JP7834646B2 - Carton and blanks therefor - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications: This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/958,024, filed on January 7, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in whole.

This invention relates to cartons or carriers, and more particularly to blanks for forming them. More specifically, though not exclusively, this invention relates to article holding devices and carriers equipped therewith.

In the field of packaging, the provision of cartons for transporting large quantities of goods is well-known. Cartons are familiar in this industry and are useful in enabling consumers to transport, store, and use a group of consumer goods. From a cost and environmental perspective, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and generate as little waste as possible within the material being formed. Further considerations include the strength and stability of the carton for holding and transporting heavy goods. It is desirable that the contents of the carton remain safe within the carton.

U.S. Patent No. 20150225155

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an article carrier having improved mechanical processing characteristics.

This invention typically aims to improve cartons formed from cardboard or similar materials.

One aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel hinged to the first panel. The blank includes an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with this portion of the article. The article holding device comprises an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially defined within the second panel, and the deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel by first and second joints at both of its ends, respectively. The deformable member is further connected to an adjacent edge of the second panel by a third joint.

In the optional configuration, the deformable member is detached from the first panel by a separation line.

In the optional configuration, the deformable member is defined by at least one pair of first and second cuts, where the first cut extends between the first and third joints, and the second cut extends between the second and third joints.

In an optional configuration, the deformable member is provided with a first expansion slit, which extends from its first end near the first cut to its second end near the second cut on the opposite side, with the first and second ends located within the deformable member.

In the optional configuration, the first expansion slit divides the deformable member into a large and a small section; the large section is connected to the second panel by the first and second joints, and the small section is connected to the second panel by the third joint.

In the optional configuration, the first end of the expansion slit is positioned at a distance from the first cut so that the larger and smaller sections are further partially connected by a fourth joint, and the second end of the expansion slit is positioned at a distance from the second cut so that the larger and smaller sections are further partially connected by a fifth joint.

Optionally, the deformable member further comprises a second expansion slit extending from the first expansion slit toward a third joint, the second expansion slit dividing the small portion into a pair of small halves, and further dividing the third joint into a sixth and a seventh joint such that one of the small halves is connected to the second panel by a sixth joint, and the other small half is connected to the second panel by a seventh joint.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel hinged to the first panel. The blank includes an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with this portion of the article. The article holding device has an opening at least partially defined within the second panel. The article holding device includes an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The integral deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to span between the opposing side edges of the opening. The integral deformable member further extends continuously to adjacent end edges of the opening.

In the optional configuration, the integral deformable member is defined or bounded by a separation line and a fragile line. The separation line detaches the integral deformable member from the first panel, and the fragile line connects the integral deformable member to the second panel so that it can be displaced from the plane of the second panel.

In the optional configuration, the weak line comprises at least two cuts and at least three connection notches for connecting an integrally deformable member to the second panel along the cuts.

In the optional configuration, at least three connection notches, specifically the first and second notches, connect an integrally deformable member to the second panel at the opposing side edges of the opening, and at least three connection notches, specifically the third notch, connect an integrally deformable member to the second panel at the adjacent end edge of the opening.

In the optional configuration, the first panel is the top panel of the carton. In the optional configuration, the first panel is the bottom panel of the carton. In the optional configuration, the second panel is the side panel of the carton.

In the optional selection, the adjacent edges of the opening are the upper edges. In the optional selection, the adjacent edges of the opening are the lower edges.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming the wall surface of a tubular structure having an interior. The plurality of panels include a first panel and a second panel hinged to the first panel. The carton comprises an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with this portion of the article. The article holding device comprises an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially formed within the second panel. The deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel by first and second joints at its side edges, respectively. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of its upper and lower edges.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming the wall surface of a tubular structure having an interior. The plurality of panels include a first panel and a second panel hinged to the first panel. The carton comprises an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with this portion of the article. The article holding device comprises an opening at least partially formed in the second panel and an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel. The integral deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to span between the opposing side edges of the opening. The integral deformable member further extends continuously to adjacent end edges of the opening.

Within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, characteristics, and alternative forms described in the preceding sections, claims, and/or the following description and drawings may be considered or understood independently or in any combination thereof.

A characteristic or element described in relation to or in connection with one embodiment is applicable to all embodiments, provided there is no incompatibility of the characteristic. One or more characteristics or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and such characteristics or elements extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or instead of one or more characteristics or elements from the other embodiments.

The characteristics, or combinations of characteristics, of the embodiments disclosed herein may be extracted separately from other characteristics of those embodiments. Alternatively, the characteristics, or combinations of characteristics, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

This is a top view of a blank for forming a carton according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton formed from the blank. This is a top view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment. Figure 3 is a top-view perspective of the carton formed from the blank. Figure 3 is a perspective view from the bottom of a portion of the carton formed from the blank. This is a top view of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment. Figure 6 is a top-view perspective of the carton formed from the blank. This is a top view of a portion of the blank used to form a carton, according to the fourth embodiment.

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which specific aspects of the invention can be carried out and do not constitute an exclusive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used extensively to refer to embodiments that act as figures, examples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it should be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Drawings are not necessarily isometric, and some characteristics may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of specific components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as representative grounds for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art how to utilize the invention in various ways.

Referring to Figure 1, but not limited to this, a plan view of a blank 10 is shown that enables the formation of a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, for transporting a group of primary products, such as bottles or cans, hereafter referred to as Article B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to Figure 3, a plan view of a blank 110 is shown, on which a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, can be formed for transporting a group of primary products.

Referring to Figure 6, a plan view of a blank 210 is shown, on which a carton or carrier 290, as shown in Figure 7, can be formed for transporting a group of primary products.

Referring to Figure 8, a partial plan view of a blank 310 capable of forming a carton or carrier (not shown) for transporting a group of primary products is shown.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer to containers 90, 190, and 290 for engaging with and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various characteristics of the present invention. It is conceivable that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to a variety of product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles B (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, small packages, and the like.

Blanks 10, 110, 210, and 310 are formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all forms of foldable sheet materials such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should be recognized that, where appropriate, one or more blanks may be used to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below, for example.

The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as cardboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase their strength. An example of such sheet materials is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials may be provided by two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties from other surfaces. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide excellent printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may have a coating, layer, or treatment, or may be prepared to provide properties such as tear resistance, excellent adhesion, heat sealing, or one or more of other desired functional properties.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary article B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 3x2 matrix or array, and in the illustrated embodiment, three articles B are provided in two rows, where article B is a 12-ounce (approximately 355 ml) aluminum beverage can.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, blanks 110, 210 are configured to form cartons or carriers 190, 290 for packaging exemplary arrangements of exemplary article B. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is a 2x2 matrix or array, and in the illustrated embodiments, two rows of two article B are provided, where article B is a 16-ounce (approximately 473 ml) beverage can.

Alternatively, blanks 10, 110, 210, and 310 can be configured to form carriers for packaging articles B of other types, numbers, and sizes, and/or for packaging articles B in different arrangements or configurations.

The present invention generally relates to cartons 90, 190, and 290 for packaging article B, wherein the cartons 90, 190, and 290 are equipped with article holding structures.

