US20180127142A1

US20180127142A1 - Cartridge display package, blank for forming the cartridge display package and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: US20180127142A1
Application number: US15/348,486
Authority: US
Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III; Ryan A. Bailey; Scott A. Fath; Robert T. Mitten
Original assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
Current assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
Priority date: 2016-11-10
Filing date: 2016-11-10
Publication date: 2018-05-10
Also published as: WO2018087310A1

Abstract

A blank for forming a cartridge display package includes a back panel connected along a first fold line to a first side edge of a first side panel. A first angular panel is connected along a second fold line to a second side edge of the first side panel. A second angular panel is connected along a third fold line to the second side edge of the first side panel and along a fourth fold line to a bottom edge of the first angular panel. A front panel is connected along a fifth fold line to the first angular panel and along a sixth fold line to the second angular panel. The first angular panel is sloped toward the second angular panel when the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines are folded.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Example embodiments relate to a cartridge display package, blanks for forming the cartridge display package, and a method of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A cartridge for an electronic vapor (“e-vapor”) device should periodically be replaced to ensure optimal efficiency of the e-vapor device. Thus, multiple cartridges are typically packaged together in a display package. From an advertising perspective, it is desirable that the cartridge display package be a platform that conveys a look and feel associated with a brand. It is desirable that the cartridge display package promote interest in the brand from adult vapers, while being a platform for brand graphics. These factors may be taken into consideration when manufacturing the cartridge display package for an e-vapor device.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments provide a cartridge display package, a blank for forming the cartridge display package and/or a method of manufacturing the same.
According to some example embodiments, a blank for forming a cartridge display package includes a back panel connected along a first fold line to a first side edge of a first side panel, a first angular panel connected along a second fold line to a second side edge of the first side panel, and a second angular panel connected along a third fold line to the second side edge of the first side panel and along a fourth fold line to a bottom edge of the first angular panel, and a front panel connected along a fifth fold line to the first angular panel and along a sixth fold line to the second angular panel. The first angular panel is sloped toward the second angular panel when the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines are folded.
The blank may further include an inner upper flap connected along a seventh fold line to a top edge of the back panel, and an outer upper flap connected along an eighth fold line to a top edge of the front panel. The inner and outer upper flaps are configured to collectively form a top panel of the cartridge display package.
The blank may further include an inner bottom flap connected along a ninth fold line to a bottom edge of the back panel, and an outer bottom flap connected along a tenth fold line to a bottom edge of the front panel. The inner and outer bottom flaps are configured to collectively form a bottom panel of the cartridge display package.
The blank may include an inner side flap connected along an eleventh fold line to a first side edge of the back panel, and an outer side flap connected along a twelfth fold line to a side edge of the front panel. The inner and outer side flaps are configured to collectively form a second side panel of the cartridge display package.
The first, eleventh and twelfth fold lines may (i) be parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and (ii) extend in a straight line from the top edge of a respective one of the front and back panels to the bottom edge of the respective one of the front and back panels.
The blank may further include at least two first cut lines along the seventh fold line. The at least two first cut lines may be spaced apart from each other. The blank may further include a plurality of second cut lines near the top edge of the back panel. The second cut lines may be collectively arranged in a semicircular shape.
The first angular panel may be at a first angle to the second angular panel when the fourth fold line is folded. The first angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.
The first angular panel and the second angular panel are configured to incline inwardly toward the back panel when the fourth fold line is folded and the cartridge display package is erected from the blank.
A surface area of the first angular panel may be substantially equal to a surface area of the second angular panel.
First ends of the second, third and fourth fold lines are at a first point, and a second end of the fourth fold line and first ends of the fifth and sixth fold lines are at a second point. According to some example embodiments, no additional fold lines are at the first and second points.
The cartridge display package to be formed may be substantially rectangular.
