US20220363462A1 - Carton and blank therefor - Google Patents
Carton and blank therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220363462A1 US20220363462A1 US17/769,896 US202017769896A US2022363462A1 US 20220363462 A1 US20220363462 A1 US 20220363462A1 US 202017769896 A US202017769896 A US 202017769896A US 2022363462 A1 US2022363462 A1 US 2022363462A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fold line
- carton
- opening
- panel
- heel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 3
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- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
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- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 corrugated board Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/14—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls
- B65D71/16—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers without end walls with article-locating elements
- B65D71/20—Slits or openings along the fold line of the tubular body
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
- B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00154—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked
- B65D2571/00185—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked by tabs cut within one end and facing away from the other end when blank is unfolded, and co-operting with openings at the other end
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
- B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00277—Slits or openings formed along a fold line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00438—Holes
- B65D2571/00444—Holes for fingers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
- B65D2571/00537—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means
- B65D2571/00543—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means consisting of cut-outs, slits, or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00555—Wrapper opening devices
- B65D2571/00561—Lines of weakness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
- B65D2571/00654—Blanks
- B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
- B65D2571/00716—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular without end walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
- B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
- B65D2571/00765—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls being retained in closed position by their own rigidity
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
- B65D2571/0087—Special features for machine processing, e.g. gripper apertures
Definitions
- the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the first fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the first fold line and wherein the second maximum width of the second opening is greater than the first maximum width of the first opening measured along the notional line parallel to the first fold line.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarge plan view from above of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 ;
- the heel tab 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45 a , 45 b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 42 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the carrier. The carton comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings is formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/915,998 filed Oct. 16, 2019, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having article receiving openings for receiving a lower portion or heel of an article.
- In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.
- It is desirable to produce cartons with a carrying handle structure which is strong and robust enough to carry the load of the articles being packaged.
- The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.
- A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings may be formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
- Optionally, the plurality of panels includes; a top wall, a base panel a first side panel, and a second side panel.
- Optionally, the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.
- Optionally, the carton further comprises a handle in at least the top panel of the carton and wherein the handle is in a vertical alignment with the second aperture when the carton is viewed in a side elevation.
- Optionally, the plurality of bottom-receiving openings further includes a third opening located at a third distance from the other end, the third distance being generally equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first and third openings.
- A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels forming a tubular structure and including; a side panel, a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a first fold line and a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings may be formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line. The first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthermost from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line. The second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthermost from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening may be greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.
- Optionally, the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.
- Optionally, the carton further comprises a handle in at least the top panel of the carton and wherein the handle is in a vertical alignment with the second aperture when the carton is viewed in a side elevation.
- Optionally, the plurality of bottom-receiving openings further includes a third opening located at a third distance from the other end, the third distance being generally equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first and third openings.
- Optionally, the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the first fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the first fold line and wherein the second maximum width of the second opening is greater than the first maximum width of the first opening measured along the notional line parallel to the first fold line.
- A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The blank comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings may be formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width along a notional line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width measured along the notional line parallel to the fold line.
- A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprising plurality of panels including; a side panel, a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a first fold line and a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line. The blank comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings may be formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line. The first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthermost from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line. The second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthermost from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening may be greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.
- A fifth aspect of the invention provides a carton or blank for packaging one or more articles. The carton or blank comprising plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton or blank comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening comprises a pair of opposed first side edges and wherein the second opening comprises a pair of opposed first side edges. The pair of opposed second side edges being divergently arranged with respect to each other and defining a second angle therebetween. The second angle being greater than a first angle defined by the pair of opposed first side edges.
- Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.
- Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.
- A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarge plan view from above of a portion of the blank ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is side view of the carton ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a comparison of a first heel engagement structure N1 with a second heel engagement structure N2; and -
FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged plan views each showing an alternative form of the second opening ofFIG. 2 . - Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton orcarrier 90, as shown inFIG. 3 , for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown inFIG. 2 . The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. - In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a
container 90 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like. - The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.
