GB2511771A

GB2511771A - Multi-pack for dispensing containers

Info

Publication number: GB2511771A
Application number: GB201304419A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey; Laura Jane Mcgirr
Original assignee: Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Current assignee: Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-12
Filing date: 2013-03-12
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Also published as: GB201304419D0

Abstract

A multi-pack 1 for storing containers 3, having two adjacent panels 4, 5, the first panel 4 having a detachable section (9, figure 1a) of a width to allow the dispensing of containers, but also to retain any remaining containers in the pack. The containers 3 are arranged such that their central axes 8 are perpendicular to the first panel and parallel to the second. The detachable section may form a cut-out region to provide access to the containers, and its width (12, figure 1a) may be less than the width of the containers. The detachable section may have two portions (9a, 9b, figure 2a) of differing widths, and the second panel may comprise a second detachable section (9d, figure 3a). The multi-pack may be suitable for storage in a fridge door, and designed for use with metal cans, glass bottles or other types of drinks, beverage or food containers.

Description

MULTI-PACK FOR DISPENSING CONTAINERS

Technical field

The invention relates to multi-packs for storing a plurality of containers such as metal cans and dispensing one or more of the containers. The multi-pack may be dimensioned for storing the containers in pantry, cupboard, or fridge door shelves and the like.

Background

Metal cans, which are commonly manufactured from aluminium, tin-plated steel or coated steel sheets, are often used to package food, beverages and other products.

Groups of cans are commonly packaged together in a single robust unit known as a multi-pack. Grouping the cans in this way makes them easier to stack, transport and distribute. It is also a convenient way to stack and present cans on supermarket shelves. The multi-packs can also be sold directly to the consumer. Methods of grouping the cans together in a multi-pack include: using a plastic wrapping material to envelope the cans; placing the cans on a tray and enveloping in plastic wrap; stretching a plastic sheet with rings to grip around the necks of several cans and placing the cans inside a cardboard box.

Conventional multi-packs are currently not suitable for use in small spaces such as pantry or fridge door shelves. This is because conventional multi-packs have standard sized cans oriented in a vertical orientation so that the axial stacking load is transmitted through the can walls. In addition, the range of available standard can diameters, e.g. 52 mm, 56 mm, 65 mm, do not fit as multiples within the shelf door depth of pantry and/or fridge doors and the like, some of which are only approximately 95 mm deep.

Other conventional multi-packs known as Fridge Packs" are useful for storing standard sized cans in the main shelves of the main fridge compartment. In these multi-packs, the cans are placed horizontally with the central axis of the cans being parallel to the front of the main fridge shelf onto which they are placed. Due to the cylindrical nature of standard sized cans, this format of multi-pack cannot make use of available small spaces of pantry, cupboard and/or fridge door shelves and the like.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a can multi-pack.

The multi-pack includes a plurality of metal cans arranged in a box or carton. The box includes a first panel adjacent to a second panel, the first panel including a detachable section adjacent the second panel and for use in dispensing one or more of the cans.

The metal cans are arranged in the box with the central axis of each of the metal cans being substantially perpendicular to the first panel and substantially parallel to the second panel. The detachable section has a width that is adapted to allow the first panel to retain the remaining metal cans in the box after removal of the detachable section.

The metal cans may be food or beverage cans. The cans may be loose or secured together in an easily separable form. The detachable section, which when removed, forms a cut-out region in the first panel that is arranged to provide access to one or more metal cans while retaining the remaining metal cans in the box. The width of the detachable section is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.

As an option, the detachable section of the first panel may further include first and second portions, where the first portion being adjacent the second panel. The first portion has a width that is adapted to be greater than the diameter of a metal can and the height of the first portion is adapted to retain one or more metal cans after the detachable section is removed. The second portion has a width that is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.

Optionally, the second panel includes a second detachable section, where the detachable section and the second detachable sections are adjacent each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi-pack box or carton for storing a plurality of containers. The multi-pack box including a first panel adjacent to a second panel, where the first panel includes a detachable section also adjacent to the second panel. The first and second panels are configured such that when the containers are arranged in the multi-pack box, the central axis of each of the containers is substantially perpendicular to the first panel and substantially parallel to the second panel. The detachable section is arranged to have a width that is adapted to allow the first panel to retain the remaining containers aftei the detachable section is removed.

The containers may be food or beverage containers. The containers may be loose or secured together in an easily separable form. The containers may be metal cans.

As an option, the detachable section of the first panel further includes first and second portions, the first portion being adjacent the second panel. The first portion has a width that is adapted to be greater than the width of the second portion and the height of the first portion is adapted to allow the first panel to retain one or more containers after the detachable section is removed. The second portion has a width that is adapted to allow the first panel to retain any remaining containers in the multi-pack box after the detachable section is removed.

Further preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la shows an example can multi-pack according to the invention with an example detachable section for dispensing one or more cans; Figure lb shows the multi-pack of Figure 1 a with the detachable section removed; Figure 1 c shows the process of removing a can from the multi-pack of Figure 1 b; Figure 1 d shows a front elevation of the multi-pack of Figure lb with a can removed; Figure 2a shows another example can multi-pack according to the invention with another example detachable section for dispensing one or more cans; Figure 2b shows the multi-pack of Figure 2a with the detachable section removed; Figure 2c shows a front elevation of the multi-pack of Figure 2b with a can removed; Figure 3a shows a further example can multi-pack according to the invention with a further example detachable section for dispensing one or more cans; Figure 3b shows the multi-pack of Figure 3a with the detachable section removed; Figure 3c shows the process of removing a can from the multi-pack of Figure 3b; Figure 3d shows a front elevation of the multi-pack of Figure 3b with a can removed; Figure 3e shows an example multi-pack according to the invention in which the second detachable section is shaped like a trapezium; Figure 3f shows the multi-pack of Figure 3e with the detachable section removed; Figure 3g shows another example multi-pack according to the invention with a rectangular shaped second detachable section; Figure 3h shows a further example multi-pack according to the invention with a semi-circular shaped second detachable section; Figure 4a shows another example multi-pack according to the invention in a three wide can format with a detachable section; Figure 4b shows the multi-pack of Figure 4a with two cans removed; Figure 5a shows a multi-pack with a four wide can format and two detachable sections spaced apart; Figure Sb shows the multi-pack of Figure 5a with the two detachable sections removed; Figure 6 shows another example multi-pack including twelve rectangular containers with the detachable section removed; and Figure 7 shows a fridge door with example multi-packs according to the invention.

Detailed description

Generally, disclosed herein is a multi-pack for storing a plurality of containers such as metal cans, the multi-pack including a box (or carton) with a detachable section, in which the containers are arranged in the box such that the central axis of each of the containers is substantially perpendicular to the detachable section. The detachable section is arranged to be detachable for providing access to one or more of the containers and for retaining the remaining containers in the box after removal of at least part or all of the detachable section.

Figures la and lb shows an example of a can multi-pack 1 according to the invention including a box 2 (or multi-pack box or carton) arranged to fit ten metal cans 3. In this example, the ten cans 3 are packed in a rectangular matrix of two columns and five rows. The cans 3 may be suitable for food or beverages. The box 2 includes a front panel 4 (first panel), a top panel 5 (second panel), a rear panel (not shown), two side panels 6 and 7, and a base panel (not shown) connected together. The first panel 4 (e.g. front panel) is adjacent to a second panel 5 (e.g. top panel). The metal cans 3 are arranged in the box 2 with the central axis 8 (shown in Figure lb) of each of the metal cans being substantially perpendicular to the first panel 4 and substantially parallel to the second panel 5. The construction of box 2 may be of paperboard, cardboard, plastics, thermo plastics, insulating materials, and other materials and the like or a combination of these. For example, the construction and materials of the box 2 may be suitable for storing box 2 and the metals cans 3 in a cool place such as a fridge, cupboard or supermarket sheif/fridge shelf.

