Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/958,024
filed January 7, 2020. The disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to cartons or carriers and to blanks for forming
the same. More
specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an article-
retaining device and a carrier
comprising the same.
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 an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier having
improved machine
handl i ng characteristics.
The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons,
typically formed
from paperboard or the like.
- 1 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
SUMMARY
An aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank
comprises a first
panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The blank
comprises an article-
retaining device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article. The
article-retaining device
comprises an opening and a deformable member. The opening is defined, at least
in part, in the
second panel and the deformable member is formed from at least part of the
second panel. The
deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the
deformable member
is connected at its opposite side edges to the second panel by first and
second joints
respectively. The deformable member is further connected at an adjacent end
edge to the
second panel by a third joint.
Optionally, the deformable member is disconnected from the first panel by a
separation line.
Optionally, the deformable member is defined at least by a pair of first and
second cut lines,
the first cut line extends between the first joint and the third joint, the
second cut line extends
between the second joint and the third joint.
Optionally, the deformable member comprises a first expansion slit, the
expansion slit extends
from a first end thereof near the first cut line to and a second opposite end
thereof near the
second cut line, the first and second terminal ends are disposed within the
deformable member.
Optionally, the first expansion slit divides the deformable member into a
major portion and a
minor portion, the major portion is connected to the second panel by the first
and second joints,
the minor portion is connected to the second panel by the third joint.
Optionally, the first end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the first
cut line such that
major and minor portions are yet partially connected by a fourth joint, and
wherein the second
end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the second cut line such that
major and minor
portions are yet partially connected by a fifth joint.
Optionally, the deformable member further comprises a second expansion slit
extending from
the first expansion slit toward the third joint, wherein the second expansion
slit divides the
minor portion into a pair of half minor portions and further divides the third
joint into sixth and
- 2 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
seventh joints such that one of the half minor portion is connected to the
second panel by the
sixth joint and the other half minor portion is connected to the second panel
by the seventh
joint.
Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The
blank comprises a
first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The
blank comprises an
article-retaining device for receiving and engaging a portion of an article.
The article-retaining
device comprises an opening defined, at least in part, in the second panel.
The article-retaining
device comprises a unitary deformable member formed from at least part of the
second panel.
The unitary deformable member extends continuously across the opening such
that the unitary
deformable member bridges between opposed side edges of the opening. The
unitary
deformable member further continuously extending to an adjacent end edge of
the opening.
Optionally, the unitary deformable member is defined or circumscribed by a
separation line
and by a weakened line, the separation line disconnects the unitary deformable
member from
the first panel, and the weakened line connects the unitary deformable member
to the second
panel such that the unitary deformable member may be displaceable from the
plane of the
second panel.
Optionally, the weakened line comprises at least two cut lines and at least
three connecting
nicks for connecting the unitary deformable member with the second panel along
the cut.
Optionally, first and second ones of the at least three connecting nicks
connect the unitary
deformable member with the second panel at the opposed side edges of the
opening, a third
one of the at least three connecting nicks connects the unitary deformable
member with the
second panel at the adjacent end edge of the opening.
Optionally, the first panel is a top panel of a carton. Optionally, the first
panel is a bottom panel
of a carton. Optionally, the second panel is a side panel of a carton.
Optionally, the adjacent end edge of the opening is an upper edge. Optionally,
the adjacent end
edge of the opening is a lower edge.
- 3 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
A further aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more
articles. The
carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure
having an interior.
The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly
connected to the first
panel. The carton comprises an article-retaining device for receiving and
engaging a portion of
an article. The article-retaining device comprises an opening and a deformable
member. The
opening is formed, at least in part, in the second panel. The deformable
member is formed from
at least part of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously
across the
opening such that the deformable member is connected at its opposite side
edges to the second
panel by first and second joints respectively. The deformable member is
further connected at
one of its upper and lower edges to the second panel by a third joint.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or
more articles. The
carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure
having an interior.
The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly
connected to the first
panel. The carton comprises an article-retaining device for receiving and
engaging a portion of
an article. The article-retaining device comprises an opening formed, at least
in part, in the
second panel and a unitary deformable member formed from at least part of the
second panel.
The unitary deformable member extends continuously across the opening such
that the unitary
deformable member bridges between opposed side edges of the opening. The
unitary
deformable member further continuously extends to an adjacent end edge of the
opening.
Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended 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 considered or
taken
independently or in any combination thereof.
Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one
embodiment are
applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features.
One or more
features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined
with, any
of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted
from said one
embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more
features or
elements of said other embodiment.
- 4 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may
be extracted in
isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or
combination of
features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.
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 of a portion 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;
Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of
Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of a portion of a carton formed from
the blank
of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according
to a third
embodiment;
Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of
Figure 6;
and
Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a portion of a blank for forming a
carton according
to a fourth embodiment.
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
- 5 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
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, bottles or 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.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a plan view of a blank 110 capable of
forming a carton
or carrier 190, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for containing and carrying a
group of primary
products.
Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a plan view of a blank 210 capable of
forming a carton
or carrier 290, as shown in Figures 7, for containing and carrying a group of
primary products.
Referring to Figure 8 there is shown a plan view of a portion of a blank 310
capable of forming
a carton or carrier (not shown), for containing and carrying a group of
primary products.
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; 290 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. Exemplary containers include bottles B
(for example
metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins,
pouches, packets
and the like.
The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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.
- 6 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The packaging structures or cartons 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 embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 the blank 10 is configured to form
a carton or carrier
90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the
embodiments
illustrated the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated
embodiment two rows
of three articles B are provided and the articles B are 12oz (approx. 355m1)
aluminium beverage
cans.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the blanks 110; 210 are
configured to form a
carton or carrier 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary
articles B. In
the embodiments illustrated the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array; in the
illustrated
embodiment two rows of two articles B are provided, and the articles B are
16oz (approx.
473m1) beverage cans.
Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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.
The present invention relates generally to a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging
articles B which
carton 90; 190; 290 comprises an article retention structure.
- 7 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
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 and second side panels 16, 20 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 first
base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part M of the complementary
locking mechanism.