- The packaging structure or
carton 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. - In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or
carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500 ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans. - Turning to
FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (seeFIG. 3 ) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality ofmain panels main panels first base panel 12, afirst corner panel 14, afirst side panel 16, atop panel 18, asecond side panel 20, asecond corner panel 22 and asecond base panel 24. The plurality ofpanels fold lines - In alternative embodiments, the first and
second corner panels - The first and
second corner panels second side panels second base panels - The blank 10 is foldable to form a
package 90 as illustrated inFIG. 3 . The first andsecond base panels composite base wall 12/24 of thecarton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing thesecond base panel 24 to thefirst base panel 12. Thefirst base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. Thesecond base panel 24 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst base panel 12 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in thefirst base panel 12. Thesecond base panel 24 comprises a plurality of male tabs M, the openings in thefirst base panel 12 being configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of thefirst base panel 12 to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first andsecond base panels - Optionally, the first and
second base panels second base panels second base panels second base panels carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1, A2 to enable the plurality ofpanels second base panels - The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure N1, N2 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in
FIG. 1 comprises six heel engagement structures N1, N2 each is provided for engaging a respective article B. The blank 10 comprises four first or outer heel engagement structures N1. The blank 10 comprises two second or inner heel engagement structures N2. - Each of the first heel engagement structures N1 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a first heel engagement structure N1 provided in the
second side panel 20 and shown in detail inFIG. 2 . - The first heel engagement structure N1 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a first heel aperture A3 and in part by a
heel tab 42. Theheel tab 42 is hingedly connected to thesecond base panel 24 byfold line 43. Theheel tab 42 is struck, at least in part, from thesecond corner panel 22. - The
fold line 43 interrupts thefold line 23 hingedly connecting thesecond base panel 24 to thesecond corner panel 22. Thefold line 43 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment thefold line 43 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other. - The
heel tab 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45 a, 45 b which may define foldable corner portions of theheel tab 42. - Each of the second heel engagement structures N2 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a second heel engagement structure N2 provided in the
second side panel 20 and shown in detail inFIG. 2 . - The second heel engagement structures N2 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a second heel aperture A5 and in part by a
heel tab 42. Theheel tab 42 is hingedly connected to thesecond base panel 24 byfold line 43. Theheel tab 42 is struck, at least in part, from thesecond corner panel 22. - The
fold line 43 interrupts thefold line 23 hingedly connecting thesecond base panel 24 to thesecond corner panel 22. Thefold line 43 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment thefold line 43 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other. - The
heel tab 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45 a, 45 b which may define foldable corner portions of theheel tab 42. - The first heel aperture or opening A3 comprises a maximum width dimension W1. The maximum width dimension W1 extends along a notional line parallel to the
fold line 21. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , the maximum width dimension W1 of the first opening A3 extends along a notional extension of thefold line 21. - The first heel aperture A3 comprises a pair of opposed first side edges and a first arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposed side edges are arranged to be divergent with respect to each other. The pair of opposed side edges diverge towards the
top panel 18. The pair of opposed side edges define a first angle θ1 therebetween. - In some embodiments the first angle θ1 may be less than 20°, for example around 16°. In other embodiments the pair of opposed side edges of the first heel aperture A3 may be parallel, in such embodiments first angle θ1 may be considered to be zero or undefined.
- The second heel aperture or opening A5 a maximum width dimension W2. The maximum width dimension W2 extends along a notional line collinear with the
fold line 21. Stated differently, the maximum width dimension W2 of the second opening A5 to extends along a notional extension of thefold line 21. - The second heel aperture A5 comprises a pair of opposed second side edges and a second arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposed side edges are arranged to be divergent with respect to each other. The pair of opposed side edges diverge towards the
top panel 18. The pair of opposed side edges define a second angle θ2 therebetween. - In some embodiments the second angle θ2 may be greater than 20°, in some embodiments the second angle θ2 may be greater than 30°, for example around 40°.
