WO2007113467A1

WO2007113467A1 - Carton

Info

Publication number: WO2007113467A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Bray; Alan Douglas Tearle; Steven Holford
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2007-03-19
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Also published as: GB0606567D0; AR060231A1; TW200812879A

Abstract

A carton is provided for holding a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs. The carton has a prismatic shape and with a cross-sectional shape comprising a polyiamond, a rhombus or a concave polyhedron. The triangular-shaped prismatic packs may be used to contain smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

Description

CARTON

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a carton for containing packs, for example packs containing smoking articles such as cigars, cigarettes and cigarillos.

Background of the Invention

Cigarettes are often sold in packs having a generally rectangular (cuboid) shape. Multiple such packs can be contained together in a carton which also has a generally rectangular shape. However, it has also been suggested to sell cigarettes in triangular packs - i.e. packs having a prismatic shape with a triangular cross-section. It is comparatively difficult to accommodate triangular packs within a conventional rectangular carton.

WO 01/44077 discloses a cigarette pack which is prismatic and triangular in cross-section. This document further discloses a carton for containing a plurality of such packs. The carton is prismatic, with the axis of the carton being parallel to the axes of the packs contained within the carton. The carton has a generally triangular cross-section.

WO 01/98179 discloses other cartons for containing such triangular packs. The cartons are prismatic and have a cross-sectional shape which is either a regular hexagon for containing 6 triangular packs or an elongated hexagon for containing 10 packs. A lid may be provided on one end of a carton, the lid matching the cross sectional shape of the carton, or the lid may be provided as a wall between the ends. The blanks for such cartons are relatively complicated.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a carton for holding a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs. The carton has a prismatic shape with a cross-section comprising a concave polyhedron. This concave shape permits some degree of inter-locking between cartons, which helps to provide stability if the cartons are stacked or aggregated together for display, distribution, and so on.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape belongs to the family of polyiamonds. This is particularly appropriate where the packs to be contained within the carton are formed of equilateral triangles, since then the polyiamond shape of the carton can match the configuration of packs within the carton (it is assumed that the prismatic axis of the carton is aligned with the prismatic axes of any packs contained within the carton). For example, in one particular embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is in the form of a hexiamond. Note that in such a polyiamond configuration, the packs inside the carton occupy substantially all the internal volume of the carton.

In one embodiment, the concave polyhedron tessellates with itself. This helps to stack or package multiple cartons together, for example, in a box for storage or distribution. In some embodiments, a combination of two or more cross-sectional shapes may tessellate together. For example, if carton A has a first cross-sectional shape, while carton B has a second cross-sectional shape, the first and second cross- sectional shapes may tessellate together so that cartons A and B can be packaged together.

In one embodiment, the concave polyhedron contains a single indentation, but other embodiments may have multiple indentations. For example, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape includes two concave sections disposed opposite each other.

Other possible cross-sectional shapes for the carton include a rhombus, a circle or a semi-circle, or some other shape derived therefrom. In some cases, such cartons may be comparatively easy to make, or have good mechanical properties. In one embodiment, a face corresponding in shape to the cross-section is hingedly attached at one edge and is operable to rotate about that edge between an open and closed state to provide access into the carton. In other embodiments, access may be obtained via a side of the carton (the sides being parallel to the prismatic axis of the carton).

The carton may house a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packets which in turn may contain smoking articles, for example, cigarettes.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming carton having a prismatic shape. The blank includes first and second end panels, wherein each end panel comprises a concave polyhedron. In one particular configuration of such a blank, a first side panel is located between the first and second end panels, and the second end panel is located between the first side panel and a second side panel.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made by way of example to the following drawings. Figures IA and IB relate to a carton of equilateral triangular cross-section;

Figures 2 A and 2B relate to a carton of regular hexagonal cross-section; Figures 3 A and 3B relate to a carton of irregular hexagonal or rhombus cross- section;

Figures 4A and 4B relate to a carton of elongated hexagonal cross-section; and Figures 5 A and 5B relate to a carton with one or more indented ends.

Detailed Description

In the drawings, Figures suffixed A represent blanks for prismatic cartons, and Figures suffixed B show the corresponding arrangement of prismatic packs in such a carton (it is assumed in the drawings that each pack has an equilateral triangle for its cross-section). The solid lines in the drawings represent cut edges and dashed lines represent fold lines which may be pre-weakened. The fold lines delineating major wall panels may be formed, in erected cartons, into sharp edges, bevelled edges or rounded edges. The lower case letters a to / in the drawings indicate tabs and corresponding marginal areas of panels to which the tabs are glued. The illustrated cartons may be of card, plastic or any other suitable material.

