WO2007120935A1

WO2007120935A1 - Improved partition insert

Info

Publication number: WO2007120935A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/060057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garrett K Schemmel; Rafe T Patterson; Michael F Flagg; John G Hotchkiss
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Llc
Priority date: 2006-01-03
Filing date: 2007-01-03
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Also published as: CA2636102A1; RU2008131940A; EP1973784A1; US20090173774A1

Abstract

A partition insert (100) includes a longitudinal primary partition panel (12), transverse divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a locking flap (26). The divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are rotated to an operative position and the locking flap (26) is rotated toward the primary partition panel (12). The partition insert includes means for engaging (52) such that the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and the locking flap (26) can engage one another to fix the position of the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) in the operative position.

Description

HIT! ST

n .assps JCATIO

This application ciasms pnority to ϋ.S Provisional Application No 6O7?56.148, filed January 3. 2006.

This invention relates generally to packaging an arrangement of articles and more specifically, to partition snseήs that separate articles in a carton.

WRT

Partition inserts separate articles such as bottles sn a carroπ or carrier so as to prevent the bottles from contacting one another This protects against breakage or damage duπng snipping and handling. Typseaiiy, a pardon insert thai is used to separate the bottles of two adjacent rows of articles includes a longitudinal primary partition panel that ss Situated between the adjacent rows of articles, and transverse dicier panels each which extends outwardly Uom the longitudinal pnniary parmson panel and between adjacent bottles of one or more of the rows. Thus, for a package containing ssx bottles arranged in two adjacent rows, me partition insert would include two transverse divider panels that extend from each side of the longitudinal primary partition panel For packages containing a greater number of bottles, the partition Insert Includes additional transverse divider panels as necessary Additional parutson inserts may be employed in packages containing multiples of these basic bottle groups Ui separate the bottles wsthsn each group, and a simple longitudinal partition panel ss employed to separate the bottles of adjacent groups.

In a typical packaging operation, the transverse divider panels are folded out of the plane of the long^udlnal primary partition panel to an operative position and the insert part-iso^ is ther- inserted into a group oi bottles by insertion equipment onor to loading the bottles into a carton. However, such insert partitions are prone to failure as they are inserted between the articles. For example, since the transverse divider panels are not fixed in the folded operative position, the transversa divider panels often times rotate out of the operative position so as to contaoi or catch on the tops of articles. Thereby, she insert partitions, articles, or carton can be damaged so as to tnle??upt the packaging process, or at minimum the insert partition can be improperly inserted between the articles.

Therefore, a heretofore υnaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and Inadequacies. What is needed is a partition insert that includes transverse divider panels that car* be fixed in a folded operative position before being inserted between articles.

The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the ρnor art by providing a partition insert that includes means for fixing a transverse divider panel In a folded operative position The partition insert includes one or more locking flaps Having means for engaging that are hingedly connected to the longitudinal pnmary partition panel and that are foidabie toward the primary partition panel to engage one or more of me transverse divider panels. The one or more locking flaps are easily folded manually or by automatic erecting machinery to fsx the position of the transverse divider panels before she partition insert is inserted between a group ol articles.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a partition insert includes a ongiiijdinai primary panmon panel and transverse divider panels thai are formed ntegraily from the primary partition panel. The divider panels can be folded or rotated out of the plane of the primary partition panel end fixed m an operative position by a locking flap, in the operative posters, at ieast a portion of the divider panel extends from a first side of the pnmary partition pane! to separate articles in a firs? row of adjacent articles In the exemplary embodiments, the divider panels are arranged s^ch that a first vvsng or portion extends from a first Side of the pnmary partition panel and a second wing or portion expends from a second ssde of the primary partition panel Using such a divider panel arrangement simplifies the foxing operations that are necessary to erect the partition insert.

