extension 55 contiguous to a respective fold line 31,33 and an oblique edge 57 extending from the bracket to the side fold line 26. Similarly, the panel portions 29a, 29b of the side panel 29 each have a bracket or extension 65 and oblique edges 67. The front panel 21 has a bracket or extension 71 defined by a cut 73 extending between the respective ends of the fold line 43. Similarly, the first rear panel 23 has a support or extension 75 which is defined by a cut 77 which extends between the respective ends of the fold line folded 47. As shown in Figs.

4 and 5, the supports 55, 65, 71, 75 form the lower part 20 of the carton 5 that supports the container 1 formed on a surface in a vertical position, so that the open upper end 7 of the bag 3 be accessible to provide access to the interior 17 of the bag.

In one embodiment, bag 3 (Figs. 3-5) can be formed from similar procedures and have similar characteristics to the bag shown in US Provisional Patent Application number 62. /231,723 filed July 14, 2015 and US Patent Application number 15 / 209,013 filed July 13, 2016. Bag 3 may be formed of a portion of suitable material 80 shown in the FIG. 2 having a central pleat 82 and two outer pleats 84 that form the reinforced bottom 9 of bag 3. In addition, the portion 80 of the bag material may have two edge margins 86 extending along the length of the bag. portion 80, as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 2. When the reinforced bottom 9 of the bag 3 is formed, the central pleat 82 and the two outer pleats 84 form four layers of overlapping material at the bottom of the bag so that the bottom of the bowl It can be expanded to accommodate various sizes of product to be kept in the bag when the carton 5 is formed in the upright position of the container 1. The material portion 80 of the bag folds into the central fold 82 and the outer folds 84 and the overlapping portions of the edge margins 86 can be sealed together (e.g., heat sealed or otherwise secured together) to form the sealed sides 19 that extend into the bottom 9 of the bag, so that the side portions of the overlapping layers of material in bag 3 are sealed. In the flat configuration of bag 3 (Fig. 3), the outer pleats 84 form the lowermost edge of the bag. In one embodiment, the material for forming the bags 3 may include pre-printed paper, polyethylene, or other material, including flexible and heat-sealable materials. Bag 3 could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, the bag 3 could be formed in another way without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the reinforced package 1 can be formed by similar systems and procedures, as shown in one or more of the patent applications cited herein, in which the packaging system fixes a web of material to form the bags 3 from the packages 1 to the preforms 10, and the preforms and the web are moved through a respective packaging system and transformed into the individual packages by various portions and components of the system. The preforms 10 are formed in the reinforced cartons 5 and the web of material is formed in the bags 3, the respective portions 80 of the web of material overlapping to form the bags. The reinforced packages 1 include the reinforced cardboard box 5 having a bag 3 attached.

In one embodiment, the separate individual preforms 10 and attached bags 3 are transported in the system to a carton folder / gluer assembly that includes a series of folders that position the various tabs and panels of the preform 10 to form the flat cardboard boxes 5 that can be packaged and shipped to be filled with the product. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 3 can be attached to the front panel 21 of the preform 10 (for example, in the glue areas G on the front panel 21) as shown in Fig. 3. The preform 10 is can fold along the lateral fold lines 26, 27 so that the rear panel 23 and the attachment flange 25 overlap, at least partially, with the bag 3 and the front panel 21. In addition, the side portions 28a, 29a can overlap the side portions 28b, 29b on the respective side panels 28, 29. In one embodiment, the bag 3 can be glued to the rear panel 23 and the joint 25 (for example, gluing the areas G on the respective back panel 23 and the joint flange 25). Accordingly, the bag 3 can be attached to the front panel 21, the rear panel 23 and the attachment flange 25 of the carton 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment flange 25 can overlap with the rear panel 23 and adhesive attached thereto. In addition, the first lower end flange 41 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 49 to overlap the second lower end flange 45 and the lower end flanges 41,45 can be adhesively bonded to form the closed bottom 20 of the carton. The package 1 could be formed otherwise without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 1 can be placed in the upright configuration shown in Figs. 4 and 5 by grasping the side panels 28, 29 and pushing the sides inward at the fold lines 26, 27, causing the front panel 21 and rear panel 23 to separate or move away from each other to give the container its shape three-dimensional and form the interior space 17 of the bag 3 to contain a product. In the upright configuration of the container 1, the supports 55, 65, 71, 75 form the lowermost portion of the lower part 20 of the carton 5 so that the container 1 can rest on a flat surface and stand upright. in the upright configuration to allow access to the interior space 17 through the upper part 7 of the bag 3 (Fig. 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the sealed bottom 9 of the bag 3 may be a watertight seal that allows the user to add water or milk to the interior 17 of the bag of the reinforced container 1 to combine it with a food product. (eg cereal, oatmeal, etc.) inside. The package 1 can be placed in a microwave oven to heat the food product without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, the package 1 can be used to contain other types of food products without departing from the disclosure. In the flat configuration of the container 1, the carton 5 is folded flat by folding the side panels 28, 29 along the fold lines 26, 27 and folding the bottom 20 on the fold line 49 in the first lower end flange 41.