- The second maximum width dimension W2 is greater than the first maximum width dimension W1.
- The first heel aperture A3 comprises a first height dimension H1.
- The second heel aperture A5 comprises a second height dimension H2. The second height dimension H2 may be greater than the first height dimension H1.
- The second angle θ2 is greater than the first angle θ1.
- The pair of opposed first side edges may define a first notional point of convergence. In embodiments in which the pair of opposed first side edges are parallel there is no first notional point of convergence.
- The pair of opposed second side edges define a second notional point of convergence. The second notional point of convergence is closer to the
fold line 23 than the first notional point of convergence. - The second arcuate edge is longer than the first arcuate edge, this is best shown in
FIG. 5 . - The
heel tab 42 and foldline 43 of the first heel engagement structure N1 is substantially the same dimensions as theheel tab 42 and foldline 43 of the second heel engagement structure N2. The first and second heel apertures A3, A5 may be substantially similar in dimension proximate thefold line 43. - The
top panel 18 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handles structure H comprises a pair offoldable finger tabs 52. Thefinger tabs 52 are spaced apart from each other. Thefinger tabs 52 are hingedly connected to thetop panel 18 byfold lines 53 and are defined in part by a cut line orseverance line 55. A first one of thefinger tabs 52 is hingedly connected to thetop panel 18 in opposition to a second one of thefinger tabs 52. - The
top panel 18 may comprise a detachable portion D in the form of a tear strip. The detachable portion D is defined by a first tear orseverance line 62 a and by a second tear orseverance line 62 b. The first andsecond severance lines top panel 18. Thesecond severance line 62 b is laterally spaced apart from thefirst severance line 62 a. A tear initiation device in the form of apull tab pull tabs respective fold lines second severance lines second severance lines - The detachable portion D may facilitate access to the contents, articles B, of the
carton 90 upon removal thereof. - Each of the
panels - A first major cut-out is defined in the
top panel 18 around midway along each of its opposed end edges. A second major cut-out is defined in each end edge of thefirst side panel 16. A third major cut-out is defined in each end edge of thesecond side panel 20. - A minor cut-out is defined in each of the opposed end edges of each of the first and
second base panels - As a result, the blank 10 is provided along either longitudinal edge thereof with four tabs each interposed between adjacent ones of the cut-outs.
- As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , a first upper tab is sandwiched and defined by the adjacently disposed first and third cut-outs. A second upper tab is sandwiched and defined by the first and second cut-outs. A first lower tab is sandwiched and defined by the second cut-out and by a first one of the partial cut-outs, defined in thefirst base panel 12. A second lower tab is sandwiched and defined by the third cut-out and by a second one of the partial cut-outs, defined in thesecond base panel 24. - The first upper tab is positioned astride the
adjacent fold line 19. The second upper tab is positioned astride theadjacent fold line 17. - The first lower tab is positioned astride the
adjacent fold lines adjacent fold lines - Each of the first and second upper tabs forms, or assists in forming of, an end retention structure for preventing the contents of the
carton 90 from dislodging from thecarton 90 when said blank 10 is erected into thecarton 90. Each of the first and second upper tabs is provided with cut and fold lines to form a top-engaging structure when it is folded along the fold lines. - More specifically, each upper tab comprises an anchoring
portion adjacent side panel fold line gusset portion portion fold line - Each upper tab comprises a
web portion gusset portion extension top panel 18. Eachweb portion fold line - An optional aperture A4 may be struck in part from the
top panel 18, in part from the first orsecond side panel - Folding of each upper tab is achieved during the erection of the carton. To form a top engaging structure out of each upper tab, the anchoring
portion adjacent side panel portion adjacent side panel portion gusset portion fold line gusset portion fold line web portion fold line fold line gusset portion FIG. 2 wherein the structure is shown as tightly engaging the top of the one article B. - Each lower tab serves to provide sufficient material in which the adjacent first or endmost heel aperture A3 is defined. More particularly, the first heel aperture A3 adjacent to each lower tab is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the first heel aperture A3 even when the first heel aperture A3 extends into that lower tab. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated so that each first heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the
carton 90. Theheel tabs 42 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. - Each lower tab comprises a deformable of foldable structure FS forming a foldable corner region of a