Figure 1- Carton of triangular cross-section

The blank of Figure IA when erected forms a prismatic carton having a cross- section which is an equilateral triangle. The carton may be of such a size as to contain 9 packs as shown in Figure IB, but it could be of another size: e.g. 4 packs or more than 9 packs.

The blank has a triangular base panel 1 and a triangular lid panel 3 connected via fold lines to opposite sides of a rectangular wall panel 5. The base has two free edges a and b. The two remaining sides of the wall panel 5 are respectively connected via fold lines to a tab 51 and to an edge of another rectangular wall panel 7. The edge of the wall panel 7 opposite to the rectangular wall panel 5 is connected via a fold line to a further rectangular wall panel 9. In erecting the carton, the base is folded to be at right angles to the wall panel 5 and the panels 7 and 9 are folded into contact with the free edges a and b of the base 1.

The wall panels 7 and 9 have tabs 71 and 91 connected thereto via fold lines. The tabs 71 and 91 are glued to the marginal regions of the free edges a and b of the base 1. The tab 51 of the wall panel 5 is glued to the marginal region c of the wall panel 9. The lid is folded to be parallel to the base. The lid has flaps 31 and 32 connected thereto via fold lines. The flaps are folded at right angles to the lid and, in the erected carton, engage the free edges of the wall panels 7 and 9.

One or both of the tabs 71 and 91 may be located on the base instead of on the wall panel(s). The tab 51 may be located on the wall panel 9. The lid and/or base may be attached to (extend from) wall panel 7 or 9 instead of wall panel 3. It will be appreciated that the blank of Figure IA has a relatively simple shape and design, which assists with the manufacture and assembly of the blank, as well as reducing waste.

Figure 2- Regular Hexagonal Carton

The blank of Figure 2A when erected forms a prismatic carton having a cross- section which is a regular hexagon. The carton may be of such a size as to contain 6 packs as shown in Figure 2B, but it could be of another size containing more than 6 packs. The blank has a hexagonal base 1 connected via a fold line to a rectangular wall panel 5, and a hexagonal lid 3 connected via another fold line to the opposite side of the panel 5. The two remaining sides of the wall panel 5 are respectively connected via fold lines to another rectangular wall panel 15 and to another section of the blank which is divided by fold lines into four equal rectangular wall panels 1, 9, 11 and 13. The six wall panels 7 to 15 form the walls (sides) of the hexagonal carton when erected.

The base 1 has, on each of its free edges, a tab 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150. In erecting the carton, the tabs are folded to upstand from the base and the base is folded to be at right angles to the wall panel 5. The wall panels 7 to 15 are folded around the base to engage the respective tabs 110 to 150. The tabs 110 to 150 are glued to the marginal regions a to e of the wall panels. Wall panel 15 is folded around the base 1 into contact with panel 13 and has a tab 151 which is glued to marginal region/of the wall panel 13. The lid 3 is folded to be parallel to the base 1. It has a flap 31 on its free edge opposite the fold line connecting the lid to the wall panel 5. Flap 31 can be used to secure the lid in the closed position.

In the example shown, the wall panels 15, 7, 9 and 13 have flaps 152, 71, 91 and 131 on their edges which lie at the opposite end of the carton from the base 1. In use, the flaps are folded down to engage the packs in the carton. The flap 31 of the lid 3 engages the inner face of the wall panel 11 between flaps 131 and 91 to keep the lid closed.

One or more of the tabs 110 to 150 may be provided on the wall panel(s) 7 to 15 instead of on the base 1. One or more of the flaps 71, 91 131 and 152 may be omitted. Tab 151 may be provided on the edge of panel 13. Panel 15 may be connected via a fold line to panel 13 instead of to panel 5. The lid and base may be connected to different panels, instead of both to the same panel, and moreover may be connected to any one of the wall panels shown in Figure 2 A.

Although the blank of Figure 2 A has a slightly more complicated shape and design than the blank of Figure IA, it is more efficient in packaging terms - i.e. the ratio of surface area to enclosed volume is lower for the blank of Figure 2 A than for the blank of Figure IA.

Figure 3- Irregular hexagonal Carton

Figure 3 uses the same reference numerals as Figure 2. The carton of Figure 3 differs from that of Figure 2 in that it has an irregular hexagonal cross-section and contains 16 packs, as shown in Figure 3B. This is achieved by approximately doubling the width of four rectangular wall panels, namely wall panels 15, 5, 9 and 11, while leaving opposing wall panels 7 and 13 approximately the same size as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3 - Rhomboid Carton

The carton of Figure 3 A may be modified to be of a rhomboidal form which can accommodate 18 packs, as indicated in Figure 3B by the dash-dot lines. In this latter embodiment, tabs 110, 140 and 71 are replaced by extensions of the lid and base, plus an additional extension to the lid 3. As a result, the lid and base are both rhomboidal in shape, as indicated by the dash-dot lines in Figure 3 A. It will be appreciated that a pack with a rhomboidal cross-section has four rectangular wall panels. In the context of Figure 3 A, this is achieved by combining wall panels 5 and 7 into a single wall panel; extending the width of wall panels 15, 9 and 11 so they match the width of combined wall panels 5 and 7; and omitting wall panel 13.

