NZ620095B2 - Article carrier - Google Patents
Article carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ620095B2 NZ620095B2 NZ620095A NZ62009512A NZ620095B2 NZ 620095 B2 NZ620095 B2 NZ 620095B2 NZ 620095 A NZ620095 A NZ 620095A NZ 62009512 A NZ62009512 A NZ 62009512A NZ 620095 B2 NZ620095 B2 NZ 620095B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- panels
- tab portion
- carrier
- cut line
- aperture
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 100
- 210000000474 Heel Anatomy 0.000 claims description 38
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012050 conventional carrier Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000001138 Tears Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009863 impact test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
- B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00154—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked
- B65D2571/00197—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked by tabs cut within one end and facing laterally or diagonally and co-operting with openings at the other end
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
- B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00259—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper inwardly folded tabs, i.e. elements substantially narrower than the corresponding package dimension
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
- B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00277—Slits or openings formed along a fold line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00438—Holes
- B65D2571/00444—Holes for fingers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
- B65D2571/00654—Blanks
- B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
- B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
- B65D2571/00759—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls having a part tucked between side, top or bottom wall and contents or between two articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
- B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
- B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
- B65D71/20—Slits or openings along the fold line of the tubular body
Abstract
article carrier has a pair of first and second panels (1, 14, 18, 20) and an article retaining feature (40). The first and second panels are hingedly connected together along a fold line (26, 30). The retaining feature includes a retaining aperture (46) for receiving a portion of an article to be received in the carrier. The aperture is defined in one of the angularly related panels and extends into the other of the first and second panels. The retaining feature further includes a tab portion (56, see fig. 2) protruding into the aperture. The tab portion is positioned such that the fold line between the first and second panels extends across the tab portion and terminates at an apex of the tab portion. received in the carrier. The aperture is defined in one of the angularly related panels and extends into the other of the first and second panels. The retaining feature further includes a tab portion (56, see fig. 2) protruding into the aperture. The tab portion is positioned such that the fold line between the first and second panels extends across the tab portion and terminates at an apex of the tab portion.
Description
- 1 –
ARTICLE CARRIER
Background of the Invention
This invention relates to article carriers and blanks which are particularly useful
for carrying articles, for example, cans or bottles. More particularly, the invention
relates to an article carrier of the wrap-around type and is concerned with an
improved article retention and carrier reinforcing feature which receive heel
portions of cans or bottles accommodated in the carrier.
Bottle heel retention means in wraparound carriers are well known.
EP 0 171 229 B1 discloses a known bottle carrier of the wraparound type having
top, bottom and side walls interconnected to form a tubular open-ended
structure. A sloping heel panel interconnects each side wall along a fold line with
an associated base lap panel. The bottom corners of the carton formed by the
sloping heel panels comprise receiving apertures formed in each sloping heel
panel which extend into the associated side wall and base lap panel. The
receiving apertures form part of the bottle heel retaining feature which further
comprises bottom engaging and carrier reinforcing flaps which are foldably joined
along opposed peripheral edges of the bottle heel receiving apertures. In
particular, EP 0 171 229 B1 discloses bottom engaging and carrier reinforcing
flaps which extend across the associated sloping heel panel and into the
associated side wall and base lap panel. The flaps comprise hinged portions so
that in the formed bottle carrier, a portion of the bottle engaging and carrier
reinforcing flap is substantially parallel with the inner surface of the associated
base lap panel. In this construction, a portion of the heel of a bottle protrudes
from the carrier without being protected. The tighter the package is made, the
more is the tendency for the bottle heel to protrude further. Also, tears can be
- 2 –
created in that area of the carton surrounding a receiving aperture due
sometimes to an "over-tight" package and in part, at least, to any movement of a
bottle acting directly against the edge of the receiving aperture.
