[go: up one dir, main page]

US20180346215A1 - Packaging system and blanks therefor - Google Patents

Packaging system and blanks therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20180346215A1
US20180346215A1 US15/777,845 US201615777845A US2018346215A1 US 20180346215 A1 US20180346215 A1 US 20180346215A1 US 201615777845 A US201615777845 A US 201615777845A US 2018346215 A1 US2018346215 A1 US 2018346215A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
carrier
articles
panels
fold line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/777,845
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthew E Zacherle
Gregory P Hayter
Caleb S Loftin
Bradford J Walling
Patrick Blin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Original Assignee
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by WestRock Packaging Systems LLC filed Critical WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority to US15/777,845 priority Critical patent/US20180346215A1/en
Assigned to WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC reassignment WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOFTIN, CALEB S., WALLING, BRADFORD J., ZACHERLE, MATTHEW E., HAYTER, Gregory P., BLIN, PATRICK
Publication of US20180346215A1 publication Critical patent/US20180346215A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/38—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding and interconnecting two or more blanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/004—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material in blanks, e.g. sheets precut and creased for folding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00154—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked
    • B65D2571/00185—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper interlocked by tabs cut within one end and facing away from the other end when blank is unfolded, and co-operting with openings at the other end
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00259—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper inwardly folded tabs, i.e. elements substantially narrower than the corresponding package dimension
    • B65D2571/00271—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper inwardly folded tabs, i.e. elements substantially narrower than the corresponding package dimension extending from at least a side wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00283—Openings in at least a side wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/0029—Openings in top or bottom walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00308—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper consisting of inwardly bent panels or flaps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
    • B65D2571/00253—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00308—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper consisting of inwardly bent panels or flaps
    • B65D2571/00314—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper consisting of inwardly bent panels or flaps with locating holes or cuts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00456—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00555—Wrapper opening devices
    • B65D2571/00561—Lines of weakness
    • B65D2571/00574—Lines of weakness whereby contents can still be carried after the line has been torn
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654—Blanks
    • B65D2571/00666—Blanks formed from two or more sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00703—Two or more different elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00716—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular without end walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
    • B65D2571/0087—Special features for machine processing, e.g. gripper apertures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to consumer packages comprising at least two wraparound style carriers and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a package comprising at least two substantially perpendicularly oriented wraparound style carriers such that the completed package comprises four end walls.
  • wraparound style carriers are known in which a blank is wrapped around a group of articles to secure the group together for ease of transportation, shelf replenishment and sale. Such blanks may be wrapped over the top of the group of articles, or such blanks may comprise apertures through which the necks of articles pass as the blank is wrapped around the group.
  • Two side panels extend alongside two sides of the group of articles and a composite bottom wall is typically formed by locking two bottom panels together, in a tensioned manner, such that the wrapped blank tightly holds the articles in their group.
  • Wraparound carriers are typically formed with only two sides and this results in a reduction in costs of the carrier because of the reduced amount of material required.
  • a disadvantage of this, however, is that two ends of the group of articles are exposed, are less protected, and less “bill-board” area is available for the printing and display of branding, advertising and other sales driving indicia.
  • wraparound carriers A further advantage of wraparound carriers is that assembly of the carriers can be automated at high speed, because there is no requirement for significant manipulation of the blank or of the group of articles.
  • the simple wraparound structure relies upon the tight fit of the blank about the article group in order to retain structural integrity. This means that as soon as a consumer removes an article from the group, the “tight fit” and hence the structural integrity of the package is compromised.
  • the useful life of the wraparound carrier is typically limited to the point at which an article is removed, at which time the remaining articles of the group become more difficult to handle.
  • such carrier and packages are formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible.
  • Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.
  • a further consideration is the contribution the carrier makes to the appearance and overall value of the packaged goods, particularly in relation to its brand enhancement capability and its ability to stand out on a store shelf and attract consumers to purchase the grouped articles.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging, more specifically wraparound packaging, by providing a package comprising at least two wraparound carriers, which wraparound carriers are oriented substantially perpendicularly to one another such that the completed package comprises four side walls.
  • the at least two wraparound carriers may comprise co-operative features; for example, the carriers may be lockable to one another.
  • a package comprising at least one first inner carrier and a second outer carrier, the or each of the at least one first inner carrier having a first tubular axis, the second outer carrier having a second tubular axis, and the second outer carrier being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the first inner carrier such that the first and second tubular axes are substantially perpendicular.
  • the package further comprises a group of articles, wherein the or each at least one first inner carrier is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall and two opposite open ends, wherein the first tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends; wherein the second outer carrier is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall and two opposite open ends, wherein the second tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends; wherein the first inner carrier is wrapped about the group of articles, and wherein the second outer carrier is wrapped around the first inner carrier and group of articles.
  • the first and second carriers comprise complementary features provided to facilitate co-operation of the first and second carriers.
  • the second outer carrier comprises at least one locking tab and wherein the first inner carrier comprises an aperture, the first and second carriers being configured such that when the package is formed, the locking tab of the second outer carrier is received in said aperture of the first inner carrier for connecting the first inner and second outer carriers together.
  • the bottom wall of the first inner carrier is formed by a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship, and wherein the aperture is defined in part by a first cutaway struck from the first bottom panel and a second cutaway struck from the second bottom panel.
  • the second outer carrier comprises an article engaging structure, and wherein a top of at least one of the articles of the group in the first inner carrier is received, at least in part, within the engaging structure of the second outer tubular structure.
  • the package further comprises a carrying handle structure, which carrying handle structure comprises one or more foldable tabs, and wherein said one or more foldable tabs provide a spacer for being disposed between two adjacent articles.
  • a package comprising a first carton and two or more articles, the first carton comprising: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall, wherein the first carton is disposed about the group of articles, and wherein the carton is disposed about the two or more articles, wherein at least one of the first and second side panels comprises a fold line extending at least in part between the top panel and the bottom wall, the fold line arranged to be aligned with a void between a pair of adjacent articles and facilitating folding of said one of the first and second side panels into said void.
  • the other one of the first and second side panels comprises a second fold line extending at least in part between the top panel and the bottom wall, the second fold line arranged to be aligned with a second void between a pair of adjacent articles and facilitates folding of said other one of the first and second side panels into said second void.
  • the package comprises a second carton, the first carton having a first tubular axis, the second carton having a second tubular axis, and the second carton being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the first carton such that the first and second tubular axes are substantially perpendicular.
  • the package comprises a group of articles arranged in two or more rows, each row comprising at least two articles and wherein the second carton comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall, wherein the at least one of the first and second side panels of the second carton comprises a third fold line extending at least in part between the top panel and the bottom wall, the fold line arranged to be aligned with a third void between an article in a first row and a further article in an adjacent row, the third fold line facilitating folding of said one of the first and second side panels of the second carton into said third void.
  • the other one of the first and second side panels of the second carton comprises a fourth fold line extending at least in part between the top panel and the bottom wall, the fourth fold line arranged to be aligned with a fourth void between a pair of articles disposed in adjacent rows and facilitates folding of said other one of the first and second side panels of the second carton into said fourth void.
  • the articles are substantially cylindrical in shape, said void being defined at least in part by a recess between a portion of the cylindrical wall of each of a pair of adjacent articles, and wherein the fold line forms a valley fold, extending substantially vertically, the valley fold being received in the void so as to tighten the first carton about the two or more articles.
  • the package comprises at least two inner carriers and an outer carrier, each of the at least two inner carriers having a first tubular axis, and the second outer carrier being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of each of the at least two inner carriers such that the first tubular axes of each of the inner carriers are disposed substantially perpendicular to the second tubular axis of the second carrier.
  • the package comprises a group of articles arranged in two or more rows, each row comprising at least two articles and wherein the package the second outer carrier is asymmetric, the second outer carrier being configured such that diagonally opposite articles in the group are exposed to view.
  • At least a portion of the diagonally opposite articles are visible through a respective open end of the first inner carrier.
  • the second outer carrier comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall, and wherein the second outer carrier comprises a partition panel hinged to at least one of the first and second side panels the partition panel being folded into a void between two adjacent articles, whereby exposing to view one of said two adjacent articles.
  • the hinge partition panel is hinged to an end edge of the at least one of the first and second partition panels.
  • the bottom wall of the first inner carrier is formed by a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship, and wherein a second aperture is defined in the first bottom panel and a third aperture is defined in the second bottom panel, the second and third apertures being disposed in vertical registry with one another.
  • the first bottom panel comprises at least one securing tab defining in part said second aperture and wherein the at least one securing tab is received in the third aperture whereby securing the first and second panel together.
  • the at least one locking tab provided by the second outer carrier is received in the second and third apertures provided by the first inner carrier.
  • the or each at least one first inner carrier comprises a first tubular structure formed from a first top panel, first and second side panels, a first composite bottom wall formed from a first bottom panel disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with a second bottom panel
  • the or each at least one second outer carrier comprises a first tubular structure formed from a second top panel, third and fourth side panels, a second composite bottom wall formed from a third bottom panel disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with a fourth bottom panel
  • one of the first and second bottom panels comprises a first alignment aperture for facilitating assembly of the first inner carrier about a group of articles
  • one of the third and fourth bottom panels comprises an alignment aperture for facilitating assembly of the second outer carrier, the first alignment aperture configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of the package.
  • the first alignment aperture is shaped to allow movement of a machine component in two substantially perpendicular directions during assembly of the package.
  • the first alignment aperture is shaped such that a machine component is moveable in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the tubular axis of the first inner carrier so as to facilitate assembly of the first inner carrier and in a second direction substantially parallel with the tubular axis of the first inner carrier so as to facilitate assembly of the second outer carrier.
  • the first alignment aperture is shaped to facilitate alignment of the third and fourth panels of the second outer carrier with respect to each other and to facilitate alignment of the third and fourth panels of the second outer carrier with respect to the first bottom panel of the first inner carrier.
  • a two part package comprising at least one first inner carrier and a second outer carrier, the first inner carrier comprising:
  • the package further comprises a group of articles, wherein the at least one first inner carrier is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall and two opposite open ends, wherein the first tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends and defines a longitudinal direction; wherein the second outer carrier is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom wall and two opposite open ends, wherein the second tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends; wherein the at least one first inner carrier is wrapped about the group of articles, and wherein the second outer carrier is wrapped around the at least one first inner carrier and group of articles.
  • the bottom wall of the at least one first inner carrier is disposed in overlying relationship with the bottom wall of the second outer carrier.
  • the top panel comprises a first slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a first row of articles, and a second slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a second row of articles, the top panel comprising a spacer keel disposed between the first and second rows of articles.
  • the spacer keel comprises a first portion defining in part the first slot and a second portion defining in part the second slot, the first and second portion being arranged to form a valley trough or “V” shape.
  • the spacer keel comprises a first portion defining in part the first slot and a second portion defining in part the second slot, the first and second portion being arranged to form an inverted “V” Shape.
  • the top panel comprises a first slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a first row of articles, and a second slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a second row of articles, the first and second slots extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, the top panel comprising a spacer keel disposed between the first and second rows of articles.
  • the spacer keel comprises a first portion defining in part the first slot and a second portion defining in part the second slot, the first and second portion being arranged to form a valley trough or “V” shape, the first portion being hinged to the second portion by a hinged connection.
  • the package may be packaged in a packaging machine comprising a static guide extending along the hinged connection, so as to fold the spacer keel when the blank is loaded bottles.
  • the top panel comprises a first slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a first row of articles, and a second slot for receiving a portion of at least one article in a second row of articles, the first and second slots extending longitudinally in the top panel.
  • the at least one first inner carrier comprises a first and second side wall panels each of the first and second side wall panels comprising an oblique fold lines in each of the upper corners thereof, whereby facilitating folding of the first and second side wall panels about a shoulder portions of an adjacently disposed article.
  • the outer shell is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: paperboard, cardboard, coated board, plastics material and polymeric substrates.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a first embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a second outer wraparound blank according to a first embodiment of the invention for use with the first inner wraparound blank of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 1 and the second blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part of the package of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the package of FIG. 3 , wherein two articles have been removed from the package and yet the structural integrity of the composite carrier formed from the first and second wraparound blanks is not significantly compromised;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a second embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the wraparound blank of FIG. 6 in an assembled form as a wraparound carrier holding a group of six articles;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 6 and the second blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a third embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 9 and the second blank of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above of the package of FIG. 10 , wherein two articles have been removed from the package and yet the structural integrity of the composite carrier, formed from the first inner and second outer wraparound blanks of FIGS. 9 and 2 , is not significantly compromised;
  • FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part of the package of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a second outer wraparound blank according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for use with the first inner wraparound blank of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 14 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 14 and the second blank of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 16 is an internal view of part of a bottom structure of the package of FIG. 15 wherein part of a composite bottom wall of a first inner wraparound carrier formed from the first inner blank of FIG. 14 is shown locked to a composite bottom wall of a second outer wraparound carrier formed from the second outer blank of FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view from above of a second outer wraparound blank according to a fifth embodiment of the invention for use with the first inner wraparound blank of FIG. 18 ;
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a fifth embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 17 ;
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 18 and the second blank of FIG. 17 ;
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a sixth embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 21 ;
  • FIG. 21 is a plan view from above of a second outer wraparound blank according to a sixth embodiment of the invention for use with the first inner wraparound blank of FIG. 20 ;
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 20 and the second blank of FIG. 21 ;
  • FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of part of the package of FIG. 22 ;
  • FIG. 24 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to a seventh embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank, such as but not limited to, the blank of FIG. 25 ;
  • FIG. 25 is a plan view from above of a second outer wraparound blank according to a seventh embodiment of the invention for use with two carriers formed from two first inner wraparound blanks of FIG. 24 ;
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a group of articles wrapped within a composite carrier formed from the first blank of FIG. 24 and the second blank of FIG. 25 ;
  • FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of part of the package of FIG. 26 ;
  • FIG. 28 is a plan view from above of a first inner wraparound blank according to an eighth embodiment of the invention for use with a second outer wraparound blank of various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a perspective view from above of the wraparound blank of FIG. 28 in an assembled form as a wraparound carrier holding a group of six articles.
