TWI879815B - Carton and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the carrier. The carton comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings is formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.

Description

Cartons for packaging one or more articles and blanks for forming a carton

The present invention relates to cartons and blanks for forming such cartons, and in particular but not limited to a wrap-around carrier having an article receiving hole for receiving an article at a lower portion or heel.

In the packaging world, it is known that cartons are provided for carrying multiple items. Cartons are well known in the art and help consumers transport, store and access a group of items to be consumed. For cost and environmental reasons, such cartons or carriers should be formed with the least possible material and waste should be minimized. Other considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. The contents of the carton should be safe and secure once they are placed inside.

The cartons are suitably provided with a carrying handle structure which is strong enough to bear the load of the contents.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are usually made of materials such as paperboard.

A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a fold line. In addition, the carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings. Each of the openings has a portion formed on the side panel and another portion formed on the heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along an imaginary line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along an imaginary extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.

Optionally, the plurality of plates include a top plate, a bottom plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate.

Optionally, the first opening is located at a first distance from one end of the carton, and the second opening is located at a second distance from the other end of the carton, wherein the first distance is much smaller than the second distance.

Optionally, the carton further comprises a handle disposed on at least one top panel, the handle being substantially vertically aligned with the second opening when the carton is viewed from a side view.

Optionally, the plurality of bottom receiving holes further include a third orifice located at a third distance from the other end, and the second orifice is located between the first orifice and the third orifice, and the third distance is substantially equal to the first distance.

The second aspect of the present invention is to provide a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, and includes: a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a bottom panel hinged to the heel panel by a second fold line. In addition, the carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes containing first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings has a portion formed on the side panel and another portion formed on the heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge extending from the first fold line into the side wall panel and back to the first fold line, and the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to the first free edge to the point farthest from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end independently defined by a second free edge extending from the first fold line into the sidewall and back to the first fold line, and the second opening has a second maximum height extending from the second fold line to the second free edge at a point farthest from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

Optionally, the first opening is located at a first distance from one end of the carton, and the second opening is located at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and the first distance is much smaller than the second distance.

Optionally, the carton further comprises a handle disposed on at least one top panel, the handle being substantially vertically aligned with the second opening when the carton is viewed from a side view.

Optionally, the plurality of bottom receiving holes further include a third orifice located at a third distance from the other end, and the second orifice is located between the first orifice and the third orifice, and the third distance is substantially equal to the first distance.

Optionally, the first orifice has a first maximum width measured along an imaginary line parallel to the fold line, and the second orifice has a second maximum width measured along an imaginary extension of the fold line, and wherein the second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.

A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a blank for forming a carton. The blank includes a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a fold line. In addition, the blank includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings, each of which has a portion formed on the side panel and another portion formed on the heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along an imaginary line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along an imaginary extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width measured along the imaginary line parallel to the fold line.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide a blank for forming a carton. The blank includes a plurality of panels, namely, a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a bottom panel hinged to the heel panel by a second fold line. The carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings. Each of the first and second openings has a portion formed on the side panel and another portion formed on the heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge extending from the first fold line into the sidewall and back to the first fold line, and the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to the first free edge to a point farthest from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end independently defined by a second free edge extending from the first fold line into the sidewall and back to the first fold line, and the second opening has a second maximum height extending from the second fold line to the second free edge at a point farthest from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide a carton or blank for packaging one or more articles. The carton or blank includes a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a fold line. In addition, the carton or blank also includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings. Each of the openings is formed partially on the side panel and partially on the heel panel. The first opening includes a pair of opposing first side edges, and the second opening includes a pair of opposing second side edges, the pair of second side edges being arranged to diverge from each other and define a second angle therebetween, the second angle being greater than a first angle defined by the pair of first side edges.

Within the scope of the application of this case, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and options contained in the aforementioned content, the scope of the patent application and/or the following detailed description and drawings are all intended to be adopted individually or in combination.

Features or elements described in conjunction with one embodiment are applicable to all other embodiments unless they are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment herein, and such features or elements from that embodiment may also be included in, added to, or replace one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

A certain characteristic or a combination of several characteristics of an embodiment cited in this article may be used alone without using other characteristics of the embodiment. Alternatively, a certain characteristic or a combination of several characteristics of an embodiment may also be omitted from the embodiment.

10: Embryo slice

12: First base plate

14: First heel plate

16: First side panel

18: Top plate

20, 220: Second side plate

22: Second heel plate

24: Second bottom plate

13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, 35a, 35b, 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b, 43, 43a, 43b, 53, 61a, 61b, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 221, 223, 321, 323: fold line

26a, 26b, 36a, 36b: Anchoring part

28a, 28b, 34a, 34b: Corner support

30a, 30b, 32a, 32b: web part

42: Heel tongue

52: Finger guard

72c: Second lower tongue

55, 62a, 62b, 93: cutting line or cutting line

80a, 80b, 82a, 82b: Covering part

84, 86: Lapel

88: Pressure release tongue

90: Carton

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7: Orifice

B:Items

D: Disassembly section

D1, D2, D3, D4: distance

E1, E2: end

F: vaginal tongue piece

FE1, FE2: Freedom

FS: Deformed structure

H: Handle structure

H1, H2: height

M: Yang tongue tablets

N1, N2: successive structures

R1, R2: notch or notch

W1, W2: Width

x: horizontal axis

y: vertical axis

θ1, θ2: angle

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the following embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG1 is a top plan view of a blank sheet for forming a carton according to the first embodiment; FIG2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the blank sheet of FIG1; FIG3 is a three-dimensional view of a carton formed by the blank sheet of FIG1; FIG4 is a side view of the carton of FIG3; FIG5 is a comparison view of the first butt joint structure N1 and the second butt joint structure N2; and FIG6 and FIG7 are enlarged plan views of the alternative forms of the second opening of FIG2, respectively.