carton 90, best shown inFIG. 2 . The deformable structure FS takes the form of an arrangement of fold lines and is suitable for removing or mitigating against creation of a sharp corner or edge of thecarton 90. This may be advantageous when thecarton 90 is transported or carried in a carrier bag, particularly, but not exclusively, those formed from plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The deformable structure FS prevents or reduces the likelihood of thecarton 90 perforating, tearing or otherwise piercing the material from which the carrier bag is formed. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag will compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag, and once compromised a tear is likely to propagate which may lead to egress of thecarton 90 or other items disposed in the carrier bag and the consequent possibility of damage thereto. - Each deformable structure FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a deformable structure FS provided in one of the second lower tabs shown in
FIG. 2 . The second lower tab is formed in part from thesecond side panel 20, in part from the optionalsecond corner panel 22 and in part from thesecond base panel 24. - The deformable structure FS comprises a
relief tab 88 formed in part from thesecond side panel 20 and in part from thesecond corner panel 22. In embodiments in which the first orsecond corner panels relief tab 88 may be formed in part from thesecond side panel 20 and in part from thesecond base panel 24. - The
relief tab 88 is defined in part by a first fold line 87 provided in thesecond side panel 20 and in part by asecond fold line 91 provided in thesecond corner panel 22. - The first fold line 87 is divergently arranged with respect to the
second fold line 91. The first andsecond fold lines 87, 91 diverge towards the longitudinal or free side edge of the blank 10. The first andsecond fold lines 87, 91 comprises first ends disposed proximal to each other and second ends disposed distal from each other. - The
relief tab 88 is defined in part by a cutline or severable line 93. The cutline 93 may extend from the first end of first fold line 87 towards the first end of thesecond fold line 91. The cutline 93 may substantially extend between the first, proximal, end of first fold line 87 and the first, proximal, end of thesecond fold line 91. The cutline 93 may connect the first end of first fold line 87 with the first end of thesecond fold line 91 so as to be contiguous therewith. The cutline 93 may be arranged to be substantially parallel to an adjacent portion of the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab. Therelief tab 88 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. - An extension or portion of
fold line 21 defines athird fold line 89 that substantially bisects therelief tab 88. In other embodiments thethird fold line 89 may be off centre such that therelief tab 88 is asymmetrical with respect to thethird fold line 89. - The
relief tab 88 may comprise a first cutaway or recess R1 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 the recess R1 is substantially triangular so as to define a “V” shaped free edge. The recess R1 interrupts thethird fold line 89. Thethird fold line 89 terminates at the vertex of the “V” shape. The recess R1 removes material astride thethird fold line 89 so as to reduce the prominence of thethird fold line 89 proximate the free edge of the second lower tab. The recess R1 provides a clipped edge of thethird fold line 89. - The
relief tab 88 is disposed between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab 72 c and the adjacent first heel aperture A3. - The deformable structure FS may comprise a web structure comprising a pair of
flaps first flap 84 is hinged to thesecond side panel 20 by afourth fold line 83. Thefourth fold line 83 may be substantially collinear with a longitudinal free edge of the third major cut-out or maybe offset therefrom. Asecond flap 86 is hingedly connected to thefirst flap 84 by afifth fold line 85. Thefifth fold line 83 is divergently arranged with respect to thefourth fold line 83. Thefirst flap 84 is substantially triangular in shape. Thesecond flap 86 is hingedly connected to therelief tab 88 by the first fold line 87. Thefifth fold line 83 is divergently arranged with respect to the first fold line 87. Thesecond flap 86 is substantially triangular in shape. - The first and
second flaps relief tab 88 to thesecond side panel 20. - The deformable structure FS enables the portion of the second lower tab provided by the second side panel 20 (and by the optional
second corner panel 22 when provided) to be folded or deformed about the end of an endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of said portion of the second lower tab into closer proximity with said endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer region of said portion of the second lower tab such that it is readily deformed. In this way the likelihood of the second lower tab puncturing the wall of a carrier bag when disposed inside, either during loading or carrying of the carrier bag, is reduced. This may reduce the practice of “double bagging” placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag to create two ply wall. - The deformable structure FS may comprise a second cutaway or recess R2 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of