  • the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging, enclosing, housing, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Examples of product containers that may be used include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.
  • suitable substrate includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like.
  • blanks are shown which are configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an optional arrangement of suggested articles.
  • the arrangement is a 3 ⁇ 2 matrix and the articles are bottles.
  • the blanks can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a plan view from above of a first inner blank 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the first inner blank is optionally a wraparound style blank 10 .
  • the first inner blank 10 is suitable for being paired with a second outer blank, such as but not limited to, the second outer blank 11 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the first inner blank 10 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 92 once the first inner blank 10 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 12 , a first bevel panel 14 , a first side panel 16 , a second bevel panel 18 , a top panel 20 , a third bevel panel 22 , a second side panel 24 , a fourth bevel panel 26 and a second bottom panel 28 .
  • the main panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 80 , 82 and 84 .
  • first and second end panels 50 , 52 are coupled to the top panel 20 by fold lines 60 , 64 respectively.
  • four gusset panels 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , 54 d and four web panels 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d are hinged between the first and second end panels 50 , 52 and the first and second side panels 16 , 24 respectively.
  • each gusset panel 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , 54 d is hinged by a fold line 64 a , 64 b , 64 c , 64 d to the first or second side panel 16 , 24 ; and each gusset panel 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , 54 d is hinged by a fold line 58 a , 58 b , 58 c , 58 d to an adjacent web panel 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d .
  • Each web panel 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d is, in turn, hinged to an adjacent first or second end panel 50 , 52 along a fold line 57 a , 57 b , 57 c , 57 d .
  • the four gusset panels 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , 54 d and four web panels 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d are folded and moved and cause the first and second end panels 50 , 52 to also fold relative to the top panel 20 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 12 , 28 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 1 , F 2 in the first bottom panel 12 ; and two male locking tabs M 1 , M 2 in the second bottom panel 28 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 1 , A 3 are provided in the second bottom panel 28 .
  • the alignment apertures A 1 , A 3 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 28 relative to the first bottom panel 12 .
  • Optional article heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
  • Each heel engaging feature H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 is formed in part in a bevel panel 14 , 26 , in part in a bottom panel 12 , 28 and in part in a side panel 16 , 24 .
  • the presence of the heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 is entirely optional; and when provided, the configuration of the heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 may take many and various forms.
  • the configuration of each heel engaging feature H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example and is in no way limiting.
  • each of the four heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described.
  • Heel engaging feature H 1 comprises a bottom aperture 40 , a pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs 46 a , 44 a , and an upper aperture 42 .
  • the pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs 46 a , 44 a is each foldably connected to the first bottom panel 12 , first bevel panel 14 and first side panel 16 by means of arcuate fold lines 46 , 44 .
  • each inwardly foldable retention tab 46 a , 44 a may comprise a score or cut therethrough to facilitate its inward bending when displaced during assembly of the blank 10 about an article group.
  • the second and third bevel panels 18 , 22 optionally comprise a weakened arrangement 68 a , 72 a , 70 a adjacent to each endmost aperture 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d . Since the weakened arrangements 68 a , 72 a , 70 a are optionally similar, only one is described.
  • Aperture 2 c is defined in part by a cut line that is co-linear with fold line 38 and which terminates at short, arcuate fold lines 4 c and 4 e respectively (see FIG. 1 ). Adjacent to the aperture 2 c a slit 72 a extends from an edge of the aperture 2 c down to fold line 80 .
  • a first weakened line 68 a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short, arcuate fold line 4 c , towards but not reaching the fold line 80 .
  • a second weakened line 70 a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short, arcuate fold line 4 e , towards but not reaching the fold line 80 .
  • the weakened arrangement 68 a , 72 a , 70 a defines a tab 66 a which can be displaced out of the plane of the third bevel panel 22 (see FIG. 4 ) once the first inner carrier 92 is assembled.
  • the four weakened arrangements may assist in removal of an article B from the carrier 92 when assembled.
  • the top panel 20 comprises an article receiving arrangement that is defined by a series of displaceable flaps 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , 20 d , shaped to form four apertures 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d in blank form.
  • the displaceable flaps 20 c , 20 d are hinged to adjacent first and second end panels 50 , 52 respectively by fold lines 60 , 64 .
  • Displaceable flap 20 d is hinged via short, arcuate fold lines 4 a , 4 c to the top panel 20 .
  • Displaceable flap 20 c is hinged via short, arcuate fold lines 4 b , 4 d to the top panel 20 .
  • Displaceable flaps 20 a , 20 b are hinged to one another along fold line 62 ; and are each hinged to the top panel 20 along short, arcuate fold lines 4 h , 4 g , 4 e , 4 f .
  • Displaceable flaps 20 d , 20 a share a common cut line 66 ; and displaceable flaps 20 b , 20 c share a common cut line 68 .
  • a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided.
  • the mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more locking apertures provided on the inner wraparound carrier 92 and one or more corresponding and co-operating locking tabs provided in the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the blank 10 is optionally provided with a locking aperture A 2 ; and a pair of recesses R 1 , R 2 .
  • the locking aperture A 2 is formed in the second bottom panel 28 .
  • the aperture A 2 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier 92 .
  • the first recess R 1 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 12 ; and the second recess R 2 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 28 .
  • the recesses R 1 , R 2 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 12 / 28 is formed, the recesses R 1 , R 2 overlap to a sufficient extent such that a further aperture or gap R 1 /R 2 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 12 / 28 , which further aperture or gap R 1 /R 2 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier 92 .
  • the first inner carrier 92 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the first inner carrier 92 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.
  • each pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs 46 a , 44 a of the heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 is folded inwardly towards the adjacent first or fourth bevel panels 14 , 26 .
  • the six articles B are arranged in a 3 ⁇ 2 group having two opposite ends (of three articles) and two opposite sides (of two articles). Then the top panel 20 is aligned with the articles B such that a top closure C, for example a crown closure, of each of the four articles B on a side of the article group is beneath one of the four apertures 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d . The blank 10 is then lowered and placed over the tops of all of the articles B such that a top C of the four articles B on a side of the article group B passes through one of the apertures 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d .
  • a top closure C for example a crown closure
  • This action causes the displaceable flaps 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , 20 d to fold upwardly, out of the plane of the top panel 20 such that two rows of three articles each sit within an elongate aperture thereby formed in the top panel 20 .
  • the second and third bevel panels 18 , 22 are folded about fold lines 36 and 38 respectively and the first and second side panels 16 , 24 are then folded about fold lines 34 and 80 until the first and second side panels 16 , 24 are each disposed alongside a side of the article group.
  • the four gusset panels 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , 54 d and the four web panels 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d automatically articulate the first and second end panels 50 , 52 , about fold lines 60 , 64 respectively until the first and second end panels 50 , 52 are each disposed alongside an end of the article group.
  • first bottom panel 12 and first bevel panel 14 are then folded about fold lines 30 and 32 until the first and second article heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 are located about the heels of two articles B along the side of the group and the first bottom panel 12 is disposed beneath part of the article group.
  • first and third apertures A 1 , A 3 may be used by automating machinery to ensure proper positioning and relative alignment of the first and second bottom panels 12 , 28 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 12 , 28 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M 1 , M 2 against the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 .
  • This displaces the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M 1 , M 2 are punched through.
  • the shoulders of the first and second male tabs M 1 , M 2 prevent the locking male tabs M 1 , M 2 from returning back through the apertures formed when the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 are displaced. In this way, the first and second bottom panels 12 , 28 are mechanically locked together.
  • the first and second bottom panels 12 , 28 are mechanically locked together such that the group of articles B are tightly packed and held together in the carrier 92 .
  • the ends of the article group (not shown) are covered only partially by the first and second end panels 50 , 52 but are otherwise exposed.
  • the inner wraparound carrier 92 formed from the blank 10 has a first notional tubular axis that is defined as extending between the open ends of the carrier 92 , in other words between first end panel 50 and second end panel 52 .
  • the first notional tubular axis is parallel to the bottom wall structure 12 / 28 .
  • the locking aperture A 2 and further aperture or gap R 1 /R 2 formed from the overlaying recesses R 1 , R 2 are ready for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 90 is compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 92 and may take many and various forms.
  • the blank 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outer wraparound carrier 90 , it being recognised that the illustrative example provided does not limit to a particular or specific combination of inner wraparound carrier and outer wraparound carrier.
  • the blank 11 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a second outer carrier 92 once the second outer carrier blank 11 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 25 , a first side panel 23 , a first bevel panel 21 , a top panel 19 , a second bevel panel 17 , a second side panel 15 , and a second bottom panel 13 .
  • the main panels 25 , 23 , 21 , 19 , 17 , 15 and 13 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 37 , 35 , 33 , 31 , 29 and 27 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 3 , F 4 in the second bottom panel 13 ; and two male locking tabs M 3 , M 4 in the first bottom panel 25 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8 , A 9 are provided in the second bottom panel 13 and first bottom panel 25 .
  • the alignment apertures A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8 , A 9 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 13 relative to the first bottom panel 25 .
  • Optional article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 are provided for engaging and securely locating the top or crown or closure ‘C’ of an article B.
  • Each article top engaging feature T 1 , T 2 is formed in part in a bevel panel 21 , 17 and in part in the top panel 19 .
  • the presence of the article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 is entirely optional; and when provided, the configuration of the top engaging feature T 1 , T 2 may take many and various forms.
  • the configuration of each article top engaging feature T 1 , T 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example and is in no way limiting.
  • each of the article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described.
  • Article top engaging feature T 1 comprises an upper aperture 43 defined in part by a cut edge 45 of the top panel 19 ; a pair of outwardly displaceable, foldable retention tabs 47 a , 47 b separated by a common cut line 51 and each hinged to the first bevel panel 21 via fold lines 39 a , 39 b.
  • the blank 11 also comprises a carrying feature which is structured and arranged to enable a user to comfortably and securely grip the outer carrier 90 for carrying and lifting the package 94 (see FIG. 3 ) formed from the combination of the assembled blank 10 , a group of articles B and the assembled blank 11 .
  • the carrying feature is symmetrical and therefore only one side will be described.
  • a recessed region is defined in the top panel 19 and comprises a first tab 53 a hinged to a centre tab 55 a along angled fold line 61 a and a second tab 59 a hinged on the other side of the centre tab 55 a by angled fold line 63 a .
  • the centre tab 55 a is hinged to the top panel 19 along fold line 65 a ; and the first and second tabs 53 a , 59 a are separated from the top panel 19 by means of an optional cut line.
  • the center tab 55 a can be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 19 as it hinges downwardly about fold line 65 a .
  • the first and second tabs 53 a , 59 a are also displaced out of the plane of the top panel 19 and fold downwardly relative to the top panel 19 and slightly inwardly towards the center tab 55 a .
  • a user can grip the top panel 19 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 55 a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against the other center tab 55 b and adjacent first and second tabs 53 b , 59 b.
  • the second outer wraparound carrier 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the second outer wraparound carrier 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.
  • the top panel 19 is aligned with the articles within the first inner carrier 92 such that a top closure C, for example a crown closure, of each one of the articles B is beneath the top panel 19 .
  • the blank 11 is then lowered and placed onto the tops of the articles B such that a top C of each article B contacts an underside of the top panel 19 .
  • the first and second bevel panels 21 , 17 are folded about fold lines 33 and 31 respectively and the first and second side panels 23 , 15 are then folded about fold lines 35 and 29 until the first and second side panels 23 , 15 are each disposed alongside an end of the article group. As the first and second bevel panels 21 , 17 are folded, the article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles of the group.
  • the second outer carrier 90 comprises an article engaging structure T 1 , T 2 and a top portion C of at least one of the articles B of the group in the first inner carrier 92 is received, at least in part, within the top article engaging structure T 1 , T 2 of the second outer tubular structure 90 .
  • the second bottom panel 13 is folded about fold line 27 until the second bottom panel 13 is disposed beneath part of the bottom wall structure 12 / 28 of the inner wraparound carrier 92 .
  • first bottom panel 25 is then folded about fold line 37 until the first bottom panel 25 is disposed beneath part of the second bottom panel 13 and part of the bottom wall structure 12 / 28 of the inner wraparound carrier 92 .
  • the alignment apertures A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8 , A 9 (generally triangular shaped apertures) within the second bottom panel 13 and first bottom panel 25 may be used by automating machinery to ensure proper positioning and relative alignment of the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M 3 , M 4 against the first and second female tabs F 3 , F 4 .
  • This displaces the first and second female tabs F 3 , F 4 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M 3 , M 4 are punched.
  • the male tabs M 3 , M 4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A 2 and gap R 1 /R 2 of the first inner carrier 92 .