Some specific embodiments of the packaging, blanks and cartons of the present invention will now be described in detail. It is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the ways in which certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented and do not represent a complete list of all the ways in which the present invention may be embodied. As used herein, "examples" are generally intended to refer to various embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models or patterns. In fact, the packaging, blanks and cartons described herein may be implemented in a variety of different and alternative forms. In addition, the drawings may not be to scale and some features may be exaggerated or reduced in order to show the details of certain specific components. Various well-known components, materials or methods may not be described in detail so as not to interfere with the content of the present invention. Any specific details on the structure and function described in this article shall not be considered as limiting, but are merely the basis of the patent claims and a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various aspects.

Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a plan view of a blank sheet 10 that can be formed into a carton or carrier 90 as shown in FIG. 3 for packing and carrying a group of primary products (hereinafter referred to as "article B") such as but not limited to beverage cans as shown in FIG. 2. The blank sheet 10 is formed into a secondary packaging for packaging at least one primary product container or packaging.

In the various embodiments described in detail herein, for the purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention without limitation, the term "carton" and "carrier" refers to a container for joining and carrying an item B, such as a primary product container B. However, the teachings of the present invention are also contemplated to be applicable to a variety of product containers that may or may not be conical and/or cylindrical in shape. Other examples of containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), jars (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, cups, pots, pouches, and packets, etc.

The blank 10 is formed from a suitable substrate. It should be understood that the "suitable substrate" referred to herein includes a variety of foldable sheets, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should also be recognized that the number of blanks used to produce the carrying structure can be, for example, one or more sheets, and the details will be explained later.

The sheet material forming the packaging structure or carton 90 described herein can be, for example, a paperboard made of a material that enhances strength or coated with a material that enhances strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard produced by WestRock. It should be noted that more than one layer of tear-resistant material can be used to enhance the tear resistance of the package. Typically, the properties of one side of the sheet material can be different from those of the other side. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package can be very smooth and can have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. In addition, the coating, layer or treatment on the inner surface of the sheet may have, or be otherwise prepared to have, one or more other properties, such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desired functionality.

In the embodiment shown, the blank 10 is designed to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging a certain configuration of a certain item B. In this embodiment, the configuration shown is an m x n matrix or array with two rows (row, m=2) and three columns (column, n=3); each of the two rows has three items B, and the items are 500ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 10 can also be designed to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities or sizes of items and/or items of different configurations or configurations, such as but not limited to fully enclosed cartons or basket-type carriers, and the items B can be bottles or cans.

Now turn to FIG. 1 , which shows a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIG. 3 ) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The blank 10 includes 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 include: a first bottom panel 12, a first heel panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second heel panel 22, and a second bottom panel 24. The plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 can be configured to form straight lines using corresponding folding lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and be hinged from one plate to the next in sequence.

In some alternative embodiments, the first and second heel panels 14, 22 may be omitted, and the folding lines 15, 21 may also be omitted.

The first and second heel panels 14, 22 may be considered to form the lower portion of a corresponding one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, respectively, or alternatively the first or second bottom panels 12, 24 may be hingedly connected thereto.

The blank 10 is bent to form a package 90 as shown in FIG. 3. The first and second bottom panels 12, 24 are joined to each other to form a composite bottom panel 12/24 of the carton 90 in a superimposed relationship. In addition, the blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism to fix the second bottom panel 24 to the first bottom panel 12. The first bottom panel 12 may include at least one first portion F of a complementary locking mechanism, and the second bottom panel 24 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the first bottom panel 12 includes a plurality of female tongue panels F defining certain openings in itself. The second bottom plate 24 includes a plurality of male tongue pieces M, and the openings of the first bottom plate 12 are designed to accommodate a corresponding male tongue piece M respectively. The female tongue pieces F are configured to be moved out of the first bottom plate 12 to form the opening and to hold the male tongue piece M against the opening when it is accommodated in the opening. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F can be omitted; and the first and second bottom plates 12, 24 can be fixed to each other using other tools, such as but not limited to adhesives or staples.

Optionally, the first and second bottom panels 12, 24 may include at least one first opening A1. In the embodiment shown, the first and second bottom panels 12, 24 each include two first openings A1. Optionally, the first and second bottom panels 12, 24 may also include at least one second opening A2. In the embodiment shown, the first and second bottom panels 12, 24 each include a second opening A2. The first and second openings A1, A2 may be helpful in the manufacture of the carton 90. When a component of a packaging machine engages with the first and second openings A1, A2, the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 can be tightly wrapped around a group of articles B. In addition, the first and second apertures A1, A2 also facilitate alignment of the first and second bottom plates 12, 24 with each other, or alignment of the first portion of the complementary locking mechanism with the second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism shown and described is optional.