FIG. 1 the second recess R2 is substantially triangular so as to define a “V” shaped free edge portion. The second recess R2 interrupts thefold line 23 coupling thesecond base panel 24 to thesecond corner panel 22. Thefold line 23 terminates at the vertex of the “V” shape. The second recess R2 removes material astride thefold line 23 so as to reduce the prominence of thefold line 23 proximate the free edge of the second lower tab. The second recess R2 provides a clipped edge of thefold line 23. - Turning to the construction of the
carton 90 as illustrated inFIG. 2 , thecarton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that thecarton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. - A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 3 six articles B are arranged in a 2×3 array. Thetop panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide atop wall 18 of thecarton 90. - The first and
second side panels top panel 18 aboutfold lines second side walls carton 90. - The
anchor portions second side panels second side panels top panel 18, to form the top engaging structures described above. - Alternatively, the top engaging structures may be formed subsequent to erection of the
carton 90 into a tubular form. Theanchor portions second side panels - The first and
second corner panels second side panels fold lines - The
heel tabs 42 may folded out of the plane of the first andsecond corner panels fold lines 43, prior to folding the first andsecond corner panels second side panels - The
first base panel 12 is folded about thefold line 13 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B, thesecond base panel 24 is then folded about thefold line 23 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with thefirst base panel 12; in doing so each of theheel tabs 42 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B. - The first and
second base panels second base panel 24. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in thefirst base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first andsecond base panels - The assembled
carton 90 is shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 4 shows a side view of thecarton 90. - An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a
carton 90 for packaging articles B. Thecarton 90 comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second apertures or openings A3, A5. Each of the first and second apertures A3, A5 is formed in part in aside wall heel panel side wall fold line fold line fold line - The first and second apertures A3, A5 are widest at, or about, the fold lines 15, 21.
- The maximum width dimensions W1, W2 of the first and second apertures A3, A5 are measured along an axis or notional line which extends longitudinally of the
carton 90, that is to say along a tubular axis of the tubular structure defined by the plurality ofmain panels FIG. 1 , a longitudinal axis denoted by reference y. The transverse axis of the blank extends between opposed end retention structures. The longitudinal axis extends between the first andsecond base panels - In a set up
carton 90 the tubular axis may be referred to or considered to be a longitudinal axis of thecarton 90. A transverse axis or direction may extend betweenopposed side panels - The blank 10 may be formed from a material having a grain or machine direction, the grain direction, the grain direction may extend between the first and
second base panels 12, 28 parallel with direction arrow y inFIG. 1 . - It has been found that increasing the width of the second aperture A5 can increase the strength or robustness of the
carton 90 when employing the carrying handle H. It may reduce the likelihood of tears propagating from the aperture A5. It is believed that increasing the width of the second aperture A5 allows the material forming thecarton 90 to stretch or deform to a greater extent than it would otherwise. The shape of the aperture A5 may also distribute load forces over a larger or wider area of theside walls - By providing inner or centrally located second apertures A5 with an increased width and outer or endmost first apertures A3 having a narrower width dimension, the strength or robustness of the
carton 90 is increased without compromising the integrity of thecarton 90 or the retention of the articles B in thecarton 90. It will be appreciated that providing first apertures A3 which are smaller, narrower in width and/or shorter in height, that the end regions of theside panel carton 90 do not stretch of deform as readily as an inner region in which larger second apertures A5 are provided. - In some embodiments the
carton 90 may comprise a one or more second apertures A5 in a region of theside panel top panel 18. In other embodiments, thecarton 90 may comprise a plurality of second apertures A5 disposed between a pair of first apertures A3 each located adjacent an end of thecarton 90. In some embodiments thecarton 90 may comprise at least one second apertures A5 disposed between a two or more first apertures A3 located adjacent a first end of thecarton 90 and two or more first apertures A3 located adjacent a second, opposing, end of thecarton 90. - The first opening A3 is disposed at a first distance D1 from an end E1 of the
carton 90 or blank 10 and the second opening A5 is disposed at a second distance D2 from the other end E2 of the carton. The first distance D1 is considerably less than the second distance D2. - The plurality of bottom-receiving openings may include a third opening located at a third distance D3 from the other end E2, the third distance D3 may be generally equal to the first distance D1 such that the second opening A5 is interposed between the first and third openings A3.