The second base panel 24 may comprise at least one second part F 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 first base panel 12. 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 Al;
the first apertures Al may be defined at least in part by a tab foldably or
severably connected
to a respective one of the first and second base panels 12, 24. In the
illustrated embodiment,
the first base panel 12 comprises two first apertures Al, and the second base
panel 24 comprises
three first apertures Al. Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24
may comprise at
- 8 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base
panel 12 comprises
one second aperture A2. The first and second apertures Al, A2 may be employed
to facilitate
construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with
the first and
second apertures Al. 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 Al, 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 first apertures Al are substantially triangular in shape.
The second aperture A2 may be substantially oval in shape, or stadium shaped,
and comprise
a notch or recess extending from one side thereof. The notch or recess is
provided on a side of
the oval facing the free end edge of the first base panel 12.
The blank 10 comprises at least one article engagement structure N (also
referred to herein as
article-retaining device) for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an
article B, or, in
alternative embodiments, for engaging with a shoulder or upper portion of an
article B. The
blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 illustrates article engagement structures N
engaging with the
heels of articles B and are referred to herein as heel engagement structures
N. 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 and in the first corner panel 14.
The heel engagement stnicture N comprises an opening; the opening is defined,
at least in part,
in the first side panel 16. The opening may also be defined, at least in part,
in the first corner
panel 14.
The heel engagement structure N comprises a deformable member formed from at
least part of
the first side panel 16. The deformable member may also be formed from at
least part of the
first corner panel 14. The deformable member extends continuously across the
opening such
- 9 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
that the deformable member is connected at opposing side ends or edges to the
first side panel
16, or first corner panel 14 when present, by first and second joints J1, J2
respectively.
The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 16 along an
adjacent edge by a
third joint J5/J6. In the illustrated embodiment the adjacent edge defines an
upper end or edge
of the deformable member. In other embodiments the adjacent edge may define a
lower end or
edge of the deformable member.
The deformable member may comprise a first expansion slit 45 in the form of a
first cut or
severable line 45. The first cut line 45 divides the deformable member into a
major tab or
portion 42 and a minor tab or portion 44a/44b.
The major portion 42 is connected to the first side panel 16, or first corner
panel 14 when
present, by the first and second joints J1, J2. The minor portion 44a/44b is
connected to the
first side panel 16 by the third joint J5/J6.
The deformable member may comprise a second expansion slit 47 in the form of a
second cut
or severable line 47. The second cut line 47 divides the minor portion 44a/44b
into a first minor
tab 44a and a second minor tab 44b. First and second minor tabs 44a, 44b are
also referred to
herein as half minor portions 44a, 44b.
The deformable member is defined in part by a first separation line 43. The
first separation line
43 may take the form of a cutline or severable line 43. The first separation
line 43 disconnects
the deformable member from the blank 10. The first separation line 43 may
disconnect the
deformable member from the first side panel 16, the first corner panel 14 or
the first base panel
12 or any combination thereof.
The first separation line 43 may comprise an arcuate portion at each end
thereof. Each of the
arcuate portions interrupt or intersect the fold line 13; a section of the
arcuate portions may be
collinear with the fold line 13 and may be contiguous with the fold line 13
and fold line 41. In
this way the fold line 41 is separated from the fold line 13 by the first
separation line 43,
specifically the arcuate portions.
- 1 0 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The deformable member is defined in part by a pair of second separation lines
49a, 49b. Each
of the pair of second separation lines 49a, 49b may take the form of a cutline
or severable line.
The pair of second separation lines 49a, 49b may be substantially
shaped. A first one of
the pair of second separation lines 49a is spaced apart from a second one of
the pair of second
separation lines 49a. The third joint J556 is defined between terminal ends of
the pair of second
separation lines 49a, 49b.
The first one of the pair of second separation lines 49a extends between the
first joint J1 and
the third joint .15/.16.
The second one of the pair of second separation lines 49b extends between the
second joint J2
and the third joint J5/J6.
The first expansion slit 45 extends substantially between opposed side edges
of the deformable
member. The first expansion slit 45 comprises a first end proximate the first
one of the pair of
second separation lines 49a and extends across the deformable member to a
second opposite
end disposed proximate the second one of the pair of second separation lines
49b. The first and
second terminal ends of the first expansion slit 45 are disposed within the
deformable member.
The first end of the expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from the first one of
the pair of second
separation lines 49a such that the major portion 42 is connected to the first
minor tab 44a by a
fourth joint J3. The second end of the expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from
the second one of
the pair of second separation lines 49b such that the major portion 42 is
connected to the second
minor tab 44b by a fifth joint J4.
In this way the major and minor portions can he considered to he partially
severed from each
other, the fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 provide connecting nicks or bridges
therebetween.
The fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 may lie upon a notional line defined by the
fold line 15.
The second expansion slit 47 may extend from the first expansion slit 45
toward the third joint
J5/J6.
- 1 1 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The second expansion slit 47 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into sixth and
seventh joints J5,
J6. The first minor tab 44a is connected to the first side panel 16 by the
sixth joint J5. The
second minor tab 44b is connected to the first side panel 16 by the seventh
joint J6.
The first expansion slit 45 and second expansion slit 47 define a "T" shaped
cut line.
It will be appreciated that the article-retaining device comprises a unitary
deformable member
formed from at least part of the first side panel 16 and/or first corner panel
14, when present.
The unitary deformable member extends continuously across the opening such
that the unitary
deformable member bridges between opposed side edges of the opening.
Additionally, the
unitary deformable member continuously extend to one of upper and lower end
edges of the
opening.
The deformable member can be considered to be defined or circumscribed by a
separation line
43 and a weakened line. The weakened line comprises the pair of second
separation lines 49a,
49b, the first joint J 1, the second joint J2, the sixth joint J5 and the
seventh joint J6. The
separation line 43 disconnects the deformation member from the first base
panel 12. The
weakened line connects the deformable member to the first side panel 16 and/or
first corner
panel 14 (when present) via three or more connecting nicks provided by the
joints J1, J2, J5,
J6. In this way the deformable member may be displaceable from the plane of
the first side
panel 16 and/or first corner panel 14, when present.
