WO2019112779A1

WO2019112779A1 - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2019112779A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/061523
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katuso SHIBUYA
Original assignee: Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2017-12-07
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: JP7491841B2; JP2021505487A; TW201936458A; AU2018378056A1

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton (90) for packaging a plurality of articles B and to a blank (10) for forming the carton. The carton comprises plurality of panels for defining an interior for receiving at least one article. The panels include a top panel (18), a pair of side panels (16, 20) and a bottom panel (12, 24). At least one of the side panels has an opening N for receiving a bottom portion of the at least one article. The carton further comprises a shock- absorbing arrangement G which includes at least two severance elements (17a, 17b) disposed along a hinged connection (17) between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels. Each of the at least two severance elements are distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Description

CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having a device for mitigating carton damage.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is desirable to produce cartons which are robust and sufficiently durable to withstand the rigours of the shipping environment.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels for defining an interior for receiving at least one article. The panels include; a top panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel. At least one of the side panels has an opening for receiving a bottom portion of the at least one article. The carton further comprises a shock-absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements disposed proximate or along a hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels. Each of the at least two severance elements are distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels. The at least two severance elements are disposed adjacent to each other such that a bridge portion is disposed between the at least two severance elements. The bridge portion is disposed above the opening such that the bridge portion and the opening are disposed generally along a common notional line extending perpendicular to the hinged connection. Optionally, each of the at least two severance elements is formed from a cut line.

Optionally, at least a first portion of the cut line of a first severance element is disposed collinearly with at least a first portion of the cut line of a second severance element.

Optionally, said portion of the cut line of the first severance element and said portion of the cut line of the second severance element are disposed collinearly with the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Optionally, a second portion of the cut line of the first severance element is divergently arranged with respect to the first portion of the first severance element.

Optionally, a second portion of the cut line of the second severance element is divergently arranged with respect to the first portion of the second severance element.

Optionally, the cut line is substantially“L” shaped.

Optionally, at least a portion of the cut line of a first severance element and at least a portion of the cut line of a second severance element are transversely arranged with respect to the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Optionally, at least a portion of the cut line of a first severance element and at least a portion of the cut line of a second severance element are divergently arranged with respect to the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Optionally, said portion of the first and second severance lines are provided in at least one of the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Optionally, each of the at least two severance elements interrupts the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels.

Optionally, the carton comprises a carrying handle provided in the top panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carton. The panels include; a top panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel. At least one of the side panels has an opening for receiving a bottom portion of at least one article. The blank further comprises a shock-absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements disposed proximate or along a hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels. Each of the at least two severance elements is distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection between the top panel and the one of the side panels. The at least two severance elements are disposed adjacent to each other such that a bridge portion is disposed between the at least two severance elements. The bridge portion and the opening are disposed generally along a common notional line extending perpendicularly to the hinged connection.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment; and

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 4, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blanks 110 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms“carton” and“carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 110 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term“suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90; 190 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figure 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner panel 22 and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted, the fold lines 15, 21 may be omitted.

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, or alternatively of the first or second base panels 12, 24, to which they are hingedly connected.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figure 2. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The second base panel 24 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 24 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 24. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of male tabs M, the openings in the second base panel 24 being configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 24 to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises two first apertures A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises one second apertures A2. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1 , A2 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 24 with respect to each other or to align the first part of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure N for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six heel engagement structures N each is provided for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures N is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a heel engagement structure N provided in the first side panel 16.

The heel engagement structure N may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab 42. The heel tab 42 is hingedly connected to the first base panel by fold line 43. The heel tab 42 is struck from the first corner panel 14.

The fold line 43 interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the first base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold line 43 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 43 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other.

The heel tab 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45a, 45b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 42. The top panel 18 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handles structure H comprises a pair of foldable finger tabs 52. The finger tabs 52 are spaced apart from each other. The finger tabs 52 are hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by fold lines 53 and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line 55. A first one of the finger tabs 52 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 in opposition to a second one of the finger tabs 52.