The embryo piece 10 may include at least one heel-joining structure N1, N2 to be joined to the heel or lower part of an article B. The embryo piece 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a total of six heel-joining structures N1, N2, each for joining a corresponding article B. The embryo piece 10 includes four first or outer heel-joining structures N1 and two second or inner heel-joining structures N2.

The structures of the first connecting structures N1 are essentially the same, so the following text will only describe the first connecting structure N1 disposed on the second side plate 20 and as shown in FIG. 2 .

The first butt joint structure N1 may include an opening. The opening is partially defined by a first heel opening A3 and another portion by a heel tongue 42. The heel tongue 42 is hinged to the second bottom plate 24 by a fold line 43. In addition, at least a portion of the heel tongue 42 is pressed from the second heel plate 22.

The fold line 43 interrupts the fold line 23 that hinges the second bottom plate 24 to the second heel plate 22. The fold line 43 may be non-straight, and in the example shown, the fold line 43 is curved or arc-shaped, and in other embodiments, it may be formed by at least two straight fold lines that are arranged to diverge from each other but connected.

The heel tongue piece 42 may include a pair of divergent folding lines 43a, 43b, which may define the bending corner of the heel tongue piece 42.

The structures of the second connecting structures N2 are essentially the same, so the following text will only describe the second connecting structure N2 disposed on the second side plate 20 and as shown in FIG. 2 .

The second heel joint structure N2 may include an opening. The opening is partially defined by a second heel opening A5 and another portion by a heel tongue 42. The heel tongue 42 is hinged to the second bottom plate 24 by a fold line 43. In addition, at least a portion of the heel tongue 42 is pressed from the second heel plate 22.

The fold line 43 interrupts the fold line 23 that hinges the second bottom plate 24 to the second heel plate 22. The fold line 43 may be non-straight, and in the example shown, it is curved or arc-shaped, and in other embodiments, it may be formed by at least two straight fold lines that are arranged to diverge from each other but connected.

The heel tongue piece 42 may include a pair of divergent folding lines 43a, 43b, which may define the bending corner of the heel tongue piece 42.

The first heel opening orifice or opening A3 includes a maximum width dimension W1. The maximum width dimension W1 extends along an imaginary line parallel to the fold line 21. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the maximum width dimension W1 of the first opening A3 extends along an imaginary extension of the fold line 21.

The first heel opening A3 includes a pair of opposing first side edges and a first arc or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposing side edges are configured to diverge from each other. The pair of opposing second side edges diverge toward the top plate 18. The pair of opposing side edges define a first angle θ1 between each other.

In some embodiments, the first angle θ1 may be less than 20 degrees, for example, about 16 degrees. In other embodiments, the pair of opposing side edges of the first heel opening A3 may be parallel, in which case the first angle θ1 may be considered zero or undefined.

The second heel opening orifice A5 also includes a maximum width dimension W2. The maximum width dimension W2 extends along an imaginary line that is collinear with the fold line 21. In other words, the maximum width dimension W2 of the second opening A5 extends along an imaginary extension of the fold line 21.

The second heel opening A5 includes a pair of opposing second side edges and a second arc or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposing side edges are configured to diverge from each other. The pair of opposing second side edges diverge toward the top plate 18. The pair of opposing second side edges define a second angle θ2 between each other.

In some embodiments, the second angle θ2 may be greater than 20 degrees, and in other embodiments, it may be greater than 30 degrees, for example, about 40 degrees.

The second maximum width dimension W2 is greater than the first maximum width dimension W1.

The first heel opening A3 includes a first height dimension H1.

The second heel opening A5 also includes a second height dimension H2. The second height dimension H2 may be greater than the first height dimension H1.

The second angle θ2 is greater than the first angle θ1.

The pair of opposing first side edges may define a first imaginary convergence point. If in an embodiment where the pair of first side edges are arranged to be parallel, there is no such first imaginary convergence point.

The second pair of opposing side edges defines a second imaginary convergence point. Compared with the first imaginary convergence point, the second imaginary convergence point is closer to the fold line 23.

As shown in FIG5 , the second arc-shaped edge is longer than the first arc-shaped edge.

The heel tongue piece 42 and the fold line 43 of the first heel joint structure N1 are substantially the same in size as the heel tongue piece 42 and the fold line 43 of the second heel joint structure N2. The first and second heel openings A3 and A5 are substantially the same in size near the fold line 43.

The top panel 18 may include an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a pair of bendable finger tabs 52. The finger tabs 52 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In addition, the finger tabs 52 are hinged to the top panel 18 using a fold line 53 and are partially defined by a cut line or a break line 55. A first piece of the finger tabs 52 is hinged to the top panel 18 from opposite to a second piece of the finger tabs 52.

The top panel 18 may include a tear strip in the form of a disassembly portion D. The disassembly portion D is defined by a first cut or break line 62a and a second cut or break line 62b. The first and second cut or break lines 62a, 62b extend generally longitudinally across the entire top panel 18. In addition, the second cut or break line 62b is laterally spaced from the first cut or break line 62a. Each end of the tear strip may be provided with an opening device in the form of a pull tab 60a, 60b, respectively. The pull tabs 60a, 60b are hinged to the tear strip by corresponding folding lines 61a, 61b, respectively, and a portion thereof may be defined by a weakening line that is easier to tear than the first and second cutting or severing lines 62a, 62b, that is, the weakening lines have a lower tear resistance than the first and second cutting or severing lines 62a, 62b.