Referring to Figure 1, a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 according to the first embodiment is illustrated (see Figure 2). The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 comprise a first base panel 12, a first corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner panel 22, and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 may be arranged in a straight line hinged to each other by corresponding folds 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23.

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

The first and second corner panels 14 and 22 may be designed to form the lower parts of the first and second side panels 16 and 20, respectively, which are hinged together.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as shown in Figure 2. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are engageable with each other in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may include at least one first part M of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 24 may include at least one second part F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 24 includes a plurality of female tabs F defining an opening within the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 includes a plurality of male tabs M, and the opening in the second base panel 24 is configured to receive each of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are positioned to be displaced from the second base panel 24 to form an opening and withstand the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, and the first and second base panels 12 and 24 may be fixed to each other by other means, such as adhesive or staples, but are not limited to these.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may have at least one first opening A1, the first opening A1 may be at least partially defined by a tab that is foldable or detachably connected to one of each of the first and second base panels 12, 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 has two first openings A1, and the second base panel 24 has three first openings A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may have at least one second opening A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 has one second opening A2. The first and second openings A1, A2 may be used to facilitate the construction of the carton 90. The packaging machine components may engage with the first and second openings A1, A2 to allow multiple panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to be fastened around a group of articles B. The first and second openings A1, A2 may also be used to facilitate the alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 24 relative to each other, or to align the first part of a complementary locking mechanism with the second part of a complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanisms illustrated and described are entirely arbitrary.

The first opening A1 is substantially triangular in shape.

The second opening A2 is substantially elliptical or stadium-shaped and may have a notch or recess extending from one side. The notch or recess is provided on the elliptical side facing the free edge of the first base panel 12.

Blank 10 comprises at least one article engagement structure N (also referred to herein as an article holding device) for engaging with the heel or lower part of article B, or, in an alternative embodiment, for engaging with the shoulder or upper part of article B. Blank 10 shown in Figure 1 illustrates an article engagement structure N that engages with the heel of article B, and is referred to herein as the heel engagement structure N. Blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six heel engagement structures N, each provided for engaging with each article B. Each heel engagement structure N is substantially similar in construction and is described with reference to the heel engagement structures N provided on the first side panel 16 and the first corner panel 14.

The heel engagement structure N includes an opening, which is at least partially defined within the first side panel 16. The opening may also be at least partially defined within the first corner panel 14.

The heel engagement structure N comprises a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 16. The deformable member may also be formed from at least a portion of the first corner panel 14. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening, connecting at both ends or edges to the first side panel 16, or to the first corner panel 14, if present, by first and second joints J1 and J2, respectively.

The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 16 along adjacent edges by a third joint J5/J6. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent edges define the upper end or edge of the deformable member. In another embodiment, the adjacent edges may define the lower end or edge of the deformable member.

The deformable member may have a first expansion slit 45 in the form of a first cut or cutting line 45. The first cut 45 divides the deformable member into a large tab or portion 42 and a smaller tab or portion 44a/44b.

The large section 42 is connected to the first side panel 16, or to the first corner panel 14, if present, by first and second joints J1 and J2. The small sections 44a/44b are connected to the first side panel 16 by third joints J5/J6.

The deformable member may have a second expansion slit 47 in the form of a second cut or cutting line 47. The second cut 47 divides the small portion 44a/44b into a first small tab 44a and a second small tab 44b. The first and second small tabs 44a/44b are also referred to herein as small half portions 44a, 44b.

The deformable member is partially defined by a first separation line 43. The first separation line 43 may take the form of a cut or a cutting line 43. The first separation line 43 separates the deformable member from the blank 10. The first separation line 43 may also separate the deformable member from the first side panel 16, the first corner panel 14, or the first base panel 12, or any combination thereof.

The first separation line 43 may have arched portions at each end. Each arched portion may interrupt or intersect the fold 13, and the cross-section of the arched portion may be colinear with the fold 13, or continuous with the fold 13 and fold 41. In this way, the fold 41 is separated from the fold 13 by the first separation line 43, particularly the arched portions.

The deformable member is partially defined by a pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b. Each of these second separation lines 49a and 49b may take the form of a cut or a cutting line.

The pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b may be substantially "L" shaped. The first line 49a of the pair of second separation lines is spaced apart from the second line 49b of the pair of second separation lines. The third joint J5/J6 is defined between the terminal ends of the pair of second separation lines 49a and 49b.

The first line 49a of the pair of second separation lines extends between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6.

The second line 49b of the pair of second separation lines extends between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/J6.

The first expansion slit 45 extends substantially between the two side edges of the deformable member. The first expansion slit 45 has a first end adjacent to the first line 49a of a pair of second separation lines, and extends across the deformable member to the opposite second end, which is located adjacent to the second line 49b of the pair of second separation lines. The first and second ends of the first expansion slit 45 are located within the deformable member.

The first end of the expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from the first line 49a of the pair of second separator lines, such that the large portion 42 is connected to the first small tab 44a by the fourth joint J3. The second end of the expansion slit 45 is spaced apart from the second line 49b of the pair of second separator lines, such that the large portion 42 is connected to the second small tab 44b by the fifth joint J4.

Thus, the larger and smaller sections can be considered as being partially separated from each other, with the fourth and fifth joints J3 and J4 providing a connecting notch or bridge between them.

The fourth and fifth joints J3 and J4 may lie on an imaginary line defined by fold 15.

The second expansion slit 47 may extend from the first expansion slit 45 toward the third joint J5/J6.

The second expansion slit 47 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into the sixth and seventh joints J5 and J6. The first small tab 44a is connected to the first side panel 16 by the sixth joint J5. The second small tab 44b is connected to the first side panel 16 by the seventh joint J6.

The first expansion slit 45 and the second expansion slit 47 define a "T"-shaped cut.

The article holding device includes an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 16 and/or, if present, at least a portion of the first corner panel 14. The integral deformable member extends continuously across the opening, spanning between the opposing side edges of the opening. In addition, the integral deformable member extends continuously to either the upper or lower edge of the opening.

The deformable member can be considered as being defined or bounded by separation lines 43 and weak lines. The weak lines comprise a pair of second separation lines 49a, 49b, a first joint J1, a second joint J2, a sixth joint J5, and a seventh joint J6. Separation line 43 detaches the deformable member from the first base panel 12. The weak lines connect the deformable member to the first side panel 16 and/or the first corner panel 14 (if present) via three or more connection notches provided by joints J1, J2, J5, and J6. Thus, the deformable member may be displaceable from the plane of the first side panel 16 and/or the first corner panel 14 (if present).

The opening may be partially defined by a heel tab 40. The heel tab 40 is hinged to the first base panel 12 by a fold 41. The heel tab 40 may be at least partially hammered from the first corner panel 14, or from the first side panel 16, if present. The heel tab 40 may be at least partially hammered from the first base panel 12.

The fold 41 interrupts the fold 13 that hinges the first base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold 41 may be non-linear; in the illustrated embodiment, the fold 41 may be curved or arched; in other embodiments, it may be formed from at least two linear breaks that are branched and continuous with each other.