The opening may be defined in part by a heel tab 40. The heel tab 40 is
hingedly connected to
the first base panel 12 by a fold line 41. The heel tab 40 may be struck, at
least in part, from
the first corner panel 14, when present, or from the first side panel 16. The
heel tab 40 may be
struck, at least in part, from the first base panel 12.
The fold line 41 interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the first
base panel 12 to the
first corner panel 14. The fold line 41 may be non-linear, in the illustrated
embodiment the fold
line 41 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed
from at least two
linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and
contiguous with each other.
The heel tab 40 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines (not
shown in Figure 1)
which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 40.
- 12 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The heel tab 40 is defined in part by the first separation line 43, or at
least a part thereof. The
first separation line 43 is common to both the heel tab 40 and the deformable
member or major
tab 42.
The heel tab 40 is narrower in width than the deformable member. The heel tab
40 is narrower
in width than the major tab 42 and the heel tab 40 is narrower in width than
the combined width
of the pair of minor tabs 44a, 44b.
In the blank 10 form, or when the heel engagement structure N is in an
undeployed condition,
the opening is closed by the deformable member -major and minor tabs 42, 44a,
44b- and the
heel tab 40.
The top panel 18 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle
structure H
comprises a pair of foldable finger tabs 60a, 60b. The finger tabs 60a, 60b
are spaced apart
from each other. The finger tabs 60a, 60b are hingedly connected to the top
panel 18 by fold
lines 61a, 61b and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line 63a,
63b. A first one of the
finger tabs 60a is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 in opposition to a
second one of the
finger tabs 60b.
Each of the 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 in the first and second side panels 16, 20 and the top panel 18 and
partial or minor cut-
outs in the first and second base panels 12, 24.
A first cut-out is defined in the top panel 18 around the midway along each of
its opposed end
edges. A second cut-out is defined in each end edge of the first side panel
16_ A third cut-out
is defined in each end edge of the second side panel 20.
A partial or minor cut-out 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 or
projections each interposed between adjacent ones of the cut-outs.
- 13 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
As illustrated in Figure 1, a first upper projection is positioned astride the
adjacent fold line 17.
A second upper projection is positioned astride the adjacent fold line 19.
A first lower projection is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 13, 15.
A second lower
projection is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 21, 23.
Each of the first and second upper projections provided material for forming,
or assisting 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 projections 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 projection comprises an anchoring panel 26a,
26b, 36a, 36b
hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel 16, 20 along a fold line 25a,
35b, 39a, 39b. Each
upper projection comprises a gusset panel 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly
connected to the
anchoring panel 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.
Each upper projection comprises a web panel 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b (also referred
herein as a top
end closure panel) hingedly connected to the gusset panel 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b
along an extension
29a, 29b, 35a, 35b of respective one of the fold lines 17, 19. Each upper
projection comprises
a covering portion that is integrally formed with the top panel 18. Each web
panel 30a, 30b,
32a, 32b is hingedly connected to the respective covering portion by a fold
line 31a, 3 lb, 33a,
33b.
The blank 10 may comprise a corner folding arrangement, in the illustrated
embodiment a
gusseted corner arrangement is provided which is free of a punched-out
opening. An opening
or aperture is usually placed in comer gusset panels to facilitate folding of
the gusset panels
see, for example, US20150225155 to Ikeda. Such openings create pieces of scrap
paper board
which need to be separated from the blank 10, in high-speed die-cutting and
blanking processes
the scrap pieces may tend to hang or snag on the blank 10 or they may be
scattered around the
die cutting station. These rogue scrap pieces may find their way into
subsequent packaging
machinery where they may interfere with the assembly process causing jams or
downtime.
They may cause damage to the machinery or packages.
- 14 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The blank 10 comprises four corner folding arrangements at each corner of the
top panel 18,
the corner folding arrangements are substantially the same and will be
described with regard
to an enlarged view of one of the corner arrangements shown in Figure 1.
The corner folding arrangement comprises a severance line 70 in the form of a
cut line. The
severance line 70 extends across or intersects the fold line 19 between the
top panel 18 and the
second side panel 20, this fold line is also referred to herein as second fold
line 19.
The severance line 70 extends from the fold line 39h between the second side
panel 20 and an
anchoring panel 36b, the fold line 39b is also referred to herein as fourth
fold line 39b.
The severance line 70 extends towards the fold line 33b between the top panel
18 and an end
flap 32b. The severance line 70 may extend to the fold line 33b between the
top panel 18 and
an end flap 32b. The severance line 70 extends beyond or past the fold line
33b between the
top panel 18 and an end flap 32b so as to extend into the top panel 18. The
fold line 33b is also
referred to herein as first fold line 33b.
The severance line 70 extends across or through the fold line 35b between the
top end closure
panel 32b and the gusset panel 34b, this fold line is also referred to herein
as third fold line
35b.
The severance line 70 extends across or through the fold line 37b between
anchoring panel 36b
and the gusset panel 34b, this fold line is also referred to herein as fifth
fold line 37b.
The severance line 70 can be considered to intersect or terminate each of the
first, second, third,
fourth and fifth fold lines 3311, 19, 35h, 39h, 37h.
The severance line 70 in the illustrated embodiment is non-linear and may be
curvilinear. In
other embodiments the severance line 70 may be defined by two or more linear
sections
divergently arranged with respect to each other. In still other embodiments
the severance line
70 may be linear. In embodiments in which the severance line 70 is linear the
severance line
70 may be divergently arranged with respect to the first and/or fourth fold
lines 33b, 39b. The
- 15 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
severance line 70 may be divergently arranged with respect to second fold line
19 and may be
obliquely oriented thereto.
The severance line 70 extends between the first fold line 33b and fourth fold
line 39b.
The severance line 70 bypasses a notional intersection or vertex between a
notional extension
of the first fold line 33b and the second fold line 19 such that the notional
intersection is located
on one side of the severance line 70. The notional intersection is located on
a first side of the
severance line 70 and anchor and gusset panels 36b, 34b are located on a
second, opposing,
side of the severance line 70. The notional intersection may be spaced apart
from the anchor
and gusset panels 36b, 34b.
The third fold line 39b may intersect or pass through the notional vertex.
Notional extensions
of the fourth and fifth fold lines 39b, 37b may intersect or pass through the
notional vertex.
The fifth fold line 37h may be interrupted by a "U" shaped cut line 43b to
define a tab portion
struck from material which would otherwise form the gusset panel 34b. The tab
portion is
integral with the anchor panel 36b.
The severance line 70 intersects with the third fold line 35b at a first
intersection. The first
intersection is disposed at a position closer to the gusset panel 34b than the
notional intersection
of the first fold line 33b and second fold line 19.
In an alternative embodiment of the corner folding arrangement the severance
line 70 may
comprise an extension, the extension extends the severance line 70 further
into the top panel
18. Whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the severance line 70 terminates in
the top panel
18 at a location substantially lying upon a notional extension of the fourth
fold line 39b in the
alternative embodiment the extension extends the severance line 70 beyond the
notional
extension of fourth fold line 39b. In further alternative embodiments the
severance line 70 may
terminate at other locations, and may terminate at the end edge of the top
panel 18 defined by
the first fold line 33b. It some embodiments the severance line 70 may extend
into the second
side panel 20.
- 16 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
Folding of each upper tab is achieved during the erection of the carton. To
form a top end
closure structure out of each upper tab, the anchoring panel 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 panel 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 panel 26a, 261,, 36a, 3611 causes the gusset panel
28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to
be folded outwardly about the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b so that the gusset
panel 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 panel 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is
caused to fold
downwardly along the fold line 31a, 31h, 33a, 3311 and is thereby brought to a
folded position
where it extends between the fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and the outer edge
of the gusset panel
28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The top end closure 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 projection serves to provide sufficient material in which the
adjacent heel
engagement structure N and its associated opening is defined. More
particularly, the heel
engagement structure N adjacent to each lower projection is positioned such
that sufficient
material surrounds the heel engagement structure N even when the opening
extends into that
lower projection. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank
10 is manipulated
so that each opening receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain
said article B within
the carton 90. The heel tabs 40 may also be folded internally of the carton 90
to engage a
portion of an article to assist in retaining the articles B. The heel tabs 40
may be received in a
recess in the lower (or upper) end of the article B.
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 3 x 2 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.
- 17 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The first and second side walls 16, 22 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.
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 with
folding the first and second side walls 16, 20 with respect to the top panel
18, to form the top
end closure 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 comer panels 14, 22 are folded, with respect to the
respective one of the
first and second side walls 16, 20 about fold lines 15, 21 respectively, about
the heels or lower
portions of adjacently disposed articles B.
The heel tabs 40 may folded out of the plane of the first and second comer
panels 14, 22, about
fold line 41, prior to folding the first and second corner panels 14, 22 the
respective one of the
first and second side walls 16, 20.
The second base panel 24 is folded about the fold line 23 so as to be disposed
adjacent the base
of the group of articles B, the first base panel 12 is then folded about the
fold line 13 so as to
be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 24;
in doing so each
of the heel tabs 40 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 first base panel 12. In so doing,
each of the female
tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the second
base panel 24. 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.
- 18 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The assembled carton 90, or at least a portion thereof, is shown in Figure 2.
It can be observed
that the deformable member has been displaced relative to the adjacent regions
of the carton
90. The deformable member may be bent or bowed outwardly at it centre so as to
appear convex
when viewed from an external vantage point. Region of the deformable member
surrounding
the first separation line 45 may deform such that the first separation line 45
opens up to create
an aperture in therein. The pair of second separation lines 49a, 4911 and the
second expansion
slit 47 may open up similarly so as to relieve stress in blank 10 and
deformable member.
The major tab 42 and minor tabs 44a, 44b may provide some degree of protection
to the portion
of the article B received in the opening.
The article-retaining devices may be advantageous in that the allow creation
of openings in the
blank 10 or carton 90 without creating pieces of scrap material (paper board)
which need to be
separated from the blank 10. In high-speed die-cutting and blanking processes
such scrap
pieces may tend to hang or snag on the blank 10 or they may be scattered
around the die cutting
station. Rogue scrap pieces may find their way into subsequent packaging
machinery where
they may interfere with the assembly process causing jams or downtime. They
may cause
damage to the machinery or packages.
Referring now to Figures 3 to 5 there is shown an alternative embodiment of
the present
disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment, 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.
Turning to Figure 3, there is illustrated a blank 110 for forming a carton
190, as shown in
Figures 4 and 5, according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a
plurality of
main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 12R for forming a tubular
structure. The
plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128
comprises; a first base
panel 112, a first lower corner panel 114, a first side panel 116, a first
upper corner panel 118,
a top panel 120, a second upper corner panel 122, a second side panel 124, a
second corner side
panel 126, and a second base panel 128. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116,
118, 120, 122,
124, 126, 128 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by
corresponding fold
lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123.
- 19 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The first base panel 112 is hinged to the first lower corner panel 114 by a
hinged connection in
the form of a fold line 113. The first lower corner panel 114 is hinged to the
first side panel
116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115. The first side
panel 116 is hinged to
the first upper corner panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold
line 117. The first
upper corner panel 118 is hinged to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection
in the form of a
fold line 119. The top panel 120 is hinged to the second upper corner panel
122 by a hinged
connection in the form of a fold line 121. The second upper corner panel 122
is hinged to the
second side panel 124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123.
The second side
panel 124 is hinged to the second lower corner panel 126 by a hinged
connection in the form
of a fold line 125. The second lower corner panel 126 is hinged to the second
base panel 128
by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127.
The first upper corner panel 118 and the first lower side panel 114 form a
first side wall 114/116
of a carton 190. The second upper side panel 120 and the second lower side
panel 122 form a
second side wall 120/122 of a carton 190.
The first and second lower corner panels 114, 126 may be considered to form
lower portions
of the respective one of the first or second side panels 116, 124 (or marginal
portions of the
first or second base panel 112, 128) to which they are hingedly connected.
The first and second upper corner panels 118, 122 may be considered to form
upper portions
of the respective one of the first or second side panels 116, 124 (or marginal
portions of the top
panel 120) to which they are hingedly connected.
In alternative embodiments, the first and second lower corner panels 114, 126
may be omitted,
the fold lines 115, 125 may be omitted. The first and second upper corner
panels 118, 122 may
be omitted, the fold lines 117, 123 may be omitted.
The blank 110 may comprise at least one article retention device Ti, T2, T3,
T4 for engaging
an upper end of the articles B. The blank 110 illustrated in Figure 3
comprises four article
retention devices Ti, T2, T3, T4.
Each of the article retention devices Ti, T2, T3, T4 comprises a flap 170
hingedly connected
to the top panel 120. First and second article engagement structures Ti, T2
each comprise a
- 20 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 to a first end of the top
panel 120. Third and
fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 each comprise a flap 170 hingedly
connected to
the top panel 120 to a second end of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2 are
inset from a first
outer edge of the blank 110.
The first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2 may be inset with
respect to a first
end edge of the first or second side panels 116, 124.
The first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2 may be inset with
respect to marginal
edge portions of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2 may
be inset from a
first free end edge of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 are
inset from a
second outer edge of the blank 110.
The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with
respect to a second
end edge of the first or second side panels 116, 124.
The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with
respect to marginal
edge portions of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may
be inset from a
second free end edge of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures Ti, T2, T3, T4 do not
extend beyond the
footprint of the top panel 120. The flaps 170 of the article engagement
structures Ti, T2, T3,
T4 are contained entirely within the footprint of the top panel 120.
The flaps 170 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 120.
- 21 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures Ti, T2, T3, T4 do not
extend beyond edges
of the blank 110 defined, at least in part, by the first and second side
panels 116. 124.
Marginal portions of the top panel 120 hingedly connected to each of the first
and second side
panels 116, 124, or first and second upper corner panels 118, 122 when
present, are equal in
length to the first and second side panels 116, 124 (or first and second upper
corner panels 118,
122) and to the bottom panels 112, 128 or at leasi portions of the bottom
panels 112, 128; said
at least portions of the bottom panels 112, 128 may be marginal portions each
being hingedly
to one of the first and second side panels 116, 124, or first and second lower
corner panels 114,
126 when present.
A first recess is provided in the first end of the top panel 120, the flaps
170 of the first and
second article engagement structures Ti, T2 can be considered to be located in
the first recess.
The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2
define, in part, the
first recess and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 120 increase
the size of the first
recess.
The first recess is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 170 and
wing tabs 172
when present.
The first recess is defined only in the top panel 120 and does not extend into
the first and second
side panels 116, 14 or first and second upper corner panels 118, 122.
The flap 170 of the first article engagement structure Ti is hingedly
connected to the top panel
120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is obliquely
oriented with
respect to the fold line 119 hinging the top panel 120 to the first upper
corner panel 118.
The flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 is hingedly
connected to the top
panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is
obliquely oriented
with respect to the fold line 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the second
upper corner panel
122.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the first article engagement
structure Ti to the top
panel 120 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 171 hinging
the flap 170 of the
- 22 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 120. The fold line 171
hinging the flap
170 of the first article engagement structure Ti to the top panel 120 and the
fold line 171
hinging the flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top
panel 120 define
an angle therebetween the angle may be less than 120 and in some embodiments
may be
around 1100. The angle may be greater than 80 and may be greater than 900.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the first article engagement
structure Ti to the top
panel 120 and the fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the second article
engagement structure
T2 to the top panel 120 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the
top panel 120.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the first article engagement
structure Ti to the top
panel 120 and the fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the second article
engagement structure
T2 to the top panel 120 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle
of the top panel
120.
In this way the flap 170 of the first article engagement structure Ti and the
flap 170 of the
second article engagement structure T2 fold away from each other.
A second recess is provided in the second end of the top panel 120, the flaps
170 of the third
and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 can be considered to be
located in the second
recess. The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures
T3, T4 define, in
part, the second recess and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 120
increase the size
of the second recess.
The second recess is defined only in the top panel 120 and does not extend
into the first and
second side panels 116, 124 or first and second upper corner panels 118, 122.
The second recess is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 170 and
wing tabs 172
when present.
The flap 170 of the third article engagement structure T3 is hingedly
connected to the top panel
120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is obliquely
oriented with
respect to the fold line 119 hinging the top panel 120 to the first upper
corner panel 118.
- 23 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The flap 170 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 is hingedly
connected to the top
panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is
obliquely oriented
with respect to the fold line 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the second
upper corner panel
122.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the third article engagement
structure T3 to the top
panel 120 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 171 hinging
the flap 170 of the
fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 120.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the third article engagement
structure T3 to the top
panel 120 and the fold line 171 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth article
engagement structure
T4 to the top panel 120 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the
top panel 120.
The fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the third article engagement
structure T3 to the top
panel 120 and the fold line 171 hinging the flap 170 of the fourth article
engagement structure
T4 to the top panel 120 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle
of the top panel
120.
In the blank form the flaps 170 define, in part, free end edges of the top
panel 120. The edge
portions of the top panel 120 defined by the flaps 170 are arcuate or
curvilinear in shape.
The flap 170 of each of the first, second, third and fourth article engagement
structures Ti, T2,
T3, T4 is partially defined by at least one cut which separates that flap 170
from the top panel
120.
A first cut extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 171 to the
respective one of the first
and second recesses. The first cut may separate the flap 170 from a portion of
the top panel
120, said portion of the top panel 120 may be provided by a cushioning flap
160a, 160b of a
handle structure.
A second cut is disposed between the flap 170 and a respective one of the
adjacently disposed
fold lines 119, 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the first or second side
panel 116, 124 (or first
or second upper corner panel 118, 122 when present).
- 24 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The first and second cut lines are divergently arranged with respect to each
other.
A first end edge of the top panel 120 which extends between the fold lines 171
of the flaps 170
of the first and second article engagement structures Ti, T2 is non-linear. It
may he arcuate or
curvilinear. The first end edge is convex such that it can be considered to
define a portion of
the top panel 120 protruding into the first recess. The first end edge may be
provided by a first
cushioning flap 160a of a handle structure.
A second end edge of the top panel 120 which extends between the fold lines
171 of the flaps
170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 is non-
linear. It may be arcuate
or curvilinear. The second end edge is convex such that it can be considered
to define a portion
of the top panel 120 protruding into the second recess. The second end edge
may be provided
by a second cushioning flap 160b of a handle structure.
Each of the article engagement structures Ti, T2, T3, T4 comprises a wing tab
172 hingedly
connected to the flap 170 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line
173.
The fold line 173 may form a keel when the article engagement structures Ti,
T2, T3, T4 are
in use engaging an article B. The keel may form a ridge to increase stability
or rigidity of the
article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, 14. The flap 170 and the wing tab
172 may adopt a
non-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to, when an article B
moves outwardly
through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B.
The wing tab 172
may fold with respect to the flap 170.
The fold line 173 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 171
and may define
an acute angle therebetween.
The wing tabs 172 are connected only to the flaps 170 and are free from
connection to the top
panel 120 other than the indirect connection by virtue of being coupled to the
flaps 170, that is
to say there is no direct connection of the wing tabs 172b to the top panel
120. The flaps 170
interconnect the wing tabs 172 and the top panel 120.
- 25 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
In the unfolded condition in the blank 110 the fold lines 173 are oriented
substantially parallel
with the fold lines 119, 121 hinging the side or upper corner panels 114. 124;
118, 122 to the
top panel 120.
When the flaps 170 are folded about their respective fold line 171 into face
to face relationship
with the top panel 120, the fold lines 173 may be obliquely oriented with
respect to the fold
lines 119, 121.
The blank 110 comprises at least one article engagement structure N (also
referred to herein as
article-retaining device) for engaging with a portion of an article B. The
blank 110 illustrated
in Figure 3 illustrates an article engagement structure N engaging with a heel
or lower portion
of an article B and is referred to herein as heel engagement structure N. The
blank 10 illustrated
in Figure 3 comprises four 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 and in the first corner panel 14.
The heel engagement structure N comprises an opening; the opening is defined
at least in part
in the first side panel 116. The opening may also be defined, at least in
part, in the first corner
panel 14.
The heel engagement structure N comprises a deformable member formed from at
least part of
the first side panel 116. The deformable member may also be formed from at
least part of the
first corner panel 114. The deformable member extends continuously across the
opening such
that the deformable member is connected at opposing side ends or edges to the
first side panel
116, or first corner panel 114 when present, by first and second joints J1, J2
respectively.
The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 116 along an
adjacent edge by a
third joint J5/J6. In the embodiment illustrated the adjacent edge defines an
upper end or edge
of the deformable member. In other embodiments illustrated the adjacent edge
defines a lower
end or edge of the deformable member.
- 26 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
The deformable member may comprise a first expansion slit 145 in the form of a
first cut or
severable line 145. The first cut line 145 divides the deformable member into
a major tab or
portion 142 and a minor tab or portion 144a/144b.
The minor tabs 144a, 144b are defined at least in part by a respective
separation line 149a,
149b. The separation lines 149a, 149b are arranged such that the minor tabs
144a, 144b extend
further into the first side panel 116 than those of the embodiment of Figure
1. The separation
lines 149a, 149b comprise a linear section and an arcuate section arranged
contiguous
therewith.
The deformable member is spaced apart from the fold line 115, the fold line
115 terminates at
cut lines 151a, 151b which traverse the fold line 115. The cut lines 151a,
151b are arranged
perpendicular to the fold line 115. In this way an uninterrupted connection
between the first
corner panel 114 and the first side panel 116 is provided on opposing sides of
the deformable
member.
The heel tab 140 comprises a pair of crease or fold lines 153a, 153b. The
crease lines 153a,
153b may be defined in part by a cut line 153a, 153b. The crease lines 153a,
153b are
divergently arranged with respect to each other and allow or facilitate
folding of corner or
marginal edge regions of the heel tab 140 with respect to a central or
intermediate region.
The heel tab 140, or at least a portion thereof, has a width equal to that of
the major tab 142 or
portion thereof. The heel tab 140 comprises a pair of opposing side edges
defined by a pair of
cut lines extending between the fold line 113 and the first separation line
143. Each of the pair
of cut lines may be perpendicular to the first separation line 143 or end
portion thereof. The
pair of cut lines may comprise linear portions which are divergently arranged
with respect to
each other. The linear portions may diverge towards the first separation line
143. The fold line
141 may extend between terminal ends of the pair of cut lines. A portion of
each of the pair of
cut lines may be collinear with the fold line 113 and may be contiguous with
the fold line 113
and fold line 141. In this way the fold line 141 is separated from the fold
line 113 by each of
the pair of cut lines.
The first and second joints J1, J2 of the deformable member of the embodiment
of Figure 3 are
spaced further from the fold line 113 than those of the embodiment of Figure
1.
- 27 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
Referring now to Figures 6 to 8 there are shown further alternative
embodiments of the present
disclosure. In the third and fourth illustrated embodiment, like numerals
have, where possible,
been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "200",
"300" to indicate
that these features belong to the third and fourth embodiments respectively.
The third and
fourth embodiments share many common features with the embodiments of Figures
1 to 5,
therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to
4 will be
described in any greater detail.
Figure 6 shows a blank 210 for forming a carrier 290 (see Figure 7) and
comprises a plurality
of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 for forming a tubular
structure. The plurality
of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 comprises; a first base panel
212, a first lower
corner panel 214, a first side panel 216, a top panel 218, a second side panel
220, a second
lower corner panel 222, and a second base panel 224. The plurality of panels
212, 214, 216,
218, 220, 222, 224 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next
by corresponding
fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 223.
The first base panel 212 comprises a first aperture Al and a third aperture
A3. First aperture
Al is substantially similar to those of the previous embodiments. The third
aperture A3 takes
the form of a truncated version of the second apertures A2 of the previous
embodiments. The
third aperture A3 may have a truncated oval shape with a notch or recess
extending from one
side. The oval shape may be truncated at an oblique angle to the fold line 213
and is truncated
at an end adjacent to a free side edge of the blank 210. In this way the third
aperture A3 is
spaced apart from the free side edge of the blank 210, this may improve the
strength and/or
durability of the carton 190, reducing the likelihood of tear propagation in
the first base panel
212.
The blank 210 comprises an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H
comprises a
single foldable finger tab 260. The finger tab 260 is hingedly connected to
the top panel 218
by a fold line 261 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 263.
The finger tab 260
is disposed centrally in the top panel 218.
Figure 8 shows a portion of a blank 310 for forming a carrier (not shown), the
blank 310
comprises a plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316. The plurality of main
panels 312, 314, 316
- 28 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
comprises; a first panel 312, a second panel 316, and an optional third panel
314. The plurality
of main panels 312, 314, 316, may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to
the next by
corresponding fold lines 313, 315.
In some embodiments the third panel 316 may be omitted, in such embodiments
the fold line
315 may be omitted.
The blank 310 comprises at least one article-retaining device N for engaging
with a portion of
an article B.
The article-retaining device N comprises an opening; the opening is defined at
least in part in
the second panel 316. When the third panel 314 is present the opening is
defined at least in part
in the third panel 314.
The article-retaining device N comprises a deformable member formed from at
least part of the
second panel 316 and/or third panel 314. The deformable member extends
continuously across
the opening such that the deformable member is connected at opposing side ends
or edges to
the third panel 14, or second panel 316 when the third panel 314 is omitted,
by first and second
joints J1, J2 respectively.
The deformable member is connected to the second panel 316 along an adjacent
edge by a third
joint J5/J6. The adjacent edge may define an upper or lower end (or edge) of
the deformable
member.
The deformable member may comprise a first expansion slit 345 in the form of a
first cut or
severable line 345. The first cut line 345 divides the deformable member into
a major tab or
portion 342 and a minor tab or portion 344a/34411.
The major portion 342 is connected to the third panel 314 (second panel 316
when the third
panel 314 is omitted) by the first and second joints J1, J2. The minor portion
344a/344b is
connected to the second panel 316 by the third joint J5/J6.
The deformable member may comprise a second expansion slit 347 in the form of
a second cut
or severable line 347. The second cut line 347 divides the minor portion
344a/344b into a first
- 29 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
minor tab 344a and a second minor tab 344b. First and second minor tabs 344a,
344b are also
referred to herein as half minor portions 344a, 344b.
The deformable member is defined in part by a first separation line 343. The
first separation
line 343 may take the form of a cutline or severable line 343. The first
separation line 343
disconnects the deformable member from the blank 310. The first separation
line 343 may
disconnect the deformable member from the first panel 312, the second panel
316, the third
panel 314 or any combination thereof.
The first separation line 343 may comprise an arcuate portion at each end
thereof. Each of the
arcuate portions interrupt or intersect the fold line 313, a section of the
arcuate portions may
be collinear with the fold line 313 and may be contiguous with the fold line
313 and fold line
341. In this way the fold line 341 is separated from the fold line 313 by the
first separation line
343, specifically the arcuate portions.
The deformable member is defined in part by a pair of second separation lines
349a, 349b.
Each of the pair of second separation lines 349a, 349b may take the form of a
cutline or
severable line.
The pair of second separation lines 349a, 349b may be substantially -L"
shaped. A first one of
the pair of second separation lines 349a is spaced apart from a second one of
the pair of second
separation lines 349a. The third joint J5/J6 is defined between terminal ends
of the pair of
second separation lines 349a, 349b.
The first one of the pair of second separation lines 349a extends between the
first joint J1 and
the third joint J 5/J 6.
The second one of the pair of second separation lines 349b extends between the
second joint
J2 and the third joint J5/J6.
The first expansion slit 345 extends substantially between opposed side edges
of the
deformable member. The first expansion slit 345 comprises a first end
proximate the first one
of the pair of second separation lines 349a and extends across the deformable
member to a
second opposite end disposed proximate the second one of the pair of second
separation lines
- 30 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
349b. The first and second terminal ends of the first expansion slit 345 are
disposed within the
deformable member.
The first end of the expansion slit 345 is spaced apart from the first one of
the pair of second
separation lines 349a such that the major portion 342 is connected to the
minor portion
344a/344b by a fourth joint J3. The second end of the expansion slit 345 is
spaced apart from
the second one of the pair of second separation lines 349b such that the major
portion 342 is
connected to the minor portion 344a/344b by a fifth joint J4.
In this way the major and minor portions can be considered to be partially
severed from each
other, the fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 provide connecting nicks or bridges
therebetween.
The fourth and fifth joints J3, J4 may lie upon a notional line defined by the
fold line 315.
The second expansion slit 347 may extend from the first expansion slit 345
toward the third
joint J5/J6.
The second expansion slit 347 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into sixth and
seventh joints J5,
J6. The first minor tab 344a is connected to the second panel 316 by the sixth
joint J5. The
second minor tab 344b is connected to the second panel 316 by the seventh
joint J6.
The first expansion slit 345 and second expansion slit 347 define a "T" shape.
It will be appreciated that the article-retaining device N comprises a unitary
deformable
member formed from at least part of the second panel 316 and/or third panel
314 when present.
The unitary deformable member extends continuously across the opening such
that the unitary
deformable member bridges between opposed side edges of the opening.
Additionally, the
unitary deformable member continuously extend to one of upper and lower end
edges of the
opening.
The deformable member can be considered to be defined or circumscribed by a
separation line
343 and a weakened line. The weakened line comprises the pair of second
separation lines
349a, 349b, the first joint J1, the second joint J2, the sixth joint J5 and
the seventh joint J6. The
separation line 343 disconnects the deformation member from the first panel
312. The
weakened line connects the deformable member to the second panel 316 and/or
third panel 314
- 31 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
(when present) via three or more connecting nicks provided by the joints J1,
J2, J5, J6. In this
way the deformable member may be displaceable from the plane of the second
panel 316 and/or
third panel 314, when present.
In the embodiment of Figure 8 the heel tab is omitted. The first separation
line 343 defines at
least in part a projection or lobe 346 extending from the first panel 312. The
lobe 346 is integral
with the first panel 312. The lobe 346, when the article-retaining device is
in use, may extend
over or under an end of an article B being engaged. The lobe 346 may provide a
protective
cover to a portion of the article B protruding through the opening of the
article-retaining device.
