JP2022540225A - Laminated article carriers and blanks therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles, a blank (10) for forming the carrier, and a method of forming the carrier. In one aspect, a top engaging article carrier is provided for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a main panel (12) containing at least one upper engagement device having an upper receiving opening. The main panel comprises a laminated structure formed from two or more layers L1, L2 of substrate (50) uniformly bonded together.

Description

The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming them. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to top gripping or top engaging style carriers having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining articles therein.

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for transporting multiple items. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for allowing consumers to transport, store, and access groups of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible, requiring as little waste as possible in the material from which they are formed. . A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large quantities of items. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which apertures are formed in the panels of the carrier and tabs may be defined around said apertures. A tab is displaceable from the plane of the panel. The tabs engage the article generally around the flange or lip of the article when the article is received in the aperture.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons typically formed from paperboard and the like.

A first aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a top engaging article carrier comprising:
providing a first paperboard substrate;
providing a second paperboard substrate;
applying an adhesive treatment to the first surface of the first paperboard substrate evenly across it;
securing the surface of the second paperboard substrate to the first surface of the first paperboard substrate to form a laminated paperboard structure;
and cutting one or more blanks from the laminated paperboard structure.

Optionally, cutting one or more blanks from the laminated paperboard structure comprises cutting from the laminated paperboard structure one or more top engaging devices each having a top receiving opening. Including the step of cutting.

Optionally, the method is
applying the blank to one or more articles to form a package;
and engaging one or more upper engagement devices with a respective one of the one or more articles.

Optionally, the one or more upper engaging devices each comprise at least one tooth, the at least one tooth comprising a uniformly bonded multi-ply laminate structure, the one or more upper engaging devices Engaging the device with a respective one of the one or more items includes engaging at least one tooth edge with a respective one flange of the one or more items.

A second aspect of the invention provides a top engaging article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a main panel including at least one upper engagement device having an upper receiving opening. The main panel includes a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of substrate uniformly bonded together.

Optionally, the upper engaging device includes one or more teeth for engaging the article, the one or more teeth uniformly bonding together two or more layers of substrate. include.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of substrate includes at least one uncoated side.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of the substrate includes a coated side and the coated side of the first layer is bonded to the coated side of the second layer.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of substrate includes an uncoated side opposite a coated side.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of the substrate includes an uncoated side and the uncoated side of the first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of the second layer. there is

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of substrate comprises a coated side opposite an uncoated side.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of substrate includes a second uncoated side opposite the first uncoated side.

Optionally, each of the two or more layers of the substrate includes an uncoated side and the uncoated side of the first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of the second layer. there is

Optionally, the laminated structure is
a first layer having a coated side and an uncoated side opposite the coated side;
a second layer having an uncoated side;
The uncoated side of the first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of the second layer.

Optionally, the substrate is paperboard material.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a top engaging article carrier. The blank includes a main panel including at least one upper engagement device having at least one upper receiving opening. The main panel includes a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of substrate uniformly bonded together.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a main panel that includes at least one article-holding device having at least one article-receiving opening. The main panel includes a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of paperboard material uniformly bonded together.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising two or more layers of paperboard substrate comprising a first layer having a first surface and a second layer comprising a second surface. A laminated paperboard structure for forming is provided. The second surface is disposed adjacent to the first surface and uniformly bonded to the first surface.

Within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, described in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and/or in the following description and drawings, and alternatives are contemplated or intended to be considered or interpreted independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein to The extracted features or elements may be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

