KR20220124730A - Cartons and blanks for cartons - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carton. One aspect of the present invention provides an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article. The article holding device includes an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially formed in a second panel and the deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected to the second panel, respectively, by first and second joints at opposite side edges thereof. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel by a third joint at an adjacent end edge.

Description

Cartons and blanks for cartons

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/958,024, filed on January 7, 2020. The content of this document is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates to a carton or carrier and a blank for forming the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, an article holding device and a carrier comprising the same.

It is known in the field of packaging to provide cartons for transporting different articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access groups of goods for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed of as little material as possible and as little waste as possible of the material from which they are formed. Additional considerations are the strength and suitability of the carton for holding and transporting large weight items. The contents of the carton are preferably fixed inside the carton.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article carrier with improved machine handling properties.

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

One aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The blank includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of the article. The article holding device includes an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially formed in a second panel and the deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected to the second panel, respectively, by first and second joints at opposite side edges thereof. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel by a third joint at an adjacent end edge.

Optionally, the deformable member is separated from the first panel by a dividing line.

Optionally, the deformable member is defined by at least a pair of first and second cutting lines, the first cutting line extending between the first joint and the third joint, the second cutting line comprising: It extends between the second joint and the third joint.

Optionally, the deformable member comprises a first expanding slit extending from a first end near the first cutting line to a second opposite end near the second cutting line, the first and A second distal end is disposed within the deformable member.

Optionally, the first expansion slit divides the deformable member into a main part and a secondary part, the main part is connected to the second panel by the first and second joints, and the secondary part is the third part It is connected to the second panel by a joint.

Optionally, the first end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the first cut line so that the main part and the auxiliary part are still partially connected by a fourth joint, and the second end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the second cut line spaced apart from the main part and the secondary part are still partially connected by a fifth joint.

Optionally, the deformable member further comprises a second expansion slit extending from the first expansion slit toward the third joint, wherein the second expansion slit divides the auxiliary portion into a pair of half auxiliary portions and dividing the third joint into sixth and seventh joints so that one of the half auxiliary parts is connected to the second panel by the sixth joint and the other half auxiliary part is connected to the second panel by the seventh joint connected to the panel.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The blank includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of the article. The article holding device includes an opening at least partially defined in the second panel. The article holding device includes a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposing side edges of the opening. The single deformable member further extends continuously to an adjacent end edge of the opening.

Optionally, the single deformable member is defined or defined by a dividing line or by a weakened line, the dividing line separating the single deformable member from the first panel, the weakening line being the single deformable member to the second panel so that the deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the second panel.

Optionally, said weakened line comprises at least two cut lines and at least three connecting nicks for connecting said single deformable member with said second panel along said cuts.

Optionally, a first and a second of said at least three connecting notches connect said single deformable member to said second panel at opposite side edges of said opening, said at least three of said connecting notches A third connecting notch connects the single deformable member to the second panel at an adjacent end edge of the opening.

Optionally said first panel is a carton ceiling panel. Optionally said first panel is a bottom panel of a carton. Optionally the second panel is a side panel of the carton.

Optionally said adjacent end edge of said opening is a top edge. Optionally, said adjacent end edge of said opening is a lower edge.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels defining a wall of a tubular structure having an interior. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The carton includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of the article. The article holding device includes an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially formed in the second panel. The deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected to the second panel, respectively, by first and second joints at opposite side edges thereof. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of its upper and lower edges.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels defining a wall of a tubular structure having an interior. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The carton includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of the article. The article holding device includes an opening at least partially formed in the second panel and a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposing side edges of the opening. The single deformable member further extends continuously to an adjacent end edge of the opening.

Within the scope of this application, various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be considered independently or in any combination thereof.

A feature or element described in connection with one embodiment is applicable to all embodiments as long as the feature is compatible. One or more features or elements of one embodiment may be incorporated or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the features or elements extracted from one embodiment are one or more features or elements of the other embodiment. may be included in addition to or in place of

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 ;
3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;
4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 3 ;
5 is a perspective view from below of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 3 ;
6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment;
7 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 6 ;
Fig. 8 is a plan view from above of a part of a blank for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment;

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be implemented. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as an illustration, specimen, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to make various uses of the invention.

1, to form a carton or carrier 90 for receiving and transporting a group of primary products, such as, for example, bottles or cans (referred to as article B), as shown in FIG. A plan view of a possible blank 10 is shown. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to FIG. 3 , there is shown a top view of a blank 110 that may form a carton or carrier 190 for receiving and transporting primary product groups, such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , there is shown a top view of a blank 210 that may form a carton or carrier 290 for receiving and transporting a primary group of products, as shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , there is shown a top view of a portion of a blank 310 that may form a carton or carrier (not shown) for receiving and transporting a group of products.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" are used for non-limiting purposes to illustrate various features of the present invention, such as an article (B), such as a primary product container (B). refers to a container (90; 190; 290) for combining and transporting. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers (B), which may or may not be tapered or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles B (eg, metal, glass or plastic bottles), cans (eg, aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, and the like.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of a suitable substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" is to be understood to include any form of collapsible sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated cardboard, cardboard, plastics, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be appreciated that more than one blank may be used where appropriate, for example to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as cardboard, which material may be made of or coated with a material to increase strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by the WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant material may be provided in two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties than another surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward in the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the inwardly facing sheet material, on the other hand, may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability or other desired functional properties. have.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment the arrangement is a 3x2 matrix or array; In the illustrated embodiment two rows of three articles (B) are provided and article (B) is a 12 oz (about 355 ml) aluminum beverage can.

3 and 6 , the blanks 110 ; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 190 ; 290 for packaging the exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B . In the illustrated embodiment the arrangement is a 2x2 matrix or array; In the embodiment shown two rows of two articles (B) are provided, wherein article (B) is a 16 oz (about 473 ml) beverage can.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carrier for packing articles B of different types, numbers and sizes and/or for packing articles B in other arrangements or configurations. can be

The present invention relates generally to a carton (90; 190; 290) for packaging an article (B) comprising an article holding structure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIG. 2 ) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 includes a first base panel 12 , a first corner panel 14 , a first side panel 16 , and a ceiling panel 18 . , a second side panel 20 , a second corner panel 22 and a second base panel 24 . The plurality of panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , and 24 may be sequentially hinged to each other by corresponding fold lines 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 and may be sequentially arranged.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted, and the fold lines 15, 21 may be omitted.

The first and second corner panels 14 , 22 may be considered to form the underside of each of the first and second side panels 16 , 20 to which they are hinged.