  • the male tabs M 3 , M 4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F 3 , F 4 of the second bottom panel 13 of the outer wraparound carrier 90 , the male tabs M 3 , M 4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A 2 or gap R 1 /R 2 of the inner carrier 92 .
  • first and second male tabs M 3 , M 4 are pushed past the outer bottom wall structure and through and into the interior region of the first inner wraparound carrier 92 . This prevents the locking male tabs M 3 , M 4 from accidentally returning back through locking aperture A 2 ; gap R 1 /R 2 of the first inner carrier 92 ; and the apertures formed when the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 are displaced. In this way, the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 are mechanically locked together to form a composite bottom wall structure of the second outer carrier 90 .
  • the inner wraparound carrier 92 and the group of six articles B are tightly packed and further held together in the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • first and second side and bevel panels 23 / 21 , 17 / 15 of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 are now more fully covered by the first and second side and bevel panels 23 / 21 , 17 / 15 of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 . Furthermore, the composite bottom wall structure of the second outer carrier 90 is mechanically locked to the composite bottom wall structure of the first inner carrier 92 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 90 formed from the blank 11 has a second notional tubular axis that is defined as extending between the open ends of the carrier 90 .
  • the second notional tubular axis is parallel to the bottom wall structure 25 / 13 .
  • a package 94 is formed which comprises a first inner carrier 92 and a second outer carrier 90 with the second outer carrier 90 being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the first inner carrier 92 .
  • the tubular axis of the first inner carrier 92 is perpendicular to the second tubular axis of the second outer carrier 90 .
  • the two sets of carrying feature 53 a / 55 a / 59 a and 53 b / 55 b / 59 b together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B 3 , B 4 of the article group.
  • the carrying handle structure comprises, as described, one or more foldable tabs and optionally, in this arrangement, each set of carrying features comprises three tabs: the first tab 53 a , 53 b , the center tab 55 a , 55 b , and the second tab 59 a , 59 b .
  • the carrying handle structure is in use, and only part of the carrying handle structure is therefore visible.
  • the foldable tabs 53 a / 55 a / 59 a , 53 b / 55 b / 59 b have all been folded out of the plane of the top panel 19 ; and the first and second tabs 53 a , 53 b , and 59 a , 59 b have also been folded inwardly, out of the plane of the center tab 55 a , 55 b and toward the center tab 55 a , 55 b .
  • the center tab 55 a , 55 b along with the adjacent and angled first and second tabs 53 a , 53 b , 59 a , 59 b , forms a generally “U”-shaped structure that is sized and arranged to fit between the necks N of the two center most articles i.e. between bottles B 3 and B 4 (see FIG. 5 ).
  • the two folded carrying handle features 53 a / 55 a / 59 a , 53 b / 55 b / 59 b are disposed on either side and partially between the centermost articles B 3 , B 4 . They can be gripped in a pinching type hold, optionally between a user's thumb, which might contact the center tab 55 a , and a user's index and middle fingers, which might contact the other center tab 55 b.
  • the carrying handle features 53 a / 55 a / 59 a , 53 b / 55 b / 59 b can each provide, when folded downwardly into the interior of the package 94 , a spacer that is positioned between two adjacent articles B 3 , B 4 and a carrying handle for the entire package 94 .
  • the package 94 (see FIG. 3 ) encloses at least a lower portion of the group of articles due to the provision of the side walls 23 / 21 , 15 / 17 , of the second outer carrier 90 about each of the sides of the group of articles and the provision of the side panels 16 , 24 of the first inner carrier 92 about each of the ends of the group of articles.
  • the shoulder S of a side-most bottle B may be pulled against the weakened arrangement 68 a , 70 a , 72 a and pulled past the displaceable flaps 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , 20 d until a sufficiently sized gap ‘O’ is created such that the bottle B can be lifted out of the inner and outer wraparound carriers 90 , 92 of the package 94 (see FIG. 4 ).
  • the package 94 may comprise empty openings ‘O’ where a bottle B was positioned, yet the package 94 still retains much of its structural integrity. This is somewhat different to typical wraparound carriers where, upon removal of one or more articles, the wraparound carrier typically collapses. In the present arrangement the package 94 retains structural integrity, even after the removal of two or more or all bottles B 5 , B 6 as shown.
  • This keel structure may provide a brace across the first inner carrier 92 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the first inner carrier 92 even after the articles have been removed.
  • This keel structure is optionally centrally disposed and as shown in FIG. 3 has a substantially inverted “V”-shaped cross-section. The keel structure may brace or provide support between the first and second side panels 16 , 24 .
  • FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention wherein an alternative inner blank 110 is shown which can be combined with a second outer blank in order to construct a different package 194 .
  • the first inner blank 110 may be combined with the second outer blank 11 of FIG. 2 , as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment.
  • the second embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail.
  • the first inner blank 110 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 192 once the first inner blank 110 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 112 , a first bevel panel 114 , a first side panel 116 , a top panel 120 , a second side panel 124 , a fourth bevel panel 126 and a second bottom panel 128 .
  • the main panels 112 , 114 , 116 , 120 , 124 , 126 , 128 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 130 , 132 , 136 , 180 , 182 and 184 .
  • first and second end panels 150 , 152 are coupled to the top panel 120 by fold lines 160 , 164 , and in this arrangement the first and second end panels 150 , 152 are coupled to the first and second side panels 116 , 124 via four gusset panels 154 a , 154 b , 154 c , 154 d and four web panels 156 a , 156 b , 156 c , 156 d , which are hinged by fold lines 164 a , 164 b , 164 c , 164 d ; 158 a , 158 b , 158 c , 158 d ; and 157 a , 157 b , 157 c , 157 d respectively.
  • the four gusset panels 154 a , 154 b , 154 c , 154 d and four web panels 156 a , 156 b , 156 c , 156 d automatically articulate the first and second end panels 150 , 152 into a set up position when the blank 110 is assembled.
  • the first and second bottom panels 112 , 128 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 11 , F 12 in the first bottom panel 112 ; and two male locking tabs M 11 , M 12 in the second bottom panel 128 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 11 , A 13 are provided in the second bottom panel 128 for facilitating the automated location of the second bottom panel 128 relative to the first bottom panel 112 .
  • Optional article heel engaging features H 11 , H 12 , H 13 , H 14 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 already described.
  • the top panel 120 comprises a different article receiving arrangement compared to the blank 10 of FIG. 1 .
  • the article receiving arrangement is defined by a series of transversely arranged displaceable flaps 120 , 120 a , 120 b , 120 c , 120 d , 120 that run between the end panels 150 , 152 of the blank 110 .
  • the six displaceable flaps 120 , 120 a , 120 b , 120 c , 120 d , 120 are shaped to form six apertures 102 a , 102 b , 102 c , 102 d , 102 e , 102 f in bank form.
  • a first part of the top panel 120 that is hinged to the first side panel 116 along fold line 136 forms a first displaceable flap having a shaped cut edge defined by cut line 166 .
  • the cut line 166 also defines a shaped cut edge of a second displaceable flap 120 a .
  • the second displaceable flap 120 a is hinged to the top panel 120 by means of a transversely extending fold line 162 a and short arcuate fold lines 104 a , 104 b , 104 c , 104 d , which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162 a to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150 , 152 respectively.
  • a third displaceable flap 120 b is also hinged to the top panel 120 by means of the transversely extending fold line 162 a and short arcuate fold lines 104 a , 104 b , 104 c , 104 d , which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162 a to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150 , 152 respectively.
  • the third displaceable flap 120 b has a shaped cut edge defined by cut line 168 .
  • the cut line 168 also defines a shaped cut edge of a fourth displaceable flap 120 c.
  • the fourth displaceable flap 120 c is also hinged to the top panel 120 by means of a further transversely extending fold line 162 b and short arcuate fold lines 104 e , 104 f , 104 g , 104 h , which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162 b to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150 , 152 respectively.
  • the fourth displaceable flap 120 d has a shaped cut edge defined by cut line 169 .
  • the cut line 169 also defines a shaped cut edge of a fifth displaceable flap 120 , which is part of the top panel 120 and that is hinged to the second side panel 124 along fold line 180 .
  • a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided.
  • the mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more locking apertures provided on the inner wraparound carrier 192 and the co-operating locking tabs M 3 , M 4 provided in the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the blank 110 is again optionally provided with a locking aperture A 12 ; and a pair of similarly shaped recesses R 11 , R 12 .
  • the locking aperture A 12 is formed in the second bottom panel 128 and has a substantially octagonal shape.
  • the aperture A 12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M 3 , M 4 from the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • a first recess R 11 that is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 112 ; and a second recess R 12 that is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 128 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once the bottom wall structure 112 / 128 is formed, the recesses R 11 , R 12 overlap to a sufficient extent that a further aperture or gap R 11 /R 12 is provided in the bottom wall structure 112 / 128 , which further aperture or gap R 11 /R 12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M 3 , M 4 from the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the construction of the first inner wraparound carrier 192 (see FIG. 7 ) is similar to that already described in relation to the first inner wraparound carrier 92 , albeit, when the top panel 120 is lowered and placed over the tops of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , a top C of each article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 passes through one of the apertures 102 a , 102 c , 102 e , 102 b , 102 d , 102 f .
  • This action causes the displaceable flaps 120 , 120 a , 120 b , 120 c , 120 d , 120 to each fold upwardly about fold lines 136 , 162 a , 162 b and 180 respectively such that three transverse rows, each comprising two articles B 1 /B 4 , B 2 /B 5 , B 3 /B 6 , are disposed within a transverse aperture 102 a / 102 b , 102 c / 102 d , 102 e / 103 f , thereby formed.
  • first and second side panels 116 , 124 are then folded about fold lines 136 and 180 until they are each disposed alongside a side of the article group. Again, this action automatically articulates the first and second end panels 150 , 152 , about fold lines 160 , 164 respectively until the first and second end panels 150 , 152 are each disposed alongside part of an end of the article group (see FIG. 7 ).
  • the first bottom panel 112 and first bevel panel 114 are folded as described before, with the first and second article heel engaging features H 11 , H 12 being located about the heels of two articles B 4 , B 1 along a first side B 1 /B 4 of the group of articles and with the first bottom panel 112 being disposed beneath part of the article group.
  • the second bottom panel 128 and fourth bevel panel 126 are folded as described before with the third and fourth heel engaging features H 13 , H 14 being located about the heels of two articles B 6 , B 3 along a second side B 3 /B 6 of the group of articles and with the second bottom panel 128 being disposed beneath part of the article group and in partial overlapping relationship with the first bottom panel 112 .
  • the mechanical interlocking mechanism M 11 , M 12 , F 11 , F 12 can then be operated to secure the first and second bottom panels 112 , 128 together as previously described.
  • first and second bottom panels 112 , 128 are mechanically locked together such that the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 is tightly packed and held together within the first carrier 192 .
  • the ends B 1 / 62 / 63 , B 4 /B 5 /B 6 of the article group are covered only partially by the first and second end panels 150 , 152 but are otherwise exposed.
  • a first keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 120 a , 120 b , fold line 162 a and the arcuate short fold lines 104 a , 104 c , 104 b , 104 d at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120 a , 120 b to the top panel 120 .
  • the first keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B 1 /B 4 and a second row of articles B 2 /B 5 .
  • a second keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 120 c , 120 d , fold line 162 b and the arcuate short fold lines 104 e , 104 g , 104 f , 104 h at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120 c , 120 d to the top panel 120 .
  • the second keel structure forms a brace between the second row of articles B 2 /B 5 and a third row of articles B 3 /B 6 .
  • the keel structure may provide a structural brace across the first inner carrier 92 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the first inner carrier 92 even after the articles have been removed.
  • the keel structure has a substantially inverted “V” shaped cross-section.
  • the keel structure may brace or provide support between the first and second side panels 15 , 23 of a second outer carrier 90 .
  • the locking aperture A 12 and further aperture or gap R 11 /R 12 formed from the overlaying recesses R 11 , R 12 are ready for receiving a locking tab M 3 , M 4 from the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 90 compatible with the inner wrap around carrier 92 may take many and various forms.
  • the blank 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outer wraparound carrier 90 , it being recognised that the illustrative example provided does not limit to a particular or specific combination of inner wraparound carrier and outer wraparound carrier.
  • the second outer wraparound carrier 90 may be assembled about the inner carrier 92 and article group B 1 -B 6 shown in FIG. 7 , in the same manner as described above, with the top panel 19 being placed onto the tops of the articles B 1 -B 6 and such that the first and second bevel panels 21 , 17 and the first and second side panels 23 , 15 are folded until the article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles B 2 , B 5 of the group.
  • the second bottom panel 13 is folded about fold line 27 until the second bottom panel 13 is disposed beneath part of the bottom wall structure 112 / 128 of the inner wraparound carrier 192 .
  • first bottom panel 25 is then folded about fold line 37 until the first bottom panel 25 is disposed beneath part of the second bottom panel 13 and part of the bottom wall structure 112 / 128 of the inner wraparound carrier 192 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M 3 , M 4 against the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 . This displaces the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M 3 , M 4 are punched.
  • the male tabs M 3 , M 4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A 12 and gap R 11 /R 12 of the first inner carrier 192 .