The locking Oap and/or the transverse divide? panels include means for engaging one another to Fsx the positions of the divider panels, Means for engaging can sndude elements thai engage an edge of a looking flap or transverse divider panel or combinations of elements thai engage one another in a first embodiment. & locking flap includes a notch that engages an edge of a divider panel, in other embodiments, a locking flap includes tabs or protrusions that are received in and engage an aperture in a divider pane! In still other embodiments, a divider panel includes a notch or protrusion thai engages an edge of a locking flap. In each of she vanous embodiments, the didder panels are reieasaPly locked in position without the need for adhesive or fasteners

According to one aspect of the invention, the partition Insert is formed from a unitary blank that ^ncluoes a longitudinal primary partition panel, transverse divider panels, and a locking flap. The transverse divider panels- are defined from and remain ningediy connected Io the primary partition panel after being partially liberated from the primary panmon panel The transverse divider panels are ?otatat>le about an axis of rotation that is defined by one or more fold lines that define the hinged connection In the exemplary embodiments, the axis of rotation is defined by a pasr ol aligned fold lines that approximate a single interrupted fold line. The locking flap Is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel along a longitudinal fO'd line, for example, along the lower edge o? the primary partition panel. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal fold i;πe Is substantially perpendicular to she axes of rotation .

The loregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of vanous potential applications of the Invention. Other henehcsai results can be obtained by applying the disclosed inforrnatJon in a different manner or by combining vanous aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring ?o the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction wsfh the accompanying drawings, -n addition to the scope of the invention denned by the claims

^ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a plan v-ew of a partition insert blank, according Io an exemplary embodiment o? the present invention,

FtG, Z is a perspective view o? a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank of RG. 1, wiih the divider panels looked in their operative positions

;^•,* FfG. 3 is a pian view of an alternative partition Insert blank, according Io a second embodiment of ihe present invention

FIG. 4 ss a perspective vsew of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank of FiG. 3. with the divider panels locked sn thδsr operative positions

FIG, 5 is a plan vsew of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a ij third embodiment of the present invention,

PIG. 6 is a perspective of a par^ion insert formed from the partition snsert blank oi^' FIG, S, with aii bus one of the protuberances locking \he divider panels sπ their operative positions

FIGs-. 7-0 are perspective vsews O^ the partition insert of FIG. 2 as it is Λ> positioned between a gnxsp of articles that are packaged in a carters in various ways.

FIG, 10 Is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

LD DLSCR^I K)N

A& required, detailed embodiments of fhe present invention are disclosed herein it must be understood thai the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary Os the invention thai may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the woro "exemplary¹ is used expansively to refer to embodiment thai serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerates or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, ^elhknown components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described so detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specie structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as hmsimg. ou^ merely as a basis for the ciairns and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled >n the an to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, trie drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a partition snsen that separates articles, such as glass bottles that are enclosed sn a carton or other container.

The exemplary partition inserts are erected from blanks, which are formed from a unsiary sheet of suitable substrate, it ;s to be understood mat, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate^" includes ail manner of foidabie sheet matenai including paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plashes, metals, combinations thereof, and the like. Further, in the illustrated embodiments, a unitary blank is used to form a partition insert, although it should be recognized mat two or more blanks may be employed. It is envisaged that *he partition insert blank can be Sized or adapted to partition articles of different shapes and sszes and/or different arrangements of articles

Referring to FiGs. 1 and 2. an exemplary partition insert blank 10 can be folded or erected to form a partition insert 1OfJ, The blank 10 includes a longitudinal primary partition panel 12. transverse divider panels 14. IS. 18. 20, 22, and a longitudinal locking flap 26. Here the primary partition panel 12 is elongated although it is contemplated thai it may be square or trapezoidal. In any event, the primary partition panel 12 has upper and lower longitudinally extending edges, the lower edge being configured to rest against me bottom wall of a carton.