Referring to Figure la, the first panel 4 includes a detachable section 9 (also known as a tear strip). The detachable section 9 is located in the first panel 4 substantially parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4. In this example, the detachable section 9 is adjacent the second panel Sand is for use in dispensing one or more of the cans 3. The detachable section 9 includes a tab 11 for assisting removal of the detachable section 9. The tab 11 is also located on the detachable section 9 adjacent to the second panel 5. The width 12 of the detachable section 9 that is transverse the central axis 10 of the first panel 4 is adapted to allow the first panel 4 to retain the remaining metal cans 3 in the box 2 after removal of the detachable section 9, but also allow access to the metal cans 3 in the box 2. The length 13 of the detachable section 9 that is parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4 is adapted to allow access to all the metal cans 3 in box 2. In this example, the detachable section 9 may be formed in the first panel 4 as a rectangular shaped tear strip the edges may be weakened lines arranged to facilitate separation of the detachable section 9 from the first panel 4. The weakened lines/edges may include, but are not limited to, lines of perforation, perforations or a series of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of nick members and the like.

Figure lb shows the multi-pack 1 with the detachable section 9 (or tear strip) removed from box 2 revealing the ten cans 3. As illustrated in Figure lb, the detachable section 9 has been substantially removed or completely removed from box 2. The cans 3 may be loose or secured together in an easily separable form. The cans 3 are arranged in box 2 such that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned in the same direction and their bases lie in the same plane in a rectangular matrix, which in this example are ten cans in five rows by two columns. The cans 3 are packed together such that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the first panel 4 and that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned substantially parallel to the second panel 5.

The detachable section 9 is removed from box 2 using tab 11, which can be lifted to initiate the tearing away of detachable section 9. When the detachable section 9 is removed, a cut-out region or void is formed in the first panel 4 that is arranged to provide access to one or more metal cans 3 while retaining the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2. Due to the cut-out region, the first panel 4 now has side panel portions 14 and 15 that part of the lid of each can 3 makes contact with. The side panel portions 14 and 15 retain the metal cans 3 or the remaining metal cans 3 when one or more cans are removed while providing access to the metal cans. The cut-out region also provides access by a user to the metal cans 3. The width 12 of the detachable section 9, which also defines the width of the cut out region in the first panel 4 (or void created by removal of the detachable section 9), is adapted to allow the side panel portions 14 and 15 of the first panel 4 to retain the remaining metal cans 3 in the box 2 after removal of the detachable section 9 while at the same time allowing access to the metal cans 3. The cans 3a and 3b closest to the second panel 5 may now be accessed by a user.

The width 12 of the detachable section 9 is arranged to be less than the width or diameter of a can 3 but large enough to allow the box 2 of multi-pack 1 to retain any remaining cans 3 and provide access to and removal of one or more of the cans 3.

The length 13 of the detachable section 9, which also defines the length of the cut-out region in the first panel 4 when the detachable section 9 is removed, is arranged to at least provide access to each of the cans 3. The length 13 of the detachable section 9 may be greater than half the length of the first panel 4 for providing access to the cans 3. In this example, the length 13 of the detachable section 9 is greater than three quarters the length of the first panel 4 as, when the detachable section 9 is removed, all of the cans 3 are partially revealed. This provides the further advantage of being able to check, at a glance, the number of remaining cans 3 in the multi-pack 1.

Figure ic shows the removal of can 3a from the box 2 of the multi-pack 1 after removal of the detachable section 9. The cans 3 may be removed from box 2 one at a time.

Once the detachable section 9 has been removed, the box 2 has been structurally weakened allowing the top portions 16 and 17 of side panel sections 14 and 15, respectively, to be opened outwards, e.g. in the direction of arrows 1 Ba and 1 Sb, respectively, to allow can 3a to be freed from box 2 along the path indicated by arrow lSc. The corner portions 19 and 20 of the corners in the vicinity of the connection of the first panel 4 and second panel 5 may also flex outwards such that the width of the cut-out region defined by the width 12 of the detachable section 9 is adapted (e.g. increases slightly) to assist removal of can 3a. In essence, can 3a may be freed by the user flexing the top portions 16 and 17 of side panel sections 14 and 15, flexing corner portions 19 and 20 outwardly, and/or jiggling the can 3a from box 2 along any suitable path (e.g. path 18c).

As an option and to assist removal of can 3a the user may flex the second panel 5 upward and/or tear the second panel 5 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis lOb of the second panel 5 and open outwardly the torn portion of second panel 5 in the direction of arrow 21. This will also allow the corner portions 19 and 20 to further flex outwardly to increase the width of the cut-out region. Optionally, the second panel may include a perforation parallel or even aligned to the central axis 1 Ob of second panel 5 to assist in tearing the second panel 5 and removal of can 3a. Once cans 3a and 3b have been removed, another can may be lifted up out of box 2 via the flexed sections defined by top portions 16 and 17 of side panel sections 14 and 15 and/or torn or flexed portions of the second panel 5, and/or by flexing the portions of the side panel sections 14 and 15 in the vicinity of the can being removed.

Figure id shows an elevation view of multi-pack 1 of figure ic when viewed in direction of arrow A shown in Figure ic. In this case, can 3a has been removed. Once can 3a is removed, can 3b may stay in its initial location, but, given the orientation of box 2 in Figures ia-id, it may also roll towards the centre of box 2 to a location as shown in Figure id touching the two cans that were adjacent and below cans 3a and 3b. That is, can 3b has rolled into the crevasse 22 formed by the adjacent two cans. The width of the cut-out region defined by the width 12 created by the removal of the detachable section 9 is shown to be less than the diameter of can 3b but wide enough to still allow box 2 to retain can 3b and provide access to and removal of can 3b.

Since the width 12 of the detachable section 9 (and the width of the cut-out region) is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans, can 3b is retained by side panel portions 14 and 15 of first panel 4 in box 2. The width 12 of the detachable section 9 may be slightly less than the diameter of each of the metal cans. Can 3b may be removed from box 2 of multi-pack 1 by again flexing outwardly the section panel portions 14 and 15, and/or flexing corner portions 19 and 20 outwardly. This slightly increases the width of the cut-out region (e.g. defined by width 12 of the detachable section 9) in the vicinity of can 3b allowing removal of can 3b, but also allowing the first panel 4 of box 2 to retain the remaining cans 3. Once cans 3a and 3b have been removed, another can may be lifted up out of box 2 via the flexed sections defined by top portions 16 and 17 of side panel sections 14 and 15, torn or flexed portions of the second panel 5, flexing outwardly corner portions 19 and 20, and/or by flexing the portions of the side panel sections 14 and 15 in the vicinity of the can being removed.

By way of example only, the width of the cut-out region (or the width 12 of the detachable section) may be approximately 2-5mm less than the diameter of a can 3a, which should still be sufficient to allow the can 3a to be accessed and removed from box 2 but, which also allows side panel portions 14 and 15 of the first panel 4 to retain the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2. However, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the width of the cut-out region and/or width 12 of the detachable section 9 may be any width that is sufficient to allow a can to be accessed/removed from box 2 but also to allow side panel portions 14 and 15 of the first panel 4 to retain the remaining cans in box 2.

Although the box 2 of multi-pack 1 has been arranged to fit ten metal cans 3 packed in a rectangular matrix of two columns and five rows (e.g. ten cans in a two wide can format), it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that multi-pack 1 may be arranged to fit metal cans 3 or containers packed in a rectangular matrix of more than two columns and more than three rows. For example, the multi-pack 1 may be arranged to hold fifteen cans in a three can wide format (i.e. three columns of cans with five cans in each column), or even twenty cans in a four wide can format (i.e. four columns of cans with five cans in each column). For larger can wide formats, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the first panel 4 of box 2 may include a further detachable section (not shown) spaced apart from the detachable section 9, where the further detachable section is oriented substantially parallel to the detachable section 9. The detachable section 9 and the further detachable section may be arranged on the first panel 4 of box 2 in which each detachable section is preferably located centrally between two consecutive columns of cans. For example, the detachable section 9 in the first panel 4 may be positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle a first two columns of cans (e.g. as shown in figure ib); and the further detachable section in the first panel 4 may be positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle a second two columns of cans different to the first two columns of cans.