  • the male tabs M 3 , M 4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F 1 , F 2 of the second bottom panel 13 of the outer wraparound carrier 90 , the male tabs M 3 , M 4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A 12 and gap R 11 /R 12 of the inner carrier 192 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 25 , 13 are mechanically locked together to form a composite bottom wall structure of the second outer carrier 90 .
  • the inner wraparound carrier 192 and the group of six articles B 1 -B 6 are tightly packed and further held together in the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the ends of the article group B 1 / 62 / 63 , B 4 /B 5 /B 6 are now more fully covered by the first and second side and bevel panels 23 / 21 , 17 / 15 of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the composite bottom wall structure 25 / 13 of the second outer carrier 90 is mechanically locked to the composite bottom wall structure 112 / 128 of the first inner carrier 192 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 90 formed from the blank 11 has a second notional tubular axis that is defined as extending between the open ends of the carrier 90 .
  • the second notional tubular axis is parallel to the bottom wall structure 112 / 128 .
  • a package 194 is formed which comprises a first inner carrier 192 and a second outer carrier 90 with the second outer carrier 90 being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the first inner carrier 192 .
  • the tubular axis of the first inner carrier 192 is perpendicular to the second tubular axis of the second outer carrier 90 .
  • the two sets of carrying feature 53 a / 55 a / 59 a and 53 b / 55 b / 59 b together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B 2 , B 5 of the article group.
  • the package 194 may again comprise empty openings ‘0’ where a bottle B 1 -B 6 was positioned, yet the package 194 still retains much of its structural integrity. This is in part due to the transverse keel structure or bracing structure formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 120 a , 120 b , 120 c , 120 d fold lines 162 a , 162 b and the arcuate short fold lines 104 a , 104 b , 104 c , 104 d , 104 e , 104 f , 104 g , 104 h at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120 a , 120 b , 120 c , 120 d to the end panels 150 , 152 respectively.
  • This keel structure may provide a brace across the first inner carrier 192 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the first inner carrier 192 even after the articles B 1 -B 6 have been removed.
  • the keel structures are optionally centrally disposed and as shown in FIG. 6 provide two transverse structures with inverted “V” shaped cross-sections.
  • the keel structures may brace or provide support between the first and second side panels 116 , 124 .
  • FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 there is shown another embodiment of the present invention wherein an alternative inner blank 210 is shown which can be combined with the second outer blank 11 of FIG. 2 in order to construct a different package 294 .
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment.
  • the third embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown a plan view from above of a first inner blank 210 according to the third embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the first inner blank 210 is also optionally a wraparound style blank 210 and is suitable for being paired with a second outer blank, such as but not limited to, the second outer blank 11 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the first inner blank 210 again comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 292 shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 .
  • the series of main panels includes: a first bottom panel 212 , a first bevel panel 214 , a first side panel 216 , a top panel 220 , a second side panel 224 , a fourth bevel panel 226 and a second bottom panel 228 .
  • the main panels 212 , 214 , 216 , 220 , 224 , 226 , 228 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 230 , 232 , 236 , 280 , 282 and 284 .
  • the first inner blank 210 optionally does not comprise second and third bevel panels either side of the top panel 220 , and also does not comprise any end panels. Similarly to the first inner blank 10 of FIG. 1 , the first inner blank 210 does comprise a mechanical interlocking means for the first and second bottom panels 212 , 228 .
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 21 , F 22 in the first bottom panel 212 ; and two male locking tabs M 21 , M 22 in the second bottom panel 228 .
  • the first inner blank 210 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A 21 , A 23 ; optional article heel engaging features H 21 , H 22 , H 23 , H 24 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 of blank 10 ; and a pair of recesses R 21 , R 22 which are provided, as before, to facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the inner wraparound carrier 292 and the outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the top panel 220 also comprises an article receiving arrangement that is also optionally defined by a series of four longitudinally extending, displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d .
  • the four displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d are shaped to form six apertures 202 a , 202 b , 202 c , 202 d , 202 e , 202 f in blank form.
  • a common cut line 266 separates displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 b ; and similarly, a common cut line 268 separates displaceable flaps 220 c , 220 d .
  • the common cut lines 266 , 268 are interrupted by the apertures 202 a , 202 b , 202 c , 202 d , 202 e , 202 f respectively.
  • the optional apertures 202 a , 202 b , 202 c , 202 d , 202 e , 202 f may be omitted, beneficially however, they provide a clear indication for alignment of the top panel 220 with the article group.
  • the outermost displaceable flaps 220 a and 220 d are hinged to the top panel 220 by means of curved or arcuate fold lines 204 a , 204 c , 204 b and 204 d respectively.
  • the curved fold lines 204 a , 204 c , 204 b and 204 d are longer in length than the short arcuate fold lines 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d of the first embodiment. This may be in order to ensure that the outermost displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 d are attached to the top panels 220 by a sufficiently strong connection because there are no end panels in this arrangement.
  • centre-most displaceable flaps 220 b , 220 c are hinged to the top panel 220 via long arcuate fold lines 204 e , 204 f , 204 g , 204 h.
  • the displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d are folded downwardly out of the plane of the top panel 220 .
  • this may be achieved by pushing the bottoms of the bottles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 onto the top panel 220 which causes the flaps 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d to fold to create an opening for the two rows of three bottles B 1 / 62 / 63 , B 4 / 65 / 66 .
  • the first and second side panels 216 , 224 are then disposed alongside one of the sides B 1 /B 2 , B 3 /B 6 of the article group.
  • the first bottom panel 212 and first bevel panel 214 are then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H 21 , H 22 are located about the heels of the two articles B 3 , B 6 on one side of the group and then the second bottom panel 228 and fourth bevel panel 226 are folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H 23 , H 24 are located about the heels of the two articles B 1 , B 2 on the other side of the article group.
  • the first and second bottom panels 212 , 228 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M 21 , M 22 against the first and second female tabs F 21 , F 22 .
  • the displaceable flaps 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d may be folded downwardly out of the plane of the top panel 220 in a pre-assembly step, after which the open top panel 220 is located onto the tops of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , and by relative movement of the blank 210 and articles, the blank 210 is then pulled down the necks of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 and the construction of the blank 210 about the articles group completed as described before.
  • the inner wraparound carrier 292 formed from the blank 210 has a first notional tubular axis that is defined as extending between the open ends of the carrier 292 , in other words along a line running through the middle of the centremost articles B 2 , B 5 .
  • the first notional tubular axis is parallel to the bottom wall structure 212 / 228 .
  • the locking aperture A 22 and further aperture or gap R 21 /R 22 formed from the overlaying recesses R 21 , R 22 are again ready for receiving a locking tab from an outer wraparound carrier 90 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 292 may take many and various forms.
  • the blank 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outer wraparound carrier 90 , it being recognised that the illustrative example provided does not limit to a particular or specific combination of inner wraparound carrier and outer wraparound carrier.
  • the package 294 may comprise two empty openings ‘O’ where bottles B 1 -B 6 were positioned, yet the package 294 still retains much of its structural integrity.
  • the package 294 again retains structural integrity, even after the removal of two B 4 , B 1 bottles shown, or more bottles.
  • This keel structure again may provide a brace across the first inner carrier 292 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the first inner carrier 292 even after the articles have been removed.
  • This keel structure is optionally centrally disposed and as shown in FIG. 11 has a substantially inverted “V” shaped cross-section. The keel structure may brace or provide support between the first and second side panels 216 , 224 .
  • FIGS. 13 to 16 there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention wherein an inner blank 310 may be combined with a second outer blank 311 in order to construct an alternative package 394 .
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “300” to indicate that these features belong to the fourth embodiment.
  • This embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12 will be described in any greater detail.
  • a first inner blank 310 is shown in FIG. 14 comprising a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 392 once the first inner blank 310 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels includes: a first bottom panel 312 , a first bevel panel 314 , a first side panel 316 , a top panel 320 , a second side panel 324 , a second bevel panel 326 and a second bottom panel 328 .
  • the main panels 312 , 314 , 316 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 330 and 332 .
  • the main panels 324 , 326 , 328 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 382 and 384 .
  • the first side panel 316 is coupled to the top panel 320 by a plurality of fold lines 304 a , 304 b and portions of fold lines 373 a , 373 b .
  • the top panel 320 is coupled to the second side panel 324 by a plurality of fold lines 304 c , 304 d and portions of fold lines 373 c , 373 d.
  • the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 31 , F 32 in the first bottom panel 312 ; and two male locking tabs M 31 , M 32 in the second bottom panel 328 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 33 , A 35 are provided in the first bottom panel 312 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 are provided in the second bottom panel 328 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 328 relative to the first bottom panel 312 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 are shaped and configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of the package 394 .
  • a machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 to engage with the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 during assembly of the first inner carrier 392 about a group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 may facilitate tightening of the first inner carrier 392 about the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the machine component may engage the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 , via a first lobe of the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 , movement of the machine component in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular axis of the first inner carrier 392 allows the degree of overlap between the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 to be adjusted.
  • a machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 during assembly of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 may facilitate or enable tightening of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the machine component may pass through the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 , the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 each comprises a second lobe arranged to facilitate or allow movement of the machine component in a direction substantially parallel to the tubular axis of the first inner carrier 392 during the assembly of the second outer carrier 390 .
  • the machine component may optionally engage with the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 of the first inner carrier 392 when the second outer carrier 390 is being assembled thereabout, so as to align the first inner carrier 392 with respect to the second outer carrier 390 .
  • the alignment apertures A 33 , A 35 are substantially heart shaped, although other shapes comprising two or more lobes may be employed for example, but not limited to, a kidney shape.
  • Optional article heel engaging features H 31 , H 32 , H 33 , H 34 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
  • Each heel engaging feature H 31 , H 32 , H 33 , H 34 is formed in one of the bevel panels 314 , 326 .
  • each of the four heel engaging features shown has the same configuration and therefore only the first heel engaging feature H 32 will be described.
  • First heel engaging feature H 32 comprises a first heel receiving aperture 340 a .
  • the first heel receiving aperture 340 a is substantially “W” shaped along a first edge and sides and is substantially “U” shaped along a second edge, the second edge defining in part a boundary between the first bottom panel 312 and the first bevel panel 314 .
  • the blank 310 is optionally provided with a pair of recesses R 31 , R 32 .
  • a first recess R 31 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 312 ; and a second recess R 32 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 328 .
  • the recesses R 31 , R 32 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 312 / 328 is formed, the recesses R 31 , R 32 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R 31 /R 32 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 312 / 328 , which aperture or gap R 31 /R 32 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M 33 from the outer wraparound carrier 390 .
  • the top panel 320 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , 302 d .
  • Each article receiving aperture 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , 302 d is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , 302 d , in alternative embodiments a single or other plurality of article receiving apertures may be provided.
  • the first side panel 316 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding the first side wall about a first side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • a first fold line 368 a may be provided, the first fold line 368 a extends substantially between a first article receiving aperture 302 a and the first heel receiving aperture 340 a.
  • a second fold line 368 b may be provided, the second fold line 368 b extends substantially between a second article receiving aperture 302 b and a second heel receiving aperture 340 b in the first bevel panel 314 .
  • a third fold line 372 a may be provided; the third fold line 372 a extends from the fold line 332 towards the top panel 320 .
  • the third fold line 372 a extends across a substantial portion of the first side panel 316 , that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of the first side panel 316 .
  • the third fold line 372 a may extend into the first bevel panel 314 .
  • the third fold line 372 a is optionally parallel with each of the first and second fold lines 368 a , 368 b.
  • a fourth fold line 373 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 316 to the second article receiving aperture 302 b.
  • a fifth fold line 373 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 316 to the first article receiving aperture 302 a.
  • the fifth fold line 373 b and fourth fold line 373 a intersect one another and portions thereof define in part a first diamond shaped panel portion struck from the first side panel 316 .
  • a sixth fold line 375 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 316 to the center of the first side panel 316 .
  • a seventh fold line 375 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 316 to the center of the first side panel 316 so as to meet or intersect with the sixth fold line 375 a . Portions of the sixth fold line 375 a and seventh fold line 375 b define in part the first diamond shaped panel portion.
  • a fold line extends across the first diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex between the sixth fold line 375 a and seventh fold line 375 b and a vertex between the fifth fold line 373 b and fourth fold line 373 a .
  • the fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 372 a .
  • the fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 372 a.
  • Two further substantially diamond shaped panel portions are defined in part by the fold lines 373 a , 373 b , 375 a , 375 b 304 a and 304 b .
  • a second diamond shaped panel portion is disposed adjacent to the first diamond shaped panel portion; the second diamond shaped panel portion is interrupted or bounded in part by the first article receiving aperture 302 a .
  • the second diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion of fold line 373 a in common.
  • the first fold line 368 a extends across the second diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by the fold lines 375 a , 373 a , to the first article receiving aperture 302 a.
  • a third diamond shaped panel portion is disposed adjacent to the first diamond shaped panel portion; the third diamond shaped panel portion is interrupted or bounded in part by the second article receiving aperture 302 b .
  • the third diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion of fold line 373 b in common.
  • the second fold line 368 b extends across the third diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by the fold lines 375 b , 373 b , to the second article receiving aperture 302 b.
  • a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370 a , 370 b extends downwardly from the vertex between the sixth fold line 375 a and seventh fold line 375 b .
  • a first one 370 a of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370 a , 370 b converges with the first fold line 368 a .
  • a second one 370 b of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370 a , 370 b converges with the second fold line 368 b.
