TW201332854A - Carton, blank and package - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a carton, blank, and package. The blank (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) to form the article package comprises a top plate (12) and at least an article-receiving hole (31). At least an article-receiving hole is limited by an imaginary ring line. A series of main connector sheets (31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b) and a series of sub-connector sheets (24, 24', 25) are disposed along the imaginary ring line. The series of main connector sheets comprise four connector sheets disposed oppositely. The series of sub-connector sheets comprise four connector sheets disposed oppositely. Each sub-connector sheet is formed between the two adjacent main connector sheets or formed of two adjacent main connector sheets. Compared with the height of the article touched by the sub-connector sheets whose shape and dimension are designed so that the article is received in the article-receiving hole, the main connector sheets are so designed that when the same article is received in the article-receiving hole, the height touched by the main connector sheets to the upper part of the same article is higher.

Description

Cardboard box, embryo body and packaging

The present invention relates to an embryo body for forming a foldable sheet of a carton, and to a carton formed of an embryo body and a package of an article. More specifically, but not exclusively, it relates to an embryo body for forming a top grip type carrier that is attached to the upper portion of each item of a group of articles to organize the items into a single package.

In the field of packaging, it is often desirable to provide consumers with packages that include multiple primary product containers, such multi-piece commodity packages are desirable for shipping and distribution and for displaying promotional information. Based on cost and environmental considerations, these cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible, and the materials that form them are subject to as little waste as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the package and its suitability for holding and transporting larger weight items.

The present invention is directed to overcoming or at least alleviating the problems in the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an embryo body for forming a package of articles, the embryo body comprising a top panel and at least one article receiving aperture, the at least one article receiving aperture being defined by an imaginary annular line, along the The imaginary loop line is provided with a series of main tabs and a series of sub-joint tabs, the series of main tabs comprising four oppositely disposed tabs, the series of sub-joint tabs comprising four oppositely disposed tabs, each The secondary tab is formed between two adjacent primary tabs or is formed by two adjacent primary tabs, the secondary tab being shaped and sized to receive when the article is received in the article receiving aperture The main tab is shaped and dimensioned to be more highly touching the upper portion of the same item when the same item is received in the item receiving aperture than the height of the item being contacted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embryo body including a top panel and at least one article receiving aperture, the at least one article receiving aperture comprising receiving the article around the article The imaginary line of the aperture is provided with a series of articles engaging the tabs, the body further comprising two upper end plates joined along opposite ends of the top plate and an upper front plate and an upper rear plate joined along the front and rear sides of the top plate, wherein At least one of the article engagement tabs is disposed at a corner of the body and is at least partially defined by two bifurcated hinge lines, the first of the two bifurcated hinge lines placing the series of items The at least one of the joint tabs is coupled to an adjacent upper end panel, and a second one of the two bifurcated hinge lines connects the at least one of the series of article engagement tabs to adjacent Upper front plate.

Alternatively, the two bifurcated hinge lines are bifurcated from the aperture. Preferably, the hole forms part of an angular structure, the corner structure further comprising: first and second hinged connecting plates, a second hole and a connecting plate, wherein the first connecting plate is hinged to the lower front plate, A second link plate is hinged to the lower end plate, a portion of the link plate and the second link plate being shaped and arranged to provide a connection between the upper front plate and the upper end plate.

Alternatively, the web may be defined by two bifurcated hinge lines and a second aperture, wherein the two bifurcated hinge lines defining the web are from two bifurcation lines that engage the tabs with the article. The same aperture is bifurcated, and the angle between the two bifurcated hinge lines defining the web is substantially similar or equal to the angle between the two bifurcation lines defining the article engagement tab.

Optionally, the aperture includes a substantially rounded or rounded portion disposed at an intersection between the article engagement tab, the upper end panel, the upper front panel, the web, and the first gusset.

Optionally, the series of article joint tabs comprises a series of main tabs and a series of sub-joint tabs, the series of tabs comprising four opposite tabs, the series of tabs comprising four Oppositely disposed tabs, each sub-joint sheet being formed between two adjacent main tabs or formed by two adjacent main tabs, the shape and size of the sub-joint tab being designed as an article The main tab is shaped and dimensioned to be more highly touching the upper portion of the same article when the same article is received in the article receiving aperture than when receiving the height of the article in the article receiving aperture, and Wherein at least one of the series of article engagement tabs is a secondary tab.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the secondary tabs is defined by a large depth and arcuate cutting line located on an imaginary line defining the aperture, and the remaining connection to the top panel is Not pre-wrinkled.

Optionally, at least one of the main tabs is defined by a large depth and arcuate cutting line on an imaginary line defining the aperture, and a pair of creases are provided on either side of the large depth and arcuate cutting line Fold the line.