The heel tab 40 may have a pair of branched folds (not shown in Figure 1) that may define the foldable corner portion of the heel tab 40.

The heel tab 40 is partially defined by the first separation line 43, or at least a portion thereof. The first separation line 43 is common to both the heel tab 40 and the deformable member or larger tab 42.

The heel tab 40 is narrower than the deformable member. The heel tab 40 is narrower than the larger tab 42, and narrower than the combined width of the pair of smaller tabs 44a and 44b.

In the form of blank 10, or when the heel engagement structure N is in the un-deployed state, the opening is closed by the deformable member, the large tab and small tabs 42, 44a, 44b, and the heel tab 40.

The upper panel 18 may be equipped with an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a pair of foldable finger tabs 60a, 60b. The finger tabs 60a, 60b are spaced apart from each other. The finger tabs 60a, 60b are hinged to the upper panel 18 by folds 61a, 61b and partially defined by cuts or slits 63a, 63b. The first finger tab 60a is hinged to the upper panel 18 opposite the second finger tab 60b.

Each of the panels 12, 16, 18, 20, and 24 may have a pair of notches or recesses formed within them. The notches are defined at both end edges of the blank 10. The notches include full, main notches within the first and second side panels 16, 20 and the top panel 18, and partial or small notches within the first and second base panels 12 and 24.

The first notch is defined in the upper panel 18 around the midpoint along each of its two end edges. The second notch is defined in each end edge of the first side panel 16. The third notch is defined in each end edge of the second side panel 20.

Partial or small cutouts are defined at each of the end edges of the first and second base panels 12 and 24, respectively.

As a result, the blank 10 has four tabs or projections along one of its longitudinal edges, each interposed between adjacent cuts.

As shown in Figure 1, the first upper projection is positioned across the adjacent fold 17. The second upper projection is positioned across the adjacent fold 19.

The first lower projection is positioned across adjacent folds 13 and 15. The second lower projection is positioned across adjacent folds 21 and 23.

The first and second upper protrusions provide material to form, or assist in forming, an end-retaining structure to prevent the contents of the carton 90 from being removed when the blank 10 is standing upright inside the carton 90. Each of the first and second upper protrusions is provided with a notch and fold to form an upper engagement structure when folded along the fold.

More specifically, each upper projection includes anchor panels 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b that are hinged to adjacent side panels 16 and 20 along folds 25a, 35b, 39a, and 39b. Each upper projection also includes gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b that are hinged to anchor panels 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b along folds 27a, 27b, 37a, and 37b.

Each upper projection comprises web panels 30a, 30b, 32a, and 32b (also referred to herein as upper end closure panels) hinged to gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b along the respective extensions 29a, 29b, 35a, and 35b of folds 17 and 19. Each upper projection comprises a cover portion formed integrally with the upper panel 18. Each web panel 30a, 30b, 32a, and 32b is hinged to its respective cover portion by folds 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 may have a corner folding arrangement, provided that it does not have die-cut openings and has a gusset corner arrangement. Openings or openings are typically located in corner gusset panels to facilitate the folding of the gusset panels; see, for example, Ikeda U.S. Patent No. 20150225155. Such openings create pieces of scrap cardboard that need to be separated from the blank 10 during the high-speed die cutting and blanking process, and these scrap pieces may tend to stick to or snag on the blank 10 or scatter around the die cutting station. These abnormal scrap pieces may proceed into subsequent packaging machinery, potentially interfering with the assembly process and causing jams or downtime. They may cause damage to the machinery or packaging.

Blank 10 features four corner folding configurations at each corner of the upper panel 18, and these corner folding configurations are substantially identical, as described with respect to one enlarged view of the corner configuration shown in Figure 1.

The corner folding arrangement includes a cutting line 70 in the form of a slit. The cutting line 70 extends across or intersects with a fold 19 between the upper panel 18 and the second side panel 20, which is also referred to herein as the second fold 19.

The cutting line 70 extends from the fold 39b between the second side panel 20 and the anchor panel 36b, and the fold 39b is also referred to herein as the fourth fold 39b.

The cutting line 70 extends towards the fold 33b between the upper panel 18 and the end flap 32b. The cutting line 70 may extend to the fold 33b between the upper panel 18 and the end flap 32b. The cutting line 70 extends beyond or through the fold 33b between the upper panel 18 and the end flap 32b, so as to extend into the upper panel 18. The fold 33b is also referred to herein as the first fold 33b.

The cutting line 70 extends across or through the fold 35b between the upper end closure panel 32b and the gusset panel 34b, which is also referred to herein as the third fold 35b.

The cutting line 70 extends across or through the fold 37b between the anchor panel 36b and the gusset panel 34b, which is also referred to herein as the fifth fold 37b.

The cutting line 70 can be considered to intersect or terminate at the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth folds 33b, 19, 35b, 39b, and 37b, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting line 70 may be non-linear and curved. In other embodiments, the cutting line 70 may be defined by two or more straight sections that branch off from each other. In yet another embodiment, the cutting line 70 may be straight. In embodiments where the cutting line 70 is straight, the cutting line 70 may branch off from the first and/or fourth folds 33b, 39b. The cutting line 70 may branch off from the second fold 19 and be oriented diagonally with respect to it.

The cutting line 70 extends between the first fold 33b and the fourth fold 39b.

The cutting line 70 bypasses an imaginary intersection or crossing point between the imaginary extension of the first fold 33b and the second fold 19, thereby positioning the imaginary intersection on one side of the cutting line 70. The imaginary intersection is located on the first side of the cutting line 70, while the anchor and gusset panels 36b and 34b are located on the second side, opposite the cutting line 70. The imaginary intersection may be spaced apart from the anchor and gusset panels 36b and 34b.

The third fold 39b may intersect or pass through an imaginary intersection. The imaginary extensions of the fourth and fifth folds 39b and 37b may intersect or pass through an imaginary intersection.

The fifth fold 37b may be interrupted by a "U"-shaped cut 43b to define a tab portion that would otherwise be struck from the material forming the gusset panel 34b. The tab portion is integrated with the anchor panel 36b.

The cutting line 70 intersects the third fold 35b at the first intersection. The first intersection is located closer to the gusset panel 34b than the imaginary intersection of the first fold 33b and the second fold 19.

In alternative embodiments of the corner folding configuration, the cutting line 70 may include an extension line that further extends the cutting line 70 into the upper panel 18. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the cutting line 70 terminates in the upper panel 18 at a position substantially on the imaginary extension line of the fourth fold 39b, while in alternative embodiments, the extension line extends the cutting line 70 beyond the imaginary extension line of the fourth fold 39b. In another alternative embodiment, the cutting line 70 may terminate at a different position, such as at the edge of the upper panel 18 defined by the first fold 33b. In some embodiments, the cutting line 70 may extend into the second side panel 20.