In one embodiment, the fold lines 51,26 on the side panel 28 and the fold lines 53, 27 on the side panel 29 can increase the rigidity of the formed container 1. Furthermore, the fold lines 26, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37, 51,53 and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b can be configured to allow the side panels 28, 29 to be opened and stay open. In other words, the fold lines 26, 31, 33, 51 and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b of the first side panel 28 and the fold lines 27, 35, 37 and the V-shaped fold lines of V 34a, 34b of the second side panel 29 can help the side panels 28, 29 to deform and / or fold inward according to a predetermined shape that helps to retain the carton 5 in the expanded configuration by resisting forces which would tend to push the panels 28, 29 outward and collapse the carton 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, each of the side panels 28, 29 may include an upper portion that extends upward and outward (for example, away from the interior of the carton 5) from the respective longitudinal fold lines 51,52 and the respective V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b and 34a, 34b. Consequently, the side panels 28, 29 can be inclined inwardly (for example, at least along the longitudinal fold lines 51, 52) to reinforce the structure of the carton 5, so as to entice the package 1 to remain in the upright configuration once formed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b are aligned with the respective arcuate cutting portions 31a, 33a, 37a, 35a at the edges of the side panels 28, 29. The cutting portions 31a, 33a, 35a, 37a and the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34b, 34a can help to create a stress relief on the side panels 28, 29 that facilitates the positioning of the container 1 in the open position and resists movement of the side panels 28, 29 from the open position of the container 1 when pressure is applied to the container. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when the container 1 is formed, the arcuate cutting portions 31a, 33a, 35a, 37a can form openings in the carton 5 when the side panels 28, 29 are positioned relative to the front panel 21 and the panel rear 23. Container 1, carton 5, blank 10 and / or bag 3 could have other characteristics, or could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a preform 110 for forming a construction 105 (Figs. 8 and 9) of a second embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment, except for the indicated variations and variations that will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Consequently, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been assigned like or similar reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 6, the preform 110 is similar to the preform 10 of the first embodiment except that the V-shaped fold lines 132a, 132b, 134a, 134b of the side panels 128, 129 of the second mode The embodiments are larger than the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b on the side panels 28, 29 of the first embodiment (as shown in Figs. 1 and 1A). Consequently, the longitudinal fold lines 151, 153 extending between the respective V-shaped fold lines 132a, 132b and 134a, 134b on the side panels 128, 129 of the preform 110 are shorter than the fold lines 51, 53 of the preform 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the fold line 131 may have a larger arcuate cutting portion 131a and shorter oblique portions 131b, 131c in the second embodiment. Similarly, the fold line 133 may have a larger arcuate cutting portion 133a and shorter oblique portions 133b, 133c in the second embodiment, the fold line 135 may have a larger arcuate cutting portion 135a and portions shorter oblique 135b, 135c in the second embodiment, and the fold line 137 may have a larger arcuate cut portion 137a and shorter oblique portions 137b, 137c in the second embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 6A, the vertex 152 of the V-shaped fold line 132a may be separated from the side fold line 26 by a distance D1 '(eg, a longitudinal distance), the ends 154, 156 of the V-shaped fold line 132a may be separated from each other by a distance D2 '(for example, a lateral distance), and each of the ends 154, 156 may be separated from the vertex 152 by a distance D3' (for example , an oblique distance). Furthermore, the sides of the V-shaped fold line can extend to each other at an angle A. In the illustrated embodiment, the V-shaped fold