Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MULTIPACK PACKAGING ASSEMBLIES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/943,254 entitled MULTIPACK PACKAGING ASSEMBLIES, filed
on February 21, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to multipack packaging
assemblies, and more particularly to packaging assemblies that include a
plurality of
containers retained by a film.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments
that are
non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such
illustrative
embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging
assembly;
[0005] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the packaging assembly of FIG.
1,
depicting a plurality of containers in phantom;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging assembly
of FIG.
1, depicting the packaging assembly after the removal of a plurality of
containers and
a segment or portion of the assembly;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the packaging assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0008] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 4,
taken
along the view line 5-5 in FIG. 4;
[0009] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the packaging
assembly of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A in FIG. 4;
[0010] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the
packaging
assembly of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A in FIG. 4; and
[0011] FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of a packaging assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Embodiments may be best understood by reference to the drawings,
wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be
readily
understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally
described
and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a
wide
variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of
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the embodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure,
but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In
some
cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or
described in
detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in
drawings, the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
[0013] FIGS. 1-2 depict an embodiment of a packaging assembly 100,
according
to the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
the
packaging assembly 100; and FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the
packaging
assembly 100, depicting a plurality of containers 110 in phantom. As shown in
FIGS.
1-2, the packaging assembly 100 comprises a plurality of containers 110 and a
film
120. The packaging assembly 100 further comprises one or more tear lines 130.
In
some embodiments, the packaging assembly 100 further comprises a handle 140.
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the film 120 is configured to retain the
plurality of
containers 110 within the packaging assembly 100. In some embodiments, the
film
120 retains the plurality of containers 110 in a substantially fixed position
within the
packaging assembly 100. In other words, the plurality of containers 110 can be
retained by the film 120 such that they are not free to move about or exit the
interior
region 122 of the packaging assembly 100. In some embodiments, the packaging
assembly 100 can be referred to as a multipack packaging assembly 100.
[0015] The film 120 can retain the plurality of containers 110 in various
ways. For
example, in some embodiments, the film 120 is wrapped or otherwise disposed
around the plurality of containers 110. In other embodiments, the film 120 is
wrapped or otherwise disposed around at least a portion of the plurality of
containers
110. Further, in some embodiments, the film 120 is shrink wrapped around the
plurality of containers 110. For example, the film 120 can be wrapped or
otherwise
disposed around the plurality of containers 110, and then, using any suitable
shrink
wrap process and equipment, the film 120 can be made to shrink around the
plurality
of containers 110. In some embodiments, shrinking the film 120 around the
plurality
of containers 110 can cause the film 120 to substantially conform to the shape
of the
plurality of containers 110, minimizing the amount of excess space within the
packaging assembly 100.
[0016] Various types of films 120 can be used. For
example, in some
embodiments, the film 120 comprises plastic and/or other polymeric materials.
Exemplary plastic and/or polymeric materials that can be used include, but are
not
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limited to, polyolefin polymers and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
polymers
and copolymers, polyethylene polymers and copolymers, polypropylene polymers
and copolymers, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the film 120
comprises one or more thermoplastic materials or resins. In some embodiments,
the
film 120 comprises a shrinkable film.
[0017] As can be appreciated, the use of a film 120 packaging material is
advantageous in many ways. For example, film 120 packaging materials offer
significant cost savings as compared to traditional paperboard packaging
materials.
In some instances, the cost of film 120 packaging materials can be up to 75%
less
than the cost of paperboard packaging materials.
[0018] Film 120 packaging materials are also advantageous when placing the
packaging assembly 100 in a cooler or other environment with ice and/or water.
For
example, in contrast to traditional paperboard packaging materials, the film
120
disclosed herein is not substantially affected by ice or the water derived
therefrom.
Other advantages of using film 120 packaging materials are also contemplated.
[0019] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, the packaging assembly 100
further comprises one or more tear lines 130. In some embodiments, the tear
lines
130 are disposed in the machine direction of the film 120. Various types of
tear lines
130 can be used, including, but not limited to, scored tear lines and
perforated tear
lines. For example, in some embodiments, the tear lines 130 can be laser
scored or
laser perforated tear lines. Other mechanical means can also be used to create
the
scored or perforated tear lines, including blades or other implements. Scored
tear
lines, including laser scored tear lines, can extend partially through the
film 120. For
example, a laser, blade, or other implement, can be used to create a taper, or
channel, along a surface of the film 120. Perforated tear lines can extend
completely
through the film 120. For example, a laser, blade, or other implement can be
used to
create a series of perforations that extend completely through the film 120.
[0020] The tear lines 130 can be disposed on the film 120 in one or more
locations. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, for example, one or more
tear
lines 130 can be disposed between adjacent containers 110 (e.g., between a
first
container and a second container). In further embodiments, one or more tear
lines
130 can be disposed between adjacent rows of containers 110 (e.g., between a
first
row of containers and a second row of containers).
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[0021] In
some embodiments, the tear lines 130 are disposed around a perimeter
of the film 120. For example, the tear lines 130 can substantially extend
around a
perimeter of the film 120 (i.e., about 3600 around the perimeter). In
other
embodiments, the tear lines 130 can extend around a portion of the perimeter
of the
film 120. For example, the tear lines 130 can extend for about 120 , about 180
,
about 240 (or more or less as desired) around a perimeter of the film 120.
The tear
lines 130 can also extend continuously or discontinuously. For
example,
discontinuous tear lines 130 can include one or more tear lines 130 that are
spaced
apart from each other along the perimeter of the film 120.
[0022] The
tear lines 130 can facilitate removal of one or more containers 110
from the packaging assembly 100. For example, a user can puncture the film 120
(e.g., via insertion of one or more fingers) at a tear line 130. The user can
then
grasp the one or more containers 110 to be removed (including the portion of
the film
120 disposed around them), and pull them away from the remainder of the
packaging assembly 100. As the one or more containers 110 (including the
portion
of the film 120 disposed around them) are pulled away from the remainder of
the
packaging assembly 100, the film 120 is torn along the tear line 130 until the
one or
more containers 110 to be removed (including the portion of the film 120
disposed
around them) are separated from the remainder of the packaging assembly 100.
An
illustrative packaging assembly 100 depicted after the removal of one or more
containers (including the portion of the film 120 disposed around them) is
depicted in
FIG. 3 and further discussed below.
[0023]
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the packaging assembly
100 of FIG. 1, depicting the packaging assembly 100 after the removal of one
or
more of containers 110 therefrom. As shown in FIG. 3, the film 120 has been
torn
along a first tear line 130a and one or more containers 110 (including the
portion of
the film 120 disposed around them) have been removed from the packaging
assembly 100. Further, the film 120 has been torn along a substantially
controlled
path located at the tear line 130a. The remainder of the film 120 and
packaging
assembly 100 is left substantially unaffected.
Further, the remainder of the
containers 100 is retained in the interior region 122 of the packaging
assembly 100.
At a later time (e.g., at the user's discretion), one or more additional
containers 110
can be removed from the packaging assembly 100 by tearing the film 120 along
another tear line 130, such as tear line 130b or 130c. For example, two
containers
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110 can be removed by grasping and tearing the film 120 at tear line 130b,
while four
containers 110 can be removed by grasping and tearing the film 120 at tear
line
130c. The user can thus remove any number of containers 110 at their
discretion by
grasping and tearing the film 120 at a desired location.
Further, in some
embodiments, the film 120 can comprise printed indicia to indicate the
location of the
tear lines 130 if desired.
[0024] As
can be appreciated, the size or footprint of the packaging assembly 100
can be decreased by selectively removing the containers 110 from the packaging
assembly 100 via tearing the film 120 along the tear lines 130. This is
advantageous
in many ways. For example, traditional paperboard packaging remains the same
size regardless of how many containers have been removed from the packaging.
This can be inconvenient when there are only a few containers remaining within
the
packaging. In contrast, the packaging assemblies 100 disclosed herein become
smaller as the containers 110 are removed. For example, a portion of the film
120 of
the packaging assembly 100 can be torn and removed from the packaging assembly
100 along with the containers 110. The size of the remaining portion of the
packaging assembly 100 can thus correspond to the number of containers 110
being
retained therein.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the packaging assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-2. As
shown in FIG. 4, the packaging assembly 100 comprises a plurality of
containers 110
and a film 120. The packaging assembly 100 further comprises one or more tear
lines 130. The packaging assembly 100 further comprises a handle 140.
[0026] As
shown in FIG. 4, the tear lines 130 are disposed between several of the
containers 110. For example, a tear line 130d is disposed between a first
container
110a and a second container 110b. As previously discussed, the first container
110a can be removed from the packaging assembly 100 by tearing the film 120
along the tear line 130d.
[0027] Any
number of containers 110 can be retained within the packaging
assembly 110. Further, in some embodiments, the containers 110 can be arranged
within the packaging assembly 100 in a predetermined format. For example, the
containers 110 can be arranged in row and column format. In some embodiments,
the containers 110 within the packaging assembly 100 can be arranged to form
two
or more rows 114 and one or more columns 112a, 112b. As shown in FIG. 4, for
example, the containers 110 are arranged to form six rows 114 and two columns
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112a, 112b. Arrangements of more or less rows 114 and/or more or less columns
112a, 112b are also contemplated.
[0028] As further shown in FIG. 4, the tear lines 130 can be disposed
between
rows 114 of containers 110. For example, a tear line 130d is disposed between
a
first row 114a of containers 110 and a second row 114b of containers 110. The
first
row 114a of containers 110 can be removed from the packaging assembly 110 by
tearing the film 120 along the tear line 130d. If desired, a plurality of rows
114 can
be removed simultaneously from the packaging assembly 100 by tearing the film
120
along any desired tear line 130. For example, three rows 114 of containers 110
(six
containers 110) can be removed simultaneously by tearing the film 120 along
the
tear line 130e. In further embodiments, one or more tear lines 130 can be
disposed
between one or more columns of containers 110, such as columns 112a, 112b. In
yet further embodiments, one or more tear lines 130 can be disposed between
one
or more rows 114 of containers 110, and one or more columns of containers 110.
[0029] The containers 110 can also be arranged within the packaging
assembly
100 such that they stand upright. As can be appreciated, arranging the
containers
110 in an upright configuration can provide increased stability to the
packaging
assembly 100, for example, when it is placed on a shelf. In other embodiments,
the
containers 110 can be arranged within the packaging assembly 100 such that
they
are disposed on their sides, if desired.
[0030] As can be appreciated, various types of containers 110 can be
packaged
in the packaging assemblies 100 disclosed herein, including, but not limited
to,
beverage containers, food containers, and non-food containers. The containers
110
can also be made of various materials, including metals and/or non-metals. For
example, in some embodiments, the containers 110 comprise one or more metals,
including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, tin, and combinations thereof.
Non-
metal materials can also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the
containers 110 comprise one or more plastic and/or other polymeric materials.
Further, in some embodiments, the containers 110 comprise glass materials.
[0031] The containers 110 can also be various shapes and/or sizes. For
example, in some embodiments, the containers 110 are substantially cylindrical
in
shape. In some embodiments, the containers 110 are shaped like traditional
cans
(e.g., beverage cans, canned food, etc.). In other embodiments, the containers
110
are shaped like traditional bottles (water bottles, beverage bottles, etc.)
Other
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shaped containers 110, including both traditionally used shapes and non-
traditionally
used shapes, are also contemplated.
[0032] In some embodiments, the tear lines 130 comprise laser scored tear
lines,
as illustrated in FIG. 5. Specifically, FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the
packaging
assembly 100 of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5
depicts a
portion of a tear line 130 disposed on the film 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the
tear line
130 can comprise a laser scored tear line that extends through a first surface
124
(e.g., an exterior surface) of the film 120. In some embodiments, the tear
line 130
can be described as a taper or a channel. Further, the tear line 130 extends
only
through a portion of the film 120 such that a second surface 126 (e.g., the
interior
surface) remains substantially unaffected. In other embodiments, the tear line
130
can extend all the way through the film 120. For example, as previously
discussed,
the tear line 130 can comprise a series of perforations that can extend
through the
film 120.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and 4, the packaging assembly 100 can
further comprise a handle 140. The handle 140 can facilitate carrying the
packaging
assembly 100. Further, in some embodiments, one or more additional handles
(e.g.,
a second handle, etc.) can be used if desired. As shown in the illustrated
embodiment, the handle 140 can further include printed indicia 141 and can be
used
for labeling purposes.
[0034] The handle 140 can be coupled to the film 120. For example, a first
portion 142 of the handle 140 is coupled to a surface of the film 120 at a
first
location, and a second portion 144 of the handle 140 is coupled to a surface
of the
film 120 at a second location. A third portion 146 of the handle 140 extends
outwardly from the packaging assembly 100 to facilitate grasping and carrying
the
packaging assembly 100. The handle 140 can securely retain the packaging
assembly 100 as it is being carried by the user.
[0035] The handle 140 can be coupled to the packaging assembly 100 at
various
locations. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 140
is
coupled to a longitudinal end 101 of the packaging assembly 100. The handle
140
also extends from a side of the packaging assembly 100. The printed indicia
141
can thus be clearly viewed when the packaging assembly 100 is placed on a
shelf.
This can be advantageous when the packaging assembly 100 comprises a bulls-eye
region (i.e., a region devoid of film 120) that may be formed during a shrink
wrap
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process. For example, the absence of film 120 at the bulls-eye region can make
it
difficult to label the packaging assembly 100. However, these difficulties can
be
overcome by placing a handle 140 comprising printed indicia 141 over the bulls-
eye
region, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
[0036] As discussed above, in some embodiments a second handle can also be
used. For example, a second handle can be coupled to the longitudinal end of
the
packaging assembly 100 that is opposite the longitudinal end 101 wherein the
first
handle 140 is coupled. Coupling handles 140 to each longitudinal end of the
packaging assembly 100 can be advantageous in many ways, including handling,
packaging, or otherwise moving the packaging assembly 100. In yet further
embodiments, a handle may optionally extend upward from the packaging assembly
100, for example, from a central region of the packaging assembly 100, if
desired.
Such a handle could be present alone or in combination with one or more
handles
placed at longitudinal ends of the packaging assembly 100.
[0037] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict cross-sectional views of various embodiments
of
the packaging assembly 100 of FIG. 4, taken along the view line 6A-6A in FIG.
4. As
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the handle 140, 240 can be coupled to the packaging
assembly in various ways. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG.
6A, the handle 140 is directly adhered to the film 120. For example, the
handle 140
can be heat sealed, or melted to the film 120. In other embodiments, such as
the
embodiment of FIG. 6B, the handle 240 is coupled to the film 220 via an
adhesive
241. Any suitable adhesive can be used.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of a packaging assembly 300 that
can
resemble the packaging assembly 100 described above in certain respects.
Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with
the
leading digits incremented to "3." Relevant disclosure set forth above
regarding
similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover,
specific
features of the packaging assembly 300 may not be shown or identified by a
reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written
description
that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially
the
same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect
to
such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features
apply
equally to the features of the packaging assembly 300. Any suitable
combination of
the features and variations of the same described with respect to the
packaging
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assembly 100 can be employed with the packaging assembly 300, and vice versa.
This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in
subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be
further incremented.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the packaging assembly 300 comprises a plurality
of
containers 310 and a film 320. The packaging assembly further comprises one or
more tear lines 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear lines 330 are a
series of
discontinuous tear lines 330. The tear lines 330 can be scored tear lines, or
perforated tear lines. The scores or perforations can be formed via a laser,
or can
be cut with a blade or other implement. Other suitable methods of forming
scores or
perforations can also be employed.
[0040] Methods of packaging a plurality of containers are also disclosed
herein.
For example, in one embodiment, the method comprises a step of disposing a
film
around a plurality of containers. The plurality of containers can be arranged
in any
desired format, including row and column formats. The method can further
comprise
a step of shrinking the film around the containers. Exemplary shrink film
processes
can include applying heat to the film which can cause the film to shrink
around the
containers. The method can further comprise a step of applying tear lines to
the film.
For example, the tear lines can be applied with a laser and can be disposed
around
a perimeter of the film. Scored tear lines, or perforated tear lines can be
used. The
method can further comprise a step of coupling a handle to the packaging
assembly.
For example, the handle can be coupled to a surface of the film. Additional
method
steps can be derived from the disclosure herein.
[0041] Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions
for
performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be
interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of
steps or
actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or
use of
specific steps and/or actions may be modified.
[0042] References to approximations are made throughout this specification,
such as by use of one or more of the terms "about," "approximately,"
"substantially,"
and "generally." For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some
embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without
approximation. For example, where such a qualifier is used, the term includes
within
its scope the qualified word in the absence of the qualifier.
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[0043]
Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic
described in
connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,
the
quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this
specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, it should be
appreciated
that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes
grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for
the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is
not to
be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any embodiment requires every
feature
shown in a particular drawing.
[0044]
Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an" are to be construed as
meaning "at least one of." In addition, for ease of use, the words "including"
and
"having" are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word
"comprising." Recitation of the term "first" with respect to a feature or
element does
not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or
element.
[0045] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly
incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on
its own
as a separate embodiment.
This disclosure includes all permutations of the
independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional
embodiments
capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow
are
also expressly incorporated into the present written description.
[0046]
Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can
use
the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The
claims and
embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and
exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any
way. It
will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of
the present
disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure
herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the
embodiments
specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the
appended
claims. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following
claims and
their equivalents.