Optionally, the series of main tabs comprises four tabs, and wherein the imaginary longitudinal axis of the two opposing main tabs through the series of tabs is perpendicular to the other two opposing tabs The imaginary longitudinal axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a package is provided that includes one or more items and a carrier that wraps and attaches one or more items to the item, the carrier comprising one or more items received a top plate of the aperture, each article receiving aperture receiving an upper portion of the article and attaching the carrier to the one or more items, the carrier comprising a front panel depending from the top panel, an end panel depending from the top panel, and In an angular configuration, the front panel is juxtaposed with the end panel, and the front panel and the end panel are joined by the corner configuration, wherein the corner configuration comprises: first and second hinged connecting gussets, holes and webs, wherein The first link plate is hinged to the front plate, the second link plate is hinged to the end plate, and a portion of the link plate and the second link plate are shaped and arranged to provide a second connection between the front plate and the end plate.

Optionally, the front panel is divided into an upper front panel portion and a lower front panel by at least one hinged connection, and wherein the end panel is divided into an upper end panel portion and a lower end panel portion by at least one hinge line, and wherein The first and second hinged connection gussets provide a connection between the lower front plate portion and the lower end plate portion, and wherein a portion of the gusset plate and the second gusset provide a connection between the upper front plate and the upper end plate .

Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated that aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives set forth in the above paragraphs, the scope of the claims, and/or the following description and drawings may be independently or in any Used in combination. For example, features described in relation to one embodiment are also applicable to all embodiments unless there is a feature incompatibility.