The top panel 18 may comprise an optional detachable portion D in the form of a tear strip. The detachable portion D is defined by a first tear or severance line 62a and by a second tear or severance line 62b. The first and second severance lines 62a, 62b extend generally longitudinally across the top panel 18. The second severance line 62b is laterally spaced apart from the first severance line 62a. A tear initiation device in the form of a pull tab 60a, 60b may be provided at each end of the tear strip. The pull tabs 60a, 60b are hingedly connected to the tear strip by respective fold lines 61a, 61 b, and may be defined in part by weakened lines which are more readily torn than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b, that is to say, the weakened lines offer less tear resistance than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b.

The detachable portion D may facilitate access to the contents, articles B, of the carton 90 upon removal thereof.

Each of the top, side and base panels 12, 16, 18, 20, 24 may be formed with a pair of cut-outs or recesses. The cut-outs are defined in opposed end edges of the blank 10. The cut-outs comprise full, major cut-outs 70, 70a, 70c and partial or minor cut-outs 70b.

A first cut-out 70 is defined in the top panel 18 around midway along each of its opposed end edges. A second cut-out 70a is defined in each end edge of the first side panel 16. A third cut out 70c is defined in each end edge of the second side panel 20.

A partial or minor cut-out 70b is defined in each of the opposed end edges of each of the first and second base panels 12, 24.

As a result, the blank 10 is provided along either longitudinal edge thereof with four tabs 72, 72a, 72b, 72c each interposed between adjacent ones of the cut-outs 70, 70a, 70b, 70c.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , a first upper tab 72 is sandwiched and defined by the adjacently disposed first and third cut-outs 70, 70c. A second upper tab 72a is sandwiched and defined by the first and second cut-outs 70, 70a. A first lower tab 72b is sandwiched and defined by the second cut-out 70a and by a first one of the partial cut-outs 70b, defined in the first base panel 12. A second lower tab 72c is sandwiched and defined by the third cut-out 70c and by a second one of the partial cut-outs 70b, defined in the second base panel 24.

The first upper tab 72 is positioned astride the adjacent fold line 19. The second upper tab 72a is positioned astride the adjacent fold line 17.

The first lower tab 72b is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 13, 15. The second lower tab 72c is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 21 , 23.

The full or major cut-outs 70, 70a, 70c are capable of accommodating an appropriately sized one of the tabs 72, 72a, 72c of a like or similar adjacently disposed blank.

Each of the partial or minor cut-outs 70b cooperates with a partial or minor cut-outs 70b of a subsequent or preceding second blank (not shown), disposed end to end with the blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 , so as to provide a void or cut-out capable of accommodating an appropriately sized tab 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of an adjacent third blank (not shown) which third blank is disposed side by side (optionally, at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the blank 10 may be shared, or in common, with at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the third blank) with the blank 10 of Figure 1. A first partial cut-out 70b from a first blank 10 and a second partial cut-out 70b from a second blank are required to accommodate a single tab 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of a third blank. In this way two partial cut-outs 70b may be considered to form a full cut-out.

Each of the first and second upper tabs 72 and 72a forms, or assists in forming of, an end retention structure for preventing the contents of the carton 90 from dislodging from the carton 90 when said blank 10 is erected into the carton 90. Each of the first and second upper tabs 72 and 72a is provided with cut and fold lines to form a top-engaging structure when it is folded along the fold lines.

More specifically, each upper tab 72, 72a comprises an anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel 16, 20 along a fold line 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b. Each upper tab 72, 72a comprises a gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly connected to the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b. Each upper tab 72, 72a comprises a web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b hingedly connected to the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along an extension 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b of respective one of the fold lines 17, 19. Each upper tab 72, 72a comprises a covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b that is integrally formed with the top panel 18. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hingedly connected to the respective covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b by a fold line 31a, 31 b, 33a, 33b.

