NO322153B1 - Objects and subject matter - Google Patents

Abstract

An article carrier and a blank (10) for forming an article carrier of the basket type comprising in sequence a first end panel (14), a first side panel (16), a second end panel (18), a second side panel (20) and a third end panel (22) foldably connected together one to next. A base panel (72, 74) is hinged to respective one of the side panels (16, 20) and a handle a structure comprising first and second handle panels (38 and 52) is foldably connected to one or more of medial support panels (12 and 24) or end panels. The first and second handle panels (38 and 52) are adjacent to the first and second side panels (16 and 20) respectively and are separated therefrom. The first and second handle panels are so constructed and arranged to be placed in face contacting relationship to form a two ply handle when the carrier is set up. There further comprises a blank (80, 80a) for forming an internal partition structure which blank comprises a medial panel (86, 86a) adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one of the end panels and a plurality of transverse partition panels (82/82a, 84/84a) struck from the medial panel to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

Description

The present invention relates to an object carrier of the basket type adapted to accommodate

a plurality of objects, such as bottles, and a blank for forming the carrier. Normally, a basket carrier for bottles includes a central (middle) dividing structure which includes a handle structure by which the carrier can be lifted and carried, and the bottles are arranged in rows on either side of the dividing structure. Most often, bottles are separated from each other by transverse dividing panels extending from each side of the central dividing structure to the adjacent side wall of the carrier. In this type of arrangement, the bottles are thus housed in individual cells of the carrier even if such cells are not substantial.

Known basket carriers require a series of complex folds to form the separation structures, which may require the blank to be rotated or turned upside down during construction, thus making the process later.

An example of a basket carrier is shown in US 3,570,706 which describes a carrier with side and end walls, a bottle partition construction and bottom wall with sloping plate portions provided with bottle openings. The bottle openings have overlying flaps to protect part of the bottle in the cutout.

Another example is shown in CH 670 432 which shows a carrier blank with side and end walls, a central partition structure connected to the side wall by an inner partition wall and to the opposite end walls.

The complex construction of known basket carriers requires that a large amount of cardboard is used with an irregular shape on the blank profile, which thus leads to an unwanted waste of material.

The present invention and its preferred embodiments are intended to overcome or at least reduce the problems of the prior art. A carton according to the present invention can be formed in a rectilinear gluing machine. It is anticipated that the invention can be used in an adapted wrapping machine, which thus removes the need for dedicated machinery.

One aspect of the invention provides a subject for designing an internal divider structure for a basket type item carrier including opposing end and side wall surfaces and a handle structure. The blank includes a first central panel adapted to be connected to the handle structure and having at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the central surface and hinged thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from the blank.

According to an optional feature of the first aspect of the invention, there may be included a second center panel hinged to the first center panel, which second center panel is adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the center panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from the blank. Preferably, the middle panels can be hinged along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to fold lines that hingely connect the transverse dividing panel and the middle panel(s). Optionally, a flap may be hinged from one of the center panels, and is hinged to the center panel along the center panel fold line.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the middle panels may be hinged together along a fold line arranged substantially perpendicular to the fold lines that hinge the transverse dividing panel to the middle panel(s).

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, each middle panel may include an attachment panel, each attachment panel being constructed and arranged to be attached together in a mounted/mounted object carrier.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a subject for forming an internal partition structure wherein the transverse partition panel is pivotally connected to a central panel by a pair of separate fold lines between the opposite ends of the transverse partition panel to thereby create a panel extending outward from both sides thereof middle panel when the internal partition structure is formed in a mounted carrier.

According to an optional feature of the second aspect of the invention, two transverse partition panels can be struck from the blank, and are hinged together at their end remote from the central panel stretched they have been erected by a side wall attachment panel.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, there may further be included a handle support panel extending from an upper portion of the middle partition panel, which handle panel includes a hand opening to be aligned with the handle structure of the object carrier.

A third aspect of the invention provides a subject for designing a basket type item carrier including a first end face panel, a first side panel, a second end panel and a second side panel and a third end panel hinged one to the next in series, a bottom panel hinged to a of the side or end panels and a handle structure including a hand opening, which handle structure includes first and second handle panels hinged to the second end panel et, which first handle panel is hinged to the first end panel et and the second handle panel is hinged to the third end panel. The first and second handle panels are constructed and arranged to be placed in surface contacting relationship to form a two-layer handle when the wearer is in a raised condition. The first and second handle panels are adjacent to, and separate from, the respective first and second side panels.

According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, it may further include a handle support panel foldably connected to the first handle panel to form a three-layer handle in an erected state. Preferably, it can also include a second handle support panel foldably connected to the second handle panel.

According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, the first and second handle panels may be in the same plane and the upper edges of the handle panels may be collinear.

Optionally, the upper edges of one or all of the handle support panels may be collinear with the handle panels.

According to another optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, the handle panels may be designed to join the first and second handle panels of a next adjacent blank. Preferably, the handle panels can be substantially trapezoidal.

According to a further optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, it may further include a panel arranged to support at least one central panel when the blank is erected to form a carton. Preferably, a further central support panel may be hinged to opposite ends of the series of panels, the support panels being arranged to be attached to one or more surfaces of the central panel(s).

According to yet another optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, at least one of the support panels may be provided with a hook portion, the hook being arranged to contact the bottom panel when the blank is erected to form a cardboard.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a basket type item carrier with opposite side and end panels, a bottom panel hinged to one or more of the side or end panels, and a handle structure hinged to the opposite end panels. It further includes an internal partition structure formed from a separate blank, which internal partition structure includes a first central panel adapted to be connected to the handle structure and with at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the central panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of object receiving cells on one side of the handle structure.

Preferably, it may include a second center panel hinged to the first center panel, which second center panel is adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the center panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure.

Optionally, the middle panels may be hinged along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to the fold lines which hinge the transverse dividing panels to the middle panel(s).

Preferably, a flap can be hinged from one of the center panels, and is hinged to the center panels along the center panel fold line.

According to an optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, the middle panels may be hinged together along a fold line arranged substantially perpendicular to fold lines that hinge together the transverse dividing panel and the middle panel(s).

According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, each middle panel may further include a fastening panel, where each fastening panel is designed and arranged to be fastened together.

According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, the transverse dividing panel may be pivotally connected to a central panel with a pair of separate

fold lines between the opposite ends of the cross partition panel to thereby create a panel extending outward from both sides of the center panel.

According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, two transverse dividing panels can be struck from the blank, and are hinged together at their ends remote from the central panel once they are erected by a side wall attachment panel.

According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, it may further include a handle support panel extending from an upper part of the middle partition panel, which handle panel includes a handle opening to be aligned with the handle structure of the object carrier.

In one embodiment, it may further include a handle support panel foldably connected to the first handle panel to form a three-layer handle.

Alternatively, it can further include a second handle support panel foldably connected to the second handle panel.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the first and second handle panels may be in the same plane and the upper edges of the handle panels are collinear.