- The first opening A3 is disposed at a first distance D1 from a first end E1 of the
carton 90 or blank 10 and the second opening A5 is disposed at a fourth distance D4 from the first end E1 of the carton. The first distance D1 is considerably less than the second distance D2. - The
carton 90 may comprise a handle H in at least thetop panel 18 of thecarton 90 and wherein the handle H is in a vertical alignment with the second aperture A5 when thecarton 90 is viewed in a side elevation. - Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carton comprising a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings A3, A5, each being formed in part in a
side wall heel panel heel panel side wall first fold line bottom panel second fold line FIG. 2 , the second opening A5 has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge FE2 which extends from thefirst fold line side wall first fold line second fold line second fold line second fold line second fold line first fold line side wall - Optionally, the second opening may have its upper end in an alternative shape. Such alternative forms of the second opening are shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 .FIG. 6 shows an alternative second opening A6 having an upper end defined by a generally squared free edge FE2. The free edge EF2 of the second opening A6 extends upwards from thefirst fold line 221 into theside wall 220, turns to extend generally horizontally and then extends downwards back to thefirst fold line 221.FIG. 7 shows another alternative second opening A7 similar to that ofFIG. 6 but the free edge FE2 of the second opening A7 has its vertical segments intersecting with thefirst fold line 321 as opposed to emanating from thefirst fold line 221 which is the case inFIG. 6 . Each of the second openings A6, A7 has a maximum height H2 extending from thesecond fold line - The
carton 90 is formed from a blank 10 which can be nested with like blanks each forming acarton 90. - The blank 10 comprises longitudinal edges having a plurality of recesses defining tabs therebetween. The recesses may be arranged to allow the blank 10 to be nested with
similar blanks 10. The tabs provide upper and lower corner portions of thecarton 90. The lower corner portions may comprise a deformable, folding, structure FS which enables the lower corner portions to be deformed or folded for reducing the sharpness of the lower corner portions of thecarton 90. The deformable, folding, structure FS enable the lower corner portions to be readily folded to become rounded in nature when load forces are applied thereto. - It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.
- As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.
- As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.
- It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.
- The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.
Claims (17)
1. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line, wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, the second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line and wherein the second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
2. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels includes; a top wall, a base panel a first side panel, and a second side panel.
3. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.
4. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the carton further comprises a handle in at least the top panel of the carton and wherein the handle is in a general vertical alignment with the second aperture when the carton is viewed in a side elevation.
5. A carton according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of bottom-receiving openings further includes a third opening located at a third distance from the other end, the third distance being generally equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first and third openings.
6. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising plurality of panels forming a tubular structure and including; a side panel, a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a first fold line and a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line, wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line, wherein the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the first free edge furthermost from the second fold line, wherein the second opening has an upper end defined solely by a second free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line, wherein the second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge furthermost from the second fold line and wherein the second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.
7. A carton according to claim 6 , wherein the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.
8. A carton according to claim 6 , wherein the carton further comprises a handle in at least the top panel of the carton and wherein the handle is in a general vertical alignment with the second aperture when the carton is viewed in a side elevation.