The blank 10 can be folded to form a package 90 as shown in FIG. 2 . The first and second base panels 12 , 24 may engage each other in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/24 of the carton 90 . The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12 . The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 24 may comprise at least one second portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 24 includes a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the first base panel 12 . The first base panel 12 includes a plurality of male tabs M, and openings in the second base panel 24 are configured to receive each of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 24 to form an opening and to bear the male tabs M when the male tabs M are received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, and the first and second base panels 12 and 24 are secured to each other by other means such as, but not limited to, adhesives or staples. can be

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12 , 24 may include at least one first aperture A1 ; The first aperture A1 may be defined at least in part by a tab releasably or releasably connected to each of the first and second base panels 12 , 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 includes two first apertures A1 and the second base panel 24 includes three first apertures A1 . Optionally, the first and second base panels 12 , 24 may include at least one second aperture A2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises one second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1 and A2 may be used to facilitate construction of the carton 90 . The packaging machine component engages the first and second apertures A1 and A2 to allow the plurality of panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 to be tightened around the group of articles B . . The first and second apertures A1 and A2 are also provided for facilitating alignment of the first and second base panels 12 and 24 with respect to each other or for facilitating alignment of the first and second portions of the complementary locking mechanism with the complementary locking mechanism. It can be used to align the second portion of the instrument. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The first hole A1 is substantially triangular in shape.

The second hole A2 may be substantially elliptical or stadium-shaped in shape, and may include a notch or recess extending from one side thereof. The notch or recess is provided on the elliptical side facing the free end edge of the first base panel 12 .

The blank 10 comprises at least one article engagement structure N (here for engaging a heel or lower portion of the article B) or, in an alternative embodiment, a shoulder or upper portion of the article B) also referred to as article holding devices). The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrates an article engagement structure N that engages a heel of an article B and is referred to herein as a heel engagement structure N. The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes six heel engagement structures N, each provided for engaging a respective article B. Each heel engagement structure N is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to a heel engagement structure N provided on the first side panel 16 and the first corner panel 14 .

The heel engagement structure N includes an opening; This opening is defined at least partially in the first side panel 16 . This opening may also be defined at least partially in the first corner panel 14 .

The heel engagement structure N includes a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 16 . This deformable member may also be formed from at least a portion of the first corner panel 14 . The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so that the deformable member is positioned at its opposite side end or edge to the first side panel 16 or to the first corner panel 14 (if present). They are respectively connected by first and second joints J1 and J2.

The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 16 along an adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6. In the illustrated embodiment the adjacent edge defines an upper end or edge of the deformable member. In other embodiments the adjacent edge may define a lower end or edge of the deformable member.

The deformable member may include a first expansion slit 45 in the form of a first cut-off or separable line 45 . A first cutting line 45 divides the deformable member into a major tap or portion 42 and a minor tap or portion 44a/44b.

The main part 42 is connected to the first side panel 16 , or first corner panel 14 if present, by first and second joints J1 , J2 . The auxiliary part 44a/44b is connected to the first side panel 16 by a third joint J5/J6.

The deformable member may include a second expansion slit 47 in the form of a second cut-off or separable line 47 . The second cutting line 47 divides the auxiliary portion 44a/44b into a first auxiliary tab 44a and a second auxiliary tab 44b. The first and second auxiliary tabs 44a, 44b are also referred to herein as half auxiliary portions 44a, 44b.

The deformable member is defined in part by a first dividing line 43 . The first dividing line 43 may take the form of a cutting line or a separable line 43 . A first separating line 43 separates the deformable member from the blank 10 . A first separation line 43 may separate the deformable member from the first side panel 16 , the first corner panel 14 , or the first base panel 12 , or any combination thereof.

The first dividing line 43 may include an arcuate portion at each end. Each of these arcuate portions interrupts or intersects the fold line 13 ; A section of the arcuate portions may be collinear with the fold line 13 and may be adjacent the fold line 13 and the fold line 41 . In this way the fold line 41 is separated from the fold line 13 by a first dividing line 43 , in particular by arcuate portions.

The deformable member is defined in part by a pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b. Each of the pair of second separating lines 49a, 49b may take the form of a cutting line or a separable line.

The pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b may have a substantially “L” shape. The first separation line 49a among the pair of second separation lines is spaced apart from the second separation line 49b among the pair of second separation lines. A third joint J5/J6 is defined between the distal ends of the pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b.

A first separation line 49a among the pair of second separation lines extends between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6.

A second separation line 49b among the pair of second separation lines extends between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/J6.

A first expansion slit 45 extends substantially between opposite side edges of the deformable member. The first expansion slit 45 includes a first end proximal to a first one of a pair of second separation lines 49a, and crosses the deformable member to a second one of a pair of second separation lines 49b. extend to a second opposing end disposed proximate to The first and second distal ends of the first expansion slit 45 are disposed within the deformable member.

The first end of the first expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from the first dividing line 49a among the pair of second dividing lines so that the main part 42 is connected to the first auxiliary tab 44a by the fourth joint J3. make it connected The other end of the expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from the second dividing line 49b among the pair of second dividing lines so that the main part 42 is connected to the second auxiliary tab 44b by the fifth joint J4. .

In this way the main part and the secondary part can be considered as partially separated from each other, the fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 providing a connecting nick or bridge therebetween .

The fourth and fifth joints J3 , J4 may lie on a conceptual line defined by the fold line 15 .

The second expansion slit 47 may extend from the first expansion slit 45 to the third joint J5/J6 direction.

The second expansion slit 47 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into sixth and seventh joints J5 and J6. The first auxiliary tab 44a is connected to the first side panel 16 by a sixth joint J5. The second auxiliary tab 44b is connected to the first side panel 16 by a seventh joint J6.

The first expanding slit 45 and the second expanding slit 47 define a “T”-shaped cut line.

It will be appreciated that the article holding device includes a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 16 and/or the first corner panel 14 (if present). The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposing side edges of the opening. Additionally, the single deformable member extends continuously to one of the upper and lower end edges of the opening.

The deformable member may be considered to be defined or delimited by a dividing line 43 and a weakened line. The weakened line includes a pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b, a first joint J1, a second joint J2, a sixth joint J5, and a seventh joint J6. A separation line 43 separates the deformable member from the first base panel 12 . The weakened line connects the deformable member to the first side panel 16 and/or the first corner panel 14 through three or more connecting notches provided by the joints J1, J2, J5, J6 ( if present). In this way the deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the first side panel 16 and/or the first corner panel 14 (if present).

The opening may be defined in part by a heel tab 40 . Heel tab 40 is hingedly connected to first base panel 12 by fold line 41 . The heel tab 40 may be at least partially cut from the first corner panel 14 (if present) or from the first side panel 16 . The heel tab 40 may be at least partially cut from the first base panel 12 .

Fold line 41 interrupts fold line 13 hingedly connecting first base panel 12 to first corner panel 14 . The fold line 41 may be non-linear, and in the embodiment shown the fold line 41 is curved or arcuate in shape, and in other embodiments it is arranged divergently with respect to one another and is at least two adjacent to one another. It can be formed from a linear cut line.

