JP2008532875A - Carton for housing multiple tapered containers - Google Patents

Abstract

  The tubular carton (200) is configured to be assembled to a first height before stuffing and then to a second height after stuffing. The carton includes a top wall (108), a base wall (102) and a pair of side walls (104, 106). The walls (102, 104, 106, 108) form a first height gap for receiving an article such as a tapered bottle (B). In addition, the present embodiment includes a structure for feeding the article into the gap, wherein the article is bent into a carton along at least a portion of the kerf line and the one or more walls to accommodate the first height. To the second height of the air gap. The feeding structure is connected to one of the walls (108) and after packing the article, the carton is sealed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a packaging carton for a tapered container such as a bottle or other container having a neck, and in particular, a vertically oriented article having a first height has a different initial height. And a specially shaped carton formed by stuffing a tubular container having an open end from the side.

  Practical cartons for carrying a tapered group of articles are known. For example, for tapered articles, a typical glass or plastic beverage bottle, a beverage bottle with a sealed top, a fluid removal container having a shoulder region and a neck, and a body from the end There are a wide variety of containers. Traditional utility cartons for such applications include square or rectangular cartons that are used anywhere to pack and transport bottles, which are sealed with top flaps and transported by cartons. Packed from the top before being done. Increasingly common commercial cartons include side-filled square or rectangular cartons, with end flaps sealed and tapered in one or more rows before the cartons are transported Shaped articles are packed from the side.

  Current commercial cartons that are used to carry a group of tapered items share a common drawback. For example, a typical tapered article has a significant gap in the upper portion in a typical utility carton, as its top is narrower than its base. That is, the article is surrounded by a considerable gap from near the shoulder to the top. This particular drawback causes several problems. First, if everything else is the same, a carton with many voids is a brittle carton that is susceptible to damage during shipping. The problem is obvious when you see a carton with a crushed corner or a carton with a collapsed top panel, often found in local grocery stores and liquor stores. Second, in order to strengthen the carton and prevent damage, typical measures to fill the gaps with packing material to eliminate useless gaps waste material and increase manufacturing costs. Thirdly, a carton with a lot of voids can lose sales opportunities because it creates an unpleasant impression on potential consumers. For example, as the goods move within the carton, consumers may misunderstand that the goods are damaged. Similarly, when a consumer feels the movement of an article in the carton or hears a moving sound, he may misunderstand that the article is missing. Under these circumstances, consumers may cease purchasing other satisfactory products.

  Solutions have been developed that attempt to overcome the problems associated with conventional cartons. A commonly attempted solution focuses on providing an outer packing material between or around the articles. Examples of known packing materials include sawdust, wood, scrap paper, cloth, partition material, foam, foamed polystyrene balls, cushioning materials made of various materials and shapes, and various forms of air bags including foam sheets. is there. These solutions attempt to protect the article and / or to strengthen the carton, but seem to increase costs almost consistently. For example, cost increments include the cost of the packing material, the labor cost of placing the packing material, the cost of transporting the heavy carton, and the disposal cost of the packing material.

  An improved packing material is a thermoformed stackable plastic tray. These solutions can be applied to brittle foods such as cookies and soft candy. Typical manufacturers place brittle products in specially formed stackable plastic trays, which accept and store individual products in spaced apart parts. Such a solution is useful under certain circumstances, but has the same disadvantages for tapered articles as other packing materials.

  Another attempt to solve the tapered product transport problem is to remove the top of the carton and wrap the articles with a plastic film layer. This solution solves the problem of carton damage, but is problematic because it removes everything except the short base of the carton. For example, this solution is usually limited to plastic articles and is not usually suitable for glass articles. Furthermore, the articles are no longer protected from damage as if they were surrounded by the carton walls and top. Furthermore, there is no space for product information that uses the outer surface of the carton. This is generally undesirable because most manufacturers use that area to effect purchase advertising.

  A survey of packaging technology shows that there is still a need for an improved instrument and / or method of carrying a tapered group of items. Such an improvement makes the carton stronger and reduces or eliminates the need for packing material, improves the fit of the article, improves the feel received from the carton, and is usually placed outside the practical carton. Advertising space is improved or at least maintained. Furthermore, the carton improved in the above range has a unique shape, and the unique shape can give the manufacturer or wholesaler the opportunity to create brand awareness through the unique packaging shape.

  The present invention with various embodiments overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a specially shaped easily constructed carton. Such cartons make up, reduce or eliminate the need for external filling materials that require less material, improve the fit of the article, improve the feel received from the carton, and the package as a whole And give new flexibility in terms of advertising or brand awareness of manufacturers or wholesalers.