9. A carton according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of bottom-receiving openings further includes a third opening located at a third distance from the other end, the third distance being generally equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first and third openings.
10. A carton according to claim 6 , wherein the first opening has a first maximum width along a notional line parallel to the first fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the first fold line and wherein the second maximum width of the second opening is greater than the first maximum width of the first opening measured along the notional line parallel to the first fold line.
11. A carton according to claim 6 , wherein the second free edge is free of hinged connection with any other part of the carton.
12. A carton according to claim 6 , wherein the second free edge is symmetrical about a notional line perpendicular to the first fold line and extending along the side panel.
13. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line, wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening comprises a pair of opposed first side edges and wherein the second opening comprises a pair of opposed second side edges, the pair of opposed second side edges being divergently arranged with respect to each other and defining a second angle therebetween, the second angle being greater than a first angle defined by the pair of opposed first side edges.
14. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line, wherein the blank comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the fold line and wherein the second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.
15. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising plurality of panels including; a side panel, a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a first fold line and a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line, wherein the blank comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line, wherein the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the first free edge furthermost from the second fold line, wherein the second opening has an upper end defined solely by a second free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line, wherein the second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge furthermost from the second fold line and wherein the second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.
16. A blank according to claim 15 , wherein the second free edge is free of hinged connection with any other part of the carton.
17. A blank according to claim 15 , wherein the second free edge is symmetrical about a notional line perpendicular to the first fold line and extending along the side panel.
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US17/769,896 US20220363462A1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2020-10-16 | Carton and blank therefor |
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Citations (4)
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US5542536A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1996-08-06 | Riverwood International Corporation | Wrap-around carrier with bar code blocking end panel |
US20050199514A1 (en) * | 2004-03-15 | 2005-09-15 | Sutherland Robert L. | Flat primary and secondary locking system |
US8376213B2 (en) * | 2008-10-14 | 2013-02-19 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Carrier with locking features |
US20150239628A1 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2015-08-27 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Carton with retention features |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR1595965A (en) * | 1968-12-06 | 1970-06-15 | ||
US4545485A (en) * | 1984-08-01 | 1985-10-08 | The Mead Corporation | Bottle carrier chime engaging flap structure |
FR2619087B1 (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1990-03-23 | Icp Sa | CORNER STRENGTHENING DEFLECTOR FOR GROUPING PACKAGING |
AU2018378056A1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2020-06-11 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton and blank therefor |
-
2020
- 2020-10-13 TW TW109135348A patent/TW202120391A/en unknown
- 2020-10-16 US US17/769,896 patent/US20220363462A1/en active Pending
- 2020-10-16 JP JP2022523207A patent/JP2022552418A/en active Pending
- 2020-10-16 WO PCT/US2020/056008 patent/WO2021076905A1/en unknown
- 2020-10-16 CA CA3155352A patent/CA3155352A1/en active Pending
- 2020-10-16 EP EP20803718.4A patent/EP4045426A1/en active Pending
- 2020-10-16 BR BR112022007405A patent/BR112022007405A2/en unknown
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-
2022
- 2022-04-18 CL CL2022000976A patent/CL2022000976A1/en unknown
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Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5542536A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1996-08-06 | Riverwood International Corporation | Wrap-around carrier with bar code blocking end panel |
US20050199514A1 (en) * | 2004-03-15 | 2005-09-15 | Sutherland Robert L. | Flat primary and secondary locking system |
US8376213B2 (en) * | 2008-10-14 | 2013-02-19 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Carrier with locking features |
US20150239628A1 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2015-08-27 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Carton with retention features |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP4045426A1 (en) | 2022-08-24 |
AR120242A1 (en) | 2022-02-09 |
WO2021076905A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
CA3155352A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
JP2022552418A (en) | 2022-12-15 |
CL2022000976A1 (en) | 2022-11-11 |
BR112022007405A2 (en) | 2022-07-05 |
TW202120391A (en) | 2021-06-01 |
CO2022006000A2 (en) | 2022-05-20 |
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