When the disassembly portion D is removed, the contents of the carton 90, i.e., item B, can be easily accessed.

Each of the plates 12, 16, 18, 20, 24 is provided with a pair of cut-outs or notches. The cut-outs are defined at opposite ends of the embryonic sheet 10. The cut-outs include complete or large cut-outs and partial or small cut-outs.

A first large cut-out portion is defined on the top plate 18 near the middle of its opposite end edges. A second large cut-out portion is defined on each end edge of the first side plate 16. A third large cut-out portion is defined on each end edge of the second side plate 20.

A small cut-out portion is defined at each of the opposing end edges of the first and second bottom panels 12, 24, respectively.

Therefore, the embryonic sheet 10 is provided with four tongues along each longitudinal edge thereof, each tongue being located between two adjacent cutouts in the cutouts.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a first upper tongue piece is sandwiched between and defined by the adjacent first and third cutouts. A second upper tongue piece is sandwiched between and defined by the adjacent first and second cutouts. A first lower tongue piece is sandwiched between and defined by the second cutout and a first portion of the cutout defined on the first bottom plate 12. A second lower tongue piece is sandwiched between and defined by the third cutout and a second portion of the cutout defined on the second bottom plate 24.

The first upper tongue piece is arranged across the adjacent folding line 19. The second upper tongue piece is arranged across the adjacent folding line 17.

The first lower tongue piece is arranged across the adjacent folding lines 13, 15. The second lower tongue piece is arranged across the adjacent folding lines 21, 23.

The first and second upper tongues each form or help to form an end retaining structure, so as to prevent the contents of the carton 90 from falling out of the carton 90 when the blank 10 is assembled into the carton 90. In addition, the first and second upper tongues each have cutting and folding lines so as to form a top joint structure when bent along the folding lines.

Specifically, each upper tongue piece includes an anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hinged to the adjacent side panel piece 16, 20 along a folding line 25a, 25b, 39a, 39b. In addition, each upper tongue piece also includes a corner support portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hinged to the anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a folding line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.

Each upper tongue piece further includes a web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b hinged to the corner support portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along an extension or fold line 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b corresponding to the fold lines 17, 19. In addition, each upper tongue portion further includes a covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b formed integrally with the top plate 18. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hinged to the corresponding covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b using a fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, respectively.

An optional opening A4 may be formed partially from the top panel 18, the first or second side panels 16, 20 and the corresponding adjacent upper tongue. The opening A4 defines an end point of each of the folding lines 17, 19; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 25b, 39a, 39b and is located at a vertex of the folding lines.

Each of the upper tongues is bent during the assembly of the carton. To form a top joint structure from each of the upper tongues, the anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b are first bent about 180 degrees to form a facing relationship with the inner surface of the adjacent side panels 16, 20. Then, one of the boxed articles B is used to abut against the adjacent side panels 16, 20 to keep the anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b in the bent position. The bending of the anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the corner supports 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to bend outwardly around the folding lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b, so that the corner supports 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extend outwardly from the folding lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the side walls of the packaged article B. At the same time, the web portions 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b are also urged to bend downward along the folding lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, so that they are brought to a bending position extending between the folding lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and the outer edges of the corner braces 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. FIG. 2 shows the top joint structure thus completed, showing that the structure is tightly joined to the top of the article B.

The function of each lower tongue is to provide material that can fully define the adjacent first or outermost heel opening A3. Specifically, the first heel opening A3 adjacent to each lower tongue is configured so that even when the first heel opening A3 extends into the lower tongue, there is still sufficient material surrounding it. During assembly and packing of the items B, the blank 10 is configured to allow each first heel opening A3 to accommodate the bottom of a corresponding item B, thereby retaining the item B in the carton 90. In addition, the heel tongues 42 are also bent to help retain the items B.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2 , each lower tongue includes a deformation or folding structure FS for forming a bent corner area of a carton 90. The deformation structure FS takes the form of a configuration of a plurality of fold lines suitable for eliminating or reducing sharp corners or edges of the carton 90. This can be useful when the carton 90 is transported or carried in a carrying bag, especially but not limited to a carrying bag made of plastic, paper or similar sheet materials. The deformation structure FS can prevent or reduce the possibility of the carton 90 causing perforations, tears or other punctures to the forming material of the carrying bag. It is to be understood that any punctures in the carrying bag may reduce its load-bearing capacity and, if so, the tear may spread, causing the carton 90 or other items contained in the bag to fall out, thereby causing the possibility of damage.

The structures of the deformable structures FS are essentially the same, so the following text will only explain the deformable structure FS provided on one of the second lower tongue pieces in conjunction with FIG. 2. The second lower tongue piece is formed partly by the second side plate 20, partly by the selected second heel plate 22, and partly by the second bottom plate 24.

The modified structure FS includes a pressure release tongue 88 formed partly by the second side plate 20 and partly by the second heel plate 22. In an embodiment where the first or second heel plates 14, 22 are omitted, the pressure release tongue 88 may be formed partly by the second side plate 20 and partly by the second bottom plate 24.

The pressure release tongue 88 is partially defined by a first folding line 87 disposed on the second side panel 20, and the other part is defined by a second folding line 91 disposed on the second heel panel 22.

