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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/0005—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper of variable capacity
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/64—Lids
  • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
  • B65D5/6626—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
  • B65D5/665—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lid being held in closed position by self-locking integral flaps or tabs
  • B65D5/6661—Flaps provided over the total length of the lid edge opposite to the hinge
  • B65D5/6664—Flaps provided over the total length of the lid edge opposite to the hinge combined with flaps or tabs provided at the side edges of the lid
  • B65D5/6667—Flaps provided over the total length of the lid edge opposite to the hinge combined with flaps or tabs provided at the side edges of the lid and connected to one another in order to form an uninterrupted telescoping flange
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/64—Lids
  • B65D5/68—Telescope flanged lids
• • 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
  • B65D71/36—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, with 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
  • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
  • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
  • B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
• • 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
  • B65D2571/0045—Holes for hands
• • 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
  • B65D2571/00666—Blanks formed from two or more sheets
• • 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
  • B65D2571/00796—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element cross-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
  • B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
  • B65D2571/00913—Other details of wrappers for accommodating articles of varying size

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a carrier for packaging articles and a blank for making the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier comprising a tray portion which is expandable such that a supplementary item or items can be inserted into the carrier, for example but not limited to ice.
• a carton for packaging one of more articles comprising a tray.
• the tray comprises a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and a pair of end walls.
• a foldable corner web may be provided at each corner of the tray.
• Each corner web hingedly connects between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls and comprises a plurality of gusset panels which are hingedly connected one to the next.
• a securing flap may be hingedly connected to the upper edge of each side wall and may comprise a handle flap.
• the tray is convertible from a first initial form to a second expanded form.
• the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner of the tray may be disposed substantially next to each other, the respective corner web is in a fully folded position.
• the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner may be spaced apart, the respective corner web is in a partially unfolded position.
• the tray is lockable in the second expanded form by means of the securing flap.
• the securing flap is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web is folded between the securing flap and a respective one of the side walls.
• the handle flap is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls.
• the tray is lockable in the first initial form by means of a cover engageable with the tray such that the cover is disposed at least along the exterior of the side and end panels of the tray.
• the cover is hingedly connected to the tray.
• the gusset panels of the plurality of gusset panels of the corner web are hingedly connected one to the next by a plurality of convergent fold lines having a notional converging point generally on the intersection of the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the first panel comprises a first free edge, the third panel comprises a second free edge, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween, the second fold line and the first free edge E1 define a second angle ⁇ 1 therebetween, the second fold line and the second free edge E2 define a third angle ( ⁇ 2) therebetween, the sum of the first angle (a) and the third angle ( ⁇ 2) equals about 90 degrees, and neither of the first angle (a) or the third angle ( ⁇ 2) is equal to 45 degrees.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween, the second fold line and the fourth fold line define a second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) therebetween, the sum of the first angle (a) and the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) equals about 90 degrees, and neither of the first angle (a) or the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) is equal to 45 degrees.
• the first angle (a) has a different magnitude compared to the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ).
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel, the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the fourth panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the fourth panel is hingedly connected to the third panel by a fifth fold line, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween, the fifth fold line and the fourth fold line define a third angle ⁇ therebetween, wherein the sum of twice the first angle (a) and the third angle ( ⁇ ) is approximately equal to about 90 degrees (2 ⁇ + ⁇ 90°).
• a carton for packaging one of more articles comprising a tray and a cover at least partially removably engaged with the tray to cover an open top of the tray.
• the tray comprises; a bottom wall, a pair of side walls; and a pair of end walls.
• a foldable corner web may be provided at each corner of the tray.
• Each corner web hingedly connects between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls.
• Each corner web may comprise a first panel, a second panel and a third panel which may be hingedly connected one to the next by convergent fold lines.
• the convergent fold lines converge at a notional converging point which may be disposed generally on the intersection of said adjacent side edges of the end and side walls.
• the first panel of each corner web is secured to the outside surface of the respective side wall.
• the tray is convertible from a first initial form to a second expanded form.
• the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner of the tray may be disposed substantially next to each other, the respective corner web is in a fully folded position.
• the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner may be spaced apart, the respective corner web is in a partially unfolded position.
• the tray is lockable in the first initial form by the cover, and the cover may be disposed at least along the exterior of the side and end panels of the tray.
• the tray is lockable in the second expanded form by means of a securing flap hingedly connected to the upper edge of each side wall, the securing flap is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web is folded between the securing flap and a respective one of the side walls, and a handle flap of the securing flap is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls.
• a blank for forming a carton comprising panels for forming a tray:
• each corner web hingedly connects between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls, and each corner web comprises a plurality of gusset panels which are hingedly connected one to the next; and a securing flap hingedly connected to an upper edge of each side wall and comprises a handle flap;
• the tray in a setup or erected condition, is convertible from a first initial form to a second expanded form, in the first initial form the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner of the tray are disposed substantially next to each other, the respective corner web is in a fully folded position, in the second expanded form the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner are spaced apart, the respective corner web is in a partially unfolded position; and wherein the tray is lockable in the second expanded form by means of the securing flap, the securing flap is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web is folded between the securing flap and a respective one of the side walls, the handle flap is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls.
• the plurality of panels of the corner web is hingedly connected one to the next by a plurality of convergent fold lines having a notional converging point generally on the intersection of the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the first panel comprises a first free edge, the third panel comprises a second free edge, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween, the second fold line and the first free edge E1 define a second angle ⁇ 1 therebetween, the second fold line and the second free edge E2 define a third angle ( ⁇ 2) therebetween, the sum of the first angle (a) and the third angle ( ⁇ 2) equals about 90 degrees, and neither of the first angle (a) or the third angle ( ⁇ 2) is equal to 45 degrees.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween, the second fold line and the fourth fold line define a second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) therebetween, the sum of the first angle (a) and the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) equals about 90 degrees, and neither of the first angle (a) and the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) is equal to 45 degrees.