  One embodiment of the invention includes a blank for manufacturing a carton. The blank includes at least five main panels, a base panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, and an edge panel. These panels are connected to each other so as to be bendable. Each of the panels is foldably connected to the opposing end flaps or end wall panels. When the carton is assembled, it is in the form of a tubular carton having end flaps and end wall panels that connect to form an end wall or end closure structure.

  In this embodiment, the top panel includes a kerf or kerf line that divides the top panel into three parts including the edges of the two top panels and the center of the top panel. The blank further includes each pliable parting line, including parting lines that form a removable portion shown as a tear panel when the carton is assembled. With respect to the dividing line of this embodiment, the dividing line segment extends from one end wall panel across the side and top panels and terminates at the end of the other end wall panel. When the carton is assembled, the dividing lines are connected to form a continuous dividing line.

  Another embodiment of a five panel blank includes a base panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, and an edge panel that are foldably connected to each other. Each of the panels is foldably connected to the opposing end flaps or end wall panels. When assembled, the carton is in the form of a tubular carton having an inner top panel attached in an overlaid manner to the outer top panel to form a composite top panel, the end flaps and end wall panels are connected to the end A wall or end closure structure is formed.

  Other embodiments of the blank include less than 5 panels. For example, a tubular carton has a triangular cross-sectional view. In one embodiment of the triangular carton, the triangular carton does not have a top panel in the shape before packing, but has a top panel in the shape after packing. In other embodiments, the edge panel is eliminated with the support of the base panel divided in two.

  Still other embodiments of the blank include five or more panels including a composite top panel. The composite top panel is provided with at least a first height before stuffing and at least a second height after stuffing. In addition, either panel can include kerfs used to configure the carton gaps into a special shape.

  In an embodiment, the tubular carton is configured to be assembled to a first height before stuffing and then to a second height after stuffing. This embodiment includes a top wall having at least one kerf, both edges and ends, and opposing sidewalls. The sidewall has a top edge and a lower edge and both ends and is connected along the top edge to both edges of the top wall. The present embodiment also includes a base wall having both edges and both ends connected to the side wall along the lower edge and provided away from the top wall. The wall forms a first height gap for receiving an article such as a tapered bottle. In addition, the present embodiment includes a structure for feeding the article into the gap, wherein the article bends the carton along at least a portion of the kerf line and the one or more side walls to accommodate the first height. To increase to a second height. The feeding structure can be connected to at least one of at least one end of the wall, and after packing the article, the carton is sealed.

  An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a package. One embodiment of the package includes a container and a carton. The containers are uniformly tapered or are of various body shapes with a neck portion that is smaller than the largest portion of the body. The carton includes four walls in a pre-packed configuration and is foldably connected to the other wall. As used herein, the term “wall” includes individual panels, individual panel portions, panel configurations, flaps or portions thereof that form the outer surface of an assembled or partially assembled carton. It is understood. The carton further includes an end wall flap configuration and / or a panel that feeds the container into the gap. In this embodiment, at least one of the walls is reshaped under pressure to pack the container to form a post-packed carton configuration that includes five walls. After reshaping and packing, the end wall flaps and panels seal the package. Other embodiments include various wall configurations and numbers of carton sides after stuffing.

  The present invention includes an exemplary method of stuffing a first dimension article into a second dimension carton. In an embodiment, the stuffing method includes a number of next steps. Providing a tubular carton including a plurality of walls, including at least one opening, and forming a first void; Forming a kerf line in at least one of the walls. Forming an opening and forming means for feeding the article; Pushing the article by means for feeding it towards the void. Applying force to a wall having a kerf line on at least one of the articles. Transforming the first gap into a second gap by moving a wall having a kerf line from the first position to the second position by the force. Packing an article into the second gap. Reforming the funnel to an end wall structure.

  The exemplary method of stuffing the load is best done with a dividing line that does not fail during stuffing, i.e. does not substantially break. In addition, the exemplary method of packing a load is best done with a handle that does not fail during packing, i.e., does not substantially break. The dividing line can be bent together with various fold lines and kerfs without causing problems during the re-forming of the carton from one shape to another, i.e. without substantial breakage, or otherwise with them. Connect.

  The foregoing has outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention and should be construed as merely illustrative of the various embodiments of the invention. Other advantageous results can be obtained by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a comprehensive understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the detailed description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Can do.

  This specification discloses detailed embodiments of the invention as appropriate. It will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention embodied as various alternative forms and combinations of the forms. As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in a broad sense to refer to an embodiment that serves as an example, sample, model, or pattern. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be emphasized or minimized to represent specific components in detail. In other instances, well known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail so that the present invention can be readily understood. Accordingly, the specific details of the structures and functions disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely the structures and functions based on the claims, and the invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, it should be interpreted as a typical basic structure and function taught to those skilled in the art.

