NZ582967A

NZ582967A - Carton, typically for securing within crate with post, having overlapping panels with tabs pairs that inter-engage at ends with shoulder parts of adjacent tabs

Info

Publication number: NZ582967A
Application number: NZ582967A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Peter Hettinger
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-01-28
Publication date: 2011-08-26
Also published as: CN101891029B; GB0901523D0; DE102010006138B4; AT507810A2; AT507810A3; DE102010006138A1; AT507810B1; TW201033088A; CN101891029A

Abstract

A carton for packaging one or more article has overlapping panels such that tab pairs of one panel struck from apertures in the panel inter-engage at their ends with shoulder portions of tabs struck from apertures of the other panel so as to secure the carton together.

Description

NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Date: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFfCE OF N.Z 2 8 JAN 2010 RECEIVED COMPLETE SPECIFICATION CARTON AND CARTON BLANK We, MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC, a corporation organised under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of 501 South 5th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-0501, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: CARTON AND CARTON BLANK FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a carton for packaging one or more articles and a carton 5 blank for forming the carton. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carton having a punch lock which can accommodate a post formed within a crate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers, such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information.

It is known to package articles in a carton which carton is then placed within a crate 15 containing one or more cartons. Such crates may comprise a post extending upwardly from an internal face of a base wall. It is therefore desirable that the carton or carton placed within the crate be capable of accommodating the post, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

It is also desirable to provide a carton for packaging one or more articles, especially those of the wraparound type, with a locking device for securing a pair or overlapping panels together, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 25 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of main panels forming the carton including outer and inner overlapping panels, the outer overlapping panel comprising a first part of a complementary locking mechanism and the inner overlapping panel comprising a second part of the complementary locking 30 mechanism, each of the first and second parts of the complementary locking mechanism comprising an aperture defined at least in part by a pair of tabs struck from a respective one of the overlapping panels, the tabs of the first part having a pair of first and second shoulder portions and being inserted through the aperture of the second part internally of the carton such that the first shoulder portions engage with the inner overlapping panel whereby securing the outer and inner overlapping panels together and wherein a first tab of the pair of tabs of the second part engages one of the pair of second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a first end thereof and a second tab of the pair of tabs of the second part engage the 5 other of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a second end opposing the first end whereby securing the tabs of the first part in position.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part act as a brace between the tabs of the second part such that the tabs of the first part are maintained at an angular relationship to the outer and inner overlapping panels.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part lie in part over the tabs of the first part. Preferably, the tabs of the second part are "T" shaped.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part comprise at least one arm or a pair of arms, 15 an underside of the or each arm engages with the tabs of the first part.

Preferably, the complementary locking mechanism provide an aperture in the first and second overlapping panels capable of receiving a pillar or post or a crate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton comprising a plurality of main panels for forming the carton wherein the plurality of main panels comprises outer and inner overlapping panels, the outer overlapping panel comprising a first part of a complementary locking mechanism and the inner overlapping panel comprising a second part of the complementary locking mechanism, each of the first and second parts of the complementary locking mechanism comprising an aperture defined at least in part by a pair of tabs struck from a respective one of the overlapping panels, the tabs of the first part having a pair of first and second shoulder portions and being insertable through the aperture of the second part to be internal in a setup carton, the pair of first shoulder portions being engagable with the inner overlapping panel for securing the outer and inner overlapping panels together in a setup carton and wherein a first tab of the pair of tabs of the second part is engagable with one of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a first end thereof and a second tab of the pair of tabs of the second part is engageable with the other of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a second end opposing the first end whereby securing the tabs of the first part in position.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part provide a brace in a setup carton between the tabs of the second part such that the tabs of the first part are maintained at an angular relationship to the outer and inner overlapping panels.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part lie in part over the tabs of the first part when erected.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part are "T" shaped.

Preferably, the tabs of the second part comprise at least one arm or a pair of arms, an underside of the or each arm being engagable with the tabs of the first part.

Preferably, the complementary locking mechanism provides apertures capable of being brought into registry for receiving a pillar or post or a crate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from below of the carton illustrating a locking device before deployment; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from below of the carton illustrating a locking device after deployment; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view from above of an internal portion of the carton illustrating the locking device in a setup condition; and FIGURE 6 is an enlarged perspective view from above of an internal portion of the carton illustrating the locking device in a setup condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGURE 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 for forming a carton 80 for packaging primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles as illustrated in Figure 2 to 5.

Blank 10 comprises a series of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 which in an setup carton 80 form a first base panel 12, first side wall 14, top panel 16, second side wall 18 and second base wall 20.

First base panel 12 is coupled to first side wall panel 14 by first fold line 22. First side wall panel 14 is coupled to top panel 16 by second fold line 24. Top panel 16 is coupled to second side wall panel 18 by third fold line 26. Second side wall panel 18 is coupled to second base panel by fourth fold line 28. Optionally further fold lines 22a, 28a may be provided in first sidewall panel 14 and second side wall panel 18 15 respectively such that the portion of each forms a bevelled panel between the base panel and the respective side wall.