Any feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted separately from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 2 is a plan view from above of a plurality of connected blanks, each blank being capable of forming a carrier according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of one of the blanks of Figure 1; 3 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 2; FIG. Fig. 10 is a plan view from above of a plurality of connected blanks, each blank being capable of forming a carrier according to the second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-ply structure formed from a paperboard substrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-ply structure formed from a paperboard substrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-ply structure formed from a paperboard substrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-ply structure formed from a paperboard substrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multi-ply structure formed from a paperboard substrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the ways in which the invention may be embodied. Yo. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of certain components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural or functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and the present invention. It should be construed as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the various uses.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of a plurality of connected blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10D, 10E, 10F is shown. An individual blank 10 is shown in FIG. 2, which is for example, but not limited to, a primary blank such as a bottle or can (hereinafter referred to as article B) as shown in FIG. A carton or carrier 90 (as shown in FIG. 3) can be formed for containing and transporting groups of products. Blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. An alternative blank 110 is shown in FIG.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" are used for the non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the invention, such as primary product containers and the like. Refers to a container for engaging and carrying goods. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (eg, metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (eg, aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, packets, and the like.

Blanks 10, 110 are formed from sheets of a suitable substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" refers to all styles of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. should be understood to include It should be appreciated that one or other number of blanks can be used, where appropriate, to provide, for example, the carrier structures described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, etc., which may be made of or coated with a material to increase its strength. . An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by the WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant material can be provided by two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material can have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing out of the finished package can be smooth, have a coating or other surface treatment, such as a clay coating, among other things, to provide good printability. It is possible to provide On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealing, or other desired functional properties. It is possible to provide properties such as one or more of the following properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. As shown in FIG. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the arrangement is a 2x2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment, two rows of two articles are provided, article B being a beverage can. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the arrangement is a 3x2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment, three rows of two articles are provided, article B being a beverage can. Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110 are configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers and sizes of articles and/or for packaging articles of different arrangement or configuration. can be

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plurality of connected blanks, generally designated by reference numeral 1, specifically six blanks 10A, 10B, arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array. 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F exist. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F includes a main panel 12 for forming the top wall or engagement panel of carrier 90 (see FIG. 3). Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F is connected by a frangible connection 14 to at least two adjacent blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F.

The main panel 12 includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 (see Figure 2). 1 and 2, the main panel 12 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, specifically four article holding structures arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. Contains structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4. Each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 includes apertures A1, A2, A3, A4.

Each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 are substantially similar in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to the second article holding structure RT2.

The second article-retaining structure RT2 includes an article-receiving opening that is partially defined by an aperture A2.

The second article holding structure RT2 includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment S1 defines a first arc S1 and the second segment defines a second arc S2.

The first segment S1 may be "toothed" and the second segment S2 may be "toothless". That is, aperture A2 includes a plurality of teeth arranged around a first arc S1 in a peripheral region of aperture A2 defined by first segment S1. The peripheral area (second arc S2) of aperture A2 defined by the second segment is toothless. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the second segment includes an arcuate edge having a pair of spaced relief notches C8, C9.

A "toothed" region includes a plurality of teeth or tabs formed in main panel 12 around aperture A2.

Each tooth includes an engaging edge or tooth edge 31 . Each tooth edge 31 may be linear in shape or arcuate in shape. Tooth edge 31 may be defined by a portion of an arc or circle. Aperture A2 includes a perimeter that can approximate or define a notional circle with a center.

The "toothed" area of main panel 12 surrounding aperture A2 may include cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 in the form of recesses or notches. Cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 are substantially "U" shaped, and in other embodiments cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 may be alternatively shaped, such as, for example, but not limited to, a "V" shape. Cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 extend radially outward from the notional circle NC.

Each tooth or tab is at least partially defined by a pair of cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7. Cutouts C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 may form relief elements that extend radially away from the center of the notional circle.

The toothless or toothless region S2 of the main panel 12 surrounding the aperture A2 includes an engaging or free edge 37 (also referred to herein as a continuous support edge). The engaging edge 37 is curved or arcuate in shape.

The toothless or toothless region of the main panel 12 surrounding aperture A2 may be defined in or may occupy an arc to an angle of about 180°; can be less than 180°, such as, but not limited to, 170°.

Thus, substantially half of the circumference of aperture A2 includes teeth or tabs.

The second article holding structure RT2 includes two adjacently disposed relief elements C1, C7 with an engagement edge 37 defined therebetween. The engagement edge 37 may be interrupted by one or more relief elements C8, C9. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement edge 37 is interrupted by two relief elements C8, C9.