Another type of bottle heel retaining structure is shown by WO 94/25367. This
reference discloses a heel retaining flap extending primarily inwardly of the
carton, although C shaped cuts provided cause a small portion of the flap to
extend outwardly of the carton. The folding action of the retaining flaps is inward,
i.e. the pivoting action is inward and not outward. The flaps are severed by a cut
line from a sloping heel panel and the flaps are adapted to engage the heel of an
article.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention in one aspect provides an article carrier for packaging
articles. The carrier comprises a pair of first and second panels and an article
retaining feature. The first and second panels are hingedly connected together
along a fold line. The retaining feature comprises a retaining aperture for
receiving a portion of an article that is contained within the carrier. The aperture
is defined in one of the first and second panels and extends into the other of the
first and second panels. The retaining feature further comprises a tab portion
protruding into the aperture. The tab portion is positioned such that the fold line
between the first and second panels extends across the tab portion and
terminates at an apex of the tab portion. The retaining feature further comprises
at least one flap hingedly connected to an edge of the aperture. The at least one
flap is folded inward of the carrier to abut the article received in the aperture.
The tab portion is defined by a cut line in the at least one flap so that the tab
portion is revealed as protruding substantially into the aperture when the at least
one flap is folded inward of the carrier.
- 3 –
In a preferred embodiment, the tab portion may have an outline that is
substantially arcuate in shape, and the apex of the tab portion may be located
along the outline.
The fold line between the first and second panels may intersect with the cut line
at a substantially midpoint along the cut line, the midpoint being spaced
substantially from opposite ends of the cut line.
The cut line may optionally be essentially arcuate in shape and may be curved
convexly as viewed from a notional viewpoint inside the aperture.
The at least one flap may optionally be hingedly connected to the first and
second panels along two separate fold lines, and the cut line may extend from
one of the separate fold lines to the other of the separate fold lines. The
separate fold lines and the cut line together may define an adjacent side edge of
the at least one flap. The separate fold lines may extend divergently from the cut
line toward the at least one flap.
The tab portion may optionally be shaped to conform to the profile of a
diametrically reduced portion of the article received in the aperture.
In a further preferred embodiment, the tab portion may be formed in part from
one of the first and second panels and in part from the other of the first and
second panels.
In a still further preferred embodiment, the at least one flap comprises first and
second flaps hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the aperture
respectively.
In a still further preferred embodiment, the retaining feature may be provided at a
position next to one of the opposite ends of the carrier, and the fold line between
- 4 –
the first and second panels may extend from the apex of the tab portion to the
one of the opposite ends of the carrier.
In a still further embodiment, part of the perimeter of the aperture may be shaped
to define the tab portion.
In a still further embodiment, one of the first and second panels may include a
side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to a lower edge of the side
panel, and the other of the first and second panels may be a base panel hingedly
connected at least in part to the lower edge of the heel panel.
The present invention in another aspect provides a blank for forming an article
carrier. The blank comprises first and second panels. The first and second
panels are hingedly connected together along a fold line. The blank further
comprises an article retaining feature which comprises a retaining aperture for
receiving a portion of an article. The aperture is defined in one of the first and
second panels and extends into the other of the first and second panels. The
retaining feature further comprises at least one flap hingedly connected to an
edge of the aperture. The at least one flap is formed with a cut line that defines a
tab portion protruding from the first and second panels into the at least one flap.
The tab portion is positioned such that the fold line between the first and second
panels extends across the tab portion and terminates at an apex of the tab
portion.
In a preferred embodiment, the fold line between the first and second panels may
intersect with the cut line at a substantially midpoint along the cut line.
In another preferred embodiment, the cut line may be essentially arcuate in
shape and may be curved convexly as viewed from a notional viewpoint inside
the aperture.
- 5 –
In another preferred embodiment, the at least one flap may be hingedly
connected to the first and second panels along two separate fold lines, and the
cut line may extend from one of the separate fold lines to the other of the
separate fold lines.
In a further preferred embodiment, the tab portion may be formed in part from
one of the first and second panels and in part from the other of the first and
second panels.