  Referring to the drawings, these drawings illustrate various aspects of one exemplary embodiment of a carton in the present invention. In some drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements. In the embodiments described herein, the carton of the present invention is for enclosing, transporting, storing, displaying, carrying and removing a tapered item such as a typical beverage bottle. . In general, cartons are formed from foldable sheet materials such as paperboard, cardboard, plastic materials, and combinations and similar materials thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank 100 for forming the carton 200 best represented in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. The paperboard blank 100 includes at least four main panels to form the carton 200. These main panels comprise a base panel 102, a first side panel 104, a second side panel 106, a top panel 108, and an edge panel 110. The panels 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 are connected to each other so as to be foldable. The base panel 102 is foldably connected to the first side panel 104 along a fold line 112. The first side panel 104 is foldably connected to the top panel 108 along a fold line 114. The second side panel 106 is foldably connected to the top panel 108 along a fold line 116. The edge panel 110 is foldably connected to the base panel 102 along a fold line 118. In the illustrated embodiment, a unitary blank is used to form a single carton, but it will be appreciated that more than one blank can be used. For example, by using two or more blanks, the structure described in more detail below can be formed.

  The blank 100 includes end flaps or end wall panels that are foldably connected to both edges of each panel 102, 104, 106, 108 along a transverse fold line. When the carton 200 is assembled, the end flaps and end wall panels cooperate to form an end wall or end closure structure (best shown in FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, each end closure structure is identical, so similar reference numerals are used, and “a” is used to distinguish one end of the carton from the other end. Or "b" is appended to these reference signs. Referring to FIG. 1, the base panel 102 is foldably connected to the end flaps 120a and 120b along folding lines 122a and 122b, respectively. The first side panel 104 is foldably connected to the end wall panels 124a and 124b along fold lines 126a and 126b, respectively. The second side panel 106 is foldably connected to the end wall panels 128a and 128b along the fold lines 130a and 130b. The top panel 108 is foldably connected to the end flaps 132a and 132b along folding lines 134a and 134b, respectively.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the top panel 108 includes kerfs 136, 138 (score) that divide itself into three parts, the top panel edges 140, 142 and the top panel central portion 144. End flaps 132a and 132b include recesses 146a and 146b, respectively. The relationship between the kerfs 136, 138 and the recesses 146a, 146b is further described below in connection with closing the carton after loading.

  The blank 100 further includes a symmetrical frangible severance line 150. Each foldable dividing line 150 is divided into dividing lines 152, 154, 156 (severance) that form symmetrical removable portions, represented as tear panels T in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 when the carton is assembled. line segment). Referring to FIG. 6, the tear panel T includes side wall panel portions 160, 162, a top panel portion 164, and an end wall portion 166. Since the tear panel T is disposed symmetrically and one tear panel T is substantially the same as the other tear panel T, only one tear panel T located on one side of the blank 100 will be described below. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the tear panels T do not necessarily have to be arranged symmetrically, and any configuration that allows access to the articles in the carton 200 is acceptable.

  Referring again to FIG. 1 for the parting line 150, the parting line 152 is directed from the distal end of the end wall panels 128a, 128b to the second side panel 106, further across the panel, and then a fold line. It is bent in an arc shape toward 116, and is thereby connected to the dividing line segment 154. The dividing line 154 extends from the fold line 116 and crosses the kerf 136 across the edge 142 of the top panel, and then in the vicinity of the finger insertion notch 170 disposed in the central part 144 of the top panel. Has passed. The dividing line 154 continues across the top panel center 144, intersects the kerf 138, and extends across the top panel edge 140 toward the fold line 114. The dividing line segment 156 is connected to the dividing line segment 154 with a folding line 114. A dividing line 156 traverses the first side panel 104, bends in an arc toward the end wall panels 124a, 124b, and terminates at the distal edge of the rear end wall panels 124a, 124b. Yes. When the carton is assembled, the dividing line segments 152, 154, and 156 are connected to form a continuous dividing line 150 that is easily broken. The breakable line 150 is short with a cut hole, a cut line, a line with a short slit, a line with a half cut, a single half cut, and any combination of cut holes, slits and half cuts. It includes, but is not limited to, kerf lines and equivalents that can be split and opened easily.

  The blank 100 includes a suitable and known handle H that allows the user to carry the carton 100. With respect to the configuration of the illustrated handle H, an elliptical finger insertion notch 170 is provided on the top panel 108. Each notch 170 is located in the vicinity of the dividing line segment 154 and is separated from the dividing line. The handle dividing line 172 extends from the major axis of each of the elliptical cutouts 170, bends according to the arc of the elliptical cutout 170, and then changes direction toward the cut grooves 136 and 138, thereby dividing the line segment 154. And ends near the intersection of the fold lines 114 and 116.