line 132a can be configured similarly to the fold line at V-shape 32a of the first embodiment, except that the distance D3 'is greater than the distance D1' (for example, the distance D3 'could be at least twice as long as the distance D1') so that the line V-shaped fold 132a is relatively large compared to the total width of the panel portion 28a. In one embodiment, the distance D2 'can be similar to the distance D3'. In an exemplary embodiment, angle A could be approximately 60 degrees. Alternatively, the distances D1 ', D2', D3 'could have any suitable relative dimension and / or the angle A could be any suitable angle. The other V-fold lines 132b, 134a, 134b are configured similarly to the V-fold line 132a in the illustrated embodiment. Any of the V-shaped fold lines 132a, 132b, 134a, 134b and the fold lines 26, 27, 131, 133, 135, 137, 151,153 could be shaped, arranged, and / or otherwise configured without departing from disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 6, the supports 55, 57 of the side panels 28, 29 of the first embodiment are omitted in the second embodiment. Side panels 128, 129 may have longitudinal support edges 155, 165, respectively. In one embodiment, the support edges 155, 165 may be generally aligned with the supports 71, 75 to help support the container 101 in the upright configuration (Figs. 8 and 9). Side panels 128, 129, including support edges 155, 165, could be shaped, arranged, and / or otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 7, the bag 3 can be glued to the preform 110 with the glue areas G in a similar manner to that described in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the bag 3 can at least partially overlap all the V-shaped fold lines 132a, 132b, 134a, 134b before the preform 110 is folded to form the carton. 105. On the contrary, the bag 3 is separated from the V-shaped fold lines 32a, 34a in the first embodiment (Fig. 3).

The assembled package 110 with bag 3 and carton 105 is shown in Figs. 8 and 9. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the side panels 128, 129 may be partially detached from the front panel 21 and the respective rear panels 23, 25 along the arcuate cutting portions 133a, 135a, 131a, 137a to form the respective openings 190. Package 101, including carton 105 and bag 3 could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a preform 210 for forming a construction 205 (Figs. 11 and 12) of a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the previous embodiments, except for the variations observed and the variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Consequently, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been assigned like or similar reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 10, fold lines 231, 233, 235, 237 have respective cut portions 231 a, 233a, 235a, 237a that extend, generally, in the lateral direction L1 of preform 210 between respective oblique portions 231b, 231c; 233b, 233c; 235b, 235c; 237b, 237c. The blank 210 and / or the carton 205 could have other features or the features shown could be shaped and / or arranged without departing from the disclosure.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure may be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In general, as described herein, liners or bags can be formed from a paper stock, although various plastics or other coating materials can also be used, and can be lined or coated with a desired material. The reinforcing constructions, preforms, and / or sleeves described herein can be made of a more rigid material, such as clay-coated natural kraft paper ("CCNK"). Other materials such as cardboard, paper, plastic, or other synthetic or natural materials can also be used to form the components of the packages described herein.

In general, the preforms of the present disclosure can be constructed from cardboard having a gauge such that it is heavier and stiffer than plain paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard or any other material that has suitable properties to allow the carton to function, at least generally as described above. The preform can be coated, for example, with a clay coating. Products, advertisement and other information or images. The preforms can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the preforms. The preforms can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on one or both sides of the preforms. The preforms can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials on selected panels or panel sections.