Each divider panel 14, 16, IS, 20. 22 remains hngediy connected to the primary panrfiøn panel 12 along a pair of vertical fold lines 28a, 28b after having been partially separated from ihe pnmary partition panel 12 along severance lines. In the exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 includes vertical severance lines 30, 32, 34, 36, 3S₁ 49 thai define the distal edges of the drv;der panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Each divider panel 14, 18, 18. 20. 22 is further defined by two pairs of contoured severance hoes 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b which define the upper and lower edges of the divider panels 14, IS, 18. 20, 22 Each contoured severance line 44a. 44b, 40a > 46b connects one end of a vertical severance line 30, 32, 34, 36. 38, 40 to one end of a vertical fold hne 28a 28b. For example, referring to divider panel 14, the contoured severance lines 44®, 44b connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 30 *o inside ends of the vertical ioid lines 28a, 28b, respectively, and the contoured severance lines 4Sa. 4Sb connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 32 to outside ends of vertical fold lines 28a. 28b, respectively. The vertical fold lines 28a, 28b form the hsnged connection that defines the axis of rotation A about which the divider panel 14, IS, IB. 20, 22, can swivel into the operative position in the exemplary embodiment, each divider panel 14, 16. 18, 211, 22 has wings of portions FI. F2 that extend from opposite Sides of the primary partition panel 12 when the insert partition 100 is erected. For each divider pane: 14, 16, 18, 20. 22, Ihe iVsi portion FI can be distinguished from the second portion PZ by the axis of rotation A. The portions Fl P2 of the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20_: 22 are also defined by certain of the severance lines. For example, the hrst portion PI of the divider panel 14 ss defined by the vertical severance line 30, the contoured severance lines 44a 44b, and the axis of rotation A. Similarly, the second portion P2 ol the divider panel 14 is defined by tne vertical severance line 32. the contoured severance lines 46a, 46b, and the axss of rotation A

Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 Is substantially identical such that Ihe description of ihe divide? panei 14 ss applicable to the other divider panels IS. 18. 20, 22. In embodiments in which each article 8 is a round cylinder, each portion PI. P2 has a maximum width C measured from the axss A to the dsstai edge of the portion PI , P2, thai Is at least half the diameter of an article B, So that Ihe pomon PI, P2 is disposed between the pomts or fangency between the articles B to be separated However, those skilled sn she art wlii readily appreciate that me thickness of the divider panels and the wsdih C can be selected ID obtain optimum separators oetween articles of venous cross sectional shapes and sizes. Ii should be understood thai the maximum widsh of adjacent portions Pi, P2 can be increased by providing thai the shared severance ^ne thai defines the distal edges of the adjacent persons PI , P2 is contoured; curved, or at an angie with respect to the axis of rotation, rather than vertical or parallel to the axis of rotation as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments

It should also be understood that the dimensions and shape of the divider panels are merely dessgn decisions so long as that the divider panels function io partition adjacent articles, in alternative embodiments, each divider panel can be hingediy connected to the primary partition panel along one or more fold lines and may consssϊ of a single wmg that extends from a singie ssde of the primary partition panel.

The locking flap 26 is hingediy connected to the primary partition panel 12 aiong a foid lsne 50. In the exemplary embodiment. *he fold line 50 defies or •$ positioned along the lower edge of ihe primary partition panel 12, and ss substantially perpendicular io the axes of rotation A In alternative embodiments, the fold hne 50 can be at other angles or oπentatsons with respect to the axes of rotation A and cars be offset from an edge of the primary partition panel 12 Further, the locking flap 26 can be hingediy connected to other edges of the partition panel 12

The blank IS further includes elements that provide means for engaging such thai the locking fiap 26 and the divider panels 14, 16, IS. 20, 22 engage one another as the blank 10 Is erected, as described sn further detail below, In the exemplary embodiment, means for engaging includes notches 62 that are disposed sn a d-støi edge of the locking flap 26 The notches 52 are positioned so as to be substantially bssecied by respective axes of relation A. Thereby, the notches 52 are aligned with a respective ponlson PI . F2 and, as the locking flap 26 is folded along the fold line 50 to an operative posit-on that ss substantially normal lo the plane of the primary partition panel 12, the notches 52 are positioned sπ engaging proximity to a respective portion PI, P2. As used heresn the phrase "d-sfal edge^' refers io an edge thai is situated away from the point of attachment, for example, an end edge that ss spaced apart from a foid line (hat defines a hinged connection.