The folding of each upper tab is achieved while the carton is standing upright. To form the upper end closure structure of each upper tab, anchor panels 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b are folded approximately 180 degrees to be in surface contact with the inner surfaces of the adjacent side panels 16 and 20. The anchor panels 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b are held in the folded position by being pressed against the adjacent side panels 16 and 20 by one of the packaged articles B. The folding of anchor panels 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b causes gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b to fold outward around creases 27a, 27b, 37a, and 37b, so that the gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b extend outward from creases 27a, 27b, 37a, and 37b along the side wall of one packaged article B. At the same time, web panels 30a, 30b, 32a, and 32b are folded downward along creases 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b, so that they are in a folded position that extends between creases 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b and the outer edges of gusset panels 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b. The completed upper end closure structure is shown in Figure 2, and the structure is shown to engage securely with the top of one item B.

Each lower projection serves to provide sufficient material to define the adjacent heel engagement structure N and its associated opening. More specifically, each heel engagement structure N adjacent to each lower projection is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the heel engagement structure N when the opening extends into the lower projection. During the uprighting and packaging of article B, the blank 10 is operated so that each opening receives the bottom of each article B, holding the member B within the carton 90. The heel tab 40 may also be folded into the carton 90 to engage with a portion of the article to help hold the article B. The heel tab 40 may be received in a recess within the lower (or upper) end of article B.

Referring to the construction of carton 90 as shown in Figure 2, carton 90 can be formed by a series of continuous folding operations on a linear machine, thereby eliminating the need for rotation or reversal to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B are assembled, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, six articles B are arranged in a 3x2 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is placed on top of the group of articles B to provide the top wall surface 18 of the carton 90.

The first and second side walls 16 and 22 are folded around the folds 17 and 19, respectively, relative to the upper panel 18, so that they are positioned around the opposing sides of the group of articles B.

The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b may fold into surface contact with one of the first and second side walls 16 and 20, respectively, substantially simultaneously with the folding of the first and second side panels 16 and 20 with respect to the upper panel 18, in order to form the upper end closure structure described above.

Alternatively, the upper engagement structure may be formed after the carton 90 has been erected into a tubular shape. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b may be pressed between the article B positioned adjacent to one of the first and second side panels 16, 20, which are hinged together.

The first and second corner panels 14 and 22 are folded around the heel or bottom of the adjacent item B, respectively, with respect to one of the first and second side walls 16 and 20, each around the fold 15 and 21.

The heel tab 40 may be folded around the fold 41 away from the planes of the first and second corner panels 14 and 22, and one of the first and second side walls 16 and 20, respectively, before folding each of them.

The second base panel 24 is folded around fold 23 so as to be positioned adjacent to the base of a group of articles B, and the first base panel 12 is then folded around fold 13 so as to overlap the second base panel 24 at least partially, in which case each heel tab 40 may engage with the base of each article B.

The first and second base panels 12 and 24 are fixed to each other. Each male tab M is displaced inward from the plane of the first base panel 12. In doing so, each female tab F is displaced inward, creating a corresponding opening in the second base panel 24. The male tabs M are received in each of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12 and 24 together. In this way, a tubular structure is formed around a group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90, or at least a portion thereof, is shown in Figure 2. The deformable member can be observed to have been displaced relative to an adjacent area of the carton 90. The deformable member may be bent or folded outward at its center so that it appears convex when viewed from a clearly visible point on the outside. The area of the deformable member surrounding the first separation line 45 may be deformed so that the first separation line 45 expands to create an opening within it. A pair of second separation lines 49a, 49b and the second expansion slit 47 may similarly expand to release stress within the blank 10 and the deformable member.

The large tab 42 and the small tabs 44a, 44b may provide some degree of protection to a portion of the article B received within the opening.

The article holding device may be advantageous in that it allows for the creation of an opening within the blank 10 or carton 90 without producing pieces of scrap material (cardboard) that need to be separated from the blank 10. In high-speed die cutting and blanking processes, such scrap pieces may tend to get stuck or caught on the blank 10, or scatter around the die cutting station. Abnormal scrap pieces may proceed into subsequent packaging machinery, potentially interfering with the assembly process and causing jams or downtime. These can cause damage to the machinery or packaging.

Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 5, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second illustrated embodiment, similar figures are used to indicate similar parts, but with the prefix "100" added where possible to indicate that these characteristics belong to the second embodiment.

Referring to Figure 3, a blank 110 for forming a carton 190, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is shown according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 comprises a first base panel 112, a first lower corner panel 114, a first side panel 116, a first upper corner panel 118, a top panel 120, a second upper corner panel 122, a second side panel 124, a second corner side panel 126, and a second base panel 128. Multiple panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 may be arranged in a series of straight lines hinged to one another by corresponding folds 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, and 123.

The first base panel 112 is hinged to the first lower corner panel 114 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 113. The first lower corner panel 114 is hinged to the first side panel 116 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 115. The first side panel 116 is hinged to the first upper corner panel 118 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 117. The first upper corner panel 118 is hinged to the top panel 120 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 119. The top panel 120 is hinged to the second upper corner panel 122 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 121. The second upper corner panel 122 is hinged to the second side panel 124 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 123. The second side panel 124 is hinged to the second lower corner panel 126 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 125. The second lower corner panel 126 is hinged to the second base panel 128 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 127.

The first upper corner panel 118 and the first lower panel 114 form the first sidewalls 114/116 of the carton 190. The second upper panel 120 and the second lower panel 122 form the second sidewalls 120/122 of the carton 190.

The first and second lower corner panels 114, 126 may be considered to form one lower portion (or a marginal portion of the first or second base panel 112, 128) of the hinged-connected first or second side panel 116, 124, respectively.

The first and second upper corner panels 118 and 122 may be considered to form one upper portion (or a margin portion of the upper panel 120) of the first or second side panels 116 and 124, respectively, which are hinged together.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second lower corner panels 114 and 126 may be omitted, and the folds 115 and 125 may be omitted. The first and second upper corner panels 118 and 122 may be omitted, and the folds 117 and 123 may be omitted.

The blank 110 may include at least one article holding device T1, T2, T3, T4 for engaging with the upper end of article B. The blank 110 shown in Figure 3 includes four article holding devices T1, T2, T3, T4.

Each article holding device T1, T2, T3, and T4 includes a flap 170 hinged to the upper panel 120. The first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 each include a flap 170 hinged to the upper panel 120 at its first end. The third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 each include a flap 170 hinged to the upper panel 120 at its second end.

The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 are inserted from the first outer edge of the blank 110.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 may be inserted into the first edge portions of the first or second side panels 116 and 124.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 may be inserted into the blank edge portion of the upper panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 may be inserted from the first free edge of the upper panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 are inserted from the second outer edge of the blank 110.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 may be inserted into the second edge portions of the first or second side panels 116 and 124.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 may be inserted into the blank edge portion of the upper panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 may be inserted from the second free edge of the upper panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the upper panel 120. The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4 are entirely contained within the footprint of the upper panel 120.

The flap 170 does not extend beyond the edge of the upper panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4 do not extend beyond the edges of the blank 110, which are at least partially defined by the first and second side panels 116 and 124.

The gaps in the upper panel 120, hinged to the first and second side panels 116, 124, or the first and second upper corner panels 118, 122, respectively, are equal in length to the first and second side panels 116, 124 (or the first and second upper corner panels 118, 122) and to at least a portion of the bottom panels 112, 128 or the bottom panels 112, 128, the said portion of the bottom panels 112, 128 may be a gap, and are each hinged to one of the first and second side panels 116, 124, or the first and second lower corner panels 114, 126, respectively.