According to some example embodiments, a method of manufacturing a cartridge display package includes providing a semi-erected blank including, a back panel connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, a first angular panel connected along a second fold line to the first side panel, a second angular panel connected along a third fold line to the first side panel and along a fourth fold line to a bottom edge of the first angular panel, a front panel connected along a fifth fold line to the first angular panel and along a sixth fold line to the second angular panel, and a second side panel including an inner side flap adhered to an outer side flap. The inner side flap is connected along a seventh fold line to the back panel, and the outer side flap is connected along an eighth fold line to the front panel. The method further includes forming a bottom panel by adhering an inner bottom flap to an outer bottom flap. The inner bottom flap is connected along a ninth fold line to a bottom edge of the back panel, and the outer bottom flap is connected along a tenth fold line to a bottom edge of the front panel. The method further includes placing cartridges within the semi-erected blank, and forming a top panel by adhering an inner upper flap to an outer upper flap. The inner upper flap is connected along an eleventh fold line to a top edge of the back panel, and the outer upper flap is connected along a twelfth fold line to a top edge of the front panel.
According to some example embodiments, the method further includes folding the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines such that the first angular panel is sloped toward the second angular panel, prior to the forming a top panel, wherein the providing a semi-erected blank may include the folding the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines.
The folding the fourth fold line may include inclining the first angular panel and the second angular panel inwardly toward the back panel. The folding the fourth fold line may include folding the first angular panel to an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the second angular panel.
The second, third and fourth fold lines are folded such that first ends of the second, third and fourth fold lines are at a first point, and the fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines are folded such that a second end of the sixth fold line and first ends of the fifth and sixth fold lines are at a second point. According to some example embodiments, no additional fold lines are at the first and second points.
The providing a semi-erected blank may further include applying an adhesive to a varnish-free area on a front surface of the inner side flap, folding the inner side flap toward a back surface of the back panel along the seventh fold line, folding the back panel toward a back surface of the first side panel along the first fold line, folding the outer side flap toward a back surface of the front panel along the eighth fold line, and adhering the front surface of the inner side flap to a back surface of the outer side flap using the adhesive.
The providing a semi-erected blank may include forming a tab near the top edge of the back panel. The tab includes (i) two first cut lines along the seventh fold line. The first cut lines are spaced apart from each other. The tab includes a plurality of second cut lines collectively arranged in a semicircular shape between adjacent ends of the first cut lines. The tab is configured to separate from a remainder of the back panel when the first and second cut lines are broken. The tab is configured to remain attach to the top panel when the first and second cut lines are broken.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a front/side view of a cartridge display package, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a rear view of the cartridge display package of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1C is an illustration of a magnified view of the rear of the cartridge display package of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1D is another illustration of a front/side view of the cartridge display package of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a blank used to form a cartridge display package, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a magnified view of the blank of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a semi-erected blank used to form a cartridge display package, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a side view of the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3C is an illustration of a rear view of the cartridge display package being formed from the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3D is an illustration of a side view of the cartridge display package being formed from the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3E is an illustration of a front/side view of the cartridge display package that is formed from the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3F is an illustration of a rear view of the cartridge display package that is formed from the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3G is an illustration of a magnified rear view of the cartridge display package that is formed from the semi-erected blank of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 3H is an illustration of a rear view of the cartridge display package of FIG. 3G, in an “opened” configuration, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are shown. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Thus, the invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope.
In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity, and like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.
Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, if an element is referred to as being ‘connected’ or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected, or coupled, to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” if used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or a relationship between a feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, for example, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation that is above, as well as, below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or viewed or referenced at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
Although corresponding plan views and/or perspective views of some cross-sectional view(s) may not be shown, the cross-sectional view(s) of device structures illustrated herein provide support for a plurality of device structures that extend along two different directions as would be illustrated in a plan view, and/or in three different directions as would be illustrated in a perspective view. The two different directions may or may not be orthogonal to each other. The three different directions may include a third direction that may be orthogonal to the two different directions.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In accordance with example embodiments, a fold line can be a substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form that allows for folding. A fold line may include a score line, such as lines created with a sharp object that cause an indentation in a material, or a perforated line.
In order to more specifically describe example embodiments, various features will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, example embodiments described are not limited thereto.
Example embodiments provide a cartridge display package, a blank for forming the cartridge display package and/or a method of manufacturing the same.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are perspective views illustrating a cartridge display package according to some example embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a cartridge display package 100 may include a front panel 102 connected to angular panels 106. Specifically, the front panel may be connected to a first angular panel 106 a along fold line 1002 and connected to a second angular panel 106 b along fold line 1004. The first angular panel 106 a may be connected to a first side panel 104 along fold line 1008. The second angular panel 106 b may be connected to the first side panel 104 along fold line 1010. The first side panel 104 may be connected to a first side edge of a back panel 110 along fold line 1012.
The front panel 102 and the back panel 110 may each have a length of about 40.00 mm and a height of about 106.8 mm. The first and second angular panels 106 a and 106 b may have a maximum length of about 12.27 mm. The first side panel 104 may have a length of about 14.00 mm and a height of about 106.8 mm.
As shown in FIG. 1A, one end of the fold lines 1002, 1004 and 1006 meet a first point, P1. The other end of the fold line 1006 and one end of the fold lines 1008 and 1010 meet at a second point, P2. According to some example embodiments, no additional fold lines are at the first and second points P1 and P2.
The first angular panel 106 a is at a first angle, θ₁, with respect to the second angular panel 106 b when the fold line 1006 is folded. The first angle θ₁may be greater than 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. The first angular panel 106 a and the second angular panel 106 b are configured to incline inwardly toward the back panel 110 when the fold line 1006 is folded. A surface area of the first angular panel 106 a is substantially equal to a surface area of the second angular panel 106 b.
According to some example embodiments, the first and second angular panels 106 a and 106 b create a unique visual look and a tactile feel associated with a brand. Surfaces of the first and second angular panels 106 a and 106 b can be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with, for example, cartridge flavor(s), the quantity of cartridges within the cartridge display package 100, a stockkeeping unit (SKU), and/or the brands' logos, trademarks, or slogans. The surfaces of the first and second angular panels 106 a and 106 b can include a printable clay coat. The print can identify cartridges that are within the cartridge display package 100.
According to some example embodiments, the cartridge display package 100 may include only the first angular panel 106 a, and the second angular panel 106 b may be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 1B, the cartridge display package 100 includes a second side panel 108 connected along fold line 1016 to the font panel 102 and connected along fold line 1014 to the back panel 110. The second side panel 108 is formed by adhering an inner side flap (element 282 shown in FIG. 2) to an outer side flap (element 280 shown in FIG. 2). A front surface of the inner side flap is attached to a back surface of the outer side flap using an adhesive applied on a varnish-free area of the front surface of the inner side flap. The adhesive may be glue, tape (e.g., a pressure-sensitive tape, an adhesive tape, etc.) or any other adhesive generally used in the packaging art. The inner side flap is connected to a second side edge of the back panel 110 along the fold line 1014. The outer side flap is connected to a side edge of the front panel 102 along the fold line 1016. The second side panel 108 may each have a width of about 13.00 mm, and a height of about 106.8 mm.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cartridge display package 100 includes a top panel 112 formed by adhering an inner upper flap (element 220 shown in FIG. 2) to an outer upper flap (element 222 shown in FIG. 2A). The inner upper flap is connected along fold line 1018 to a top edge of the back panel 110. The outer upper flap connected along fold line 1020 to a top edge of the front panel 120. The top panel 112 may have a length of about 40.00 mm and a height of about 13.00 mm.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cartridge display package 100 includes a bottom panel 114 formed by adhering an inner bottom flap (element 240 shown in FIG. 2) to an outer bottom flap (element 242 shown in FIG. 2). The inner bottom flap is connected along fold line 1022 to a bottom edge of the back panel. The outer bottom flap is connected along fold line 1024 to a bottom edge of the front panel. The bottom panel 114 may have a length of about 40.00 mm, and a height of about 13.00 mm.