The size and shape of each notch 52 is a design choice thai is at least partially dependent on which portion PI₅ P2 of each divider pane! 14, 16. 1S. 20, 22, ^ 24 is to De engaged by the locking flap 2β and is additionally dependent on the dimensions and shape of the portion Pi ₁ P2 and the Width W of the locking Hap 26. in the exemplary embodiment, the innermost point of each notch 52 is a distance SI from the fold sine §0 wherein the distance SI Is less than or equal to a distance S2 or a distance S3 depending on the folding procedure used Io erect the partition insert

KJ blank 10 to form the partition Insert 100. That is. if the notch 52 Is to engage the partition Pl then the distance Si Is less than or equal to the distance S2. Conversely, if the notch 62 is to engage the portion P2, then the distance SI is less than or equal to the distance S3. The distances S2, S3 are defined as the distances between the fold line SO and the intersection of the vertlcai fold sine 2Bb and the i s contoured severance lines 44b, 46b, respectively, in the exemplary embodiment, the si^e and shape of the notch S2 is designed to engage the portion PI of each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Specifically, the notch 52 is designed to engage the edge of the divider panel 14. 16, 18, 20, 22 that rs deimed by the contoured severance line 44b.

::■" Referring to Rβs. 1 and 2, erecting the partition Insert carton ICH! from rhe blank 10 may be accomplished with the folding operations as described herein. The operations can be performed by automatic erecting machinery and/or manually The method of performing the erecting process is not hmiied Io the exemplary method described herein. Particularly, the order of the steps can be altered according to

:;■ manufacturing requirements and steps may be added or omitted

Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 Is folded along the vertical fold isnes 28a_; 28b so as to rotate about the axis of rotørion Λ Specifically, each divider panel 14, IS, 18. 2δ, 22 is rotated until it is substantially perpendicular to the primary panirion panel 12 and such that the portions PI, P2 are disposed on opposing sides 50 of the primary partition panel 12. Alternatively, each divider panel can he rotated until it is at a desired angle relative to the primary partition panel 12 and fixed m position at that angle. This alternative configuration may be useful for example, to partition a staggered arrangement of articles.

The locking flap 26 Is then folded along fold isne SO to rotate toward the side of the primary pardon pane! 12 wherein the portion PI of each divider pane! 14, IS, 18_: 20, 22 is disposed such thai each notch 52 engages an edge of a respective divider panel 14. 16, IS. 20, 22 to fix the position of each divider panel 14, 16, IS₁ 20, 22. The partition insert 100 ■$ thereafter fully erected. One of the benefits of the partiuon insert 100 Is the Simplicity of the method for erecting the partition insert 190. That is, the divider panels 14. 16, 18, 20, 22 are engaged all at once with the rotation of the one locking flap 26. Additionally, the notch 52 provides a simple means for engaging that easily engages the edge of a respective divider panei and ss aiso easily disengaged from a respective divider panel.

Turning now to RG, 3, there is illustrated anorher alternative embodiment of she present invention. Where the elements introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present In this embodiment, the same element number has been used wlrh the addition of the prefix ^>:2" or "3"^' For example, the blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the blank 210 shown in FIG. 3 and the partition insert 100 shown sn HG, 2 is substantially similar ΪO the partition insert 300 shown in RG, 4. Accordingly, certain elements shown in FIGs. 3 and 4 will be merely introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion wili be described in detail.