As an example, a tear line may include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or a series of separate slits that extend partially and / or completely through the material along the along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these characteristics. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of separate grooves that extend completely through the material, with adjoining grooves slightly spaced so that a notch (e.g., a small piece of material similar to a bridge) is defined between adjoining grooves to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The notches are broken during the tear along the tear line. Typically, the notches are a relatively small percentage of the tear line and, alternatively, the notches can be omitted from or torn on a tear line, such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or it could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

According to exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakness that facilitates folding along the line. More specifically, but not for the purpose of reducing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a scored line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, that creates a pitted or recessed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness and / or a series of cuts that extend partially toward and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these characteristics. In situations where a cut is used to create a fold line, the cut will typically not be too extensive such that it may cause a sensible user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels glued together during erection of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all types of adhesives commonly used to secure cardboard box panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Since various changes could be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the embodiments described above. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and settings are within the scope of the disclosure as expressed herein, consistent with the above teachings and / or within experience or experience. knowledge of the relevant technique. In addition, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied in other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims (1)

i. A reinforced container (1; 101; 201), comprising: a carton (5; 105; 205) comprising a plurality of panels (21, 23, 28, 29; 21, 23, 128, 129) extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising ^{a front panel (21), a first side panel (} 28 ^{; 128)} foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line (33; 133; 233), a rear panel (23 ) foldably connected to at least one of the first side panel along a second fold line (31; 131; 231), and a second side panel (29; 129) foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel; Y a bag (3) fixed, at least partially, to the cardboard box, the bag having an end (7) at least partially open, an end (9) at least partially closed and an interior space (17) to contain a product ; in which the carton can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded, and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag and the box is increased cardboard is configured to support the bag in the upright position; in which The first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features to at least partially retain the carton in the upright position, and characterized in that the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line (32a, 32b ; 132a, 132b) extending from the first fold line and extending into the first side panel. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the V-shaped fold line (32a, 32b, 34a, 34b; 132a, 132b, 134a, 134b) comprises an apex (52 ; 152) which is separated from the first fold line (33; 133; 233), the retention features further comprise a longitudinal fold line (51, 53; 151, 153) extending from the apex of the fold line is V-shaped and extends into the first side panel (28; 128). The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the V-shaped fold line (32a, 32b, 34a, 34b; 132a, 132b, 134a, 134b) comprises a first end ( 54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133; 233). The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 3, wherein the first fold line (33; 133; 233) comprises an arcuate portion (33a; 133a), a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) extending from the arcuate portion, and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c) extending from the arcuate portion, the arcuate portion It is an arched cut. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 3, wherein: The first fold line (33; 133; 233) comprises a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c), the first end (54) of the V-shaped fold line (32a , 32b; 132a, 132b) engages the first oblique portion of the first fold line (33; 133; 233), and the second end (56) of the V-shaped fold line engages the second portion oblique of the first fold line; The V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a), and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises a third oblique portion (31b; 131b) and a fourth oblique portion (31c; 131c); Y retention features further comprise a second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) extending into the first side panel (28; 128) and having a third end (54) that engages the third oblique portion of the second fold line and a fourth end (56) that engages the fourth oblique portion of the second fold line. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 3, wherein the first fold line (33; 133; 233) comprises a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c), the first end (54) of the V-shaped fold line is coupled to the first oblique portion of the first line of fold, and the second end (56) of the V-shaped fold line engages the second oblique portion of the first fold line, the retention features further comprise a longitudinal fold line (51; 151) extending from the V-shaped fold line and extending into the first side panel (28; 128). 7. The reinforced container (1; 101; 201) according to claim 6, wherein the first side panel (28; 128) comprises a first portion (28a) foldably connected to a second portion of panel (28b) along a lateral fold line (26), and the longitudinal fold line (51; 151) extends from the V-shaped fold line to at least the lateral fold line. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the first side panel (28; 128) extends generally upward and outward from the longitudinal fold line (51 ; 151) and the V-shaped fold line and another portion of the first side panel generally extend downward and outward from the longitudinal fold line and the V-shaped fold line when the carton (5; 105; 205) is in the upright position. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a), and the retention features comprise In addition, a second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) extending from the second fold line (31; 131; 231) and extend into the first side panel (28; 128), a line of Longitudinal fold (51; 151) extends in at least the first side panel from the first V-V-fold line to the second V-fold fold line. The reinforced container (1; 101; 201) according to claim 9, wherein the first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a) comprises a first vertex (52; 152) and the second fold line at The V-shape (32b; 132b) comprises a second vertex (52; 152), and the longitudinal fold line (51; 151) extends from each of the first vertex and the second vertex. The reinforced container (1; 101; 201) according to claim 9, wherein the first side panel (28; 128) comprises a first panel portion (28a) foldably connected to a second panel portion (28b ) along a side fold line (26), and the longitudinal fold line (51; 151) intersects the side fold line. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a), and the retention features comprise , furthermore, a second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) extending from the second fold line (31; 131; 231) and extending into the first side panel (28; 128), the first fold line at V-shape comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each coupled to the first fold line (33; 133; 233), and the second V-shaped fold line comprises a third end ( 54) and a fourth end (56), each coupled to the second fold line, the first fold line comprises a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c), the second line of folding comprises a third oblique portion (31b; 131b) and a fourth oblique portion (31c; 131c), the first end of the first fold line The V-shape engages the first oblique portion (33b; 133b) of the first fold line, the second end of the first V-shaped fold line engages the second oblique portion of the first fold line, the third end of the second V-shaped fold line engages to the third oblique portion of the second fold line, and the fourth end of the second V-shaped fold line engages the fourth oblique portion of the second fold line. The reinforced container (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the first side panel (28; 128) comprises a first panel portion (28a) foldably connected to a second panel portion (28b ) along a lateral fold line (26), the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133 ; 233), the V-shaped fold line comprises a vertex (52; 152) which is separated from the lateral fold line by a first distance (D1) and from the first end a second distance (D3), and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein each of the first fold line (33; 133; 233) and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises a arcuate portion (33a; 133a), a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) extending from the arcuate portion, and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c) extending from the arcuate portion opposite the first oblique portion. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein each of the first fold line (33; 133; 233) and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises a lateral portion (231a, 233a), a first oblique portion (231b, 233b) extending from the lateral portion, and a second oblique portion (231c, 233c) extending from the lateral portion opposite the first oblique portion. 16. The reinforced package (1; 101; 201) according to claim 1, wherein the carton (5; 105; 205) further comprises a lower end flange (41, 45) foldably connected to the at least one of the front panel (21) and the rear panel, a lower fold line (49) extends at least partially through the lower end flange, and the lower end flange is at least partially bent along from the lower fold line when the carton is in the non-upright position, the lower end flange is a first lower end flange (41), and the carton further comprises a second lower end flange ( 45) foldably connected to the at least one of the front panel and the rear panel, and the first lower end flange and the second lower end flange at least partially overlap each other to at least partially form a lower part of the carton. 17. A combination of a carton blank and a bag (3) to form a reinforced package (1; 101; 201) to contain a product: the carton blank being for forming a carton (5; 105; 205), the carton blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel (21), a first side panel (28; 128) foldably connected to the front panel along a first fold line (33; 133; 233), a rear panel (23) foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line ( 31; 131; 231), and a second side panel (29; 129) foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel; Y the bag having an at least partially open end (7), an at least partially closed end (9) and an interior space (17) for containing a product, the bag being at least partially attached to the carton blank; wherein the reinforced container formed from the carton blank and the bag can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag increases; in which The first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features for at least partially retaining the carton formed from the carton blank in the upright position, and characterized in that the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line (32a, 32b; 132a, 132b) that extends from the first fold line and extends into the first side panel. 