Although the cartridge display package 100 is depicted as having a substantially rectangular shape, example embodiments are not limited thereto.
FIG. 1C is a partial rear view of the cartridge display package shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1C, the cartridge display package 100 may include a tab 118 as a convenient manner for opening the cartridge display package 100 to access cartridge(s) held within the cartridge display package 100. The tab 118 may be defined by at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b along the fold line 1018, and a plurality of second cut lines 116 near the top edge of the back panel 110. The at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b are spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. The at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b may be about 14.60 mm apart from each other. The second cut lines 116 are collectively arranged in a semicircle, or semicircular shape. Ends of the semicircle may extend slightly towards the respective sides of the cartridge display package 100. Ends of the semicircle may be in close proximity to adjacent ends of the at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b. The center of the semicircle may be about 7.02 mm from the fold line 1018. The at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal, or substantially equal, to a diameter of the semicircle formed by the second cut lines 116. The at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b may each have a length of about 9.50 mm.
If any of the at least two first cut lines 118 a and 118 b or the second cut lines 116 are broken, it is evident that the cartridge display package 100 has been tampered with. Thus, the tab 118 has a tamper-evident feature.
The cartridge display package 100 may have a length of about 40.0 mm, a width of about 14.0 mm, and a height of about 106.7 mm.
The cartridge display package 100 can formed of any materials generally used for the packaging of e-vapor cartridges. For example, the cartridge display package 100 can be formed of paper, cardboard, plastic, plastic film, plastic laminate or one of the named materials with an additional metal or metal-oxide coating, or metal. Paper or cardboard are preferably used. Short-grain paper or short-grain cardboard are particularly preferred as a foldable material for the cartridge display package 100.
In accordance with some example embodiments, the cartridge display package 100 can be made from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, or a thermoplastic material. The cartridge display package 100 can be formed of at least one selected from PVC, PVdC, PP, PET and PE. According to some example embodiments, a clear, poly-chloro-tri-fluoro-ethylene (PCTFE) film can be applied to the PVC, PVdC, PP, PET and PE.
According to some example embodiments, surfaces of the cartridge display package 100 can be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia. For example, the surfaces can include a printable clay coat. The print can identify cartridges that are within the cartridge display package 100.
According to some example embodiments, the cartridge display package 100 can hold one or more blister cartridge packs. According to some example embodiments, the cartridge display package 100 holds two blister cartridge packs. The term “blister cartridge pack” as used herein refers to a pre-formed plastic packaging having at least one cavity for holding an item. The blister packs can protect cartridge(s) from external factors, such as humidity and contamination, and/or preserve internal qualities, such as aromas and flavors. The blister packs may be an opaque blister pack that protects light-sensitive items from ultra-violet rays. The blister pack may be formed of PVC with a thickness of about 0.010-inches. The blister pack can include a lidding. The lidding can be formed of aluminum, or a similar material.
According to some example embodiments, the cartridge display package 100 is formed from a single blank, more particularly, a single paper board blank. By forming the cartridge display package 100 from a single blank, a minimal amount of material is used to form the cartridge display package 100 having one or more angular panels conveying a look and feel associated with a brand. By using a minimal amount of material, costs associated with manufacturing the cartridge display package 100 having one or more angular panels is reduced.
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cartridge display package according to some example embodiments is shown as displayed for retail in a vertical or upright orientation. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, in FIG. 1D, the cartridge display package according to some example embodiments is shown as displayed for retail in a horizontal orientation.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating a blank for forming a cartridge display package.