10‧‧‧ embryo body

11‧‧‧Package

12‧‧‧ top board

13a, 13b, 13c‧‧‧ front board

13'a, 13'b, 13'c‧‧‧ back board

14a, 14b, 14'a, 14'b‧‧‧ end plates

18, 18', 21, 21' ‧ ‧ first joint plate

19, 19', 22, 22' ‧ ‧ second joint plate

20, 20', 23, 23'‧‧‧ link boards

24, 24', 25‧‧‧ sub-joints

26, 26', 27, 27', 50, 50' ‧ ‧ hinge line

28', 39, 40, 42, 62‧‧‧ fold lines

29, 29'‧‧‧ first corner hole

31‧‧‧ Item receiving hole

30, 30', 32, 34, 36, 37, 37', 52, 52' ‧ ‧ articulated joints

31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b‧‧‧ main joint piece

33, 35, 60‧‧‧ cutting line

36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e‧ ‧ dividing line

41, 41'‧‧‧ second corner hole

110‧‧‧ embryo body

112‧‧‧ top board

113a, 113b, 113c‧‧‧ front panel

113'a, 113'b, 113'c‧‧‧ back board

114a, 114b, 114c, 114'a, 114'b, 114'c‧‧‧ end plates

118, 118', 121, 121'‧‧‧ first joint plate

119, 119', 122, 122'‧‧‧ second joint plate

124, 124', 125‧‧‧Sub-joints

128', 142‧‧‧ part

130', 152‧‧ ‧ articulated joint

131‧‧‧ Item receiving hole

131a, 131b, 131'a, 131'b‧‧‧ main joint piece

141, 141'‧‧‧ corner hole

210‧‧‧ embryo body

212‧‧‧ top board

213a, 213b, 213c‧‧‧ front board

213'a, 213'b, 213'c‧‧‧ back panel

214a, 214b, 214c, 214'a, 214'b, 214'c‧‧‧ end plates

218, 218', 221, 221 '‧‧‧ first joint plate

219, 219', 222, 222'‧‧‧ second joint plate

224, 224', 225‧‧ ‧ secondary tabs

228', 242‧‧‧

230', 252‧‧ ‧ articulated joint

231‧‧‧ Item receiving hole

231a, 231b, 231'a, 231'b‧‧‧ main joint piece

2411, 241'‧‧‧ corner

310‧‧‧ embryo body

312‧‧‧ top board

313a, 313b, 313c‧‧‧ front panel

313'a, 313'b, 313'c‧‧‧ back panel

314a, 314b, 314'a, 314'b‧‧‧ end plates

318, 318', 321, 321 '‧‧‧ first joint plate

319, 319', 322, 322'‧‧‧ second joint plate

320, 320', 323, 323'‧‧‧ link boards

331‧‧‧ Item receiving hole

331a, 331b, 331'a, 331'b‧‧‧ main joint piece

324, 324', 325‧‧ ‧ secondary tabs

336‧‧‧ articulated joint

330, 330', 352, 352'‧‧‧ articulated joints

410‧‧‧ embryo body

412‧‧‧ top board

413a, 413b, 413c‧‧‧ front board

413'a, 413'b, 413'c‧‧‧ back board

414a, 414b, 414'a, 414'b‧‧‧ end plates

460a, 460'a, 460b, 460'b‧‧‧ locking belt

464‧‧‧Locking tabs

466‧‧‧ Shaped cutting holes

A‧‧‧ items

G‧‧‧ glue joints, glue

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1A is a plan view of an embryo body according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention, which may be optional Optionally using a packaging machine in an automated manner; FIG. 1B is a plan view of a blank body in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, which may alternatively be constructed using a packaging machine in an automated manner; FIG. 1C is a A plan view of an embryo body of an alternative embodiment, which may alternatively be constructed using a packaging machine in an automated manner; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the top front end and end of the package formed from four articles and the body of FIG. 1A; Figure 2B is a perspective view of the top front end and end of the package formed from four articles and the body of Figure 1B; Figure 2C is the top front end and end of the package formed from four articles and the body of Figure 1C 3 is a plan view of an embryo body according to a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention, which may alternatively be constructed in an automated manner using a packaging machine; and FIGS. 3A to 3E show the configuration of the embryo body in FIG. An optional sequential step of forming the embryo body around a set of six articles; Figure 4 is a plan view of an embryo body in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, which may alternatively be constructed manually; Figure 5A is By four things Figure 3B is a perspective view of the front and end of the package of the four articles and the body of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the front and end of the package formed by the body of Figure 4; The configuration of the four embryo bodies of the type shown in Figure 4 represents the tight nesting of the embryo body and minimal material waste.

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, embryo bodies, and cartons are disclosed herein. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the manner in which certain aspects of the invention can be applied Indeed, it is to be understood that the packages, embryo bodies and cartons described herein can be implemented in a variety of alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features can be enlarged or reduced to show special parts. The details. In order to avoid obscuring the invention, conventional components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in detail. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but are merely used as a basis for the scope of the claims, .

Referring to Figure 1A, an embryo body 10 for forming a carrier is shown that is suitable for grouping four items into a package by grasping the top of the item A and wrapping around their shoulders. A package 11 formed from the embryo body 10 and four articles A is shown in Figure 2A. It is to be understood that although an alternative example of the invention for packaging four bottles is shown in Figure 2A, the invention is not limited in its application to packaging four items, nor is it limited to packaging bottles. It is contemplated that aspects of the invention may be applied to packaging one or more items, which may be in a wide variety of forms, not limited to bottles and/or cans. In fact, an embryo body 310 for packaging six articles in a 2X3 arrangement is shown in FIG.

The embryo body 10 shown in Fig. 1A includes a top plate 12, front and rear plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c, and end plates 14a, 14b, 14'a, 14'b . The embryo body 10 is substantially symmetrical and thus only a portion of the embryo body 10 will be described in detail, it being understood that other symmetrical portions are at least substantially similar. Where appropriate, the same features are indicated by similar reference numerals, although the symbol "'" (apostrophe) is additionally included.

The top panel 12 includes one or more article receiving apertures 31 for enabling the body 10 to be assembled to the article A and secured to the article A. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, four item receiving apertures 31 are provided in a 2X2 array. It will be appreciated that at least one item receiving aperture 31 or other suitable item accessory mechanism may alternatively be provided in the top panel 12.

The imaginary line defines the largest perimeter of one or more item receiving apertures. Alternatively, each of the holes 31 is provided with a series of foldable tabs (also referred to as article splice tabs) 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b, 25, 24, 24', which are used by The material from which the holes 31 are formed is pressed and hinged to the top plate 12 or adjacent front, back and end plates 13a, 13 by hinged joints 34, 32, 33, 60, 62, 32, 42, 28' 'b, 14a, 14'a. The series of article engaging tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b, 25, 24, 24' are disposed about an imaginary line defining the aperture 31 and for interfering with the passage of the article A through the aperture 31. More specifically, this series of article joint tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b, 25, 24, 24' is used in item A. Undesired ejection of the article A is restricted or prevented after the through hole 31 is inserted. Preferably, the series of article joint tabs comprises a series of main tabs 31a, 31 'a, 31b, 31 'b and a series of sub-joint tabs 25, 24, 24'.

Alternatively, the hinged joints 34 of the main tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b may include arcuate cut lines 60 disposed between the two arcuate fold lines 62. The mentioned fold line should not be understood as necessarily representing only a single fold line; it is actually conceivable that the fold line can be broken by one or more broken fold lines and/or one or more or short slits. A combination of lines, scores, medium depth cuts, dividing lines, or groove lines. The primary tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b can operatively assist in the secure engagement of the top of the article A by the top panel 12.

Optional secondary tabs 25, 24, 24' may be formed between each adjacent foldable male tab 31b, 31a, 31 'b, 31'a. Three of the secondary tabs 25 may be defined by the hinged connection 32 and the arcuate cutting line 33. The elongated secondary tabs 24, 24' may be defined by arcuate cutting lines 35 and a pair of fold lines 42, 28' that converge at the corner holes 29, 29' and may be disposed at the corners of the top panel 12 or adjacent Front and end plates; rear and end plates; and intersections between the top plates 12/13'a/14'a; 12/13'a/14a; 12/14a/13a and 12/13a/14'a . Thus, the article receiving opening 31 for mating with the top of the article A can be formed at least at the corner of the top panel 12, which can facilitate the close fitting or reliable assembly of the embryo body 10 around the article A.