• the first angle (a) is different in magnitude to the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ).
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel , a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel , the first panel is hingedly connected to the side wall along the side edge of the side wall by a first fold line, the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel by a second fold line, the third panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a third fold line, the fourth panel is hingedly connected to the end wall along the side edge of the end wall by a fourth fold line, the fourth panel is hingedly connected to the third panel by a fifth fold line, the first fold line and the second fold line define a first angle (a) therebetween , the fifth fold line and the fourth fold line define a third angle ( ⁇ ) therebetween, and the sum of twice the first angle (a) and the third angle ( ⁇ ) may be approximately equal to about 90 degrees (2 ⁇ + ⁇ 90°).
• the blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a cover.
• one said plurality of panels forming the cover is hingedly connected to one of the panels forming the tray.
• Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a lid or cover of a carrier according to a first embodiment of the invention
• Figures 2 and 3 illustrate stages of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a lid or cover
• Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lid or cover formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;
• Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a tray or base of a carrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figures 6 to 8 illustrate stages of construction of the blank of Figure 5 into a tray or base
• Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tray or base formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;
• Figure 10 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the tray of Figure 9 and the cover of Figure 4;
• Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 9, deployed in an expanded condition, loaded with primary products and ice;
• Figure 12 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 9, deployed in an expanded condition, in which the primary products and ice have been removed for illustrative purposes;
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of Figure 5, assembled in accordance with an alternative method of construction.
• Figure 14 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention .
• the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging , carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.
• Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles) , cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.
• the blank is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate.
• suitable substrate includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard , corrugated board , cardboard , plastic, combinations thereof, and the like.
• the blank is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles.
• the arrangement is a 3 x 3 matrix and the articles are beverage cans.
• the blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a carton comprising a tray having a bottom wall; a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls.
• Each corner web hingedly connects between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls and is formed from a plurality of gusset panels which are hingedly connected one to the next.
• a securing flap is hingedly connected to the upper edge of each side wall and comprises a handle flap.
• the tray is convertible from a first initial form to a second expanded form. In the second expanded form, the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls at each corner are spaced apart and the respective corner web is in a partially unfolded condition.
• the tray is lockable in the second expanded form by means of the securing flap, the securing flap is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web is folded between the securing flap and a respective one of the side walls, the handle flap is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls.
• the first blank 10 for forming a top cover or lid T of a carrier 90, as shown in Figure 10.
• the first blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 including; a first flap 12, a first inner side panel 14, a first outer side panel 16, a top panel 1 8, a second outer side panel 20, a second inner side panel 22, and a second flap 24.
• the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 are hinged one to the next in a linear series by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23.
• the blank 10 comprises a first inner end panel 28a, a first outer end panel 26a, a second outer end panel 26b and a second inner end panel 28b.
• the first inner end panel 28a is hingedly connected to the first outer end panel 26a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 27a.
• the first outer end panel 26a is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 25a.
• the second inner end panel 28b is hingedly connected to the second outer end panel 26b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 27b.
• the second outer end panel 26b is hingedly connected to the top panel 1 8 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 25b.
• the first outer side panel 16 is coupled to each of the first and second outer end panels 26a, 26b by web structures W1 , W2 respectively.
• the second outer side panel 20 is coupled to each of the first and second outer end panels 26a, 26b by web structures W3, W4 respectively.
• Each of the web structures W1 , W2, W3, W4 comprises a pair of web panels 30a/32a, 30b/32b, 30c/32c, 30d/32d and is substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to a first web structure W1 .
• the first web structure W1 comprises a first web panel 30a hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 33a.
• a second web panel 32a is hingedly connected to the second outer end panel 26b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 35a.
• the second web panel 32a is hingedly connected to the first web panel 30a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 31 a.
• Each of the first and second web panels 30a, 32a is substantially triangular in shape.
• the fold line 33a is substantially collinear with the fold line 25b.
• the fold line 33a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 25b.
• the fold line 35a is substantially collinear with the fold line 17.
• the fold line 35a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1 7.
• the fold line 31 a extends from a vertex formed by the fold lines 33a, 35a so as to extend from the corner of the top panel 1 8.
• the first inner side panel 14 comprises a first securing tab 50a hingedly connected along a first end edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 a.
• the first inner side panel 14 comprises a second securing tab 50b hingedly connected along a second , opposing end edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 b.
• the second inner side panel 22 comprises a third securing tab 50c hingedly connected along a first end edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 c.
• the second inner side panel 22 comprises a fourth securing tab 50d hingedly connected along a second, opposing end edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 d.
• the first inner end panel 28a comprises a first cutaway or recess R2, the first cutaway R2 is struck from a first side edge of the first inner end panel 28a.
• the first inner end panel 28a comprises a second cutaway or recess R3, the second cutaway R3 is struck from a second, opposing , side edge of the first inner end panel 28a.
• the second inner end panel 28b comprises a third cutaway or recess R1 , the third cutaway R1 is struck from a first side edge of the second inner end panel 28b.
• the second inner end panel 28b comprises a fourth cutaway or recess R4, the fourth cutaway R4 is struck from a second, opposing, side edge of the second inner end panel 28b.
• the second blank 1 10 for forming a base or tray of the carrier 90 shown in Figure 10.
• the second blank 1 1 0 comprises a plurality of main panels 1 12/1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122/124 including ; a first top flap 1 12/1 14, a first side panel 1 16, a base panel 1 18, a second side panel 120, a second top flap 122/124.
• the main panels 1 12/1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122/124 are hinged one to the next in a linear series by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 1 15, 1 17, 1 19, 121 .
• the first top flap 1 12/1 14 comprises a fold line 1 13 defining, at least in part a proximal portion 1 14 hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 16 by the fold line 1 15, and a distal portion 1 12; the distal portion 1 12 is hingedly connected to the proximal portion 1 14 by the fold line 1 13.
• the first top flap 1 12/1 14 comprises a first handle opening , the first handle opening is defined at least in part by a first handle flap 160.