18. The combination according to claim 17, wherein the V-shaped fold line comprises an apex (52; 152) that is spaced from the first fold line (33; 133; 233), wherein the features Retaining lines further comprise a longitudinal fold line (51; 151) that extends from the apex of the V-shaped fold line and extends into the first side panel (28; 128). The combination according to claim 17, wherein the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133; 233 ). The combination according to claim 17, wherein the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133; 233 ), the first fold line comprises a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c), the first end of the V-shaped fold line engages the first oblique portion of the first fold line, and the second end of the V-shaped fold line is coupled to the second oblique portion of the first fold line, the V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line ( 32a; 132a), and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises a third oblique portion (31b; 131b) and a fourth oblique portion (31c; 131c); and the retention features further comprise a second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) extending into the first side panel (28; 128) and having a third end (54) that engages the third oblique portion of the second fold line and a fourth end (56) that engages the fourth oblique portion of the second fold line. The combination according to claim 17, wherein the V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a), and the retention features further comprise a second fold line V-shaped (32b; 132b) extending from the second fold line (31; 131; 231) and extending into the first side panel (28; 128), a longitudinal fold line (51; 151) extends In at least the first side panel from the first V-shaped fold line to the second V-shaped fold line, the first V-shaped fold line comprises a first vertex (52; 152) and the second line The V-shaped fold line comprises a second vertex (52; 152), and the longitudinal fold line extends from each of the first vertex and the second vertex. The combination according to claim 17, wherein the first side panel (28; 128) comprises a first panel portion (28a) foldably connected to a second panel portion (28b) along a line of side fold (26), the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133; 233), the fold line V-shaped comprises a vertex (52; 152) which is separated from the lateral fold line by a first distance (D1) and from the first end a second distance (D3), and the first distance is greater than the second distance. 23. A method of forming a reinforced container (1; 101; 201), comprising: obtaining a cardboard box blank fixed, at least partially, to a bag (3), the cardboard box blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel (21), a first side panel (28; 128) connected foldably to the front panel along a first fold line (33; 133; 233), a rear panel (23) foldably connected to at least the first side panel along a second fold line (31 ; 131; 231) and a second side panel (29; 129) foldably connected to at least one of the front panel and the rear panel, and the bag comprising an at least partially open end (7), an end (9) at least partially closed and an interior space (17) to contain a product; forming an interior of a carton (5; 105; 205) defined, at least partially, by the plurality of panels by folding the plurality of panels, at least partially, around the bag; wherein the carton can be placed in a non-upright position in which the interior space of the bag is at least partially folded and in an upright position in which the interior space of the bag is increased, and the box cardboard is configured to support the bag in the upright position; wherein the first side panel and the second side panel comprise retention features to at least partially retain the carton in the upright position, and the retention features comprise at least one V-shaped fold line (32a, 32b ; 132a, 132b) extending from the first fold line and extending into the first side panel. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the V-shaped fold line comprises an apex (52; 152) that is spaced from the first fold line (33; 133; 233), and the retention features They further comprise a longitudinal fold line (51; 151) that extends from the apex of the V-shaped fold line and extends into the first side panel (28; 128). The method of claim 23, wherein the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line, the first fold line (33; 133; 233) comprises a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c), the first end of the V-shaped fold line engages the first oblique portion of the first fold line, and the second end of the V-shaped fold line engages the second oblique portion of the first fold line. 26. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The V-shaped fold line is a first V-shaped fold line (32a; 132a), and the retention features further comprise a second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) extending from the second fold line (31; 131; 231) and extending into the first side panel (28; 128); the first V-shaped fold line comprises a first vertex (52; 152) and the second V-shaped fold line (32b; 132b) comprises a second vertex (52; 152); Y A longitudinal fold line (51; 151) extends in at least the first side panel (28; 128) from the first vertex of the first V-shaped fold line to the second vertex of the second V-shaped fold line by V. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the first side panel (28; 128) comprises a first panel portion (28a) foldably connected to a second panel portion (28b) along a line of side fold (26), the V-shaped fold line comprises a first end (54) and a second end (56), each engaging the first fold line (33; 133; 233), the fold line V-shaped comprises a vertex (52; 152) which is separated from the lateral fold line by a first distance (D1) and from the first end a second distance (D3), and the first distance is greater than the second distance. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the first fold line (33; 133; 233) and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises an arcuate portion (33a; 133a), a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) extending from the arcuate portion, and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c) extending from the arcuate portion opposite the first oblique portion. 29. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the first fold line (33; 133; 233) and the second fold line (31; 131; 231) comprises a lateral portion, a first oblique portion (33b; 133b) extending from the lateral portion, and a second oblique portion (33c; 133c) extending from the lateral portion opposite the first oblique portion.