An optional aperture A4 may be struck in part from the top panel 18, in part from the first or second side panel 16, 20 and in part from the upper tab 72, 72a. The aperture A4 defines a terminus of each of the fold lines 17, 19; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31 b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b and is disposed at a notional converging point of the aforesaid fold lines

Folding of each upper tab 72, 72a is achieved during the erection of the carton. To form a top engaging structure out of each upper tab 72, 72a, the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is folded about 180 degrees to bring it into a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the adjacent side panel 16, 20. The anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is held in the folded position by being pressed by one of the packaged articles B against the adjacent side panel 16, 20. The folding of the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to be folded outwardly about the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b so that the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extends outwardly from the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the side wall of the one packaged article B. At the same time, the web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is caused to fold downwardly along the fold line 31 a, 31 b, 33a, 33b and is thereby brought to a folded position where it extends between the fold line 31 a, 31 b, 33a, 33b and the outer edge of the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The top-engaging structure thus completed is illustrated in Figure 2 wherein the structure is shown as tightly engaging the top of the one article B.

Each lower tab 72b, 72c serves to provide sufficient material in which the adjacent endmost heel aperture A3 is defined. More particularly, the heel aperture A3 adjacent to each lower tab 72b, 72c is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the heel aperture A3 even when the heel aperture A3 extends into that lower tab 72b, 72c. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 90. The heel tabs 42 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. The blank 10 comprises a shock absorbing arrangement. A first shock absorbing or damping device G is provided for damping or absorbing forces such as, but not limited to, impulse forces propagating in the carton 90.

The first damping device G comprises a pair of severance elements. Each severance element may take the form of, for example, a cut or severance line 17a, 17b. The severance elements are spaced apart from each other so as to define a nick or connecting bridge portion P1 therebetween. The cut lines 17a, 17b are each linear in shape. A first cutline 17a is arranged to be collinear with a second cutline 17b. The first and second cut lines 17a, 17b are collinearly disposed with respect to the fold line 17 coupling the first side panel 16 to the top panel 18.

The blank 10 comprises a second damping device G for damping or absorbing forces such as, but not limited to, impulse forces propagating in the carton 90.

The second damping device G comprises a pair of cut or severance lines 19a, 19b spaced apart from each other so as to define a nick or connecting bridge portion P2 therebetween. The cut lines 19a, 19b are each linear in shape. A third cutline 19a is arranged to be collinear with a fourth cutline 19b. The third and fourth cut lines 19a, 19b are collinearly disposed with respect to the fold line 19 coupling the second side panel 20 to the top panel 18.

The severance element (cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b) may be offset from a respective hinged connection (fold lines 17, 19) between the top panel 18 and the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 in the direction of a common notional line‘y’, see Figure 2. In this way the cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b may be provided in the top panel 18 or in the side panels 16, 20. In other embodiments this way the cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b may be provided in the top panel 18 and in the side panels 16, 20. The cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b may be parallel to the respective hinged connection and/or disposed proximally to said respective hinged connection.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 six articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90.

The first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded, with respect to the top panel 18 about fold lines 17, 19 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls 16, 20 of the carton 90.

The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 may be folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 substantially simultaneously as the first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded with respect to the top panel 18, to form the top engaging structures described above.

Alternatively, the top engaging structures may be formed subsequent to erection of the carton 90 into a tubular form. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 may be tucked between the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 to which they are hingedly connected and an adjacently disposed article B.

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 about fold lines 15, 21 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 42 may folded out of the plane of the first and second corner panels 14, 22, about fold lines 43, prior to folding the first and second corner panels 14, 22 the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20.

The first base panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B, the second base panel 24 is then folded about the fold line 23 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12; in doing so each of the heel tabs 42 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 24. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 24 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 2. The first and second damping devices G are shown along opposing side edges, defined by the fold lines 17, 19 of the top panel 18. The first and second connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 are centrally located along the side edges of the top panel 18. The second connecting bridge portion P2 is disposed above the central opening, heel aperture A3, such that the second connecting bridge portion P2 and the opening are disposed generally along the common notional line y which extends perpendicularly, to the fold lines 17, 19.