• the first handle flap 160 is struck from the first top flap 1 12/1 14 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 161 .
• the first handle opening or the first handle flap 160 or both the first handle opening and first handle flap 160 interrupt the fold line 1 13.
• the first handle flap 160 is defined by a generally U-shaped severance line 162 which extends from one of the opposite ends of the fold line 161 into the distal portion 1 12.
• the severance line 162 further extends from the distal portion 1 12 to the other end of the fold line 161 in the proximal portion 1 14.
• the first side panel 1 16 comprises a first handle aperture A1 , the first handle aperture A1 is struck from the first side panel 1 16.
• the second top flap 122/124 comprises a fold line 123 defining, at least in part a proximal portion 122 hingedly connected to the second side panel 120 by the fold line 121 , and a distal portion 124; the distal portion 124 is hingedly connected to the proximal portion 122 by the fold line 123.
• the second top flap 122/124 comprises a second handle opening, the second handle opening is defined at least in part by a second handle flap 160.
• the second handle flap 160 is struck from second top flap 122/124 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 161 .
• the third handle opening or second handle flap 160 or both the second handle opening and the second handle flap 160 interrupt the fold line 123.
• the second handle flap 160 is defined by a generally U-shaped severance line 162 which extends from one of the opposite ends of the fold line 161 into the distal portion 124.
• the severance line 162 further extends from the distal portion 124 to the other end of the fold line 161 in the proximal portion 122
• the second side panel 120 comprises a second handle aperture A2, the second handle aperture A2 is struck from the second side panel 120.
• the second blank 1 10 comprises a first end panel 126a and a second end panel 126b.
• the first end panel 126a is hingedly connected to the base panel 1 18 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 125a.
• the second end panel 126b is hingedly connected to the base panel 1 18 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 125b.
• the first side panel 1 16 is coupled to first ends of each of the first and second end panels 126a, 126b by corner webs C1 , C2 respectively.
• the second side panel 120 is coupled to second, opposing, ends of each of the first and second end panels 126a, 126b by corner webs C3, C4 respectively.
• Each of the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 comprises a plurality of gusset panels 140a, 142a, 144a, 146a; 140b, 142b, 144b, 146b; 140c, 142c, 144c, 146c; 140d, 142d, 144d, 146d and is substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to a first corner web C1 .
• the first corner web C1 comprises a first gusset panel 140a hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 16 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 141 a.
• the fold line 141 a defines a side edge of the first side panel 1 16.
• a second gusset panel 142a is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 140a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 143a.
• the second gusset panel 142a is hingedly connected to a third gusset panel 144a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 145a.
• the third gusset panel 144a is hingedly connected to an optional fourth gusset panel 146a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 147a.
• the fourth gusset panel 146a is hingedly connected to a second end panel 126b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 149a.
• the fold line 147a may be omitted such that the fourth gusset panel 146a is unitary with the third gusset panel 144a; is such embodiments the third and fourth gusset panels 144a, 146a may be considered as a single, third, gusset panel 144a/146a, in other words the fourth gusset panel 146a may be considered to be omitted .
• this single gusset panel 144a/146a is hingedly connected to a second end panel 126b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 149a.
• the fold line 149a defines a side edge of the second end panel 126b.
• the side edge of the second end panel 126b is adjacent to the side edge of the first side panel 1 16, in a set up condition the side edge of the second end panel 126b is disposed next to or in close proximity to the side edge of the first side panel 1 16 in an initial or stowed position.
• the side edge of the second end panel 126b is disposed substantially parallel to the side edge of the first side panel 1 16 in the initial or stowed position and each is substantially perpendicular to the base panel 1 18.
• Each of the first, second , third and fourth gusset panels 140a, 142a, 144a, 146a is substantially triangular in shape.
• the fold line 141 a is substantially collinear with the fold line 125b.
• the fold line 141 a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 125b.
• the fold line 149a is substantially collinear with the fold line 1 17.
• the fold line 149a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1 17.
• the fold line 145a extends from a vertex formed by the fold line 141 a, 149a so as to extend from the corner of the base panel 1 18.
• the fold lines 143a, 147a extend toward the vertex formed by the fold lines 141 a, 149a.
• the fold lines 143a, 147a terminate before reaching the vertex formed by the fold line 141 a, 149a.
• proximal terminal ends of the fold lines 143a, 147a are spaced apart from the vertex formed by the fold line 141 a, 149a.
• the fold line 145a and fold line 149a define an angle ⁇ therebetween, optionally the angle ⁇ is 45°.
• the fold line 145a and fold line 141 a define an angle ⁇ 2 therebetween , optionally the angle ⁇ 2 is 45°.
• the fold line 145a and fold line 149a define an angle ⁇ 1+ ⁇ 2 therebetween, optionally the angle ⁇ 1+ ⁇ 2 is 90°.
• the fold line 141 a and fold line 143a define an angle a therebetween, optionally the angle a is 36.6°.
• the carrier can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carrier 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.
• glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first outer end panel 26a and glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer end panel 26b.
• the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to each of the first and second inner end panels 28a, 28b.
• the first blank 1 0 is folded about fold line 27a, indicated by direction arrow D1 as illustrated in Figure 3 to bring the first inner end panel 28a into flat face-contacting relationship with the first outer end panel 26a.
• the first inner end panel 28a is secured to the first outer end panel 26a.
• the first blank 1 0 is folded about fold line 27b, indicated by direction arrow D2 as illustrated in Figure 3 to bring the second inner end panel 28b into flat face-contacting relationship with the second outer end panel 26b.
• the second inner end panel 28b is secured to the second outer end panel 26b.
• the part-assembled flat form first blank 10 may be transported in that condition to a converting plant, whereat it is assembled into a tubular structure closed at one end for forming a top cover T of the carrier 90.
• the part-assembled flat form first blank 10 is assembled by folding the first outer end panel 26a about fold line 25a (and fold lines 33a, 33d), so as to bring the first outer end panel 26a (and consequently the first inner end panel 28a), first web panel 30a, and a seventh web panel 30d into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the top panel 18.