Figure 4- Elongated Hexagonal Carton

The blank of Figure 4A when erected forms a prismatic carton having a cross- section which is an elongated hexagon. The carton may be of such a size as to contain 9 packs as shown in Figure 4B, but it could be of another size for more than 9 packs (for example by extending the elongation of the pack by increasing the width of wall panels 56 and 54).

The blank comprises elongated hexagonal panels 51 and 52 that correspond to the cross-section of the pack. Each panel has six edges, where one pair of opposing edges is longer than the four other edges. Between the hexagonal panels is a rectangular section which is divided by fold lines into rectangular wall panels 55, 56, 57 and 58. Panel 56 has opposite edges connected via fold lines to a long edge of each of the hexagonal panels 51, 52. The other panels 55, 57 and 58 correspond to three narrow sides of the carton. Panel 58 forms the lid of the carton and is connected via a fold line to a flap 581.

Hexagonal panel 51 is located between the wall panel 56 and another rectangular wall panel 54 having the same size as panel 56. Wall panel 54 is connected via a fold line to another rectangular wall panel 53 and has a tab 541 on its edge opposite to the hexagonal panel 51. Wall panels 53 and 54 correspond respectively to narrow and wide sides of the carton.

The short edges of the hexagonal panel 52 are connected via fold lines to tabs

521, 522, 523 and to flap 524. The short edges of the hexagonal panel 51 are connected via fold lines to tabs 511, 512, 513 and to flap 514. When erecting the carton, the wall panels 54 and 56 are folded to upstand from the hexagonal panel 51. The panel 52 is folded to be parallel to panel 51. The tabs and flap 512 to 514 of the hexagonal panel 51 are folded to upstand from panel 51. The tabs and flap 521 to 524 of panel 52 are folded towards the panel 51. Wall panel 53 is folded to meet tabs 512 and 522 to which it is glued. Wall panel 55 is folded to meet tabs 511 and 521 to which it is glued. Wall panel 57 is folded to meet tabs 513 and 523 to which it is glued. Tab 541 is glued to marginal area g of hexagonal panel 52.

The wall panel 58 provides the lid of the carton. The flap 581 holds the lid closed by engaging the inner surface of the wall panel 54 between flaps 524 and 514. The wall panel 57 may not be glued to tabs 513 and 523, whereby it forms part of the lid, giving greater access to the inside of the carton.

Instead of the wall panel(s) 58 and 57 providing the lid, the lid may be provided by panels 54 and 53, with panels 51, 52 and 55 to 58 then forming the body of the carton. Alternatively, one of the hexagonal panels 52 and 51 may provide a lid having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the carton.

One or more of the tabs 511 to 513 and 521 to 523 may be provided on the corresponding wall panel 53, 55, 57 and 58 instead of on the hexagonal panel 51 or 52. Flaps 514 and 524 can also moved to another appropriate wall if the lid portion is provided by a panel other than panel 58. The tab 541 may be provided on hexagonal panel 52.

Figure 5 - Carton of elongated hexagonal cross section with indented ends.

Figure 5 uses the same reference numerals as Figure 4. The carton differs from that of Figure 4 in that certain sides of the carton are indented (inverted), as shown in Figure 5B. This is achieved by modifying the shape of end panels 51 and 52, as indicated in Figure 5 A, to provide the desired cross-section. In particular, the end panels 51 and 52 are no longer regular hexagons in Figure 5 A, but rather have the shape of two trapeziums, opposing one another and joined along their shortest parallel sides.

A hybrid version of Figures 4 and 5 has one end of the hexagon cross-section indented, but not the other. This is indicated by the dash-dot line 60 and 61 in Figure 5A and by the dash dot triangles in Figure 5B. In this case, the carton has a cross- section which is an elongated hexagon with one end indented and the other end projecting.

The two embodiments of Figure 5 are concave polygons, in that they contain at least one internal angle which is greater than 180 degrees. Thus the main embodiment shown in Figure 5 has two concave portions, while the modification indicated by lines 60 and 61 has a single concave portion.

One advantage of having a concave polygon for the cross-sectional shape is that it allows a certain degree of interlocking between the cartons. This offers improved stability, for example when stacking the cartons. One possibility is for a concave polygon to interlock with a convex polygon.