  The handle tab 174 is formed by a dividing line segment 154 and a dividing line 172 of the handle. Referring to FIG. 4, when assembling the carton 200, the user forms the handle H by gripping one or both finger cuts 170 and pressing with sufficient pressure to break the handle split line 172. be able to. The user can comfortably utilize the support for the handle H by breaking the handle dividing line 172 and bending one or more handle tabs 174 inward.

  The dividing line 172 of the handle, like the dividing line 150, is a cut hole, a cut line, a line made of a short slit, a line made of a half cut, a single half cut, a cut hole, a slit, and a half cut. Including, but not limited to, any combination of, short kerf lines, and the like. An operator can best perform a typical loading method by utilizing the dividing lines 150, 172 that do not cause a failure during the loading operation or are not substantially disconnected. Furthermore, the operator can best perform a typical loading method by utilizing a handle H that does not cause a failure or is not substantially detached during the loading operation. As will be described below, an operator may use various fold lines 114, 116 and kerfs that will not fail or be substantially separated when reconfiguring a carton from one configuration to another. With 136, 138, split lines 150, 172 can be bent or otherwise cooperate.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembled carton 200 formed from the blank of FIG. To assemble the illustrated carton 200 to a first pre-loading height, the edge panel 110 can be glued to the second side panel 106 or otherwise secured to form a tubular shape having an open end. A carton 200 is formed. The carton 200 is adapted to hold a group of articles of similar size, preferably tapered. For example, the article group includes cans or bottles with shoulders arranged in one or more rows. The articles in each row are arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of each row, and are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in parallel. As shown in FIG. 3, the side walls 104 and 106 are arranged along the side walls of the articles of the group of articles.

  Of course, if the carton 200 is assembled to a pre-load height, that is, the configuration best illustrated in FIG. 2, this pre-load height is determined by the height of the side walls 104,106. The carton 200 is configured so that it can be visually observed when placed on a conveyor immediately before loading an article from the side. FIG. 3 shows the contrast between the initial height of the carton 200 and the height of the article B to be loaded. Obviously, article B is higher than the side walls 104, 106 as shown and protrudes above the height of the top panel 108.

  FIG. 3 also illustrates that kerfs, such as kerfs 136, 138, are located at various positions in relation to the tapered article B. In some embodiments, the kerf may be located near the fold lines 116, 114 as represented in relation to the dimension W1, or may be located near the article. In other embodiments, the kerf may be away from the fold line or article as represented in relation to dimension W2. As used herein, the terms “score”, “score line”, and “fold line” are used when bending the plane of a panel or wall. Can be used interchangeably to refer to a line or line segment. Thus, a specially shaped carton disclosed herein that is composed entirely of fold lines is equivalent to a specially shaped carton disclosed herein with respect to both fold lines and kerf lines. is there.

  Before describing one method for loading a vertically oriented first height article into an initially low height tubular container having an open end from the side, the panel 108 is It should be noted that it has two generally parallel edges 140, 142 that are spaced apart. More specifically, the edge 140 is formed in the longitudinal direction by the fold line 114 and the kerf 138, the edge 142 is formed in the longitudinal direction by the fold line 116 and the kerf 136, and the central part 144 is formed by the kerfs 136, 138. It is formed in the longitudinal direction. The kerfs 136, 138 are linear and parallel to each other as well as the respective fold lines nearby to them, but are not limited to such configurations or quantities, to form a desired and special configuration. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various shapes and quantities required and different shapes and quantities can be used.

  Furthermore, by applying a force toward the central portion 144, the top panel 108 can be folded along the kerfs 136, 138 and adjacent fold lines 114, 116 to form three walls from the top wall. . For example, with reference to the non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, by applying a normal force F to the inner surface or back surface of the central portion 144, the top panel 108 is raised and the cross section of the carton 200 is represented in FIG. The rectangular shape can be reshaped into a polygonal shape (polyhedron) shown in FIG. A carton constructed in this way is called a carton having a tapered top.

  One embodiment of a carton having a tapered top is formed by an outer wall formed by a panel or panel portion 102, 104, 140, 144, 142, 106. Another embodiment is formed by an outer wall formed by a panel or panel portion 102, 104, 140, 144, 142, 106. Here, when the carton 200 is configured as a carton having a tapered top, a part of the side panels 104 ′ and 106 ′ is substantially flush with the edges 140 and 142. As shown in FIG. 3, it includes a kerf S (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) disposed in the vicinity of the shoulder of the tapered article. In some embodiments, the side panels 104, 106 are bent in an arc when the carton 200 is configured as a carton having a tapered top. In another embodiment, if the top panel 108 is formed by fold lines 114, 116 and has a single kerf parallel and equidistant to these fold lines, the kerf from the inside or back side By applying a single normal force F in the vicinity of, the carton 200 can be reshaped from a rectangular cross section to a pentagonal cross section. A carton constructed in this way is called a gable top carton.