Referring to FIG. 2A, a blank 200 according to example embodiments for forming a cartridge display package includes a back panel 210 connected along fold line 2012 to a first side edge of a first side panel 204, a first angular panel 206 a connected along fold line 2008 to a second side edge of the first side panel 204, a second angular panel 206 b connected along fold line 2010 to the second side edge of the first side panel 204 and along fold line 2006 to a bottom edge of the first angular panel 206 a, and a front panel 202 connected along a fold line 2002 to the first angular panel 206 a and along a fold line 2004 to the second angular panel 206 b. The first angular panel 206 a is sloped toward the second angular panel 206 b when the fold lines 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 are folded.
Referring to FIG. 2B, first ends of the fold lines 2002, 2004 and 2006 are at a first point P₁, and a second end of the fold line 2006 and first ends of the fold lines 2008 and 2010 are at a second point P₂. According to some example embodiments, no additional fold lines are at the first and second points P₁and P₂.
A surface area of the first angular panel 206 a may be substantially equal to a surface area of the second angular panel 206 b. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. The surface area of the first angular panel 206 a may be greater, or less than, the surface area of the second angular panel 206 b.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the blank 200 may include an inner upper flap 220 connected along a fold line 2018 to a top edge of the back panel 210, an outer upper flap 222 connected along a fold line 2020 to a top edge of the front panel 202. The inner and outer upper flaps 220 and 222 are configured to collectively form a top panel (element 112 in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C) of the cartridge display package. The blank 200 may include an inner bottom flap 240 connected along a fold line 2022 to a bottom edge of the back panel 210, and an outer bottom flap 242 connected along a fold line 2024 to a bottom edge of the front panel 202. The inner and outer bottom flaps 240 and 242 are configured to collectively form a bottom panel (element 114 in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C) of the cartridge display package.
The inner upper flap 220 and the inner bottom flap 240 may have varnish-free areas VF. The varnish-free areas may be about 3.00 mm from the edges of the inner upper flap 220 and the inner bottom flap 240. Side ends of the inner upper flap 220 and the inner bottom flap 240 may be tapered. The inner upper flap 220 and the inner bottom flap 240 may each have a length of about 39.60 mm, and a height of about 12.00 mm.
The outer upper flap 222 and the outer bottom flap 242 may each have a length of about 40.00 mm, and a height of about 13.00 mm.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the blank 200 may include an inner side flap 282 connected along a fold line 2014 to a side edge of the back panel 210, and an outer side flap 280 connected along a fold line 2016 to a side edge of the front panel 202. The inner and outer side flaps 282 and 280 are configured to collectively form a second side panel (element 108 in FIGS. 1B and 1C) of the cartridge display package.
The inner side flap 282 may have a varnish-free area VF. The varnish-free area may be about 3.00 mm from the edges of the inner side flap 282. Side ends of the inner side flap 282 may be tapered, or at about a 10-degree angle. The inner side flap 282 may have a length of about 12.40 mm, and a maximum height of about 106.8 mm.
The fold lines 2012, 2014 and 2016 are parallel, or substantially parallel to each other. The fold line 2012, 2014 and 2016 extend in a straight line from the top edge of a respective one of the front and back panels 202 and 210 to the bottom edge of the respective one of the front and back panels 202 and 210.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the blank 200 may further include at least two first cut lines 218 a and 218 b along the fold line 2018, and a plurality of second cut lines 216 near the top edge of the back panel 210. The second cut lines 216 may be collectively arranged in a semicircle, or a semicircular shape. Ends of the semicircle may extend slightly towards the respective sides of the blank 200. Ends of the semicircle may be in close proximity to adjacent ends of the at least two first cut lines 218 a and 218 b. The at least two first cut lines 218 a and 218 b may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal, or substantially equal, to a diameter of the semicircle formed by the second cut lines 216.
When the fold line 2006 is folded, the first angular panel 206 a is at a first angle to the second angular panel 206 b. The first angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.
When the fold line 2006 is folded and the display package is erected from the blank 200, the first angular panel 206 a and the second angular panel 206 b are configured to incline inwardly toward the back panel 210.
The cartridge display package erected from the blank 200 is rectangular, or substantially rectangular, in shape.
The blank 200 may have a length of about 119.0 mm and a height of about 132.80 mm.
The blank 200 can be formed of paper, cardboard, plastic, plastic film, plastic laminate or one of the named materials with an additional metal or metal-oxide coating, or metal. Paper or cardboard are preferably used. Short-grain paper or short-grain cardboard are particularly preferred as a foldable material for the blank 200.