Heel tab 40 may include a pair of divergently arranged fold lines (not shown in FIG. 1 ) that may define a foldable corner portion of heel tab 40 .

The heel tab 40 is defined in part by, or at least a portion of, the first dividing line 43 . The first separation line 43 is common to both the heel tab 40 and the deformable member or primary tab 42 .

The heel tab 40 is narrower than the deformable member. The heel tab 40 is narrower than the primary tab 42 and the heel tab 40 is narrower than the combined width of the pair of secondary tabs 44a and 44b.

In the form of the blank 10 , or when the heel engaging structure N is in an undeployed state, the opening is in the deformable member (the main and auxiliary tabs 42 , 44a , 44b ) and the heel tab 40 . closed by

The ceiling panel 18 may include an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a pair of collapsible finger tabs 60a, 60b. The finger tabs 60a and 60b are spaced apart from each other. The finger tabs 60a, 60b are hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 18 by fold lines 61a, 61b, and are defined in part by cut-off lines or separation lines 63a, 63b. A first tab 60a of the finger tabs is hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 18 opposite a second tab 60b of the finger tabs.

Each of the panels 12 , 16 , 18 , 20 and 24 may be formed with a pair of cuts or recesses. The cuts are formed at opposite end edges of the blank 10 . The cutouts include complete or major cutouts in the first and second side panels 16, 20 and ceiling panel 18, and partial or secondary cutouts in the first and second base panels 12,24. .

A first cut is formed approximately midway along each opposite end edges of the ceiling panel 18 . A second cut is formed at respective end edges of the first side panel 16 . A third cut is formed at respective end edges of the second side panel 20 .

A partial or auxiliary cutout is formed at each of the respective opposite end edges of the first and second base panels 12 , 24 .

As a result, the blank 10 is provided with four tabs or projections respectively inserted between adjacent ones of the cut-outs along their respective longitudinal edges.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first upper projection is positioned across an adjacent fold line 17 . The second upper projection is positioned across the adjacent fold line 19 .

The first lower protrusion is located across adjacent fold lines 13 , 15 . The second lower protrusion is located across the adjacent fold lines 21 , 23 .

The first and second upper projections each form or assist in the formation of an end retaining structure for preventing the contents of the carton 90 from escaping from the carton 90 when the blank 10 is erected into the carton 90 . material provided. Each of the first and second upper projections is provided with a cut and fold line to form a top-engagement structure when folded along the fold line.

More specifically, each upper protrusion has an anchoring panel 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hingedly connected to an adjacent side panel 16, 20 along a fold line 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b. includes Each upper protrusion includes a gusset panel 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly connected to a fixed panel 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b. include

Each upper protrusion has a web panel hingedly connected to a gusset panel 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along respective extensions 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b along respective fold lines 17 and 19; 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) (also referred to herein as top closure panel). Each upper projection includes a covering portion integrally formed with the ceiling panel 18 . Each web panel 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hingedly connected to a respective cover portion by fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b.

The blank 10 may include a corner fold arrangement, in the illustrated embodiment a gusseted corner arrangement without perforated openings is provided. An opening or hole is generally disposed in the corner gusset panels to facilitate folding of the gusset panel. See, for example, US20150225155 to Ikeda. These openings create scrap cardboard pieces that must be separated from the blank 10 . In high-speed die-cutting and blanking processes, scrap pieces become or tend to become jammed in the blank 10 . Alternatively, scrap pieces may be scattered around the die cutting site. These unwanted scrap pieces can enter subsequent packaging machines where they can interfere with the assembly process, causing jams or downtime. They may damage the machine or package.

The blank 10 comprises four corner folding devices at each corner of the ceiling panel 18 , said corner folding devices being substantially identical, so will be described with reference to an enlarged view of one of the corner devices shown in FIG. 1 . .

The corner folding device includes a dividing line 70 in the form of a cutting line. Separation line 70 extends or intersects fold line 19 between ceiling panel 18 and second side panel 20 , also referred to herein as second fold line 19 . do.

Separation line 70 extends from fold line 39b between second side panel 20 and fastening panel 36b, fold line 39b also referred to herein as fourth fold line 39b. .

Separation line 70 extends towards fold line 33b between ceiling panel 18 and end flap 32b. Separation line 70 may extend to fold line 33b between ceiling panel 18 and end flap 32b. Separation line 70 extends beyond fold line 33b between ceiling panel 18 and end flap 32b to extend into ceiling panel 18 . Fold line 33b is also referred to herein as first fold line 33b.

Separation line 70 extends across or through fold line 35b between top closure panel 32b and gusset panel 34b, also referred to herein as third fold line 35b. do.

Separation line 70 extends across or through fold line 37b between anchor panel 36b and gusset panel 34b, also referred to herein as fifth fold line 37b.

Separation line 70 may be considered to intersect or terminate each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth fold lines 33b, 19, 35b, 39b, 37b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dividing line 70 may be non-linear and curved. In other embodiments, the dividing line 70 may be defined by two or more linear sections arranged diverging with respect to each other. In another embodiment, the dividing line 70 may be linear. In embodiments where the dividing line 70 is linear, the dividing line 70 may be arranged diverging with respect to the first and/or fourth fold lines 33b, 39b. Separation line 70 may be arranged diverging with respect to second fold line 19 and may be oriented at an angle thereto.

The dividing line 70 extends between the first fold line 33b and the fourth fold line 39b.

The dividing line 70 bypasses the conceptual intersection or vertex between the conceptual extension line of the first fold line 33b and the second fold line 19 so that the conceptual intersection is located on one side of the dividing line 70 . The conceptual intersection is located on the first side of the dividing line 70 and the fixed and gusseted panels 36b and 34b are located on the second, opposite side of the dividing line 70 . The conceptual intersection can be spaced apart from the fixed and gusseted panels 36b, 34b.

The third fold line 39b may intersect or pass through the conceptual vertex. The conceptual extensions of the fourth and fifth fold lines 39b and 37b may intersect or pass through the conceptual vertices.

The fifth fold line 37b may be interrupted by a “U”-shaped cut line 43b to define a tab portion cut from the material from which the gusset panel 34b would otherwise be formed. This tab portion is integral with the fixing panel 36b.

The dividing line 70 intersects the third fold line 35b at the first intersection point. The first intersection is disposed at a position closer to the gusset panel 34b than the conceptual intersection of the first and second fold lines 33b and 19 .

In an alternative embodiment of the corner fold arrangement, the line of separation 70 may include an extension, which extension further extends the line of separation 70 into the ceiling panel 18 . Whereas in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the dividing line 70 terminates at the ceiling panel 18 at a location substantially lying on the conceptual extension of the fourth fold line 39b, and in an alternative embodiment the extension ends on the fourth fold line 39b. Extend the dividing line 70 beyond the conceptual extension of 39b. In other alternative embodiments, the line of separation 70 may terminate at another location, and may terminate at an end edge of the ceiling panel 18 defined by the first fold line 33b. Separation line 70 may extend into second side panel 20 in some embodiments.