The main panel 12 can optionally include a handle structure H. Handle structure H may include a handle opening. A handle opening is defined in the main panel 12 and is centrally disposed between the first pair of article holding structures RT1, RT2 and the second pair of article holding structures RT3, RT4. It is positioned in the area where The handle opening may be at least partially defined by a cushioning tab 16 hinged to the main panel 12 by a fold line 15 .

Optionally, the side edges of main panel 12 may be arranged in a curved or undulating shape. Thus, the first blank 10 can be arranged in a nested arrangement with the second blank 10 . The undulating shape provides that the first and second blanks 10 together define a width that is less than twice the maximum width of the individual blanks 10 . This can have economic and environmental benefits by reducing the amount of substrate required to produce a given number of blanks 10 .

Main panel 12 includes at least a paperboard substrate. The paperboard substrate material may be any conventional paperboard (e.g., in the weight range from about 10 pt. upwards (0.010"/about 0.7 mm), preferably from about 16 pt. (0.016"/about 0.41 mm) to (in the range of about 28 pt. (0.028"/about 0.7 mm)). The paperboard substrate can be bleached board or unbleached board. The board has on at least one side: It can be coated with conventional coatings selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

An example of such a substrate is 28 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) manufactured by WestRock® Company. ), unbleached uncoated kraft board (UUK) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft®—unbleached kraft paperboard with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™).

In the illustrated embodiment, the main panel 12 is formed from two layers of paperboard substrate that are bonded together to form a laminated paperboard material. The adhesive treatment or adhesive can form an adhesive layer between two layers of paperboard substrate. 5A through 5E illustrate various embodiments of laminated paperboard material for forming article carrier 90. FIG.

FIG. 5A shows an embodiment comprising a laminated paperboard structure comprising a first ply L1 of paperboard having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50. include. A first ply of paperboard L1 is joined to a second ply of paperboard L2 having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50 . The uncoated side, ie the fibrous layer 50 of the first layer L1, is bonded to the uncoated side, ie the fibrous layer 50 of the second layer L2. An adhesive treatment or adhesive forms an adhesive layer or adhesive layer 54 therebetween. The laminated structure of FIG. 5A can be, for example, but not limited to, curl resistant due to moisture absorption (absorption or adsorption) and/or desorption by the fibrous layers. Laminated paperboard structures include coatings on opposing surfaces that can inhibit moisture absorption and/or desorption by the fibrous layers.

FIG. 5B shows an embodiment comprising a laminated paperboard structure comprising a first ply L1 of paperboard having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50. include. A first ply of paperboard L1 is joined to a second ply of paperboard L2 having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50 . The coated side of the first layer L1 is bonded to the coated side of the second layer L2. An adhesive treatment or adhesive forms an adhesive layer or adhesive layer 54 therebetween.

FIG. 5C shows an embodiment comprising a laminated paperboard structure comprising a first ply L1 of paperboard having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50. include. A first ply of paperboard L1 is joined to a second ply of paperboard L2 having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50 . The uncoated side, ie the fiber layer 50 of the first layer L1, is bonded to the coated side of the second layer L2. An adhesive treatment or adhesive forms an adhesive layer or adhesive layer 54 therebetween.

FIG. 5D shows an embodiment comprising a laminated paperboard structure comprising a first ply L1 of paperboard having a coating 52 on one side of the fibrous layer 50. include. A first ply L1 of paperboard is bonded to a second ply L2 of uncoated paperboard having a fibrous layer 50 thereon. The uncoated side, ie the fiber layer 50 of the first layer L1, is bonded to one of the uncoated sides of the second layer L2. An adhesive treatment or adhesive forms an adhesive layer or adhesive layer 54 therebetween.

FIG. 5E shows an embodiment comprising a laminated paperboard structure, which comprises a first ply L1 of uncoated paperboard with a fibrous layer 50. FIG. A first ply L1 of paperboard is bonded to a second ply L2 of uncoated paperboard having a fibrous layer 50 thereon. One of the uncoated sides of the first layer L1 is bonded to one of the uncoated sides of the second layer L2. An adhesive treatment or adhesive forms an adhesive layer or adhesive layer 54 therebetween.

In one example, a first sheet of 28pt CBS or CNK board is bonded to a second sheet of 28pt CBS or CNK board. This creates a substrate having a thickness of about 0.056" (approximately 1.4 mm) with a coating on its opposite side. The advantage of such a substrate is that it does not contain polymeric or plastic materials. The strength is increased, such substrates can provide environmental benefits and can be more easily recycled.In another embodiment, the coating of one layer or sheet of material The coated side is bonded to the uncoated side of another layer or sheet of material.In an alternative embodiment, one layer of material or the coated side of the sheet is bonded to another layer of material, or the coated side of the sheet. or bonded to the coated side of the sheet.

It will be appreciated that the thickness or caliper (density or weight) of the paperboard substrates selected to be bonded together can be of different thicknesses or weights. Also, the thickness or caliper (density or weight) of the selected paperboard substrate may be selected based on the weight or load that the article carrier is intended to support, e.g. It will be appreciated that article carriers for packaging heavy beverage cans, or a larger number of beverage cans, may be formed from thicker (or heavier weight) paperboard substrates. Similarly, when the article carrier is intended to support a greater load, the article carrier may be formed from a greater number of layers or plies of paperboard substrate bonded together.

The adhesive layer can be any adhesive that has good affinity for paperboard, such as a water-based adhesive (e.g., white craft glue, yellow wood glue, and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesives) and the like.

Two or more sheets of paperboard are laminated together into a laminated paperboard, and the laminated paperboard can then be die cut into carrier blanks 10, such as those of FIG. 1, for example. .

In some embodiments, the blank and article carrier are formed from two or more sheets or rolls of commercially available paperboard stock that are bonded together to form a laminated structure. forming the body. The laminated structure is formed from paperboard stock that has been dried in a paper mill, and the paperboard stock is also finished by, but not limited to, calendering and/or coating before being bonded together. It is envisioned that it may have undergone one or more dry-end treatments such as

In some embodiments, the surface of the paperboard substrate to be bonded to another paperboard substrate is perforated or otherwise pierced through the surface, such as by, but not limited to, a partial depth of cut. can be treated or adjusted to improve cohesion, such as by interrupting in a manner of

The upper engagement carrier 90 includes uniformly bonded layers. In those embodiments in which the upper engagement carrier 90 includes engagement teeth, each tooth has a uniformly bonded paperboard layer. This is more than an article carrier having multiple paperboard layers with unbonded structures and a post-bonded structure in which the paperboard layers are bonded together after each layer of paperboard is die cut. Advantages over article carriers. In such a post-bonded article carrier, since each layer is already die-cut, the layers are adhered together by spot bonding, so the carrier does not have evenly adhered layers. If the carrier includes engaging teeth, the teeth may be formed from unbonded layers without a uniformly adhered layer.

In some embodiments, at least one tear resistant layer can be disposed between the first and second layers of a substrate, such substrates at least one of which It may be formed by joining two sheets of material comprising a laminated tear resistant layer. This can have the advantage of increasing the strength of the substrate.

The main panel 12 can include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. Optionally, it includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. A tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed from a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials can include, but are not limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet materials such as NATRALOCK®, which are n-axis oriented films such as MYLAR ( ® layer, which is biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to their tear-resistant qualities. Tear resistance can also be attributed to the chemical properties of tear resistant materials such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer can be a layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials with high levels of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed from a polyolefin material such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). An adhesive layer can be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

Looking at the construction of carrier 90 from blank 10, blank 10 can be applied to a group of B articles. The blank 10 is lowered to the group of articles B. Each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 of blank 10 is aligned with a respective article B in the group. A portion of article B passes through main panel 12 . The toothed areas of the main panel 12 around each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 can be folded out of the plane of the main panel 12.