Referring to f IGs. 3 and 4, the alternative embodiment of a partition insert blank 210 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert 300, The partition insert blank 210 includes a primary partition panel 212. divider panels 214, 21 S, 218, 220, 222, and a locking Hap 22«. Each divider panel 214, 216, 218. 220, 222 is hingediy connected to the primary partition panel 212 along a pair of vertical fold lines 228a, 228b that define an axss of rotation A. The partition insert blank 21 ϋ includes vertical severance lines 23§, 232, 234, 236, 23S. 240 that at ieast partlaiiy define the divider panels 214, 218, 218, 220, 222 Each divider panel 214, 210, 218. 220. 222 is further defined by two pairs of contoured severance lines 244a. 244b, 246a, 240b that conneci one end of a vertical severance line 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240 to one end of a verteai fold hne 228a. 228b. Further, each divider panel 214, 21 S, 218, 220, 222 includes a first portion PI, which is distinguished from a second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A

In Hiss embodiment, the blank 210 further includes a substantially ϊnangυiar aperture 242 that remains at a lower end of certain vertical severance lines 232, 234 236, 238 after material is struck from the primary partition panel .212 to define at leasϊ one of the lower corners of the divider panels ZI 4.. 216. 218. 220_; 222 The angled lower comers further reduce the likelihood ?ha* divider panels 214, 216. 218. 220, 222 wdl contact the articles as the partition insert 300 ss inserted between a group of articles, further, in this embodiment, the pon'soπ F2 of each of the divider panels 214, 216. 218. 220, 222 includes a receiving aperture 248 that is disposed adjacent to and between the vertical fold lines 22Sb. 228c

The locking flap 226 is hmgedly connected to the lower edge of pnmary partition panel 212 along a fold line 250 In TNs embodiment means for engaging includes tabs 258a, 258b that are dehned in the locking flap 226 Each set of tabs 2S8a, 25Bb is defined by a notch 2S2, an aperture 2S4, and a severance hπe 256 that are disposed in the locking flap 226 and that are ahgπed with or substantially bisected by a respective axis of rotation A, Further, the severance line 2S6 extends from the notch 252 to the aperture 254 to define each set of tabs 2SSa. 2§8fe One or both of the tabs 258a. 258b are dimensioned and positioned to be received sn and engage a respective receiving aperture 248, Accordingly, the size and shape of each notch 252 end aperture 254 and the length of each severance line 256 are dessgn choices tha? are at least partially dependent on the position, ssze. and shape of the receiving aperture 248,

The partition insert plank aiCI can be folded according to a method that >s substantially similar to the method described above sn order to form the partition insert 300. However, si should be understood thai, in this embodiment, the locking flap 226 is folded along the fold lsne 250 to rotate toward the portion P2 of each divider panel 214, 216. 218, 220, 222 As the locking Hap 226 is folded, the edge of each divider panel 214, 216, 218 220, 222 that is defined by contoured severance line 24Sb first engages a respective notch 252 and separates the labs 2S8a, 258b from one another. As the locking flap 226 is further rotated, the tabs 258a, 2SBb contact opposing surfaces of the portion P2 until the tabs 25δa, 258b reach the receiving aperture 248. The tabs 258a, 25Sfo are then received m anά engage the receiving aperture 248 to fix the position of each divider panel 214, 216_; .218, 220, 222 and thereby form the partition insert 300, One of the benefits of the partition insert 300 is that the engagement between the taps 250a, 25Bb and the receiving aperture 248 provides a strong socking relationship to Substantially prevent the seeking flap 226 from being released or disengaged fro the divider panels once the partition Insert 300 is formed.

Turning now to FIG, S, there is illustrated another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Where the element? introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present in this embodiment, the same element number has been used with the addition of the prefix '^'4^" or "5". For example, the blank 10 shown in FtG, 1 is substantially similar to the blank 410 shown sn FIG, 5 and the partition insert 100 shown in FlG, 2 is substantially similar to the partition insert SQQ shown In FIG. 6. Accordingly, certain of the elements shown in FIGs. 5 and 6 will merely be introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion will be described in detail

Referring to FIGs, 5 end S, the illustrated alternative partition insert blank 41 Q can be folded or erected to form the partition msert 500, The partition insert biank 410 includes a primary partition panel 412, divider panels 414, 418, 418, 420, 422,. and locking liaps 426.