  • the blank 310 may comprise additional fold lines; a fold line may extend from the first fold line 368 a to an inner edge of the first heel engaging aperture 340 a ; a fold line may extend from the second fold line 368 b to an inner edge of the second heel engaging aperture 340 b ; a fold line may extend from the first article receiving aperture 302 a to the first side edge of the first side panel 316 so as to define in part a triangular gusset panel with the fold line 304 a ; a fold line may extend from the second article receiving aperture 302 b to the second side edge of the first side panel 316 so as to define in part a triangular gusset panel with the fold line 304 b.
  • the second side panel 324 comprises a plurality of fold lines 368 c , 368 d , 372 b , 370 c , 370 d , 373 c , 373 d , 375 c , 375 d which facilitate folding the second side wall 324 about a second side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 368 c , 368 d , 372 b , 370 c , 370 d , 373 c , 373 d , 375 c , 375 d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 316 and will not be described in further detail.
  • a second outer blank 311 shown in FIG. 13 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 392 once the second outer blank 311 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels includes: a first bottom panel 325 , a first side panel 323 , a top panel 319 , a second side panel 315 and a second bottom panel 313 .
  • the main panels 325 , 323 are hinged one to the next by fold line 337 .
  • the main panels 315 , 313 are hinged one to the next by fold line 327 .
  • the first side panel 323 is coupled to the top panel 319 by a plurality of fold lines 305 a , 305 b and portions of fold lines 383 a , 383 b .
  • the top panel 319 is coupled to the second side panel 315 by a plurality of fold lines 305 c , 305 d and portions of fold lines 383 c , 383 d.
  • the first and second bottom panels 325 , 313 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises a female tab F 33 in the first bottom panel 325 ; and a male locking tab M 33 in the second bottom panel 313 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 37 , A 38 are provided in the first bottom panel 325 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 are provided in the second bottom panel 313 .
  • the alignment apertures A 37 , A 38 , A 34 , A 36 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 313 relative to the first bottom panel 325 .
  • a machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 , A 37 , A 38 to engage with the first and second bottom panels 325 , 313 during assembly of the second outer carrier 390 .
  • the alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 , A 37 , A 38 may facilitate tightening of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the machine component may engage the first and second bottom panels 312 , 328 , via the alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 , A 37 , A 38 , movement of the machine component in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular axis of the second outer carrier 390 allows the degree of overlap between the first and second bottom panels 325 , 313 to be adjusted.
  • the alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 , A 37 , A 38 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
  • the top panel 319 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 302 e , 302 f , 302 g , 302 h .
  • Each article receiving aperture 302 e , 302 f , 302 g , 302 h is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • Each of the article receiving apertures 302 e , 302 f , 302 g , 302 h in the top panel 319 is configured be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of the article receiving apertures 302 a , 302 b , 302 c , 302 d in the top panel 320 of the first inner carrier 392 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 302 e , 302 f , 302 g , 302 h , in alternative embodiments a single or other plurality of article receiving apertures may be provided.
  • the first side panel 323 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding the first side panel 323 about a third side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • a first fold line 378 a may be provided, the first fold line 378 a extends downwardly from a first article receiving aperture 302 e towards the first bottom panel 325 .
  • a second fold line 378 b may be provided, the second fold line 378 b extends downwardly from a second article receiving aperture 302 f towards the first bottom panel 325 .
  • a third fold line 382 a may be provided; the third fold line 382 a extends from the fold line 337 towards the top panel 319 .
  • the third fold line 382 a extends across a substantial portion of the first side panel 323 , that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of the first side panel 323 .
  • the third fold line 382 a is optionally parallel with each of the first and second fold lines 378 a , 378 b.
  • a fourth fold line 383 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 323 to the second article receiving aperture 302 f.
  • a fifth fold line 383 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 323 to the first article receiving aperture 302 e.
  • the fifth fold line 383 b and fourth fold line 383 a intersect one another and portions thereof define in part a diamond shaped panel struck from the first side panel 323 .
  • a sixth fold line 385 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 323 to the center of the first side panel 323 .
  • a seventh fold line 385 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 323 to the center of the first side panel 323 so as to meet or intersect with the sixth fold line 385 a.
  • Portions of the sixth fold line 385 a and seventh fold line 385 b define in part the diamond shaped panel.
  • a fold line extends across the diamond shaped panel from a vertex between the sixth fold line 385 a and seventh fold line 385 b and a vertex between the fifth fold line 383 b and fourth fold line 383 a .
  • the fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 382 a .
  • the fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 382 a.
  • a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380 a , 380 b extends downwardly from the vertex between the sixth fold line 385 a and seventh fold line 385 b .
  • a first one 380 a of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380 a , 380 b converges with the first fold line 378 a .
  • a second one 380 b of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380 a , 380 b converges with the second fold line 378 b.
  • the second side panel 315 comprises a plurality of fold lines 378 c , 378 d , 382 b , 380 c , 380 d , 383 c , 383 d , 385 c , 385 d which facilitate folding the second side wall 315 about a second side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 378 c , 378 d , 382 b , 380 c , 380 d , 383 c , 383 d , 385 c , 385 d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 323 and will not be described in further detail.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates the second side panel 324 of the first inner carrier 392 and the second side panel 315 of the second outer carrier 390 .
  • An upper portion of the second side panel 324 of the first inner carrier 392 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B 1 , B 2 .
  • the first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B 1 , B 2 , so as to form a recessed panel portion.
  • the recessed panel portion forms a valley trough.
  • the second and third diamond shaped panel portions may be deformed about a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 so as to form a close fit therewith.
  • the second and third diamond shaped panel portions may be bent about the shoulder of the respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 such that the second and third diamond shaped panel portions are non-coplanar with the remainder of the second side panel 324 .
  • An upper portion of the second side panel 315 of the second outer carrier 390 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B 1 , B 3 .
  • the first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B 1 , B 3 , so as to form a recessed panel portion.
  • the recessed panel portion forms a valley trough.
  • the second and third diamond shaped panel portions of the second side panel 315 may be deformed about a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 3 so as to form a close fit therewith.
  • the second and third diamond shaped panel portions of the second side panel 315 may be bent about the shoulder of the respective one of the articles B 1 , B 3 such that the second and third diamond shaped panel portions are non-coplanar with the remainder of the second side panel 315 .
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of the composite bottom panel 312 , 328 ; the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 have been removed for illustrative purposes.
  • the male tab M 32 has passed through the first bottom panel 312 , in doing the female tab F 32 was displaced out of the plane of the first bottom panel 312 .
  • the female tab F 32 bears against the male tab M 32 .
  • the inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 310 is formed biases the female tab F 32 against the male tab M 32 , so as to hold in a folded position.
  • the male tab M 31 and female tab F 31 are similarly arranged albeit not visible in FIG. 16 .
  • the male tab M 33 of the second outer carrier 390 has passed through the first bottom panel 325 of the second outer carrier 390 .
  • the female tab F 33 was displaced out of the plane of the first bottom panel 325 .
  • the female tab F 33 bears against the male tab M 33 .
  • the inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 311 is formed biases the female tab F 33 against the male tab M 33 , so as to hold in a folded position.
  • the male and female tabs M 33 , F 33 have also passed through the composite bottom panel 312 / 328 of the first inner carrier 392 .
  • the male and female tabs M 33 , F 33 are received in the aperture in the composite bottom panel 312 / 328 formed by the recesses R 31 , R 32 .
  • the male tab M 33 may be substantially arrowhead shaped and comprise engaging shoulders, the engaging shoulders may be in locking engagement with the composite bottom panel 312 / 328 of the first inner carrier 392 so as to lock the composite bottom panel 312 / 328 of the first inner carrier 392 to the composite bottom panel 325 / 313 of the second outer carrier 390 .
  • FIG. 16 also illustrates the relationship between the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 in the first inner carrier 392 and the alignment apertures A 34 , A 36 , A 37 , A 38 in the second outer carrier 390 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 in the first inner carrier 392 allow a machine tool to pass through both the composite bottom panel 325 / 313 of the second outer carrier 390 and the composite bottom panel 312 / 328 of the first inner carrier 392 .
  • the alignment apertures A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 35 in the first inner carrier 392 are shaped and/or dimensioned such that the machine tool when inserted has freedom to move the first and second bottom panels 325 , 313 of the second outer carrier 390 with respect to each other.
  • FIGS. 17 to 19 there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention wherein an inner blank 410 may be combined with a second outer blank 411 in order to construct an alternative package 494 .
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “400” to indicate that these features belong to the fifth embodiment.
  • This embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 will be described in any greater detail.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a first inner blank 410 comprising a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 492 once the first inner blank 410 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 412 , a first bevel panel 414 , a first side panel 416 , a top panel 420 , a second side panel 424 , a second bevel panel 426 and a second bottom panel 428 .
  • the main panels 412 , 414 , 416 are hinged one to the next in series by respective fold lines.
  • the main panels 424 , 426 , 428 are hinged one to the next in series by respective fold lines.
  • the first side panel 416 is coupled to the top panel 420 by a plurality of fold lines 473 a , 473 b , 436 a , 436 b .
  • the top panel 320 is coupled to the second side panel 324 by a plurality of fold lines 438 a , 438 b , 473 c , 473 d.
  • the first and second bottom panels 412 , 428 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 41 , F 42 in the first bottom panel 412 ; and two male locking tabs M 41 , M 42 in the second bottom panel 428 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 43 , A 45 are provided in the first bottom panel 412 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 41 , A 42 are provided in the second bottom panel 428 .
  • the alignment apertures A 41 , A 42 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 428 relative to the first bottom panel 412 .
  • the alignment apertures A 41 , A 42 , A 43 , A 45 are shaped and configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of the package 494 .
  • the alignment apertures A 43 , A 45 are substantially heart shaped, although other shapes comprising two or more lobes may be employed for example, but not limited to, a kidney shape.
  • Optional article heel engaging features H 41 , H 42 , H 43 , H 44 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
  • Each heel engaging feature H 41 , H 42 , H 43 , H 44 is formed in one of the bevel panels 414 , 426 .
  • each of the four heel engaging features shown has the same configuration and therefore only the first heel engaging feature H 42 will be described.
  • First heel engaging feature H 42 comprises a first heel receiving aperture 440 a .
  • the first heel receiving aperture 440 a is substantially “U” shaped.
  • the blank 410 is optionally provided with a pair of recesses R 41 , R 42 .
  • a first recess R 41 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 412 ; and a second recess R 42 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 428 .
  • the recesses R 41 , R 42 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 412 / 428 is formed, the recesses R 41 , R 42 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R 41 /R 42 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 412 / 428 , which aperture or gap R 41 /R 42 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M 43 from the outer wraparound carrier 490 .
  • the top panel 420 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 402 a , 402 b , 402 c , 402 d .
  • Each article receiving aperture 402 a , 402 b , 402 c , 402 d is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , see FIG. 19 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 402 a , 402 b , 402 c , 402 d , in alternative embodiments a single or other plurality of article receiving apertures may be provided.
  • the first side panel 416 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding the first side wall 416 about a first side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • a first fold line 472 a may be provided; the first fold line 472 a extends substantially between the first bevel panel 414 and the top panel 420 .
  • the first fold line bisects the first side panel 416 .
  • the first fold line 472 a may be collinear with a fold line 462 which extends across and bisects the top panel 420 .
  • a second fold line 436 a may be provided; the second fold line 436 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 416 to the center of the first side panel 416 and intersects with the first fold line 472 a.
  • a third fold line 436 b may be provided; the third fold line 436 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 416 to the center of the first side panel 416 so as to meet or intersect with the second fold line 436 a and the first fold line 472 a.
  • a fourth fold line 473 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 416 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second and third fold lines 472 a , 436 a , 436 b .
  • the fourth fold line 473 a together with the second fold line 436 a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
  • a fifth fold line 473 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 416 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second and third fold lines 472 a , 436 a , 436 b .
  • the fifth fold line 473 b together with the third fold line 436 b defines at least in part a second web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
  • the second side panel 424 comprises a plurality of fold lines 438 a , 438 b , 472 b , 473 c , 473 d which facilitate folding the second side wall 424 about a second side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 438 a , 438 b , 472 b , 473 c , 473 d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 416 and will not be described in further detail.
  • a second outer blank 411 shown in FIG. 17 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 490 once the second outer blank 411 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels includes: a first bottom panel 425 , a first side panel 423 , a top panel 419 , a second side panel 415 and a second bottom panel 413 .
  • the main panels 425 , 423 are hinged one to the next by fold line 437 .
  • the main panels 415 , 413 are hinged one to the next by fold line 427 .
  • the first side panel 423 is coupled to the top panel 419 by a plurality of fold lines 483 a , 483 b , 433 a , 433 b .
  • the top panel 419 is coupled to the second side panel 415 by a plurality of fold lines 431 a , 431 b , 483 c , 483 d.
  • the first and second bottom panels 425 , 413 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises a female tab F 43 in the first bottom panel 425 ; and a male locking tab M 43 in the second bottom panel 413 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 47 , A 48 are provided in the first bottom panel 425 .
  • Optional alignment apertures A 44 , A 46 are provided in the second bottom panel 413 .
  • the alignment apertures A 47 , A 48 , A 44 , A 46 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 413 relative to the first bottom panel 425 .
  • the alignment apertures A 47 , A 48 , A 44 , A 46 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
  • the top panel 319 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 402 e , 402 f , 402 g , 402 h .