In a still further preferred embodiment, the retaining feature may be provided at a
position next to one of the opposite side edges of the blank. The fold line
between the first and second panels may extends from the apex of the tab
portion to the one of the opposite side edges of the blank.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carrier having bottom retaining
features according to the present disclosure;
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged plan view of one of the retaining features in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an erected carrier formed from the blank of
FIGURE 1 with cans received in the carrier;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom-side perspective view of the carrier of FIGURE 3, showing
the heels of the cans received in receiving apertures;
- 6 –
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the carrier of FIGURE 3, showing
one of the inwardly-folded, engaging and reinforcing flaps that is in engagement
with an end can;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the heel-retaining features viewed from the
inside of the carrier;
FIGURE 7 is an enlarged plan view of a conventional heel retaining feature,
showing its initial flat condition in which the engaging and reinforcing flaps lay flat
with the respective carrier blank;
FIGURE 8 is an enlarged plan view of another conventional heel retaining feature
showing its initial flat condition similar to FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 9 is a diagram showing the result of a dropping test performed on
substantially identical carrier samples each being similar to the carrier shown in
FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 10 is a diagram showing the result of a dropping test on carrier samples
having the heel retaining features shown in FIGURE 7; and
FIGURE 11 is a diagram showing the test result of a dropping test on carrier
samples having the heel retaining features shown in FIGURE 8.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, there is shown a blank 10 for forming a wrap-
around article carrier having heel retaining features 40 according to the present
disclosure. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of primary panels that include a
first base panel 12, a first heel panel 22, a first side panel 14, a top panel 16, a
- 7 –
second side panel 18, a second (or another) heel panel 22 and a second base
panel 20. These primary panels are hingedly connected one to the next by
respective fold lines 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 so that the primary panels are capable of
forming a tubular structure that can wrap around a group of articles such as cans
or bottles. The blank 10 further comprises a plurality of retaining features 40.
Each retaining feature 40 is formed in the respective base panel 12 or 20 and
extends into the adjacent side wall comprising the first or second side panel 14 or
18 and its associated heel panel 22. Each retaining feature 40 is not necessarily
exclusively intended for the heel or lower portion of an article and may be used,
for example, for an upper shoulder or upper portion of an article. In the
embodiment wherein the retaining features are provided for the shoulder portions
of the packaged articles, each of such retaining features may be formed in the
respective top panel 16 and may extend into the adjacent side wall. The retaining
feature 40 can be formed at the ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier,
for example, to retain the end corner articles or alternatively, can be provided for
only any one or more of the articles held in a carrier. The blank of FIGURE 1 is
designed to package four cans of a 2 x 2 configuration. As such, all the four
retaining features 40 serve to retain end corner cans when the blank 10 is
erected into a carrier.
Each retaining feature 40 comprises a retaining aperture 46 which in this
example receives the heel of a can C, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. Each
retaining feature 40 also comprises retaining flaps 42, 44 which in the erected
carrier provide internal flaps which abut that part of the heel of the article C
adjacent the respective heel panel 22. The general form of flap is known and is
described in detail, for example, in WO94/25363 which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
- 8 –
Referring in particular to FIGURE 2, each retaining feature 40 in this particular
embodiment comprises a first flap 42 that is divided into upper, middle and lower
flap portions by two fold lines 58, 60. The upper portion is defined between the
fold line 58 and the upper edge of the first flap 42 and is hinged to the side wall
14 along a fold line 48. (The heel panel 22 is not provided at the respective
carrier end since the fold line 27 extends between the two adjacent retaining
features only and it does not further extend beyond the retaining features.) The
middle portion is defined between the fold lines 58, 60 and is hinged to the upper
portion along fold line 58 and to the lower portion along fold line 60. The middle
portion is partially defined by an arcuate cut line 50 and thus is not directly
connected to either the adjacent side panel 14 or base panel 12. The lower flap
portion is defined between the fold line 60 and the lower edge of the flap 42 and
is hinged to base panel 12 along a fold line 52. The fold lines 48 and 52 are
spaced from one another with the arcuate cut line 50 extending therebetween.