The first folding line 87 is configured to diverge from the second folding line 91. Moreover, the first and second folding lines 87, 91 diverge toward the longitudinal or free side edge of the embryo sheet 10. In addition, the first and second folding lines 87, 91 include an end close to each other as a first end and an end far from each other as a second end.

In addition, the release tongue 88 is also partially defined by a cutting line or a cut line 93. The cutting line 93 may extend from the first end of the first fold line 87 toward the first end of the second fold line 91. In essence, the cutting line 93 may extend between the first or proximal end of the first fold line 87 and the first or proximal end of the second fold line 91. In addition, the cutting line 93 may connect the first end of the first fold line 87 to the first end of the second fold line 91 so as to be continuous with each other. Furthermore, the cutting line 93 may be arranged to be substantially parallel to the adjacent portion of the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tongue. The shape of the release tongue 88 may be substantially trapezoidal.

An extension of the fold line 21 or a portion of the fold line 21 defines a third fold line 89 that substantially divides the pressure release tongue 88 into two. In other embodiments, the third fold line 89 may be offset from the center, so that the pressure release tongue 88 is asymmetrical on both sides of the third fold line 89.

The pressure release tongue 88 may include a first notch or notch R1 pressed from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the notch R1 is substantially triangular, so as to define a "V"-shaped free edge. In addition, the notch R1 interrupts the third fold line 89. The third fold line 89 ends at the vertex of the "V". Furthermore, the notch R1 removes material on both sides of the third fold line 89 to reduce the prominence of the third fold line 89 near the free edge of the second lower tongue. The notch R1 trims one edge of the third fold line 89.

The pressure release tongue 88 is disposed between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tongue 72c and the adjacent first heel opening A3.

The tire deformation structure FS may include a web structure composed of a pair of flaps 84, 86. The first flap 84 is hinged to the second side panel 20 using a fourth folding line 83. In essence, the fourth folding line 83 may be colinear with a longitudinal free edge of the third large cut-out portion, or may be offset therefrom. In addition, the second flap 86 is hinged to the first flap 84 using a fifth folding line 85. The fifth folding line 85 is arranged to be separated from the fourth folding line 83. The shape of the first flap 84 is substantially triangular. In addition, the second flap 86 is also hinged to the pressure release tongue 88 using a first folding line 87. The fifth folding line 85 is arranged to be separated from the first folding line 87. The shape of the second flap 86 is essentially a triangle.

The first and second flaps 84, 86 allow the pressure release tongue 88 to be connected to the second side panel 20.

The deformable structure FS enables the portion of the second lower flap provided by the second side panel 20 (and, if provided, also by the optional second heel panel 22) to bend or deform around the end of an outermost adjacent article B so that the portion of the second lower flap becomes closer to the outermost article B. This reduces the rigidity of the outer region of the portion of the second lower flap so that it is easy to deform. In this way, the possibility of the second lower flap placed therein piercing the wall of a carrying bag during loading or carrying of the carrying bag is reduced. Therefore, the practice of "double bagging" can also be reduced, that is, putting a first bag into a second bag to create a second wall.

The deformed structure FS may also include a second notch or recess R2 pressed from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the second recess R2 is substantially triangular in shape so as to define a portion of a "V"-shaped free edge. In addition, the second recess R2 breaks the fold line 23 connecting the second bottom plate 24 to the second heel plate 22. The fold line 23 ends at the apex of the "V". Furthermore, the second recess R2 removes material on both sides of the fold line 23 to reduce the abruptness of the fold line 23 near the free edge of the second lower tongue. The second recess R2 trims one edge of the fold line 23.

Turning to the production of the carton 90 shown in FIG. 2 , the carton 90 can be formed on a linear machine by a series of sequential bending operations, so that the carton 90 can be completed without turning or flipping. The bending process is not limited to that described below, and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

First, a group of items B are gathered; in the embodiment shown in FIG3 , six items are arranged in a 2x3 array. Then, the top plate 18 of the blank 10 is placed on the group of items B to become a top plate 18 of the carton 90.

Relative to the top panel 18, the first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded around the folding lines 17, 19 to the vicinity of the opposite sides of the group of articles B, so as to form the first and second side wall panels 16, 20 of the carton 90 near the opposite sides.

Relative to the top panel 18, while the first and second side panels 16, 20 are bent to form the aforementioned top joint structure, the anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b can be bent to form a facing relationship with the corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20.

Alternatively, the carton 90 may be assembled into a tubular form first and then the top joint structure may be formed. The anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b may be tucked between a corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 to which they are hinged and an adjacent article B.

Relative to the corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20, the first and second heel panels 14, 22 are bent around the folding lines 15, 21 respectively to the vicinity of the heel or lower part of the adjacent article B.

Before bending the first and second heel panels 14, 22 from a corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20, the heel tongue 42 may be bent out of the plane of the first and second heel panels 14, 22 around the folding line 43.

Then, the first bottom plate 12 is folded around the folding line 13 so as to be adjacent to the bottom of the group of articles B, and the second bottom plate 24 is folded around the folding line 23 so as to form at least a partial overlap with the first bottom plate 12. In this way, each of the heel tongues 42 can be made to engage with a bottom of a corresponding article B.