The folding of each upper tab is made while the carton is standing. To form a top closure structure at each top tab, the securing panels 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b are folded about 180 degrees into face-contacting relationship with the inner surfaces of adjacent side panels 16 and 20. The fastening panels 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b are pressed against adjacent side panels 16 and 20 by one of the packaged articles B and held in a folded state. The folding of the securing panels 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to fold outward about the fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b to the gusset panels 28a, 28b. , 34a, 34b) extend outwardly from the fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the sidewall of the single packaged article B. At the same time, the web panels 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b are folded down along the fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b so that they are in a folded state where they are in the folded state with the fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and the gussets. It extends between the outer edges of the panels 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The thus completed top closure structure is illustrated in FIG. 2 , wherein the structure is shown to be securely engaged with the top of the one article B. As shown in FIG.

Each lower protrusion serves to provide sufficient material from which adjacent heel engagement structures N and associated openings are defined. More specifically, the heel engaging structures N adjacent to each lower protrusion are positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the heel engaging structures N even when the opening extends into the lower protrusions. During erecting and packaging of articles B, the blanks 10 are manipulated such that each opening receives the bottom of each article B to hold the article B in the carton 90 . The heel tab 40 also assists in holding the article B by folding into the interior of the carton 90 to engage a portion of the article. Heel tab 40 may be received in a recess in the lower (or upper) end of article B.

Returning to the construction of carton 90 as shown in Figure 2, carton 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations on a straight-line machine such that it does not need to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. . The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be changed according to specific manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled: In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, six articles B are arranged in a 3x2 array. A ceiling panel 18 of blank 10 is placed over a group of articles B to provide a ceiling wall 18 of carton 90 .

The first and second sidewalls 16 and 22 are folded around opposite sides of a group of articles B, relative to the ceiling panel 18 about their respective fold lines 17 and 19, so that the group of articles disposed around opposite sides of the article (B).

The fastening portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 substantially simultaneously fold the first and second sidewalls 16 and 20 relative to the ceiling panel 18 to face the first and second side panels 16 and 20, respectively. Folded into contact relationship, it forms the top closure structure described above.

Alternatively, the top engagement structures may be formed after building the carton 90 into a tubular form. Anchor portions 26a , 26b , 36a , 36 may be inserted between each of the first and second side panels 16 , 20 to which they are hingedly connected and the adjacently disposed article B .

The first and second corner panels 14, 22, respectively, about each of the first and second sidewalls 16, 20 about a fold line 15, 21, are attached to the heel or Folds against the lower part.

Heel tabs 40 provide first and second fold lines 41 prior to folding first and second corner panels 14 and 22 against first and second side panels 16 and 20, respectively. It can be folded out of the plane of the corner panels 14 , 22 .

The second base panel 24 is folded about the fold line 23 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B, and then the first base panel 12 is at least partially with the second base panel 24. It is folded about the fold line 13 so as to have an overlapping relationship. By doing so, each heel tab 40 may be brought into engagement with the base of each article B.

The first and second base panels 12 and 24 are fixed together. Each male tab M is displaced inwardly in the plane of the first base panel 12 . In doing so, each female tab F is displaced inwardly to create an opening corresponding to the second base panel 24 . Male tabs M are received in each of the openings to lock the first and second base panels 12 and 24 together. A tubular structure is formed around the article group B in this way.

An assembled carton 90 or at least a portion thereof is shown in FIG. 2 . It can be observed that the deformable member has been displaced relative to adjacent regions of the carton 90 . The deformable member may be bent outwardly at its center to appear convex when viewed from the outside. The area of the deformable member surrounding the first dividing line 45 can be deformed such that the first dividing line 45 is opened to create a hole therein. The pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b and the second expansion slit 47 may similarly be opened to relieve stress of the blank 10 and the deformable member.

The primary tab 42 and the secondary tabs 44a, 44b may provide some degree of protection to the portion of the article B received in the opening.

Such article holding devices may be advantageous in that they allow openings to be created in the blank 10 or carton 90 without creating pieces of scrap material (cardboard) that must be separated from the blank 10 . In high-speed die-cutting and blanking processes, these scrap pieces tend to get caught in the blank 10 or may be scattered around the die-cutting station. Unwanted scrap pieces can enter subsequent packaging machines and interfere with the assembly process, causing jams or downtime. They may damage the machine or package.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 , an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the second illustrated embodiment, where possible, like numbers have been used to denote like parts, but the prefix "100" has been added to indicate that this feature belongs to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , there is shown a blank 110 for forming a carton 190 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , in accordance with a second embodiment. The blank 110 includes a plurality of main panels 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 includes: a first base panel 112 , a first lower corner panel 114 , a first side panel 116 , a first top corner panel 118 , a ceiling panel 120 , a second top corner panel 122 , a second side panel 124 , a second corner side panel 126 and a second base panel 128 . do. The plurality of panels 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , and 128 are sequentially hinged to each other by corresponding fold lines 113 , 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 , 123 and are sequentially arranged. can be

The first base panel 112 is hingedly connected to the first lower corner panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113 . The first lower corner panel 114 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115 . The first side panel 116 is hingedly connected to the first upper corner panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117 . The first upper corner panel 118 is hinged to the ceiling panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119 . The ceiling panel 120 is hingedly connected to the second upper corner panel 122 by a hinged connection part in the form of a fold line 121 . The second upper corner panel 122 is connected to the second side panel 124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123 . The second side panel 124 is hingedly connected to the second lower corner panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125 . The second lower corner panel 126 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 128 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127 .

A first upper corner panel 118 and a first lower side panel 114 form a first sidewall 114 / 116 of the carton 190 . The second upper side panel 120 and the second lower side panel 122 form the second sidewall 120/122 of the carton 190 .

The first and second lower corner panels 114 , 126 are the lower portions of each of the first or second side panels 116 , 124 to which they are hingedly connected (or of the first or second base panels 112 , 128 ). edge portion) can be considered.

The first and second upper corner panels 118 , 122 are configured to form the top (or edge portion of the ceiling panel 120 ) of each of the first or second side panels 116 , 124 to which they are hingedly connected. can be considered

In alternative embodiments, the first and second lower corner panels 114 and 126 may be omitted, and the fold lines 115 and 125 may be omitted. The first and second upper corner panels 118 and 122 may be omitted, and the fold lines 117 and 123 may also be omitted.

The blank 110 may include at least one article holding device T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 for engaging the upper end of the article B . The blank 110 shown in FIG. 3 includes four article holding devices T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 .

Each of the article holding devices T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 includes a flap 170 hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 120 . Each of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 includes a flap 170 hingedly connected to a first end of the ceiling panel 120 . Each of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 includes a flap 170 hingedly connected to the second end of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 are inserted from the first outer edge of the blank 110 .