In the currently shown alternative configuration, each of the article receiving apertures 31 includes four main tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b and four sub-tabs 25, 24, 24'. Alternatively, each of the secondary tabs 25, 24, 24' is located between two adjacent foldable male tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b or otherwise would be used to form two adjacent The material of the foldable main tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b is pressed. Alternatively, the end edges of the two foldable main tabs 31b, 31'b are defined by straight cutting lines; the end edges of the other two main tabs 31a, 31'a are defined by arcuate cutting lines. Alternatively, the secondary tabs 25, 24, 24 are constructed and designed to engage, contact, abut or otherwise interfere with the article A by the primary tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b. The height along the height direction of the article A is constructed and designed to engage, contact, abut or otherwise interfere with the article A. This can enhance the resistance of the package to accidental release of the article once it remains in the aperture 31. Alternatively, the longitudinal axes of the two main tabs 31b, 31'b may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the other two main tabs 31a, 31'a.

Further alternatively, each of the main tabs 31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b may be formed from a single large depth arcuate cutting line 60 and a pair of substantially linear or straight creases on each side of the cutting line 60. , a dividing line or a folding line 62 is defined. When the top of the article is forced through the aperture 31, the dividing line 62 on each side of the cutting line 60 may facilitate the articulating movement of the primary tabs 31a, 31b, 31'a, 31'b away from the panel of the top wall 12. Additionally or alternatively, each secondary tab 25 may be partially disconnected from the top panel 12 by a single large depth arcuate cutting line on each side of which the material of the top panel 12 is not wrinkled or cut to provide a joint score This provides rigidity to the secondary tab 25. When the top of the article A is pushed through the holes 41, 41', the secondary tab 25 can be tilted less to fold and can remain substantially in the plane of the top wall 12, the circular leading edge of the secondary tab 25. The article A can be inserted and also ensures a tight friction or interference fit of the article A within the aperture 31.

In the embryo body 10, hinged joints 30, 52, 30', 52' (optionally in the form of alternating lines of fold lines and medium depth or large depth cut lines) extend between each pair of holes 31 and are provided The top portion 12 and the connecting portions 30', 30 between the front and rear panels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c are provided between the top panel 12 and the end panels 14a, 14a' Connections 52, 52'. Alternatively, stress relief slits or creases may be provided along or near the connecting portions 52, 30 of the top wall 12 and adjacent plate portions 14a, 14a', 13a, 13a'.

The front and rear panels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c may be formed as three pre-creased hinge portions by hinged joints 30', 27', 50'; 30, 27, 50 connected into a series. The upper two plate portions 13a, 13b, 13'a, 13'b of the front and rear plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c may be substantially trapezoidal in shape together, and the lower portion is large Most of the plate portions 13c, 13'c may be substantially rectangular.

The end plates 14a, 14b, 14'a, 14'b may be formed as two pre-creased hinge portions that are joined in series by hinged joints 26', 26. The respective upper portions 14'a, 14a of the end plates 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' may be substantially trapezoidal in shape, and most of the lower plate portions 14'b, 14b may be substantially rectangular.

The embryo body 10 includes four angular structures, one at each corner of the embryo body 10: one disposed between the front plates 13a, 13b, 13c and the end plates 14a, 14b; one disposed at the front plates 13a, 13b, 13c Between the end plates 14'a, 14'b; one disposed on the rear plates 13'a, 13'b, 13'c and the end plates Between 14a, 14b; one disposed between the rear plates 13'a, 13'b, 13'c and the end plates 14'a, 14'b.

Each corner structure includes: first corner holes 29, 29', first coupling plates 21, 18, 21', 18', second coupling plates 22, 19, 22', 19', second corner holes 41, 41 ', the webs 23, 20, 23', 20' and a series of hinged joints, fold lines or crease lines 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e (also collectively referred to as hinged joints 36). The end boundary line 36a can be used to hinge the lowermost end plate portions 14b', 14b to the second gusset 22, 19, 22', 19' of the adjacent corner structure.