Each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is hingediy connected to the primary partition panel 412 along a parr of vertical fold lines 42Sa, 428b that define an axis of rotation A, The blank 410 includes vertical severance lines 430, 432, 434. 436, 438, 440 and contoured severance lines 444a, 444b_: 446a, 44δfo thai at least partially define the divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. The blank 410 fυfthe? includes a substantially triangular aperture 442 tnat remains at a lower end of certain vertical severance lines 432, 434, 436, 436, Further, each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420. 422 Includes a first portion PI . which is distinguished from a second portion P2 by the axss of rotation A, The second portion P2 of each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420 _; 422 includes a receiving aperture 448.

The socking flaps 426 are each hiπgediy connected Io the lower edge of the primary partition panel 412 along a ⁽old ϋne 450 and aligned with a respective divider pane! 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. Each locking flap 42β Incudes a base portion 4S2, an extending portion 4B4, and a protuberance 4ββ. in the exemplary embodiment: the base portion 452 of each locking Hep 4H extends longitudinally to provide a stronger ranged connection between the locking Haps 42β and the primary partition panel 412 or otherwise increase the length of each fold line 45iX The extending portion 494 of each locking flap 426 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base portion 4S2 ar_*d the protuberance and the protuberance 456 of each locking flap 426 extends In a substantially perpendicular direction from me extending portion 454 The protuberance 456 is dimensioned and positioned to be received in and engage a respective receiving aperture 448, as described In further detail below, and thereby provides means for engaging

In the exemplary embodiment, a portion of the protuberance 456 and a respective receiving apedure 448 are disposed on opposite sides of the axis of rotation A. Further, the center of the protuberance 4SS ss a distance S4 from the fold line 450 _; the center of the receiving aperture 448 Is a distance S4 from the fold fine 45Θ, and she height HZ of lhe protuberance 4SS is less than ihe height HI of the receiving aperture 448, One of the benefits of the blank 500 is that less materia! is consumed to form the locking flaps 426 than to form one of the locking flaps 26, 226,

Referring to FIGs, S and β, the partition insert Plank 410 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert §00 according io a non-limiting method as described below. Each divider panel 414, 416, 41 S. 420, 422 iβ folded aiong the vertical fold lines 42Sa, 42Sb to rotate about the axis of rotation A in a first direction and past a position where it Is perpendicular to the primary partition panel 412 For example, each divider panel rnay be rotated one hundred and thirty five degrees In a clockwise direction. The locking flaps 426 are then folded along fold lines 4SO reward the side of the primary partition panel 412 from which the portion P2 of each divider panel 414, 416, 41 B, 420, 422 extends until the protuberance 456 is adjacent to me receiving aperture 448 Each divider panel 414, 416, 410, 420, 422 is tft&n rotated about a respective ax.s of rotation A in a direction opposite the first direction or otherwise toward the locking flap 426 such thai the protuberances 456 of the locking flaps 42S are received in the receiving apertures 448 The tendency ol the divider panels 414. 416, 418, 420, 422 and the locking Maps, 426 to return to their non- rotated positions facilitates the engagement between each protuberance 456 anci a respective receiving aperture 448, thereby fixing ihe position of each divider panel 414, 41 β, 418, 420, 422 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the primary partition panel 412 and thereby form the partition insert SOO. it should be noted that a benefit of this embodiment Is thai the locking Haps 426 are independent of one another. Thus, ihe locking flaps 426 can rotate and secure ihe divider panels 414, 416, 41 B, 420, 422 regardless of which direction the divider panels 414 416, 418, 420, 422 are rotated Accordingly, the portions Pi, P2 can extend from either side of the primary partition panel 412 and different portions PI, P2 of different divider panels can extend from ihe same ssde of the primary partition panel 412. It should be noted that another benefit of the partition insert SCIO is that each of the locking flaps 426 ;s positioned or disposed in the space Petween four cylindrical articles B when the partition Insert SOO is positioned between a group ot articles 8 such that the locking Haps 426 do not interfere With the articles 8,