  • Each article receiving aperture 402 e , 402 f , 402 g , 402 h is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • Each of the article receiving apertures 402 e , 402 f , 402 g , 402 h in the top panel 419 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of the article receiving apertures 402 a , 402 b , 402 c , 402 d in the top panel 420 of the first inner carrier 492 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 402 e , 402 f , 402 g , 402 h , in alternative embodiments a single or other plurality of article receiving apertures may be provided.
  • the first side panel 423 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding the first side panel 423 about a third side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • a first fold line 482 a may be provided; the first fold line 482 a extends substantially between, that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of the first side panel 425 , the first bottom panel 425 and the top panel 419 .
  • the first fold line 482 a bisects the first side panel 423 .
  • the first fold line 482 a may be collinear with a fold line 486 which extends across and bisects the top panel 419 .
  • a second fold line 433 a may be provided; the second fold line 433 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 423 to the center of the first side panel 423 and intersects with the first fold line 482 a.
  • a third fold line 433 b may be provided; the third fold line 433 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 423 to the center of the first side panel 423 so as to meet or intersect with the second fold line 433 a and the first fold line 482 a.
  • a fourth fold line 483 a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 423 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second and third fold lines 482 a , 433 a , 433 b .
  • the fourth fold line 483 a together with the second fold line 433 a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
  • a fifth fold line 483 b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 423 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second and third fold lines 482 a , 433 a , 433 b .
  • the fifth fold line 483 b together with the third fold line 433 b defines at least in part a second web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
  • the second side panel 415 comprises a plurality of fold lines 431 a , 431 b , 482 b , 483 c , 483 d which facilitate folding the second side wall 415 about a second side of the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 431 a , 431 b , 482 b , 483 c , 483 d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 423 and will not be described in further detail.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates the first inner blank 410 and second outer blank 411 form a package 494 .
  • FIG. 19 illustrates the second side panel 424 of the first inner carrier 492 and the first side panel 423 of the second outer carrier 490 .
  • An upper portion of the second side panel 424 of the first inner carrier 492 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B 1 , B 4 .
  • the second side panel 424 is folded about fold line 472 b so as to be displaced into a void between the articles B 1 , B 4 , so as to form a recessed panel portion.
  • the recessed panel portion forms a valley trough which extends substantially vertically between the top panel 420 and the composite bottom panel 412 / 428 .
  • the first and second web panels may be deformed about a respective one of the articles B 1 , B 4 so as to form a close fit therewith.
  • the first and second web panels may be bent about the shoulder of the respective one of the articles B 1 , B 4 such that the first and second web panels are non-coplanar with the remainder of the second side panel 424 .
  • first side panel 423 of the second outer carrier 490 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B 4 , B 3 .
  • the first side panel 423 is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B 4 , B 3 , so as to form a recessed panel portion.
  • the recessed panel portion forms a valley trough which extends substantially vertically between the top panel 419 and the composite bottom panel 425 / 413 .
  • the first and second web panels of the first side panel 423 may be deformed about a respective one of the articles B 4 , B 3 so as to form a close fit therewith.
  • the first and second web panels of the first side panel 423 may be bent about the shoulder of the respective one of the articles B 4 , B 3 such that the first and second web panels are non-coplanar with the remainder of the first side panel 423 .
  • FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 23 there are shown further embodiments of the present invention, including a first inner wraparound blank 510 for use with a second outer wraparound blank 511 , which form a package 594 according to a sixth embodiment.
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “500” to indicate that these features belong to the sixth embodiment.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 shares many common features with the earlier described embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 will be described in any greater detail.
  • the first inner blank 510 again comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 590 shown in FIG. 22 .
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 512 , a first bevel panel 514 , a first side panel 516 , a second bevel panel 518 , a top panel 520 , a third bevel panel 522 , a second side panel 524 , a fourth bevel panel 526 and a second bottom panel 528 .
  • the main panels 512 , 514 , 516 , 518 , 520 , 522 , 524 , 526 , 528 are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 530 , 532 , 534 , 536 , 538 , 580 , 582 and 584 .
  • the first inner blank 510 optionally does not comprise any end panels, or displaceable flaps or keel structure. Similarly to the first inner blank 10 of FIG. 1 , the first inner blank 510 does comprise a mechanical interlocking means for the first and second bottom panels 512 , 528 .
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 51 , F 52 in the second bottom panel 528 ; and two male locking tabs M 51 , M 52 in the first bottom panel 512 .
  • the first inner blank 510 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A 51 , A 53 ; and optional article heel engaging features H 51 , H 52 , H 53 , H 54 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 of blank 10 .
  • the pair of recesses R 1 , R 2 is replaced with a locking aperture A 55 which is formed in the first bottom panel 512 and is provided to facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the inner wraparound carrier 590 and the outer wraparound carrier 592 .
  • the second locking aperture A 55 optionally has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise two opposed fold lines 509 a , 509 b and two opposed tabs 507 a , 507 b .
  • the two opposed tabs 507 a , 507 b may be hinged about the fold lines 509 a , 509 b .
  • the two opposed tabs 507 a , 507 b may be displaced by one or more locking tabs M 53 , M 54 of a second outer carrier 592 .
  • the presence of the two displaced opposed tabs 507 a , 507 b in the locking arrangement may enhance the security with which the first carrier 590 is interlocked with the second carrier 592 .
  • the second and third bevel panels 518 , 522 optionally comprise a weakened arrangement 570 a , 570 b , 570 c , 570 d adjacent to each endmost aperture 502 a , 502 b , 502 e , 502 f . Since the weakened arrangements 570 a , 570 b , 570 c , 570 d are optionally similar, only one is described.
  • Aperture 502 e is defined in part by a circular cut line that lies adjacent to fold line 538 . Adjacent to the aperture 502 e a slit 570 c extends at an angle in the third bevel panel 522 .
  • the weakened arrangements 570 a , 570 b , 570 c , 570 d can be broken to assist in removal of an article B from the carrier 590 when assembled.
  • the top panel 520 also comprises an article receiving arrangement, but in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
  • the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
  • six apertures 502 a , 502 b , 502 c , 502 d , 502 e , 502 f are provided in the top panel 520 , each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 .
  • the article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series of frangible lines 504 a , 504 b , 504 c , 504 d , 506 a , 506 b , 506 c , 506 d that emanate radially outward from an edge of an aperture 502 a , 502 b , 502 c , 502 d , 502 e , 502 f as shown in FIG. 20 .
  • frangible lines 504 a , 504 b , 504 c , 504 d , 506 a , 506 b , 506 c , 506 d are sized, shaped, positioned and otherwise arranged to facilitate the withdrawal of an article by pulling it upwardly and causing a tear to propagate along one or more of the frangible lines 504 a , 504 b , 504 c , 504 d , 506 a , 506 b , 506 c , 506 d such that the aperture 502 a , 502 b , 502 c , 502 d , 502 e , 502 f associated with the article being removed is increased in size to allow the shoulder of that bottle to be lifted through the opening thereby created.
  • the article receiving arrangement may also comprise one or more terminations or edge cuts E 1 , E 2 , E 3 , E 4 , which terminations are optionally provided at the end of one, some or all of the frangible lines 504 a , 504 b , 504 c , 504 d , 506 a , 506 b , 506 c , 506 d in order to limit the extent to which a tear may propagate along the top panel 520 .
  • the illustrated article receiving arrangement may differ in some embodiments to accommodate articles of different size, shape, number, and/or arrangement and/or the illustrated article receiving arrangement may differ in terms of the frangible lines and terminations provided which control the manner in which, and the ease with which, an article can be pulled free of the carrier 590 .
  • the first inner wraparound carrier 590 of the present embodiment is assembled by first placing the top panel 520 over the tops of a group of six articles arranged in a 3 ⁇ 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of the apertures 502 a , 502 b , 502 c , 502 d , 502 e , 502 f .
  • Construction of the carrier 590 is completed as described in respect of earlier embodiments with the second and third bevel panels 518 , 522 and the first and second side panels 516 , 524 being disposed alongside one of the sides B 1 /B 4 , B 3 /B 6 of the article group.
  • first bottom panel 512 and first bevel panel 514 are then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H 51 , H 52 are located about the heels of the two articles B 3 , B 6 on one side of the group and then the second bottom panel 528 and fourth bevel panel 526 are folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H 53 , H 54 are located about the heels of the two articles B 1 , B 4 on the other side of the article group. Then, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and second bottom panels 512 , 528 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M 51 , M 52 against the first and second female tabs F 51 , F 52 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 592 compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 590 may take many and various forms.
  • the blank 511 shown in FIG. 21 may be assembled into one such suitable outer wraparound carrier 592 , it being recognised that the illustrative example provided does not limit to a particular or specific combination of inner wraparound carrier and outer wraparound carrier.
  • the blank 511 is similar to the blank 11 of FIG. 2 , but instead has differently shaped first and second bevel panels 521 , 517 which give the overall carton an asymmetric appearance.
  • Each first and second bevel panel 521 , 517 has a skewed shape defined by slanted side edges.
  • the blank 511 of FIG. 21 additionally comprises first and second inset panels 527 a , 527 b that are foldably connected to an edge of the first and second side panels 523 , 515 respectively via fold lines 539 a , 539 b.
  • the first and second bottom panels 525 , 513 are disconnected from the inset panels 527 a , 527 b.
  • a further difference between the blank 511 of FIG. 21 and the blank 11 of FIG. 2 is in the provision of shaped “female” locking tabs F 53 , F 54 which in this arrangement have a greater width than the rectangular female tabs of blank 11 .
  • the locking tabs F 53 , F 54 have shoulders and a leading edge that is narrower in width than the width of the locking tabs across their shoulders.
  • each carrying handle feature is formed within and are surrounded by part of the top panel 519 rather than being formed in a recessed region at an edge of the top panel 519 .
  • each carrying handle feature comprises a first tab 553 a hinged to a Y-shaped centre tab 555 a along a shaped fold line 561 a and a second tab 559 a hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 555 a by a shaped fold line 563 a (see FIGS. 21 and 23 ).
  • the center tab 555 a can be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 519 as it hinges downwardly about fold line 565 a .
  • the first and second tabs 553 a , 559 a are also displaced out of the plane of the top panel 519 and fold downwardly relative to the top panel 519 and slightly inwardly toward the center tab 555 a .
  • a user can grip the top panel 519 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 555 a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against the other center tab 555 b and adjacent first and second tabs 553 b , 559 b.
  • the blank 511 comprises a similar series of main panels including: a first bottom panel 525 , a first side panel 523 , a first bevel panel 521 , a top panel 519 , a second bevel panel 517 , a second side panel 515 , and a second bottom panel 513 .
  • the second outer wraparound carrier 592 is aligned with the articles within the first inner carrier 590 , lowered and placed onto the tops of the articles B 1 -B 6 .
  • the first and second bevel panels 521 , 517 are folded about fold lines 533 and 531 respectively and the first and second side panels 523 , 515 are then folded about fold lines 535 and 529 until the first and second side panels 523 , 515 are each disposed alongside an end B 1 /B 2 /B 3 of the article group.
  • the article top engaging features T 1 , T 2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles B 2 , B 5 of the group.
  • the second outer carrier 592 comprises an article engaging structure T 1 , T 2 and a top portion C of at least one of the articles B 2 , B 5 of the group in the first inner carrier 590 is received, at least in part, within the top article engaging structure T 1 , T 2 of the second outer tubular structure 592 .
  • the first and second inset panels 527 a , 527 b are folded inwardly towards the article group.
  • the second bottom panel 513 is disposed beneath part of the bottom wall structure 512 / 528 of the inner wraparound carrier 590 .
  • the locking tabs F 53 , F 54 are aligned with and disposed beneath the locking apertures A 52 , A 54 /A 55 .
  • the first bottom panel 525 is then folded about fold line 537 until the first bottom panel 525 is disposed beneath part of the second bottom panel 513 and part of the bottom wall structure 512 / 528 of the inner wraparound carrier 590 .
  • the male locking tabs M 53 , M 54 are thereby disposed beneath both the female locking tabs F 53 , F 54 and the locking apertures A 52 , A 54 /A 55 .
  • the first and second male tabs M 53 , M 54 are then pushed against the female tabs F 53 , F 54 respectively. This displaces the female tabs F 53 , F 54 into and through a respective one of the locking apertures and allows the male tabs to also be pushed into a respective one of the locking apertures F 53 , F 54 .
  • this action also inwardly displaces the locking tabs 507 a , 507 b to form a secure interlocking of both the first and second bottom panels 512 , 528 with one another and a secure interlocking of the first and second bottom panels 525 , 513 of the outer carrier 592 with the first and second bottom panels 512 / 528 of the inner carrier 590 .
  • the package 594 thus formed comprises a first inner carrier 590 , a second outer carrier 592 and may be easily carried by the carrying features 553 a / 555 a / 559 a and 553 b / 555 b / 559 b , which as shown in FIG. 23 provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B 2 , B 5 of the article group.
  • FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention, including a first inner wraparound blank 610 for use with a second outer wraparound blank 611 , which form a package 694 according to a seventh embodiment.
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “600” to indicate that these features belong to the sixth embodiment.
  • the inner wraparound blank 610 and the inner wraparound carrier 692 share many features in common with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 ; and the outer wraparound blank 611 and the outer wraparound carrier 690 share many features in common with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 21 and therefore only the differences from the earlier described embodiments will be described in any greater detail.