• the second outer end panel 26b is folded about fold line 25b (and fold lines 33b, 33c), so as to bring the second outer end panel 26b (and consequently the second inner end panel 28b), a third web panel 30b, and a sixth web panel 30c into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the top panel 18.
• the first web panel 30a and a third web panel 30b are folded about fold lines 33a, 33b respectively to be disposed in face to face relationship with the first outer side panel 16. Consequently, the first outer side panel 16 is folded about fold line 17 and the second web panel 32a and a fourth web panel 32b are folded about fold lines 31 a and 35a, 31 b and 35b respectively.
• the first inner side panel 14 is folded about fold line 15 to be disposed in face to face relationship with the first outer side panel 16 such that the first and second web panels 30a, 32a and the third and fourth web panels 30b, 32b are disposed in face to face relationship with each other and are disposed between the first inner side panel 14 and first outer side panel 16.
• the first and second securing tabs 50a, 50b are folded about fold lines 51 a, 51 b respectively.
• the first flap 12 is folded about fold line 13, the first flap 12 is placed in face contacting relationship with the top panel 18.
• the first and second securing tabs 50a, 50b are placed in face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second outer end panels 26a, 26b.
• the first securing tab 50a is engaged by a free edge of the second inner end panel 28b defined by the third cutaway R1 .
• the second securing tab 50b is engaged by a free edge of the first inner end panel 28a defined by the first cutaway R2.
• first and second securing tabs 50a, 50b interact with and third and abut first cutaways R2, R1 respectively to lock the first outer side panel 16 in a folded position in which the first outer side panel 16 (and consequently the first inner side panel 14) are substantially perpendicularly orientated with respect to the top panel 1 8.
• the seventh web panel 30d and fifth web panel 30c are folded about fold lines 33d , 33c respectively to be disposed in face to face relationship with the second outer side panel 20. Consequently, the second outer side panel 20 is folded about fold line 1 9 and sixth web panel 32c and eighth web panel 32d are folded about fold lines 31 c and 35c, 31 d and 35d respectively.
• the second inner side panel 22 is folded about fold line 21 to be disposed in face to face relationship with the second outer side panel 20 such that the fifth and sixth web panels 30c, 32c and the seventh and eighth web panels 30d, 32d are disposed in face to face relationship with each other and are disposed between the second inner side panel 22 and second outer side panel 20.
• the third and fourth securing tabs 50c, 50d are folded about fold lines 51 c, 51 d respectively.
• the second flap 24 is folded about fold line 23, the second flap 24 is placed in face contacting relationship with the top panel 18.
• the third and fourth securing tabs 50c, 50d are placed in face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second outer end panels 26a, 26b.
• the third securing tab 50c is engaged by a free edge of the first inner end panel 28a defined by the second cutaway R3.
• the fourth securing tab 50d is engaged by a free edge of the second inner end panel 28b defined by the fourth cutaway R4. In this way the third and fourth securing tabs 50c, 50d interact with and abut second and fourth cutaways R3, R4 respectively to lock the second outer side panel 22 in a folded position in which the second outer side panel 22 (and consequently the second inner side panel 20) are substantially perpendicularly orientated with respect to the top panel 18.
• Figure 4 illustrates the top cover T of the carrier 90 in an assembled condition .
• glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first side panel 1 16 and glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second side panel 120.
• the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to the first gusset panel 140a, to a fifth gusset panel 140b, to a ninth gusset panel 140c and to a thirteenth gusset panel 140d .
• the second blank 1 10 is folded about fold line 125b (and fold lines 141 a, 141 d), indicated by direction arrow D3 in Figure 7 to bring the second end panel 126b into flat face-contacting relationship with the base panel 1 18.
• the first gusset panel 140a is brought into face-contacting relationship with the first side panel 1 16 and the thirteenth gusset panel 140d is brought into face-contacting relationship with the second side panel 120.
• the first gusset panel 140a is secured to the first side panel 1 16.
• the thirteenth gusset panel 140d is secured to the second side panel 120.
• the second blank 1 10 is folded about fold line 125a (and fold lines 141 b, 141 c), indicated by direction arrow D4 in Figure 7 to bring the first end panel 126a into overlying relationship with the base panel 1 18 and partial overlapping relationship with the second end panel 126b.
• the second end panel 126b is disposed in part between first end panel 126a and the base panel 1 18.
• the fifth gusset panel 140b is brought into face-contacting relationship with the first side panel 1 16 and the ninth gusset panel 140d is brought into face-contacting relationship with the second side panel 120.
• the fifth gusset panel 140b is secured to the first side panel 1 16.
• the ninth gusset panel 140c is secured to the second side panel 120.
• the part-assembled flat form second blank 1 10 may be transported in that condition to a converting plant, whereat it is assembled into a tubular structure closed at one end for forming a tray B of the carrier 90.
• the part-assembled flat form second blank 1 1 0 is assembled by folding the first side panel 1 16 about fold line 1 17, as indicated by direction arrow D5 in Figure 8, so as to bring the first side panel 1 16 into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the base panel 1 18.
• the second side panel 120 is simultaneously folded about fold line 1 19, as indicated by direction arrow D6 in Figure 8, so as to bring the second side panel 120 into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the top panel 18.
• the corner webs C2, C3 couple the first side panel 1 16 and the second side panel 120 to the first end panel 126a.
• the second corner web C2 folds about fold lines 145b, 149b and the third corner web C3 folds about fold lines 145c, 149c. In doing so the first end panel 126a is partially unfolded about fold line 125a, as indicated by direction arrow D7 in Figure 8, with respect to the base panel 1 18 so as to be brought into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the base panel 1 18.
• the corner webs C1 , C4 couple the first side panel 1 16 and the second side panel 120 to the second end panel 126b.
• the first corner web C1 folds about fold lines 145a, 149a and the fourth corner web C4 folds about fold lines 145d , 149d.