The first connecting bridge portion P1 is disposed adjacent to a first article B in a first row of articles B within the carton 90, in the illustrated embodiment said first article B is a central article B. The second connecting bridge portion P2 is disposed adjacent to a second article B in a second row of articles B within the carton 90, in the illustrated embodiment said second article B is a central article B.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the alternative illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 4 illustrates a blank 1 10 according to a second embodiment. The blank 1 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 1 14, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 comprises: a first base panel 1 12, a first corner panel 114, a first side panel 116, a top panel 1 18, a second side panel 120, a second corner panel 122 and a second base panel 124. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 1 13, 1 15, 1 17, 119, 121 , 123.

The blank 110 comprises a first damping device G for damping or absorbing forces such as, but not limited to, impulse forces propagating in the carton 190.

The first damping device G comprises a pair of cut or severance lines 1 17a, 1 17b spaced apart from each other so as to define a first nick or connecting bridge portion P1 therebetween. The cut lines 117a, 117b are each nonlinear in shape. The cut lines 117a, 117b may be substantially“L” shaped. A first cutline 1 17a comprises a first linear portion. The first cutline 1 17a comprises a second linear portion, second linear portion is divergently arranged with respect to the first linear portion. Optionally, the second linear portion may be contiguous with the first linear portion.

The first linear portion of the first cutline 117a may be collinear with the fold line 117 coupling the first side panel 1 16 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the first cutline 1 17a is defined in the top panel 1 18. The second linear portion of the first cutline 117a is transverse, and optionally perpendicular, to the fold line 117 coupling the first side panel 116 to the top panel 1 18.

The second linear portion of the first cutline 117a extends from the fold line 1 17, coupling the first side panel 116 to the top panel 118, into the top panel 1 18.

The second linear portion of the first cutline 117a extends from an innermost end of the first linear portion of the first cutline 1 17a. The innermost end of the first linear portion of the first cutline 117a is proximal or adjacent to the first connecting bridge portion P1.

A second cutline 117b comprises a first linear portion. The second cutline 1 17b comprises a second linear portion, second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b is divergently arranged with respect to the first linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b. Optionally, the second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b may be contiguous with the first linear portion.

The first linear portion of the second cutline 117b may be collinear with the fold line 117 coupling the first side panel 116 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b is defined in the top panel 1 18. The second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b is transverse, and optionally perpendicular, to the fold line 117 coupling the first side panel 116 to the top panel 1 18.

The second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b extends from the fold line 117, coupling the first side panel 1 16 to the top panel 118, into the top panel 1 18.

The second linear portion of the second cutline 117b extends from an innermost end of the first linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b. The innermost end of the first linear portion of the second cutline 117b is proximal or adjacent to the first connecting bridge portion P1. In this way the second linear portions of the first and second cut lines 1 17a, 117b define opposing edges of the first connecting bridge portion P1.

The second linear portion of the first cutline 1 17a may be substantially parallel to the second linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first linear portion of the first cutline 1 17a is arranged to be collinear with the first linear portion of the second cutline 1 17b. The first linear portions of the first and second cut lines 117a, 1 17b are collinearly disposed with respect to the fold line 1 17 coupling the first side panel 116 to the top panel 118.

The blank 1 10 comprises a second damping device G for damping or absorbing forces such as, but not limited to, impulse forces propagating in the carton 190.

The second damping device G comprises a pair of cut or severance lines 119a, 1 19b spaced apart from each other so as to define a second nick or connecting bridge portion P2 therebetween.

The cut lines 119a, 119b are each nonlinear in shape. The cut lines 119a, 119b may be substantially“L” shaped. A third cutline 119a comprises a first linear portion. The third cutline 1 19a comprises a second linear portion, second linear portion is divergently arranged with respect to the first linear portion. Optionally, the second linear portion may be contiguous with the first linear portion.

The first linear portion of the third cutline 119a may be collinear with the fold line 1 19 coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the third cutline 119a is defined in the top panel 118. The second linear portion of the third cutline 119a is transverse, and optionally perpendicular, to the fold line 119 coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the third cutline 1 19a extends from the fold line 1 19, coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118, into the top panel 1 18. The second linear portion of the third cutline 119a extends from an innermost end of the first linear portion of the third cutline 119a. The innermost end of the first linear portion of the third cutline 119a is proximal or adjacent to the second connecting bridge portion P2.