The multi-pack 1 may be dimensioned for storing the multi-pack 1 within the space of a cupboard, pantry or fridge door shelf. For example, if the multi-pack 1 is dimensioned to fit within the space of a fridge door shelf, the second panel 5 may be dimensioned to fit within the space provided between the guard rail of the fridge door shelf and the fridge door. The first panel 4 may be dimensioned to fit within the space provided between the fridge door shelf base and a second fridge door shell base than may be above the fridge door shelf base. The multi-pack 1 may be placed in the fridge door shelf such that the first panel 4 is substantially parallel to the fridge door and in which the detachable section 9 is accessible to a user, which means the cans 3 are accessible to the user once the detachable section 9 has been completely removed as shown in Figure lb. In this example, the central axis S of each of the plurality of cans in multi-pack 1 will be substantially perpendicular to the fridge door or substantially parallel to the fridge door shelf base.

In this example, when the detachable section 9 is completely removed from multi-pack 1 and the multi-pack 1 is placed in the fridge door shelf it is ready for dispensing one or more of the metal cans 3 as described with reference to Figure ic. The cans 3 are retained in the box 2 by side panel sections 14 and 15, but with the detachable section 9 removed from box 2, the cans may be freed from box 2 as previously described. The cut-out region formed when the detachable section 9 is removed allows the cans to be accessed/dispensed, and the side panel sections 14 and 15 retain the cans 3 when the fridge door is opened or closed The advantage of the side panel sections 14 and 15 is that they prevent the cans 3 (or reduce the likelihood) falling out of box 2 due to the forces exerted on the cans by opening and closing the fridge door. In addition, the advantage of the width 12 of the detachable section 9 being less than the width or diameter of a metal can is that the side panel sections 14 and 15 can still retain the cans within the box 2, e.g. when a can is removed and the adjacent can rolls into the crevasse of the adjacent cans below as illustrated in figure id, during opening/closing of the fridge door.

Figures 2a-2c illustrates another example of a can multi-pack la according to the invention. For simplicity, the same reference numerals used in Figures la-id arc reused in Figures 2a-2c identifying the same or similar features. Multi-pack 1 a includes another example detachable section 9 for use in dispensing one or more of the cans.

In this example, the multi-pack la includes ten metal cans 3 in a two can wide format, which are packed in a rectangular matrix of two columns and five rows. Referring to Figures 2a-2c, the first panel 4 of multi-pack la includes the detachable section 9 including first and second detachable portions 9a and 9b, respectively, that are further configured to improve access/dispensing of one or more of the metal cans 3.

Referring to Figure 2a, the detachable section 9 is located in the first panel 4 substantially parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4. In this example, an end of the detachable section 9 is adjacent the second panel 5. The detachable section 9 includes a tab 11 for assisting removal of the detachable section 9. The tab 11 is also located on the detachable section 9 adjacent to the second panel 5. The detachable section 9 of the first panel 4 further includes the first detachable portion 9a and the second detachable portion 9b, where the first detachable portion 9a is adjacent the second panel 5 and includes tab 11.

The width 1 2a of the first detachable portion 9a that is transverse the central axis 1 Oa of the first panel 4 is greater than the diameter of a metal can. The length 13a (or height) of the first detachable portion 9a that is parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4 is adapted to allow the remaining portions of the first panel 4 to retain one or more metal cans after the detachable section 9 is removed. The width 12b of the second detachable portion 9b has a width that is adapted to be less than the diameter of each of the metal cans, but which allows the remaining portions of the first panel 4 to retain the remaining metal cans 3 while providing access to the metal cans 3. The length 13 of the detachable section 9 that is parallel to the central axis 10 of the first panel 4 is adapted to allow access to all the metal cans 3 in box 2.

In this example, the width 12a of the first detachable portion 9a is greater than the diameter of a can but less than the combined diameter of two cans such that, when the detachable section 9 is removed, the remaining portions of the first panel 4 retains the remaining metal cans 3 in the box 2 while allowing access to the metal cans 3 in box 2.

The length 13a of first detachable portion 9a is shown to be less than the diameter of a metal can, but is sufficient, when the detachable section 9 has been removed, to allow the remaining portions of the first panel 4 to retain the metal cans 3a and 3b adjacent first detachable portion 9a of the first panel 4. The length 13a may be slightly less than the diameter of a metal can.

In this example, the detachable section 9 in the first panel 4 forms a rectangular T' shaped tear strip the edges of which form weakened lines that facilitate separation of the detachable section 9 from the first panel 4. The weakened lines may include, but are not limited to, lines of perforation, perforations or a series of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of nick members and the like. It is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the detachable section 9 may form any other suitable shaped tear strip, for example, the detachable portion 9a may form a triangular or circular shape or any other shape that can facilitate retaining the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2 while providing access to the metal cans 3.

Figure 2b shows the multi-pack 1 a with the detachable section 9 (or tear strip) including first and second detachable portions 9a and 9b removed from box 2 revealing the ten cans 3. The detachable section 9 is removed from box 2 using tab 11, which can be lifted to initiate the tearing away of detachable section 9. In this example, when the detachable section 9 is removed, a rectangular f-shaped cut-out region is formed in the first panel 4 for dispensing one or more of the cans 3 while also retaining the remaining cans 3 in box 2. Due to the cut-out region, the first panel 4 now has an upper first side panel portion 1 4a, an upper second side panel portion 1 5a, a lower first side panel portion 14b, and a lower second side panel portion 15b that make contact with the lid of each corresponding can 3 and retains the cans 3 in box 2.

When the detachable section 9 is removed, the upper first and second side panel portions 1 4a and 1 5a and lower first and second side panel portions 1 4b and 1 5b of the first panel 4 retain the metal cans 3 or the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2 and the cut-out region provides the user access to the metal cans 3. The width 12a of the first detachable portion 9a, which also defines the corresponding width of the cut out region in the first panel 4, is adapted to allow the upper first and second side panel portions 14a and 15a of the first panel 4 to retain the top-most metal cans in box 2 (e.g. metal cans 3a and 3b). The width 12b of the second detachable portion 9b, which also defines the corresponding width of the cut out region in the first panel 4, is adapted to allow the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b of the first panel 4 to retain the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2.

The upper first and second side panel portions 1 4a and 1 5a and lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 1 Sb and cut-out region formed allows access to the metal cans 3. Initially, the cans 3a and 3b closest to the second panel 5 are accessed by a user. The cans 3a and 3b and the remaining cans 3 may be removed as similarly described with respect to Figures la-id. Once the detachable section 9 has been removed, the box 2 has been structurally weakened allowing a user to flex outwards the upper first and second side panel portions 1 4a and 1 5a and/or the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b, respectively, in the vicinity of the can being removed.

Initially, cans 3a or 3b are freed from box 2 by flexing either the upper first and/or second side panel portion(s). The remaining cans 3 may be removed individually from box 2 by flexing the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b. The corner portions 19 and 20 of the corners in the vicinity of the connection of the first panel 4 and second panel 5 may also flex outwards such that the width of the cut-out region defined by the width 1 2a of the first detachable section 9a is adapted (e.g. increases slightly) to assist removal of can 3a or 3b. In essence, can 3a may be freed by the user flexing the upper first and second side panel portions 14a and 15a, flexing the top ends of lower first and second side portions 14b and 15b, and/or flexing corner portions 19 and 20 outwards, and jiggling the can 3a or 3b from box 2 along any suitable path. Further features may be included such as second panel 5 including a perforation (not shown) parallel to the central axis (not shown) of second panel S to assist in tearing second panel 5 and removal of cans 3a or 3b and/or the remaining cans 3.

Once cans 3a and 3b have been removed, another can may be lifted up out of box 2 via the cut-out region formed when the first detachable section 9a is removed, and/or by flexing the top portions of the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b, or any other way of freeing the can, but without substantially degrading the structural integrity of the first panel 4 such that lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b may still retain the remaining cans.

Figure 2c shows an elevation view of multi-pack la of Figure 2b when viewed in direction of arrow A shown in Figure 2b in which either can 3a or 3b has been removed. Once can 3a or 3b is removed, the remaining can 3b or 3a may stay in its initial location, but, given the orientation of box 2 in Figures 2a-2b, it may also roll towards the centre of box 2 to a location touching the two cans that were adjacent and below cans 3a and 3b as shown in Figure 2c. For example, if can 3a is removed, then can 3b may roll as indicated in Figure 2o into the crevasse 22 formed by the adjacent two cans. The width of the portion of cut-out region that is defined by the width 12b is less than the diameter of can 3b but wide enough to still allow lower first and second side panel portions 1 4b and 1 5b to retain can 3b and provides access to and removal of can 3b and the remaining cans 3. Can 3b may be removed from box 2 of multi-pack la by flexing outwardly the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b in the vicinity of can 3b, and/or flexing corner portions 19 and 20 outwardly. This slightly increases the width of the portion of the cut-out region defined by width 12b in the vicinity of can 3b allowing removal of can 3b, but also allowing box 2 to retain the remaining cans 3. The remaining cans 3 may be removed in a similar fashion, or as previously described with respect to Figures la-id. Alternatively, can 3b may be lifted upwards towards the cut-out region corresponding to the first detachable section 9a, which has a greater width than the can 3b, such that the can may be removed with minimal flexion of the lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b.

By way of example only, the height 1 3a and width 1 2b of the detachable section 9 may be approximately 2-5mm less than the diameter of a can, which should be sufficient to allow the can to be accessed and removed from box 2 but, which also allows upper first and second side panel portions 14a and 15b and lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b to retain the remaining metal cans 3 in box 2. However, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the widths 12a and 12b of the detachable section 9 may be any width that is sufficient, when the detachable section 9 is removed, to allow a can to be accessed/removed from box 2 but also to allow upper first and second side panel portions 1 4a and 1 Sb and lower first and second side panel portions 14b and 15b to retain the remaining cans in box 2 of multi-pack la, but also flex to assist removal of one or more of the cans 3 when desired and retain the remaining cans in the box 2 of multi-pack la.

Figures 3a-3h illustrates a further example of a can multi-pack lb according to the invention. For simplicity, the same reference numerals used in Figures la-2c are reused in Figures 3a-3h identifying the same or similar features. In this example, the multi-pack lb includes ten metal cans 3 in a two can wide format, which is packed in a rectangular matrix of two columns and five rows of cans. The first panel 4 and second panel 5 of the box 2 of multi-pack lb includes detachable section 9, which is further configured to improve access to/dispensing of one or more of the plurality of metal cans 3.

Referring to Figure 3a, the first panel 4 of box 2 of multi-pack lb is adjacent the second panel 5. The first panel 4 and second panel 5 includes the detachable section 9 (or tear strip), which includes a first detachable section 9c adjacent to a second detachable section 9d. The first detachable section 9c is located in the first panel 4 substantially parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4. The second detachable section 9d is located in the second panel 5 substantially parallel to the central axis lOb of the second panel 5. The second detachable section 9d includes tab 11 for assisting removal of the detachable section 9.

The first detachable section 9c may be formed in the first panel 4 by perforating the first panel 4 such that the first detachable section 9c is connected to the first panel 4 by perforations. The second detachable section 9d may be formed in the second panel 5 by perforating the second panel 5 such that the second detachable section 9d is connected to the second panel 5 by perforations. The first detachable section 9c may be connected to the second detachable section 9d by a fold or adhesive to form detachable section 9.

The width 12c of the first detachable section 9c that is transverse to the central axis 1 Qa of the first panel 4 is arranged to be less than the width or diameter of a can 3, but large enough, when the detachable section 9 is removed, to allow the first panel 4 of box 2 of multi-pack lb to retain any remaining cans 3 while also providing access to and removal/dispensing of one or more of cans 3. The width 12d of the second detachable section 9d that is transverse to the central axis 1 Ob of the second panel 5 is also arranged to be less than the width or diameter of a can 3 but large enough to assist in providing access to and removal/dispensing of one or more cans 3. In this example, the width 12c and width 12d are substantially equal. The length 13c (or height) of the first detachable section 9c is substantially parallel to the central axis 1 Oa of the first panel 4 of box 2 and is arranged to at least provide access to each of the cans 3 and at least partially reveal most of the cans 3. The length 13d (or height) of the second detachable section 9d is substantially parallel to the central axis 1Db of the second panel 5 of box 2 and is arranged to at least provide access to each of the cans 3 and at least partially reveal most of the cans 3. In this example, the length 13d is greater than half the length in the direction of the central axis 1 Ob of the second panel 5, but less than the length in the direction of the central axis 1 Ob of the second panel 5.

Figure Sb shows the multi-pack lb with the detachable section 9 removed from box 2 revealing the ten cans 3. The detachable section 9 is removed from box 2 using tab 11 on the second detachable section 9d, which can be lifted to initiate the tearing away of detachable section 9. This facilitates removal of the first and second detachable sections 9c and 9d forming first and second cut-out regions (or voids), respectively, that are arranged to provide access to/dispensing of one or more metal cans 3 while retaining any remaining metal cans 3 in the box 2. Figure 3b shows the complete detachable section 9 removed from box 2 forming first and second cut-out regions.

The cans 3 are arranged in box 2 such that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned in the same direction and their bases lie in the same plane in a rectangular matrix, which in this example are ten cans in five rows by two columns. The cans 3 are S packed together such that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the first panel 4 and that the central axis 8 of each can 3 is aligned substantially parallel to the second panel 5. The cans 3a and 3b closest to the second panel 5 may now be accessed by a user.

In this example, when the detachable section 9 is removed the first and second cut-out regions form rectangular shaped cut-out regions in the first panel 4 and second panel 5, respectively. The first and second cut-out regions are for use in dispensing the cans 3 while also retaining the remaining cans 3 in box 2. Due to the first cut-out region, the first panel 4 now has first side panel portions 14c and 15c that makes contact with the lid of each corresponding can 3 and retains the cans 3 in box 2, while assisting in dispensing the cans 3. Due to the second cut-out region, the second panel 5 now has second side panel portions 14d and 1 Sd that assist in dispensing of the cans 3.

The width 12c of the first detachable section 9c that is transverse to the central axis ba of the first panel 4 also defines the width of the corresponding first cut-out region.

The width 1 2c is arranged to be less than the width or diameter of a can 3 but large enough to allow the first panel 4 of box 2 of multi-pack lb to retain any remaining cans 3 while also providing access to and removal/dispensing of one or more cans 3. The width 1 2d of the second detachable section 9d that is transverse to the central axis lOb of the second panel 5 also defines the width of the corresponding second cut-out region. In this example, the width 12d is also arranged to be less than the width or diameter of a can 3 but large enough to provide access to and removal/dispensing of one or more cans 3. For simplicity, and by way of example only, the width 12c and width 12d are substantially equal.

The length 1 3c (or height) of the first detachable section 9c (which defines the length of the corresponding first cut-out region) is substantially parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4 of box 2 and is arranged to at least provide access to each of the cans 3 and at least partially reveal most of the cans 3. In this example, the length 1 3c of the first detachable section 9c and hence the length of the first cut-out region at least partially reveals all of cans 3 as shown in Figure 3b, which provides the further advantage of being able to check, at a glance, the number of remaining cans 3 in the multi-pack lb. The length 13d of the second detachable section 9d at least partially reveals most of the axial length of the cans 3a and 3b as shown in Figure 3b, which provides the further advantage of improving access to cans 3a and 3b, and subsequently to the other cans in the multi-pack lb. For example, when cans 3a and 3b have been removed another can may be lifted out of box 2 via the second cut-out region, or by flexing the portions of the first side panel portions 14c and 15c in the vicinity of the can being removed.

However, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the length 13c of the first detachable section 9c may only reveal some of the cans 3, but be sufficient to allow access to all of the cans 3. For example, if multi-pack lb is dimensioned to fit within a fridge door shelf, the length 13c of the first detachable section 9c may be sufficient to reveal the cans 3 that are near and above the height of the guard rail of the fridge door shelf. Alternatively, should the guard rail be sufficiently transparent, the length 1 3c of the first detachable section 9c may at least partially reveal all of cans 3 as shown in Figure 3b to allow a user to check, at a glance, the number of remaining cans Sin the multi-pack lb. Figure 3c shows the removal of can 3a from the box 2 of the can multi-pack lb after removal of the detachable section 9. Once the detachable section 9 has been removed, the box 2 has been structurally weakened allowing the corner portions 19 and 20 of box 2 to be flexed outwards, e.g. in the direction of arrows lBd and the, which allows can 3a to be freed from box 2 along the path indicated by arrow 18f.

Outwardly flexing the corner portions 19 and 20 increases the width of the cut-out region defined by width 12c in the vicinity of cans 3a and 3b and can 3a may be retrieved. Of course, can 3a may be freed by the user flexing the corner portions 19 and 20 and/or jiggling the can 3a from box 2 along any suitable path. Once can 3a is removed, can 3b may stay in its initial location, but, given the orientation of box 2 in Figures 3a-3d, it may also roll towards the centre of box 2 to a location touching the two cans that were adjacent and below cans 3a and 3b as shown in Figure 3d.

Figure 3d shows an elevation view of multi-pack lb of Figure 3b when viewed in direction of arrow A shown in Figure 3b with can 3a removed and with can 3b having rolled into the crevasse 22 formed by the adjacent two cans. The width of the first cut-out region as defined by width 12c of the first detachable section 9c is shown to be less than the diameter of can 3b but wide enough to still allow box 2 to retain can 3b and provide access to and removal of can 3b. Can 3b may be removed from box 2 of multi-pack lb by lifting can 3b while at the same time again flexing the corner portions 19 and 20 outwardly. This slightly increases the width of the cut-out region as defined by width 1 2c in the vicinity of can 3b allowing removal of can 3b, but also allowing box 2 to retain any remaining cans 3. Can 3b may also be lifted out through the second cut-out section in the second panel 5 and/or through the adjacent portion of the first cut-out region in first panel 4. The remaining cans 3 are removed in a similar fashion as for cans 3a and 3b. For example, when cans 3a and 3b have been removed another can may be lifted out of box 2 via the second cut-out region and/or by flexing the corner portions 19 and 20 outwardly and/or second side panel portions 14d and 15d, which slightly increases the width of the cut-out region as defined by width 12c in the vicinity of where cans 3a and 3b were stored (i.e. in the region of the second cut-out region and the adjacent portion of the first cut-out region), which allows removal of the can, but also allows the first panel 4 of box 2 to retain any remaining cans 3. The user may also flex the portions of the first side panel portions 14c and 15c in the vicinity of the can being removed.

Figure 3e is another example of multi-pack lb in which the second detachable section 9d in the second panel 5 has a different shape to that of Figures 3a-3d. The width 1 2d is the width of the edge of the second detachable section 9d that is adjacent to the edge of the first detachable section 9c, and the width 12e is the width of the opposite parallel edge of the second detachable section 9d. This provides the advantage of improving accessibility and dispensing of the cans 3 in the multi-pack lb. In this example, the edge of the second detachable section 9d defining the width 12d is smaller than the opposite parallel edge of the second detachable section 9d defining the width 12d. The second detachable section 9d forms a trapezium (a convex quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides) shaped cut-out region in the second panel 5 when the detachable section 9d is removed as shown in Figure 3f.

Figure 3f shows the multi-pack lb with the first and second detachable sections 9c and 9d, respectively, removed from box 2. The length 1 3c of the first detachable section 9c at least partially reveals all of the ten cans 3 as shown in Figure 3f. Tab 11 facilitates removal of the first and second detachable sections 9c and 9d to form the first and second cut-out regions (or voids), respectively, that are arranged to provide access to/dispensing of one or more metal cans 3 while retaining any remaining metal cans 3 in the box 2. The second cut-out region in the second panel 5 is shaped in the form of a trapezium, having corresponding widths as defined by width 12d and 12e of the second detachable section 9d. The second cut-out region reveals more of cans 3a and 3b making dispensing of the cans easier. The wider width 12e of the second cut-out region may also assist in outwardly flexing the corner portions 19 and 20 to increase the widths of the first and second cut-out region defined by widths 12c and 12d, respectively, in the vicinity of cans 3a and 3b such that one of the cans 3a or 3b may be dispensed/removed. The remaining cans 3 are removed in a similar fashion as for cans 3a and 3b, or as previously described with respect to Figures 3a-3d.

Figure 3g and 3h are further examples of multi-pack lb having second detachable sections 9e and 9f in the second panel 5 with different shapes to that of Figures 3a-3f.

Figure 3g shows the second detachable section 9e having a rectangular shape with a width 1 2e that is greater than the width 1 2c of the first detachable section 9c in first panel 4. In this example, the width 12e of the second detachable section 9e is less than the width that is transverse to the central axis lOb (as defined with reference to Figure 3a) of the second panel 5 (i.e. the width of the second panel 5). However, it is to be appreciated that the width 1 2e may be configured to be the same as the width of the second panel 5. The length 1 3e (or height) of the second detachable section 9e is substantially parallel to the central axis 1 Ob of the second panel 5 of box 2 and is arranged to at least provide access to each of the cans 3 and at least partially reveal most of the cans 3, when the second detachable section 9e is removed. In this example, the length 1 3e is greater than half the length in the direction of the central axis lOb of the second panel 5, but less than the length in the direction of the central axis lOb of the second panel 5. However, it is to be appreciated that length 13e may also be equal to the length of the second panel 5.

Figure 3h shows the second detachable section 9f having a semi-circular typo of shape, in which the maximum width 12f of the second detachable section 9f is greater than the width 1 2c of the first detachable section 9c. Having a width 1 2f greater than the width 12c of the first detachable section 9c may further improve accessibility of the cans 3 from multi-pack lb. In this example, the length 1 3f is greater than half the length in the direction of the central axis 1 Ob of the second panel 5, but less than the length in the direction of the central axis lOb of the second panel 5. However, it is to be appreciated that length 1 3f may also be equal to the length of the second panel 5.

Although the shapes of the second detachable sections of figures 3a-3h have been described with respect to rectangular, trapezium, semicircular type shapes, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the shape of the second detachable section 5 may take on any form that provides the user access to the cans 3 of multi-pack lb and also does not degrade the ability for the first panel 4 to retain the remaining cans 3 in the multi-pack when the detachable section 9 is removed.

Although the box 2 of multi-pack lb has been arranged to fit ten metal cans 3 packed in a rectangular matrix of two columns and five rows (a two wide column format), it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that multi-pack lb may be arranged to fit metal cans 3 or containers packed in a rectangular matrix of more than two columns and more than three rows. For example, the multi-pack lb may be arranged to hold fifteen cans in a three can wide format (i.e. three columns of cans with five cans in each column), or even twenty cans in a four wide can format (i.e. four columns of cans with five cans in each column). For larger can wide formats, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the first panel 4 of box 2 may include a further detachable section (not shown) spaced apart from the detachable section 9, where the further detachable section is oriented substantially parallel to the detachable section 9 For example, the detachable section 9 includes a first detachable section 9c in the first panel 4 and a second detachable section 9d in the second panel 5. The further detachable section may include a further first detachable section on the first panel 4 and a further second detachable section on the second panel 5, where the further second detachable section is adjacent the further first detachable section in the first panel 4. The first detachable section 9c is spaced part from the further first detachable section. These detachable sections may be arranged on the first panel 4 of box 2 in which each detachable section is preferably located centrally between two consecutive columns of cans. By way of example only, the first detachable section 9c in the first panel 4 may be positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle a first two columns of cans (e.g. as shown in figure lb); and the first further detachable section in the first panel 4 may be positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle a second two columns of cans different to the first two columns of cans.