  • the first inner blank 610 is configured for holding four articles in a 2 ⁇ 2 arrangement and again comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls, which although does not comprise first and fourth bevel panels, does include: a first bottom panel 612 , a first side panel 616 , a second bevel panel 618 , a top panel 620 , a third bevel panel 622 , a second side panel 624 , and a second bottom panel 628 .
  • the first inner blank 610 optionally does not comprise any end panels, or displaceable flaps or keel structure and further similarly to the first inner blank 510 of FIG. 20 , the first inner blank 610 comprises a mechanical interlocking means for the first and second bottom panels 612 , 628 .
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 61 , F 62 which are optionally generally rectangular in shape in the second bottom panel 628 ; and two male locking tabs M 61 , M 62 in the first bottom panel 628 .
  • a second locking aperture A 65 is again formed in the first bottom panel; and as with the blank 510 of FIG. 20 , the second locking aperture A 65 has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise two opposed fold lines 609 a , 609 b and two opposed, hinged tabs 607 a , 607 a .
  • the two opposed tabs 607 a , 607 b may be hinged about the fold lines 609 a , 609 b .
  • the two opposed tabs 607 a , 607 a may be displaced by a locking tab M 63 , M 64 of a second outer carrier 690 .
  • the presence of the two displaced opposed tabs 607 a , 607 b in the locking arrangement may enhance the security with which the first carrier 692 is interlocked with the second carrier 690 .
  • a further locking aperture A 64 is provided, which may overlap or be aligned with the locking aperture A 65 of the first bottom panel 612 and the locking tabs 607 a , 607 b may assist in locking the first and second bottom panels 612 , 628 to one another and/or to the outer carrier 692 .
  • the blank 610 optionally comprises additional apertures A 32 , A 34 formed such that an edge of the aperture A 32 , A 34 is coincident with the fold line 632 , 684 between the first or second bottom panel 612 , 628 and the adjacent first or second side panel 616 , 624 .
  • the apertures A 32 , A 34 may be used as alignment apertures for use during construction of the carrier 692 , to ensure, for example, that the first and second bottom panels 612 , 628 are properly aligned.
  • the apertures A 32 , A 34 may also receive interlocking features of the outer carrier 690 .
  • the top panel 620 as shown in FIG. 24 comprises an article receiving arrangement, but in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
  • the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
  • four apertures 602 a , 602 b , 602 c and 602 d are provided in the top panel 620 , each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series of four frangible lines 604 a , 604 b , 604 c , 604 d that each emanate radially outward from an edge of an aperture 602 a , 602 b , 602 c and 602 d as shown in FIG. 24 .
  • the frangible lines 604 a , 604 b , 604 c , 604 d are sized, shaped, positioned and otherwise arranged to facilitate the withdrawal of an article by pulling it upwardly and causing a tear to propagate in the top panel 620 such that the aperture 602 a , 602 b , 602 c , 602 d associated with the article being removed is increased in size to allow the shoulder of that bottle to be lifted through the opening thereby created.
  • the second and third bevel panels 618 , 622 optionally comprise a weakened arrangement 668 a , 668 b , 670 a , 670 b adjacent to each of the four article receiving apertures 602 a , 602 b , 602 c , 602 d that are provided in the top panel 620 . Since the weakened arrangements 668 a , 668 b , 670 a , 670 b are optionally similar, only one is described. Adjacent to the aperture 602 a the frangible line 604 a extends at an angle toward the first bevel panel 618 ; and toward a slit 668 b formed at a co-operative angle in the first bevel panel 618 . The slit 668 b and frangible line 604 a can be broken and used to tear the top panel 620 and the first bevel panel 618 to assist in removal of an article B from the carrier 692 when assembled.
  • the first inner wraparound carrier 692 of the present embodiment is assembled by first placing the top panel 690 over the tops of a group of four articles arranged in a 2 ⁇ 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of the apertures 602 a , 602 b , 602 c , 602 d .
  • Construction of the carrier 692 is completed as described in respect of earlier embodiments with the second and third bevel panels 618 , 622 and the first and second side panels 616 , 624 being disposed alongside one of the sides B 1 /B 2 , B 3 /B 4 of the article group.
  • the first bottom panel 612 is then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H 61 , H 62 are located about the heels of the two articles B 1 , B 2 on one side of the group and then the second bottom panel 628 is folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H 63 , H 64 are located about the heels of the two articles B 3 , B 4 on the other side of the article group. Then, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and second bottom panels 612 , 628 are mechanically locked together by punching or pressing the first and second male tabs M 61 , M 62 against the first and second female tabs F 61 , F 62 .
  • the locking apertures A 64 and A 65 may overlap and prepare the inner carrier bottom wall for interlocking with the outer carrier 690 using a locking tab (M 63 or M 64 ) from the outer wraparound carrier 690 .
  • the outer wraparound carrier 690 compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 692 may take many and various forms.
  • two inner carriers 692 a , 692 b are held by a single outer carrier 690 , such that the overall package 694 contains 8 articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 1 ′, B 2 ′, B 3 ′, B 4 ′ packaged into two separate carriers 692 a , 692 b , each comprising a 2 ⁇ 2 group of four articles.
  • An example, of a carrier 690 suitable for combination with two inner carriers 692 a , 692 b is shown in FIG. 26 .
  • the carrier 690 is formed from a blank 611 as shown in FIG. 25 . It will be recognised that the illustrative example provided does not limit to a particular or specific combination of inner wraparound carrier and outer wraparound carrier.
  • the blank 611 is similar to the blank 11 of FIG. 2 , albeit, with larger sized panels to accommodate a greater number of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B 1 ′, B 2 ′, B 3 ′, B 4 ′.
  • the top panel 619 is formed similarly to the top panel 520 of the blank shown in FIG. 21 wherein the carrying handle features are formed within and are surrounded by part of the top panel 619 rather than being formed in a recessed region at an edge of the top panel 619 .
  • each carrying handle feature again comprises a first tab hinged to a Y-shaped centre tab 655 a along a shaped fold line and a second tab hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 655 a by a shaped fold line (see FIGS. 25 and 26 ).
  • the center tab 655 a can be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 619 as it hinges downwardly.
  • the first and second tabs are also displaced out of the plane of the top panel 619 and fold downwardly relative to the top panel 619 and slightly inwardly toward the center tab 655 a .
  • a user can grip the top panel 619 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 655 a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against the other center tab 655 b and adjacent first and second tabs.
  • the blank 611 comprises a similar series of main panels to the blank 11 of FIG. 2 , including: a first bottom panel 625 , a first side panel 623 , a first bevel panel 621 , the top panel 619 , a second bevel panel 617 , a second side panel 615 , and a second bottom panel 613 .
  • the first and second bottom panels 625 , 613 are provided with shaped and wide locking tabs M 63 , M 64 , F 63 , F 64 that co-operate as described above.
  • the first bottom panels comprise one or more optional male tabs M 65 , M 66 which co-operate with one or more corresponding female tabs F 65 , F 66 .
  • This locking mechanism is provided to interlock the first and second bottom panels 625 , 613 of the outer carrier 690 together and increases the security with which the bottom structure of the package 694 is held together.
  • the additional bottom locking features M 65 , M 66 , F 65 , F 66 that interlock the first bottom panel 625 of the outer carrier 690 to the second bottom panel 613 of the outer carrier 690 to one another, are optionally provided in a central region of the blank 611 . This may offer increased strength in the region where the two separate inner carriers 692 a , 692 b meet.
  • An optional series of alignment apertures A 61 , A 62 , A 63 , A 54 ; A 55 , A 66 , A 67 , A 68 are provided in the first and second bottom panels 625 , 613 , again for aiding the correct alignment of the first and second bottom panels 625 , 613 with one another for interlocking the outer carrier 690 together and with the bottom walls 612 / 628 , 612 ′/ 628 ′ of the inner carriers 692 a , 692 b.
  • the package 694 formed from two inner carriers 692 a , 692 b and the single outer carrier 690 is shown in FIG. 26 .
  • the package 694 is constructed by positioning two inner carriers 692 a , 692 b next to one another such that the second side panel 624 of a first one of the inner carriers 692 a is disposed next to and possibly in face contacting relationship with a first side panel 616 ′ of the second one of the inner carriers 692 b . This results in a 2 ⁇ 4 article array being formed.
  • the top panel 619 is then placed over the top of the eight bottle group B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 ; B 1 ′, B 2 ′, B 3 ′, B 4 ′ and the first and second bevel panels 621 , 617 folded down against the “open ends” of the inner carriers 692 a , 692 b .
  • the first bevel panel 621 is disposed alongside a first end B 2 , B 4 , B 2 ′, B 4 ′ of the article group; and the second bevel panel 617 is disposed alongside a second end B 1 , B 3 , B 1 ′, B 3 ′ of the article group.
  • the top engaging features T 1 a , T 1 b mate and locate with centremost articles B 4 , B 2 ′; and the top engaging features T 2 a , T 2 b mate and locate with centremost articles B 3 , B 1 ′.
  • the first and second bottom panels 625 , 613 of the outer carrier are folded in turn, beneath the inner carriers 692 a , 692 b .
  • the second bottom panel 613 is folded first and contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of the inner carriers 692 a , 692 b such that the female locking tab F 64 is disposed beneath locking aperture A 64 /A 65 of the first inner carrier 692 a ; and such that the female locking tab F 63 is disposed beneath the locking aperture A 64 ′/A 65 ′ of the second inner carrier 692 b.
  • the first bottom panel 625 is then folded such that it contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of the inner carriers 692 a , 692 b ; and partially overlays the second bottom panel 613 .
  • the male locking tab M 64 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F 64 and locking aperture A 64 /A 65 of the first inner carrier 692 a ;
  • the male locking tab M 63 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F 63 and locking aperture A 64 ′, A 65 ′ of the second inner carrier 692 b ;
  • the additional male locking tabs M 65 , M 66 are disposed beneath and aligned with the female tabs F 66 , F 65 and apertures A 32 , A 34 .
  • the male tab M 64 is forced against the female tab F 64 , which pushes both the female tab F 64 and the male tab M 64 upwardly into the locking aperture A 64 /A 65 , which in turn pushes the tabs 607 a , 607 b up into the interior of the first inner carrier 692 a .
  • the tabs 607 a , 607 b are disposed behind the female tab F 64 and male tab M 64 respectively and the shape and size of all tabs M 64 , F 64 , 607 a , 607 b are such that once punched upwardly into a locking position, return of the tabs to their starting position is very difficult indeed.
  • the outer carrier 690 is securely attached to the inner carrier 692 a .
  • the male and female tabs M 64 , F 64 may abut the edge of the aperture A 65 /A 64 which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M 64 overhang the edge of the aperture A 65 /A 64 and sit on or just above the inner surface of the second bottom panel 628 of the first inner carrier 692 a.
  • FIG. 27 illustrates an internal view of part of the package with bottles removed.
  • the first inner carrier 692 a is shown with its first side panel 616 to the right-hand side of the picture.
  • the heel locking features H 62 , H 61 with their foldable retention tabs 644 a folded, can be seen.
  • the second side panel 624 can be seen, with its heel locking features H 63 , H 64 shown.
  • the second inner carrier 692 b can be seen, in particular the first side panel 616 ′ thereof (on the very left-hand side of the picture).
  • the second bottom panel 628 of the inner carrier 692 a sits partially on top of the first bottom panel 612 .
  • the male tab M 63 is forced against the female tab F 63 , which pushes both the female tab F 63 and the male tab M 63 upwardly into the locking aperture A 64 ′/A 65 ′, which in turn pushes the tabs 607 a ′, 607 b ′ up into the interior of the second inner carrier 692 b .
  • the tabs 607 a ′, 607 b ′ are disposed behind the female tab F 63 and male tab M 63 and the shape and size of all tabs M 63 , F 63 , 607 a ′, 607 b ′ are such that once punched upwardly into a locking position, return of the tabs to their starting position is very difficult indeed. In this way the outer carrier 690 is securely attached to the second inner carrier 692 b .
  • the male and female tabs M 63 , F 63 may abut the edge of the aperture A 65 ′/A 64 ′ which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M 63 overhang the edge of the aperture A 65 ′/A 64 ′ and sit on or just above the inner surface of the second bottom panel 628 ′ of the second inner carrier 692 b.
  • male tabs M 66 , M 65 are forced against female tabs F 66 , F 65 .
  • the male and female tabs may be located in the apertures A 34 , A 32 ′ respectively and may therefore provide additional interlocking of the inner and outer carriers 692 a , 692 b , 690 .
  • the weakened arrangement 668 a , 668 b , 670 a , 670 b adjacent to each of the four article receiving apertures 602 a , 602 b , 602 c , 602 d can be broken; and even once one or more of the articles have been removed, the structural integrity of the package 694 remains.
  • FIGS. 28 to 29 there is shown a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure wherein an inner blank 710 may be combined with a second outer blank for example the blank 611 of FIG. 25 in order to construct a package 794 .
  • like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “700” to indicate that these features belong to the eighth embodiment.
  • the alternative embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 27 will be described in any greater detail.
  • the first inner blank 710 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a first inner carrier 792 once the first inner blank 710 is assembled.
  • the series of main panels include: a first bottom panel 712 , a first side panel 716 , a top panel 720 , a second side panel 724 , and a second bottom panel 728 .