A fourth cutline 1 19b comprises a first linear portion. The fourth cutline 1 19b comprises a second linear portion, second linear portion of the fourth cutline 1 19b is divergently arranged with respect to the first linear portion of the fourth cutline 1 19b. Optionally, the second linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b may be contiguous with the first linear portion.

The first linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b may be collinear with the fold line 119 coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the fourth cutline 1 19b is defined in the top panel 1 18. The second linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b is transverse, and optionally perpendicular, to the fold line 119 coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118.

The second linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b extends from the fold line 1 19, coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118, into the top panel 1 18.

The second linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b extends from an innermost end of the first linear portion of the fourth cutline 1 19b. The innermost end of the first linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b is proximal or adjacent to the second connecting bridge portion P2. In this way the second linear portions of the third and fourth cut lines 119a, 119b define opposing edges of the second connecting bridge portion P2.

The second linear portion of the third cutline 119a may be substantially parallel to the second linear portion of the fourth cutline 119b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first linear portion of the third cutline 119a is arranged to be collinear with the first linear portion of the fourth cutline 1 19b. The first linear portions of the third and fourth cut lines 1 19a, 119b are collinearly disposed with respect to the fold line 1 19 coupling the second side panel 120 to the top panel 118.

The severance element (cut lines 117a, 1 17b, 119a, 119b) may be offset from a respective hinged connection (fold lines 1 17, 1 19) between the top panel 118 and the respective one of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120 in the direction of the common notional line y. In this way the first linear portions of the cut lines 1 17a, 117b, 1 19a, 1 19b may be provided in the top panel 18 or in the side panels 116, 120. In other embodiments this way the first linear portions of the cut lines 117a, 117b, 119a, 119b may be provided in the top panel 1 18 and in the side panels 1 16, 120. The first linear portions of the cut lines 1 17a, 1 17b, 119a, 1 19b may be parallel to the respective hinged connection and/or disposed proximally to said respective hinged connection.

A carton 190 formed from the blank 1 10 is shown in Figure 4, the first and second damping devices G are shown in the top panel 118. The first and second connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 are centrally located along the opposing side edges, defined by the fold lines 1 17, 1 19 of the top panel 1 18. The second connecting bridge portion P2 is disposed above the central opening, heel aperture A3, such that the second connecting bridge portion P2 and the opening are disposed generally along the common notional line‘y’ which extends perpendicularly to the fold lines 117, 1 19.

The first connecting bridge portion P1 is disposed adjacent to a first article B in a first row of articles B within the carton 190, in the illustrated embodiment said first article B is a central article B. The second connecting bridge portion P2 is disposed adjacent to a second article B in a second row of articles B within the carton 190, in the illustrated embodiment said second article B is a central article B.

It has been found that providing first and second damping devices D in the carton 90; 190 mitigates against tear propagation from the heel apertures A3 in tests; drop tests, impact tests and jerk tests. In the tests the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 sever or break. A tear propagates between the first and second cut lines 17a, 17b; 117a, 1 17b or between the third and fourth cut lines 19a, 19b; 119a, 119b or between first and second cut lines 17a, 17b; 117a, 1 17b and between the third and fourth cut lines 19a, 19b; 1 19a, 119b.

It is thought the severance of the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 has the effect of reducing the forces in the lower region of the carton side walls 16, 20; 116, 120 around the heel apertures A3. This may be due to energy dissipation or may be due to the energy or forces being distributed, directed or deflected into other regions of the carton 90; 190.

Each of the severance elements may have a maximum dimension or length along the respective hinged connection between the top panel 18; 1 18 and the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20; 1 16, 120 which is in the range 3.5mm to 5.5mm. In one embodiment, each of the severance elements may have a length along the respective hinged connection of at least 4.5mm. In another embodiment, each of the severance elements may have a length measured along the respective hinged connection of around 4.5mm. In other embodiments, the severance elements may have alternative dimensions which provide the desired shock-absorbing effect without compromising the strength or load bearing capacity of the carrying handle H.