The first angular apertures 29, 29' and the second angular apertures 41, 41' may alternatively be considered as a single aperture (such as shown in Figure IB), by the second gusset 22, 19, 22', 19' A portion and the webs 23, 20, 23', 20' are interrupted or shortened. The second gusset 22, 19, 22', 19' and the webs 23, 20, 23', 20' together provide a bridge that spans and divides a single hole into two parts: a first corner hole 29, 29' and a Two corner holes 41, 41'. A "bridge" formed by at least a portion of the second link plates 22, 19, 22', 19' and/or at least a portion of the link plates 23, 20, 23', 20' passes through the second link plates 22, 19, 22 ', 19' provides an articulatable connection between adjacent uppermost end plate portions 14'a, 14a, and may be used to add angular structures and/or second gussets 22, 19, 22', 19' Effectiveness. The front, rear and end plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c, 14a, 14'a, 14b, 14'b are themselves hinged lines 27, 50, 27', 50 This may be advantageous when ', 26, 26' are spaced apart, as these hinge lines 27, 50, 27', 50', 26, 26' may affect those during processing of the body to form the package and the second joint The operability of the plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c, 14a, 14'a, 14b, 14'b, such as by the webs 20, 20', 23, 23' and The plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c, 14'a, 13'b, 13'c, 14a, 14'a, 14b, 14 can be assisted as provided by a portion of the two link plates 19, 19', 22, 22'. 'b's control.

The first corner holes 29, 29' can separate the uppermost plate portions 13a, 13a' of the front and rear plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c from adjacent corner structures The intermediate plate portions 13b, 13'b of the front and rear plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c may be hinged to the edge by hinged joints 37, 37' The corner structure is partially on the second gusset 21, 18, 21', 18'. The lowermost plate portions 13c, 13'c of the front and rear plates 13a, 13b, 13c, 13'a, 13'b, 13'c may be free from any other connection to the plates of the embryo body 10.

The webs 23, 20, 23', 20' may be defined by two acutely angled hinged joints 40, 39, as shown in Figure 1A, which connect the webs 23, 20, 23', 20' to the uppermost The end plate portions 14'a, 14a are connected to the second link plates 22, 19, 22', 19'.

Alternatively, a fold line 42 defining an elongated secondary tab 24, 24' (which may also be referred to as a corner sub-joint tab 24, 24') and concentrating on the aperture 29' (or bifurcated away from the aperture 29'), 28' may have an angle between them that is similar to the angle between the fold lines 39, 40 defining the webs 20', 20, 23, 23'. Thus, when the embryo body 10 is constructed as a carrier, the corner formed between the top plate 12, the front wall 13a and the end wall 14a has an apex defined by the circular portion of the hole 29. The corner sub-joint tab 24 is disposed above the apex and the webs 20', 20, 23, 23' are positioned below the apex (see Figure 2A).

Alternatively, the top panel 12 can have one or more gripping mechanisms by which the package can be carried. Alternatively, one or more of the gripping mechanisms may take the form of finger holes and tabs located substantially centrally in the top panel 12 (see Figure 1A).

Turning now to the structure of the package, the assembly of the body 310 configured to hold and group six items A, such as bottles, is shown in Figures 3A-3E. It is conceivable that the package formed by the embryo bodies shown in Figs. 1A, 1B, 1C and Fig. 4 can be formed in a linear machine in a similar manner by a series of sequential folding operations, so that there is no need to rotate or flip the embryo body. , the group of articles and / or a part of the package formed to complete its structure. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may vary depending on the particular manufacturing needs.

The top plate 312 of the embryo body 310 is aligned with the group of articles (Fig. 3A), and then the top plate 312 is brought onto the group of articles by relative movement between the group of articles and the body 310 such that the top of each article A is pushed into the hole The hole 331 is partially and partially passed through the hole 331. This action pushes the main tabs 331a, 331b, 331'a, 331'b out of the plane of the top plate 312. The secondary tabs 325, 324, 324' are also folded away from the plane of the top plate 312, despite the secondary tabs 325, 324, 324' caused by the article A due to the more rigid hinged joints and dimensions of the secondary tabs. The displacement can be significantly smaller than the displacement of the main tabs 331a, 331b, 331'a, 331'b. Preferably, but optionally, the primary tabs 331a, 331b, 331 'a, 331 'b and the secondary tabs 325, 324, 324' can be moved into engagement with or at least in contact with the upper portion of the article, further optionally with a diameter Engage or at least contact the lower side of the protruding edge or flange, such as the bottom edge of the bottle 1 sheet cover, see Figure 3B. Alternatively, when the article is pulled out of the hole 331, the main tabs 331a, 331b, 331'a, 331'b and the sub-joint tabs 325, 324, 324' are more strongly engaged with the article, thereby resisting the article from Undesired in the hole Take off. In the stationary or usual position of the package (see Figure 2A, for example in the case where the base of the article A is supported by the surface), the foldable main tabs 331a, 331b, 331'a, 331'b may be operatively and non-operably Engagement to the underside of the protruding edge or flange, although they can still be used to frictionally contact the article in order to secure the article in the hole.

Returning to the assembly of the embryo body, it is shown in Figure 3C how the end plates 314a, 314b, 314'a, 314'b are folded and folded together around the hinged joints (352, 352') to each of the group of articles The items at the ends are in close contact. The corner structure is then folded at each corner of each end of the group of articles into a contour along the shoulder of the bottle. A dividing line (collectively referred to as hinged connection 336) assists in forming each angular structure about the shoulder of article A disposed at the angular position of the packaged set of articles A. The webs 320, 320', 323, 323' and the first and second gussets 318, 318', 321, 321 ', 319, 319 ', 322, 322' also help form an angular structure that closely surrounds the shoulder of the bottle While the front and rear panels 313a, 313b, 313c, 313'a, 313'b, 313'c remain substantially unfolded and disposed away from the group of items (as shown in Figure 3C).