Figures 4a and 4b shows a front elevation of an example multi-pack lc configured for a three cans wide format. Figures 5a and Sb shows another example multi-pack ld configured for a four cans wide format. For simplicity, the same reference numerals used in Figures la-3h are reused in Figures 4a-5b identifying the same or similar features.

Referring to Figures 4a-4b, the multi-pack lc is a three wide can format (i.e. three columns of cans) that includes a box 2 with a first panel 4 with the detachable section 9 (not shown) removed. By way of example only, the detachable section 9 may be any of the detachable sections 9 or variations thereof as described with respect to figures la-3h. However, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that any of the detachable sections as described with reference to figures 1 a-3h or variations thereof may be used. As illustrated in Figures 4a-4b, the detachable section 9 is located substantially parallel to the central axis ba of the first panel 4 but offset from the central axis 1 Oa of the first panel 4. With the detachable section 9 removed the cans in the two columns of cans straddling the cut-out region in the first panel 4 may be removed as previously described. Figure 4b shows the cans in the third column may be moved over towards the cut-out region in the first panel 4 when the detachable section 9 is removed and after one or more cans are removed from the adjacent two columns, e.g. cans 3a and 3b have been removed then can 3c may be moved over towards the cut-out region and removecL Although the detachable section 9 in Figures 4a-4b has been described as being offset from the central axis 10 of the first panel 4, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the detachable section 9 may be located centrally in line with the central axis 10 of the first panel 4. For more than three cans wide format, multiple detachable sections 9 may be included in the box 2 of the multi-pack ic in which each detachable section 9 is preferably located centrally between two consecutive columns of cans 3.

Referring to Figures 5a-5b, the multi-pack ld holds twenty cans in a four can wide format (i.e. four columns of cans with five cans in each column) that includes a box 2 with a first detachable section 9g and a second detachable section 9h that are based on the detachable section 9 as described with reference to Figures 3e and 3f.

However, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that first and second detachable sections 9g and 9h may be based on any of the detachable sections as described with reference to figures la-3h, combinations, and/or variations thereof may be used in place of the first and second detachable sections 9g and 9h.

As illustrated in Figures 5a-5b, the detachable section 9g is located substantially parallel to the central axis 1 Oa of the first panel 4 offset to the left (looking into the page) of the central axis ba of the first panel 4; the second detachable section 9h is located substantially parallel to the central axis 1 Oa of the first panel 4 but offset to the right (looking into the page) of the central axis 1 0a of the first panel 4. The first detachable section 9g is spaced apart from the second detachable section 9h, with the second detachable section 9h being oriented substantially parallel to the first detachable section 9g. As shown in this example, the first and second detachable sections 9h and 9g are located on the first and second panels 4 and 5 of box 32 of the multi-pack ld.

The first and second detachable sections 9g and 9h are arranged on the first panel 4 and second panel 5 of box 2 in which each detachable section 9g and 9h is preferably located centrally between two consecutive columns of cans 3 as illustrated in Figure Sb. That is the portion of the first detachable section 9g in the first panel 4 is positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle two columns of cans 3; the portion of the second detachable section 9h in the first panel 4 is positioned on the first panel 4 to straddle another two columns of cans 3. Each of the first and second detachable sections 9g and 9h include first and second tabs 24 and 25, each of which may be removed such that the central strut 5a of the second panel 5 may become a handle. These tabs 24 and 25 may also assist in removing the first and second detachable sections 9g and 9h. The tabs 24 and 25 may also be punch-outs such that the central strut 5a of the second panel 5 is a handle without the need to remove tabs 24 and 25. The detachable sections 9g and 9h may also include further tabs (not shown) for facilitating tearing of the detachable sections 9g and 9h. In Figure 5b the detachable sections 9g and 9h have been removed and the cans 3 may be accessed and any remaining cans 3 retained as in a similar fashion as previously described with reference to figures la-4b.

Although the detachable sections 9g and 9h have been described in Figures 5a-5b as being located centrally between two consecutive columns of cans, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that for greater than four can wide formats, each detachable section 9g and 9h may alternatively be spaced apart and oriented to the first panel 4 to straddle a single column of cans 3. For example, the portion of the first detachable section 9g in the first panel 4 may be located on the first panel 4 to straddle a first column of cans 3 and the portion of the second detachable section 9h in the first panel 4 may be located on the first panel 4 to straddle a second column of cans 3, in which the first and second column of cans are not adjacent columns of cans.

Figure 6 shows a side elevation of another example multi-pack le with the detachable section(s) (not shown) removed. For simplicity, the same reference numerals used in Figures la-5b are reused in Figure 6 identifying the same or similar features. The detachable section(s) may be similar to or the same as the detachable sections as described with reference to Figures la-Sb.

The multi-pack le includes a box 2 that includes twelve rectangular containers 26 arranged in a two container wide format. The containers may be suitable for food or beverages. The rectangular containers 26 are arranged in a rectangular matrix similar to that previously described for the metal cans 3 with reference to figures la-5b. The containers 26 may be loose or secured together in an easily separable form. In this example, rectangular container 26a (represented by the dashed lines) has a central axis that is orthogonal to the page. Rectangular container 26a has a first width 27a and a second width 27b that are perpendicular to the central axis. The remaining rectangular containers 26 are similarly dimensioned and arranged. In this example, the width of the detachable section(s) (not shown) that defines the width of the cut-out region(s) has a width that is less than the first width 27a of the rectangular container 26a, but which is larger than the second width 27b of rectangular container 26a Once the first rectangular container (not shown) has been removed, then each of the remaining rectangular containers 26a and 26 may be accessed by lifting the rectangular container and rotating it by 90 degrees such that the rectangular container 26a or 26 may exit through the cut-out region or void created when the detachable section is removed and without requiring flexing of the corner portions of box 2 or without damaging the edges of the cut-out region because the second width 27b is less than the width of the cut-out region.

The packaging approach discussed here may be applied to containers other than metal cans such as triangular of rectangular styled drinks containers containing food and/or beverages. Further, the packaging approach discussed here may be applied to other containers other than those for food and beverage, for example, aerosols and other special container types that may be stored in spaces such as cupboard, pantry, or fridge door shelves and the like.

Figure 7 shows a refrigerator (or fridge) 30 including a main storage compartment 31 coupled to a fridge door 32. For simplicity, the same reference numerals used in Figures 1 a-6 are reused in Figure 7 identifying the same or similar features. The main storage compartment 31 is typically partitioned by main shelves (not shown) and the fridge door 32 includes a first fridge door shelf 33 including a first guard rail 33a and first shelf base 33b and a second fridge door shelf 34 including a second guard rail 34a and second shelf base 34b. The first fridge door shelf 33 is typically suitable for holding heavier articles such as wine bottles (e.g. wine bottle 35), milk cartons (not shown) and also a first and second multi-pack 36 and 37 according to the invention, which in this context, may be regarded as a fridge door packs.

In this example, the first multi-pack 36 is based on multi-pack lb as described with reference to Figures 3e and 3f. The dimensions of the first multi-pack 36 are arranged for storing the first multi-pack 36 within the space of the first fridge door shelf 33. The first multi-pack 36 is dimensioned to fit within the space of the first fridge door shelf 33 for example, within the space provided between the guard rail 33a and the fridge door 32, and the space provided between the first shelf base 33b and second shelf base 34b. As shown in this example, the first panel 4 of the first multi-pack 36 is substantially parallel to the fridge door 32 such that the detachable section (not shown) is accessible to a user, which means the cans 3 are accessible to the user once the detachable section has been removed as shown in Figure 7 In this example, the central axis B of each of the plurality of cans in first multi-pack 36 are shown to be substantially perpendicular to the fridge door 32 or substantially parallel to the first shelf base 33b. The first multi-pack 36 is shown in Figure 7 with the detachable section 9 completely removed and ready for dispensing the metal cans 3. In this case, the length 1 3c of the first detachable section 9c of detachable section 9 along the first panel 4 of the first multi-pack 36 is greater than half the length of the first panel 4, but short enough to reveal most of the cans 3 (e.g. eight of the ten cans in the first multi-pack 36) above and near the height 33c of the guard rail 33a above the base 33b of shelf 33.

The second multi-pack 37 is also based on multi-pack lb as described with reference to Figures 3e and 3f and is also dimensioned to fit within the space of the first fridge door shelf 33 in a similar fashion as the first multi-pack 36. The second multi-pack 37 is also shown with the detachable section 9 removed and ready for dispensing the metal cans 3. In this case, the length 13c of the first detachable section 9c of detachable section 9 along the first panel 4 of multi-pack 37 is greater than half the length of the first panel 4, and is sufficient to reveal all of the cans 3 (e.g. all of the ten cans in the multi-pack 37). As the guard rail 33a is sufficiently transparent, a user can check, at a glance, when the multi-pack 37 is empty. Depending on the depth of the first fridge door shelf 33, the can multi-packs 36 and 37 may use smaller sized cans than standard sized cans (unless there is space for standard sized cans) to be efficiently stored, chilled and then easily removed. Typical uses for the cans 3 would be for daily consumption of beverages or foodstuffs, for example, carbonated drinks or health products such as juices & vitamin drinks.

Conventional fridge packs can only be placed in the main storage compartment 31 of fridge 30 using up valuable fridge space that could otherwise be used for other perishable items. The benefit of putting can multi-packs 36 and 37 in a fridge door shelf 24 is to allow smaller sized cans (or if there is enough space standard sized cans) to be efficiently stored, chilled and then easily removed. Storing the multi-packs 36 and 37 in the fridge door shelf 33 frees up space in the main storage compartment 31 for other perishable foodstuffs or bulkier items. The cans 3 may be efficiently removed by simply opening the fridge door 32 and removing a can from the multi-packs 36 and 37 as described with reference to Figures 1 a-5b. This is achieved without removing the complete multi-packs 36 and 37 from the fridge 30 (as opposed to some conventional fridge multi-packs) thus improving the efficiency of the fridge 31 as there is minimum heating of multi-packs 36 and 37 when the fridge door is opened/closed as opposed to removing a multi-pack from the main storage compartment 31 to gain access to the cans 3. In addition, using the fridge door 32 to store the multi-packs 36 and 37 provides easier access to the cans 3 as there is no need to move/remove other items from the fridge 30 when attempting to gain access to the cans 3 in the multi-packs 36 and/or 37. This would not be the case if the multi-packs 36 and 37 were based on conventional fridge packs, which would be stored in the main shelves in the main storage compartment 31. This would mean removing any items blocking the cans in the fridge pack and possibly even removing the fridge pack from the fridge 30 to gain access to the cans.

As the can multi-packs 36 and 37 are dimensioned to fit within the space of a fridge door shelf, it is to be appreciated that the depth of a fridge door shelf 33 may vary depending on the refrigerator model, manufacturer, and country the refrigerator is made for and sold in (e.g. some countries have larger refrigerators than others). For example, the typical depth of a standard fridge door shelf 33 in the United Kingdom may be between around 90 mm to around 100 mm, or on average around 95 mm. For a fridge door shelf having a depth of approximately 95 mm, the typical sizes of cans that may be used in a fridge door pack (e.g. multi-pack 36 or 37) may be, by way of example only, a 53 mm x 89 mm 150 ml can (e.g. diameter of can is 53 mm with height of the can being 89 mm), or 58 mm x 90 mm 220 ml can, or a 66 mm x 90 mm 250 ml can. It is to be appreciated that cans of any other suitable diameter and height or volume may be used depending on the depth of the fudge door shelf that the multi-pack is intended.

The dimensions of the box of the can multi-packs as described herein, e.g. the multi-packs 1, la-id and 36 and 37 as described with reference to Figures 1-7, may be arranged or selected to fit within the depth of the fridge door shelf based on can height and the number and arrangement of cans in the box of the can multi-pack. The box dimensions may be based on the cans being arranged in a rectangular matrix with the central axis of each can being substantially perpendicular to a first panel of the box (this is the panel of the box that will face outwards towards the user when the multi-pack is in use when placed on a f ridge door shelf, e.g. the front panel) and substantially parallel to a second panel of the box (this is the panel of the box that is the top panel when the multi-pack is in use when placed in a fridge door shelf) to form the multi-pack.

The depth of the box (i.e. the length of the second panel measured along the central axis of the second panel -e.g. central axis 1 Ob as shown in Figure 3a) may be based on a can height that is selected to be slightly less than a fridge door shelf depth. This means the depth of the box (or length of the second panel along the central axis of the second panel) is similar to the depth of the fridge door shelf. The height of box when the multi-pack is in use and placed on a fridge door shelf (i.e. the length of the first panel along the central axis of the first panel -e.g. central axis 10 or ba as shown in Figures la, 2a, 3a, 4a, or 5a) may be selected when the cans are arranged into a rectangular matrix based on the number of cans in a selected row or column of the rectangular matrix. This is determined by multiplying the diameter of a can with the number of cans in the selected row or column, where the width of box (i.e. the width of the first panel that is transverse to the central axis of the first panel) being determined by multiplying the diameter of a can with the number of cans in the corresponding column or row, respectively, that was not chosen for determining the height of the box (or length of the first panel).

By way of example only with reference to Figure 3a, multi-pack lb includes a box 2 that holds ten cans in a two can wide format (e.g. two columns with five rows of cans) in which each can is 150 ml having a 53 mm diameter and 89 mm height. Depending on the panel thickness of the box, the box 2 may have dimensions in the region of around 90mm in depth around 266 mm high (tall) and around 110mm wide (e.g. the first panel 4 is around 266mm in length and around 110mm wide and the second panel 5 is around 90mm in length and around 110mm wide). This means box 2 may fit in afridge door shelf with depth around 90 to 95 mm or more deep, depending on the thickness of the panels of the box 2. As another example, the multi-pack lb may include a box 2 that holds ten cans in a two can wide format in which each can is 220m1 having a 58mm diameter and 90mm height. The box 2 may have dimensions in the region of around 120mm width, around 292mm high, and around 91mm depth (e.g. the first panel 4 is around 292mm in length and around 120mm wide and the second panel 5 is around 91mm in length and around 120mm wide). In a further example, if each can were a 250m1 can having a 66mm diameter and 92mm height, then the box may have dimensions in the region of around 136mm width, around 332mm height, and around 93mm depth. If the multi-pack lb includes a box 2 that holds 8 cans in atwo can wide format in which each can is 250m1 having a 66mm diameter and 92mm height, then the box may have dimensions of approximately 136mm width, approximately 266mm height, and 93mm depth. It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a thicker panel material of box 2 will increase the dimensions of the box 2.

Multi-pack lb may be dimensioned to hold more or less cans than the ten cans as described herein. For example, the height of the box 2 may be selected to be the maximum number of cans in a row or column such that the multi-pack lb has sufficient strength when placed within a fridge door shelf to retain the cans when the fridge door is opened and closed, especially when the detachable section 9 is removed. The height of the box 2 of the multi-pack lb should be sufficient such that it may not topple off or out of the fridge door shelf (even with guard rail present) or become structurally unstable due to the forces subjected onto the cans and first panel 4 of the box 2 when the detachable section 9 is removed and during opening/closing of the fridge door. Of course, the height of box 2 or first panel 4 of can multi-pack lb may be similar to the height of a 750 ml wine bottle, a 1 to 2 Litre sized carbonated drink bottle, or even a 1-2 Litre milk carton or bottle. In addition, the height/length of the box 2/first panel 4 of the multi-pack lb may be the determined to be a height between the base of the fridge door shelf to the base of another fridge door shelf above that is sufficient to allow the multi-pack to be placed/tilted over the guard rail and onto the lower fridge door shelf.