According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the upper edges of the handle support panel(s) may be collinear with the handle panels.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the handle panels may be substantially trapezoidal.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, at least one of the support panels may be provided with a hook portion, where the hook is arranged to contact the bottom panel.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a basket type object carrier from a first blank including a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, a second side panel and third end panel hinged one to the next in series, a handle structure hinged to one or more of the end panels and a second blank for designing an internal partition structure. The method includes the steps of: i) placing the second blank on the first blank in an aligned position;

ii) attaching the transverse partition panels to the first side panel;

iii) attaching the center panel to the handle panel of the first blank;

iv) folding the second side panel and the second end panel to face-contacting conditions

with the internal dividing structure; and

v) attaching the first and third end panels together to form a complete;

collapsed object carrier.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures IA and IB are plan views of cardboard blanks from which an object carrier according to an embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 2A and 2B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures IA and IB under construction to form a flat collapsed carton; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 1, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 4A and 4B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which an object carrier according to another embodiment of the invention is unformed; and Figure 4C is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in Figure 4A, formed from a continuous roll of cardboard or similar sheet material; Figures 5A and 5B are plan views of blanks made of cardboard from which object carriers according to a third embodiment of the invention are designed; Figure 6 is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in Figures 5A and 5B, formed from a continuous roll of cardboard or similar sheet material; Figures 7A and 7B are side views of the ends shown in Figures 5A and 5B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blanks shown in Figures 5A and 5B, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 9A and 9B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which an object carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 10A and 10B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which an object carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is formed; Figure 11 is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in Figure 10A formed from a continuous roll of cardboard or similar sheet material; Figures 12A and 12B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures 10A and 10B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 10A, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 14A and 14B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which a basket carrier according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 15A and 15B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures 14A and 14B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; Figure 16 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 14A, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 17A and 17B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which a basket carrier according to the seventh embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 18A and 18B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures 17A and 17B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; Figure 19 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figure 17A, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 20A and 20B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which a basket carrier according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 21A and 21B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures 20A and 20B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; Figure 22 is a perspective view of a basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figures 20A and 20B, viewed from above and from one end; Figures 23A and 23B are plan views of cardboard blanks from which a basket carrier according to the ninth embodiment of the invention is formed; Figures 24A and 24B are side views of the blanks shown in Figures 23A and 23B under construction to form a flat, collapsed carton; and Figure 25 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in Figures 23A and 23B, viewed from above and from one end.

With reference to the drawings, an object carrier is formed from one or more blanks

of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or other suitable foldable sheet material, for example plastic material. The carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of objects, for example six bottles arranged in two rows with three bottles in each. It is envisaged that the carrier can be adapted to accommodate a different number of bottles according to user requirements.

In the first embodiment shown in figures IA and IB, a carrier formed from a three-part blank is shown. The blank 10 for forming the outer panels includes in longitudinal series a first middle support panel 12, a first end panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second end panel 18, a second side panel 20, a third end panel 22 and a second middle panel 24 hinged one to the next along side fold lines 26,28, 30, 32,34 and 36, respectively. A side fold line 19 may also be included between the fold lines 30 and 32 to divide the second end panel 18 into two parts 18A, 18B to form an "arrow profile" basket carrier, which will be described below.

A first handle panel 38 is placed adjacent to the first end panel 14 and the first side panel 16, and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines 40,42. The cut lines 40,42 extend between the fold lines 26 and 30. The handle panel 38 is hinged to the first outer support panel 12 along an extension of the fold line 26 which forms part of a side edge of the first handle panel 38. It will be apparent from the reader of the middle support panels is not a significant feature, and that the handle panels may be connected directly to the end panel in some embodiments. The handle panel 38 is connected to the opposite end panel 18 by means of an intermediate panel 50 which is hinged to the side edge of the handle panel 38 along the fold line 53, and to the end panel with a notch along the fold line 30, as shown in Figure IA.

The handle panel 38 may include a handle opening 44. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 46 is connected along the fold line 48 to an upper edge of the hand opening 44.

Preferably, a second handle panel 52 is provided, which is arranged adjacent the second side panel 20 and the third end panel 22, and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines 54, 56. The cut lines 54, 56 extend between the fold lines 32 and 36. The handle panel 32 is hinged to the second center support panel 24 along an extension of the fold line 36 which forms part of a side edge of the second handle panel 32. The handle panel 32 is connected to the opposite end panel 18 by means of an intermediate panel 64 which is hinged to the side edge of the handle panel 52 along the fold line 66, and with the end panel 18 having a notch along the fold line 32, as shown in Figure IA.

The handle panel 52 may include a hand opening 58. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 60 is connected to an upper edge of the hand opening 60 along

folding line 62.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle construction is provided. The handle support panel 68 is disposed adjacent a portion of the first end panel 18 and the intermediate panel 64. The handle support panel 68 is hinged to a side edge of the second handle panel 52 along the fold line 66, but is otherwise separated from the blank by the cut line 65. A hand opening 70 is provided in a position between the upper and lower edges of the handle support panel 68. Preferably, the handle opening 70 is positioned to be aligned with the handle openings 44 and 58 in a lined carton.

It also includes a bottom structure which, in this embodiment, is provided by the bottom panels 72, 74 foldably connected to the side panels 16, 20, respectively. Suitable fasteners are provided to fasten the bottom panels together. For example, an adhesive tab 76 is connected to the bottom panel 72. Alternatively, latch tabs are punched from the bottom panel and a complementary latch opening is punched from the other bottom panel to receive and retain the latch tabs, as is well known. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that methods for interlocking the bottom panels during construction can be made, and the invention is not limited to the features shown in the embodiments or described above.

In Figure 1B, the separating construction of the object carrier, formed from a second blank 80 and a third blank 80A, is shown.

The blank 80 forms one side of the partition structure and includes a pair of transverse partition panels 82, 84 cut from a central partition panel 86. The transverse partition panel 82 is partitioned from the central panel 86 by the cut line 87, and is connected thereto along the fold line 88. Likewise, the transverse partition panel 84 is struck from the central panel 86 by the cut lines 89,90, and is connected thereto along the fold line 92. In this embodiment, the fold line 92 is interrupted by the cut line 87 which extends into the transverse partition panel 84 to define an adhesive flap 94 which is foldably connected to the transverse partition panel along the fold line 96. A second adhesive flap 98 may be connected to the transverse partition panel 84 along the fold line 99. Optionally, the adhesive flaps 94, 98 include projecting elements 91 defined by the cut line 93 that interrupt the adhesive flap fold line. In use, the projecting elements increase the surface area of the adhesive flap to be attached. A hook 97 may be provided along a lower edge of the central surface 86 to provide a releasable connection with the bottom structure.

Subject 80a is similar to subject 80, and therefore similar panels are designated by the same reference numerals with the addition of the letter "a". Therefore, only the difference between topic 80 and topic 80a is described in more detail. An end flap 95a may be provided which is foldably connected to the central surface 86a along the fold line 79a. In use, the end flap is attached to one of the flaps 93a which extends into the transverse partition panel 82a defined in part by the cut line 77a. In use, the flap 93a is adapted to be attached to the middle support panel 12, 24 described below.

It is envisaged that the number and position of the transverse partition panels of each blank may be changed according to the number of article receiving cells required.

The construction of a completed carrier according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 in a flat collapsed state from the blank requires a series of sequential

folding and gluing operations that can be performed in a straight-line gluing machine so that the carton does not have to be rotated or turned over to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the blanks are highlighted with engraving, although it is anticipated that other embodiments of the blank can be glued in other positions, if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below, and may be changed according to special manufacturing requirements.

The blanks 80 and 80a are thus attached to the blank 10. In this embodiment, the flaps 94, 98 are attached to the side panel 16 and the middle panel 86 is attached to the handle panel 38 with glue or other suitable means. Likewise, the adhesive flaps 94a and 98a are attached to the side panel 20 and the middle dividing panel 86a is attached to the handle panel 52 with glue or other suitable means. The carton is thus in a first stage of construction, shown in Figure 2a. Next, the handle support panel 68 is folded about the fold line 66 and into surface contacting relationship with the handle panel 52 so that the openings 70 and 58 are aligned. The end panel 18 is folded out of alignment with the adjacent side panels 16, 20 along the fold lines 30, 19, 32, respectively, so that the intermediate panels 50, 64 are in surface contacting relationship with each part 18a, 18b of the end panel, respectively. In some embodiments, the intermediate panels 50, 64 are attached to the end panel 18 with glue or other suitable means within the area.

The middle support panels 12, 24 are also folded into surface contacting relationship with respective end panels 14, 22 and handle panels 38, 58, and may be secured together with glue or other suitable means within the area. The outer panels 18b, 20, 22 which form one side of the partition are folded into surface contact with the outer panels 18a, 16, 14 which form the other side of the partition.

By folding the panels in this manner, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into a surface-to-surface relationship with each other and the handle panels 52,68 are secured together with the inner surface of the handle panel 38 by glue or other means known in the art. Preferably, the flap 93a is attached to the middle panel 86, and the middle support panels 12, 24 may be attached to parts of respective middle panels 86, 86a, respectively, with glue or other means known in the art. In those embodiments that have a flap 95a, it is attached to the end panel 18.

The carton is then in an intermediate stage, shown in Figure 2B: a completed collapsed article carrier in which the second end panel 22, the second side panel 20 and the outer handle panel 52 are placed in a surface-to-surface relationship with the first end wall 14, the first side panel 16 and the handle panel 38, respectively. The carton according to the first embodiment is commonly referred to as an "arrow profile" package, because the end panels are folded about a central fold line to define a front edge 37 and two rear edges defined by the fold lines 30 and 32.

To raise the object carrier, the front and rear edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwards towards each other. This causes the end plate panels 14, 22 and 18, and the side panels 16 and 20 to be moved from a flat, collapsed condition to a substantially rectangular configuration exhibiting individual cell construction. The transverse separating panels 82, 84 are thus automatically brought into position by being moved out of the device with the first side panel 16 and the handle panel 38; and are folded about fold lines 88 and 92, respectively, so that the transverse divider panels 82, 84 are in a substantially right-angled relationship with respect to the handle panel 38 and the side panel 16. As shown in Figure 3, three cells C1, C2, C3 thus shaped. Similarly, the transverse dividing panels 82a, 84a are moved out of alignment with the second side panel 20 and the handle panel 52, and are folded about the fold lines 88a, 92a, respectively, so that the transverse dividing panel 82a, 84a is in a right-angled relationship with respect to the receiving panel 52 and the sidewall panel 20, so that three additional cells are formed. In use, the transverse dividing panels can be separated, and support the articles in adjacent cells.

The carton is then ready to receive the articles which are loaded with relatively vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during forward feed movement and is well known in the art, whereby the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier.

Next, the bottom is formed whereby the bottom panels 72 and 74 are brought into an overlapping relationship and connected together with fasteners which are well known in the art. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 76 is glued to the bottom panel 74. The bottom panels can be held in place prior to loading and/or after loading by engagement of the bottom panels 72, 74 with the hooks 97, 97a shown in figures 1 and 3.

In use, the handle flaps 46, 60 are folded over the handle panels 38, 52 to further secure the hand structure H and the carton. The carton according to the first embodiment is in a set up state as shown in figure 3 in the drawings.

Turning now to the construction of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, there is shown an article carrier formed from a two-piece blank. The subject is capable of forming a "parallelogramprofH" package, described below. Subject 110, as shown in Figure 4A,

provides the outer panels of the carrier, and includes, in longitudinal series, a middle support panel 112, a first side panel 116, a first end panel 118, a second side panel 120, and a second end panel 122 which are foldably connected one to the next along the side fold lines 126,130,132,134 , respectively.

A first handle panel 138 is disposed adjacent the first end panel 118 and the first side panel 116, and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines 140,142 extending from the fold line 126 into the end panel 118. The handle panel 138 is hinged to an upper edge of the end panel 118 with a notched part. The connection point should be in a central part, if it is desired that the handle is centrally located. The handle panel 138 is foldably connected along its opposite edge to the middle support panel 112 by an intermediate panel 150. In this embodiment, the intermediate panel 150 is hinged to a side edge of the handle panel 138 along the fold line 151, and to the middle support panel along the fold line 30, as shown in Figure 4a. The handle panel 138 may include a handle opening 144. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 156 is connected to an upper edge of the handle opening 44 along the fold line 148.

Preferably, a second handle panel is provided, which is located adjacent a second side panel and a second end panel 122 and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines 154 and 156, respectively, extending from the fold lines 132 into the end panel 122. The handle panel 152 is hinged with an upper edge of the end panel 122 with a notched portion, and with the opposite end portion 118 with an intermediate panel 164. In this embodiment, the intermediate panel 164 is foldably connected to a side edge of the handle panel 152 along the fold line 165, and with the end panel 118 along the fold line 132 , shown in Figure 4A. The second handle panel 152 includes a handle opening 158. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 160 is connected to the upper edge of the handle opening 158 along

folding line 162.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle construction is provided which includes a pair of handle support panels 168,169. Each support panel 168, 169 is foldably connected to opposite side edges of the handle panel 138, and is foldable so that the opposite side edges of each support panel are brought into support when the support panel is brought into surface contacting relationship with the handle panel 138. More specifically, the handle support panel 168 is foldably connected with the handle panel 138 along the fold line 155, and includes a handle opening 170, located between the upper and lower edges of the handle support panel 168. The handle opening 170 is positioned to be aligned with the hand openings 154,158 in a lined carton. Similarly, the handle support panel 169 includes the handle opening 171.

A bottom structure is formed from the panels 172, 174 and fasteners which in this embodiment are essentially the same as in the first embodiment, and which are therefore not described in more detail.

The partition structure in the object carrier is formed from a second end 180. The object 180 includes a pair of transverse partition panels 182,184 cut from a central partition panel 186. The transverse partition panel 182 is partitioned from the central panel 186 by cut lines 185 and 187 and 190, and is foldably connected thereto along the interrupted fold line 188. It can be seen from Figure 4B that the interrupted fold line 188 is positioned between the opposite ends of the transverse partition panel 182 to define a two-part partition, 114 and 189. The fold line 188 can be moved to any position between ends to change the respective lengths of each part of the panel 182. The transverse dividing panel 182 may further include an adhesive flap 194 foldably connected thereto along the fold line 195. As for the first embodiment, it is envisaged that the number and position of the transverse panels may be changed according to the number of item receiving cells required.

Likewise, the transverse partition panel 196 is struck from the middle panel 186 by the cut lines 191 and 193 and 195, and is foldably connected thereto along the fold line 192. The interrupted fold line 192 is placed between the opposite ends of the transverse partition panel 184 to define a two-part partition panel 115,196. It can also include an adhesive flap 198 which is foldably connected to the transverse dividing panel 184 along the fold line 197.

It may further include center adhesive flaps 176 and 178 which are foldably connected to opposite side edges of the center panel 186 along fold lines 177 and 179, respectively.

The construction of the carton is essentially identical to that described in the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 13 below, and is therefore not described in more detail.

A common feature of both the first and second embodiments relates to the handle panel construction H. More specifically, the handle panels and, as the case may be, the handle support panels are in the same plane. The upper edges of the handle panels are collinear as shown in Figures 1A and 4A, to minimize the wasted cardboard because adjacent blanks may be struck from a continuous roll with their respective upper edges adjacent. Figure 4C shows adjacent blanks 110 for the second embodiment, and it will be seen that an efficient use of cardboard is achieved. Preferably, the bottom panels 172,174 of the blanks are designed to mate with the bottom panels of the next adjacent blank: again to minimize paper waste.

The construction of the third embodiment is described with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B and 8. Shown in these drawings is an article carrier formed from a three-part blank, the carrier being an "arrow profile" package, similar to the first embodiment described above, and therefore similar panels are designated by the same reference numerals prefixed by "2". Only the differences between the first and third embodiments are therefore described in more detail.

It can be seen from Figure 5A that the center support panels 212, 204 in this embodiment are wider to provide a large surface area for attachment to the corresponding center panels 286, 286a.

In this embodiment, hooks 297 and 297a are provided along the lower edge of the middle support panels 212 and 204 to be engaged in corresponding openings in the bottom structure, thereby maintaining the carton in an erected condition prior to loading and/or after loading.

In this embodiment, the handle H (Figure 8) is a quadrilateral structure provided by the outer handle panels 238, 252 and the handle support flaps 268 and 268a, shown in Figure 5A. Each handle flap 268 and 268a is foldably connected to an upper edge of the corresponding handle panel 238, 252 along fold lines 270 and 270a, respectively, to be foldable about their respective fold lines, so that the handle support flaps under construction can be placed in surface contacting relationship with their adjacent handle panels, shown in Figure 7B.

The blanks 280, 280a for forming the middle transverse partition structures, shown in Figure 5B, differ from the blanks 80, 80a of the first embodiment blanks in that they include middle support flaps 295 and 295a which are foldably connected to the middle panel 286 and 286a, respectively along fold lines 279 and 279a. It can also include a flap 293 turned from the middle panel 286 and the flap 293a turned from the middle panel 296a. Each flap 293, 293a is adapted to be attached to the second middle panel 286a, 286 by glue or other suitable means, which is shown in more detail in Figure 7b. The profile of the free edge of the flap 293, 293a is defined by the cut lines 289 and 299a, which in this embodiment include three projecting elements to increase the surface area for separate adjacent cells.

The shape of the upper edges of the blank, and more specifically the handle support panel 268, the handle panel 238 and the intermediate panel 250 and the end panel 218a are designed to receive the corresponding panels of the next adjacent blank 210. As shown in Figure 6, adjacent blanks are turned off a continuous roll of sheet material where adjacent items are designed as mirror images, so that they are united in order to achieve an efficient use of cardboard. In this embodiment, the waste material is shown with the hatched section marked with the letter W. Advantageously, the shape of the handle construction minimizes the amount of wasted cardboard, and advantageously provides an aesthetically pleasing shape for the handle.

Preferably, the shape of the bottom panels 274, 272 is substantially trapezoidal so that the lower edges of adjacent blanks are joined to thereby minimize the amount of cardboard required.

The construction of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in which the middle support panels 212,224 are folded into surface contacting relationships, the middle panel 206 is attached to the middle support panel 212, the handle panel 238 and the adhesive flaps 294,298 are attached to the side panel 216, but the middle panel is otherwise not connected to the blank 210, as shown in Figure 7a. Likewise, the middle panel 286a is attached to the middle support panel 224, the handle panel 252 and the adhesive flaps 294a and 298a are attached to the side panel 220. The carton is thus in a first stage of construction, shown in Figure 7A. Next, the blank is unfolded about the fold lines 230, 219 and 232 so that the second end panel 222, the second side panel 220 and the second handle panel 2S2 are placed in a surface-to-surface relationship with the first end wall 214, the first side panel 216 and the handle panel 238, respectively. , to provide a package in a flat, collapsed state in an "arrow profile" and where the leading edge is defined by the fold line 226, 236 and includes two rear edges defined by the fold lines 230 and 232, respectively. In the embodiments with middle support flaps 295 and 295a, they are attached to the end panel 218 as shown in Figure 7B.

To raise the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly toward each other, as described above in the first embodiment to construct the individual cells. The items enter their respective cells Cl, C2, C3 to complete the loading process, ready to be delivered to the user, and the handle structure H and the bottom structure are also similarly designed to provide a carton similar to that shown in Figure 8.

The fourth embodiment of the carton is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Shown in these drawings, an article carrier is formed from a three-piece blank, the carrier being an "arrow profile" package, similar to the third embodiment described above and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numerals prefixed with "3" to replace "2" . Therefore, only differences between the third and fourth embodiments are described in more detail. It appears from Figure 9A that the handle is a three-layer construction provided with outer handle panels 338, 352 formed from blank 310 and a handle support panel 368 formed from one of the middle panels 386a. It may further include a hand opening 370 turned from the handle support panel 368 to align with the hand openings 344 and 358. The construction of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the third embodiment, and is therefore not described in more detail. Of course, the advantages of the third embodiment apply to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the handle construction in this embodiment results in a shorter folding time because there are no handle support panels connected to the handle panels 338, 352 that need to be folded.

The fifth embodiment is shown with reference to Figures 10A, 10B, 11, 12A, 12B and 13. By first discussing the features of the fifth embodiment of the object carrier with reference to Figures 10A and 10B, a two-part blank is shown. The blanks are capable of forming a "parallelogram profile" package similar to the second embodiment described above, and like panels are therefore designated by the same reference numerals, but with the prefix "4" instead of "1". Therefore, only the differences between the second and fifth embodiments are described in more detail. It will be seen from Figure 10A that the handle H is a three-layer construction provided with outer handle panels 438 and 452 formed from the blank 410. The handle support panel 468 is formed from the middle panel 486, and may further include a hand opening 470 which is positioned to be aligned with the hand openings 444 and 458 in a stacked carton. Advantageously, the handle construction in this embodiment allows the handle to be formed more quickly because there are no handle support panels associated with the handle panel that need to be folded.

The shape of the upper edges of the blank 410, and more specifically the handle panels 438,452, the intermediate panels 450,464 and the end panels 418 and 422 are designed to receive corresponding panels from the next adjacent blank 410. As shown in Figure 11, adjacent blanks are turned from a continuous roll of sheet material where adjacent items are designed as mirror images, so that they are united, in order to achieve efficient use of the cardboard. Advantageously, the shape of the handle construction minimizes the amount of wasted cardboard and advantageously provides an aesthetically pleasing shape to the handle. Preferably, the shape of the bottom panels 472,474 is substantially trapezoidal so that the lower edges of the blank are joined to thereby minimize the amount of cardboard required.

The construction of the completed carrier according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 12a, 12b and 13, from a blank to a flat, collapsed state and to a mounted carton, is achieved through a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be carried out in a rectilinear gluing machine, so that the carton does not have to be rotated or turned upside down to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the items are highlighted with shading, although it is anticipated that other items can be glued in other positions if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below, and may be changed according to special manufacturing requirements.

The blank 480 is thus attached to the blank 410. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 494 is attached to the side panel 416 and the middle panel 486 is attached to the handle panel 438 so that the handle support panel 468 is aligned with the handle panel 438. The middle support flap 478 is attached to the end panel 418 with glue or other suitable means known in the field. The carton is thus in a first construction stage shown in fig. 12A. Next, the adhesive flap 412 is folded about the fold line 426 to the surface contact with the side panel 416 and the outer panels 420 and 422 are folded about the fold line 432 to the surface contact with the middle panel 406. The end panel 422 is attached to the adhesive flap 412, and the transverse adhesive flap 498 is attached to the side wall 420. The handle panel 452 is attached to the opposite surface of the handle support panel 468, and the middle support panel 476 is attached to the end panel 422.

By folding and attaching the panels in this manner, the two sides of the curve carrier are brought into surface-to-surface relationship, so that the object carrier is in a completed and collapsed state as shown in fig. 12B, to be delivered to the end user of the carton, for example a bottler. The carton according to the fifth embodiment is commonly referred to as a "parallelogram profile" package because the leading edge is defined by fold line 432 and the trailing edge is defined by the diametrically opposite edge provided by fold line 426.

To raise the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly toward each other, causing end panels 422 and 418 and side panels 416 and 420 to be moved from a flat, collapsed state to a rectangular configuration that facilitates automatic construction of the individual cells. The transverse dividing panels 482 and 484 are thus folded around the fold lines 488 and 492 so that the transverse dividing panels are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the handle panel 468 and the side panels 416 and 420. It appears from Figure 13 that each part 414,490; 415,496 extend from either side of the middle panel to form two rows of three cells, C1, C2, C3. The effect is that the fold lines 488,492 act as wing points for the dividing panels. In use, the transverse dividing panels can separate and support the objects in adjacent cells.

The carton is then ready to receive articles which are loaded by a relative vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during the forward feed movement well known in the art whereby the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. The bottom is then formed in essentially the same way as described above, whereby the bottom panels 472,474 are connected with fasteners. Correspondingly, the handle flaps 446,460 are folded around the handle 468,452 to further secure the hand structure H and the carton. The carton according to the fifth embodiment is thus in a set-up state as shown in fig. 13.

The sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B and 16. As shown in these drawings, an article carrier is formed from a three-part blank: the carrier is a parallelogram profile package similar to the fifth embodiment described above, and equal panels are therefore designated by the same reference designations with prefix "5" instead of "4". Only differences between the sixth and fifth embodiments are therefore described in more detail.

With respect to the blank 510 for forming the outer panels, it can be seen from FIG. 14A that the handle is a four-layer construction provided with outer handle panels 538, 552 and handle support flaps 568 and 568A. Each handle flap 568, 568A is foldably connected to an upper edge of the corresponding handle panel 538, 552 along fold lines 570, 570A respectively to be foldable about their adjacent fold lines so that, during construction, the handle flaps can be placed in surface contact with the adjacent handle panel, shown in fig. 15B.

A two-piece blank 580, 580A is provided to form the center and transverse partition structures shown in FIG. 14B, and is essentially similar to the third embodiment shown in fig. 5B. It will be seen that the position of the flaps 593, 593A differs from the third embodiment, although each flap is adapted to be attached to the second center panel 586, 582 with glue or other suitable means known in the art and to separate adjacent cells. In this embodiment, the projecting members E of each flap overlap to be fixed together, shown in fig. 15B.

The construction of the sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment described above, whereby the transverse dividing panels are attached to the respective side panels, the middle panel is attached to the handle panel and the middle support flaps are attached to the respective end panels shown in fig. 15A. Then, one side of the basket carrier is folded about fold line 532 into surface contact with the central structure and is fastened together as described above to form a flat, sunken carrier, shown in FIG. 15B.

To raise the carrier according to the sixth embodiment, the front and rear edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly toward each other as described above in the fifth embodiment to construct individual cells, and the articles enter their respective cells C1, C2, C3 to complete the loading process so that it is ready for delivery to the user. The handle structure H and the bottom structure are also formed in a similar manner to provide a fully upright carton similar to that shown in Fig. 16. The advantages of the shape of the upper edges of the blank and the bottom according to the present embodiment have already been described with respect to the fifth embodiment above, and therefore will not be described in more detail.

The seventh embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B and 19. As shown in these drawings, an article carrier is formed from a three-part blank: the carrier is a parallelogram profile package similar to the sixth embodiment described above, and like panels are therefore designated by the same reference numerals prefixed "6 " instead of "5". Only differences between the seventh and sixth embodiments are therefore described in more detail.

It appears from fig. 17A that the handle is a four layer construction provided with outer handle panels 628,652 and handle support flaps 668 and 668a. Each handle flap 668, 668a is foldably connected to an upper edge of a corresponding handle panel 638, 652 along fold lines 670, 670a, respectively, so as to be folded over its adjacent fold lines so that, during construction, the handle flaps can be placed in surface contact with respect to its adjacent handle panels, shown in fig. 18B.

In this embodiment, the outer blank further includes a pair of transverse partition panels 631, 633 which foldably connect the handle panel 638 and the side panel 616. It further includes a pair of transverse partition panels 651, 653 which foldably connect the handle panel 652 and the side panel 620. Adhesive flaps 650 and 664 are provided for to be attached to the adjacent end panel 622, 628 respectively.

A two-piece blank 680, 680a is provided to form the center and transverse partition structures shown in FIG. 17B, and is substantially similar to the third embodiment shown in fig. 5B. Therefore, only the differences are described. The transverse partition panels 682, 684; 682a, 684a are constructed differently, and in fact it is not necessary for adhesive flaps to be included because these panels can be attached to panels 631, 633; 651,653 respectively. It will be seen from the construction that the flaps 693, 693a differ from the third embodiment although each flap is adapted to be attached to the second center panel 686, 686a by glue or other suitable means known in the field with the projecting elements shown in Fig. . 18B.

The construction of the seventh embodiment is similar to some of the previous embodiments described above, where the transverse dividing panels are attached to respective side panels, the middle panel is attached to the handle panel and the middle support flaps are attached to the respective end panels shown in fig. 18 A. Furthermore, the transverse dividing panels 684, 682; 684a, 682a attached to the adjacent transverse partition panels 633, 631; 651, 653 of the outer blank 610. Then, one side of the basket carrier is folded about the fold line 632 into surface contact with the central structure and is fastened together as described above to form a flat, sunken carrier shown in FIG. 18B.

To raise the carrier, the front and rear edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inward toward each other as described above in the fifth embodiment to automatically construct individual cells, and items enter their respective cells Cl, C2, C2 to complete the loading process, so that it will be ready for delivery to the user. The handle structure H and the bottom structure are also formed in a similar manner to provide a fully upright carton similar to that shown in Fig. 19. The advantages of the shape of the upper edges of the blank and the bottom according to the present embodiment have already been described with reference to the above embodiment, and are therefore not described in more detail. A further advantage of the present invention is that the blanks forming the partition structure can be reduced in width, because it is not necessary for the transverse partition panels 682,684 to span the width W of the cell since the outer transverse panels provide the rigidity.

Referring now to Figures 20A and 20B, an eighth embodiment of the invention is shown. An object carrier is formed from one or more blanks 710 of cardboard or other suitable foldable flat material. The carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of items, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles in each. It is anticipated that the carrier can be adjusted to accommodate a different number of objects according to user requirements.

In this embodiment, the carrier is formed from a two-piece blank, and the blank 710 forming the outer panels includes in longitudinal series a first center support panel 712, a first end panel 714, a first side panel 716, a second end panel 718, a second side panel 720, a third end panel 722 and a second middle panel 724 hinged one to the next along the lateral fold lines 726, 728, 730, 732, 734 and 736, respectively. A side crease line 719 may also be included between crease lines 730 and 732 to divide the second end panel 718 into two parts (718a, 718b) to form an "arrow profile" basket carrier, which will be described below.

A first handle panel 738 is disposed adjacent the second end panel 718 and the first side panel 716, and is separated from these side and end panels by the cut line 742. The cut line 742 extends between the fold lines 728 and 719. The handle panel 738 is hinged to the second end panel 718 along an extension of the fold line 719 forming part of a side edge of the first handle panel 738. The handle panel 738 is connected to the first end panel 714 by means of an intermediate panel 750 which is hinged to the side edge of the handle panel 738 along the fold line 751, and to the first end panel 714 along the fold line 728.

The handle panel 738 may include a hand opening 744. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 746 is connected along the fold line 748 to an upper edge of the hand opening 744.

A second handle panel 752 is positioned adjacent the second side panel 720 and the second end panel 718, and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines 754, 765. Cut lines 754, 756 extend between fold lines 719 and 734. Handle panel 752 is hinged to the handle panel 738 along the fold line 719. The handle panel 752 is connected to the third end panel 722 by means of an intermediate panel 764 which is hinged to the side edge of the handle panel 752 along the fold line 766, and to the end panel 722 along the fold line 734.

The handle panel 752 may include a hand opening 758. In this embodiment, a hand damping flap 760 along the fold line 762 is connected to an upper edge of the hand opening 760.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle construction is provided. The handle support panel 768 is positioned adjacent a portion of the intermediate panel 750 and the middle support panel 712. The handle support panel 768 is hinged to a side edge of the first handle panel 738 along the fold line 751, but is otherwise separate from the blank. In alternative embodiments, the handle support panel may alternatively be connected to the second handle panel 752. A hand recess 770 is provided, and is preferably positioned to align with the hand openings 744 and 758 in a lined carton.

Hooks 797, 797a may be provided along the lower edges of the first and second center panels 712 and 724 to provide a removable connection with the bottom structure.

It can also include a bottom structure which, in this embodiment, is provided by the bottom panels 772, 774 which are foldablely connected to the side panels 716, 720, respectively. Suitable fasteners are provided to fasten the bottom panels together. For example, an adhesive tab 776 is connected to the bottom panel 772. Alternatively, latch tabs are punched from the bottom panel and a complementary pair of latch openings are punched from the other bottom panel to receive and retain the latch tabs, as is well known. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods for interlocking the bottom panels during construction can be used, and the invention is not limited to the features shown in the embodiments or described above.

As shown in Figures 20B, both sides of the partition structure of the object carrier are preferably formed from a second blank 780. The blank 780 includes a pair of transverse partition panels 782, 784 punched from a center partition panel 786. The transverse partition panel 782 is punched from the center panel 786 with the cut line 787, and is connected thereto along the fold line 788. Likewise, the transverse dividing panel 784 is broken from the middle panel 786 by the cut lines 789, 790, and is connected thereto along the fold line 792. In this embodiment, the fold line 792 is interrupted by the cut line 787 which extends into the transverse partition panel 784 to define an adhesive flap 794 which is foldably connected to the transverse partition panel 782 along the fold line 796. A second adhesive flap 798 may be connected to the transverse partition panel 784 along the fold line 799. The fold lines 799 and 796 are preferably interrupted by the cut lines 799 and 796, respectively. A flap 795 is preferably cut from the middle dividing panel 786 is defined by the cut lines 783 and the fold lines 791. A further flap 793 is preferably cut from the transverse panel 782 and is defined by the cut line 793 and the fold line 788.

A second middle partition panel 786a is substantially a mirror image of the first 786 longitudinally

the fold line 791, and equal panels are therefore designated by the same reference designations with the additional letter "a". Only differences between subject 780 and subject 780a are therefore described in more detail.

A projecting portion 785 of panel 786a is provided to mate with the handle support panel 768 and thereby ensure that the handle is three-ply throughout. A corresponding cutout is included on the opposite edge of the blank to minimize cardboard play in case multiple blanks are tessellated.

It is anticipated that the number and position of the cross-sectional partition panels of each blank may be changed according to the number and size of article receiving cells required.

The construction of a completed carrier according to the eighth embodiment shown in Figures 21A and 21B in a flat, collapsed state from the blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a rectilinear gluing machine so that the carton does not have to be rotated or turned up. down to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the subject are highlighted with shading, although it is anticipated that the subjects can be glued in other positions, if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below, and may be changed according to specific manufacturing requirements. The subject 780 is thus attached to the subject 710.

In this embodiment, the flaps 794, 798 are attached to the side panel 716 and the center panel 786 is attached to the handle panel 738 with glue or other suitable means. Likewise, adhesive flaps 794a and 798a are attached to side panel 720, and middle divider panel 786a is attached to handle panel 752 with adhesive or other suitable means. The carton is thus in a first construction stage, shown in fig. 21 A.

Next, the handle support panel 768 is folded about the fold line 751 and into surface contacting relationship with the handle panel 738 so that the recess 770 and the opening 758 are aligned. The first and third end panels 714 and 722 are folded inward along the fold lines 728 and 734, respectively, so that the middle support panels 712 and 724 can be attached to the middle panels 786 and 768a, respectively, using glue or other suitable means known in the art the area. The second end panel 718 is folded in half along the fold line 719 so that the intermediate panels 750, 764 are in surface contact with the first end panel 714. In some embodiments, the intermediate panels 750, 764 are attached to the first end panel 714 with glue or other suitable means within the area.

The handle panels 738,752 can be attached together with glue or other suitable means within the area. The outer panels 718b, 720, 722 forming one side of the partition remain

folded into surface contact with the outer panels 718a, 716, 714 forming the other side of the partition.

By folding the panels in this manner, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into a surface-to-surface relationship with each other, and the handle panels 752, 768 are secured together with the inner surface of the handle panel 738 by glue or other means known in the art . Preferably, flap 793a is attached to flap 793.

The carton is then in an intermediate stage, shown in fig. 2IB: a completed collapsed object carrier wherein the third end panel 722, the second side panel 720, and the outer handle panel 752 are positioned in a surface-to-surface relationship with the first end panel 714, the first side panel 716, and the handle panel 738, respectively. The carton according to the first embodiment is commonly referred to as an "arrow profile" package, because the end panels are folded about a central fold line to define two rear edges 736, 726 and a front edge defined by the fold lines 719.

To raise the object carrier, the front and rear edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwards towards each other. This causes the end panels 714, 722 and 718, and the side panels 716 and 720 to be moved from a flat, collapsed state to a rectangular configuration which facilitates the construction of individual cells. As shown in fig. 22, three cells Cl, C2, C3 are thus formed. Similarly, the transverse partition panels 782a, 784a are moved out of alignment with the second side panel 720 and the handle panel 752, and are folded about the fold lines 788a, 792a, respectively, so that the transverse partition panels 794a, 798a are in a perpendicular relationship with respect to the handle panel 752 and the side wall panel 720. The transverse partition panels 794, 798 are thus moved out of alignment with the first side panel 716 and the handle panel 738, and are folded about the fold lines 788 and 792, respectively, so that the transverse partition panels 782, 784 are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the handle panel 738 and the side panel 716, so that three additional cells are formed. In use, the transverse dividing panels can separate and support the objects in adjacent cells.

The carton is then ready to receive articles which are preferably loaded with relative vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during forward feeding movement which, as is well known in the art, whereby the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier.

Next, the bottom is formed where the bottom panels 722 and 724 are brought into an overlapping relationship and joined together with fasteners well known in the art. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 776 is glued to the bottom panel 774. The bottom panels may be held in place prior to loading and/or after loading by contact between the bottom panels 772, 774 and the hooks 797, 797a, shown in Figures 20A and 21A.

In use, the handle flaps 746, 760 are folded over the handle panels 738, 752 to further secure the hand structure H and the carton. The carton according to the first embodiment is thus in a set up state as shown in fig. 22.

Turning now to the construction of the ninth embodiment shown in Figures 23A and 23B, there is shown an article carrier formed from a two-piece blank. The blanks are capable of forming a "parallelogram profile" package, described below. The blank 810, shown in FIG. 23A, provides the outer panels of the carrier, and includes in longitudinal series an adhesive flap 812, a first side panel 816, a first end panel 818, a second side panel 820 and a second end panel 822 foldably connected, one to the next along the side fold lines

826, 830, 832, 834, respectively.

A first handle panel 838 is disposed adjacent the first end panel 818 and the first side panel 816, and is separated from the side and end panels by the cut line 842 extending from the fold line 826 into the end panel 818. The handle panel 838 is hinged to the upper edge of the end panel 818. The connection point should be in a central part, if it is desired that the handle is centrally located. The handle panel 838 is foldably connected along its opposite edge to the adhesive flap 812 by an intermediate panel 850. In this embodiment, the intermediate panel 850 is hinged to a side edge of the handle panel 838 along the fold line 851, and to the adhesive flap along the fold line 826, as shown in FIG. 23A. The handle panel 838 may include a pair of hand/finger openings 844, 844a. In this embodiment, a pair of hand damping flaps 846, 846a along fold lines 848, 848a are connected to upper edges of respective hand openings 844, 844a.

A second handle panel 852 is disposed adjacent a second side panel 820 and a second end panel 822, and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines 854 and 856, respectively, extending from fold lines 832 into the end panel 822. The handle panel 852 is hinged to an upper edge, the end panel 822 and to the opposite end panel 818 with an intermediate panel 864. In this embodiment, the intermediate panel 864 is foldably connected to a side edge of the handle panel 852 along the fold line 865, and to the end panel 818 along the fold line 832. The second handle panel 852 preferably includes a pair of hand/finger openings 858, 858a. In this embodiment, the hand damping flaps 860, 860a are connected along the fold lines 862 and 862a to an upper edge of respective hand openings 858, 858a.

In this embodiment, a three-layer hand structure is provided that includes a handle support panel 868, hinged to a side edge of the handle panel 852 along the fold line 855. The support panel 868 further includes a hand opening 870, located between the upper and lower edges of the handle support panel 868. The hand opening 870 is positioned to be arranged with the hand opening 854, 858 in a stacked carton. In alternative classes of the embodiment, two apertures may be provided in the handle support panel 868 which are arranged to engage (register) with the apertures of the handle panels in a stacked carton.

A bottom structure is formed from the panels 872, 874, which in this embodiment are essentially the same as the eighth embodiment, and are therefore not described in more detail.

The partition structure of the object carrier is formed by a second blank 880. The blank 880 includes a pair of transverse partition panels 882, 884 which are punched from a central partition panel 886. The transverse partition panel 882 is punched from the central panel 886 with cut lines 885 and 881, and is foldable connected thereto along the fold line 888. The transverse partition panel 882 is further hinged at the adhesive flap 884 along the fold line 896. As in the first embodiment, it is envisaged that the number and position of the transverse panels may be changed according to the number of article receiving cells required.

Likewise, the transverse dividing panel 884 is folded from the middle panel 886 with extensions of the cut line 885 and 881, and is foldably connected thereto along the folding line 892. The transverse dividing panel 884 is further hinged to the glue flap 894 along the folding line 899. The middle dividing panel is further hinged in opposite edges of this to glue flaps 883, 887 and 889.

A second middle panel 886a is hinged to the panel 886 along the fold line 891. The second middle panel 886a is similar to the panel 786, and like reference numerals are therefore denoted by the same reference numeral with the additional letter "a". The only difference between the panels is that in this embodiment the adhesive panel 894a does not extend into panel 886, unlike panel 894 which does extend into panel 886a.

The construction of the completed carrier according to the ninth embodiment shown in Figures 23C, 24A and 24B, in a flat, collapsed state from the blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line of gluing operations, so that the carton does not must be rotated or turned upside down to complete its construction. The gluing position of the items is highlighted with shading, although it is anticipated that other items can be glued in other positions if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below, and may be changed according to specific manufacturing requirements.

By referring to fig. 23C, the blank 880 is thus folded about the fold line 891 in a direction indicated by the arrow x, so that the panel 886a lies substantially above the panel 886. The folded blank 880 is attached to the blank 810. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 894a is attached to the side panel 816 , the middle panel 886a is attached to the handle panel 838, and the adhesive flap 883A is attached to the first end panel 818. The carton is thus in a first stage of construction, shown in fig. 24A. Next, the handle support panel 868 is folded to overlie the handle panel 852, and the adhesive flap 812 is folded around the fold line 826 to surface contact with the side panel

816, and the outer panels 820 and 822 are folded about the fold line 832 to surface contact with the middle panel 886. The end panel 822 is attached to the adhesive flap 812, and the transverse adhesive flap 894 is attached to the side wall 820. The handle panel 852 is preferably shown attached to the opposite surface of the handle support panel 868 and the adhesive flaps 887 and 889 are attached to the end panel 822.

By folding and fixing the panels in this way, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into a surface-to-surface relationship so that the object carrier is in a completed and collapsed state, shown in fig. 24B. The carton according to the ninth embodiment is commonly referred to as a "parallelogram profile" package, because the leading edge is defined by the fold line 432 and the rear edge is defined by the diametrically opposite edge provided by the fold line 426.

To raise the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly toward each other, causing end panels 822 and 818, and side panels 816 and 820 to be moved from a flat, collapsed condition to a rectangular configuration that facilitates construction of the individual cells. The transverse divider panels 882, 884, 882a, 884a are thus moved out of alignment with the first and second side panels 20, 816, respectively, and are folded about the fold lines 888, 892, 888a and 892a, so that the transverse divider panels are substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the handle panel 868 and the side panels 816 and 820. It appears from fig. 25 that each part 882, 884; 882a, 884a extend from either side of the middle panel to form two rows of three cells C1, C2, C3. In use, the transverse dividing panels may be separate and support the articles in adjacent cells.

The carton is then ready to receive articles which are preferably loaded with relative vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during forward feed movement well known in the art, whereby the article enters its respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. The bottom is then formed in essentially the same way as described above, whereby the bottom panels 472,474 are connected together with fasteners. Correspondingly, the handle flaps 446,460 are folded around the handle 468,452 to further secure the hand structure H and the carton. The carton according to the ninth embodiment is thus in a set up state as shown in fig. 25.

A common feature shared by both the eighth and ninth embodiments relates to the handle panel construction H. More specifically, the handle panels and, as the case may be, the handle support panels are coplanar. The upper edges of the handle panels are collinear, as shown in fig. 20A and 23A, to minimize the cardboard played because adjacent blanks may be struck from a continuous roll with their respective upper edges adjacent.

A further common feature is the use of a single center blank which is folded along one edge to form the center panel and cross panel along both sides of the handle panel. In certain cases, this can facilitate the mechanization of the recovery process.

It will be understood that, as used here, directional designations such as "top", "bottom", "end", and "side" will not limit the respective panels to such an orientation, but will exclusively serve to distinguish these panels from each other. Any reference to a hinge joint should not be construed as necessarily referring only to a single fold line: indeed it is envisaged that the hinge joint may be formed by one or more of any of the following; a package line, a fragile (frangible) line or a folding line without deviating from the scope of the invention.

The present invention and its preferred embodiments relate to an object carrier designed to provide sufficient strength to hold the bottle securely, but with a degree of flexibility so that the load transmitted to the handle is absorbed by the carrier. The shape of the blank minimizes the amount of cardboard required. The carrier can be used for a variety of bottles by hand or with automatic machines. It is anticipated that the specific features of each of the embodiments described above can be interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (36)

1. Object carrier of the basket type with opposite sides (16, 20; 116,120; 216,220; 316, 320; 416,420; 516, 520; 616,620; 716,720; 816, 820) and end panels (14,18; 22; 118, 122; 214,218a, 218b, 222; 214, 318a,318b, 322; 418, 422; 5187,522; 618, 622; 714, 718, 322; 818, 822), a bottom panel (72, 74; 172,174; 272,274, 372, 374; 472,474; 572, 574; 672,674; 772, 774; 872, 874) hinged to one or more of the side or end panels and a handle structure (38 . . ; 586; 686; 786; 886) adapted to be connected to the handle structure and with at least one end panel and at least one transverse dividing panel (82, 84; 182, 184; 284; 382, 384; 482, 484; 482, 584; 682 , 694; 782, 784; 882, 884) struck from the center panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of object receiving cells (C1, C2, C3) on one side of the handle structure. 2. Object carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a second central panel (786; 886a) which is hinged to the first central panel, which second central panel is connected to the handle structure and with at least one end panel and at least one transverse dividing panel (782a , 784; 882a, 884a) struck from the center panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of object receiving cells on one side of the handle structure. 3. Object carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the middle panels are hinged along a fold line (791) arranged mainly parallel to the fold lines (788, 792, 792a) which hingely connect the transverse separating panels (782, 784, 782a, 784a) to the middle panel . 4. Object carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that a flap (795) is turned from one (786) of the middle panels, and is hinged together with the other middle panel along the middle panel fold line (791). 5. Object carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that the middle panels are hinged together along a fold line (891) arranged mainly perpendicular to the fold lines (888, 892, 888a, 892a) which hinge the transverse separating panels (882, 884, 882a, 884a) to the middle panel. 6. Object carrier according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each middle panel further includes a fastening panel (595, 595a, 695, 695a; 883, 883a), the fastening panels being constructed and arranged to be fastened together. 7. Object carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one cross-directed dividing panel (182,184; 482,484) is pivotally connected to a middle panel of a pair (188,192; 488,492) separated fold lines between the opposite ends of the at least one cross-directed dividing panel which thus creates a panel extending outward from both sides of the center panel. 8. An article carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two transverse partition panels (882, 884) are split from the first central panel, and are hinged together at their ends remote from the first central panel after erecting a sidewall attachment panel ( 894). 9. An article carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle support panel (368,468) extending from an upper portion of the first central panel, said handle support panel including a hand opening (370,470) to be aligned with the handle construction of the item carrier. 10. Item carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle structure includes first and second handle panels (52, 38; 138,452; 738, 752; 852, 838) and a handle support panel foldably connected to the first handle panel ( 52; 138; 738; 852) to form a three-layer handle (68; 168; 768; 868) (H). 11. Object carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that it further includes a second handle support panel (171) which is foldablely connected to the second handle panel (138). 12. Object carrier according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first (52; 138; 738; 852) and second (38; 152; 752; 838) handle panels are in the same plane, and that the upper edges of the handle panels are collinear. 13. Object carrier according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the upper edges of the at least one handle support panel (68; 168; 768; 868) are collinear with the handle panels (52, 38; 138,152; 738,752; 852, 838). 14. Object carrier according to claim 9, characterized in that the handle support panel (368,468) is mainly trapezoidal. 15. Object carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the middle panels (86, 86a) is provided with a hook (97, 97a), where the hook is arranged to contact the bottom panel (72, 74 ). 16. Subject matter for forming a basket-type item carrier, comprising a first end panel (214, 314) according to any one of claims 1-15, a first side panel (216; 316), a second end panel (218a, 218b; 318a, 318b), a second side panel (220, 320) and a third end panel (222, 322) which are hinged, one to the next in series, a bottom plate (272, 274; 372, 374) hinged to one of the side or end panels and a handle structure including a hand opening (244, 358; 344, 358), which handle structure includes first (238, 338) and second (252; 352) handle panels which are hinged with the second end panel (218a, 218b; 318a, 318b), the first handle panel (238; 338) is in hinged contacting relationship to form a two-layer handle (H) when the wearer is in an erect state, characterized in that the first and second the handle panels are adjacent to and separate from the respective first and second side panels. 17. Item according to claim 16, characterized in that it further includes a handle support panel (268) which is foldably connected to the first handle panel (238) to form a three-layer handle (H) in an erected state. 18. Item according to claim 16, characterized in that it further includes a second handle support panel (268a) which is foldablely connected to the second handle panel (252). 19. Subject according to claim Heller 18, characterized in that the first (238; 338) and second (252; 352) handle panels are in the same plane and that the upper edges of the handle panels are collinear. 20. Item according to claim 16, characterized in that the upper edges of one or each handle support panel (268, 268a) are collinear with the handle panels (238, 252). 21. Blank according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the handle panels are designed to marry (marry) first and second handle panels on a next, adjacent blank. 22. Item according to claim 21, characterized in that the handle panels (238,338) have a mainly trapezoidal shape. 23. A blank according to any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising a panel (212,224; 312,324) arranged to support at least one central panel (286,280a; 386, 386a) when the blank is erected to form a carrier. 24. Subject matter according to claim 23, characterized in that a further central support panel (224; 324) is hinged to the opposite end of the series of panels, the support panels being arranged to be attached to one or more surfaces of the central panel(s). panels (286,280a; 386,386a). 25. Item according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that at least one of the support panels (212,224; 312,324) is provided with a hook part (297, 297a; 397,397a), where the hook is arranged to contact the bottom panel (272,274; 372, 374) when the blank is erected to form a carrier. 26. Article (80,80a; 180,280,280a; 380,380a; 480; 580,580a; 680,680a; 780, 880) for forming an internal partition structure usable in a basket type article carrier, according to any one of claims 1-15, including opposite end and side wall panels and a handle structure, characterized in that the separation structure blank includes a first center panel (18; 186; 286; 386; 486; 586; 686; 786; 886) adapted to be connected to the handle structure and with at least one end panel of the basket type carrier and at least one transverse dividing panel (82, 84; 182,184; 284; 383,384; 482,848; 482, 584; 682; 382,384; 882, 884) struck from the center the panel and hinged connection thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells (C1, C2, C3) on one side of the handle structure (H) when the carrier is formed from the blank. 27. Item according to claim 26, characterized in that it includes a second central panel (786a; 886a) which is hinged to the first central panel (786; 886), which second central panel is adapted to be connected to the handle structure (H) and with at least one end panel (718; 818) of the basket type carrier and at least one transverse partition panel (782a, 784a; 882, 884a) split from the center panel and hinged thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on the other side of the handle structure (H) when the carrier is formed from the blank. 28. Item according to claim 27, characterized in that the middle panels (786, 786a) are hinged together along a fold line (791) arranged substantially parallel to the fold lines (788, 792, 792a) which hingely connect the cross partition panels to the middle panel (786, 786a). 29. Blank according to claim 38, characterized in that the flap (795) is turned from one of the middle panels (786), and is hinged to the middle panel (786a) along the middle panel fold line (791). 30. Item according to claim 27, characterized in that the middle panels (886, 886a) are hinged together along a fold line (891) arranged substantially perpendicular to fold lines (888, 892, 888a, 892a) which hingely connect the transverse separating panels to the middle the panel (886, 886a). 31. Item according to claim 30, characterized in that each middle panel (886, 886a) further includes a fastening panel (883, 883a), the fastening panels being constructed and arranged to be fastened together in an erected object carrier. 32. Subject matter for forming an internal partition structure according to claim 26, characterized in that the transverse partition panel (482,484) is pivotally connected to a central panel (486) by a pair of separate fold lines (488,492) between the opposite ends of the transverse partition panel to thereby creating a panel that extends outwardly from both sides of the center panel (486) when the internal partition structure is formed in an arrayed carrier. 33. A blank according to claims 26 to 32, characterized in that two transverse partition panels (883, 884) are struck from the blank, and are hinged together at their ends remote from the central panel after being erected by a side wall attachment panel (894). 34. Subject matter according to claims 26 to 33, characterized in that it further includes a handle support panel (368; 468) extending from an upper part of the first middle panel (386a, 486), which handle panel includes a hand opening (370, 470) for aligned with the handle structure (H) of the object carrier. 35. Basket-type object carrier, characterized by being adapted to accommodate a plurality of objects formed from one or more cardboard blanks (210; 310) according to any one of claims 16 to 25, and an internal partition structure formed from a blank (280, 280a ; 380, 380a) according to any one of claims 26 to 34. 36. Method of forming a basket-type object carrier from a first blank (10; 210; 310; 710) including a first end panel (14; 214; 214; 714), a first side panel (16; 216; 316; 716), a second end panel (18; 218a, 218b; 318a; 318b; 718), a second side panel ( 322; 722) and third end panel (22; 222; 322; 722) which are hinged, one to the next in series and a handle structure (38, 52, 68; 238,268, 252,268a; 338, 352,738, 752, 768) which is hinged to one or more of the end panels and a second blank (80, 80a; 280, 280a; 380, 380a, 780) to form an internal partition structure according to any one of the claims 26 to 34, which method is characterized by including the steps of: i) placing the second blank on the first blank in an aligned position; ii) attach the transverse partition panels (82, 84, 82a, 84a; 282,284,282a, 284a; 382, 384, 382a, 384a; 782, 784, 782a, 784a) to the first side wall panel (16; 216; 216; 716); iii) attaching the center panel (86, 86a; 286,286a; 386, 386a; 786, 786a) to the handle panel of the first blank; iv) folding the second side panel (20; 220; 320; 720) and the second end panel (18; 218a, 218b; 318a, 318b; 718) to surface contact with relationships with the internal separation structure; and v) attaching the first (14; 214; 314; 714) and third (22; 222; 322; 722) end panels together to form a completed collapsed article carrier.