The front and rear panels 313a, 313b, 313c, 313'a, 313'b, 313'c are folded about their hinged connections 330, 330' with the top panel 312. The lowermost plate portions 313c, 313'c of the front and rear panels may alternatively be lifted or folded up such that one or more glue points G can be selectively applied to the second joint of each corner structure Plates 319, 319', 322, 322' are used to attach the lowermost plate portions 313c, 313'c of the front and rear plates 313a, 313b, 313c, 313'a, 313'b, 313'c to The angular structure (see Figure 3D). By folding the lowermost plate portions 313c, 313'c of the front and rear plates 313a, 313b, 313a, 313'a, 313'b, 313'c downward with respect to the top plate 312 and making them angular structures and The group of articles A is in contact such that the body 310 closely wraps the articles A along the contours of their structure and is securely attached to the group of articles, thereby producing a package of articles A.

Referring now to Figures 1B, 1C, 2B, 2C and 4-6, further alternative embodiments of the present invention are shown. In a further embodiment illustrated in Figures 1B, 1C, 2B, 2C, the illustrated body and package have alternative corner structures and/or article receiving apertures and/or article engagement tabs. In a further embodiment illustrated in Figures 4-6, a mechanical locking mechanism is provided to maintain the carton in its upright form and to help securely hold the set of items. The embryo body 410 in the further embodiment of Figure 4 can optionally be manually manually Made in place, not in an automated way.

In the further illustrated embodiment, similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar components where possible, except that the prefix numbers "100", "200", "300", "400" are added to indicate that these features belong to Further embodiments. Further embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment, and thus the differences from the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 2A will only be described in more detail.

The embryo body 110 in Fig. 1B includes an angular structure having a single integral aperture 141, 141 '. The apertures 141, 141' are not shortened by a portion of the second link plates 122, 119, 122', 119', which are instead shaped as the ones shown in the present description. The webs 23, 20, 23', 20' provided by the first body 10 are not present in the configuration of Figure IB. However, the angular structure operates in a substantially similar manner to the angular structure of the embryo body 10 in Fig. 1A, and the absence of the shortening may result in the front and rear plates 113a, 113b, 113c, 113'a, 113'b, 113 a weaker connection between 'c and end plates 114a, 114b, 114c, 114'a, 114'b, 114'c, but first and second gussets 122/121, 122'/121', 119/ 118, 119 '/118' can provide a sufficiently strong connection to help form a tightly enclosed angular structure.

Alternatively, the elongate tabs 124, 124' of the sub-joint tabs 125 may be defined by portions 142, 128' of the hinged joints 130', 152 between the top panel 112 and the front panel, end panel portions 113'a, 114a, respectively. . The elongated tabs 124', 124 preferably include rounded ends that extend into the apertures 141, 141'.

The main tabs 131a, 131b, 131'a, 131'b of each series optionally have arcuate or curved free edges.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1C, the corner article engagement tab 224' is also the portion 242, 228 of the hinged connection 230', 252 between the top panel 212 and the front panel, end panels 213'a and 214a, respectively. 'limited. Further, the corner article joint tab is integrally formed with one of the main article joint tab series 231a, 231b, 231'a, 231'b. The series of each of the main tabs 231a, 231b, 231 'a, 231 'b can optionally have an arcuate or curved free edge. At least one of the main tabs 231a, 231b, 231 'a, 231 'b is selectively hinged to the top panel 212 by an arcuately large depth cut between the two folds or fold lines. A sub-article joint tab 225, 224, 224' is disposed between each of the four main tabs 231a, 231b, 231'a, 231'b. Thereby, the article receiving hole 231 and its foldable tabs 231a, 231b, 231'a, 231'b, 225, 224, 224' are configured to rotate approximately 45 degrees relative to the article receiving aperture 131 of Figure IB.

As discussed above, the embryo body 310 of FIG. 3 is different from that of FIG. 1A in that six article receiving holes 331 are provided in a 2×3 configuration. Thus, not all of the article receiving holes 331 are located at the corners of the top plate 312. Further, alternatively, two finger grip holes (without reference numerals) are provided in the top plate 312.

One embodiment is shown in Figure 4, which may alternatively be manually fabricated or fabricated by automated processing, and includes a mechanical locking mechanism and thus may not require any glue G to complete its construction into a package.

The embryo body 410 of Figure 4 includes four locking straps, one locking strap 460a, 460'a, 460b, 460'b hinged to the front and rear panels 413a, 413b, 413c, 413'a, 413'b, 413'c On each of the end edges of the lowermost plate portions 413c, 413'c. The locking straps 460a, 460'a, 460b, 460'b are each constructed and designed to interact with the other locking straps 460a, 460 once in an overlapping relationship with the end plates 414a, 414b, 414'a, 414'b. 'a, 460b, 460'b contact and cooperate. Each locking strap 460a, 460'a, 460b, 460'b includes a portion of a two-part complementary mechanical locking mechanism such that the pair of locking straps 460a/460b, 460'a/460'b are once in a partially packaged package Together, they can be locked together to maintain the carton in its upright form and help to reliably hold the group of items, (optionally, no glue or other adhesive is required) to complete the packaging.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the two-part complementary locking mechanism includes a heel-toe type locking tab 464 and a shaped cutting aperture 466. It will be appreciated that other suitable mechanical locking structures can be used. Alternatively, the pair of lockable straps 460b/460a, 460'b/460'a may have the same locking mechanism, with different locking mechanisms or the same locking mechanism oriented in the package, the locking mechanism Join in the opposite direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the locking mechanisms disposed on the pair 460b/460a, 460'b/460'a of the lockable locking strap engage in opposite directions. This may optionally enhance the locking structure and/or mitigate complete failure of the locking strap in the event that the locking straps 460a, 460b are each pulled away from their associated locking straps 460'a, 460'b.

The arrangement of the mechanical locking straps 460b/460a, 460'b/460'a does not preclude the use of adhesives that secure the various portions of the package together.

A package erected from the embryo body of Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 5A, and a complete package formed of four articles A and the embryo body of Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 5B.

An optional advantage of the structure of the embryo body of Figure 4 is that it will be inlaid or nested side by side with other embryoid bodies 410 in a minimal manner in a minimal manner on a panel of standard sized foldable panels. In another way, the embryo body of Fig. 4, although requiring more material than the embryo body of Fig. 1, uses materials that would otherwise be wasted when the embryo body of Fig. 1 was cut from a panel of standard size collapsible material. Thus, although a larger material area is actually included, the embryo body in Figure 4 may not be more expensive than the embryo body of Figure 1 or result in the use of any larger raw materials.

It will be appreciated that various changes can be made within the scope of the invention, for example, the size and shape of the plates and apertures can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different shapes or sizes. In other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the embryo body can be formed from two or more portions. The embryo body may be formed from paperboard, other suitable foldable sheets (eg, paper, cardboard, plastic materials) and/or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that the embryo body can be constructed to package one or more items arranged in various configurations. The articles packaged by the embryo body and the carton of the present invention are not limited to the same article, but may be bottles, cans, other main containers, pots, tubes and/or bags as shown.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the various features described may be advantageously applied individually or in combination. For example, the elongated secondary locking tabs 24 hinged to the upper panels 13a, 14a can be used in other carton applications without necessarily using any of the other described advantageous features. Similarly, a web and a second web, for example providing a second joint between the juxtaposed end and/or the front/rear panel, can be advantageously applied without the application of a locking tab of the article receiving aperture. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the configuration of the locking tab of the present invention can be used in cartons that do not have an angular configuration, such as in a top grip carrier, for use in a wraparound carrier.

While the invention has been described in relation to a top grip carrier that closely surrounds the shoulder of an article set, it will be appreciated that certain aspects of the invention may find advantageous and beneficial applications in addition to the top grip carrier. . For example, bridging a corner hole to divide the hole into two parts and providing additional joints in the gusset configuration can be used in various carriers other than the carrier shown.

It can be appreciated that the directional references used herein, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "internal", "external", "upper" and "lower" Do not The corresponding plates are limited to these orientations, but are only used to distinguish the panels from each other. Any reference to a hinged joint is not to be understood as necessarily referring to a single fold line; in fact, it is contemplated that the hinged joint may be one or more of the following without departing from the scope of the invention. Formed by: short slits, broken lines or fold lines.

10‧‧‧ embryo body

12‧‧‧ top board

13a, 13b, 13c‧‧‧ front board

13'a, 13'b, 13'c‧‧‧ back board

14a, 14b, 14'a, 14'b‧‧‧ end plates

18, 18', 21, 21' ‧ ‧ first joint plate

19, 19', 22, 22' ‧ ‧ second joint plate

20, 20', 23, 23'‧‧‧ link boards

24, 24', 25‧‧‧ sub-joints

26, 26', 27, 27', 50, 50' ‧ ‧ hinge line

28', 39, 40, 42, 62‧‧‧ fold lines

29, 29'‧‧‧ first corner hole

30, 30', 32, 34, 36, 37, 37', 52, 52' ‧ ‧ articulated joints

31‧‧‧ Item receiving hole

31a, 31'a, 31b, 31'b‧‧‧ main joint piece

33, 35, 60‧‧‧ cutting line

36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e‧ ‧ dividing line

41, 41'‧‧‧ second corner hole

Claims (15)