As an example, the height of the box 2 or length of the first panel 4 may be based on the number of cans that can fit into the height between the base of the fridge door shelf the multi-pack lb is to be placed on and the base of the above fridge door shelf minus an allowance. The allowance may be sufficient to allow the multi-pack lb to be placed in the fridge door shelf and/or for allowing a user to access the multi-pack lb. By way of example only, the typical gap or height between the bottom shelf and the next shelf of a typical fridge door is approximately 360mm. However space is required to access the top of the multi-pack (e.g. a gap or allowance is needed to insert a user's hand into the multi-pack at an angle of around 45 degrees). Space is also required for placing the multi-pack over the guard rail and into the fridge door shelf. In this example, when the gap between f ridge door shelves is around 360mm, then a sufficient height/length of the box/first panel when the multi-pack is in use and placed in a fridge door shelf may be around 300mm. This is approximately the height of a conventional 2 Litre carbonated drinks bottle.

Although the multi-packs in the examples shown in Figures la-7 are configured, by way of example only, to use a two, three or four can wide format (e.g. two columns of cans with five rows of cans, three columns of cans with five rows of cans or four columns of cans with five rows of cans), it is to be appreciated that the multi-pack may also be configured to use larger numbers of cans, e.g. greater than four can wide format and greater than five rows of cans or even less than five rows of cans. Although the multi-packs l-ld, 36 and 37 in the examples described with reference to Figures 1 a-7 have been described for storage on a fridge door shelf, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the multi-packs may be designed and configured for use in the shelves or doors of a pantry, cupboards, supermarket shelves/fridges and/or for use in the main shelves of a fridge and the like.

Although the box of the multi-packs 1, la-le, 36 and 37 as described with reference to Figures la-7 may be constructed of cardboard materials and the like, it is to be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the box of the multi-packs 1, 1 a-l e, 36 and 37 may be constructed of cardboard, paperboard, carton board, corrugated board, plastics, thermoplastics, insulating materials, foam materials, waxed coated materials, other materials suitable for storing cans or containers in the box of a multi-pack and the like or a combination of these materials. For example, the construction and materials of the multi-pack box may be suitable for storing the box and the metals cans in a cool place such as a fridge, cupboard or supermarket shelf/fridge shelf. For example, one or more of the multi-packs 1, la-le, 36 and 37 may be dimensioned for storing cans or containers in the box of the multi-pack on a fridge shelf. In this example, the multi-pack may be made from materials that are suitable for storing the cans or containers within a fridge (e.g. the materials are designed to withstand the cold environment and/or condensation of the fridge) and still function as described herein.

Although the invention has been described in terms of examples or preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these examples or embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those examples or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A can multi-pack, the multi-pack comprising a plurality of metal cans arranged in a box, the box comprising a first panel adjacent to a second panel, the first panel including a detachable section adjacent the second panel and for use in dispensing one or more of the cans, wherein the metal cans are arranged in the box with the central axis of each of the metal cans being substantially perpendicular to the first panel and substantially parallel to the second panel and the detachable section has a width that is adapted for the first panel to retain any remaining metal cans in the box after removal of the detachable section.
2. A can multi-pack as claimed claim 1, wherein the detachable section, which when removed, forms a cut-out region in the first panel that is arranged to provide access to one or more metal cans while retaining the remaining metal cans in the box.
3. A can multi-pack as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the width of the detachable section is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.
4. A can multi-pack as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width of the detachable section is slightly less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.
5. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the length of the detachable section is greater than half the length of the first panel.
6. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, the detachable section of the first panel further comprising first and second portions, the first portion being adjacent the second panel, wherein: the first portion has a width that is adapted to be greater than the diameter of a metal can and the height of the first portion is adapted to retain one or more metal cans after the detachable section is removed; and the second portion has a width that is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.
7. A can multi-pack as claimed in claim 6, wherein the height of the first portion is less than the diameter of each of the metal cans.
8. A can multi-pack as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein the width of the first portion is substantially the width of the first panel.
9. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second panel includes a second detachable section, wherein the detachable section and the second detachable section are adjacent each other.
10. A can multi-pack as claimed in claim 9, wherein the box includes first and second corners in the vicinity of the connection of the first and second panels, and wherein the width of the second detachable section is adapted to allow the first and second corners to flex after the detachable and second detachable sections are removed.
11. A can multi-pack as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the width of the edge of the second detachable section adjacent the detachable section is less than the width of an opposing edge of the second detachable section.
12. A can multi-pack as claimed in claims 9 to 11, wherein the detachable section and the second detachable section are connected by way of a fold or adhesive.
13. A can multi-pack as claimed in claims 9 to 11, wherein the detachable section and the second detachable section are arranged to be separately detachable.
14. A can multi-pack as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second detachable section is connected to the second panel by perforations in the second panel.
15. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the detachable section is connected to the first panel by perforations in the first panel.
16. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first panel comprises a further detachable section spaced apart from the detachable section, wherein the further detachable section is oriented substantially parallel to the detachable section.
17. A can multi-pack as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second panel comprises a further second detachable section, wherein the further second detachable section is adjacent the further detachable section in the first panel.
18. A can multi-pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dimensions of the can multi-pack are arranged for storing the can multi-pack in a shelf of a fridge door with the central axis of each of the plurality of cans in the can multi-pack being substantially perpendicular to the fridge door.
19. A multi-pack box for storing a plurality of containers, the multi-pack box comprising a first panel adjacent to a second panel, the first panel including a detachable section adjacent to the second panel, wherein the first and second panels are configured such that when the containers are arranged in the multi-pack box, the central axis of each of the containers is substantially perpendicular to the second panel and substantially parallel to the first panel and the detachable section is arranged to have a width that is adapted for the first panel to dispense one or more of the containers and retain any remaining containers after the detachable section is removed.
20. A multi-pack box as claimed in claim 19, wherein the detachable section, which when removed, forms a cut-out region arranged to provide access to one or more containers while retaining any remaining containers in the box.
21. A multi-pack box as claimed in claims 19 or 20, wherein the width of the detachable section is less than the width of the containers that is perpendicular to the central axis of the containers.
22. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, the detachable section of the first panel further comprising first and second portions, the first portion being adjacent the second panel, wherein: the first portion has a width that is adapted to be greater than the width of the second portion and the height of the first portion is adapted to retain one or more containers after the detachable section is removed; and the second portion has a width that is adapted to allow the first panel to retain any remaining containers in the multi-pack box after the detachable section is removed.
23. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second panel includes a second detachable section, wherein the detachable section and the second detachable sections are adjacent each other.
24. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the dimensions of the multi-pack box are arranged for storing the multi-pack box in a shelf of a fridge door with the first panel being substantially parallel to the fridge door and the detachable section being accessible to a user.
25. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 24, wherein each container includes a first width and a second width perpendicular to the central axis of the container, the first width being less than the second width, and wherein the width of the detachable section is less than the first width but greater than the second width.
26. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the first panel comprises a further detachable section spaced apart from the detachable section, wherein the further detachable section is oriented substantially parallel to the detachable section.
27. A multi-pack box as claimed in claim 26, wherein the second panel comprises a further second detachable section, wherein the further second detachable section is adjacent the further detachable section in the first panel.
28. A multi-pack box as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27, wherein each container is a metal can and the width of the detachable section is less than the diameter of the metal can.
29. A can multi-pack substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A multi-pack box or carton substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.