The first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inserted relative to the first end edge of the first or second side panel 116 , 124 .

The first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 may be inserted against the edge edge portion of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 may be inserted from the first free end edge of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 are inserted from the second outer edge of the blank 110 .

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3 , T4 may be inserted relative to the second end edge of the first or second side panel 116 , 124 .

The third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 may be inserted against the edge edge portion of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 may be inserted from the second free end edge of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the article engaging structures T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 do not extend beyond the occupied space of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flap 170 does not extend beyond the end of the ceiling panel 120 .

The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 do not extend beyond the edges of the blank 110 , which is at least partially defined by the first and second side panels 116 , 124 .

The edge portions of the ceiling panel 120 hingedly connected to the first and second side panels 116 and 124 , or to the first and second upper corner panels 118 and 122 respectively, if present, are the first and second the side panels 116, 124 (or the first and second top corner panels 118, 122 and the same length as at least a portion of the bottom panels 112, 128 or the bottom panels 112, 128; Said at least a portion of 112, 128 may be an edge portion hingedly connected to first and second side panels 116, 124 or, if present, one of first and second lower corner panels 114, 126, respectively. have.

A first recess may be provided at a first end of the ceiling panel 120 and the flaps 170 of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 may be considered to be located in the first recess. The flaps 170 of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 partially define the first recess and increase the size of the first recess when folded out of the plane of the ceiling panel 120 .

The first recess is arranged to receive the entire flap 170 and wing tab 172 (if present).

The first recess is limited only to the ceiling panel 120 and does not extend into the first and second side panels 116 , 14 or the first and second upper corner panels 118 , 122 .

The flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 is a hinge in the form of a fold line 171 oriented at an angle with respect to the fold line 119 hingedly connecting the ceiling panel 120 to the first upper corner panel 118 . It is hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 120 by the knowledge connector.

The flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 is a hinge in the form of a fold line 171 oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 121 hinge-connecting the ceiling panel 120 to the second upper corner panel 122 . It is hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 120 by the knowledge connector.

The fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 to the ceiling panel 120 hinges the flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 to the ceiling panel 120 . They are arranged diverging with respect to the connecting fold line 171 . A fold line 171 for hingedly connecting the flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 to the ceiling panel 120 and the flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 are hinged to the ceiling panel 120 . The connecting fold lines 171 form an angle therebetween, which may be less than 120° and in some embodiments about 110°. The angle may be greater than 80° and may be greater than 90°.

A fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 to the ceiling panel 120 and the flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 are hinged to the ceiling panel 120 . The connecting fold line 171 is arranged to diverge toward the first end of the ceiling panel 120 .

A fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 to the ceiling panel 120 and the flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 are hinged to the ceiling panel 120 . The connecting fold lines 171 are arranged to converge toward the center or the center of the ceiling panel 120 .

In this way, the flap 170 of the first article engaging structure T1 and the flap 170 of the second article engaging structure T2 are folded away from each other.

It may be considered that a second recess is provided at the second end of the ceiling panel 120 and the flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 are located in the second recess. The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 partially define the second recess and increase the size of the second recess when folded out of plane of the ceiling panel 120 .

The second recess is limited to the ceiling panel 120 only and does not extend into the first and second side panels 116 , 124 or the first and second upper corner panels 118 , 122 .

The second recess is arranged to receive the entire flap 170 and wing tab 172 (if present).

The flap 170 of the third article engaging structure T3 is a hinge in the form of a fold line 171 oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 119 hingedly connecting the ceiling panel 120 to the first upper corner panel 118 . It is hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 120 by the knowledge connector.

The flap 170 of the fourth article engaging structure T4 is a hinge in the form of a fold line 171 oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 121 hinge-connecting the ceiling panel 120 to the second upper corner panel 122 . It is hingedly connected to the ceiling panel 120 by the knowledge connector.

The fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engaging structure T3 to the ceiling panel 120 hinges the flap 170 of the fourth article engaging structure T4 to the ceiling panel 120 . They are arranged diverging with respect to the connecting fold line 171 .

A fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engaging structure T3 to the ceiling panel 120 and the flap 70 of the fourth article engaging structure T4 are hinged to the ceiling panel 120 . The connecting fold line 171 is arranged to diverge toward the first end.

A fold line 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engaging structure T3 to the ceiling panel 120 and the flap 170 of the fourth article engaging structure T4 are hinged to the ceiling panel 120 . The connecting fold lines 171 are arranged to converge to the center or the center.

In the form of a blank, the flap 170 partially defines the free end edge of the ceiling panel 120 . The edge portion of the ceiling panel 120 defined by the flap 170 is arcuate or curved in shape.

The flap 170 of each of the first, second, third, and fourth article engagement structures T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 is partially separated by at least one cutout that separates the flap 170 from the ceiling panel 120 . is limited to

The first cut-out extends from the first or inner end of the fold line 171 to the first and second recesses, respectively. The first cut may separate the flap 170 from a portion of the ceiling panel 120 , and the portion of the ceiling panel 120 may be provided by the cushioning flaps 160a , 160b of the handle structure.

A second cutout hinges flap 170 and ceiling panel 120 to first or second side panels 116, 124 (or first or second upper corner panels 118, 122, if present). is disposed between each of the adjacently arranged fold lines (119, 121).

The first and second cutting lines are arranged diverging with respect to each other.

A first end edge of the ceiling panel 120 extending between the fold lines 171 of the flaps 170 of the first and second article engaging structures T1 and T2 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curved. The first end edge is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the ceiling panel 120 that protrudes into the first recess. The first end edge may be provided by a first cushioning flap 160a of the handle structure.

The second end edge of the ceiling panel 120 extending between the fold lines 171 of the flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3 and T4 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curved. The second end edge is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the ceiling panel 120 that protrudes into the second recess. The second end edge may be provided by a second cushioning flap 160b of the handle structure.

Each of the article engaging structures T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 includes a wing tab 172 hingedly connected to the flap 170 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 173 .

The fold line 173 may form a keel in use where the article engaging structures T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 engage the article B . The keel may form a ridge that increases the stability and stiffness of the article engagement structures T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 . The flaps 170 and wing tabs 172 may adopt a non-coplanar arrangement, for example as the article B moves outward through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B. The wing tabs 172 can be folded relative to the flaps 170 .

Fold line 173 may be oriented at an angle with respect to fold line 171 and form an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 172 are connected only to the flaps 170 and are not connected to the ceiling panel 120 except for indirect connection through coupling to the flaps 170 . That is, the wing tab 172b has no direct connection to the ceiling panel 120 . The flaps 170 interconnect the wing tabs 172 and the ceiling panel 120 .