Each toothed region of the main panel 12 can be folded around one of the articles received in a respective one of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4. The blank 10 can be deformed around an article B, such as, but not limited to, a shoulder portion of the article B, where the article B is a can in which the shoulder portion can be provided by a neck-in. be.

The engagement edge 31 of the tooth and the engagement edge 37 of the toothless area of the main panel 12 engage under the projection. The protrusions may be positioned around the neck or chime of item B, which may provide a flange. When article B is a can, the protrusion may be provided by the canner's end seam. In other embodiments, it may be provided by a ridge or undercut molding of article B, or by an end closure of article B, such as, but not limited to, a crown cork or closure. In this manner, the engagement edges 31 , 37 grip or hold the item B and prevent or prevent unintentional separation of the item B from the main panel 12 . An assembled carrier 90 is shown in FIG.

The teeth comprise two layers of substrate uniformly bonded together, which provide secure engagement of article B.

Another optional feature of carrier 90 is that main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter to which other parts of carrier 90 are not connected. That is, carrier 90 has no connection to other panels, such as, but not limited to, side panels or end wall panels that extend around the sides of a group of items. The perimeter of the main panel 12 is thus defined in its entirety by free, cut or non-hinged edges.

Another optional feature of carrier 90 is that main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter that includes a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, wherein the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge, thus allowing two similar blanks 10 to be installed in a nested or tessellated arrangement. .

In some embodiments, multiple blanks 1 are applied to the first group of articles B simultaneously. The first group of B items can be divided into a plurality of second groups of B items. Thus, each second group of B items is formed from a subset of the first group of B items. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a first group of articles B includes 24 articles arranged in a 4x6 matrix or array, each individual blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F contain 4 items in a 2x2 matrix or array.

Frangible connections 14 between individual blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F can be separated when multiple blanks 1 are applied to a first group of articles B. FIG. Alternatively, the frangible connection 14 can remain intact and the individual blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F separated from the others at the point of sale or distribution. obtain.

Referring now to Figure 4, an additional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have been used to denote like parts where possible, but indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. , with the addition of the prefix "100". The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment, so only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are described in detail.

Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment, showing a plurality of connected blanks generally designated by reference numeral 101, specifically arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. There are four blanks 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D. Each blank 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D includes a main panel 112 (not shown) for forming the top wall or engagement panel of the carrier. Each blank 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D is connected by a frangible connection 114 to two adjacent blanks 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D.

The main panel 112 of each blank 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6. The main panel 112 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6, specifically six article holding structures RT1, RT2 arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array, Including RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6. Each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 includes apertures A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6.

Each of the article-retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT5, RT6 (also referred to as the extreme article-retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT5, RT6) corresponds in construction to the article-retaining embodiments of FIGS. Substantially similar to structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4. These article holding structures include six teeth disposed around the perimeter of apertures A1, A2, A5, A6. The article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT5, RT6 are disposed in the corners or main panel 112. FIG.

The article holding structures RT3, RT4 (also referred to as intermediate article holding structures RT3, RT4) are connected to the first pair of extreme article holding structures RT1, RT2 and the second pair of extreme article holding structures RT1, RT2. It is disposed intermediately above the main panel 112, between the holding structures RT5, RT6.

The intermediate article holding structure RT3, RT4 includes three teeth, each partially defined by a pair of relief elements C. Each tooth includes an engagement edge 131,132,133. The engaging edges 131, 132, 133 of the teeth occupy part of the periphery of the apertures A3, A4. The portion defines a notional circular first arc having a center, and the angle subtended by that arc can be less than 120°, which can be greater than 60°. and can be approximately 90°. A first arc is defined between the two relief elements.

The intermediate article-retaining structures RT3, RT4 each include toothless regions. The toothless portion defines a second arc complementary to the first arc. The toothless region includes engagement edge 137 .