  To illustrate one method of loading a vertically oriented first height article into an initially low second height tubular container having an open end from the side, FIG. 3, 4 and 5 are referred to. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the carton 200 is transported through a series of stations via a conveyor, typically provided in a packaging machine, in preparation for loading articles into the carton 200. An article loaded into a carton 200, such as a bottle, is located near the open end of the carton 200 and is directed toward the open end. The loading direction is represented by the arrow A shown in FIG. Further, the guide portion of the device holds the adjacent end wall panels 124a, 128a / 124b, 128b and the end flaps 120a, 132a / 120b, 132b in an inverted state or in an open state, so that loading of articles Is not limited or obstructed by any part of the carton structure.

  Further, in a conventional side loading method wherein the first height article is directed into a second height carton that is greater than the first height, the article utilizes a loading means. Directed into the carton inside. The loading means includes the step of moving individual articles or groups of articles downstream by back pressure. That is, the upstream article applies a force to the downstream article, thereby pushing the downstream article forward of the carton and further into the carton as indicated by arrow A. The loading means includes a plunger which is located behind a predetermined group of articles and pushes the article forward of the carton as indicated by an arrow A and further pushes the article into the carton. Whether the article is transported, fed, pushed, or directed towards and into the carton, the article can be side loaded from one or both open ends by using the loading means. it can.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the article is transported to a second height carton that is lower than the first height article. That is, as best shown in FIG. 3, the stuffed article B is higher than the height of the plane formed by the top panel 108 and the upper edges of the side walls 104, 106. A method of stuffing a tubular container having an open end with a second initial height lower than a first vertically oriented article includes using the article as a mandrel. Grooves such as kerfs 136, 138 facilitate such a stuffing method. One advantage of using the article as a mandrel is that specially shaped cartons can be formed. Specially shaped cartons are shaped to use less material, narrow internal voids, eliminate external filling materials, better protect the article, and improve its performance characteristics including the tensile strength and burst strength of the carton can do. Another advantage of using the article as a mandrel is that special shaped cartons can be formed without the use of special equipment.

  For purposes of teaching and not limitation, an exemplary method for stuffing a carton having a second height lower than the first height article is described below. Further, for purposes of teaching and not limitation, a description will be given of a filled and sealed bottle B packed into a carton sized to arrange a group of articles in a 2 × 6 array. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles taught herein are applicable to any size tubular carton.

  Closure structural elements such as end wall panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b and end flaps 120a, 120b, 132a, 132b can be guided to an open state into which the article is fed. In an alternative embodiment, the feeding means includes both an open end wall panel and an end flap, only an open end wall panel, only an open end flap, and an open end. Specific combinations of part wall panels and end flaps are included.

  When the bottle is fed toward the feeding means, the top of the first row of bottle B hits the inner surface of the end flaps 132a, 132b. When hitting the inner surface of the end flaps 132a, 132b, the end flaps 132a, 132b are sufficiently lifted so that the top of the bottle B can be forcibly slid toward and below the corresponding fold lines 134a, 134b. . When forced to slide under the fold lines 134 a, 134 b, the bottle sufficiently lifts the tip of the top panel 108 and the top panel 108 begins to fold along the kerfs 136, 138. Bending along the kerfs 136, 138 begins to reshape the top panel 108 from the rectangular cross section best shown in FIG. 3 to the polyhedral cross section best shown in FIG.

  If the bottle is directed toward the carton 200 and continues to be stuffed or pushed, the bottle can apply a force F against the back of the panel 108. The magnitude of the force F depends on a number of factors including the height relationship between the bottle and the carton, the coefficient of friction between the carton and the bottle, the composition of the carton material, and the location and depth of the kerf. In the illustrated embodiment, the normal force F is large enough to push at least the central portion 144 of the top panel upwards and fold the top panel 108 along the kerfs 136, 138, but for packing. Not as big as the horizontal force. In other words, sufficient force is a special shape that acts as a mandrel to move the bottle and folds or unfolds the panel without getting stuck in the carton 200 before the reshaping and stuffing is successfully completed. The force is so great that it is possible to form.

  Bottle B slides under fold lines 134a, 134b and continues to enter the carton after the top panel center 144 is lifted so that the top panel 108 begins to expand along the kerfs 136,138. Since the bottle is directed to the carton 200 by the stuffing means, the bottle continues to bend along the kerfs 136, 138 by continuing to apply a force F to the central portion 144 of the top panel. Carrying the bottle, applying force, and folding the carton 200 means raising the first height article to at least the first height of the carton in the middle of packing the first height article into the lower second carton. One method. As a result of this method, the substantially rectangular cross-section carton best shown in FIG. 3 is reformed into a polygonal cross-section special shape carton best shown in FIG.