In the unfolded state of the blank 110 , the fold line 173 is substantially parallel to the fold line 119 , 121 which hinges the side or upper corner panels 114 , 124 ; 118 , 122 to the ceiling panel 120 . is oriented

When the flaps 170 are folded about each fold line 171 in face-to-face relationship with the ceiling panel 120 , the fold line 173 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the fold lines 119 , 121 .

Blank 110 includes at least one article engaging structure N (also referred to herein as an article holding device) for engaging a portion of article B. The blank 110 illustrated in FIG. 3 illustrates an article engagement structure N that engages with a heel or underside of an article B, referred to herein as a heel engagement structure N. The blank 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes four heel engagement structures N, each provided for engagement with a respective article B. Each heel engagement structure N is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to a heel engagement structure N provided on the first side panel 16 and the first corner panel 14 .

The heel engagement structure N includes an opening; The opening is at least partially defined in the first side panel 116 . The opening may also be at least partially defined in the first corner panel 14 .

The heel engagement structure N includes a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 116 . This deformable member may also be formed from at least a portion of the first corner panel 114 . The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so that the deformable member is provided with a first side panel 116 or a first corner panel 114 (present) by first and second joints J1 and J2, respectively. ) at the opposite side end or edge.

The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 116 along an adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6. In the illustrated embodiment the adjacent edge defines an upper end or edge of the deformable member. In another illustrated embodiment the adjacent edge defines a lower end or edge of the deformable member.

The deformable member may include a first expansion slit 145 in the form of a first cut-off or separable line 145 . A first cutting line 145 divides the deformable member into a primary tab or portion 142 and a secondary tab or portion 144a/144b.

Auxiliary tabs 144a, 144b are at least partially defined by respective separation lines 149a, 149b. Separators 149a, 149b are arranged such that auxiliary tabs 144a, 144b extend further into first side panel 116 than that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

The deformable member is spaced from a fold line 115 , which ends at cut lines 151a and 151b crossing the fold line 115 . The cut lines 151a and 151b are arranged perpendicular to the fold line 115 . In this way an uninterrupted connection between the first corner panel 114 and the first side panel 116 is provided on opposite sides of the deformable member.

Heel tab 140 includes a pair of pleats or folds 153a, 153b. The crease lines 153a and 153b may be partially defined by the cut lines 153a and 153b. The crease lines 153a , 153b are arranged divergent with respect to one another and allow or facilitate folding of the corner or edge edge regions of the heel tab 140 relative to the central or mid region.

The heel tab 140 or at least a portion thereof has a width equal to the width of the major tab 142 or a portion thereof. Heel tab 140 includes a pair of opposing side edges defined by a pair of cut lines extending between fold line 113 and first line of separation 143 . Each of the pair of cutting lines may be perpendicular to the first dividing line 143 or an end portion thereof. The pair of cutting lines may include linear portions arranged diverging with respect to each other. The linear portion may diverge toward the first dividing line 143 . A fold line 141 may extend between the distal ends of the pair of cut lines. A portion of each of the pair of cut lines may be collinear with the fold line 113 and may be adjacent to the fold line 113 and the fold line 141 . In this way, the fold line 141 can be separated from the fold line 113 by each of the pair of cut lines.

The first and second joints J1 , J2 of the deformable member of the embodiment of FIG. 3 are further spaced apart from the fold line 113 than those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 , another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the illustrated third and fourth embodiments, where possible, like numbers have been used to denote like parts, but prefixes "200", "300" to indicate that these features belong to the third and fourth embodiments, respectively. " was added. Since the third and fourth embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, only differences from the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 will be described in more detail.

6 shows a blank 210 for forming a carrier 290 (see FIG. 7 ), and a plurality of main panels 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , 222 , 224 for forming a tubular structure. include The plurality of main panels 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , 222 , 224 includes: a first base panel 212 , a first lower corner panel 214 , a first side panel 216 , and a ceiling panel 218 . ), a second side panel 220 , a second lower corner panel 222 , and a second base panel 224 . The plurality of panels 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , 222 , and 224 may be sequentially hinged to each other by corresponding fold lines 213 , 215 , 217 , 219 , 221 , 223 and may be sequentially arranged.

The first base panel 212 includes a first hole A1 and a third hole A3 . The first hole A1 is substantially similar to that of the previous embodiments. The third aperture A3 takes the form of a cut-away version of the second aperture A2 of the previous embodiments. The third hole A3 may have a truncated oval shape with a notch or recess extending from one side. The oval may be cut at an angle to the fold line 213 , and may be cut at an end adjacent the free side edge of the blank 210 . In this way the third aperture A3 is spaced from the free side edge of the blank, which may improve the strength and/or durability of the carton 190 , thereby reducing the likelihood of tear propagation in the first base panel 212 . have.

Blank 210 includes an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a single collapsible finger tab 260 . Finger tabs 260 are hingedly connected to ceiling panel 218 by fold lines 261 , and are defined in part by cut lines or separable lines 263 . A finger tab 260 is disposed in the center of the ceiling panel 218 .

8 shows a portion of a blank 310 for forming a carrier (not shown), the blank 310 comprising a plurality of main panels 312 , 314 , 316 . The plurality of main panels 312 , 314 , 316 includes: a first panel 312 , a second panel 316 , and an optional third panel 314 . The plurality of main panels 312 , 314 , and 316 may be sequentially hinged to each other by corresponding fold lines 313 and 315 to be sequentially arranged.

In some embodiments the third panel 316 may be omitted, and in such embodiments the fold line 315 may also be omitted.

The blank 310 includes at least one article holding device N for engaging a portion of the article B.

the article holding device (N) comprises an opening; This opening is at least partially defined in the second panel 316 . When the third panel 314 is present, the opening is at least partially defined in the third panel 314 .

The article holding device N includes a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314 . The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so that the deformable member is attached to the third panel 14 or to the second panel 316 (if the third panel 314 is omitted), respectively. to be connected at opposite side ends or edges by the first and second joints J1 and J2.

The deformable member is connected to the second panel 316 along an adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6. The adjacent edge may define a top or bottom (or edge) of the deformable member.

The deformable member may include a first expansion slit 345 in the form of a first cut-off or separable line 345 . A first cutting line 345 divides the deformable member into a primary tab or portion 342 and a secondary tab or portion 344a/344b.

The main part 342 is connected to the third panel 314 (the second panel 316 if the third panel 314 is omitted) by first and second joints J1 and J2. The auxiliary portion 344a/344b is connected to the second panel 316 by a third joint J5/J6.

The deformable member may include a second expanding slit 347 in the form of a second cut-off or separable line 347 . The second cutting line 347 divides the auxiliary portion 344a/344b into a first auxiliary tab 344a and a second auxiliary tab 344b. The first and second auxiliary tabs 344a, 344b are also referred to herein as half auxiliary portions 344a, 344b.

