GB2622422A

GB2622422A - Improvements in and relating to cardboard fitments for mounting a product

Info

Publication number: GB2622422A
Application number: GB2213599.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Purcell Joseph
Original assignee: Packaging Answers Consulting Ltd
Current assignee: Packaging Answers Consulting Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2022-09-16
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: GB202213599D0

Abstract

A cardboard fitment 2 for mounting a product comprising two major panels 4 & 6 with apertures 10 & 12 and bridging panel 8. There is a first supporting wall 14 extending from edge 16 and second supporting wall 18 from edge 20 of panel 4. The two edges are adjacent and the two walls are connected. There may be a third supporting wall 22 extending from edge 24 of panel 4 which is adjacent edge 20 and connected to 18. 14 & 18 and 18 & 20 are ideally connected with tabs and glue. 14 and 18 may extend upward and outwardly from the panel 4 at preferably 60-85O. The apertures are ideally similar and may contain at least one internally directed flap. The second supporting wall may be remote from the bridging panel. The second panel may have similarly configured supporting walls to the first panel. Fitment may be a part of a container that forms the packaging for a product, preferably an easter egg.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Cardboard Fitments for Mounting a Product

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to cardboard fitments for mounting products and to packaged products containing such fitments.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Cardboard packaging is used for a wide variety of products. It is especially suitable for modern packaging given its light weight, constructional flexibility and ability to be recycled. There is growing pressure for packaging that previously has used plastic fitments to use cardboard fitments instead. A "fitment" is as insert intended to go inside an outer liner or container, typically a lidded cardboard box.

[0003] One such item of packaging for which a plastics insert has been used is for a chocolate Easter egg. Typically, Easter egg packaging has comprised an outer carboard box into which is inserted a plastic fitment. The plastic fitment usually comprises two symmetrical portions hingedly connected together, with each portion having a moulding matching half the shape of the chocolate Easter egg so the egg is substantially entirely surrounded by the moulding of the plastics insert. The plastic insert is manufactured to be transparent so that the chocolate egg, which itself is often, but not always, in a foil wrapper, can be viewed by a potential consumer. The outer cardboard box will have cut-out portions to enable viewing of the interior.

[0004] A cardboard fitment cannot be made on a like-for-like basis despite the desire to use cardboard as a material for the fitment. For instance, cardboard is not transparent and therefore cannot surround the Easter egg while still enabling viewing of the same by a potential consumer. It is also highly desirable for any fitment to the quick and simple to assemble to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0005] Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an improved fitment for mounting a product and for a corresponding packaging container comprising such a fitment.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a cardboard fitment for mounting a product, the fitment comprising a first major panel; a second major panel and a bridging panel extending between the first major panel and the second major panel, the first major panel comprising a first cut-out portion for mounting a product, the second major panel comprising a second cut-out portion for mounting a product. The fitment further comprises a first supporting wall extending from a first edge of the first major panel, a second supporting wall extending from a second edge of the first major panel, the first edge being adjacent to the second edge, the first supporting wall being connected to the second supporting wall.

[0008] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [0010] Figure 1 is a plan view of a cardboard blank for manufacturing a fitment according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a partly assembled fitment according to an embodiment of the present invention from the blank shown in figure 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fitment of figure 2 in an assembled configuration.

[0013] Figure 4 is an altemative perspective view of the fitment of figures 2 and 3 in an assembled configuration.

[0014] Figure 5 is a plan view of the assembled fitment with a product.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a packaging product incorporating the fitment shown in figures 1-4.

[0016] Figure 7 is a plan view of a cardboard blank for manufacturing a fitment according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0017] Referring to figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a blank for a cardboard fitment 2 for mounting a product, the fitment 2 comprising a first major panel 4; a second major panel 6 and a bridging panel 8 extending between the first major panel 4 and the second major panel 6, the first major panel 4 comprising a first cut-out portion 10 for mounting a product (not shown in Figures 1-4), the second major panel 6 comprising a second cut-out portion 12 for mounting a product. The cut-out portions 10, 12 define apertures into which the intended product can be partially inserted. The fitment 2 further comprises a first supporting wall 14 extending from a first edge 16 of the first major panel 4, a second supporting wall 18 extending from a second edge 20 of the first major panel 4, the first edge 16 being adjacent to the second edge 20, the first supporting wall 14 being connected to the second supporting wall 18.