In the blank 310 form, or when the article-retaining device N is in an
undeployed condition,
the opening is closed by the deformable member ¨by the major and minor tabs
342, 344a, 344b-
and by the lobe 346.
When the article-retaining device N is in a deployed condition the opening is
formed in the
second panel 316 to receive an article B. The first separation line 343 may
open to form an
aperture between the deformable member (major tab 342) and the lobe 346. The
first expansion
slit 345 may open to form a slot or aperture in the deformable member, between
the major tab
342 and the minor tabs 344a, 344b. The second expansion slit 347 may open to
form a slot or
aperture in the deformable member, between the minor tabs 344a, 344b.
The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging one or
more articles B and
a blank 10; 110; 210; 310 for forming the carton 90; 190; 290. The carton 90;
190; 290 and/or
blank 10; 110; 210; 310 comprise a first panel 12, 24; 112, 128; 212, 224; 312
and a second
panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 hingedly
connected to the
first panel 12, 24; 112, 128; 212, 224; 312.
The carton 90; 190; 290 and/or blank 10; 110; 210; 310 comprises an article-
retaining device
N for receiving and engaging a portion of an article B. The article-retaining
device N comprises
an opening and a deformable member. The opening is defined at least in part in
the second
panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 and the
deformable member
is formed from at least part of the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116,
124/126; 214/216,
220/222; 314/316. The deformable member extends continuously across the
opening such that
the deformable member is connected at its opposite side edges to the second
panel by first and
- 32 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
second joints respectively J1, J2. The deformable member is further connected
at an adjacent
end edge to the second panel by a third joint J5/J6.
The deformable member may be disconnected from the first panel 12, 24; 112,
128; 212, 224;
312 by a separation line 43; 143; 243; 343.
The deformable member may be defined at least by a pair of first and second
cut lines 49a,
49b; 149a, 149b; 249a, 249b; 349a, 349b, the first cut line 49a; 149a; 249a;
349a extends
between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6, the second cut line 49b;
149b; 249b; 349b
extends between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/.16.
The deformable member may comprise a first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345.
The first
expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 extends from a first end thereof near the
first cut line 49a;
149a; 249a; 349a to a second opposite end thereof near the second cut line 45;
145; 245; 345,
the first and second terminal ends are disposed within the deformable member.
The first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 may divide the deformable member
into a major
portion 42; 142; 242; 342 and a minor portion 44a/44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b;
344a/344b. The
major portion 42; 142; 242; 342 is connected to the second panel 14/16, 20/22;
114/116,
124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by the first and second joints H, J2. The
minor portion
44a/44b; 144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b is connected to the second panel
14/16, 20/22;
114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by the third joint J5/J6.
The first end of the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 is spaced apart
from the first cut line
49a; 149a; 249a; 349a such that major portion 42; 142; 242; 342 and minor
portion 44a/44b;
144a/144b; 244a/244b; 344a/344b are yet partially connected by a fourth joint
J3. The second
end of the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 is spaced apart from the
second cut line 45;
145; 245; 345 such that major portion 42; 142; 242; 342 and minor portion
44a/44b; 144a/144b;
244a/244b; 344a/344b are yet partially connected by a fifth joint J4.
The deformable member may further comprise a second expansion slit 47; 147;
247; 347
extending from the first expansion slit 45; 145; 245; 345 toward the third
joint J5/J6. The
second expansion slit 47; 147; 247; 347 divides the minor portion 44a/44b;
144a/144b;
244a/244b; 344a/344b into a pair of half minor portions 44a, 44b; 144a, 144b;
244a, 244b;
- 33 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
344a, 3446 and further divides the third joint J5/J6 into a sixth joint J5 and
a seventh joint J6
such that one of the half minor portions 44a; 144a; 244a; 344a is connected to
the second panel
14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by the sixth joint
J5 and the other
half minor portion 44b; 144b; 244b; 344b is connected to the second panel
14/16, 20/22;
114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 by the seventh joint J6.
The present disclosure also provides an article-retaining device N for
receiving and engaging
a portion of an article B. The article-retaining device N comprises an opening
defined at least
in part in the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222;
314/316. The
article-retaining device N comprises a unitary deformable member formed from
at least part of
the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316.
The unitary
deformable member extends continuously across the opening such that the
unitary deformable
member bridges between opposed side edges of the opening. The unitary
deformable member
further continuously extending to an adjacent end edge of the opening.
The unitary deformable member may be defined or circumscribed by a separation
line 43; 143;
243; 343 and a weakened line J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2; J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b,
J2; J1, 249a, J5,
J6, 249b, J2; J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2. The separation line 43; 143; 243;
343 disconnects the
unitary deformable member from the first panel. The weakened line J1, 49a, J5,
J6, 49b, J2; J1,
149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2; E, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2; E, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2
connects the unitary
deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216,
220/222;
314/316 such that the unitary deformable member may be displaceable from the
plane of the
second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316.
The weakened line J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2; J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2; J1,
249a, J5, J6, 249b,
J2; J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2 comprises at least two cut lines 49a, 49b;
149a, 149b; 249a, 249b;
349a, 3496 and at least three connecting nicks J1, J5, J6, J2 for connecting
the unitary
deformable member with the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126;
214/216, 220/222;
314/316 along the cut.
First and second ones J1, J2 of the at least three connecting nicks J1, J5,
J6, J2 may connect
the unitary deformable member with the second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116,
124/126;
214/216, 220/222; 314/316 at the opposed side edges of the opening. A third
one J5, J6 of the
at least three connecting nicks J1, J5, J6, J2 connects the unitary deformable
member with the
- 34 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
second panel 14/16, 20/22; 114/116, 124/126; 214/216, 220/222; 314/316 at the
adjacent end
edge of the opening.
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.
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, hut 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 tither 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 cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of
scores and any
combination of the aforesaid options.
- 35 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
WO 2021/142060
PCT/US2021/012415
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 cutline, an interrupted
cutline, 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.
- 36 -
CA 03164137 2022- 7-7