• the second end panel 126b is partially unfolded about fold line 125b, as indicated by direction arrow D8 in Figure 8, with respect to the base panel 1 18 so as to be brought into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the base panel 1 18.
• the tray B of the carrier 90 can be loaded with articles C through the open end of the tubular structure so formed.
• FIG. 9 illustrates the tray B of the carrier 90 in an erected and loaded condition.
• the tray B is shown in the initial or stowed form in Figure 9; a side edge of the second end panel 126b is adjacent to a side edge of the first side panel 1 16, in a set up condition the side edge of the second end panel 126b is disposed next to or in close proximity to the side edge of the first side panel 1 16 in an initial or stowed position.
• the side edge of the second end panel 126b is disposed substantially parallel to the side edge of the first side panel 1 16 in the initial or stowed position and each is substantially perpendicular to the base panel 1 18.
• Other adjacently disposed side edges of the side and end panels 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b at other corners of the tray B are similarly arranged.
• the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 are disposed in a fully folded condition. That is to say, they are disposed substantially within the interior of the tray B.
• the third gusset panel 144a is disposed in face to face or overlapping relationship with the second gusset panel 142a and with a first portion of the first gusset panel 140a.
• the fourth gusset panel 146a is disposed in face to face or overlapping relationship with a second portion of the first gusset panel 140a.
• the top cover T can then be applied to the tray B to form a carrier, the loaded carrier forms a package 190 as shown in Figure 10.
• the tubular structure of the top cover T comprises internal dimensions sufficient to receive at least an upper portion of the tubular structure of the tray B. In order to form a close fit, the internal dimensions of the tubular structure of the top cover T are substantially similar or equal to the external dimensions of the tubular structure of the tray B.
• the top cover T maintains the tray B in the erected condition.
• the tray B may be transformed from the stowed condition shown in Figure 9 to an expanded condition shown in Figures 1 1 and 12.
• the first and second end panels 126a, 126b may be displaced outwardly as indicated by direction arrows D9 and D10 respectively in Figure 12.
• the first end panel 126a is unfolded with respect to the base panel 1 18, about fold line 125a.
• the second end panel 126b is unfolded with respect to the base panel 1 18, about fold line 125b.
• the first corner web C1 is folded about fold line 143a, and unfolded about fold line 145a.
• the second gusset panel 142a is folded with respect the first gusset panel 140a.
• the second gusset panel 142a is disposed in a substantially planar relationship with the third and fourth gusset panels 144a, 146a.
• the fourth gusset panel 146a is moved outwardly and becomes exposed to view.
• the second corner web C2 is folded about fold line 143b, and unfolded about fold line 145b.
• a sixth gusset panel 142b is folded with respect the fifth gusset panel 140b.
• the sixth gusset panel 142b is disposed in a substantially planar relationship with seventh and eighth gusset panels 144b, 146b.
• the eighth gusset panel 146b is moved outwardly and becomes exposed to view.
• the third corner web C3 is folded about fold line 143c, and unfolded about fold line 145c.
• a tenth gusset panel 142c is folded with respect the ninth gusset panel 140c.
• the tenth gusset panel 142c is disposed in a substantially planar relationship with eleventh and twelfth gusset panels 144c, 146c.
• the twelfth gusset panel 146c is moved outwardly and becomes exposed to view.
• the fourth corner web C4 is folded about fold line 143d, and unfolded about fold line 145d .
• a fourteenth gusset panel 142d is folded with respect the thirteenth gusset panel 140d .
• the thirteenth gusset panel 142d is disposed in a substantially planar relationship with fifteenth and sixteenth gusset panels 144d, 146d.
• the sixteenth gusset panel 146d is moved outwardly and becomes exposed to view.
• the tray B is held in the expanded condition shown in Figures 1 1 and 12 by the first and second top flaps 1 12/1 14, 122/124.
• the first top flap 1 12/1 14 is folded inwardly of the tray B to be disposed in face contacting relationship with the second, third, sixth and seventh gusset panels 142a, 144a, 142b, 144b.
• the first handle flap 160 is folded outwardly about fold line 161 and is received in the first handle aperture A1 provided in the first side panel 1 16.
• the first handle flap 160 is dimensioned and/or shaped such that it engages in locking engagement with the first handle aperture A1 .
• the first handle flap 160 comprises shoulders which are wider than the first handle aperture A1 preventing or at least inhibiting the first handle flap 160 from disengaging from the first handle aperture A1 .
• the first top flap 1 12/1 14 may be folded about fold line 1 13 to facilitate insertion of the first securing panel 1 12/1 14 between the first side panel 1 16 and the adjacent row of articles C.
• the second top flap 122/124 is folded inwardly of the tray B to be disposed in face contacting relationship with the tenth, eleventh, fourteenth and fifteenth gusset panels 142c, 144c, 142d, 144d.
• the second handle flap 160 is folded outwardly about fold line 161 and is received in the second handle aperture A2 provided in the second side panel 120.
• the second handle flap 160 is dimensioned and/or shaped such that it engages in locking engagement with the second handle aperture A2.
• the second handle flap 160 comprises shoulders which are wider than the second handle aperture A2 preventing or at least inhibiting the second handle flap 160 from disengaging from the second handle aperture A2. This has the effect of securing or holding the second top flap 122/124 in close proximity to the third and fourth corner webs C3, C4.
• the side edges of the second end panel 126b are moved away from the side edge of the first side panel 1 16 and the side edge of the second side panel 120 so as to be spaced apart therefrom.
• the side edges of the first end panel 126a are moved away from the opposing side edges of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120.
• Each of the side edges of the second end panel 126b may be disposed non-parallel or divergently arranged with respect to an adjacent side edge of the first or second side panel 1 16, 120.
• the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 are disposed in a partially unfolded condition. That is to say, portions of the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 are disposed externally and are visible externally of the tray B.
• the fourth gusset panel 146a or at least a portion thereof effectively forms part of exterior walls of the carrier and may be considered to form a corner panel of the tray B.