First base panel 12 and second base panel 20 form a composite base wall in a setup condition in which the first and second base panels 12, 20 are in face contacting 20 overlapping relationship. Second base panel 20 is placed outermost whereas first base panel 12 is placed innermost.

First and second side wall panels 14, 18 each comprise upper apertures 46, in the preferred embodiment three upper apertures 46 are provided in each of the first and 25 second side walls 14, 18. The each of the upper apertures 46 are sized and arranged to receive an upper portion of an article. The upper apertures 4 may also be struck in part from top panel 16.

First and second side wall panels 14, 18 each comprise a pair of heel engagement members 30 the heel engagement members 30 comprise an aperture 34 and a pair of tabs 32a, 32b; tabs 32a, 32b are hinged in part to first side wall 14 or second side wall 18 and also in part base panel 12 or base panel 20 respectively. Tabs 32a, 32b are folded inwardly and define in part the aperture 34 an article is receivable in aperture 34 and is engaged at least in part by tabs 32a, 32b. Tabs 32a, 32b each comprise fold lines 36 and 38 about which tabs 32a, 32b may fold such that the tabs 5 32a, 32b may engage abase portion of an article and a side portion of the article adjacent said base portion. A portion of the aperture 34 which is struck from the first and second base panels 12, 20 is shaped to be substantially triangular or "U" shaped; this portion is disposed such that a vertex of the triangular shape or the trough of the "U" shape points in the direction of the free side edge, that edge 10 opposing the hinged connection to the respective first or second sidewall panel 14, 18 of the base. The triangular or U-shaped portion of the aperture 34 can be engaged by a finger of a packaging machine to bring the first and second base panels 12, 20 into overlapping relationship, for tightening the carton blank 10 about a one or more articles and for ensuring correct alignment of the first and second base 15 panels 12, 20 with respective to one another.

An aperture 40 is disposed in each of the first and second side walls 14, 18 between the pair of heel engagement members 30. Aperture 40 is shaped and arranged to receive a lower portion of an article to be packaged within the carton 80.

Base panel 12 comprises two recesses 42 disposed on opposing end edge thereof, the recesses form a first part, a female part, of a complementary locking device. Recesses are shaped to have waist, a narrower portion, such that a shoulder portion is formed. Base panel 20 comprises two locking tabs 44 which form a second part, a 25 male part, of the complementary locking device. The locking tabs 44 are disposed on opposing sides of the base panel 20 and are arranged to be in registry with the recesses 42 when the base panel 20 is brought into overlapping relationship with base panel 12.

First base panel 12 and second base panel 20 each comprise an assembly aperture 54 which can also be engaged by a finger of a packaging machine to facilitate assembly of the carton 80.

The blank 10 comprises a handle structure which is struck form the top panel 16, the handle structure comprise a handle flap 48 defined in part by a cut line 52b or other weakened line of severance which extends transversely across the top panel 16. The handle flap 48 is also defined in part by a fold line 50 which extends partially 5 across the top panel 16 and is disposed substantially parallel to the cut line 52b. The handle flap 48 is defined in part by cut lines 49a, 49b which extend between the respective opposing ends of the fold line 50 and cut line 52b. In the preferred embodiment the cut lines 49a, 49b intersect the cut line 52b substantially at the respective hinged connection of the top panel 16 with the first and second sidewalls 10 14, 18.

Base panel 12 comprises a first part 56 of a complementary locking mechanism which comprises a pair of inner tabs 60, inner tabs 60 are each hinged to the base panel 12 by fold line 62. Inner tabs 60 are substantially "T" shaped such that 15 engagement edges 70 are formed. Inner tabs 60 are struck from a square aperture 61, such that when the inner tabs 60 are folded out of the plane of the aperture 61 the aperture is capable of accommodating a square shaped post or pillar formed within a crate. It is envisaged that in other embodiments where the pillar is shaped differently the aperture 61 would be shaped so as to be complementary to the 20 shaped of the pillar.

First base panel 20 comprises a second part 58 of a complementary locking mechanism which comprises a pair of outer tabs 64 hinged to second base panel 20 by a fold line 66. Outer tabs 64 are tapered in shape such that they have a narrower 25 portion disposed adjacent the fold line 66 and also at a free edge opposing the fold line 66. The outer tabs 64 are therefore shaped such that they are widest at a point spaced apart from but proximate to the fold line 66. The outer tabs 64 therefore comprise a first shoulder portion 68 disposed upon either side of the outer tab 64 between the widest point and the fold line 66 and a second shoulder portion 69 30 disposed upon either side of the outer tab 64 between the widest point and the free distal end edge of the tab 64.