It should be understood that the means for engaging is not limited to the elements or arrangements of elements described herein Rather, it is contemplated thai either or both of the divider panel and respective locking flap can Include complimentary or othervysse inten^'ockabie elements thai provide means for engaging including, but not limited to, notches, ridges, slots, slits, apertures, protuberances, tabs, extensions, combinations thereof, and Hie like.

Each of the exemplary partition Insen's 100, 300. SOO ss to be inserted or otherwise incorporated between a group of articles sn a package to prevent contact between individual articles. For example, the parisuon insen' l øδ can be dropped, lowered, fired, positioned, or Inserted sn between a group of articles B that are arranged ;n an article group, such as the exemplary two by six matrix conjuration. Then, the entire assembly can be pushed into an open end of a tubular canon Ml, as - N - xhowh In RG. T, or wraparound packaging M3 can be applied to enclose the ancles B and the parson insert. as shown in FIG. S. Alternatively, the partition insert 100 can be dropped, lowered, fsred, positioned, or inserted in between a group of articles 8 that are included in a carton N3 and arranged m a two by ssx matrix configurator*, as shown in FiG. B

Means for engaging provides that the locking flap retains the divider panels 14. 16. 18, 20. 22 in a folded operative position or otherwise keeps the divider panels 14. 16, 18, 20, 22 substantially perpendicular to She primary partition panel 12 Thereby, as the partition insert 100 is inserted between a group of articles B, the divider panels 14, 1§, Ig. 20, 22 are fixedly positioned so as to De less likely to contact or collide WiIh the top of an article B, which may result in damage to the partition insert

it should be noted that the scope of (he invention is not limited to partition inserts having substantially identical divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or to rotatin 10g each of she divider panels sn she same direction about a respective axis of rotation A. That is. for example, divider panel 14 may be rotated in a clockwise direction while divider oanei 16 ^;s rotated sn a counterclockwise direction, and so forth,

Referring to FSG, 10, an alternative,- embodiment, of a partition insen" blank can be folded or erected to κxni a partition insert (not shown}. The blank 810 includes a pnrnary partition panel 612 and divider panels 614, 61 £>, 618, 620, 622 that are substantially ssmϋar to those m the embodiments described herein In this ernbodlmenL the blank 610 includes locking fiaps 626 that are defined from she primary partition panel 612. Each locking flap 626 remains hingeoiy connected to the primary partition panel 612 along a longitudinal fold line 660 after having been partially separated from the primary partition pane! 612 along severance lines 86Da, δ€øb. Each oi the severance lines 66Qa, 660b extends between an end of the fold line 650 and an edge of the primary partition panel 612. Thereby _: the fold line 650 is offset from the edge of she pnmary partition panel 612 and the distal end of each locking Hap 626 is denned by a portion of the edge of the primary partition parcel 612. Each locking flap 826 further includes a notch 626 that provides means for engaging she divider oaneis 614. 616. 618. 620. 622. One of the benefits of this embodiment is that the blank 61 Q can be optimized Io use a minimum amount of material and csn be easily formed from a single sheet of mateπai

It must De emphasized lhat the above^descπoed embodiments a^e merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a dear understanding of the pnncipfes of the invention. Many variations and modifications msy be made to lhs above- described embodiments without departirsg from the scope o< the daims.. AH suoh modifications, combinations., and vaπation a^e incsuded herein by me scope of this disclosure and the foHowiπg claims

Claims

1 A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles m a package, comprising; a substantially pianar primary partition panel; at teas! one divsder panel fonmeO Bi least in pad nom said primary partition panel, at least a first portion of said at least one divider panel being rotatable out of a plane defined by said pnmary partition panel to an operative position in which said first portion extends from a side of said pnmary partition panel; and at least one locking flap hsngedly connected only to sasd pnmary partition panel; wherein at ieast one of said at ieast one divider pane; and said at least one locking flap comprises means for engaging that substantially rigidly fixes sa>d at ieast one divider panel sn said operative position when said at leas! one locking flap iε, folded lovifard said pnmary partition panel and InIo engagement With said at ieast one divider panel.