The nick or cut-free areas (connecting bridge portions P1 , P2) defined between the severance elements prior to construction of the carton 90; 190 may be free from any form of fold defining device such as embossment, debossment or other line for defining or facilitating folding of the first or second side panels 16, 20; 1 16, 120 with respect to the top panel 18; 118 along a predefined location. The nick or cut-free areas, connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 may provide an uninterrupted connection between the first or second side panels 16, 20; 116, 120 and the top panel 18; 1 18.

In the illustrated examples, the hinged connection, fold lines 17, 19; 117, 119 are formed as embossments or debossments of the sheet material. The severance elements are formed as cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b; 117a, 117b, 119a, 119b, interrupting the embossments or debossments.

It will be appreciated that in the constructed carton 90; 190 the nick or cut-free areas, connecting bridge portions P1 , P2, are bent, deformed or folded.

Each of the nicks or cut-free areas (connecting bridge portions P1 , P2) defined between the respective severance elements may have a maximum dimension or length along the respective hinged connection in the range 3.0mm to 7.0mm. In one embodiment, each of the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 may have a dimension along the hinged connection of at least 5.0mm. In another embodiment, each of the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 may have a dimension measured along the respective hinged connection of around 5.0mm.

In other embodiments, the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2 may have alternative dimensions sufficiently large so as to be strong enough to resist the load applied upon handle use and sufficiently small so as to be weak enough to break and provide the desired shock-absorbing effect.

Cartons 90; 190 may be constructed from paperboard of the having a caliper (thickness) in the range 16 points to 18 points, where 1 point = .001” or 0.0254mm. In one example, a carton 90; 190 was constructed from paperboard having a caliper of 16 points (about 0.4mm) and packaged with six beverage cans having a volume capacity of 350ml.

In another example, a carton 90; 190 was constructed from paperboard having a caliper of 18 points (about 0.46mm) and packaged with six beverage cans having a volume capacity of 500ml.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging articles B. The carton 90 is formed from a blank 10; 1 10; 210; 310 which can be nested with like blanks each forming a carton 90.

The carton 90; 190 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 1 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 116, 1 18, 120, 122, 124 for defining an interior for receiving at least one article B, the panels including; a top panel 18; 1 18, a pair of side panels 16, 20; 116, 120 and a bottom panel 12/24; 1 12/124. At least one of the side panels 16, 20; 116, 120 has an opening A3 for receiving a bottom portion of the at least one article B. The carton 90; 190 further comprises a shock absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements 17a/17b, 19a/19b; 1 17a/1 17b, 1 19a/119b disposed proximate or along a hinged connection 17, 19; 117, 119 between the top panel 18; 118 and the at least one of the side panels 16, 20; 1 16, 120, each of the at least two severance elements 17a/17b, 19a/19b; 117a/1 17b, 119a/1 19b being distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection 17, 19; 117, 1 19 between the top panel 18; 1 18 and the one of the side panels 16, 20; 116, 120, that is to say the at least two severance elements 17a/17b, 19a/19b; 1 17a/117b, 119a/1 19b are different in size and/or shape from the line elements composing the hinged connection 17, 19; 117, 119, the at least two severance elements 17a/17b, 19a/19b; 117a/1 17b, 119a/1 19b being disposed next to each other such that a nick or cut-free area forms a bridge portion P1 , P2 is disposed between the at least two severance elements 17a/17b, 19a/19b; 1 17a/117b, 1 19a/1 19b, and wherein the bridge portion P1 , P2 is disposed above the opening A3 such that the nick or cut-free area P1 , P2 and the opening A3 are disposed generally along a common notional line y extending perpendicularly, to the hinged connection 17, 19; 1 17, 1 19.

The carton 90; 190 may comprise a carrying handle H provided in the top panel 18; 118.