The deformable member is partially defined by a first dividing line 343 . The first dividing line 343 may take the form of a cutting line or dividing line 343 . A first separation line 343 separates the deformable member from the blank 310 . The first separation line 343 may separate the deformable member from the first panel 312 , the second panel 316 , the third panel 314 , or any combination thereof.

The first dividing line 343 may include an arcuate portion at each end. Each of the arcuate portions interrupts or intersects the fold line 313 , and a section of the arcuate portions may be collinear with the fold line 313 and be adjacent to the fold line 313 and the fold line 341 . can In this way the fold line 341 is separated from the fold line 313 by a first dividing line 343 , in particular arcuate portions.

The deformable member is partially defined by a pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b. Each of the pair of second separating lines 349a and 349b may take the form of a cutting line or a separable line.

The pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b may have a substantially “L” shape. One separation line 349a of the pair of second separation lines is spaced apart from the other separation line 349b of the pair of second separation lines 349a. A third joint J5/J6 is defined between the distal ends of the pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b.

One separation line 349a of the pair of second separation lines extends between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6.

The other dividing line 349b of the pair of second dividing lines extends between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/J6.

A first expanding slit 345 extends substantially between opposite side edges of the deformable member. A first expansion slit 345 includes a first end proximate to one of the pair of second separation lines 349a and crosses the deformable member to the other of the pair of second separation lines 349b. It extends to a second opposing end disposed proximally. The first and second distal ends of the first expansion slit 345 are disposed within the deformable member.

The first end of the expansion slit 345 is separated from one of the pair of second dividing lines 349a such that the main part 342 is connected to the secondary parts 344a/344b by a fourth joint J3. are spaced apart The second end of the expansion slit 345 is separated from the other of the pair of second separation lines 349b such that the main portion 342 is connected to the auxiliary portions 344a/344b by a fifth joint J4. are spaced apart

In this way the main part and the secondary part can be considered as partially separated from each other, and the fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 provide a connecting notch or bridge between them.

`The fourth and fifth joints J3 and J4 may lie on a conceptual line defined by a fold line 315 .

The second expansion slit 347 may extend from the first expansion slit 345 toward the third joint J5/J6.

The second expansion slit 347 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into sixth and seventh joints J5 and J6 . The first auxiliary tab 344a is connected to the second panel 316 by the sixth joint J5. The second auxiliary tab 344b is connected to the second panel 316 by the seventh joint J6.

The first expansion slit 345 and the second expansion slit 347 form a “T” shape.

It will be appreciated that the article holding device N comprises a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314 (if present). The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposite side edges of the opening. Further, the single deformable member extends continuously to one of the upper and lower end edges of the opening.

The deformable member may be considered to be defined or delimited by a dividing line 343 and a weakened line. The weakened line includes the pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b, a first joint J1, a second joint J2, a sixth joint J5, and a seventh joint J6. A separation line 343 separates the deformable member from the first panel 312 . The weakened line connects the deformable member to the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314 (if present) through three or more connecting notches provided by the joints J1, J2, J5, J6. ) is connected to In this way the deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314 (if present).

The heel tab is omitted in the embodiment of FIG. 8 . The first dividing line 343 at least partially defines a protrusion or lobe 346 extending from the first panel 312 . Lobe 346 is integral with first panel 312 . The lobes 346 may extend over or under the engaging article B when the article holding device is in use. The lobes 346 may provide a protective cover for the portion of the article B that protrudes through the opening of the article holding device.

In the form of the blank 310 , or when the article holding device N is in the undeployed state, the opening is opened by the deformable member - by the primary and secondary tabs 342 , 344a , 344b - and lobes 346) is closed.

The opening is formed in the second panel 316 for receiving the article B when the article holding device N is in the deployed state. A first dividing line 343 opens to form a hole between the deformable member (a primary tab 342 and a lobe 346). A first expanding slit 345 is a primary tab 342 and a secondary tab 344a. , 344b may open to form a slot or hole in the deformable member between the auxiliary tabs 344a and 344b. may be open for

The present disclosure provides cartons 90 ; 190 ; 290 for packaging one or more articles B and blanks 10 ; 110 ; 210 ; 310 for forming cartons 90 ; 190 ; 290 . Cartons 90; 190; 290 and blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 include first panels 12, 24; 112, 128; 212, 224; 312, first panels 12, 24; 112; and a second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 hingedly connected to 128; 212, 224; 312.

Cartons 90 ; 190 ; 290 and blanks 10 ; 110 ; 210 ; 310 include an article-holding device N for receiving and engaging a portion of an article B. The article-holding device N includes an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially defined in a second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316, wherein the deformable member comprises a second panel (14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316). The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected at the opposite side edge to the second panel by first and second joints J1 and J2, respectively. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel at an adjacent end edge by a third joint J5/J6.

The deformable member may be separated from the first panel 12, 24; 112, 128; 212, 224; 312 by separation lines 43; 143; 243; 343.

The deformable member is defined by at least a pair of first and second cutting lines 49a, 49b; 149a, 149b; 249a, 249b; 349a, 349b, and a first cutting line 49a; 149a; 249a; 349a. ) extends between the first joint (J1) and the third joint (J5/J6), and the second cutting line (49b; 149b; 249b; 349b) is the second joint (J2) and the third joint (J5/J6) ) is extended between

The deformable member includes a first expanding slit 45 ; 145 ; 245 ; 345 . The first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 is from a first end near the first cutting line 49a; 149a; 249a; 349a to a second opposing second near the cutting line 45; 145 245; 345. extending to an end, the first and second distal ends being disposed within the deformable member.

A first expansion slit 45 ; 145 ; 245 ; 345 ; can be divided into The main parts 42; 142; 242; 342 are connected to the second panels 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220 by first and second joints J1, J2. /222; 314/316). The auxiliary parts 44a/44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b are connected to the second 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214 by a third joint J5/J6. /216, 220/222; 314/316).

The first end of the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 is spaced apart from the first cutting line 49a; 149a; 249a; 349a, so that the main part 42; 142 242; 342 and the secondary part 44a /44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b are still partially connected by the fourth joint J3. The second end of the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 is spaced apart from the second cutting line 45; 145 245; 345, so that the main part 42; 142 242; 342 and the secondary part 44a/ 44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b) are still partially connected by a fifth joint J4.

The deformable member may further include a second expansion slit 47; 147; 247; 347 extending from the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 toward the third joint J5/J6. . The second expansion slit 47; 147; 247; 347 connects the auxiliary portions 44a/44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b; 244a, 244b; 344a, 344b) and further dividing the third joint (J5/J6) into a sixth joint (J5) and a seventh joint (J6), the half auxiliary parts (44a; 144a; 244a; 344a) one of which is connected to the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by a sixth joint J5 and the other half auxiliary part (44b; 144b; 244b; 344b) is connected to the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by the sixth joint J5. to be connected to

The present disclosure also provides an article holding device (N) for receiving and engaging a portion of an article (B). The article holding device N includes an opening formed at least partially in the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316. The article holding device N includes a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316. do. The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposite side edges of the opening. The single deformable member further extends continuously to an adjacent end edge of the opening.