2. The blank of ciaim 1 , wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein sn said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite

of said primary partition panel.

3 The blank of oiaim 1 , wherein the hinged connection between said at ieas* one divider panel and said primary partition panel det-nes an axis of rotation about which said at ieast one divider panel ss rotateble

4. The blank of claim 3. said substantially planar pnmary partition panel having a longitudinal eαgo. said axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal edge

5 The blank of claim 1 , whereas sasd means for engaging comprises at teas! one of the following, a notch, an apeuure. a protuberance, a slot, a slι!_; a tab.

6. The blank of claim 1 , wherein said at least one locking flap comprises a ssnqle locking flap configured Io engage each said at least one divider pane! vsa said means tor enoaqsnq.

7. A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles in 8 package, comprising. a substantially planar primary partmon panel having a longitudinal edge; at teas! one divider panel formed at least m part s^'rom said primary pami-on panel at leas* a fsrsi portion of said a* seas! one divider panel oesng rotaiable oυi of a plane defined by said primary partition panel to an operative position h which said first portion extends from a Side of said primary partition panel; and at least one locking flap each hing&diy connected to said primary pan^'ihon panel along a fold hn& that is spaced apart from said longitudinal edge; wherein at least one of sasd at least one divider panel and said at ieast one locking Hap comprises means tor engaging thai substantially rigidly fixes said at least one divider panel In said operalive position when said at teas; one locking flap is folded toward sasd primary partition panel and into engagement ws?n said at least one didder Dane!

8. The blank of dairn 7, wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein in said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite Side of said primary partition panel

.. 1 S -

9 The blank o? claim ?, therein the hinged connection between said at least one divider pane? and sa;d primary partition pane; deHπes an avis of rotation about which saϊd at ieast one divider oanei i$ rotatabte.

10. The blank of claim 9, sasd axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular *o said longitudinal edge

1 1 , The blank of clasm ?_s wherein said means for engaging comprises at teasϊ one o^ ine following, a notch, an aρerfure_: a proJuDerance, a slot, a slit, a tan.

12 The blank of dasm 7, where^ said at ^east one locking flap has a distai edge, at least a portion of which ύes along said longitudinal edge

13. The blank of claim 6. wherein said at least one locking fiap composes a ^{■ <■} single longisudinaliv extending locking flap configured to engage each sa>d at least one divider panel via said means for engsgsng.

14. A package, comprising: a plurality of articles arranged in multiple rows, a carton for enclosing said articles; a partition insert for separating said articles Jn sasd carton, said partition insert comprising: a substantially planar primary partition panel extending between two adjacent rows, at least one divider panel formed at leas? in part from sasd primary partition panel and rotated out of a plane defined by said pnrnary partition panei so as to extend outwardly from said primary partition panei in an operative position rn which a fsrst portion of said at least one divider panel separates two articles in a first one of said two adiaoem rows: at ieast one locking Hap each hsngediy connected to said primary partition pane! and each foidecl toward said primary partition panei to engage said at ieasi one divider panel; and means for engaging integral fo at leas? one of said at least one divider panel and sasd at least one locking flap, said means for engaging substantially rigsdiy fixing sasd a! ieast one divider panel in said operative position.

15 The package of claim 14, wherein in said operative position, a second portion of saici at least one divider panel separates two articles In a second one of said two adjacent rows