A first recess is provided at the first end of the upper panel 120, and the flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 can be considered to reside within the first recess. The flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 partially define the first recess and increase the size of the first recess when folded away from the plane of the upper panel 120.

The first recess is positioned to accommodate the entire flap 170 and, if present, the wing tab 172.

The first recess is defined only within the upper panel 120 and does not extend into the first and second side panels 116, 124 or the first and second upper corner panels 118, 122.

The flap 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 is hinged to the upper panel 120 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 171 that is oriented diagonally with respect to the fold 119 that hinges the upper panel 120 to the first upper corner panel 118.

The flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 is hinged to the upper panel 120 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 171 that is oriented diagonally with respect to the fold 121 that hinges the upper panel 120 to the second upper corner panel 122.

The fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the upper panel 120 is positioned to branch off from the fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the upper panel 120. The fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the upper panel 120 and the fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the upper panel 120 define an angle between them, which may be less than 120°, and in some embodiments may be about 110°. The angle may be greater than 80° and greater than 90°.

The folds 171 that hinge the flap 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the upper panel 120, and the folds 171 that hinge the flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the upper panel 120, are arranged to branch toward the first end of the upper panel 120.

The folds 171 that hinge the flap 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the upper panel 120, and the folds 171 that hinge the flap 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the upper panel 120, are positioned to converge toward the center or middle of the upper panel 120.

Thus, the flaps 170 of the first article engagement structure T1 and the flaps 170 of the second article engagement structure T2 are folded away from each other.

A second recess is provided at the second end of the upper panel 120, and the flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 can be considered to reside within the second recess. The flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 partially define the second recess and increase the size of the second recess when folded away from the plane of the upper panel 120.

The second recess is defined only within the upper panel 120 and does not extend into the first and second side panels 116, 124 or the first and second upper corner panels 118, 122.

The second recess is positioned to accommodate the entire flap 170 and, if present, the wing tab 172.

The flap 170 of the third article engagement structure T3 is hinged to the upper panel 120 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 171 that is oriented diagonally with respect to the fold 119 that hinges the upper panel 120 to the first upper corner panel 118.

The flap 170 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 is hinged to the upper panel 120 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 171 that is oriented diagonally with respect to the fold 121 that hinges the upper panel 120 to the second upper corner panel 122.

The fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the upper panel 120 is positioned to branch off from the fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the upper panel 120.

The fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the upper panel 120, and the fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the upper panel 120, are arranged to branch toward the first end of the upper panel 120.

The fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the upper panel 120, and the fold 171 that hinges the flap 170 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the upper panel 120, are positioned to converge toward the center or middle of the upper panel 120.

In the blank form, the flap 170 partially defines the free edge of the upper panel 120. The edge of the upper panel 120 defined by the flap 170 is arched or curved in shape.

Each of the flaps 170 of the first, second, third, and fourth article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4 is partially defined by at least one cut that separates the flap 170 from the upper panel 120.

The first cut extends from the first or inner end of the fold 171 to one of the first and second recesses, respectively. The first cut may separate the flap 170 from a portion of the upper panel 120, the portion of the upper panel 120 being provided by the buffer flaps 160a, 160b of the handle structure.

The second cut is located between the flap 170 and one of each of the adjacent folds 119, 121 that hinge the top panel 12 to the first or second side panels 116, 124 (or, if present, the first or second upper corner panels 118, 122).

The first and second breaks are positioned so as to branch off from each other.

The first edge of the upper part 120 extending between the folds 171 of the flaps 170 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 and T2 is non-linear. It may be arched or curved. The first edge is convex so as to define a portion of the upper panel 120 projecting into the first recess. The first edge may be provided by the first buffer flap 160a of the handle structure.

The second edge of the upper part 120 extending between the folds 171 of the flaps 170 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3 and T4 is non-linear. It may be arched or curved. The second edge is convex so as to define a portion of the upper panel 120 projecting into the second recess. The second edge may be provided by the second buffer flap 160b of the handle structure.

Each article engagement structure T1, T2, T3, and T4 is equipped with a wing tab 172 that is hinged to a flap 170 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 173.

The fold 173 may form a keel when the article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4 are used to engage with article B. The keel may form a apex to increase the stability or rigidity of the article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, and T4. The flap 170 and wing tab 172 may employ a non-coplanar arrangement when article B moves outward through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B, for example, but not limited to these cases. The wing tab 172 may be folded relative to the flap 170.

Fold 173 may be oriented diagonally to fold 171, and an acute angle may be defined between them.

The wing tab 172 is connected only to the flap 170, and by being coupled to the flap 170, there are no connections to the upper panel 120 other than indirect connections; in other words, there is no direct connection of the wing tab 172b to the upper panel 120. The flap 170 interconnects the wing tab 172 and the upper panel 120.

In the unfolded state within the blank 110, the fold 173 is oriented substantially parallel to the folds 119 and 121 that hinge the side or upper corner panels 114, 124, 118, and 122 to the upper panel 120.

When the flap 170 is folded around the respective folds 171 so that it faces the upper panel 120, the fold 173 may be oriented diagonally with respect to folds 119 and 121.

Blank 110 comprises at least one article engagement structure N (also referred to herein as an article holding device) for engaging with a portion of article B. Blank 110 illustrated in Figure 3 shows an article engagement structure N that engages with the heel or lower portion of article B, and is referred to herein as a heel engagement structure N. Blank 10 illustrated in Figure 3 comprises four heel engagement structures N, each provided for engaging with a respective article B. Each heel engagement structure N is substantially similar in construction and is described with reference to the heel engagement structures N provided within the first side panel 16 and the first corner panel 14.

The heel engagement structure N includes an opening, which is at least partially defined within the first side panel 116. The opening may also be at least partially defined within the first corner panel 14.

The heel engagement structure N comprises a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the first side panel 116. The deformable member may also be formed from at least a portion of the first corner panel 114. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening, connecting at both ends or edges to the first side panel 116, or to the first corner panel 114, if present, by first and second joints J1 and J2, respectively.

The deformable member is connected to the first side panel 116 along an adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent edge defines the upper end or upper edge of the deformable member. In other illustrated embodiments, the adjacent edge defines the lower end or lower edge of the deformable member.

The deformable member may have a first expansion slit 145 in the form of a first cut or cutting line 145. The first cut 145 divides the deformable member into a large tab or portion 142 and a smaller tab or portion 144a/144b.

The small tabs 144a and 144b are at least partially defined by their respective separator lines 149a and 149b. The separator lines 149a and 149b are positioned such that the small tabs 144a and 144b extend further into the first side panel 116 than in the embodiment of Figure 1. The separator lines 149a and 149b comprise a straight portion and an arched portion positioned continuously therewith.

The deformable members are positioned at a distance from the fold 115, which ends at cuts 151a and 151b that cross it. The cuts 151a and 151b are positioned perpendicular to the fold 115. In this way, non-interruptive connections between the first corner panel 114 and the first side panel 116 are provided on both sides of the deformable members.