These spaced fold lines 48, 52 are in a divergent relationship to define
therebetween an obtuse angle. The fold lines 48, 52 extend from the arcuate cut
line 50 divergently toward the first flap 42.
Referring further to FIGURE 2, the arcuate cut line 50 extends from fold line 48 to
fold line 52 to define a tab portion 56 which is shaped to conform to the profile of
a diametrically reduced portion “R” of the associated article that, in this
embodiment, is a can “C”. Such a diametrically reduced portion “R” is shown in
FIGURE 4 in which the diametrically reduced (or tapered) portion R is positioned
in a substantial horizontal alignment with the fold line 26. Articles, cans in
particular, often include such a diametrically reduced portion of a standard size,
which is typically about 1 cm in width. The fold line 26 between the side panel 14
and the base panel 12 extends from the end edge of the blank 10 and is
interrupted by the arcuate cut line 50. The point of the interruption is located at a
substantially mid point along the arcuate cut line 50 and is spaced substantially
- 9 –
from the opposite ends of the arcuate cut line 50. Stated differently, the point of
interruption is located at around the apex of the tab portion 56 wherein the apex
is located midway along the arcuate outline of the tab portion 56 that is defined
by the arcuate cut line 50. This arrangement contributes to reinforcing or
strengthening the area of the blank 10 between the aforementioned end edge of
the blank and the aperture 46 in order to minimize development of tears in and
around that area.
Returning to FIGURE 2, it is envisaged that the shape of the cut line 50 can be
altered according to the particular profile of the diametrically reduced portion of
the associated article. The fold lines 48, 52 and cut line 50 together define the
respective side edge of the first flap 42. Apparent from FIGURE 2, the first flap
42 is struck or formed from the primary panels (or side and base panels) 14, 12
and more particularly from the material of the blank 10 taken from the area of the
aperture 46. The first flap 42 is pivotal about the fold lines 48 and 52.
Similarly, a second flap 44 comprises upper, middle and lower flap portions
bounded by fold lines 62, 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the second flap 44
has a width greater than that of the first flap 42 and separated from the first flap
42 along the central cut line 54. It is anticipated that the two flaps 42, 44 need not
necessarily be provided and indeed, only the first flap may be provided in a given
retaining feature 40. It is envisaged that where two flaps are provided, they need
not abut along cut line 54 and indeed, a substantial gap could be provided
between the flaps, for example.
The upper portion of the second flap 44 is defined between its upper edge and
the fold line 62 and is foldably connected to the heel panel 22 along a fold line
68. The middle portion of the second flap 44 is defined between the fold lines 62,
64. The lower portion of the second flap 44 is defined between the fold line 64
and the lower edge of the second flap 44 and is hingedly connected to base
- 10 –
panel 12 along fold line 72. An arcuate cut line 70 extends from fold line 68 to
fold line 72; however, the orientation of the cut line 70 is opposite to that of the
cut line 50 in the sense that the resultant tab portion remains attached to, or
integral with, the respective flap 44 and protrudes outward of the receiving
aperture 46 as opposed to the tab portion 56 which is integral with the primary
panels 12, 14 and protrudes inward of the aperture 46. However, the orientation
of the cut line70 may be altered such that the resultant tab portion is attached to
the primary panels 12, 22 and protrudes inwardly of the aperture 46. The fold
lines 68, 72 and cut line 70 together define the respective side edge of the
second flap 44. The second flap 44 is struck or formed from the primary panels
12, 22, 14 and more particularly from the material of the blank 10 taken from the
area of the aperture 46. The second flap 44 is pivotal about fold lines 68, 72.
When both the flaps 42, 44 are co-planer, e.g., when the carrier is in blank form
illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the aperture 46 is closed at least in part.
In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier is formed to package two rows of two
cans. The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises retaining features 40 (for one of
the two rows of cans) formed from side panel 14, the heel panel 22 and the base
panel 12. The blank 10 further comprises retaining features 40 (for the other row
of cans) formed from the side panel 18, the heel panel 22 and the base panel 20.
The retaining features 40 for the other row are substantially the same as the
retaining features 40 and therefore are not described in any greater detail.
In order to erect a wraparound carrier from the blank 10, the top panel 16 of the
carrier blank 10 is applied to the tops of a group of articles C to be packaged in
the carrier, and the side walls 14, 18 are folded downwardly to be disposed in
flanking relationship along the side walls of the articles. During and/or before the
side wall folding process, the flaps 42, 44 are displaced inwardly toward the
article group by suitable means which may be similar, at least in function, to
- 11 –
those known, for example, from WO 94/25363. Displacement of the flaps 42, 44
thus causes the flaps 42, 44 to be disposed internally of the carrier to reveal tab
portion 56. The heel portion of an article C is thereby received in the aperture 46
as well as by the flaps 42, 44 of the respective retaining feature 40. The tab
portion 56 engages the diametrically reduced portion R of the associated article
C as shown in FIGURE 4. The tab portion 56 can be pressed against the article
to provide a tighter carrier and can engage the diametrically reduced portion R to
restrict movement of the article C along the cylindrical axis such as the can axis.
The respective base panel 20 can then be folded inwardly and upwardly into
engagement with the base portions of the articles C. A similar operation on the
other side of the group of articles is also performed, and the base panel 12 is
placed in an overlapping relationship with the base panel 20. These base panels
12, 20 are secured together by means known in the art, e.g., gluing or
mechanical locks such as shown in FIGURE 1 at 36, 38. By securing the base
panels together, the wraparound carrier can be completed as shown in FIGURE
4 in which the top panel 16 and either side walls are angularly related while each
side wall and the adjacent base panel 12 or 20 are also angularly related. In the
application the term “angularly related” refers to a relationship between two
panels which are disposed to define therebetween any angle other than 0 and
180 degrees and preferably an angle about 90 degrees.
After the base panels 12, 20 have been secured together, the carrier is in an
erected condition and the retaining features 40 are such that the internal
engaging and reinforcing flaps 42, 44 are provided to engage the heels of the
articles C. Further, the protruding tab portions 56 engage the diametrically
reduced portions R of the cans C. Thus, the engaging flaps 42, 44 and protruding
tab portions 56 are particularly able to conform to the bottom or heel portions of
the articles. The tab portions 56 in particular are positioned such that the
adjacent fold line 26 between the adjacent base panel 12 or 20 and the adjacent
- 12 –
side wall 14, 22; or 18, 22 intersects with the respective cut line 50 at the
substantially mid point along the cut line 50. The “mid point” in this application
refers to a position spaced substantially from the opposite ends of the respective
cut line 50 which is curved convexly as viewed from a notional view point inside
the aperture 46. The tab portion 56 defined by such a cut line 50 protrudes into
the first flap 42 as viewed in FIGURE 2 and projects substantially into the
aperture 46 when the first flap 42 is folded inwardly of the carrier (see FIGURES
3-6.) Stated differently, the fold line 26 extends across the tab portion 56 and
terminates at the apex of the protruding tab portion 56.
Drop Impact Test
Twelve carrier samples (or test specimens) I each identical in the size and
structure to the carrier of FIGURES 1-6 are prepared. Twelve conventional
carrier samples (or control specimens) II and twelve conventional carrier samples
(or control specimens) III are prepared. Conventional carrier samples II each has
the retaining feature 140 shown in FIGURE 7 while carrier samples III each has
the retaining feature 240 shown in FIGURE 8. The size and structures of each of
the carrier samples II and III are substantially the same as the carrier shown in
FIGURES 1-6 except their respective retaining features. The reference numerals
used in FIGURES 7 and 8 are similar to those used in FIGURE 2 in that they
designate corresponding portions of the retaining feature 40 respectively. The
reference numerals in FIGURES 7 and 8 differ from those in FIGURE 2 in that
they are preceded by the prefix “1” and by the prefix “2”, respectively. Except for
the function of the cut line 50 and tab portion 56, the functions of the denoted
portions in FIGURE 2 are similar to that of those denoted in FIGURES 7 and 8.
Therefore, further description of FIGURES 7 and 8 are omitted. The test and
control carrier samples I, II and III are each tested to determine:
- 13 –
• The resistance to impact applied to the respective carrier sample
when the samples are dropped from a certain elevation.
The test carrier samples I are formed from paperboard material having a
thickness of about 350 gsm (gram per square meter). The control carrier
samples sample II are formed from the paperboard material having a thickness of
about 380 gsm while the control carrier samples III are formed from paperboard
material of a thickness of about 350 gsm. The paperboard material used for all
the carrier samples I, II and II are coated natural craft board identified as “CNK”
which is a trademark of MeadWestvaco Corporation.
All tests were carried out after applying each carrier sample to a group of four
cans of a 2 x 2 configuration and thereby making a loaded packaging and by
dropping the package from the elevation of 50 cm measured from a flat surface
on which the package is dropped. Each can used for the tests has a capacity of
47 cl and identified as “202” can and has been loaded with the corresponding
amount of beer.
The test results are presented in the diagrams shown in FIGURES 9-11. As
described earlier, twelve carrier samples were tested for each type of sample (I –
III). The sample numbers 1-12 are shown along the abscissa in each of
FIGURES 9-11. The number of the times each package was dropped was
counted till one or more tears extended from at least one of the receiving
apertures all the way through the adjacent carrier edge or till any can in the
package exits from the package. The numbers of times the carrier samples are
dropped are given along the ordinate in each of FIGURES 9-11. FIGURE 9
shows the drop test results for carrier samples I, FIGURE 10 shows those for
carrier samples II and FIGURE 11 shows those for carrier samples III. The
minimum, maximum and average of the number of the times the carrier samples
- 14 –
are dropped are given in the following table.
Min. Max. Average
Samples 12 More than 22 19.58
Samples 2 8 4.67
Samples III 0 2 1.17
The results demonstrate that the carrier of the present disclosure can increase
the impact resistance of a carrier formed from the same material. The carrier of
the present disclosure can even provide a superior impact resistance than a
conventional carrier formed from a thicker material.
It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the
present disclosure, for example, the present disclosure is not limited in its
application to paperboard, but may be envisaged that the present disclosure may
usefully be employed with other types of foldable sheet material including paper,
cardboard and plastics materials.
It is apparent that the improved conformity of the carrier provided by the present
disclosure enables a relatively strong package tightening whilst minimizing the
risk of tearing.
Further, the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration as described
above, and it is envisaged, it would be possible to provide a retaining feature
- 15 –
according to the present disclosure comprising one or more hinged connections
per engaging and reinforcing flap in order to enable the protruding tab portion to
be provided in the assembled carrier.
The present disclosure and its preferred embodiment relate to an article carrier
which is shaped to provide satisfactory strength to hold the articles securely but
with a degree of flexibility so that the load transferred to the retaining features is
absorbed by the carrier. The carrier can be applied to an array of bottles by hand
or automatic machinery.
The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting
at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims
which include the term "comprising", other features besides the features prefaced
by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as
"comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in a similar manner.
- 16 –
Claims (23)
1. An article carrier for packaging articles, comprising a pair of first and second panels and an article retaining feature, the first and second panels being 5 hingedly connected together along a fold line, the retaining feature comprising a retaining aperture for receiving a portion of an article within the carrier, the aperture being defined in one of the first and second panels and extending into the other of the first and second panels, the retaining feature further comprising a tab portion protruding into the aperture, the tab portion being positioned such that 10 the fold line between the first and second panels extends across the tab portion and terminates at an apex of the tab portion, wherein the retaining feature further comprises at least one flap hingedly connected to an edge of the aperture, the at least one flap being folded inward of the carrier to abut the article received in the aperture, and wherein the tab portion is defined by a cut line in the at least one 15 flap so that tab portion is revealed as protruding substantially into the aperture when the at least one flap is folded inward of the carrier.