Turning to the construction of the carton 80 as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

The blank 10 is folded about one or more articles B in the preferred embodiment the blank 10 is folded about six articles B such as cans or bottles, top panel is placed upon the uppermost portion of the group of articles B the first and second side wall panels 14, 18 are folded about second and third fold lines 24 and 26 such that they form respective side walls about the sides of the group of articles B. The first and 10 second base panels 12, 20 are then folded about first and fourth fold lines 22 and 28 to be in overlapping relationship with one another such that the second base panel 20 is external of the first base panel 12. The blank 10 is tightened about the group of articles B use the apertures 34 and/or assembly apertures 54. The locking tabs 44 are punched internally of the carton 80 such that they are received in the respective 15 recesses 42 as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

Outer tabs 64 are punched out of the plane of second base panel 20 internally of the carton through aperture 61. The first shoulder portion 68 extends beyond the aperture 61 such that it locks the first and second base panes 12, 20 together. The 20 engagement edges 70 of the inner tabs 60 each engage with a respective second shoulder portion 69 of the outer tabs 64 such that each inner tab 60 engages with both outer tabs 64; a first one of the pair of inner tabs 60 engaging with each outer tab 64 at a first end thereof and a second one of the pair of inner tabs 60 engaging with each outer tab 64 at a second end opposing the first end as shown in Figures 4 25 and 5. In this way the outer tabs 64 are maintained in position by the inner tabs 60. The outer tabs 64 are maintained at an angular relationship to the overlapping base panels 12, 20. This maintains an opening through the first and second base panels 12, 20 for receiving a post or pillar of a crate. Additionally the locking arrangement serves to maintain the bases of the articles B in position. The inner tabs 60 also 30 reduce the likelihood of the outer tabs 64 being disengaged from the first base panel 12 as a result of withdrawing the carton from the crate, for example by reducing likelihood of, or preventing, a portion of the outer tabs 64 engaging frictionally or otherwise with a post or pillar inserted therein.

Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the complementary locking mechanism in a setup condition. The inner tabs 60 have arms which comprise engagement edges 70 for engaging with the outer tabs 64. The engagement edges 70 extend along the undersides of the inner tabs 60 and are arched or curved to 5 allow the upward pivotal/folding movement of the outer tabs 64 into the aperture 61 defined in first base panel 12. The first and second shoulder portions 68, 69 have the sloping edges that engage the engagement edges 70 of the inner tabs 60.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the 10 present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not 15 limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term 'comprising', features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprises' are to be interpreted in 25 the same manner.

Claims

Received 11 April 2011 - 10- WHATWE CLAIM IS:

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of main panels forming the carton including outer and inner overlapping panels, the outer overlapping panel comprising a first part of a complementary locking mechanism and the inner overlapping panel comprising a second part of the complementary locking mechanism, each of the first and second parts of the complementary locking mechanism comprising an aperture defined at least in part by a pair of tabs struck from a respective one of the overlapping panels, the tabs of the first part having a pair of first and second shoulder portions and being inserted through the aperture of the second part internally of the carton such that the first shoulder portions engage with the inner overlapping panel whereby securing the outer and inner overlapping panels together and wherein a first tab of the pair of tabs of the second part engages one of the pair of second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a first end thereof and a second tab of the pair of tabs of the second part engage the other of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a second end opposing the first end whereby securing the tabs of the first part in position.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the tabs of the second part act as a brace between the tabs of the second part such that the tabs of the first part are maintained at an angular relationship to the outer and inner overlapping panels.

3. A carton according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the tabs of the second part lie in part over the tabs of the first part.

4. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tabs of the second part are "T" shaped.

5. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the tabs of the second part comprise at least one arm or a pair of arms, an underside of the or each arm engages with the tabs of the first part. Received 11 April 2011 - 11 -

6. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the complementary locking mechanism provide an aperture in the outer and inner overlapping panels capable of receiving a pillar or post or a crate.

7. A blank for forming a carton comprising a plurality of main panels for forming the carton wherein the plurality of main panels comprises outer and inner overlapping panels, the outer overlapping panel comprising a first part of a complementary locking mechanism and the inner overlapping panel comprising a second part of the complementary locking mechanism, each of the first and second parts of the complementary locking mechanism comprising an aperture defined at least in part by a pair of tabs struck from a respective one of the overlapping panels, the tabs of the first part having a pair of first and second shoulder portions and being insertable through the aperture of the second part to be internal in a setup carton, the pair of first shoulder portions being engagable with the inner overlapping panel for securing the outer and inner overlapping panels together in a setup carton and wherein a first tab of the pair of tabs of the second part is engagable with one of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a first end thereof and a second tab of the pair of tabs of the second part is engageable with the other of the second shoulder portions of each of the tabs of the first part at a second end opposing the first end whereby securing the tabs of the first part in position.

8. A blank according to claim 6 wherein the tabs of the second part provide a brace in a setup carton between the tabs of the second part such that the tabs of the first part are maintained at an angular relationship to the outer and inner overlapping panels.

9. A blank according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the tabs of the second part lie in part over the tabs of the first part when erected.

10. A blank according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the tabs of the second part are "T" shaped. Received 11 April 2011 - 12-

11. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the tabs of the second part comprise at least one arm of a pair of arms, an underside of the or each arm being engagable with the tabs of the first part.

12. A blank according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the complementary locking mechanism provides apertures capable of being brought into registry for receiving a pillar or post or a crate.

13. A carton for packaging articles substantially as described herein and/or as illustrated by the accompanying Figures.

14. A blank for forming a carton substantially as described herein and/or as illustrated by the accompanying Figures.

15. A carton as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

16. A blank as claimed in claim 7, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.