The heel tab 140 has a pair of creases or folds 153a, 153b. The crease lines 153a, 153b may be partially defined by cuts 153a, 153b. The crease lines 153a, 153b are positioned branching relative to each other, enabling or facilitating the folding of the corner or blank edge region of the heel tab 140 relative to the central or intermediate region.

The heel tab 140, or at least a portion thereof, has a width equal to that of the larger tab 142 or a portion thereof. The heel tab 140 comprises a pair of side edges defined by a pair of cuts extending between the fold 113 and the first separation line 143. Each of the pair of cuts may be perpendicular to the first separation line 143 or its end portion. The pair of cuts may comprise straight portions that branch relative to each other. The straight portions may branch toward the first separation line 143. The fold 141 may extend between the ends of the pair of cuts. Each portion of the pair of cuts may be collinear with the fold 113 and may be continuous with both the fold 113 and the fold 141. Thus, the fold 141 is separated from the fold 113 by each of the pair of cuts.

The first and second joints J1 and J2 of the deformable member in the embodiment of Figure 3 are positioned further away from the fold 113 than those in the embodiment of Figure 1.

Next, referring to Figures 6 to 8, another alternative embodiment of this disclosure is shown. In the third and fourth illustrated embodiments, similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts, but with the prefixes "200" and "300" added where possible to indicate that these mechanisms belong to the third and fourth embodiments, respectively. The third and fourth embodiments share many common mechanisms with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, and thus only the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 are described in more detail.

Figure 6 shows a blank 210 for forming carrier 290 (see Figure 7), comprising multiple main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and 224 for forming a tubular structure. The multiple main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and 224 comprise a first base panel 212, a first lower corner panel 214, a first side panel 216, a top panel 218, a second side panel 220, a second lower corner panel 222, and a second base panel 224. The multiple panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and 224 may be arranged in a straight line, hinged to each other by corresponding folds 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, and 223.

The first base panel 212 comprises a first opening A1 and a third opening A3. The first opening A1 is substantially the same as that of the previous embodiment. The third opening A3 takes the form of a vertex-cut version of the second opening A2 of the previous embodiment. The third opening A3 may have a vertex-cut ellipse shape with a notch or recess extending from one side. The ellipse shape may be vertex-cut at an oblique angle with respect to the fold 213, with the vertex cut at the end adjacent to the free side edge of the blank 210. Thus, the third opening A3 is spaced away from the free side edge of the blank 210, which may improve the strength and/or resistance of the carton 190 and reduce the possibility of tear propagation within the first base panel 212.

The blank 210 is equipped with an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a single foldable finger tab 260. The finger tab 260 is hinged to the upper panel 218 by a fold 261 and partially defined by a cut or slit 263. The finger tab 260 is centrally located within the upper panel 218.

Figure 8 shows a portion of a blank 310 for forming a carrier (not shown), the blank 310 comprising a plurality of main panels 312, 314, and 316. The plurality of main panels 312, 314, and 316 comprise a first panel 312, a second panel 316, and an optional third panel 314. The plurality of main panels 312, 314, and 316 may be arranged in a straight line, hinged to each other by corresponding folds 313, 315.

In some embodiments, the third panel 316 may be omitted, and in such embodiments, the fold 315 may also be omitted.

The blank 310 includes at least one article holding device N for engaging with a portion of article B.

The article holding device N has an opening, which is at least partially defined within the second panel 316. If a third panel 314 is present, the opening is at least partially defined within the third panel 314.

The article holding device N comprises a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening, connected at both ends or edges to the third panel 314, or, if the third panel 314 is omitted, to the second panel 316, respectively, by first and second joints J1 and J2.

The deformable member is connected to the second panel 316 along an adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6. The adjacent edge may define the upper or lower end (or edge) of the deformable member.

The deformable member may have a first expansion slit 345 in the form of a first cut or cutting line 345. The first cut 345 divides the deformable member into a large tab or portion 342 and a smaller tab or portion 344a/344b.

The larger section 342 is connected to the third panel 314 (or the second panel 316 if the third panel 314 is omitted) by the first and second joints J1 and J2. The smaller sections 344a and 344b are connected to the second panel 316 by the third joints J5/J6.

The deformable member may have a second expansion slit 347 in the form of a second cut or cutting line 347. The second cut 347 divides the small portion 344a/344b into a first small tab 344a and a second small tab 344b. The first and second small tabs 344a, 344b are also referred to herein as small half portions 344a, 344b.

The deformable member is partially defined by a first separation line 343. The first separation line 343 may take the form of a cut or a cutting line 343. The first separation line 343 separates the deformable member from the blank 310. The first separation line 343 may also separate the deformable member from the first panel 312, the second panel 316, the third panel 314, or any combination thereof.

The first separation line 343 may have arched portions at each end. Each arched portion may interrupt or intersect the fold 313, and a portion of the arched portion may be colinear with the fold 313, or continuous with the fold 313 and fold 341. In this way, the fold 341 is separated from the fold 313 by the first separation line 343, particularly by the arched portions.

The deformable member is partially defined by a pair of second separation lines 349a, 349b. Each of the pair of second separation lines 349a, 349b may take the form of a cut or a cutting line.

The pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b may be substantially "L" shaped. The first line 349a of the pair of second separation lines is spaced apart from the second line 349b of the pair of second separation lines. The third joint J5/J6 is defined between the terminal ends of the pair of second separation lines 349a and 349b.

The first line 349a of the pair of second separation lines extends between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6.

The second line 349b of the pair of second separation lines extends between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/J6.

The first expansion slit 345 extends substantially between the two side edges of the deformable member. The first expansion slit 345 has a first end adjacent to the first line 349a of a pair of second separation lines, and extends across the deformable member to the opposite second end, which is located adjacent to the second line 349b of the pair of second separation lines. The first and second ends of the first expansion slit 345 are located within the deformable member.

The first end of the expansion slit 345 is spaced apart from the first line 349a of the pair of second separator lines, so that the larger portion 342 is connected to the smaller portions 344a/344b by the fourth joint J3. The second end of the expansion slit 345 is spaced apart from the second line 349b of the pair of second separator lines, so that the larger portion 342 is connected to the smaller portions 344a/344b by the fifth joint J4.

Thus, the larger and smaller sections can be considered as being partially separated from each other, with the fourth and fifth joints J3 and J4 providing a connecting notch or bridge between them.

The fourth and fifth joints J3 and J4 may lie on an imaginary line defined by fold 315.

The second expansion slit 347 may extend from the first expansion slit 345 toward the third joint J5/J6.

The second expansion slit 347 may divide the third joint J5/J6 into the sixth and seventh joints J5 and J6. The first small tab 344a is connected to the second panel 316 by the sixth joint J5. The second small tab 344b is connected to the second panel 316 by the seventh joint J6.

The first expansion slit 345 and the second expansion slit 347 define a "T" shape.

The article holding device N, if present, includes an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314. The integral deformable member extends continuously across the opening, spanning between the opposing side edges of the opening. In addition, the integral deformable member extends continuously to either the upper or lower edge of the opening.