• the fourth gusset panel 146a is moved outwardly from a concealed position hidden by the first side panel 1 16 to an exposed or exterior position.
• the interior volume of the tray B is increased as compared to the stowed condition. This allows a user to insert and additional item such as water or ice into the tray B, as illustrated in Figure 1 1 .
• the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 close or seal the corners of the tray B so as to facilitate retention of the water or ice held in the tray B.
• the tray B is formed from a paperboard material, the paperboard material may be coated or laminated with a water resistant or water proof material.
• the tray B forms an ice bucket for cooling the primary product containers however in other applications the tray be employed as a tableware item for example but not limited transporting a dried beverage or foodstuff item to which hot water is added.
• a carrier for a primary product can be formed which in a stowed condition forms a close fit about the primary product and in the expanded condition allows addition of a supplementary item to the carrier by a user at a point of use of the primary product. In this way, the primary product is well protected during transportation and the size of the carrier is minimised thus reducing shipping costs.
• Figure 13 illustrates an alternative method of assembling the second blank 1 10 into a tray B'.
• the corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4 are arranged to be external of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120.
• the first, fifth, ninth and thirteenth gusset panels 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d are held in face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120.
• the first and second top flaps 1 12/1 14, 122/124 are folded downwardly about fold line 1 15, 121 to be disposed externally.
• the first and second top flaps 1 12/1 14, 122/124 are held in close proximity to the respective corner webs C1 , C2, C3, C4.
• the first and second handle flaps 160 are inserted into the first and second handle apertures A1 , A2 respectively, thus securing the first and second top flaps 1 12/1 14, 122/124 in position.
• FIG 14 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "1000" to indicate that these features belong to the alternative embodiment.
• the alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13 and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 1 3 will be described in any greater detail.
• the first blank 1010 comprises a first portion T" including plurality of main panels 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1 020, 1022, 1 024 for forming the top cover and a second portion B" including plurality of main panels 1 1 12, 1 1 14, 1 1 16, 1 1 1 8, 1 120, 1 122, 1 124 for forming the tray.
• the second portion B" is substantially the same in construction as the second blank 1 10 apart from the addition of the first portion T" to the second end panel 1 126B, which is hinged to an end edge of the second end panel 1 126B by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1080.
• the end edge of the second end panel 1 126B opposes a second end edge defined by fold line 1 125B which hinges the second end panel 1 126B to the base panel 1 1 18.
• the first portion T" includes; a first flap 1012, a first inner side panel 1014, a first outer side panel 1016, a top panel 1 01 8, a second outer side panel 1020, a second inner side panel 1022, a second flap 1024.
• the main panels 1 012, 1014, 1 016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1 024 are hinged one to the next in a linear series by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 1013, 1015, 1017, 1019, 1021 , 1 023.
• the blank 1 01 0 comprises an inner end panel 1 028b and an outer end panel 1026a.
• the inner end panel 1028b is hingedly connected to the outer end panel 1026b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1027b.
• the outer end panel 1026a is hingedly connected to the top panel 101 8 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1025a.
• the first outer side panel 1 016 is coupled to the outer end panel 1026b by a first web structure W1 .
• the second outer side panel 1020 is coupled to the outer end panel 1 026b by a fourth web structure W4.
• the first web structure W1 comprises a first web panel 1 030a hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 1 016 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1033a.
• a second web panel 1032a is hingedly connected to the second outer end panel 1026b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1035a.
• the second web panel 1032a is hingedly connected to the first web panel 1 030a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1031 a.
• Each of the first and second web panels 1 030a, 1032a is substantially triangular in shape.
• the fold line 1033a is substantially collinear with the fold line 1025b.
• the fold line 1033a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1025b.
• the fold line 1035a is substantially collinear with the fold line 1017.
• the fold line 1035a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1017.
• the fold line 1031 a extends from a vertex formed by the fold line 1033a, 1035a so as to extend from the corner of the top panel 1018.
• the fourth web structure W4 comprises a seventh web panel 1030d hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 1020 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1033d.
• An eighth web panel 1 032d is hingedly connected to the outer end panel 1026b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1035d.
• the eighth web panel 1 032d is hingedly connected to the seventh web panel 1 030d by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1031 d.
• Each of the seventh and eighth web panels 1030d, 1032d is substantially triangular in shape.
• the fold line 1033d is substantially collinear with the fold line 1025b.
• the fold line 1033d is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1025b.
• the fold line 1035d is substantially collinear with the fold line 1017.
• the fold line 1035a is substantially contiguous with the fold line 1017.
• the fold line 1031 d extends from a vertex formed by the fold line 1033d, 1035d so as to extend from the corner of the top panel 1018.
• the first inner side panel 1014 comprises a first locking tab 1070a and a second locking tab 1070b.
• the first locking tab 1070a and second locking tab 1070b are integrally formed with first inner side panel 1 014 and are struck from material which would otherwise form the first flap 1012.
• the first locking tab 1070a and second locking tab 1070b are defined at least in part by cut lines which are substantially "U” shaped , the cut lines interrupt the fold line 1013 such that first locking tab 1 070a and second locking tab 1 070b extend outwardly from the fold line 1013.
• the first outer side panel 1016 comprises a first receiver 1072a and a second receiver 1072b.
• the first receiver 1072a and second receiver 1072b are formed by cut lines which are substantially "U" shaped , the cut lines interrupt the fold line 1017 such that first receiver 1072a and second receiver 1072b extend inwardly from the fold line 1017 and are defined at least in part in the top panel 1018.
• the cut lines form slots or slits proximate the fold line 1 01 7 which receive a respective one of the first and second locking tabs 1070a, 1 070b.
• the second inner side panel 1022 comprises a third locking tab 1 078a and a fourth locking tab 1078b.
• the third locking tab 1 078a and fourth locking tab 1078b are integrally formed with second inner side panel 1 020 and are struck from material which would otherwise form the second flap 1024.