An embryo body for forming an article package, the embryo body including a top plate and at least one article receiving hole, the at least one article receiving hole being defined by an imaginary circular line along which a series of main tabs and a plurality of main tabs are disposed a series of secondary tabs, the series of main tabs comprising four oppositely disposed tabs, the series of sub-joint tabs comprising four oppositely disposed tabs, each sub-tab being formed in two adjacent tabs The main tabs are formed between two adjacent main tabs, and the sub-joint tabs are shaped and dimensioned to be in contact with the height of the article when the article is received in the article receiving aperture, the main The tabs are shaped and dimensioned to be more highly touching the upper portion of the same article when the same article is received in the article receiving aperture. An embryo body for forming an article package, such as the embryo body of claim 1, wherein the embryo body comprises a top plate and at least one article receiving hole, the at least one article receiving hole comprising receiving the article around the article The imaginary line of the aperture is provided with a series of articles engaging the tabs, the body further comprising two upper end plates joined along opposite ends of the top plate and an upper front plate and an upper rear plate joined along the front and rear sides of the top plate, wherein At least one of the article engagement tabs is disposed at a corner of the body and is at least partially defined by two bifurcated hinge lines, the first of the two bifurcated hinge lines placing the series of items The at least one of the joined tabs is coupled to an adjacent upper end panel, and a second one of the two bifurcated hinge lines connects at least one of the series of article engaging tabs to an adjacent upper portion board. The embryo body of claim 2, wherein the two bifurcated hinge lines are bifurcated from the holes (29, 29'). The embryo body of claim 3, wherein the hole (29, 29') forms part of an angular structure, the angular structure further comprising: first and second hinged connecting plates, the second hole (41, 41') and a web, wherein the first link is hinged to the lower front panel, the second link is hinged to the lower end panel, and a portion of the web and the second link are shaped and positioned to A connection is provided between the upper front panel and the upper end panel. The embryo body of claim 4, wherein the web is defined by two bifurcated hinge lines and a second hole, wherein the two bifurcated hinge lines defining the web are defined and defined The two split ends of the joint tabs (24, 24') are bifurcated by the same holes (29, 29'), and wherein the angle between the two bifurcated hinge lines defining the web is substantially similar or Equal limit The angle between the two bifurcation lines of the article joint tab. The body according to any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein the hole comprises a member disposed between the article joint tab, the upper end plate, the upper front plate, the web and the first link The basic rounded or rounded portion of the intersection. The body according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the series of article joint tabs comprises a series of main tabs and a series of sub-joint tabs, the series of tabs comprising four a pair of oppositely disposed tabs, the series of sub-joint tabs comprising four oppositely disposed tabs, each sub-joint tab being formed between two adjacent main tabs or by two adjacent tabs Forming, the shape and size of the secondary tab is designed to be shaped and sized to receive the same article when the article is received in the article receiving aperture The height of the upper portion of the article receiving the aperture in contact with the same item is higher, and wherein at least one of the series of article engagement tabs is a secondary tab. The body according to claim 1 or 7, wherein at least one of the secondary tabs is defined by a large depth and arcuate cutting line located on an imaginary line defining the aperture, and is connected to the rest of the top panel It is not pre-wrinkled. The embryo body of claim 1 or 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the main tabs is defined by a large depth and arcuate cutting line located on an imaginary line defining the aperture, and A pair of creases are provided on either side of the large depth and arcuate cutting line as a fold line. The body according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 9, wherein the series of main tabs comprises four tabs, and wherein two of the series of tabs are relatively The imaginary longitudinal axis of the main tab is perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis through the other two opposing main tabs. A package comprising one or more articles and a carrier that wraps and attaches one or more articles to the article, the carrier comprising a top panel having one or more article receiving apertures, each of the article receiving apertures receiving An upper portion of the article and attaching the carrier to the one or more articles, the carrier including a front panel depending from the top panel, an end panel depending from the top panel, and an angular configuration, the front panel and the end The panels are joined by the angular configuration, wherein the angular configuration comprises: first and second hingedly connected gussets, holes and webs, wherein the first gusset is hinged to the front panel and the second gusset is hinged to the end panel On the lower plate portion, and the web and the second A portion of the gusset is shaped and arranged to provide a connection between the second gusset and the upper plate portion of the end plate. The package of claim 11, wherein the front panel is divided into an upper front panel portion and a lower front panel portion by at least one hinged joint, and wherein the end panel is divided into an upper end by at least one hinge line A plate portion and a lower end plate portion, and wherein the first and second hingedly coupled gussets provide a connection between the lower front plate portion and the lower end plate portion. An embryo body for forming a package as described in claims 11 and 12. A package formed from the body of any one of claims 1 to 10 which is folded and secured around one or more articles. An embryo body, carrier or package substantially as herein described with reference to and/or illustrated by the drawings.