  • the main panels 712 , 716 are hinged one to the next by fold line 732 .
  • the main panels 724 , 728 are hinged one to the next by fold line 784 .
  • a first end panel 750 is coupled to the top panel 720 by fold lines 760 a .
  • a second end panel 152 is coupled to the top panel 720 by a fold line 760 b .
  • the blank 710 is configured to automatically articulate the first and second end panels 750 , 752 into a set-up position when the blank 710 is assembled.
  • the blank comprises four anchor panels 754 a , 754 b , 754 c , 754 d and four web panels 756 a , 756 b , 756 c , 756 d and four gusset panels 764 a , 764 b , 764 c , 764 d.
  • a first anchor panel 754 a is hingedly connected to a first side of the first side panel 716 by a fold line 753 a .
  • the first anchor panel 754 a is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a first gusset panel 764 a by a fold line 758 a .
  • the first gusset panel 764 a is hingedly connected to a first web panel 756 a by a fold line 763 a .
  • the first web panel 756 a is hingedly connected to the first end panel 750 by a fold line 757 a.
  • a second anchor panel 754 b is hingedly connected to a second side of the first side panel 716 by a fold line 753 b .
  • the second anchor panel 754 b is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a second gusset panel 764 b by a fold line 758 b .
  • the second gusset panel 764 b is hingedly connected to a second web panel 756 b by a fold line 763 b .
  • the second web panel 756 b is hingedly connected to the second end panel 752 by a fold line 757 b.
  • a third anchor panel 754 c is hingedly connected to a first side of the second side panel 724 by a fold line 753 c .
  • the third anchor panel 754 c is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a third gusset panel 764 c by a fold line 758 c .
  • the third gusset panel 764 c is hingedly connected to a third web panel 756 c by a fold line 763 c .
  • the third web panel 756 c is hingedly connected to the first end panel 750 by a fold line 757 c.
  • a fourth anchor panel 754 d is hingedly connected to a second side of the second side panel 724 by a fold line 753 d .
  • the fourth anchor panel 754 d is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a fourth gusset panel 764 d by a fold line 758 d .
  • the fourth gusset panel 764 d is hingedly connected to a fourth web panel 756 d by a fold line 763 d .
  • the fourth web panel 756 d is hingedly connected to the second end panel 752 by a fold line 757 d.
  • the first and second bottom panels 712 , 728 are provided with complementary locking means.
  • the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F 71 , F 72 in the second bottom panel 728 ; and two male locking tabs M 11 , M 12 in the first bottom panel 712 .
  • Optional alignment aperture A 71 is provided in the second bottom panel 728 for facilitating the automated location of the second bottom panel 728 relative to the first bottom panel 712 .
  • Optional alignment aperture A 72 is provided in the first bottom panel 712 for facilitating the automated location of the second bottom panel 728 relative to the first bottom panel 712 .
  • Apertures A 71 and A 72 may also receive locking tabs of an outer carrier, such as outer carrier 690 .
  • Optional article heel engaging features H 71 , H 72 , H 73 , H 74 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , H 4 already described, albeit with the addition of an aperture which separates in part the one of the pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs from the other of the pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs, and the inclusion of an additional fold line in each of the retention tabs, the additional fold line defining in part a substantially triangular web portion.
  • a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided.
  • the mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more apertures provided on the inner wraparound carrier 792 for co-operating with locking tabs provided in the outer wraparound carrier.
  • the blank 710 is optionally provided with a first locking aperture A 74 struck from the second bottom panel 728 and second locking aperture A 75 struck from the first bottom panel 712 .
  • the locking apertures A 74 , A 75 have a substantially hexagonal shape.
  • the first and second apertures A 74 , A 75 are each sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier.
  • the first and second apertures A 74 , A 75 are configured so as to be disposed in vertical registry when the carrier 792 is assembled.
  • the second locking aperture A 75 is defined in part by one or more tabs 709 a , 709 b , hingedly connected to the first bottom panel 712 by fold line 707 a , 707 b respectively.
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of oppositely disposed tabs 709 a , 709 b .
  • the tabs 709 a , 709 b are folded inwardly of the carrier 792 , the first bottom panel 712 being disposed externally of the second bottom panel 728 , so as to pass through the first locking aperture A 74 thereby holding the first and second bottom panel 712 , 728 in position while the second outer carrier is assembled thereabouts.
  • the top panel 120 comprises an article receiving arrangement.
  • the article receiving arrangement comprises a pair of transversely arranged displaceable flaps 720 b , 720 c , that extend between portions of the top panel 720 hingedly connected to the end panels 150 , 152 .
  • the article receiving arrangement comprises a pair of elongate apertures or slots 720 a , 720 d that extend between the end panels 750 , 752 .
  • a first aperture 720 a defines an upper edge 766 a of the first side panel 716 .
  • a second aperture 720 d defines an upper edge 766 b of the second side panel 724 .
  • the pair of transversely arranged displaceable flaps 720 b , 720 c are hinged to each other by a fold line 762 b .
  • the fold line 762 b terminates at each end with a “V” shaped portion.
  • the first displaceable flap 720 a comprises one or more recesses 769 a each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of recesses 769 a.
  • the second displaceable flap 720 b comprises one or more recesses 769 b each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 .
  • the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of recesses 769 b.
  • the first side panel 716 comprises a first fold line 770 b which extends between an upper edge of the first side panel 716 and a first side edge; defined by fold line 753 a , of the first side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed.
  • the first side panel 716 comprises a second fold line 768 b which extends between an upper edge of the first side panel 716 and a second side edge; defined by fold line 753 b , of the first side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed.
  • the second side panel 724 comprises a third fold line 770 a which extends between an upper edge of the second side panel 724 and a first side edge; defined by fold line 753 c , of the second side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed.
  • the second side panel 724 comprises a second fold line 768 a which extends between an upper edge of the second side panel 724 and a second side edge; defined by fold line 753 d , of the second side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed.
  • first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770 b , 768 b , 770 a , 768 a may be comprised of two or more linear sections divergently arranged with respect to each other.
  • the construction of the first inner wraparound carrier 792 is similar to that already described in relation to the first inner wraparound carrier 92 , albeit, when the top panel 120 is lowered and placed over the tops of the articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , a pair of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 passes through each of the apertures 720 a , 720 d .
  • the first and second side panels 716 , 724 are then folded about the group of articles until they are each disposed alongside a side of the article group.
  • the anchor panels 754 a , 754 b , 754 c , 754 d are folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 716 , 724 , as the first and second side panels 716 , 724 are folded about the group of articles. Consequently, the first and second end panels 750 , 752 are automatically erected about respective ends of the article group.
  • the first and second bottom panels 712 , 728 are folded about the base of the article group.
  • the heel engaging features H 71 , H 72 , H 73 , H 74 each being located about a heel of an article along respective sides of the group of articles and with the first bottom panel 712 being disposed externally of, and in overlapping relationship with, the second bottom panel 728 .
  • the mechanical interlocking mechanism M 71 , M 72 , F 71 , F 72 can be operated to secure the first and second bottom panels 712 , 728 together by displacing the male tabs M 71 , M 72 inwardly to displace the female tabs F 71 , F 72 and through the respective apertures in the second bottom panel 728 thereby formed.
  • first and second bottom panels 712 , 728 are mechanically locked together such that the group of articles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , are tightly packed and held together within the first carrier 792 .
  • the ends of the article group are covered only partially by the first and second end panels 750 , 752 but are otherwise exposed.
  • a keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 720 b , 720 c , fold line 762 b and the fold lines 704 a , 704 c , 704 b , 704 d at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 720 b , 720 c to the top panel 720 .
  • the keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B 1 /B 4 and a second row of articles B 2 /B 3 .
  • the first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770 a , 768 a , 770 b , 768 b facilitate folding of upper end portions of the first and second side panels 716 , 728 about the shoulder of an adjacently disposed the article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 . In this way the first carrier forms a close fit with the group of articles.
  • the first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770 a , 768 a , 770 b , 768 b may facilitate folding of said portions of the first and second side panels 716 , 728 at least partially over the shoulder of an article B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 thereby increasing the retention of the articles therein.
  • the constructed inner carrier 792 is shown in FIG. 29 .
  • one or more, for example two such inner carriers 792 may be housed within and locked and attached to an outer carrier, for example the outer carrier 690 of the previous embodiment.
  • hinged connection and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank.
  • a fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • severed line refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.
  • hinged connection, severance lines and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like.
  • the elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.
  • a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line.
  • the line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
US15/777,845 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor Abandoned US20180346215A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/777,845 US20180346215A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562259363P 2015-11-24 2015-11-24
US15/777,845 US20180346215A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor
PCT/US2016/061976 WO2017091375A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2016/061976 A-371-Of-International WO2017091375A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/130,099 Continuation US20230312206A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2023-04-03 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180346215A1 true US20180346215A1 (en) 2018-12-06

Family

ID=57485890

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/777,845 Abandoned US20180346215A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2016-11-15 Packaging system and blanks therefor
US18/130,099 Pending US20230312206A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2023-04-03 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/130,099 Pending US20230312206A1 (en) 2015-11-24 2023-04-03 Packaging system and blanks therefor

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (2) US20180346215A1 (es)
EP (2) EP3696112A1 (es)
AR (1) AR106804A1 (es)
BR (1) BR112018010504A2 (es)
CA (1) CA3006040A1 (es)
CL (1) CL2018001393A1 (es)
ES (1) ES2794803T3 (es)
MX (2) MX2018006349A (es)
PL (1) PL3380409T3 (es)
WO (1) WO2017091375A1 (es)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD980069S1 (en) 2020-07-14 2023-03-07 Ball Corporation Metallic dispensing lid
US12168551B2 (en) 2021-03-01 2024-12-17 Ball Corporation Metal container and end closure with seal

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11305924B2 (en) 2018-01-23 2022-04-19 Graphie Packaging International, LLC Carrier with handle features
USD854412S1 (en) 2018-02-22 2019-07-23 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carrier
MX2022014776A (es) * 2020-05-29 2023-01-16 Graphic Packaging Int Llc Portador con caracteristicas de retencion del recipiente.
USD972943S1 (en) 2020-07-14 2022-12-20 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carrier
TW202335926A (zh) * 2021-12-17 2023-09-16 美商偉斯特洛克包裝系統有限責任公司 物品攜具及其胚片

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3495704A (en) * 1967-11-22 1970-02-17 Reynolds Metals Co Tubular carrier and blank for making same

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2828009A (en) * 1956-01-23 1958-03-25 Andre Noble Package of cans
GB1022545A (en) * 1962-06-04 1966-03-16 Joseph Hirsch Vineberg Cartons
US3252649A (en) * 1964-08-31 1966-05-24 Olin Mathieson End panel top lock for wraparound carrier
US3394800A (en) * 1966-08-24 1968-07-30 John C. Brackett Bottle carriers
WO2007056765A2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Llc Article carrier with retention sleeve
GB201104207D0 (en) * 2011-03-14 2011-04-27 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Packaging system

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3495704A (en) * 1967-11-22 1970-02-17 Reynolds Metals Co Tubular carrier and blank for making same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Andre 2828009 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD980069S1 (en) 2020-07-14 2023-03-07 Ball Corporation Metallic dispensing lid
US12168551B2 (en) 2021-03-01 2024-12-17 Ball Corporation Metal container and end closure with seal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2023004524A (es) 2023-05-08
BR112018010504A2 (pt) 2018-11-13
MX2018006349A (es) 2018-08-29
PL3380409T3 (pl) 2020-09-21
CL2018001393A1 (es) 2018-10-12
ES2794803T3 (es) 2020-11-19
EP3380409B1 (en) 2020-03-25
CA3006040A1 (en) 2017-06-01
AR106804A1 (es) 2018-02-21
EP3380409A1 (en) 2018-10-03
US20230312206A1 (en) 2023-10-05
EP3696112A1 (en) 2020-08-19
WO2017091375A1 (en) 2017-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20230312206A1 (en) Packaging system and blanks therefor
US10407227B2 (en) Carton, blank therefor and package
US10850902B2 (en) Carton and blank therefor
US9284089B2 (en) Carton for packaging articles, blank and method for forming same
US10053271B2 (en) Carton and carton blank
EP3204311B1 (en) Carton and carton blank and a handle structure therefor
US20060191811A1 (en) Wrap-around carton with dispensing feature
US10730675B2 (en) Carton and carton blank
US11220385B2 (en) Carton and blank therefor
US20170225859A1 (en) Carton and carton blank and a handle structure therefore
US10773870B2 (en) Package, carton and blank therefor
US20230286714A1 (en) Carton and carton blank
US12434872B2 (en) Package, article carrier and blank therfor
US11827436B2 (en) Carton and blank therefor
US20230182983A1 (en) Carton and carton blank
US20220297911A1 (en) Article carrier and blank therfor
EP3966128A1 (en) Article carrier, blank therefor and method of packaging
US12157615B2 (en) Carton and blank therefor
US20120012581A1 (en) Carton and Carton Blank
AU2013206237A1 (en) Packaging system, carton and blank

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: APPLICATION UNDERGOING PREEXAM PROCESSING

AS Assignment

Owner name: WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC, GEORGIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ZACHERLE, MATTHEW E.;HAYTER, GREGORY P.;LOFTIN, CALEB S.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20151211 TO 20160111;REEL/FRAME:046098/0835

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION