SK12542001A3 - Article carrier and blank therefor - 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

Technical field

The invention relates to a basket-type article carrier adapted to hold a number of articles such as bottles and a blank for forming it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Normally, the bottle-shaped bottle carrier comprises a central distribution structure having a processed handle structure beyond which the carrier can be lifted and carried and the bottles are arranged in rows on either side of the distribution structure. More often, the bottles are separated from each other by transverse dividing members extending from each side of the central dispensing structure to the adjacent side wall of the carrier. Thus, in this type of arrangement, the bottles are kept in the individual chambers of the carrier, although these chambers are not essential.

Known basket carriers require a number of complex folds to form partition structures, which may require the blank to be rotated or inverted during assembly, thereby slowing the process.

One example of a basket-type carrier is shown in US 3,570,706, which discloses a carrier having side and end walls, a bottle separating structure, and a bottom wall with tapered wall portions provided with bottle openings. The bottle openings have overlapping flaps protecting the bottle in the cutout,

Yet another example is shown in document CH 670 432, which shows a carrier blank having side and end walls and a central partition structure attached to the side wall by internal partitioning and opposite end walls.

The complicated structure of known basket carriers requires the use of large amounts of cardboard in the irregular shape of the blank profile, resulting in a waste of material that is undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and its preferred embodiments seek to overcome or at least alleviate the problems of the prior art. The carton of the present invention may be formed in a straight line gluing machine. It is contemplated that the invention can be used in a customized wrapping machine, thereby eliminating the need for specialized machinery.

One aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an internal partition structure to a basket-type article carrier comprising opposing end and side wall portions and a handle structure. The blank includes a first center piece adapted to be attached to the handle structure and at least one end face of the basket-type carrier and transverse dividing members extruded from the center piece and hingably attached thereto, to form a plurality of receiving receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is molded from semi-finished product.

According to an optional feature of the first aspect of the invention, the blank may include a second central member hingedly connected to the first central member, the second central member being adapted to attach to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket-type carrier and transverse dividing members extruded from the central member and hinged attached thereto, to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from a blank. Preferably, the central portions may be hingedly connected along a fold line disposed substantially parallel to the fold lines that hingably connect the transverse dividing portion to the center portion (s). Optionally, the flap may be embossed from one of the central panels and is hingedly connected to the central panel along its fold line.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the central portions may be hingedly connected along the fold line substantially perpendicular to the fold lines that hingably connect the transverse dividing portion to the center portion (s).

According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention, each central portion may further comprise a fastening portion, each fastening portion being shaped and arranged to be fastened together in an ordered carrier.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an internal distribution structure in which the transverse distribution member is pivotally connected to the central part by a pair of spaced fold lines, intermediate opposite ends of the transverse distribution part to form a part that extends outwardly from both sides of the central part when the internal partition structure is formed in the assembled carrier.

According to an optional feature of the second aspect of the invention, two transverse dividing portions may be extruded from the blank and are hingedly connected at their ends remote from the central portion once erected by the side wall fastening portion.

According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention, a handle support portion extending from the upper portion of the central distribution portion may be further included, the handle portion including a hand hole aligned (aligned) with the handle structure of the article carrier.

A third aspect of the invention provides a preform for forming a basket-type article carrier comprising a first end piece, a first side portion, a second end piece, a second side portion and a third end piece hingably attached to one another in a row, a base part hinged to one of the side or end the handle portions and structures comprise a hand opening, the handle structure including first and second handle portions hingably attached to the second end portion, a first handle portion hingably attached to the first end portion, and a second handle portion hingably attached to the third end portion. The first and second handle portions are configured and arranged to be positioned with a face contacting each other and form a two-layer handle when the carrier is in an ordered state. The first and second handle portions are adjacent to and separated from the respective first and second side portions.

According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, a handle support portion, bendably connectable to the first handle portion, to form a three-layer handle in an ordered state may further be included. Advantageously, here further may be included a second handle support portion, bendable to the second handle portion.

According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, the first and second handle portions may be coplanar (in one plane) and the upper edges of the handle portions are collinear (in one diameter).

Optionally, the upper edges of one or each handle support portion may be collinear with the handle portions.

According to a further optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, the handle parts may be shaped to be firmly connected to the first and second handles of another adjacent blank. The handle portions may preferably have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

According to a further optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, the part of the arrangement may further be included such that it supports at least one central part when the blank is erected to form the carton. Preferably, the further central support member may be hingedly connected to the opposite end of the row of components, the support members being arranged to be attached to one or more faces of the central member (s).

According to yet another optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, at least one of the support portions may be provided with a hook portion, the hook being arranged to engage the base portion when the blank is erected to form the carton.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a basket-type article carrier having opposite side and end portions, a base member hinged to one or more side or end portions, and a handle structure hingably attached to the opposite end portions. The carrier further comprises an inner partition structure formed from a separate blank, the inner partition structure comprising a first center piece adapted to be attached to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket carrier, and transverse partition members extruded from the center piece and hingably attached thereto to form a plurality articles of receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure.

Preferably, there may be included a second central member hingably attached to the first central member, the second central member adapted to be attached to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket carrier and the transverse dividing members extruded from the central member and hinged thereto to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure.

The center pieces may optionally be hingedly connected along the fold line arranged substantially parallel to the fold lines that connect the transverse dividing piece to the center piece (s).

Preferably, the flap may be embossed from one of the central portions and is hinged from

attached to the center pieces along the fold line of the center piece.

According to an optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, the central portions may be hingedly interconnected along a fold line substantially perpendicular to the fold lines that hingably connect the transverse dividing portion to the center portion (s).

According to yet another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, each central portion may further comprise a fastening portion, each fastening portion being constructed and arranged to be fastened together.

According to a further optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, the transverse manifold may be pivotally connected to the central part by a pair of spaced fold lines between adjacent ends of the transverse manifold, thereby forming a part extending outwardly from both sides of the central part.

According to a further optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, two transverse dividing portions may be extruded from the blank and are hingedly connected to each other at their ends remote from the central portion once erected by the side wall fastening portion.

According to a further optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention, a handle support portion extending from the upper portion of the central partition portion may further be included, the handle portion including an opening for the hand to be aligned with the handle structure of the article carrier.

In one embodiment, a handle support portion may be further included, bendable to the first handle portion to form a triple layer handle.

Alternatively, a second handle support portion, bendable to the second handle portion, may further be included herein.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the first and second handle portions may be co-planar and the upper edges of the handle portion may be collinear.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the top edges of one or each handle support portion may be collinear with the handle portions.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the handle portions may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, at least one of the support portions may be provided with a hook portion, the hook being arranged to engage the base portion.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for forming a basket-type article carrier from a first blank comprising a first end portion, a first side portion, a second end portion, a second side portion, and a third end portion hingably connected to one another in a row; or a plurality of end pieces and a second blank for forming an inner partition structure. The method includes the following steps:

i) placing the second blank on the first blank in an aligned position, ii) attaching the transverse dividing members to the first side wall portion, iii) attaching the central portion to the handle portion of the first blank, iv) folding the second side wall portion and the second end wall portion into the face contacting the relationship with the internal partition structure; and

v) fastening the first and third end pieces together to form a complete composite article carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. IA and IB - plan views of paperboard blanks from which the article carrier is formed according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2A and 2B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. IA and IB during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 4A and 4B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier is formed according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4C is a plan view of the adjacent blanks shown in FIG. 4A, formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material.

Fig. 5A and 5B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which the product carrier according to the third embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the adjacent blanks shown in FIG. 5A and 5B formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material.

Fig. 7A and 7B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. 5A and 5B during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upright basket carrier formed from the blanks shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 9A and 9B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 10A and 10B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the adjacent blanks shown in FIG. 10A formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material.

Fig. 12A and 12B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. 10A and 10B during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 10A, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 14A and 14B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 15A and 15B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. 14A and 14B during assembly to form a flat folded carton,

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 14A, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 17A and 17B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier according to a seventh embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 18A and 18B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. 17A and 17B during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 17 A, seen from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 20A and 20B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which a product carrier according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 21A and 21B - side views of the blank shown in FIG. 20A and 20B during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 20A and 20B, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

Fig. 23A and 23B are plan views of paperboard blanks from which the product carrier according to the ninth embodiment of the invention is formed.

Fig. 24A and 24B are side views of the blanks shown in FIG. 23A and 23B during assembly to form a flat folded carton.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of an upright basket carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 23A and 23B, viewed from above and from one end thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the article carrier is formed from one or more paperboard, corrugated board or other suitable bendable sheet material, such as plastic material. The carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of objects, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles on each side. It is contemplated that the carrier may be adapted to accommodate a varying number of bottles as desired by the wearer.

The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1A and IB show a carrier formed from a three-part blank. The outer molding blank 10 includes, in a longitudinal row, a first center support portion 12, a first end portion 14, a first side portion 16, a second end portion 18, a second end portion 20, a third end portion 22, and a second center portion 24 hingably attached thereto. one side to the other along the side fold lines 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. Further, a side fold line 19 between the fold lines 30 and 32 may be included herein to divide the second end piece 18 into two portions 18a. 18b. for forming a basket-shaped carrier having a "dart profile" described hereinafter.

The first handle portion 38 is disposed adjacent the first end portion 14 and the first side portion 16 and is separated from this side and end portion by the cut lines 40, 42. The cut lines 40, 42 extend between the fold lines 26 and 30. The handle portion 38 is hingably coupled to the first central support portion 12 along an extension of the fold line 26 that forms a portion of an edge of one side of the first handle portion 38. It will be apparent to the reader that the central support portions are not an essential feature and the handle portions could be attached directly to the end portion in some embodiments. The handle portion 38 is connected to the opposite end portion 18 by an intermediate portion 50, which is hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 38 along the fold line 53, and to the end portion by notch portions along the fold line 30 as shown in FIG. 1 A.

The handle portion 38 may include a hand hole 44. In this embodiment, the flap is 46 t

a softening attachment attached along the fold line 48 to the upper edge of the hand opening 44.

Preferably, a second handle portion 52 is provided that is disposed adjacent the second side portion 20 and the third end portion 22 and is separated from the side and end portions by cut lines 54, 56. The cut lines 54, 56 extend between fold lines 32 and 36. The handle portion 52 is hingably coupled to the second central support portion 24 along an overload of the fold line 36 that forms a portion of an edge of one side of the other handle portion 52. The handle portion 52 is connected to the opposite end portion 18 by an intermediate portion 64 that is hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 52 along the fold line 66 and to the end portion 18 by a notch portion along the fold line 32, as shown in FIG. 1A.

r

The handle portion 52 may include a hand hole 58. In this embodiment, the flap softening flap 60 is attached along the fold line 62 to the upper edge of the hand hole 60.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle structure is provided. The handle support portion 68 is disposed adjacent the portion of the first end portion 18 and the intermediate portion 64. The handle support portion 68 is hingedly attached to the side edge of the second handle portion 52 along the fold line 66, but is otherwise separated from the blank by the cut line 65. The hand opening 70 is located between the upper and lower edges of the handle support portion 68. The hand opening 70 is preferably positioned so as to be aligned with the hand openings 44 and 58 in the arranged carton.

Furthermore, a base structure is provided, which in this embodiment is secured by the base parts 72, 74 flexibly connected to the side panels 16 and 20. Suitable fastening means are used to secure the base parts together. For example, an adhesive flap 76 is attached to the base member 72. Alternatively, tabs are embossed from the base member, and from the second base member an additional closing (blocking) opening to receive and retain the closing tabs, as is well known. Those skilled in the art will understand that other methods of blocking the base members together may be used in the assembly, and that the invention is not limited to those features that are shown in the embodiments or described above.

In FIG. 1B, the partition structure of the article carrier formed from the second blank 80 and the third blank 80a is shown.

The blank 80 forms one side of the manifold structure and includes a pair of transverse manifolds 82, 84 extruded from the central manifold 86. The transverse manifold 82 is extruded from the central manifold 86 by a cut line 87 and is attached thereto along the fold line 88. Similarly, a transverse center piece 84 extruded from the center piece 86 by cutting lines 89, 90 and attached thereto along the fold line 92. In this embodiment, the fold line 92 is interrupted by a cutting line 87 that extends into the transverse partition 84 and defines an adhesive flap 94 bendable. attached to the transverse / divider panel 82 along the fold line 96. The second adhesive flap 98 may be attached to the transverse divider panel 84 along the fold line 99. Optionally, the adhesive flaps 94, 98 include protruding elements 91 defined by a cut line 93 that interrupts the adhesive line lapel. In use, the protruding elements increase the surface area of the adhesive flap for attachment. A hook 97 may be provided along the lower edge of the center piece 86 to provide a detachable attachment to the base structure.

The blank 80a is similar to the blank 80 and hence the same parts are designated with the same reference numeral with the letter "a". Thus, only the differences between the blank 80 and the blank 80a are described in more detail. An end flap 95a can be provided that is flexibly connected to the central piece 86a along the fold line 79a. In use, the end flap is attached to one of the tabs 93 and extending into the transverse manifold 82a, delimited partially by the cut line 77a. In use, the tab 93a is adapted to be attached to the central support portion 12, 24 described below.

It is contemplated that the amount and position of the transverse dividing members of each blank may be varied according to the number of required storage chamber objects.

The assembly of the completed carrier of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and 3, in the flat state of the preform, requires a series of successive folding and gluing operations, which can be performed in a straight line gluing device so that there is no need to rotate or invert the carton to complete the assembly. The bonding positions of the workpieces are highlighted by hatching, although it is expected that other embodiments of the workpiece may be glued at other locations, if desired. The folding procedure is not limited to what is described below and may be less depending on the particular manufacturing requirements.

Thus, the blanks 80 and 80a are attached to the blank 10. In this form, the flaps 94, 98 are attached to the side panel 16 and the center panel 86 is attached to the handle panel 38 by adhesive or other suitable means. Likewise, the adhesive flaps 94a and 98a are attached to the side panel 20 and the central distribution panel 86a is attached to the handle panel 52 by adhesive or other suitable means. Thus, the carton is shown in FIG. 2A. Then, the handle support member 68 is folded around the fold line 66 and in relation to the face contact with the handle portion 52 so that the holes 50 and 59 are aligned (offset). The end piece 18 is folded out of alignment with adjacent side panels 16, 20, along the bending line 30, 19, 32, respectively, so that the intermediate pieces 50, 64 are in contact with each other with the face portions 18a and 18b of the end panel respectively. In some embodiments, the intermediate portions 50, 64 are attached to the end portion 18 by adhesive or other suitable means known in the art.

The center support portions 12, 24 are also folded into a facing contact state with respective end portions 14, 22, and portions 38, 58, and may be secured together with an adhesive or other suitable means known in the art. Outer parts 12b. 20, 22 forming one side of the partition are folded into contact with each other by the faces 18a, 16, 14 forming the other side of the partition.

By folding the part in this manner, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into face-to-face relationship and the handle parts 52, 68 are secured together with the inner faces of the handle part 38 by adhesive or other means known in the art. The tab 93a is preferably affixed to the central portion 86, and the central support portions 12, 24 may be attached to the portions of the respective central portions 86 and 86a, respectively, by glue or other means known in the art. In those embodiments with flaps 95a, it is attached to the end piece 18.

Then the carton is in the middle phase shown in FIG. 2B: a finished composite carrier, wherein the second end portion 22, the second side portion 20, and the outer handle portion 52 are positioned face-to-face with the first end wall 14, the first side portion 16, and the handle portion 38, respectively. The carton of the first embodiment is commonly referred to as a " arrow profile " package, as the end pieces are folded around the center fold line to define the leading edge 37 and the two rear edges defined by the fold lines 30 and 32.

In order to erect the product carrier, the front and rear edges of the composite blank are moved inwardly towards each other. This causes the end portions 14, 22 and 18 and the side portions 16 and 20 to move from a flat collapsed state to a substantially rectangular configuration, which facilitates assembly of the individual chambers. Thus, the transverse dividers 82, 84 are automatically spaced by moving from alignment with the first side panel 16 and the handle panel 38; and are folded around the bending lines 88 and 92, respectively, such that the transverse dividing portions 82, 84 are substantially perpendicular to the handle portion 38 and the side portion 16. As shown in FIG. 3, three chambers C1, C2, C3 are thus formed. Similarly, the transverse manifolds 82a are extended. 84a from alignment with the second side panel 20 and handle panel 52 and are folded around fold lines 88a and 92a, respectively. so that the transverse manifolds 82a. 84a are perpendicular to handle portion 52 and sidewall portion 20, so that three more chambers are formed. In use, the transverse manifolds may be detached and support the products in adjacent chambers.

Then, the carton is ready to receive articles that are loaded by a relatively perpendicular movement between the articles and the carrier during a forward delivery movement well known in the art, whereby the articles are placed in their respective chambers through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the articles may enter their chambers through the top of the carrier.

Then, the base is formed, whereby the base parts 72 and 74 are brought into overlapping relationship and joined together by fastening means (s) well known in the art. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 76 is glued to the base member 74. The base parts may be held in place before and / or after loading by engaging the base parts 72, 74 with the hooks 97, 97a. shown in FIG. 1 and 3.

In use, the tabs 46, 60 are folded around the handle portions 38, 52 to further secure the handle structure H and the carton. Thus, the carton of the first embodiment is in the assembled state as shown in FIG. Third

Turning to the embodiment of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, there is shown a product carrier formed from a two-piece blank. The blanks are capable of forming a package with a "parallelogram profile" described below. Semi-finished 110. Illustrated r

FIG. 4A, provides outer carrier portions and includes, in a longitudinal row, a first center support portion 112, a second side portion 116, a first end portion 118, a second side portion 120, and a second end portion 112 flexibly attached to each other along the side fold lines 126, 130. 132. and 134, respectively.

The first handle portion 138 is disposed adjacent to the first end portion 118 and the first side portion 116 and is separated from this side and end portion by cut lines 140, 142 that extend from the fold line 126 and into the end portion 118. The handle portion 138 is hinged attached to the upper edge of the end portion 118 by a notched portion. If it is desired that the handle be positioned in the center, the connection point should be in the center. The handle portion 138 is foldably connected along its opposite edge to the central support portion 112 of the intermediate portion 150. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 150 is a

hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 138 along the movement line 151 and to the central support piece along the fold line 30, as shown in FIG. 4A. The handle portion 138 may include a hand hole 144. In this embodiment, the softening flap 146 is attached along the fold line 148 to the upper edge of the hand hole 44.

Preferably, a second handle portion 152 is provided that is disposed adjacent the second side panel 120 and the second end panel 122 and is separated from the side and end panels by cutting lines 154 and 156 that extend from the fold line 132 and into the end panel 122. 152 of the handle is hingably attached to the upper edge of end portion 118 by intermediate portion 164. In this form, intermediate portion 164 is flexibly attached to

to the side edge of the handle portion 152 along the fold line 165; and to the end portion 118 along the fold line 132 shown in FIG. 4A. The second handle portion 152 includes a hand opening 158. In this embodiment, the flap softening flap 160 is attached along the fold line 162 to the upper edge of the hand opening 158.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle structure is provided that includes a pair of handle support portions 168, 169. Each support piece 168, 168 is flexibly connected to the opposing side edges of the handle portion 138 and are bendable such that the opposing side edges of each support portion are blunt abutment when the support portions are brought into contact with the handle portion 138. More specifically, the handle support portion 168 is flexibly connected to the handle portion 138 along the fold line 155 and includes a hand hole 170 positioned between the upper and lower edges of the handle support portion 168. The hand opening 170 is positioned to be aligned with the hand openings 154 in the assembled carton. 158. Similarly, the handle supporting portion 169 includes a hand opening 171.

The base structure is formed from parts 172, 174 and a fastener, which in this embodiment is substantially the same as in the first embodiment and is therefore not described in further detail below.

The article support partition structure is formed from the second blank 180. The blank 180 includes a pair of transverse dividers 182, 184 extruded from the central manifold 186. The transverse manifold 182 is extruded from the central panel 186 by cutting lines 185, 187 and 190 and is bent thereto. attached along the dashed fold line 188. FIG. 4B, it is seen that the intermittent fold line 188 is positioned between opposite ends of the transverse manifold 182, to define the manifold from the two portions 114 and 189. The fold line 188 may be displaced to any position between said ends to change the respective lengths of each portion The transverse manifold 182 may further comprise an adhesive flap 194 folded thereto along the fold line 195. As with the first embodiment, it is contemplated that the amount and position of the transverse members may be varied according to the number of desired product receiving chambers.

Similarly, the transverse manifold 196 is extruded from the central panel 186 by cutting lines 191. 193 and 195 and is bent thereto along the fold line 192. An intermittent fold line 192 is disposed between opposing ends of the transverse manifold 184. to define the manifold 155, 196 in two parts. Further, an adhesive flap 198 may be included here, bending attached to the transverse manifold 184 along the fold line 197.

Further, central adhesive flaps 176, 178 may be included here, folded to the opposing side edges of the central panel 186 along fold lines 177 and 179, respectively.

IN

The design of the carton is substantially the same as that described in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 to 13 below, and is not described in greater detail herein.

A common feature of the first and second embodiments relates to the handle structure H. More specifically, the handle portions and eventually the handle support portions are flush. The upper edges of the handle parts are collinear as shown in FIG. 1A and 4A in order to minimize the loss of cardboard, since adjacent blanks can be extruded from a continuous roll, with their respective upper edges in abutment. FIG. 4C illustrates adjacent blanks 110 of the second embodiment and it can be seen that efficient use of cardboard is achieved. The blanks 172, 174 of the blanks are the shapes associated with the blanks of the base of another adjacent blank, again minimizing cardboard loss.

The assembly of the third embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B and 8. As shown in these drawings, a carrier formed from a three-part blank is a "dart profile" package similar to the first embodiment described above; the same parts are marked with the same references with the prefix “2”. Thus, only the differences between the first and third embodiments are described.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the intermediate support portions 212, 224 are wider in this embodiment to provide a large surface for attachment to the corresponding center portions 286, 286a.

In this embodiment, hooks 297 and 297a are secured along the lower edge of the central support portions 212 and 224. to be played in corresponding openings in the base structure, thereby keeping the carton in an ordered position before and / or after loading.

In this embodiment, the handle H (Fig. 8) has a four-layer structure provided by the outer handle portions 238, 252 and the handle support flaps 268 and 268a shown in Figs. 5A. Each handle flap 268 and 268a is foldably connected to the upper edge of the corresponding handle piece 238, 252 along fold lines 270 and 270a to fold around their respective fold lines so that during construction the handle support flaps can be placed in a cheek contact relationship with their adjacent a handle portion as shown in FIG. 7B.

The blanks 280, 280a for forming the central transverse partition structures shown in FIG. 5B, differs from the first embodiment blanks 80, 80a in that they include center support flaps 295 and 295a. which are flexibly connected to the intermediate pieces 286 and 286a, respectively, along the fold lines 279 and 279a. There may be further included a tab 293 printed from the center piece 286 and a tab 293a. printed from the center piece 286a. Each tab 293, 293a is adapted to be attached to the second center piece 286a. 286 with adhesive or other suitable means, as shown in more detail in FIG. 7B.

The free edge profile of the tabs 293. 293a is delimited by section lines 289 and 289a. which in this embodiment comprise three projecting elements for increasing the surface area into separate adjacent chambers.

The shape of the upper edges of the blank, and more specifically the handle supporting portion 268, the handle portion 238 and the intermediate portion 250, and the end portion 218a. are shaped to receive corresponding parts of another adjacent blank 210. As shown in FIG. 6, the adjacent blanks are extruded from a continuous roll of sheet material, thereby forming the adjacent blanks as a mirror image so that they are joined together to achieve efficient use of the board. Thus, in this embodiment, the waste material is shown by the shaded portion designated by the letter W. The shape of the handle structure beneficially minimizes the amount of wasted cardboard and preferably provides an aesthetic favorable handle shape.

The shape of the base portions 272, 272 is preferably trapezoidal so that the lower edges of adjacent blanks are firmly joined upwardly, thereby minimizing the amount of cardboard needed.

The embodiment of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment by which the central support portions 212, 224 are bent into the faces of the contacting relationship, the central portion 286 is secured to the central support portion 212, the handle portion 238 and the adhesive flaps 294. 298 are fixed to the side portion 216 but the center piece is otherwise unconnected to the blank 210 as shown in FIG. 7A. Similarly, the central member 286a is secured to the central support member 224, the handle portion 224 and the adhesive flaps 294a. 298a are attached to the side panel 220. Thus, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7A.

Then, the blank is folded around lines 230, 219 and 232. such that the second end portion 222. the second side portion 220 and the second handle portion 253 are positioned relative to the face surfaces together with the first end wall 214, the first side portion 216 and the portion 238, to provide a package in a flat composition of the " arrow profile " condition, and the leading edge is defined by fold line 226, 236 and includes two rear edges defined by fold lines 230 and 232. In these embodiments, center support flaps 295 and 295a are attached to the end piece 218 as shown in FIG. 7b.

In order to erect the article carrier, the front and rear edges of the composite carrier are moved inward to each other, as described above in the first embodiment, to form individual chambers. The products enter their respective chambers C1, C2. C3 to terminate the loading process, ready for delivery to the user, and the handle structure H and the base structure are equally similarly formed to provide a carton similar to that shown in FIG. 8th

The

A fourth embodiment of the carton is shown in FIG. 9A and 9B. As shown in these drawings, the product carrier formed from the three-part blank is a "dart profile" package similar to the third embodiment described above and thus similar (identical) parts are identified by the same reference with the addition of "3" to replace "2". Therefore, only the differences between the third and fourth embodiments are described in more detail. FIG. 9A, the handle has a three-layer structure provided by the outer handle portions 338, 352 formed from the blank 310 and the handle support portion 368 formed from one of the central portions 368a. Further, a hand hole 370 may be included, pushed out of the handle support portion 368 to align with the hand holes 344 and 358. The assembly of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the third embodiment and is therefore not described in detail. Of course, the advantages of the third embodiment relate to the fourth embodiment. In addition, the handle structure of this embodiment results in a shorter folding time, since there are no handle support portions attached to the handle portions 388, 352 that need to be folded.

A fifth embodiment of the carton is shown with reference to FIG. 10A, 10B, 11, 12A, 12B and 13. A fifth embodiment of the product carrier of FIG. 10A and 10B show a two-part blank. The blanks are capable of forming a package with a "parallelogram profile" similar to the second embodiment described above and thus similar parts are designated with the same reference numeral but prefixed with "4" instead of "1". Thus, only the differences between the second and fifth embodiments are described in more detail. FIG. 10A, handle H is a three-layer structure provided by outer portions 438 and 452 formed from blank 410. Handle support portion 468 is formed from center portion 486 and may further include a hand hole 470 so positioned that it is aligned with the holes 444. and 458 on a hand in an ordered carton. The handle structure of this embodiment advantageously allows for faster molding, since there are no handle supporting parts attached to the handle part to be folded.

The shape of the upper edges of the blank 410, and more specifically the handle parts 438, 452, the intermediate portions 450, 464, and the end portions 418 and 422 are shaped to receive corresponding parts of another adjacent blank 410. As shown in FIG. 11, the adjacent blanks are extruded from a continuous roll of sheet material, whereby the adjacent blanks are formed as mirror images so that they are firmly joined together to achieve efficient use of paperboard. The shape of the handle structure usefully minimizes the amount of wasted paperboard and preferably provides an aesthetically pleasing handle shape. The shape of the base portions 472, 474 is preferably trapezoidal so that the lower edges of the blank are sealed upwardly, thereby minimizing the amount of paperboard required.

1 The embodiment of the completed carrier of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 12a, 12b and 13, from the blank to the flat folded state and to the arranged carton, is accomplished by a series of successive bending and gluing operations, which can be accomplished by a straight line gluing device so that the carton does not need to be rotated or turned completion of its execution. Adhesive positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching, although it is contemplated that other blanks may be glued in other positions, if desired. The bending process is not limited to what is described below and may be changed according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Thus, the blank 480 is attached to the blank 410. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 494 is attached to the side panel 416 and the center panel 486 is attached to the handle portion 438 so that the handle supporting portion 468 is aligned with the handle portion 438. The central support flap 478 is secured to the end piece 418 by adhesive or other suitable means known in the art. Thus, the blank is in the first phase of its assembly shown in FIG. 12A. Then, the adhesive flap 412 is bent around the line 412 into the face contacting relationship with the side panel 416, and the outer portions 420 and 422 are folded around the line 432 into face contact with the central piece 406. The end piece 422 is secured to the adhesive flap 412 and transverse adhesive flap 498 is secured to side wall 420. Handle portion 452 is attached to opposite face of handle support portion 468 and center support portion 476 is attached to end portion 422.

By folding and fastening the parts in this way, the two sides of the basket-shaped carrier are brought into a relative face-to-face relationship so that the carrier is in the complete and folded state shown in FIG. 12B, for delivery to an end user of a carton, such as a bottle feeder. The fifth embodiment carton is commonly referred to as a "parallelogram" package because the leading edge is defined by the fold line 432 and the trailing edge is defined by the diametrically opposite edge provided by the fold line 426.

In order to erect the product carrier, the front and rear edges of the composite blank are moved inwardly towards each other. This causes the end portions 422 and 418 and the side portions 416 and 420 to move from a flat collapsed state to a substantially rectangular configuration, which facilitates assembly of the individual chambers. Thus, the transverse manifolds 482, 484 are moved out of alignment with the first and second side panels 416, 420 and are folded around the fold line 488 and 492, respectively, so that the transverse manifolds are substantially perpendicular to the handle portion 468 and the side panel 416. and 420. As shown in FIG. 13, each portion 414. 490: 415. 496. extend from each side of the central portion and form two rows of three chambers C1, C2. C3. In fact, the fold line

488, 492 act as pivot points on the manifolds. In use, the transverse manifolds can distribute and support the products in adjacent chambers.

Thereafter, the carton is ready to receive articles that are loaded by relative perpendicular movement between the articles and the carrier during a forward delivery movement well known in the art, whereby the articles enter their respective chambers through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the articles may enter their chambers through the top of the carrier. Then, the base is formed, in substantially the same manner as described above, whereby the parts of the base 472, 474 are joined together by fastening means.

Similarly, the tabs 446, 460 are folded around the handle 468, 452 to further secure the hand structure H and the carton. Thus, the carton of the fifth embodiment is in the configured position as shown in FIG. 13 drawings.

A sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B and 16. As shown in these drawings, the article carrier is formed of a semi-finished product in three parts: the carrier is a parallelogram package similar to the fifth embodiment described above, and thus like parts are designated with the same prefixes "5" instead of "4". Therefore, only the differences between the fifth and sixth embodiments are described in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the handle is a four-layer structure secured by the outer handle portions 538, 552 and the handle supporting the flaps 568 and 568a. Each handle flap 568, 568a is flexibly attached to the upper edge of the corresponding handle part 538, 552, along fold lines 570a and 570a, respectively, to fold around their adjacent fold lines so that, during assembly, the handle flaps may be placed in the facing surfaces contacting each other with their adjacent handle portion shown in FIG. 15B.

The two-piece blank 550, 550a is provided for forming the central and transverse partition structures shown in FIG. 14B and is substantially similar to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. It can be seen that the position of the tabs 593, 593a differs from the third embodiment, although each flap is adapted to be secured to the second center piece 586, 582 by adhesive or other suitable means known in the art and to separate adjacent chambers. In this embodiment, the protruding elements E of each flap overlap for attachment together, see FIG. 15B.

The embodiment of the sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment described above, wherein the transverse dividing members are attached to respective side panels, the central panel is attached to the handle portion, and the central support flaps are attached to the respective end panels shown in FIG. 15 A. Then one side of the basket carrier is folded around r

line 532 folds into the face of the contacting relationship with the central structure and is secured together as described above to form the flat composite carrier shown in FIG. 15B.

In order to erect the carrier of the products of the sixth embodiment, the front and rear edges of the composite carrier are moved inward to each other, as described in the fifth embodiment above, to automatically assemble the individual chambers and the articles enter their respective chambers C1, C2. C3 to complete the loading procedure, ready for delivery to the user. The handle structure H and the base structure are also similarly shaped to provide a fully erected carton as shown in FIG. 16. The advantages of the upper edge shape of the blank and base of the present invention have already been mentioned with respect to the fifth embodiment above and are therefore not described in greater detail herein.

Are you. The embodiment of the carton is shown in FIG. 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B and 19. As shown in these drawings, the product carrier is formed from a three-part blank; it is a parallelogram package similar to the sixth embodiment described above and thus similar (identical) parts are identified by the same reference, adding the number '6' to replace '5'. Therefore, only the differences between the seventh and sixth embodiments are described in more detail.

FIG. 17A, the handle is shown to be a four-layer structure provided by the outer handle portions 638, 652 and the handle support flaps 668 and 668a. Each handle flap 668, 668a is flexibly connected to the upper edge of the corresponding handle portion 638, 652 along the fold lines 670, 670a, and is bendable around its adjacent fold lines so that during assembly the handle flaps may be placed in face-to-face contact with their adjacent portion. of the handle shown in FIG. 18B.

In this embodiment, the outer blank further includes a pair of transverse partition panels 631, 633, a foldably connecting handle portion 638, and a side panel 616. Further, a pair of transverse partition panels 651, 653, a flexibly connecting handle portion 652, and a side panel 620 are included. adhesives are provided for attachment to the adjacent end piece 622 and 618, respectively.

The two-part blank 680, 680a is provided for forming the central and transverse partition structures shown in FIG. 17B and is substantially similar to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, only the differences are described. Cross dividers 6S2. 684; 682a. 684a are constructed in a different manner and it is not really necessary for adhesive flaps to be included since these parts can be attached to the parts 631, 633; 651. 651, respectively. It can be seen that the position of the flaps 693, 693a differs from the third

1C of the embodiment, however, each flap is adapted to be secured to the second center piece 686, 686a by glue, or other suitable means known in the art by the protruding elements shown in FIG. 18B.

The embodiment of the seventh embodiment is similar to some of the embodiments described above, whereby the transverse dividing members are attached to respective side panels, the central portion is attached to the handle portion, and the central support flaps are attached to the respective end panels shown in FIG. 18A. In addition, the transverse dividers 684: 684: 684a. 631: 651. 653 of the outer blank 610. Then, one side of the basket carrier is bent around the fold line 632 to face-to-face relationship with the central structure and is joined together as described above to form a flat composite carrier. shown in FIG. 18B.

To erect the carrier, the front and rear edges of the folded blank are moved inwardly toward each other, as described in the fifth embodiment above, to automatically assemble the individual chambers, and the articles enter their respective chambers C1, C2, C3 to complete the loading process, delivery to the user. The handle structure H and the base structure are also formed in a similar manner to provide a fully erected carton, similar to that shown in FIG. 19. The advantages of the shape of the upper edges of the blank and the base of the present embodiment have already been referred to with respect to the fifth embodiment above and are therefore not further described herein. A further advantage of the invention is that the blanks forming the partition structure can be reduced in width because it is not necessary for the transverse partition parts 682, 684 to expand the width W of the chamber, since the outer transverse parts provide a corresponding stiffness.

Fig. 20A and 20B illustrate an eighth embodiment of the invention. The article carrier is formed from one or more paperboard blanks 710 or other suitable (pre) bendable sheet material. The carrier is adapted to hold a plurality of objects, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles on each side. It is contemplated that the carrier may be adapted to hold a varying number of bottles as desired by the wearer.

In this embodiment, the carrier is formed of a two-piece blank and a blank 710 forming a longitudinal row of a first center support portion 712. a first end portion 714, a first side portion 716, a second end portion 718, a second side portion 720, a third end portion 722 and a second center piece 724, hingedly connected to each other along side fold lines 726, 728, 730, 732, 734, and 736. Furthermore, a side fold line 719 between the fold lines 730 and 732 may be included. r of the second end piece 718 into two portions (718a, 718b) for forming a basket-shaped carrier with an "arrow profile" described hereinafter.

The first handle portion 738 is disposed adjacent the second end portion 718 and the first side portion 716 and is separated from this side and end portion by the cut line 742. The cut line 742 extends between the fold lines 728 and 719. The handle portion 738 is hingedly connected to the second an end piece 718 along an extension of the fold line 719 that forms a portion of the edge of one side of the first handle portion 738. The handle portion 738 is coupled to the first end portion 714 via an intermediate portion 750 that is hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 738 along the bending line 751 and to the first

J to the end piece 714 along the fold line 728.

The handle portion 738 may include a hand hole 744. In this embodiment, the flap 746 is of a zinc-like shape

a softening grip attached along the bending line 748 to the upper edge of the hand opening 744.

The second handle portion 752 is disposed adjacent the second side portion 720 and the second end portion 718 and is separated from this side and end portion by cutting lines 754, 765. The cutting lines 754. 756 extend between the fold lines 719 and 734. connected to the handle portion 738 along the fold line 719. The handle portion 752 is connected to the third end portion 722 by an intermediate portion 764 which is hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 752 along the fold line 766 and to the end portion 722 along the fold line 734.

The handle portion 752 may include a hand hole 758. In this embodiment, the hand softening flap 760 is attached along the fold line 762 to the upper edge of the hand hole 760.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle structure is provided. The handle supporting portion 768 is disposed adjacent to a portion of the intermediate portion 750 and the central support portion 712. The handle below; the plow member 768 is hingably attached to the side edge of the first handle portion 738 along the fold line 751, but is otherwise separate from the blank. In alternative embodiments, the handle support portion may alternatively be coupled to the second handle portion 752. A hand recess 770 is provided and is preferably placed in alignment with the hand holes 744 and 758 in the arranged carton.

Hooks 797, 797a may be provided along the lower edges of the first and second center portions 712 and 724 to provide a detachable attachment to the base structure.

Also included is a base structure, which in this embodiment is secured by base parts 772, 774 flexibly connected to side panels 716 and 720, respectively. Suitable fastening means are provided to secure the base parts together. For example, the adhesive flap 776 is attached to the base piece 772. Alternatively, the locking tabs are extruded from the base portion and the additional pair of locking apertures is extruded from the base portions and the additional pair of locking apertures is extruded from the second base portion to receive and retain the locking tabs, as is well known. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other methods of blocking the base members together may be adapted during assembly, and the invention is not limited to the features shown in the embodiments or described above.

As shown in FIG. 20B, both sides of the article carrier distribution structure are preferably formed from the second blank 780. The blank 780 includes a pair of transverse dividers 782, 784, extruded from the central splitter 786. The transverse sectional splitter structure 782 is extruded from the central section 786 and line 787. is coupled thereto along the fold line 788. Similarly, the transverse manifold 784 is extruded from the central panel 786 by cutting lines 789, 790 and is attached thereto along the fold line 792. In this embodiment, the fold line 792 is interrupted by a cutting line 787 that extends into the transverse manifold 784 and defines an adhesive flap 794 bendably attached to the transverse manifold 782 along the fold line 796. The second adhesive flap 798 may be attached to the flange 798. The fold lines 799. The fold lines 799 and 796 are preferably interrupted by the cut lines 799 and 796, respectively. The tab 795 preferably printed from the center piece 786 is defined by the cut line 783 and the fold lines 791. The further tab 793 is preferably extruded from the cross member 782 and is defined by the cut line 793 and the fold line 788.

The second central manifold 786a is essentially a mirror of the first 786 along the fold line 791, and thus like parts are designated by the same reference numeral with the letter "a". Thus, only the differences between the blank 780 and the blank 780a are described in more detail.

A projecting portion 785 of the portion 786a is provided to cooperate with the handle support portion 768 thereby ensuring that the entire handle is a triple layer. In the opposite edge of the blank, the corresponding part is cut to minimize waste of cardboard when multiple blanks are extruded in a mosaic pattern.

It is contemplated that the amount and position of the transverse dividing members of each blank may be varied according to the number of required storage chamber objects.

The assembly of the completed carrier of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 21A and 21B, in a flat folded state from a blank, requires a series of successive folding and gluing operations so that there is no need to rotate and invert the carton to complete

2 ^r J assembly. The bonding positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching, however, it is expected that other embodiments of the blanks may be glued at other locations if desired. The folding procedure is not limited to what is described below and may be varied according to the particular manufacturing requirement. Thus, the blank 780 is attached to the blank 70.

In this embodiment, the flaps 794, 798 are attached to the side panel 716 and the central panel 786 is attached to the handle panel 738 by adhesive or other suitable means. Likewise, the adhesive flaps 794a and 798a are attached to the side panel 720 and the central partition 786a is attached to the panel 752 by adhesive or other suitable means. Thus, the carton is shown in FIG. 21 A.

Then, the handle supporting portion 768 is folded about the fold line 751 and into the face surfaces contacting each other with the handle portion 738 such that the recess 770 and the opening 758 are aligned. The first and third end portions 714 and 722 are folded inwardly along the fold line 728 and 734 such that the center support portions 712 and 724 can be attached to the center portions 786 and 768a, respectively. using glue or other suitable means known in the art. The second end piece 718 is folded half along the fold line 719 such that the intermediate portions 750, 764 are in the faces contacting each other with the first end portion 714. In some embodiments, the intermediate portions 750, 764 are secured to the first end portion 714 by glue or other means known in the art.

The handle portions 738, 752 may be attached together by glue or other suitable means in the art. Outer parts 718b. 720, 722. forming one side of the partition, are folded into the faces of the contacting relationship with the outer portions 718a. 7 6, 714, forming the other side of the partition.

By fitting the parts in this manner, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into face-to-face relationship with each other and the handle parts 752. 768 are secured together with the inner face of the handle part 738 by adhesive or other means known in the art. Preferably, the tab 793a is attached to the tab 793.

Thereafter, the carton is in the middle phase shown in FIG. 21B: a completely folded article carrier, wherein the third end piece 722. the second side portion 720 and the outer handle portion 752 are positioned face-to-face relative to each other with the first end piece 714, the first side portion 716 and the handle portion 738, respectively. The carton of the first embodiment is commonly referred to as a " arrow profile " package because the end pieces are folded around the center fold line and define two rear edges 736, 726 and a front edge defined by fold lines 719.

λ ¹

In order to erect the product carrier, the front and rear edges of the composite blank are moved inwardly towards each other. This causes the end portions 714, 722 and 718 and the side portions 716 and 720 to move from a flat collapsed state to a substantially rectangular configuration, which facilitates assembly of the individual chambers. As shown in FIG. 22, three chambers C1, C2, C3 are thus formed. Similarly, the transverse manifolds 782a are extended. 784a are aligned with the second side panel 720 and the grip panel 752 and are folded around the fold lines 788a and 792a, respectively. so that the transverse manifolds 794a. 798a are perpendicular to handle portion 752 and sidewall portion 720. Thus, the transverse manifold portions 794, 798 are moved from alignment with the first side panel 716 and the handle portion 738 and are folded around the fold lines 788 and 792, respectively, so that the transverse manifold portions 782, 784 are substantially perpendicular to the handle portion 738. and side panel 716 such that three additional chambers are formed. In use, the transverse manifolds may be detached and support the products in adjacent chambers.

Thereafter, the carton is ready to receive articles that are loaded by a relatively perpendicular movement between the articles and the carrier during a forward delivery movement well known in the art, whereby the articles enter their respective chambers through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the articles may enter their chambers from the top of the carrier.

Then, the base is formed, whereby the base parts 722 and 724 are brought into an overlapping relationship and joined together by fastening means (s) well known in the art. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 776 is glued to the base member 774. The base portions may be held in place before and / or after loading by engaging the base portions 772, 774 using the hooks 797, 797a. shown in FIG. 20Aa21A.

In use, the handle tabs 746, 760 are folded around the handle parts 738, 752 to further secure the handle structure H and the carton. Thus, the carton of the first embodiment is in the assembled state as shown in FIG. 22nd

Turning to the embodiment of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 23A and 23B, there is shown a product carrier formed from a two-piece blank. The blanks are capable of forming a package with a "parallelogram profile" described below. The blank 810 shown in FIG. 23A, provides outer carrier portions and includes, in a longitudinal row, 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. flexibly attached to one another along the side fold lines 826, 830, 832. 834, respectively.

2 '· /

I

The first handle portion 838 is disposed adjacent the first end portion 818 and the first side portion 816 and is separated from this side and end portion by a cut line 842 extending from the fold line 826 and into the end portion 818. The handle portion 838 is hingedly attached to the top edge 818. If it is desired for the handle to be located in the center, the connection point should be in the center. The handle portion 838 is flexibly connected along its opposite edge to the adhesive flap 812 through the intermediate piece 850. In this embodiment, the intermediate piece 850 is hingedly attached to the side edge of the handle portion 838 along the fold line 851 if the adhesive flap line is folded 826 as shown. Fig. A. Handle part 838 may include a pair of hand / finger openings 844, 844a. In this embodiment, a pair of arm-springing or softening flaps 846, 846a is attached. along bending lines 848, 848a. to the upper edge of the respective hand openings 844, 844a.

A second handle portion 852 is disposed adjacent the second side portion 820 and the second end portion 822 and is separated from the side and end portions by cut lines 842 and 856 extending from the fold line 832 and into the end portion 822. The handle portion 852 is hingably attached to the the upper end portion 822 and the opposite end portion 818 of the intermediate portion 864. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 864 is flexibly connected to the side edge of the handle portion 852 along the fold line 865 and to the end portion 818 along the fold line 832. Preferably, the second handle portion 852 includes a pair of hand / finger openings 858, 858a. In this embodiment, a pair of hand openings to soften the flap 860, 860a, are attached along the fold lines 862, 862a to the upper edge of respective hand grip openings 858. 858a.

In this embodiment, a three-layer handle structure is provided that includes a handle supporting portion 868 hingably attached to a side edge of the handle portion 852 along the fold line 855. The support portion 868 further comprises a hand hole 870 disposed between the upper and lower edges of the handle support portion 868. The hand opening 870 is positioned aligned with the hand openings 854, 853 in the assembled carton. In alternative embodiments of the embodiment, two openings can be provided in the handle support portion 868, which are arranged to mate with the openings on the handle portions in the assembled carton.

The base structure is formed from parts 872, 874, which in this embodiment is substantially the same as the eighth embodiment and is therefore not described in further detail below.

The article carrier distribution structure is formed from the second blank 880. The blank 880 includes a pair of transverse dividers 882, 884, extruded from the central manifold 886. The transverse manifold 882 is extruded from the central panel 886 by cutting lines 885 and 881, and attached thereto. along the fold line 888. Further, the transverse manifold 882 is hingably attached to the adhesive flap 894 along the fold line 896. As in the first embodiment, it is contemplated that the amount and position of the transversal parts may be varied according to the number of chambers required for receiving products.

Similarly, the transverse manifold 884 is extruded from the central portion 886 by elongated cut lines 885 and 881 and is bent thereto along the fold line 892. The cross member 884 is further hingedly attached to the adhesive flap 894 along the bending line 899. Further, the central distributor piece is hingably attached at its opposite edges to the adhesive flaps 883, 887 and 889.

The second center piece 886a is hingably connected to the piece 886 along the fold line 891. The second center piece 886a is similar to the piece 786 and thus similar parts are referred to by the same reference, with the addition of the letter "a". The only difference between the parts is that the glue part 894a in this embodiment does not extend into the part 886, as opposed to the part 894 that extends into the part 886a.

The assembly of the completed carrier of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 23C, 24A and 24B, in the flat folded state of the blank, requires a series of successive folding and gluing operations, which can be performed in a straight line gluing device so that there is no need to rotate or flip the carton to complete assembly. The bonding positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching, however, it is expected that other blanks may be glued at other locations if desired. The folding or folding process is not limited to those described below and may be varied according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Thus, referring to FIG. 23C, the blank 880 is folded around the fold line 891 in the direction indicated by the arrow X such that the panel 886a substantially overlaps the panel 886. The composite blank 880 is attached to the blank 810. In this embodiment, the adhesive flap 894a is attached to the side panel 816, the central panel 886a is secured to the first end piece 818. Thus, the carton is in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 24A. Then, the handle support portion 868 is folded so that it lies over the handle portion 852 and the adhesive flap 812 is folded around the fold line 826 into the face contacting relationship with the side portion 816 and the outer portions 820 and 822 are folded around the fold line 832 into the face surfaces. the end piece 822 is attached to the adhesive flap 812 and the transverse adhesive flap 894 is attached to the side wall 820. Preferably, the handle portion 852 is attached to the opposite face of the handle support portion 868 and the adhesive flaps 887 and 889 are respectively. attached to end piece 822.

By folding and fastening the parts in this way, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought together by the faces so that the article carrier is in the finished and folded state shown in FIG. 24B. The carton of the ninth embodiment is commonly referred to as a "parallelogram" package because the leading edge is defined by the fold line 432 and the trailing edge is defined by the diametrically opposite edge provided by the fold line 426.

In order to erect the product carrier, the front and rear edges of the composite blank are moved inward toward each other. This causes the end portions 822 and 818 and the side portions 816 and 820 to move from a flat folded state to a rectangular configuration, which facilitates assembly of the individual chambers. Thus, the transverse dividers 882, 884, 882a. 884a. they are moved from alignment with the first and second side panels 820 and 816, respectively, and are folded around the bending lines 888, 892, 888a and 892a such that the transverse dividing panels are substantially perpendicular to the handle panel 868 and the side panels 816 and 820. Fig. 25 it can be seen that each part 882. 884: 882a. 884a extends from each side of the center piece to form two rows of three chambers C1, C2, C3. In use, the transverse manifolds may separate and support the products in adjacent chambers.

Thereafter, the carton is ready to receive articles that are preferably loaded by relative perpendicular movement between the articles and the carrier during a forward delivery movement well known in the art, whereby the articles enter their respective chambers through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the articles may enter their chambers through the top of the carrier. Then, the base is formed, in substantially the same manner as described above, by which the parts of the base 472, 474 are joined together by the fastening means. Similarly, the handle tabs 446, 460 are folded around the handle 468, 452 to further secure the handle structure H and the carton. Thus, the carton of the ninth embodiment is in the configured position as shown in FIG. 25 drawings.

A common feature that shares both the eighth and the ninth embodiments relates to the structure H of the handle portion. More specifically, the handle portions and possibly the handle support portions are flush. The upper edges of the handle parts are collinear as shown in FIG. 20A and 23B to minimize the loss of cardboard, since adjacent blanks may be extruded from a continuous roll, with their respective upper edges in abutment.

Another common feature is the use of a single central blank that is folded around one edge to form central and transverse portions along both sides of the handle portion. Under certain circumstances, this may simplify the mechanization of the stock erection process.

It will be understood that, as used herein, references to "top", "base", "end" and "side" directions do not limit the respective parts to these orientations, but serve only to distinguish these parts from one another. Any reference to a hinge should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single bending line: it is envisaged that the hinge may be formed from one or more groove lines, frangible lines or fold lines without going beyond the invention. .

The present invention and its preferred embodiments relate to a product carrier which is shaped to provide sufficient strength to securely maintain bottles, but with some flexibility so that the load transferred to the handle is absorbed by the carrier. The blank shape minimizes the amount of paperboard required. The carrier can be used for arranging bottles made by hand or by an automatic device. It is contemplated that the particular features of each of the above-described embodiments are interchangeable without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (35)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A blank for forming an internal partition structure on a basket-like article carrier, in particular bottles, comprising opposing, end and side wall parts and a handle structure, comprising a first central piece adapted to attach to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket-type carrier and transverse dividing members extruded from said center piece and hinged thereto, to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from a blank. A blank according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second center piece hingedly connected to the first center piece, the second center piece being adapted to be attached to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket-type carrier and transverse dividing members extruded from said center part and hinged thereto, to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from the blank. Semi-finished product according to claim 2, characterized in that the central parts are hingedly connected along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to the folding lines, which hingedly connect the transverse dividing part to the central part (s). A blank according to claim 3, characterized in that one of the central portions is an extruded flap and is hingedly connected to said central portions along the fold line of the central portion. Semi-finished product according to claim 2, characterized in that the central parts are hingedly connected along a fold line arranged substantially perpendicular to the fold lines, which hingedly connect the transverse dividing part to the central part (s). A blank according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each center piece further comprises a fastening piece, each fastening piece being so assembled and arranged to be fastened together in an arranged product carrier. i and x t Ί. An internal distribution structure blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse distribution part is pivotally connected to the central part by a pair of spaced fold lines between opposing ends of the transverse distribution part, thereby forming a part that extends outwardly. on both sides of the center piece when an inner partition structure is formed in an ordered carrier. Semi-finished product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two transverse dividing parts are extruded therefrom and are hingedly connected at their ends at distances from the central part as soon as they are erected by a side wall fastening part. A blank according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle support portion extending from the upper portion of the central partition portion, the handle portion including a hand opening that will be aligned with the handle structure of the article carrier. A carrier-type basket-shaped blank comprising a first end piece, a first side piece, a second end piece, a second side piece, and a third end piece, hingedly connected to one another in a row, a base part hinged to one of the side or end pieces and a handle structure comprising a hand hole, the handle structure comprising first and second handle portions hingably attached to said second end portion, a first handle portion hingably attached to the first end portion, and a second handle portion hingably attached to the third end portion, the first and second portions the handles are so designed and arranged that they are positioned with a face contacting each other and form a two-layer handle when the carrier is in an ordered state; characterized in that the first and second handle portions are adjacent and separated from the respective first and second side portions. The preform of claim 10, further comprising a handle support portion bendable to the first handle portion to form a three-layer handle in an ordered state. The preform of claim 10, further comprising a second handle support portion, bendable to the second handle portion. Semi-finished product according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and second handle parts are coplanar and the upper edges of these handle parts are collinear. The blank of claim 10, wherein the upper edges of one or each handle support portion are collinear with said handle portions. The blank of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein said handle portions are shaped to be rigidly connected to the first and second handle portions of another adjacent blank. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the handle portions are substantially trapezoidal in shape. The blank according to any one of claims 7 to 16, further comprising a piece arranged to support at least one central piece when the blank is erected to form the carton. The blank of claim 17, wherein the further central support member is hingedly connected to the opposite end of said row of parts, the support members being arranged to be attached to one or more faces of the central member (s). Preform according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at least one of the supporting parts is provided with a hook part, the hook being arranged to engage the base part when the preform is erected to form the carton. A basket-type carrier adapted to hold a plurality of articles, characterized in that it is formed from one or more carton blanks according to any one of claims 10 to 19, and internal partition structures formed from the blanks according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 21. A basket-type article carrier having opposing side and end portions, a base member hinged in one or more of the side or end portions, and a handle structure hingedly attached to the opposite end portions, further comprising an internal partition structure formed from a separate blank; the inner partition structure comprising a first central member adapted to be attached to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket-shaped support and transverse partition members extruded from and hinged thereto to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure. An article carrier according to claim 21, comprising a second central member hingedly coupled to the first central member, the second central member being adapted to be attached to the handle structure and at least one end wall of the basket carrier, and transverse dividing members extruded therefrom a center piece and hinged thereto, to form a plurality of article receiving chambers on one side of the handle structure. An article carrier according to claim 22, characterized in that the central parts are hingedly connected along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to the fold lines which hingedly connect the transverse dividing part to the central part (s). The article carrier of claim 23, wherein the flap is embossed from one of the central portions and is hingedly connected to the central portions along the fold line of the central portion. The article carrier of claim 22, wherein the central portions are hingedly connected to one another along a fold line disposed substantially perpendicular to the fold lines that hingably connect the transverse dividing portions to the central portion (s). An article carrier according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein each center piece further comprises a fastening portion, each fastening portion being configured and arranged to be fastened together. An article carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse partition piece is pivotally connected to the central part by a pair of spaced fold lines between opposite ends of the transverse partition piece, thereby forming a part that extends outwardly from both sides. center piece. An article carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two transverse dividing members are extruded from the blank and are hingedly connected at their ends remote from the central part as soon as they are erected by a side wall fastening part. An article carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle support portion extending from the top of the central partition, the handle portion including a hand opening which will be aligned with the handle structure of the carrier. The article carrier of claim 29, further comprising a handle support portion folded to the first handle portion to form a triple layer handle. The article carrier of claim 29, further comprising a second handle support portion folded to the second handle portion. The article carrier of claim 30 or 31, wherein the first and second handle portions are coplanar and the upper edges of the handle portions are collinear. The article carrier of claim 29, wherein the upper edges of the or each handle support portion are collinear with the handle portions. The article carrier of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the handle portions are substantially trapezoidal in shape. Object carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the support parts is provided with a hook-shaped part, the hook being arranged to engage (that engages) the base part. ' in A method of forming a basket-type article carrier from a first blank, comprising a first end piece, a first side panel, a second end panel, a second side panel, and a third end panel hingably attached to one another in a row, and a handle structure hingedly attached to one or more an end piece and a second blank for forming an internal partition structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: i) placing the second blank on the first blank in an aligned position, ii) attaching the transverse dividing members to the first side wall portion, iii) attaching the center piece to the handle portion of the first blank, iv) folding the second side wall portion and the second end wall portion into the face contacting the relationship with the internal distribution structure, and v) fastening the first and third end pieces together to form a complete composite carrier.