2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the tab portion has an outline that is substantially arcuate in shape, and the apex of the tab portion is located along 20 the outline.
3. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the fold line between the first and second panels intersects with the cut line at a substantially midpoint along the cut line, the midpoint being spaced substantially from opposite ends of the cut line.
4. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the cut line is essentially arcuate in shape and is curved convexly as viewed from a notional viewpoint inside the aperture. - 17 –
5. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one flap is hingedly connected to the first and second panels along two separate fold lines, and wherein the cut line extends from one of the separate fold lines to the other of the separate fold lines.
6. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the tab portion is shaped to conform to the profile of a diametrically reduced portion of the article received in the aperture. 10
7. The article carrier of claim 5, wherein the separate fold lines and the cut line together define an adjacent side edge of the at least one flap.
8. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the separate fold lines extend divergently from the cut line toward the at least one flap.
9. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the tab portion is formed in part from one of the first and second panels and in part from the other of the first and second panels. 20
10. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one flap comprises first and second flaps hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the aperture respectively.
11. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the retaining feature is provided at a 25 position next to one of the opposite ends of the carrier, and the fold line between the first and second panels extends from the apex of the tab portion to the one of the opposite ends of the carrier. - 18 –
12. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein part of a perimeter of the aperture is shaped to define the tab portion.
13. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second panels 5 includes a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to a lower edge of the side panel, and the other of the first and second panels is a base panel hingedly connected at least in part to a lower edge of the heel panel.
14. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising first and second 10 panels, the first and second panels being hingedly connected together along a fold line, the blank further comprising an article retaining feature which comprises a retaining aperture for receiving a portion of an article, the aperture being defined in one of the first and second panels and extending into the other of the first and second panels, wherein the retaining feature further comprises at least 15 one flap hingedly connected to an edge of the aperture, the at least one flap being formed with a cut line that defines a tab portion protruding from the first and second panels into the at least one flap, the tab portion being positioned such that the fold line between the first and second panels extends across the tab portion and terminates at an apex of the tab portion.
15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the fold line between the first and second panels intersects with the cut line at a substantially midpoint along the cut line, the midpoint being spaced substantially from opposite ends of the cut line. 25
16. The blank of claim 14, wherein the cut line is essentially arcuate in shape and is curved convexly as viewed from a notional viewpoint inside the aperture.
17. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one flap is hingedly connected to the first and second panels along two separate fold lines, and wherein the cut - 19 – line extends from one of the separate fold lines to the other of the separate fold lines.
18. The blank of claim 14, wherein the tab portion is formed in part from one 5 of the first and second panels and in part from the other of the first and second panels.
19. The blank of claim 14, wherein the retaining feature is provided at a position next to one of the opposite side edges of the blank, and the fold line 10 between the first and second panels extends from the apex of the tab portion to the one of the opposite side edges of the blank.
20. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the cut line defines an outline of the tab portion, the cut line defines only one apex of the tab portion, and the fold line 15 terminates at the only one apex of the tab portion.
21. The article carrier of claim 5, wherein the fold line is an only one fold line disposed between the separate fold lines. 20
22. The article carrier of claim 21, wherein the cut line is essentially arcuate in shape and is curved convexly as viewed from a notional viewpoint inside the aperture, and wherein the only one fold line intersects with the cut line at a point spaced substantially from opposite ends of the arcuate cut line, the point being located at a substantially midpoint along the arcuate cut line.
23. The blank of claim 14, wherein the cut line defines an outline of the tab portion, the cut line defines an only one apex of the tab portion, and the fold line terminates at the only one apex of the tab portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161515606P | 2011-08-05 | 2011-08-05 | |
US61/515,606 | 2011-08-05 | ||
PCT/US2012/049689 WO2013022813A1 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2012-08-06 | Article carrier |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ620095A NZ620095A (en) | 2016-01-29 |
NZ620095B2 true NZ620095B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 |
Family
ID=
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