The blank 10; 110 comprises longitudinal edges having a plurality of recesses defining tabs therebetween. The recesses may be arranged to allow the blank 10; 110 to be nested with similar blanks 10; 110. The tabs provide upper and lower corner portions of the carton 90; 190. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

In some embodiments, the severance elements may take different forms for example but not limited to half or partial depth cut line, openings, cutaways, slots, slits or apertures. The severance elements may be formed in other manners which have the effect of reducing the tear resistance or otherwise locally weakening the sheet material.

The severance elements may have alternative shapes, for example, but not limited to, the cut lines, or at least a portion thereof, may have a“J”,“C”,“S”,“Z”“3” or Έ” shape. The severance elements may take the form of oval or rectangular or other elongate shaped apertures. The severance elements, cut lines or apertures, may have outer ends shaped, for example by rounding so as to reduce the likelihood of tears propagating beyond the severance elements, whereas inner ends of the severance elements may be shaped to facilitate or encourage severance of the connecting bridge portions P1 , P2.

The size or dimensions of the nick or connecting portions P1 , P2 and/or the size or dimensions of the severance elements, cut lines 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b; 117a, 117b, 119a, 119b, may be adjusted depending on the can or article B size and/or weight.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom",“base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms“hinged connection” and“fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted outline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a outline, an interrupted outline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase“in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is“in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels for defining an interior for receiving at least one article, the panels including a top panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel, wherein at least one of the side panels has an opening for receiving a bottom portion of the at least one article, the carton further comprises a shock-absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements disposed along a hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels, each of the at least two severance elements being distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection, the at least two severance elements being disposed adjacent to each other such that a bridge portion is disposed between the at least two severance elements, and wherein the bridge portion is disposed above the opening such that the bridge portion and the opening are disposed generally along a common notional line extending perpendicular to the hinged connection.

2. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two severance elements comprises a cut line.

3. A carton according to claim 2, wherein a first portion of a first severance element of the at least two severance elements is disposed collinearly with a first portion of a second severance element of the at least two severance elements.

4. A carton according to claim 3, wherein said first portion of the first severance element and said first portion of the second severance element are disposed collinearly with the hinged connection.

5. A carton according to claim 3, wherein a second portion of the first severance element is divergently arranged with respect to the first portion of the first severance element.

6. A carton according to claim 3, wherein a second portion of the second severance element is divergently arranged with respect to the first portion of the second severance element.

7. A carton according to claim 2, wherein each of the at least two severance elements is substantially“L” shaped.

8. A carton according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of a first severance element of the at least two severance elements and at least a portion of a second severance element of the at least two severance elements extend transversely with respect to the hinged connection.

9. A carton according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of a first severance element of the at least two severance elements and at least a portion of a second severance element of the at least two severance elements are divergently arranged with respect to the hinged connection.

10. A carton according to claim 9, wherein said at least a portion of the first severance element and said at least a portion of the second severance element are provided in at least one of the top panel and the at least one of the side panels.

1 1. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two severance elements interrupts the hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels.

12. A carton according to claim 1 comprising a carrying handle provided in the top panel.

13. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carton, the panels including a top panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel, wherein at least one of the side panels has an opening for receiving a bottom portion of at least one article, the blank further comprises a shock-absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements disposed along a hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels, each of the at least two severance elements being distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection, the at least two severance elements being disposed adjacent to each other such that a bridge portion is disposed between the at least two severance elements, and wherein the bridge portion and the opening are disposed generally along a common notional line extending perpendicular to the hinged connection.

14. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels for defining an interior for receiving at least one article, the panels including a top panel, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel, wherein at least one of the side panels has an opening for receiving a bottom portion of the at least one article, the carton further comprises a shock-absorbing arrangement which includes at least two severance elements disposed proximate a hinged connection between the top panel and the at least one of the side panels, each of the at least two severance elements being distinct from line elements forming the hinged connection, the at least two severance elements being disposed adjacent to each other such that a bridge portion is disposed between the at least two severance elements, and wherein the bridge portion is disposed above the opening such that the bridge portion and the opening are disposed generally along a common notional line extending perpendicular to the hinged connection.