In accordance with some example embodiments, the blank 200 can be made from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, or a thermoplastic material. The cartridge display package 100 can be formed of at least one selected from PVC, PVdC, PP, PET and PE. According to some example embodiments, a clear, poly-chloro-tri-fluoro-ethylene (PCTFE) film can be applied to the PVC, PVdC, PP, PET and PE.
Now, a method of manufacturing a cartridge display package according to some example embodiments will be described.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G and 3H are perspective views illustrating a method of manufacturing a cartridge display package according to some example embodiments.
Elements in FIGS. 3A-3H that are the same as elements in FIGS. 1A-1D include the same reference numerals. A description of elements in FIGS. 3A-3H that are the same elements in FIGS. 1A-1D are omitted here, for the sake of brevity.
Referring to FIG. 3A, a method of manufacturing a cartridge display package, includes providing a semi-erected blank 300. The semi-erected blank includes a back panel 310 connected along fold line 3012 to a first side panel 304, a first angular panel 306 a connected along fold line 3008 to the first side panel 304, a second angular panel 306 b connected along fold line 3010 to the first side panel 304 and along fold line 3006 to a bottom edge of the first angular panel 306 a, and a front panel 302 connected along fold line 3002 to the first angular panel 306 a and along fold line 3004 to the second angular panel 306 b. The semi-erected blank includes a second side panel 308 including an inner side flap 382 adhered to an outer side flap 380. The inner side flap 382 is connected along fold 3014 line to the back panel 310. The outer side flap 380 is connected along fold line 3016 to the front panel 302.
According to some example embodiments, the providing a semi-erected blank may include applying an adhesive to a varnish-free area VF on a front surface of the inner side flap 382. The inner side flap 382 is folded toward a back surface of the back 310 panel along the fold line 3014. The back panel 310 is folded toward a back surface of the first side panel 304 along the fold line 3012. The outer side flap 380 is folded toward a back surface of the front panel 302 along the fold line 3016. The front surface of the inner side flap 382 is adhered to a back surface of the outer side flap 380 using the adhesive.
The semi-erected blank 300, supplied from a first manufacturer or a first manufacturing facility, is in partially glued and flat (but not completely flattened) state. The semi-erected blank 300 may be fully erected by a second manufacturer, or in a second manufacturing facility.
The steps for fully erecting the semi-erected blank 300 will now be described.
Referring to FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3E, the method further includes forming a bottom panel 314 by adhering an inner bottom flap 340 to an outer bottom flap 342. The inner bottom flap 340 is connected along fold line 3022 to a bottom edge of the back panel 310. The outer bottom flap 342 is connected along fold line 3024 to a bottom edge of the front panel 302.
Referring to FIG. 3C, at least one cartridge, or at least one blister cartridge pack, is placed within the semi-erected blank. According to some example embodiments, two cartridges, or two blister cartridge packs, are placed within the semi-erected blank.
Referring to FIGS. 3C, 3D and 3E, a top panel 312 is formed by adhering an inner upper flap 320 to an outer upper flap 322. The inner upper flap 320 is connected along fold line 3018 to a top edge of the back panel 310. The outer upper flap 322 is connected along fold line 3020 to a top edge of the front panel 302.
Referring to FIG. 3E, the method may further include folding the fold lines 3002, 3003, 3004, 3006 and 3010 such that the first angular panel 306 a is sloped toward the second angular panel 306 b, prior to the forming a top panel.
According to some example embodiments, the providing a semi-erected blank includes the folding the fold lines 3002, 3003, 3004, 3006 and 3010.
As shown in FIG. 3E, the folding the fold line 3006 includes inclining the first angular panel 306 a and the second angular panel 306 b inwardly toward the back panel 310. The folding the fold line 3006 may include folding the first angular panel 306 a to an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the second angular panel 306 b.
As shown in FIG. 3E, the fold lines 3002, 3004 and 3006 are folded such that first ends of the fold lines 3002, 3004 and 3006 at a first point P1. The fold lines 3003, 3006 and 3010 are folded such that a second end of the fold line 3006 and first ends of the fold lines 3003 and 3010 are at a second point P2. According to some example embodiments, no additional fold lines are at the first and second points.
Referring to FIG. 3F, the providing a semi-erected blank includes forming a tab 318 near the top edge of the back panel 310. The tab 318 includes two first cut lines 318 a and 318 b along the fold line 3018. The first cut lines 318 a and 318 b are spaced apart from each other. The tab 318 includes a plurality of second cut lines 316 collectively arranged in a semicircular shape between adjacent ends of the first cut lines 318 a and 318 b.
Referring to FIG. 3G, the cartridge display package 300 is opened by breaking the first and second cut lines 318 a, 318 b and 316.
Referring to FIG. 3H, the tab 318 is configured to separate from a remainder of the back panel 310 when the first and second cut lines 318 a, 318 b and 316 are broken. The tab 318 is configured to remain attach to the top panel 312 when the first and second cut lines are broken 318 a, 318 b and 316.
The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A blank for forming a cartridge display package, comprising:

a back panel connected along a first fold line to a first side edge of a first side panel;

a first angular panel connected along a second fold line to a second side edge of the first side panel;

a second angular panel connected along a third fold line to the second side edge of the first side panel and along a fourth fold line to a bottom edge of the first angular panel; and

a front panel connected along a fifth fold line to the first angular panel and along a sixth fold line to the second angular panel,

the first angular panel being sloped toward the second angular panel when the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines are folded.

2. The blank of claim 1, further comprising:

an inner upper flap connected along a seventh fold line to a top edge of the back panel;

an outer upper flap connected along an eighth fold line to a top edge of the front panel, the inner and outer upper flaps being configured to collectively form a top panel of the cartridge display package;

an inner bottom flap connected along a ninth fold line to a bottom edge of the back panel;

an outer bottom flap connected along a tenth fold line to a bottom edge of the front panel, the inner and outer bottom flaps being configured to collectively form a bottom panel of the cartridge display package;

an inner side flap connected along an eleventh fold line to a first side edge of the back panel; and

an outer side flap connected along a twelfth fold line to a side edge of the front panel, the inner and outer side flaps being configured to collectively form a second side panel of the cartridge display package.

3. The blank of claim 2, wherein the first, eleventh and twelfth fold lines are (i) parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and (ii) extend in a straight line from the top edge of a respective one of the front and back panels to the bottom edge of the respective one of the front and back panels.

4. The blank of claim 2, further comprising:

at least two first cut lines along the seventh fold line, the at least two first cut lines being spaced apart from each other; and

a plurality of second cut lines near the top edge of the back panel, the second cut lines being collectively arranged in a semicircular shape.

5. The blank of claim 1, wherein the first angular panel is at a first angle to the second angular panel when the fourth fold line is folded, the first angle being greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

6. The blank of claim 1, wherein the first angular panel and the second angular panel are configured to incline inwardly toward the back panel when the fourth fold line is folded and the cartridge display package is erected from the blank.

7. The blank of claim 1, wherein a surface area of the first angular panel is substantially equal to a surface area of the second angular panel.

8. The blank of claim 1, wherein

first ends of the second, third and fourth fold lines are at a first point, and

a second end of the fourth fold line and first ends of the fifth and sixth fold lines are at a second point.

9. The blank of claim 8, wherein no additional fold lines are at the first and second points.

10. The blank of claim 1, wherein the cartridge display package to be formed is substantially rectangular.

11. A method of manufacturing a cartridge display package, comprising:

providing a semi-erected blank including,

a back panel connected along a first fold line to a first side panel,

a first angular panel connected along a second fold line to the first side panel,

a second angular panel connected along a third fold line to the first side panel and along a fourth fold line to a bottom edge of the first angular panel,

a front panel connected along a fifth fold line to the first angular panel and along a sixth fold line to the second angular panel, and

a second side panel including an inner side flap adhered to an outer side flap, the inner side flap being connected along a seventh fold line to the back panel, and the outer side flap being connected along an eighth fold line to the front panel;

forming a bottom panel by adhering an inner bottom flap to an outer bottom flap, the inner bottom flap being connected along a ninth fold line to a bottom edge of the back panel, and the outer bottom flap being connected along a tenth fold line to a bottom edge of the front panel;

placing cartridges within the semi-erected blank; and

forming a top panel by adhering an inner upper flap to an outer upper flap, the inner upper flap being connected along an eleventh fold line to a top edge of the back panel, and the outer upper flap being connected along a twelfth fold line to a top edge of the front panel.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

folding the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines such that the first angular panel is sloped toward the second angular panel, prior to the forming a top panel,

wherein the providing a semi-erected blank includes the folding the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the folding the fourth fold line includes inclining the first angular panel and the second angular panel inwardly toward the back panel.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the folding the fourth fold line includes folding the first angular panel to an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the second angular panel.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein

the second, third and fourth fold lines are folded such that first ends of the second, third and fourth fold lines are at a first point,

the fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines are folded such that a second end of the sixth fold line and first ends of the fifth and sixth fold lines are at a second point.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein no additional fold lines are at the first and second points.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the providing a semi-erected blank includes,

applying an adhesive to a varnish-free area on a front surface of the inner side flap;

folding the inner side flap toward a back surface of the back panel along the seventh fold line;

folding the back panel toward a back surface of the first side panel along the first fold line;

folding the outer side flap toward a back surface of the front panel along the eighth fold line; and

adhering the front surface of the inner side flap to a back surface of the outer side flap using the adhesive.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein

the providing a semi-erected blank includes forming a tab near the top edge of the back panel,

the tab includes (i) two first cut lines along the seventh fold line, the first cut lines being spaced apart from each other, and (ii) a plurality of second cut lines collectively arranged in a semicircular shape between adjacent ends of the first cut lines, and

the tab is configured to separate from a remainder of the back panel when the first and second cut lines are broken.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the tab is configured to remain attach to the top panel when the first and second cut lines are broken.