The main panel 112 can optionally include handle structures H1, H2. The handle structures H1, H2 can include a first opening at least partially defined by a first handle aperture. A first handle aperture is stamped out of the main panel 112 and is centrally disposed between the first pair of article holding structures RT1, RT2 and the second pair of article holding structures RT3, RT4. It is positioned in the area where The first opening may be partially defined by a first cushioning tab hinged to the main panel 112 by a fold line. The first handle aperture can be substantially crescent or "C" shaped. The handle structures H1, H2 can include a second opening at least partially defined by a second handle aperture. A second handle aperture is stamped out of the main panel 112 and is centrally disposed between the second pair of article holding structures RT3, RT4 and the third pair of article holding structures RT5, RT6. It is positioned in the area where The second opening may be partially defined by a second cushioning tab hinged to the main panel 112 by a fold line. The second handle aperture can be substantially crescent or "C" shaped. The first and second openings may be positioned opposite each other such that the first and second cushioning flaps are hingedly connected to the main panel 112 opposite each other.

The present disclosure is a top engagement type having an article holding structure or article top engagement device formed of laminated substrates formed from two or more layers of paperboard substrates uniformly bonded together provide a career for The laminated substrate is formed prior to die cutting blanks therefrom.

The laminated substrate may be formed from two or more sheets or rolls of paperboard, at least one of which is pre-printed with graphics or other indicia. Two or more sheets or rolls are laminated after printing one of the layers. Thus, a laminated substrate is formed with printed graphics or other indicia on at least one side. The printed laminated substrate is then cut to form carrier blanks. In some embodiments in which the laminated substrate is formed from rolls of paperboard, the laminated substrate may be cut into sheets prior to cutting the carrier blanks. In other embodiments in which the laminated substrate is formed from rolls of paperboard, the laminated substrate need not be cut into sheets and the carrier blanks are cut using an in-line die cutting device to form the laminate. can be cut directly from the substrate.

A laminated substrate can be formed from bonding together two or more sheets or rolls of unprinted paperboard. Once the laminated substrate is formed, at least one side can be printed with graphics or other indicia. Thus, a laminated substrate is formed with printed graphics or other indicia on at least one side. The printed laminated substrate is then cut to form carrier blanks. In embodiments where the laminated substrate is formed from rolls of paperboard, the laminated substrate can be printed in-line or cut into sheets, which are then printed.

As used herein, "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" , and "bottom side" etc. do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but merely serve to distinguish the panels from one another. will be recognized.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines defining hinge features of the blank that facilitate folding portions of the blank relative to each other. Pointing or otherwise indicating the optimal panel fold location for the blank. References to a "hinged connection" should not necessarily be construed as referring to a single fold line only. Indeed, a hinged connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, where each of the two or more fold lines is straight/linear or curved in shape. / can be either curvilinear. When the linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they can be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled with respect to each other. When the curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they can intersect each other to define a molded panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate or arcuate fold lines, which intersect at two points and which are separated by to define an oval panel. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections can include a combination of linear fold lines and arcuate or arcuate fold lines, which intersect at two points and which define a half-moon shaped panel between them.

As used herein, the term "fold line" can refer to one of the following: scored lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, perforations. lines, short slit lines, half cut lines, single half cuts, interrupted cut lines, aligned slit lines, score lines, and any combination of the above options.

Hinge connections and fold lines are perforations, lines of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of half cuts, single half cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines , debossed lines, and any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide desired functionality. For example, perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold lines and/or cut lines. The lines of perforation are designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and to promote breaking with greater effort, or to break with little effort. can be designed to facilitate

As used herein, the phrase "aligned with" refers to two or more elements in an assembled carton (e.g., in the first of two overlapping panels). Apertures formed and second apertures formed in the second of two overlapping panels, etc.). Those elements that are aligned with each other can be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "aligned with" a second aperture in a second panel that is installed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edges of the aperture are , can extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second aperture and can be aligned with the second aperture in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels.