The deformable member can be considered as being defined or bounded by separation lines 343 and weak lines. The weak lines comprise a pair of second separation lines 349a, 349b, a first joint J1, a second joint J2, a sixth joint J5, and a seventh joint J6. Separation line 343 detaches the deformable member from the first panel 312. The weak lines connect the deformable member to the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314 (if present) via three or more connection notches provided by joints J1, J2, J5, and J6. Thus, the deformable member may be displaceable from the plane of the second panel 316 and/or the third panel 314, if present.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the heel tab is omitted. The first separator line 343 defines at least partially a projection or lobe 346 extending from the first panel 312. The lobe 346 is integral with the first panel 312. The lobe 346 may extend above or below the end of the engaged article B when the article holding device is used. The lobe 346 may provide a protective cover over the portion of the article B that protrudes through the opening of the article holding device.

In the form of blank 310, or when the article holding device N is in a non-deployed state, the opening is closed by the deformable member by the large tab and the small tabs 342, 344a, 344b, and by the lobe 346.

When the article holding device N is in the deployed state, the opening is formed within the second panel 316 to receive the article B. The first separation line 343 may be opened to form an opening between the deformable member (large tab 342) and the lobe 346. The first expansion slit 345 may be opened to form a slot or opening within the deformable member between the large tab 342 and the small tabs 344a and 344b. The second expansion slit 347 may be opened between the small tabs 344a and 344b to form a slot or opening within the deformable member.

This disclosure provides cartons 90, 190, 290 for packaging one or more articles B, and blanks 10, 110, 210, 310 for forming cartons 90, 190, 290. The cartons 90, 190, 290, and/or blanks 10, 110, 210, 310 comprise first panels 12, 24, 112, 128, 212, 224, 312 and second panels 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316 hinged to the first panels 12, 24, 112, 128, 212, 224, 312.

Cartons 90, 190, 290, and/or blanks 10, 110, 210, 310 are equipped with article holding devices N for receiving a portion of article B and engaging with this portion of the article. Article holding devices N are equipped with an opening and a deformable member. The opening is at least partially defined within the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316, and the deformable member is formed from at least a portion of the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316. The deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel at both side edges by first and second joints J1, J2, respectively. The deformable member is further connected to the second panel at its adjacent edge by a third joint J5/J6.

The deformable members may be separated from the first panels 12, 24, 112, 128, 212, 224, and 312 by separation lines 43, 143, 243, and 343.

The deformable member may be defined by at least one pair of first and second cuts 49a, 49b, 149a, 149b, 249a, 249b, 349a, 349b, where the first cuts 49a, 149a, 249a, 349a extend between the first joint J1 and the third joint J5/J6, and the second cuts 49b, 149b, 249b, 349b extend between the second joint J2 and the third joint J5/J6.

The deformable member may include first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, and 345. The first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, and 345 extend from their first ends near the first cuts 49a, 149a, 249a, and 349a to their second ends on the opposite side, near the second cuts 49b, 149b, 249b, and 349b, with the first and second ends positioned within the deformable member.

The first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, 345 may divide the deformable member into larger portions 42, 142, 242, 342 and smaller portions 44a/44b, 144a/144b, 244a/244b, 344a/344b. The larger portions 42, 142, 242, 342 are connected to the second panels 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316 by first and second joints J1, J2. The smaller sections 44a/44b, 144a/144b, 244a/244b, and 344a/344b are connected to the second panels 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316 by third joints J5/J6.

The first ends of the first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, 345 are spaced apart from the first cuts 49a, 149a, 249a, 349a so that the larger portions 42, 142, 242, 342 and the smaller portions 44a/44b, 144a/144b, 244a/244b, 344a/344b are further partially connected by the fourth joint J3. The second ends of the first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, and 345 are spaced apart from the second cuts 49b, 149b, 249b, and 349b, so that the larger sections 42, 142, 242, and 342 and the smaller sections 44a/44b, 144a/144b, 244a/244b, and 344a/344b are further partially connected by the fifth joint J4.

The deformable member may further include second expansion slits 47, 147, 247, 347 extending from the first expansion slits 45, 145, 245, 345 toward the third joint J5/J6. The second expansion slits 47, 147, 247, 347 divide the small portions 44a/44b, 144a/144b, 244a/244b, 344a/344b into a pair of small half portions 44a, 44b, 144a, 144b, 244a, 244b, 344a, 344b, and further, the third joint J5/J6, where one of the small half portions 44a, 144a, 244a, 344a is joined to the second panel 14/16 by the sixth joint J5. The panels are divided into the sixth joint J5 and the seventh joint J6, such that the other smaller half sections 44b, 144b, 244b, and 344b are connected to the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316 by the seventh joint J6.

This disclosure also provides an article holding device N for receiving a portion of article B and engaging with this portion of the article. The article holding device N comprises an opening at least partially defined within a second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316. The article holding device N comprises an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, 314/316. The integral deformable member extends continuously across the opening so as to span between opposing side edges of the opening. The integral deformable member further extends continuously across adjacent end edges of the opening.

The integral deformable member may be defined or have boundaries drawn by separation lines 43, 143, 243, 343 and fragile lines J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2, J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2, J1, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2, J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, J2. Separation lines 43, 143, 243, 343 detach the integral deformable member from the first panel. Weakness lines J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2, J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2, J1, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2, J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, and J2 connect the integral deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316, so that the integral deformable member may be displaceable from the plane of the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316.

The weak lines J1, 49a, J5, J6, 49b, J2, J1, 149a, J5, J6, 149b, J2, J1, 249a, J5, J6, 249b, J2, J1, 349a, J5, J6, 349b, and J2 each have at least two cuts 49a, 49b, 149a, 149b, 249a, 249b, 349a, and 349b, and at least three connection notches J1, J5, J6, and J2 for connecting the integrally deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316 along the cuts.

The first and second notches J1 and J2 of at least three connection notches J1, J5, J6, and J2 may connect an integral deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316 at the opposing side edges of the opening. The third notches J5 and J6 of at least three connection notches J1, J5, J6, and J2 may connect an integral deformable member to the second panel 14/16, 20/22, 114/116, 124/126, 214/216, 220/222, and 314/316 at the adjacent end edges of the opening.

It should be understood that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and openings may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

As used herein, directional references such as “top,” “bottom,” “base,” “front,” “rear,” “end,” “side,” “inside,” “outside,” “upper side,” and “lower side” do not necessarily limit each panel to such orientations, but may simply serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinge connection” and “fold” refer to all ways of lines that define a hinge mechanism of a blank, facilitate the folding of parts of the blank relative to one another, or indicate any folded panel portion of the blank. Any reference to “hinge connection” should not be interpreted as necessarily referring to a single fold, and in fact, a hinge connection can be formed from two or more folds, each of which may be either straight/linear or curved/curved in shape. When straight folds form a hinge connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled relative to each other. When curved folds form a hinge connection, they may intersect each other so as to define a panel formed within the area enclosed by the curved folds. A typical example of such a hinge connection may consist of a pair of arched or arched folds intersecting at two points so as to define an elliptical panel between them. A hinge connection may be formed from one or more straight folds and one or more curved folds. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a combination of a straight fold and an arched or arched fold that intersects at two points, defining a crescent-shaped panel between them.