The first and second bottom plates 12 and 24 are fixed together. Then the male tongue pieces M are moved inward from the plane of the second bottom plate 24. In this way, the female tongue pieces F are moved inward, thereby generating a corresponding opening in the first bottom plate 12. When the male tongue pieces M are accommodated in the corresponding opening, the first and second bottom plates 12 and 24 are locked together. Thus, a tubular structure surrounding the set of objects B is formed.

FIG3 shows the assembled carton 90. FIG4 shows a side view of the carton 90.

One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a carton 90 for packaging articles B. The carton 90 includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes, namely, first and second openings or openings A3, A5. The first and second openings A3, A5 are each formed partially on a side wall panel 16, 20 and partially on a heel plate 14, 22 hinged to the side wall panel 16, 20 using a fold line 15, 21. The first opening A3 has a maximum width W1 dimension measured along an imaginary line parallel to the fold line 15, 21. The second opening A5 has a maximum width W2 dimension measured along an imaginary extension of the fold line 15, 21. In addition, the maximum width W2 of the second opening A5 is greater than the maximum width W1 of the first opening A3.

The widest parts of the first and second openings A3, A5 are on or near the folding lines 15, 21.

The maximum width dimensions W1, W2 of the first and second openings A3, A5 are measured along an axis or imaginary line extending longitudinally from the carton 90, that is, along a tube axis of the tubular structure defined by the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The axis or imaginary line may be oriented transversely relative to the embryonic sheet 10, and in FIG1, the transverse axis of the embryonic sheet is indicated by reference symbol x and a longitudinal axis is indicated by reference symbol y. The transverse axis of the embryonic sheet extends between the opposite end retaining structures. The longitudinal axis extends between the first and second bottom panels 12, 24.

When a carton 90 is assembled, the tube axis can be referred to or considered as a longitudinal axis of the carton 90. A transverse axis can extend between the opposite side panels 16, 20.

The embryo sheet 10 may be formed of a material having a grain or machine direction, the grain direction may extend between the first and second bottom sheets 12, 24 and parallel to the direction arrow y of FIG. 1 .

It is known that widening the second aperture A5 can improve the strength or robustness of the carton 90 when the carrying handle H is used. This can reduce the possibility of the tear spreading from the aperture A5. In addition, widening the second aperture A5 is believed to allow the forming material of the carton 90 to expand or deform to a greater extent than when it is not widened. The shape of the aperture A5 can also distribute the load force to a larger or wider area of the sidewall panels 16, 20. Compared with the first aperture A3, the second aperture A5 can distribute the load force to the adjacent object B such as a beverage can or bottle to a greater extent.

By making the inner or central second aperture A5 wider and the outer or outermost first aperture A3 narrower in width, the strength or stability of the carton 90 can be increased without compromising the integrity of the carton 90 or the retention of the articles B within the carton 90. It is to be understood that the purpose of providing a smaller, narrower and/or lower first aperture A3 is to prevent the end region of the side panels 16, 20 of the carton 90 from stretching or deforming as easily as an inner region provided with a larger second aperture A5.

In some embodiments, the carton 90 may be provided with one or more second openings A5 in a region of the side panels 16, 20 substantially below or aligned with a carrying handle H of the top panel 18. In other embodiments, the carton 90 may be provided with a plurality of second openings A5 between a pair of first openings A3 each disposed adjacent to an end of the carton 90. In addition, the carton 90 may also be provided with at least one second opening A5 between two or more first openings A3 disposed adjacent to a first end of the carton 90 and two or more first openings A3 disposed adjacent to an opposite second end of the carton 90.

The first opening A3 is located at a first distance D1 from one end E1 of the carton 90 or the blank 10, and the second opening A5 is located at a second distance D2 from the other end E2 of the carton. The first distance D1 is much smaller than the second distance D2.

The plurality of bottom receiving holes may include a third orifice located at a third distance D3 from the other end E2, and based on the principle that the second orifice A5 is located between the first orifice A3 and the third orifice, the third distance D3 may be approximately equal to the first distance D1.

The first opening A3 is disposed at a first distance D1 from a first end E1 of the carton 90 or the blank 10, and the second opening A5 is disposed at a fourth distance D4 from the first end E1 of the carton. The first distance D1 is much smaller than the fourth distance D4.

The carton 90 may include at least one handle H on the top panel 18, wherein when the carton 90 is viewed from a side view, the handle H is vertically aligned with the second opening A5.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a carton, which includes a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings A3, A5, each of which is partially formed on a side wall panel 16, 20 and another portion is formed on a heel panel 14, 22. The heel panel 14, 22 is hinged to the side wall panel 16, 20 using a first fold line 15, 21 and hinged to a bottom panel 12, 24 using a second fold line 13, 23. Referring to FIG. 2, the upper end of the second opening A5 is solely defined by an arched free edge FE2 extending from the first fold line 15, 21 into the side wall panel 16, 20 and then back to the first fold line 15, 21. The maximum height H2 of the second opening A5 is the point on the arched free edge FE2 that is farthest from the second folding line 13, 23. The maximum height H1 of the first opening A3 is the point on the free edge FE1 that is farthest from the second folding line 13, 23. The maximum height H2 of the second opening A5 is greater than the maximum height H1 of the first opening A3. The arched free edge FE2 of the second opening A5 may not be hinged to any other part of the carton, and/or the arched free edge FE2 may be symmetrical to an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the first folding line 15, 21 and extends along the sidewalls 16, 20.