• the third locking tab 1 078a and fourth locking tab 1 078b are defined at least in part by cut lines which are substantially "U" shaped, the cut lines interrupt the fold line 1023 such that third locking tab 1078a and fourth locking tab 1078b extend outwardly from the fold line 1023.
• the second outer side panel 1020 comprises a third receiver 1 076a and a fourth receiver 1076b.
• the third receiver 1076a and fourth receiver 1076b are formed by cut lines which are substantially "U" shaped , the cut lines interrupt the fold line 1 019 such that third receiver 1076a and fourth receiver 1 076b extend inwardly from the fold line 1 01 9 and are defined at least in part in the top panel 1018.
• the cut lines form slots or slits proximate the fold line 1 01 9 which receive a respective one of the third and fourth locking tabs 1078a, 1078b.
• the outer end panel 1026b comprises a fifth receiver 1074a and a sixth receiver 1 074b.
• the fifth receiver 1074a and sixth receiver 1074b are formed by cut lines which are substantially "U” shaped , the cut lines interrupt the fold line 1025b such that fifth receiver 1074a and second receiver 1 074b extend outwardly from the fold line 1025b and are defined at least in part in the outer end panel 1026b.
• the cut lines form slots or slits proximate the fold line 1025b which receive a respective one of a first and second retainer tabs 1054, 1 056.
• the first retainer tab 1054 is integrally formed with the first flap 1012 and extends from an end edge adjacent to a side edge defined by the fold line 1013.
• the second retainer tab 1 056 is integrally formed with the second flap 1 024 and extends from an end edge adjacent to a side edge defined by the fold line 1023.
• the inner side panel 1022 comprises a first securing tab 1052a hingedly connected along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1053a.
• the second inner side panel 1022 comprises a second securing tab 1052b hingedly connected along a second, opposing side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1 053b.
• the top panel 1018 is hingedly connected to the second end panel 1 126b of the second portion B" by a fold line 1080.
• the second portion B" may be assembled into a tray or base substantially in accordance with the same method described above in relation to the second blank 1 10 of the first embodiment.
• the first portion T" of the blank 1010 is constructed into a top cover and does not require any glue or adhesive.
• the first outer side panel 106 and the second outer side panel 1020 are folded , about fold line 1017, 1019 respectively, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the top panel 1018.
• the outer end panel 1 026b is then folded about fold line 1025b.
• the first and fourth web structures W1 , W4 are folded about fold lines 1033a, 1031 a, 1035a and 1 033d, 1031 d, 1035d respectively.
• the first web structure W1 is folded such that first web panel 1030a is in face to face relationship with second web panel 1032a.
• the first web structure W1 is folded such that the first web panel 1030a is in face contacting relationship with first outer side panel 1016.
• first web structure W1 may be folded such that the second web panel 1032a is in face contacting relationship with outer end panel 1026b.
• the fourth web structure W4 is folded such that seventh web panel 1030d is in face to face relationship with eighth web panel 1032d.
• the fourth web structure W4 is folded such that the seventh web panel 1030d is in face contacting relationship with second outer side panel 1020.
• fourth web structure W4 may be folded such that the eighth web panel 1032d is in face contacting relationship with outer end panel 1026b.
• the inner end panel 1028b is then folded about fold line 1027b so as to as to be in face to face relationship with outer end panel 1026b.
• the first and second securing tabs 1052a, 1052b are folded about fold lines 1053a, 1053b respectively.
• the first securing tab 1 052a is disposed in face contacting relationship with the first outer side panel 1016.
• the second securing tab 1 052b is disposed in face contacting relationship with the second outer side panel 1020.
• the first inner side panel 1014 is then folded about fold line 1015 to be brought in to face contacting relationship with the first outer side panel 1016, in doing so the first web structure W1 and first securing tab 1052a are disposed between the first inner side panel 1 014 and the first outer side panel 1016 so as to be sandwiched therebetween.
• the first flap 1 012 is folded about fold line 1013 and brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel 1018.
• the first locking tab 1070a is received in the first receiver 1072a and the second locking tab 1070b is received in the second receiver 1072b so as to secure the first inner and first outer side panels 1014, 1016 together.
• the second inner side panel 1022 is then folded about fold line 1021 to be brought in to face contacting relationship with the second outer side panel 1020, in doing so the fourth web structure W4 and second securing tab 1 052d are disposed between the second inner side panel 1022 and the second outer side panel 1020 so as to be sandwiched therebetween .
• the second flap 1 024 is folded about fold line 1023 and brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel 1 01 8.
• the third locking tab 1078a is received in the third receiver 1076a and the fourth locking tab 1078b is received in the fourth receiver 1076b so as to secure the second inner and second outer side panels 1 022, 1020 together.
• top cover having a cover or top panel with opposing side walls and an end wall extending therebetween is formed.
• the top cover is hingedly connected to the base or tray formed from the second portion B" of the blank 1010.
• the top cover can be folded about fold line 1080 so as to close the carrier formed from the blank 1010.
• the present disclosure provides a carton or carrier comprising a tray B wherein the tray comprises a bottom wall 1 18, a pair of side walls 1 16, 120, a pair of end walls 126a, 126b and a foldable corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 at each corner of the tray B, each corner web hingedly connecting between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b, each corner web comprising a plurality of gusset panels which are hingedly connected one to the next, wherein a securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 is hingedly connected to the upper edge of each side wall 1 16, 120.
• the tray B is convertible from a first initial form in which the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b at each corner of the tray are disposed substantially next to each other with the respective corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 in a fully folded position , into a second expanded form in which the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b at each corner are spaced apart, with the respective corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 in a partially unfolded position.
• the tray B is lockable in the second expanded form by means of the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124.
• the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 is tucked or folded between the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 and a respective one of the side walls 1 16, 120.
• a handle flap 160 of the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls 1 16, 120.
• the tray B may be locked in the first initial form by means of a cover T engaged with the tray B such that the cover T is disposed at least along the exterior of the side and end panels of the tray B.