As used herein, the term “fold” may refer to a dividing line, an embossing line, a debossing line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, a cutting line, a row of slits, a dividing line, and any combination of the aforementioned options.

It should be understood that hinge connections and folds can each include elements formed within the blank substrate, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cutting lines, slits, divisions, and any combination thereof. The elements are dimensional and can be arranged in such a way as to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines can be dimensional or designed to a degree of fragility so as to define folds and/or cutting lines. Perforation lines can be designed to facilitate folding and withstand breakage, facilitate folding and facilitate breakage with more effort, or facilitate breakage with less effort.

As used herein, the term “coincidentally” refers to the alignment of two or more elements within an upright carton, such as an opening formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second of two overlapping panels. These coincident elements may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, if an opening in the first panel “coincides” with a second opening in the second panel, which is positioned in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second opening and may be aligned with the second opening in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels.

10 Blank
12 Main panel, 1st base panel
13 folds
14. Main panel, first corner panel
16 Main panel, first side panel
18 Main panel, top panel
20 Main Panel
22 Main Panel
24 Main panel, second base panel
40 heel tabs
41 folds
42 Large tabs or sections
43. First separation line
44a, 44b Small tab or portion, small half portion
45 First cut or cutting line, first expansion slit
47. Second cut or cutting line, second expansion slit
49a, 49b Second separation line
70 cutting line
90 cartons or carriers, containers
110 Blank
112 Main Panel
113 folds
114 Main Panel
115 folds
116 Main Panel
118 Main Panel
119 folds
120 Main Panel
121 folds
122 Main Panel
123 folds
124 Main Panel
125 folds
126 Main Panel
127 folds
128 Main Panel
140 Heel Tabs
142 Large tabs or sections
143 First Separation Line
144a, 144b Small tab or portion, small half portion
145 First cut or cutting line, first expansion slit
147 Second expansion slit
149a, 149b separation line
151a, 151b cut
153a, 153b Wrinkles or creases
160a, 160b buffer flaps
170 Flap
171 folds
172 Wing Tab
190 cartons or carriers, containers
210 Blank
212 Main panel, 1st base panel
213 folds
214 Main Panel
216 Main Panel
218 Main panel, top panel
220 Main Panel
222 Main Panel
224 Main Panel
245 First expansion slit
247 Second expansion slit
260 Finger Tabs
290 cartons or carriers, containers
310 Blank
312, 314, 316 Main Panel
Folds 313 and 315
342 Large tabs or sections
343 First Separation Line
344a, 344b Small tab or portion, small half portion
345 First cut or cutting line, first expansion slit
346. Projections or lobes
347 Second cut or cutting line, second expansion slit
349a, 349b Second separation line
A1 First opening
A2 Second opening
A3 Third opening
B Goods
H-handle structure
J1 First Joint
J2's second joint
J5, J6 Third Joint
N Heel Engagement Structure
T1, T2, T3, T4 Article Holding Devices

Claims (17)

A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel hinged to the first panel, and an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging the portion of the article, the article holding device comprising an opening at least partially defined within the second panel, and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel, extending continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel by first and second joints at both ends thereof, the deformable member further comprising being connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of its upper and lower ends,
The deformable member is a blank, which is separated from the first panel by a separation line. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel hinged to the first panel, and an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging the portion of the article, the article holding device comprising an opening at least partially defined within the second panel, and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel, extending continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel by first and second joints at both ends thereof, the deformable member further comprising being connected to the second panel by a third joint at one of its upper and lower ends,
The deformable member is defined by at least one pair of first and second cuts, the first cut extending between the first joint and the third joint, and the second cut extending between the second joint and the third joint,
A blank having a first expansion slit, the deformable member having a first expansion slit extending from its first end near the first cut to its second end on the opposite side, near the second cut, with the first and second ends positioned within the deformable member. The blank according to claim 2, wherein the first expansion slit divides the deformable member into a large portion and a small portion, the large portion being connected to the second panel by the first joint and the second joint, and the small portion being connected to the second panel by the third joint. The blank according to claim 3, wherein the first end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the first cut so that the large and small portions are further partially connected by a fourth joint, and the second end of the expansion slit is spaced apart from the second cut so that the large and small portions are further partially connected by a fifth joint. The blank according to claim 4, wherein the deformable member further comprises a second expansion slit extending from the first expansion slit toward the third joint, the second expansion slit dividing the small portion into a pair of small halves, and further dividing the third joint into the sixth and seventh joints such that one of the small halves is connected to the second panel by a sixth joint, and the other small half is connected to the second panel by a seventh joint. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel hinged to the first panel, and an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging the portion of the article, the article holding device comprising an opening at least partially defined within the second panel, and an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel, the integral deformable member extending continuously across the opening so as to span between opposing side edges of the opening, the integral deformable member further extending continuously to adjacent end edges of the opening,
The integrated deformable member is a blank, with a boundary line drawn by a separation line and a fragile line, the separation line separating the integrated deformable member from the first panel, and the fragile line connecting the integrated deformable member to the second panel so that the integrated deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the second panel. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the weak line comprises at least two cuts and at least three connection notches for connecting the integrally deformable member along the cuts to the second panel. The blank according to claim 7, wherein the first and second connection notches among the at least three connection notches connect the integral deformable member to the second panel at the opposing side edges of the opening, and the third connection notch among the at least three connection notches connects the integral deformable member to the second panel at the adjacent end edge of the opening. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the first panel is the top panel of the carton. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the first panel is the bottom panel of the carton. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the second panel is a side panel of the carton. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the adjacent edge portion of the opening is the upper edge portion. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the adjacent edge portion of the opening is the lower edge portion. A carton for packaging one or more articles, comprising a plurality of panels forming the wall surface of a tubular structure having an interior, wherein the plurality of panels are
The first panel and,
This includes a second panel hinged to the first panel,
The carton comprises an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with the portion of the article, the article holding device comprising an opening at least partially formed in the second panel and a deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel, the deformable member extending continuously across the opening so as to be connected to the second panel at both ends by a first joint and a second joint, respectively, the deformable member further comprising a third joint at one of its upper or lower edge,
The deformable member is separated from the first panel by a separation line, forming a carton. A carton for packaging one or more articles, comprising a plurality of panels forming the wall surface of a tubular structure having an interior, wherein the plurality of panels are
The first panel and,
This includes a second panel hinged to the first panel,
The carton comprises an article holding device for receiving a portion of an article and engaging with the portion of the article, the article holding device comprising an opening at least partially formed in the second panel and an integral deformable member formed from at least a portion of the second panel, the integral deformable member extending continuously across the opening so as to span between opposing side edges of the opening, the integral deformable member further extending continuously to adjacent end edges of the opening,
The integrated deformable member is bounded by a separation line and a fragile line, the separation line separating the integrated deformable member from the first panel, and the fragile line connecting the integrated deformable member to the second panel so that the integrated deformable member can be displaced from the plane of the second panel, in a carton. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the article holding device is deployable to define the opening, and in the undeployed state, the article holding device closes the opening. The carton according to claim 14, wherein the article holding device is deployable to define the opening, and in the non-deployed state, the article holding device closes the opening.