  In one embodiment of the stuffing method, the width W1 of the top panel edges 140, 142 between the fold lines 114, 116 and the corresponding kerfs 138, 136 is from the outer edge of the container top along the same lateral plane. It is approximately equal to the distance to the outermost edge of the container side wall. This relationship is best shown in FIG. Thus, each bottle exerts a force in the vicinity of the kerfs 136, 138 to lift the central portion 144 and the top panel edges 140, 142 rotate at the corresponding kerfs 136, 138 and fold lines 114, 116. That is, it bends. This configuration includes, as a non-limiting example, a general beverage bottle, an automobile oil container incorporating a spout, a liquid detergent container incorporating a pouring function part, and a shoulder part such as a decorative bottle containing food. Can be used with a container having a neck.

  In another embodiment of the stuffing method, the width W1 of the top panel edges 140, 142 from the corresponding fold lines 114, 116 to the corresponding kerfs 138, 136 is such that the width of the bottle cap along the same lateral plane is It is approximately equal to the distance from the center line to the outermost edge of the bottle. The bottle then applies a force directly under the kerf, so that the edge of the top panel rotates at the corresponding kerf and fold line, i.e. bends. This configuration has, as a non-limiting example, a shoulder portion and a neck portion, and the neck portion is a pop-up type extraction device found in sports drink products, a spray function portion found in many articles, etc. Can be used with containers that have raised or significantly tapered tops.

  Referring to FIG. 6, after the articles are grouped and stuffed from one or both of the open ends of the carton 200, the end flaps 120a, 132a and the end wall panels 124a, 128a are folded, Secured together to form end closure structures 202a, 202b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the end wall panels 124a, 128a are first folded inward, then the end flap 120a is folded upward, and then the end flap 132a is lowered downward to overlap the end flap 120a. Fold it up. The end wall panels 124a, 128a can be secured to one or both of the end flaps 120a, 132a, and the end flaps 120a, 132a can be secured to each other. On the other hand, the end wall 202a can be formed by another operation of folding and fixing the end wall panels 124a, 128a and the end flaps 120a, 132a. End flaps 120b, 132b and end wall panels 124b, 128b are similarly connected to form the opposite end closure structure 202b. Also shown is a recess 146a formed to the contour of the end closure structure. As shown, the recess 146a is aligned with the post-stuffing position of the top panel edges 140, 142 to form a thin carton. Alternatively, the recesses 146a, 146b can be shaped such that a portion of the end flaps 132a, 132b protrudes from the post-packing position as part of a specially shaped carton.

  Other end closure structures and means for closing the structure include end wall panels or end flaps that can be secured in part, end wall panels or end flaps that do not overlap, and can be folded and self-locking or Included are end wall panels or end flaps in the form of hoods or cowlings that can be locked together, a cap that can be secured to the open end of a carton, for example, shaped into a carton profile, and similar means for closing the carton.

  Various shapes and configurations of cartons, including polyhedral cartons with a cross-section of five or more outer surfaces, will be readily apparent based on the description provided herein. By way of non-limiting illustration, one embodiment of a pentahedron includes a base panel, two side panels, and two top panel edges, while another polyhedral embodiment includes a base panel. , Including two side panels each bisected by a kerf in the longitudinal direction, a top panel having a plurality of sets of kerfs, and a plurality of top panel portions. Those skilled in the art will teach and claim herein various embodiments of specially shaped cartons including one or more kerfs and / or fold lines on one or both sides of the container top. You will see that.

  The blank 100 has means for initiating one or more tears shown in FIG. Means for initiating tearing include a combination of a finger insertion notch 170, a handle split line 172, and a split line segment 154. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the carton after removing one of the removable tear panels T. FIG. Here, as a non-limiting example, the tearing panel T is removed by breaking the handle dividing line 172, and then the dividing line segments 152 and 156 are broken to remove the end wall portion 166. Finger insertion notch 170 and panel top 164 connect to form a convenient shape for the user to grip the edge of the tear panel T with one or more fingers and begin tearing the handle split line 172. . After breaking the handle dividing line 172, the user can move to cutting the dividing lines 152, 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger hole is formed by an oval cutout dimensioned so that at least one finger can enter the carton 200 and begin to break the handle split line 172. Without limitation, push tabs, pull tabs, flaps, or loops, any combination of tabs, loops, or flaps, or equivalents that grip the smaller, separated parts of the attached larger structure Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of known or later developed tear initiation means, including structures, can be implemented with embodiments of the present invention.

  When the panel T is removed, the user can take out the articles stored in the carton 200. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, when one panel T is removed, six bottles B can be removed. Of course, the remaining six bottles can be removed after the remaining panel T has been removed. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other removable panel shapes are possible, and other removable panel shapes that provide a special take-off are also possible. By way of non-limiting illustration, dividing line segments such as 152, 154, and 156 are routed for some or all of the panels that make up the carton such as 104, 106, 108, 120, 124, 128, 132, and wavy Or otherwise meandering to form one or more removable panels T of any shape. Further, when removing the panel, the handle H may be left as it is or not. Accordingly, the side wall panel portions 160, 162 can be of various depths and configurations by considering special shape designs, as well as the end wall panel portions 166.

  7 and 8 show shapes before and after packing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The panels 102, 104, 106 are joined to form a pre-packed tubular carton with a substantially triangular cross-section. In a manner similar to that described above, the kerf 138 forms panel portions 140, 142 and the end closure 202a restrains the article. The shape after stuffing after inserting the article and using it as a mandrel to reform the carton is different from the shape before stuffing. At this point, the articles are in two rows, and the height before stuffing is higher than the height after stuffing.

  9 and 10 show shapes before and after packing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are joined to form a pre-stuffed tubular carton with a square or rectangular cross section. Similar to that described above, the kerf 138 forms panel portions 140, 142 and the end closure 202a restrains the article. The shape after stuffing after inserting the article and using it as a mandrel to reform the carton is different from the shape before stuffing. Here, the articles are arranged in three rows, and the articles in the center row are higher than the articles in the adjacent side rows.

  11 and 12 show shapes before and after stuffing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are joined to form a tubular carton with a square or rectangular cross section prior to stuffing. In a manner similar to that described above, the kerf 138 forms panel portions 140, 142, 164 and the end closure 202a restrains the article. The shape after stuffing after inserting the article and using it as a mandrel to reform the carton is different from the shape before stuffing. Here, the articles are in four rows, with the two middle rows of articles being higher than the adjacent side rows of articles.

  With reference now to FIG. 1, and with reference to FIG. 13, it can be seen that this is an alternative embodiment of a blank 300 forming a carton according to the present invention. The aspect of the blank 300 of FIG. 13 is the same as the blank 100 shown in FIG. Thus, most of the elements in FIG. 13 are identified by corresponding symbols that can be found in substantially the same elements in FIG. 1, with the difference that the first digit “1” in the symbols is replaced by “3”. Is being used. For example, the base panel 102 of FIG. 1 corresponds to the base panel 302 of FIG. Here, the main difference is that, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the edge panel 110 is not attached to the base panel 102 to form a tubular carton, but with reference to FIG. Tubular cartons are formed by attaching the inner top panel 308a to the outer top panel 308b in a manner that overlaps to form 308. The outer top wall 308b further includes end panels 333a, 333b. In other respects, the structural details and assembly method of the second carton 300 are, for the most part, the same as those of the first carton 100 described above.

  In all respects, the invention has been described with reference to various specific embodiments that are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be subject to many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, in this specification, direction indications such as “top”, “base”, “bottom”, “end”, “inside”, “outside”, “upper”, “middle”, “downward”, “front”, and “rear” are applicable. The panel, wall, or article is not limited to such orientation, but merely serves to distinguish these elements from each other. References to being foldably connected should not necessarily be construed as referring to only a single fold line or kerf line, but in fact, being foldably connected, claims It can be formed from one or more of the following kerf lines, fragile lines, or fold lines without departing from the scope. Also, the shape and dimensions of the end flaps and end wall panels are only examples of various end wall structures suitable for implementing various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the end wall structure can be tapered further and the open end need not be completely sealed.

  It will be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the claims, for example, the dimensions and shapes of the panels and openings may be used with alternative end wall structures that can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. Should. The carton can accommodate one or more articles in various arrangements and articles of various heights, including groups of articles arranged horizontally in three or more rows. Although the dividing line 150 of FIGS. 1 and 4 is shown symmetrically, the removable panel T and handle H have any suitable shape.

  The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the embodiments described for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Within the scope of the claims, the above embodiments can be modified, changed and combined. All such variations, modifications and combinations are encompassed herein by the disclosure and the scope of the claims herein.