The single deformable member has a line of separation 43; 143; 243; 343 and a line of weakening J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2; J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2; J1, 249a, J5. , J6, 249b, J2; J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2). Separation lines 43; 143; 243; 343 separate the single deformable member from the first panel. Weakened Lines (J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2; J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2; J1, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2; J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2) connects the single deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316, wherein the single deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316.

The weakened lines J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2; J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2; J1, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2; J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b , J2) comprises at least two cutting lines 49a, 49b; 149a, 149b; 249a, 249b; 349a, 349b; and a second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316) and at least three connecting notches J1, J5, J6, J2.

First and second connecting notches J1 and J2 of the at least three connecting notches J1, J5, J6, J2 attach the single deformable member to a second panel 14 at opposite side edges of the opening. /16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316). A third of the at least three connecting notches J1, J5, J6, J2 is configured to attach the single deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20 at an adjacent end edge of the opening. /22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316).

It will be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

As used herein, “ceiling”, “floor”, “base”, “front”, “rear”, “end”, “side”, “inside”, “outside”, “top” and “bottom” does not necessarily constrain each panel in that direction, but may only serve to distinguish these panels from each other.

As used herein, the terms "hinge joint" and "fold line" refer to either defining the hinge characteristics of the blank, facilitating the folding of the blank relative to each other, or otherwise optimal panel folding for the blank. It refers to a line in any way that indicates a position. Any reference to a “hinge joint” should not necessarily be construed as referring only to a single fold line. In practice the hinged connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be straight/linear or curved/curved in shape. The linear fold lines may be placed parallel to each other or at a slight angle to each other when forming the hinged connection. The curved fold lines may intersect each other to define the shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curved fold lines when forming the hinged connection. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points to define an elliptical panel therebetween. The hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of a linear fold line and an arcuate fold line that intersect at two points and define a half-moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: scored line, embossed line, engraved line, perforated line, short slit line, half-cut line, single half. -cut, interrupted cut line, line of aligned slits, line of scores and any combination of the aforementioned options.

The hinged connection and fold line are each of the blanks comprising perforations, perforated lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, marks, any combination thereof, and the like. It may include elements formed on the substrate. The elements may be dimensioned and arranged to provide a desired function. For example, a perforation line may be dimensioned or a fragility designed to define a fold line and/or a separation line. The line of perforation may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, facilitate folding and facilitate breakage with more effort, or facilitate breakage with less effort.

As used herein, the phrase "in registry with" refers to two in an upright carton, such as a hole formed in the first of two overlapping panels and a second hole formed in the second of two overlapping panels. Refers to the arrangement of the above elements. The mating elements may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, if the apertures in the first panel "match" the second apertures in a second panel disposed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edges of the apertures would extend along at least a portion of the edges of the second apertures. and may be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims (18)

A blank for forming a carton, comprising:
the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, and an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article;
the article holding device comprising an opening formed in part or wholly in the second panel and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel;
The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected to the second panel by first and second joints, respectively, at opposite side edges thereof, the deformable member having an upper portion and a A blank for forming a carton, further connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of its lower ends. According to claim 1,
wherein the deformable member is separated from the first panel by a dividing line. According to claim 1,
The deformable member is defined by at least a pair of first and second cutting lines, the first cutting line extending between the first joint and the third joint, and a second cutting line extending between the second joint and the second joint. A blank for forming a carton extending between the third joints. 4. The method of claim 3,
the deformable member includes a first expanding slit, the first expanding slit extending from a first end near the first cutting line to a second opposite end near the second cutting line, the first and second and two ends are disposed within the deformable member. 5. The method of claim 4,
the first expansion slit divides the deformable member into a main part and a secondary part, the main part is connected to the second panel by the first and second joints, and the secondary part is connected to the third joint connected to the second panel by means of a blank for forming a carton. 6. The method of claim 5,
The first end of the first expansion slit is spaced apart from the first cut line such that the main part and the auxiliary part are still partially connected by a fourth joint, and the second end of the first expansion slit is spaced apart from the second cut line A blank for forming a carton spaced from a line such that the primary and secondary parts are still partially connected by a fifth joint. 7. The method of claim 6,
The deformable member further includes a second expansion slit extending from the first expansion slit toward the third joint, the second expansion slit dividing the auxiliary part into a pair of half auxiliary parts and the third expansion slit The joint is further divided into sixth and seventh joints so that one of the half auxiliary parts is connected to the second panel by the sixth joint and the other half auxiliary part is connected to the second panel by the seventh joint. Blanks for forming cartons, allowing them to be joined. A blank for forming a carton, comprising:
the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, and an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article;
the article holding device comprising an opening partially or wholly defined in the second panel and a single deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel;
The single deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the single deformable member connects between opposite side edges of the opening, the single deformable member further extending to an adjacent end edge of the opening A blank for forming a continuously extending carton. 9. The method of claim 8,
the single deformable member is defined by a dividing line and by a weakening line, the dividing line separating the single deformable member from the first panel, the weakening line separating the single deformable member from the second panel A blank for forming a carton, wherein said single deformable member can be displaced from the plane of said second panel. 10. The method of claim 9,
wherein the weakened line comprises at least two cut lines and at least three connecting nicks for connecting the single deformable member with the second panel along the cut. 11. The method of claim 10,
first and second of the at least three connecting notches connect the single deformable member with the second panel at the opposite side edge of the opening, the third of the at least three connecting notches and a connecting notch connects the single deformable member with the second panel at an adjacent end edge of the opening. 9. The method of claim 8,
A blank for forming a carton, wherein the first panel is a ceiling panel of the carton. 9. The method of claim 8,
A blank for forming a carton, wherein the first panel is a bottom panel of the carton. 9. The method of claim 8,
A blank for forming a carton, wherein the second panel is a side panel of the carton. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein the adjacent end edge of the opening is a top edge. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein the adjacent end edge of the opening is a lower edge. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels forming a wall of a tubular structure having an interior;
The plurality of panels comprises:
a first panel; and
a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel;
including,
wherein the carton includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article, the article holding device having an opening formed in part or in whole in the second panel and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel includes,
The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member is connected to the second panel by first and second joints, respectively, at opposite side edges thereof, the deformable member having an upper portion thereof and further connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of the lower edges. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels forming a wall of a tubular structure having an interior;
The plurality of panels comprises:
a first panel; and
a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel;
including,
wherein the carton includes an article holding device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article, the article holding device having an opening formed in part or in whole in the second panel and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel includes,
The deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the deformable member connects between opposite side edges of the opening, the deformable member further extending continuously to an adjacent end edge of the opening Being a carton.

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