1 multiple connected blanks
10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10D, 10E, 10F blank
12 Main panel
14 Frangible connection
15 fold lines
16 cushioning tabs
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 engagement edge or tooth edge
37 engagement edge or free edge
50 fiber layers
52 Coating
54 Adhesive Layer, Adhesive Layer
90 cartons, carrier
101 Multiple Connected Blanks
110A, 110B, 110C, 110D blank
112 Main panel
114 Frangible connection
131, 132, 133 engagement edge
137 engagement edge
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 apertures
B Goods
C relief element, center
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 cutouts
C8, C9 relief element
H handle structure
H1, H2 handle structure
L1 first ply
L2 second ply
RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 Article holding structure
S1 first segment, first arc
S2 second segment, second arc

Claims (18)

A top engaging article carrier for packaging at least one item, said top engaging article carrier including a main panel including at least one top engaging device having at least one top receiving opening, A top engaging article carrier, wherein said main panel comprises a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of substrate uniformly bonded together. said upper engagement device comprising one or more teeth for engaging an article, said one or more teeth comprising two or more layers of substrate uniformly bonded together; A top engaging article carrier according to claim 1. 2. The top engaging article carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more layers of substrate includes at least one uncoated side. 4. The claim wherein each of the two or more layers of said substrate comprises a coated side, said coated side of a first layer being bonded to said coated side of a second layer. 2. The top engaging article carrier of claim 1. 5. The top engaging article carrier of claim 4, wherein each of the two or more layers of substrate includes an uncoated side opposite the coated side. Each of the two or more layers of the substrate includes an uncoated side, and the uncoated side of a first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of a second layer. A top engaging article carrier according to claim 1. 7. The top engaging article carrier of claim 6, wherein each of the two or more layers of substrate includes a coated side opposite the uncoated side. 7. The top engaging article carrier of claim 6, wherein each of the two or more layers of substrate includes a second uncoated side opposite the first uncoated side. Each of the two or more layers of the substrate comprises an uncoated side, wherein the uncoated side of the first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of the second layer. A top engaging article carrier according to paragraph 1. The laminated structure comprises:
a first layer having a coated side and an uncoated side opposite said coated side;
a second layer having an uncoated side;
including
2. The top engaging article carrier of claim 1, wherein the uncoated side of the first layer is bonded to the uncoated side of the second layer. A top engaging article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a paperboard material. A blank for forming a top engaging article carrier, said blank comprising a main panel including at least one top engaging device having at least one top receiving opening, said main panel being uniformly joined together. A blank comprising a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of substrates bonded together. A method of forming a top engaging article carrier, comprising:
providing a first paperboard substrate;
providing a second paperboard substrate;
applying an adhesive treatment uniformly across the first surface of the first paperboard substrate;
securing the surface of the second paperboard substrate to the first surface of the first paperboard substrate to form a laminated paperboard structure;
cutting one or more blanks from the laminated paperboard structure;
A method of forming a top engaging article carrier, comprising: Cutting one or more blanks from the laminated paperboard structure cuts from the laminated paperboard structure one or more top engagement devices each having a top receiving opening. 14. A method of forming a top engaging article carrier according to claim 13, comprising the steps of: applying the blank to one or more articles to form a package;
engaging the one or more upper engagement devices with a respective one of the one or more articles;
15. A method of forming a top engaging article carrier according to claim 14, comprising: said one or more upper engagement devices each comprising at least one tooth, said at least one tooth comprising a uniformly bonded multi-ply laminate structure, said one or more upper engagement devices with a respective one of the one or more articles comprises engaging an edge of the at least one tooth with a flange of each of the one or more articles 16. A method of forming a top engaging article carrier according to claim 15. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, comprising a main panel including at least one article holding device having at least one article receiving opening, said main panels uniformly joined together. An article carrier comprising a laminated structure formed from two or more layers of paperboard material. Laminated paper for forming an article carrier comprising two or more layers of paperboard substrate comprising a first layer having a first surface and a second layer comprising a second surface A board structure, wherein said second surface is disposed adjacent to said first surface and is uniformly bonded to said first surface, laminated paperboard structure .

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