1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a blank for forming an embodiment of a carton of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1, showing the carton in a configuration prior to stuffing. FIG. 3 is an end view of a cross-section of the partially assembled carton of FIG. 2, showing the carton in a configuration prior to stuffing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the partially assembled carton of FIG. 2, showing the carton in a configuration after stuffing. FIG. 3 is an end view of the cross-section of the partially assembled carton of FIG. 2, showing the carton in a configuration after stuffing. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaged product formed from the blank of FIG. 1 of the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carton having a configuration before and after stuffing according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank to form a carton embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 paperboard blank 102 base panel 104 first side panel 106 second side panel 108 top panel 110 edge panel 112 fold line 114 fold line 116 fold line 118 fold line 120a end flap 120b end flap 122a fold line 122b fold line 124a end wall panel 124b end wall panel 126a fold line 126b fold line 128a end wall panel 128b end wall panel 130a fold line 130b fold line 136 kerf 138 kerf 140 top panel edge 142 top panel Edge 144 Central portion of top panel 146a Recess 146b Recess 150 Breakable dividing line 152 Dividing line segment 154 Dividing line segment 156 Dividing line segment 160 Side wall panel portion 162 Side wall panel Minute 164 Top panel portion 166 End wall portion 170 Finger insertion notch 172 Handle dividing line 174 Handle tab 200 Carton 202a End closure structure 202b End closure structure 300 Blank 302 Base panel 308 Composite top panel 308a Inner top Panel 308b Outer top panel 333a End panel 333b End panel A Arrow B Bottle F Vertical force H Handle T Tear panel

Claims (12)

  A carton configured to be assembled to a first height before stuffing and then to a second height after stuffing, comprising a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing edges. A pair of side walls having a pair of opposing edges and a pair of opposing upper and lower edges, a second wall having a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing edges, An end wall structure that closes one end of the carton, and the pair of side walls have their lower edges connected to the pair of side edges of the first wall, respectively, and the second wall has at least 1 The second wall has a pair of side edges connected to the upper edges of the pair of side walls, respectively, and the first and second walls and the pair of side walls are for receiving articles. An accommodation space is formed, and the second wall is the first wall by the first height. The end wall structure includes article guide means for guiding an article to the accommodation space when the article is packed, and the article guide means includes the first and second walls and the pair of side walls. Connected to at least one of the walls, and the score line is a means for helping the second wall to be deformed by an article when the article is packed, and at least the second wall is deformed when the second wall is deformed. The carton, wherein the score line is positioned such that a portion is disposed away from the first wall by the second height.   The carton of claim 1, wherein the second height is higher than the first height.   The carton of claim 1, wherein at least one side wall of the side walls includes a fold line to facilitate height transition of at least a portion of the second wall.   The carton of claim 1, wherein the first height is defined by the height of one of the side walls.   The carton of claim 1, wherein the first height is higher than the second height.   The carton of claim 1, wherein the second wall includes a fold line to facilitate height transition of at least a portion of the second wall.   A carton configured to be assembled to a first height before stuffing and then to a second height after stuffing, comprising a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing edges. A pair of side walls having a pair of opposing edges and a pair of opposing upper and lower edges, a second wall having a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing edges, An end wall structure that closes one end of the carton, and the pair of side walls have their lower edges connected to the pair of side edges of the first wall, respectively, and the first and second walls And at least one wall of the pair of side walls has at least one score line, and the second wall has a pair of side edges connected to upper edges of the pair of side walls, respectively. The two walls and the pair of side walls form a storage space for receiving articles. The second wall is spaced apart from the first wall by the first height, and the end wall structure includes article guide means for guiding the article to the receiving space when the article is packed, The article guiding means is connected to the at least one wall, and the score line is means for helping the second wall to be deformed by an article when the article is stuffed, and the first line is deformed when the second wall is deformed. A carton wherein the score line is positioned such that at least a portion of the two walls are spaced apart from the first wall by the second height.   A package comprising a plurality of articles and a carton for packaging the articles, wherein the carton has a plurality of walls, and each of the plurality of walls is foldably connected to at least one other wall. An accommodation space of a first shape for receiving the article is formed, and the carton has article guide means for guiding the article to the accommodation space of the first shape, and an end wall structure including the article guidance means And the article guide means is connected to at least one of the plurality of walls, and the carton has the housing space changed from the first shape to the second shape when receiving the article. A package with auxiliary means to help it be reshaped.   The package of claim 8, wherein the article includes a first body portion having a first dimension and a second body portion having a second dimension.   A method of packing articles of a first height into a carton having an initial height, the method comprising forming a tubular carton having a first shape containing space formed by a plurality of walls and at least one opening; Forming a score line on at least one of the plurality of walls, forming an article guiding means for guiding the article into the accommodation space in the opening, and guiding the article with the article guiding means. While moving the article toward the housing space, applying a force to the at least one wall using at least one of the plurality of articles, and applying the force to the at least one Changing at least a part of one wall from the first position to the second position to deform the housing space from the first shape to the second shape. Packing methods, including.   The method of claim 10, comprising stuffing the article into the second shaped containment space.   11. The method of claim 10, comprising the step of deforming the article guide means to form an end wall structure that closes an end of the tubular carton.

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