Alternatively, the upper end of the second opening may be replaced with another alternative shape. Figures 6 and 7 show the second openings in these alternative forms. Figure 6 shows an alternative second opening A6 whose upper end is defined by a substantially square free edge FE2. The free edge FE2 of the second opening A6 extends upward from the first fold line 221 into the sidewall 220, then turns and extends substantially transversely, and then extends downward back to the first fold line 221. Figure 7 shows another alternative second opening A7 similar to Figure 6, but its free edge FE2 is provided with a vertical section intersecting the first fold line 321, in contrast to the one shown in Figure 6 which emanates from the first fold line 221. The distance from the second folding line 223, 323 to the transverse extension section of the corresponding square free edge FE2 of the second orifice A6, A7 is its maximum height H2. The maximum height H2 is greater than the maximum height of the associated first orifice.

A blank 10 forming the carton 90 can be nested with the same blanks forming each carton 90.

The longitudinal edge of the blank 10 has a plurality of notches to define tongues therebetween. The notches may be configured to allow the blank 10 to fit over the same blank 10. The tongues then become the upper and lower corners of the carton 90. The lower corners may include a deformation or bending structure FS to deform or bend the lower corners of the carton 90 to reduce their sharpness. In addition, when a load is applied to the lower corners, the deformation or bending structure FS can also make them easy to bend and become circular in nature.

It should be understood that various variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the plates and openings may be adjusted to accommodate items of different sizes and shapes.

It will also be recognized that the various directional terms referred to herein, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inside", "outside", "upper" and "lower", etc., do not necessarily limit the relevant panels to that orientation, but are only used to distinguish between such panels.

The terms "hinge" and "fold line" as used herein refer to the various lines which define the hinge components on the blank, which facilitate the bending of the various parts of the blank relative to each other, or to the appropriate bending positions of the panels to which the blank belongs. Any reference to a "hinge" is not to be construed as necessarily being limited to a single fold line; in fact, a hinge may be formed by two or more fold lines, each of which may be straight or curved in shape. If the hinge is formed by straight fold lines, they may be arranged to be parallel to each other or to be slightly angled. Furthermore, if the hinge is formed by curved fold lines, they may be arranged to intersect each other, thereby defining a formed panel in the area they surround. A typical example of such a hinge may include a pair of arched or curved fold lines that intersect at two points to define an elliptical plate between each other. Furthermore, another typical example of such a hinge may include a combination of a straight fold line and an arched or curved fold line that intersect at two points to define a half-moon plate between each other.

The term "fold line" as used herein may refer to any of the following: a score line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, a discontinuous cut line, a row of alignment cracks, a row of scores, or any combination thereof.

It should also be understood that the hinge and fold line may each include elements formed on the substrate of the blank, such as perforations, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, a continuous cut line, a crack, a notch, and any combination thereof. Such elements may be sized and configured according to the intended function. For example, a row of perforations may be sized or designed to have a degree of weakening that defines a fold line and/or a cut line. In addition, the row of perforations may be designed to be easy to bend and resistant to breaking, easy to bend and easy to break with more force, or easy to break with less force.

As used herein, "alignment" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in a vertical carton, such as aligning an aperture formed on a first sheet of two stacked panels with a second aperture formed on a second sheet. The elements aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the stacked panels. For example, when an aperture on a first panel is "aligned" with a second aperture on a second panel configured to overlap the panel, the edge may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second aperture and may be aligned with the second aperture in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

10: Embryo slice

20: Second side panel

22: Second heel plate

24: Second bottom plate

21, 23, 43, 43a, 43b, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91: fold line

42: Heel tongue

93: Cutting line or cutting line

84, 86: Lapel

88: Pressure release tongue

A3, A5: Orifice

D1, D4: Distance

E1: terminal

FE1, FE2: Freedom

FS: Deformed structure

H1, H2: height

N1, N2: successive structures

R1, R2: notch or notch

W1, W2: Width

θ1, θ2: angle

Claims (20)