• the cover T is hingedly connected to the tray B.
• the plurality of gusset panels of the corner web is hingedly connected one to the next by a plurality of convergent fold lines having a notional converging point generally on the intersection of the side edges 141 a, 149a of the adjacent end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, a second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d and a third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d.
• the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d is hingedly connected to the side wall 1 16, 120 along the side edge of the side wall 1 16, 120 by a first fold line 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d.
• the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d is hingedly connected to the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d by a second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d.
• the third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d is hingedly connected to the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d by a third fold line 145a, 145b, 145c, 145d.
• the third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d is hingedly connected to the end wall 126a, 126b along the side edge of the end wall 126a, 126b by a fourth fold line 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d.
• the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d comprises a first free edge E1 , first free edge E1 is configured to be substantially parallel to fold line 1 15 such that when the first panel 140a is folded about fold line 141 a into face contacting relationship with the first side wall 1 16 such that the securing flap 1 12/1 14 can be folded thereabouts.
• the third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d comprises a second free edge E2, second free edge E2 is configured to be substantially parallel to fold line 1 15 when the tray B is in the expanded condition, this allows the securing flap 1 12/1 14 to be folded about the corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4.
• the second free edge E2 may be arranged to be in registry with the first free edge E1 when the corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 is folded about the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d, and thus the tray B is in the expanded condition.
• the first fold line 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141d and the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d define a first angle a therebetween.
• the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d and the first free edge E1 define a second angle ⁇ therebetween.
• the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d and the second free edge E2 define a third angle ⁇ 2 therebetween.
• the second angle ⁇ is equal to the third angle ⁇ 2 .
• sum of the first angle a and third angle u 2 is 90°.
• Neither of the first angle a and the third angle ⁇ 2 is equal to 45 degrees.
• the first angle a may be different or not equal to the third angle ⁇ 2 .
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, a second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, a third panel 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d and fourth panel 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d.
• the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d is hingedly connected to the side wall 1 16, 120 along the side edge of the side wall 116, 120 by a first fold line 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d.
• the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d is hingedly connected to the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d by a second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d.
• the third panel 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d is hingedly connected to the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d by a third fold line 145a, 145b, 145c, 145d.
• the fourth panel 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d is hingedly connected to the end wall 126a, 126b along the side edge of the end wall 126a, 126b by a fourth fold line 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d.
• the fourth panel 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d is hingedly connected to the third panel 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d by a fifth fold line 147a, 147b, 147c, 147d.
• the first fold line 141a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d and the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d define a first angle a therebetween.
• the fifth fold line 147a, 147b, 147c, 147d and the fourth fold line 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d define a third angle ⁇ therebetween.
• the sum of the twice the first angle a and the third angle ⁇ equals to about 90 degrees.
• the plurality of gusset panels includes a first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, a second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d and a third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d.
• the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d is hingedly connected to the side wall 1 16, 120 along the side edge of the side wall 1 16, 120 by a first fold line 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d.
• the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d is hingedly connected to the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d by a second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d.
• the third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d is hingedly connected to the second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d by a third fold line 145a, 145b, 145c, 145d.
• the third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d is hingedly connected to the end wall 126a, 126b along the side edge of the end wall 126a, 126b by a fourth fold line 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d.
• the first fold line 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d and the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d define a first angle a therebetween.
• the second fold line 143a, 143b, 143c, 143d and the fourth fold line 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d define a second angle ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ therebetween.
• the sum of the first angle a and the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) equals to about 90 degrees.
• Neither of the first angle a and the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ) is equal to 45 degrees.
• the first angle a may be different or not equal to the second angle ( ⁇ + ⁇ + ⁇ ).
• the present disclosure provides a carton or carrier comprising a tray B and a cover T at least partially removably engaged with the tray B to cover the open top of the tray B, wherein the tray comprises a bottom wall 1 18, a pair of side walls 1 16, 120, a pair of end walls 126a, 126b and a foldable corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 at each corner of the tray B, each corner web hingedly connecting between respective adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b, each corner web comprising a first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, a second panel 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d and a third panel 144a/146a, 144b/146b, 144c/146c, 144d/146d which are hingedly connected one to the next by convergent fold lines 143a/145a, 143b/145b, 143c/145c, 143d/145d.
• the convergent fold lines 143a/145a, 143b/145b, 143c/145c, 143d/145d having a notional converging point generally disposed at the intersection of said adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b .
• the first panel 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d of each corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 is secured to the outside surface of the respective side wall 1 16, 120.
• the tray B is convertible from a first initial form in which the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b at each corner of the tray are disposed substantially next to each other with the respective corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 in a fully folded position, into a second expanded form in which the adjacent side edges of the end and side walls 1 16, 120, 126a, 126b at each corner are spaced apart, with the respective corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 in a partially unfolded position.
• the tray B is lockable in the first initial form by means of the cover T engaged with the tray B such that the cover T is disposed at least along the exterior of the side and end panels of the tray B.
• the tray B is lockable in the second expanded form by means of a securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 hingedly connected to the upper edge of each side wall 1 16, 120.
• the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 is folded down into a locking position in which each corner web C1 , C2, C3, C4 is tucked or folded between the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 and a respective one of the side walls 1 16, 120.
• a handle flap 160 of the securing flap 1 12/1 14, 122/124 is received in a hand opening in said one of the side walls 1 16, 120.
• the carrying handle is applied to a range of carton structures and is not limited in its application to a fully enclosed carton of the end loading type. It is also expected that one side of the carrying handle (having only one cushioning structure) is sufficient and that the symmetrical mirror image of two carrying handle arrangements, each with their own cushioning structure, is not necessary.
• 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.
• a fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention.
• severance line refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits. It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.
• 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.

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• 2017
  • 2017-11-22 JP JP2017224459A patent/JP6966299B2/ja active Active
• 2018
  • 2018-08-31 WO PCT/US2018/049008 patent/WO2019050784A1/en active Application Filing

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