[0018] The fitment 2 further comprises a third supporting wall 22 extending from a third edge 24 of the first major panel, which third edge 24 is adjacent to the second edge 20 but is not adjacent to the first edge 16.

[0019] Extending from both ends of the second supporting wall 18 are tabs 26A and 26B. Each tab has an adhesive 28A, 29B, respectively, applied (Figure 1) in an area spaced apart from the edge thereof.

[0020] The second supporting wall 18 comprises a semi-circular cut-out portion 30 on the distal edge of the second supporting wall 18 (distal relative to the first major panel 4).

[0021] The first cut out portion 10 and second cut-out portion 12 have a similar shape configured for mounting a product, in this case an Easter egg (not shown). It will be appreciated that the shape of the first and second cut-out portions 10, 12, respectively, depending upon the shape of the product to be packaged. Also, the first and second cut-out portions 10, 12, respectively, do not have to be the same shape. If the product is non-symmetrical with respect to the centre-line of the fitment 2, the cut-out portions 10, 12 may need to be different shapes to match the outline of the product.

[0022] The first and third supporting panels 14, 22, respectively, are of matching shapes.

Each panel 14, 18 is generally rectangular with one corner section removed at 32, 32', respectively, remote from the second supporting wall 18. Thus, the first and third supporting walls have a truncated triangular end remote from the end that is connected to the second supporting wall in each case.

[0023] The bridging panel 8 connects the first major panel 4 to the second major panel 6 between minor On terms of length) edges of the major panels 4, 6. The bridging panel 8 establishes a gap between the first major panel 4 and the second major panel 6. The gap is between 10% and 20% of the major length (i.e. longest dimension) of the first or second major panels 4,6, respectively.

[0024] Each panel, wall or tab of the fitment 2 is separated from an adjacent panel, wall or tab by a fold line, i.e. a line physically formed in the cardboard of the fitment by a crease, score, kiss cut or the like to facilitate folding.

[0025] The second major panel 6 has components extending from it that correspond to those extending from the first major panel 4 and which have been identified by corresponding reference numbers: first supporting wall 14', first edge 16', second supporting wall 18', second edge 20', third supporting wall 22', third edge 24', tabs 26A' and 26B', adhesive patches 28A' and 28B', and semi-circular cut-out portion 30'.

Assembly of the Fitment [0026] As a blank, the fitment 2 is in a flat configuration. The fitment 2 can be transported in such a flat configuration or in a partly assembled configuration as described below.

[0027] To assemble the fitment 2, the supporting walls 14, 18, 22, 14', 18' and 22' are folded upwardly to be at approximately 70°. A suitable range of angles has been found to be 60° to 85° relative to the respective major panel 4, 6. The tabs 26A, 26B are then engaged with first and third supporting walls 14, 22, respectively being secured by adhesives 26A, 26B, respectively. The supporting walls 14', 18' and 22' are also secured in corresponding positions by tabs 26A', 26B' and adhesives 28A' and 28B'.

[0028] The fitment is then in a partly constructed configuration as shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The partly constructed fitment 2 accordingly has the first and second major panels 4, 6 in a plane with the supporting walls 14, 18, 22, 14', 18' and 22' extending upwardly therefrom at approximately 70°. The first supporting wall 14 is connected and secured to the second supporting wall 18 by the tab 26 via the adhesive thereon. The second supporting wall 18 is connected and secured to the third supporting wall 22 by the tab 28 via the adhesive thereon.

The end of the first major panel 4 that connects to the bridging panel 8 is free of a supporting wall. Each supporting wall 14, 18, 22, 14, 18' and 22' extends upwardly and outwardly from the respective major panel 4, 6.

[0030] The construction to this partly constructed configuration can readily be accomplished by automation.

[0031] In this partly constructed configuration, the fitments 2 can be nested for efficient transportation in bulk. This means that the part of the construction involving securing the supporting walls can be carried out automatically and with the required degree of precision at a first site before the final construction of the fitment and loading of the fitment and product into an outer liner of packaging.

[0032] To fully construct the fitment 2, the first major panel 4 and the second major panel 6 are hinged relative to the bridging panel 8 to bring them towards each other so that they are at approximately 90° to the bridging panel 8 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this configuration, the fitment 2 can holds a product in place between the panels 4,6 with the product being mounted in the cut-out portions 10, 12. In this configuration, the panels 4,6 are approximately parallel and spaced apart by the distance of the bridging panel 8. The semi-circular cut out portions 30, 30' are convenient for a user to use to grasp the second supporting walls 18, 18' to draw them together. The portions 30, 30' also assist in the end user unloading the fitment 2.

[0033] To complete packaging of the product, the fitment containing the product is inserted into a liner 34 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6 a product, in this case a chocolate egg, is indicated by dashed lines 36. In doing so, the removed corner sections at 32, 32' assist in loading the fitment into the insert by guiding the fitment into an opening of the insert without a corner to catch on.

[0034] The supporting walls 14, 18, 22, 14', 18' and 22' are dimensioned to be a tight fit in the packaging liner 34 to position the product in the desired location in the liner and to secure the fitment 2, and therefore the product, in place. The supporting walls 14, 18, 22, 14', 18' and 22' being splayed outwardly slightly helps ensure a tight fit within the packaging.

[0035] Such a packaging product enables a fitment to be manufactured simply, for the product, in this case a chocolate Easter egg, to be held securely and for desirable, recyclable, materials to be used in the packaging process.

[0036] Although the above embodiment has been described in relation to packaging a chocolate egg, specifically, a chocolate Easter egg, it will be appreciated that the cardboard fitment invention described herein can be applied to a wide variety of products of different shapes and sizes.

[0037] Referring to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a blank for a cardboard fitment 102. In most respects, the fitment 102 is the same as the fitment 2 and corresponding reference numerals have been used for corresponding integers. The additional feature of the fitment 102 is the provision of internally directed flaps 104, 106 into the cut-out portions 10, 12. The flaps 104, 106 help secure the product in place. It will be appreciated that the number, shape and dimensions of the flaps 104, 106 (and potentially additional flaps) can be varied as required. In some embodiments the one or more flaps will be present in one of the cut-outs only.

[0038] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0040] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0041] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cardboard fitment for mounting a product, fitment comprising: first major panel; a second major panel; and a bridging panel extending between the first major panel and the second major panel; the first major panel comprising a first cut-out portion for mounting a product; the second major panel comprising a second cut-out portion for mounting a product; a first supporting wall extending from a first edge of the first major panel; a second supporting wall extending from a second edge of the first major panel, the first edge being adjacent to the second edge; the first supporting wall being connected to the second supporting wall.
2. The cardboard fitment of claim 1, further comprising a third supporting wall extending from a third edge of the first major panel, the third edge being adjacent to the second edge, wherein the third supporting wall is connected to the second supporting wall.
3. The cardboard fitment of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the edge of the first major panel is free of a supporting wall.
4. The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim, wherein the first supporting wall is connected to the second supporting wall by a tab and glue arrangement.
The cardboard fitment of claim 2, wherein the second supporting wall is connected to the third supporting wall by a tab and glue arrangement.
6. The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim, wherein the first supporting wall and the second supporting wall each extend upwardly and outwardly relative to the first major panel.
7. The cardboard fitment of claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the first, second and third supporting walls extend at an angle of 60° to 85° relative to the respective major panel.
8. The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim, wherein the first cut-out portion is similar to the second cut-out portion.The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim, wherein the second supporting wall is at an end of the first major panel remote from the bridging panel.
B
10. The cardboard fitment of claim 9, further comprising a cut-out portion in the second supporting wall.
11 The cardboard fitment of claim 10, wherein one or both of the cut-out portions includes at least one internally directed flap.
12. The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim, in which the first supporting wall has a truncated triangular end remote from the end that is connected to the second supporting wall.
13. The cardboard fitment of any preceding claim in which the second major panel has supporting walls corresponding to those of the first major panel and which are configured similarly.
14. A packaged product comprising a fitment according to any preceding claim supporting the product, wherein the fitment is located at least partly in a container forming the packaging.
15. The packaged product of claim 14, wherein the product is a chocolate egg.