A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel (20) and a heel panel (22) hinged to the side panel (20) by a folding line (21), wherein the carton also comprises a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings (A3, A5), and each of the openings has a portion on the side panel (20) and another portion on the heel. The first opening (A3) is formed on a plate (22), wherein the first opening (A3) has a first maximum width (W1) measured along an imaginary line parallel to the folding line (21), and the second opening (A5) has a second maximum width (W2) measured along an imaginary extension of the folding line (21), and wherein the second maximum width (W2) is greater than the first maximum width (W1). A carton as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the plurality of panels include a top panel (18), a bottom panel (24), a first side panel (20), and a second side panel (16). A carton as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the first opening (A3) is located at a first distance (D1) from one end (E1) of the carton, and the second opening (A5) is located at a second distance (D2) from the other end (E2) of the carton, and wherein the first distance (D1) is much smaller than the second distance (D2). A carton as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the carton further comprises a handle (H) disposed on at least one top panel (18), and when the carton is viewed from a side view, the handle (H) is substantially vertically aligned with the second opening (A5). As described in item 3 of the patent application scope, the plurality of bottom receiving holes further include a third opening (A3) located at a third distance (D3) from the other end (E2), and the second opening (A5) is located between the first opening and the third opening (A3, A3), and the third distance (D3) is substantially equal to the first distance (D1). A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, and comprising: a side panel (20), a heel panel (22) hinged to the side panel (20) by a first folding line (21), and a bottom panel (24) hinged to the heel panel (22) by a second folding line (23), wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings (A3, A5), and each of the openings has a portion on the side panel (20). and another part is formed on the heel plate (22), wherein the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) each have a first width (W1, W2) measured along an extended imaginary line of the first folding line (21), the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) each have a second width measured along an extended imaginary line of the second folding line (23), and the first widths (W1, W2) of the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) are both greater than the second widths. As described in item 6 of the patent application, the first opening (A3) is located at a first distance (D1) from one end (E1) of the carton, and the second opening (A5) is located at a second distance (D2) from the other end (E2) of the carton, and the first distance (D1) is much smaller than the second distance (D2). A carton as described in item 6 of the patent application, wherein the carton further comprises a handle (H) disposed on at least one top panel (18), and when the carton is viewed from a side view, the handle (H) is substantially vertically aligned with the second opening (A5). As described in item 7 of the patent application, the plurality of bottom receiving holes further include a third opening (A3) located at a third distance (D3) from the other end (E2), and the second opening (A5) is located between the first opening and the third opening (A3, A3), and the third distance (D3) is substantially equal to the first distance (D1). A carton as described in item 6 of the patent application, wherein the first width (W2) of the second opening (A5) is greater than the first width (W1) of the first opening (A3). A carton as described in item 6 of the patent application, wherein the first opening (A3) has an upper end defined by a first free edge (FE1) extending from the first fold line (21) into the side panel (20) and then back to the first fold line (21), the first opening (A3) has a first maximum height (H1) extending from the second fold line (23) to the first free edge (FE1) at the farthest point from the second fold line (23); the second opening (A5) has a first maximum height (H1) extending from the second fold line (23) to the first free edge (FE1) at the farthest point from the second fold line (23); The first fold line (21) extends into the side panel (20) and then returns to the upper end independently defined by the second free edge (FE2) of the first fold line (21); the second opening (A5) has a second maximum height (H2) extending from the second fold line (23) to the second free edge (FE2) at the farthest point from the second fold line (23); and the second maximum height (H2) of the second opening (A5) is greater than the first maximum height (H1) of the first opening (A3). A carton as described in claim 11, wherein the second free edge (FE2) is not hinged to any other part of the carton. A carton as described in claim 11, wherein the second free edge (FE2) is symmetrical to an imaginary line perpendicular to the first folding line (21) and extending along the side panel (20). A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel (20) and a heel panel (22) hinged to the side panel (20) by a folding line (21), wherein the carton also comprises a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings (A3, A5), and each of the openings is formed partially on the side panel (20) and partially on the heel panel (22), wherein the first opening (A3) comprises a pair of opposite first side edges, and wherein the second opening (A5) comprises a pair of opposite second side edges, the pair of second side edges being arranged to diverge from each other and define a second angle (θ2) therebetween, the second angle (θ2) being greater than a first angle (θ1) defined by the pair of first side edges. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel (20) and a heel panel (22) hinged to the side panel (20) by a folding line (21), wherein the blank comprises a plurality of bottom receiving holes including first and second openings (A3, A5), and each of the openings has a portion on the side panel (20) and another portion on the heel panel. The first opening (A3) has a first maximum width (W1) measured along an imaginary line parallel to the folding line (21), and the second opening (A5) has a second maximum width (W2) measured along an imaginary extension of the folding line (21), and the second maximum width (W2) is greater than the first maximum width (W1). A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels, namely: a side panel (20), a heel panel (22) hinged to the side panel (20) by a first folding line (21), and a bottom panel (24) hinged to the heel panel (22) by a second folding line (23), wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom receiving holes comprising first and second openings (A3, A5), and each of the openings has a portion on the side panel (20) and another portion on the bottom of the side panel (20). It is formed on the heel plate (22), wherein the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) each have a first width (W1, W2) measured along the extended imaginary line of the first folding line (21), the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) each have a second width measured along the extended imaginary line of the second folding line (23), and the first widths (W1, W2) of the first opening (A3) and the second opening (A5) are both greater than the second widths. The blank as described in item 16 of the patent application, wherein the first opening (A3) has an upper end defined by a first free edge (FE1) extending from the first fold line (21) into the side panel (20) and then back to the first fold line (21), the first opening (A3) has a first maximum height (H1) extending from the second fold line (23) to the first free edge (FE1) at the farthest point from the second fold line (23); the second opening (A5) has a The first fold line (21) extends into the side panel (20) and then returns to the upper end independently defined by the second free edge (FE2) of the first fold line (21); the second opening (A5) has a second maximum height (H2) extending from the second fold line (23) to the second free edge (FE2) at the farthest point from the second fold line (23); and the second maximum height (H2) of the second opening (A5) is greater than the first maximum height (H1) of the first opening (A3). The blank as described in claim 17, wherein the second free edge (FE2) is not hinged to any other part of the carton. The embryonic sheet as described in item 17 of the patent application, wherein the second free edge (FE2) is symmetrical to an imaginary line perpendicular to the first folding line (21) and extending along the side panel (20). The embryo sheet as described in item 16 of the patent application, wherein the first width (W2) of the second opening (A5) is greater than the first width (W1) of the first opening (A3).