***

It will be appreciated that all the cross-section shapes described above tessellate. This is helpful when packaging the cartons themselves (such as for distribution, warehouse storage, etc). Note also that different cartons described herein may also tessellate with one another; for example the indented hexagon of Figure 5 tessellates with the regular or elongated hexagon of Figure 3 or 4. Thus a plurality of cartons may be contained in a box, and the box may contain cartons of just one shape, or cartons of two or complementary shapes that tessellate together.

The cross-sectional shapes so far described are all polyiamonds, in that they are comprise various arrangements of equilateral triangles. It will be appreciated that polyiamonds are especially suited if the carton is intended to contain packs which themselves have a cross-section which is an equilateral triangle. This allows the packs within the carton to occupy substantially the entire internal volume of the carton, which both increases efficiency and also helps to strengthen the carton (when the packs are inside).

However, many other shapes are possible. For example, a carton may have 5 sides, such as regular pentagon. A prismatic pack with a pentagonal cross-section is especially suited to containing packs having a cross-section which is an isosceles triangle with a central angle of 72 degrees (360/5). It can be seen therefore that the number of sides for a carton having a cross-section of a regular polygon may be directly related to the angles of the triangular packs that it contains (especially if the packs are to occupy substantially all of the space inside of the carton). The cross- section of such packs may have the form of an equilateral triangle (generally leading to a polyiamond cross-section for the carton), an isosceles triangle, a right-angled triangle, and so on, and the cross-sectional shape of a carton for containing such packs can be modified accordingly.

As noted above, the lid of a carton may be on an end face and so have the cross-sectional shape of the prismatic carton, or may be formed of a wall panel between the ends. For example, an opening for gaining access to the contents of the carton may be formed by a hinged lid having a flap for securing the Hd in a closed position. The opening may be provided by a panel hinged to the carton and having other edges connected to the carton by perforations which allow the panel to be opened by tearing the perforations. Instead of perforations, a tear strip may be provided.

In conclusion, various embodiments of the invention provide blanks for cartons as described above, cartons as described above, and cartons containing prismatic packs of triangular cross section containing smoking articles. The skilled person will be aware of many modifications to the particular embodiments described. For example, rather than the carton having a hexagonal cross-section, such as shown in Figure 2, the carton may have a substantially circular cross-section. Such a circular carton may still be used to house a plurality of triangular packs arranged to form a regular polygon, such as the hexagon shown in Figure 2B. Note that such a circular carton may be easier to make or stronger than a carton with a polyhedral cross-section. In addition, the circular carton may circumscribe the packs sufficiently closely to prevent movement of the packs within the carton. Another possibility is to use a carton with a substantially semi-circular cross-section, which might then house three packs (half a hexagon). A further possibility is to use a carton with an oval cross-section comprising two semi-circles joined by two line segments. This might be used, for example, to hold packs having the elongated hexagon configuration of Figure 4B. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any of the particular embodiments described herein, but rather is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A carton for holding a plurality of triangular shaped prismatic packs, the carton having a prismatic shape and a cross-section comprising a concave polyhedron.

2. A carton according to Claim 1, having a cross-sectional shape belonging to the family of polyiamonds.

3. A carton according to Claim 2, having a cross-sectional shape in the form of a hexiamond.

4. A carton according to any preceding Claim, wherein said concave polyhedron tessellates with itself.

5. A carton according to any preceding Claim, wherein the concave polyhedron contains a single indentation.

6. A carton according to any of Claims 1 to 4, having a cross-sectional shape including two concave sections disposed opposite each other.

7. A carton adapted to hold a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs, the carton having a prismatic shape and a cross-section comprising a rhombus.

8. A carton according to any preceding Claim, said carton containing a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs.

9. A carton according to Claim 8, wherein said plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs occupy substantially the whole cross-section of the carton.

10. A carton adapted to hold a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs, the carton having a prismatic shape and a cross-section comprising a circle.

11. A carton adapted to hold a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs, the carton having a prismatic shape and a cross-section comprising at least one semicircle.

12. A carton according to Claim 10 or 11, said carton containing a plurality of triangular-shaped prismatic packs.

13. A carton according to Claim 8 or 12, wherein said triangular-shaped prismatic packs contain smoking articles.

14. A carton according to any preceding Claim, wherein a face corresponding in shape to the cross-section is hingedly attached at one edge and is operable to rotate about that edge between an open and closed state to provide access into the carton.

15. A blank which is foldable to form the carton as claimed in any preceding Claim.

16. A blank for forming a carton having a prismatic shape, said blank including first and second end panels, each end panel comprising a concave polyhedron.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein a first side panel is located between the first and second end panels.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the second end panel is located between said first side panel and a second side panel.

19. A carton substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

20. A blank substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.