EP3380409B1 - Packaging system and blanks therefor - Google Patents
Packaging system and blanks therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3380409B1 EP3380409B1 EP16806347.7A EP16806347A EP3380409B1 EP 3380409 B1 EP3380409 B1 EP 3380409B1 EP 16806347 A EP16806347 A EP 16806347A EP 3380409 B1 EP3380409 B1 EP 3380409B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- carrier
- panels
- blank
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title description 8
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- -1 coated board Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 34
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 27
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 27
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 19
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 11
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- 210000003734 kidney Anatomy 0.000 description 2
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- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- LUTSRLYCMSCGCS-BWOMAWGNSA-N [(3s,8r,9s,10r,13s)-10,13-dimethyl-17-oxo-1,2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl] acetate Chemical compound C([C@@H]12)C[C@]3(C)C(=O)CC=C3[C@@H]1CC=C1[C@]2(C)CC[C@H](OC(=O)C)C1 LUTSRLYCMSCGCS-BWOMAWGNSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- 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
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- 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
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- B65D2571/00246—Locating elements for the contents
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- 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
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- 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
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- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- 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
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- B65D2571/00308—Locating elements for the contents integral with the wrapper consisting of inwardly bent panels or flaps
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.
- US 2,828,009 to Andre discloses a package for cans and has a carton structure enclosing and holding a plurality of separately packaged groups of cans.
- the enclosures for the separately packaged groups coact with a means for holding them together.
- 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 comprising 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, wherein the second outer carrier is wrapped around the first
- the second outer carrier is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: paperboard, cardboard, coated board, plastics material and polymeric substrates.
- 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 x 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 invention.
- 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 Figure 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 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and four web panels 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d are hinged between the first and second end panels 50, 52 and the first and second side panels 16, 24 respectively.
- each gusset panel 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d is hinged by a fold line 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d to the first or second side panel 16, 24; and each gusset panel 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d is hinged by a fold line 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d to an adjacent web panel 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d.
- Each web panel 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d is, in turn, hinged to an adjacent first or second end panel 50, 52 along a fold line 57a, 57b, 57c, 57d.
- the four gusset panels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and four web panels 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d 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 F1, F2 in the first bottom panel 12; and two male locking tabs M1, M2 in the second bottom panel 28.
- Optional alignment apertures A1, A3 are provided in the second bottom panel 28.
- the alignment apertures A1, A3 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 28 relative to the first bottom panel 12.
- Optional article heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
- Each heel engaging feature H1, H2, H3, H4 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 H1, H2, H3, H4 is entirely optional; and when provided, the configuration of the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 may take many and various forms.
- the configuration of each heel engaging feature H1, H2, H3, H4 illustrated in Figure 1 is merely an example and is in no way limiting.
- each of the four heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described.
- Heel engaging feature H1 comprises a bottom aperture 40, a pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs 46a, 44a, and an upper aperture 42.
- the pair of inwardly foldable retention tabs 46a, 44a 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 46a, 44a 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 68a, 72a, 70a adjacent to each endmost aperture 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Since the weakened arrangements 68a, 72a, 70a are optionally similar, only one is described.
- Aperture 2c is defined in part by a cut line that is co-linear with fold line 38 and which terminates at short, arcuate fold lines 4c and 4e respectively (see Figure 1 ).
- Adjacent to the aperture 2c a slit 72a extends from an edge of the aperture 2c down to fold line 80.
- a first weakened line 68a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short, arcuate fold line 4c, towards but not reaching the fold line 80.
- a second weakened line 70a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short, arcuate fold line 4e, towards but not reaching the fold line 80.
- the weakened arrangement 68a, 72a, 70a defines a tab 66a which can be displaced out of the plane of the third bevel panel 22 (see Figure 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 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, shaped to form four apertures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in blank form.
- the displaceable flaps 20c, 20d are hinged to adjacent first and second end panels 50, 52 respectively by fold lines 60, 64.
- Displaceable flap 20d is hinged via short, arcuate fold lines 4a, 4c to the top panel 20.
- Displaceable flap 20c is hinged via short, arcuate fold lines 4b, 4d to the top panel 20.
- Displaceable flaps 20a, 20b are hinged to one another along fold line 62; and are each hinged to the top panel 20 along short, arcuate fold lines 4h, 4g, 4e, 4f. Displaceable flaps 20d, 20a share a common cut line 66; and displaceable flaps 20b, 20c 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 A2; and a pair of recesses R1, R2.
- the locking aperture A2 is formed in the second bottom panel 28.
- the aperture A2 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier 92.
- the first recess R1 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 12; and the second recess R2 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 28.
- the recesses R1, R2 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 12/28 is formed, the recesses R1, R2 overlap to a sufficient extent such that a further aperture or gap R1/R2 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 12/28, which further aperture or gap R1/R2 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 46a, 44a of the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 is folded inwardly towards the adjacent first or fourth bevel panels 14, 26.
- the six articles B are arranged in a 3 x 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 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
- 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 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. This action causes the displaceable flaps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d 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 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and the four web panels 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d 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 H1, H2 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 A1, A3 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 M1, M2 against the first and second female tabs F1, F2. This displaces the first and second female tabs F1, F2 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M1, M2 are punched through. The shoulders of the first and second male tabs M1, M2 prevent the locking male tabs M1, M2 from returning back through the apertures formed when the first and second female tabs F1, F2 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 A2 and further aperture or gap R1/R2 formed from the overlaying recesses R1, R2 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 Figure 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 of the outer wraparound carrier 90 formed from the blank 11 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F3, F4 in the second bottom panel 13; and two male locking tabs M3, M4 in the first bottom panel 25.
- Optional alignment apertures A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 are provided in the second bottom panel 13 and first bottom panel 25.
- the alignment apertures A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 13 relative to the first bottom panel 25.
- Optional article top engaging features T1, T2 are provided for engaging and securely locating the top or crown or closure 'C' of an article B.
- Each article top engaging feature T1, T2 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 T1, T2 is entirely optional; and when provided, the configuration of the top engaging feature T1, T2 may take many and various forms.
- the configuration of each article top engaging feature T1, T2 illustrated in Figure 2 is merely an example and is in no way limiting.
- each of the article top engaging features T1, T2 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described.
- Article top engaging feature T1 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 47a, 47b separated by a common cut line 51 and each hinged to the first bevel panel 21 via fold lines 39a, 39b.
- 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 53a hinged to a centre tab 55a along angled fold line 61a and a second tab 59a hinged on the other side of the centre tab 55a by angled fold line 63a.
- the centre tab 55a is hinged to the top panel 19 along fold line 65a; and the first and second tabs 53a, 59a are separated from the top panel 19 by means of an optional cut line.
- the center tab 55a can be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 19 as it hinges downwardly about fold line 65a.
- the first and second tabs 53a, 59a 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 55a.
- a user can grip the top panel 19 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 55a 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 55b and adjacent first and second tabs 53b, 59b.
- 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 T1, T2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles of the group.
- the second outer carrier 90 comprises an article engaging structure T1, T2 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 T1, T2 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 A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 (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 M3, M4 against the first and second female tabs F3, F4. This displaces the first and second female tabs F3, F4 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M3, M4 are punched.
- the male tabs M3, M4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A2 and gap R1/R2 of the first inner carrier 92.
- the male tabs M3, M4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F3, F4 of the second bottom panel 13 of the outer wraparound carrier 90, the male tabs M3, M4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A2 or gap R1/R2 of the inner carrier 92.
- first and second male tabs M3, M4 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 M3, M4 from accidentally returning back through locking aperture A2; gap R1/R2 of the first inner carrier 92; and the apertures formed when the first and second female tabs F1, F2 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 53a/55a/59a and 53b/55b/59b together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B3, B4 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 53a, 53b, the center tab 55a, 55b, and the second tab 59a, 59b.
- the carrying handle structure is in use, and only part of the carrying handle structure is therefore visible.
- the foldable tabs 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b have all been folded out of the plane of the top panel 19; and the first and second tabs 53a, 53b, and 59a, 59b have also been folded inwardly, out of the plane of the center tab 55a, 55b and toward the center tab 55a, 55b.
- the two folded carrying handle features 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b are disposed on either side and partially between the centermost articles B3, B4. They can be gripped in a pinching type hold, optionally between a user's thumb, which might contact the center tab 55a, and a user's index and middle fingers, which might contact the other center tab 55b.
- the carrying handle features 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b can each provide, when folded downwardly into the interior of the package 94, a spacer that is positioned between two adjacent articles B3, B4 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 68a, 70a, 72a and pulled past the displaceable flaps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d 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 B5, B6 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 Figure 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.
- FIG. 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 Figure 2 , as illustrated in Figures 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 Figures 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 154a, 154b, 154c, 154d and four web panels 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d, which are hinged by fold lines 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d; 158a, 158b, 158c, 158d; and 157a, 157b, 157c, 157d respectively.
- the four gusset panels 154a, 154b, 154c, 154d and four web panels 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d 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 F11, F12 in the first bottom panel 112; and two male locking tabs M11, M12 in the second bottom panel 128.
- Optional alignment apertures A11, A13 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 H11, H12, H13, H14 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 already described.
- the top panel 120 comprises a different article receiving arrangement compared to the blank 10 of Figure 1 .
- the article receiving arrangement is defined by a series of transversely arranged displaceable flaps 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120 that run between the end panels 150, 152 of the blank 110.
- the six displaceable flaps 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120 are shaped to form six apertures 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f 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 120a.
- the second displaceable flap 120a is hinged to the top panel 120 by means of a transversely extending fold line 162a and short arcuate fold lines 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162a to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150, 152 respectively.
- a third displaceable flap 120b is also hinged to the top panel 120 by means of the transversely extending fold line 162a and short arcuate fold lines 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162a to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150, 152 respectively.
- the third displaceable flap 120b 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 120c.
- the fourth displaceable flap 120c is also hinged to the top panel 120 by means of a further transversely extending fold line 162b and short arcuate fold lines 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h, which extend from the transversely extending fold line 162b to the adjacent first and/or second end panel 150, 152 respectively.
- the fourth displaceable flap 120d 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 M3, M4 provided in the outer wraparound carrier 90.
- the blank 110 is again optionally provided with a locking aperture A12; and a pair of similarly shaped recesses R11, R12.
- the locking aperture A12 is formed in the second bottom panel 128 and has a substantially octagonal shape.
- the aperture A12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 from the outer wraparound carrier 90.
- a first recess R11 that is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 112; and a second recess R12 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 R11, R12 overlap to a sufficient extent that a further aperture or gap R11/R12 is provided in the bottom wall structure 112/128, which further aperture or gap R11/R12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 from the outer wraparound carrier 90.
- the construction of the first inner wraparound carrier 192 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 B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, a top C of each article B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 passes through one of the apertures 102a, 102c, 102e, 102b, 102d, 102f.
- This action causes the displaceable flaps 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120 to each fold upwardly about fold lines 136, 162a, 162b and 180 respectively such that three transverse rows, each comprising two articles B1/B4, B2/B5, B3/B6, are disposed within a transverse aperture 102a/102b, 102c/102d, 102e/103f, 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 Figure 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 H11, H12 being located about the heels of two articles B4, B1 along a first side B1/B4 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 H13, H14 being located about the heels of two articles B6, B3 along a second side B3/B6 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 M11, M12, F11, F12 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 B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 is tightly packed and held together within the first carrier 192.
- the ends B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6 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 120a, 120b, fold line 162a and the arcuate short fold lines 104a, 104c, 104b, 104d at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120a, 120b to the top panel 120.
- the first keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B1/B4 and a second row of articles B2/B5.
- a second keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 120c, 120d, fold line 162b and the arcuate short fold lines 104e, 104g, 104f, 104h at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120c, 120d to the top panel 120.
- the second keel structure forms a brace between the second row of articles B2/B5 and a third row of articles B3/B6.
- 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 A12 and further aperture or gap R11/R12 formed from the overlaying recesses R11, R12 are ready for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 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 Figure 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 B1-B6 shown in Figure 7 , in the same manner as described above, with the top panel 19 being placed onto the tops of the articles B1-B6 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 T1, T2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles B2, B5 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.
- first and second bottom panels 25, 13 are mechanically locked together by punching the first and second male tabs M3, M4 against the first and second female tabs F1, F2. This displaces the first and second female tabs F1, F2 and creates apertures, through which the first and second male tabs M3, M4 are punched.
- the male tabs M3, M4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A12 and gap R11/R12 of the first inner carrier 192.
- the male tabs M3, M4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F1, F2 of the second bottom panel 13 of the outer wraparound carrier 90, the male tabs M3, M4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A12 and gap R11/R12 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 B1-B6 are tightly packed and further held together in the outer wraparound carrier 90.
- the ends of the article group B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6 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 53a/55a/59a and 53b/55b/59b together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B2, B5 of the article group.
- the package 194 may again comprise empty openings 'O' where a bottle B1-B6 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 120a, 120b,120c, 120d fold lines 162a, 162b and the arcuate short fold lines 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 104g, 104h at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d 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 B1-B6 have been removed.
- the keel structures are optionally centrally disposed and as shown in Figure 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.
- FIG. 9 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 Figure 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 Figures 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail.
- 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 Figure 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 Figures 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 Figure 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 F21, F22 in the first bottom panel 212; and two male locking tabs M21, M22 in the second bottom panel 228.
- the first inner blank 210 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A21, A23; optional article heel engaging features H21, H22, H23, H24 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 of blank 10; and a pair of recesses R21, R22 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 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d.
- the four displaceable flaps 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d are shaped to form six apertures 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, 202f in blank form.
- a common cut line 266 separates displaceable flaps 220a, 220b; and similarly, a common cut line 268 separates displaceable flaps 220c, 220d.
- the common cut lines 266, 268 are interrupted by the apertures 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, 202f respectively.
- the optional apertures 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, 202f 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 220a and 220d are hinged to the top panel 220 by means of curved or arcuate fold lines 204a, 204c, 204b and 204d respectively.
- the curved fold lines 204a, 204c, 204b and 204d are longer in length than the short arcuate fold lines 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the first embodiment. This may be in order to ensure that the outermost displaceable flaps 220a, 220d 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 220b, 220c, as well as being hinged to one another along a common fold line 262, are hinged to the top panel 220 via long arcuate fold lines 204e, 204f, 204g, 204h.
- the displaceable flaps 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d are folded downwardly out of the plane of the top panel 220.
- this may be achieved by pushing the bottoms of the bottles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 onto the top panel 220 which causes the flaps 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d to fold to create an opening for the two rows of three bottles B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6.
- the first and second side panels 216, 224 are then disposed alongside one of the sides B1/B2, B3/B6 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 H21, H22 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B6 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 H23, H24 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B2 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 M21, M22 against the first and second female tabs F21, F22.
- the displaceable flaps 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d 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 B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and by relative movement of the blank 210 and articles, the blank 210 is then pulled down the necks of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 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 B2, B5.
- the first notional tubular axis is parallel to the bottom wall structure 212/228.
- the locking aperture A22 and further aperture or gap R21/R22 formed from the overlaying recesses R21, R22 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 Figure 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 B1-B6 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 B4, B1 bottles shown, or more bottles. This is in part due to a keel structure or bracing structure formed by the combination of displaceable tabs 220b, 220c, fold line 262 and the arcuate fold lines 204h, 204g, 204e, 204f at either end thereof.
- 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 Figure 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.
- FIG. 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 Figures 1 to 12 will be described in any greater detail.
- a first inner blank 310 is shown in Figure 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 304a, 304b and portions of fold lines 373a, 373b.
- the top panel 320 is coupled to the second side panel 324 by a plurality of fold lines 304c, 304d and portions of fold lines 373c, 373d.
- the first and second bottom panels 312, 328 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F31, F32 in the first bottom panel 312; and two male locking tabs M31, M32 in the second bottom panel 328.
- Optional alignment apertures A33, A35 are provided in the first bottom panel 312.
- Optional alignment apertures A31, A32 are provided in the second bottom panel 328.
- the alignment apertures A31, A32 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 328 relative to the first bottom panel 312.
- the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 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 A31, A32, A33, A35 to engage with the first and second bottom panels 312, 328 during assembly of the first inner carrier 392 about a group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 may facilitate tightening of the first inner carrier 392 about the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the machine component may engage the first and second bottom panels 312, 328, via a first lobe of the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35, 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 A31, A32, A33, A35 during assembly of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 may facilitate or enable tightening of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the machine component may pass through the first and second bottom panels 312, 328, the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 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 A33, A35 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 H31, H32, H33, H34 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
- Each heel engaging feature H31, H32, H33, H34 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 H32 will be described.
- First heel engaging feature H32 comprises a first heel receiving aperture 340a.
- the first heel receiving aperture 340a 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 R31, R32.
- a first recess R31 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 312; and a second recess R32 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 328.
- the recesses R31, R32 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 312/328 is formed, the recesses R31, R32 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R31/R32 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 312/328, which aperture or gap R31/R32 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M33 from the outer wraparound carrier 390.
- the top panel 320 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d.
- Each article receiving aperture 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, 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 B1, B2, B3, B4.
- a first fold line 368a may be provided, the first fold line 368a extends substantially between a first article receiving aperture 302a and the first heel receiving aperture 340a.
- a second fold line 368b may be provided, the second fold line 368b extends substantially between a second article receiving aperture 302b and a second heel receiving aperture 340b in the first bevel panel 314.
- a third fold line 372a may be provided; the third fold line 372a extends from the fold line 332 towards the top panel 320.
- the third fold line 372a 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 372a may extend into the first bevel panel 314.
- the third fold line 372a is optionally parallel with each of the first and second fold lines 368a, 368b.
- a fourth fold line 373a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 316 to the second article receiving aperture 302b.
- a fifth fold line 373b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 316 to the first article receiving aperture 302a.
- the fifth fold line 373b and fourth fold line 373a 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 375a 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 375b 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 375a. Portions of the sixth fold line 375a and seventh fold line 375b 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 375a and seventh fold line 375b and a vertex between the fifth fold line 373b and fourth fold line 373a.
- the fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 372a.
- the fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 372a.
- Two further substantially diamond shaped panel portions are defined in part by the fold lines 373a, 373b, 375a, 375b 304a and 304b.
- 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 302a.
- the second diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion of fold line 373a in common.
- the first fold line 368a extends across the second diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by the fold lines 375a, 373a, to the first article receiving aperture 302a.
- 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 302b.
- the third diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion of fold line 373b in common.
- the second fold line 368b extends across the third diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by the fold lines 375b, 373b, to the second article receiving aperture 302b.
- a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370a, 370b extends downwardly from the vertex between the sixth fold line 375a and seventh fold line 375b.
- a first one 370a of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370a, 370b converges with the first fold line 368a.
- a second one 370b of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 370a, 370b converges with the second fold line 368b.
- the blank 310 may comprise additional fold lines; a fold line may extend from the first fold line 368a to an inner edge of the first heel engaging aperture 340a; a fold line may extend from the second fold line 368b to an inner edge of the second heel engaging aperture 340b; a fold line may extend from the first article receiving aperture 302a 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 304a; a fold line may extend from the second article receiving aperture 302b 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 304b.
- the second side panel 324 comprises a plurality of fold lines 368c, 368d, 372b, 370c, 370d, 373c, 373d, 375c, 375d which facilitate folding the second side wall 324 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 368c, 368d, 372b, 370c, 370d, 373c, 373d, 375c, 375d 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 Figure 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 305a, 305b and portions of fold lines 383a, 383b.
- the top panel 319 is coupled to the second side panel 315 by a plurality of fold lines 305c, 305d and portions of fold lines 383c, 383d.
- the first and second bottom panels 325, 313 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises a female tab F33 in the first bottom panel 325; and a male locking tab M33 in the second bottom panel 313.
- Optional alignment apertures A37, A38 are provided in the first bottom panel 325.
- Optional alignment apertures A34, A36 are provided in the second bottom panel 313. The alignment apertures A37, A38, A34, A36 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 A34, A36, A37, A38 to engage with the first and second bottom panels 325, 313 during assembly of the second outer carrier 390.
- the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 may facilitate tightening of the second outer carrier 390 about the first inner carrier 392 and the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the machine component may engage the first and second bottom panels 312, 328, via the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38, 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 A34, A36, A37, A38 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
- the top panel 319 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 302e, 302f, 302g, 302h.
- Each article receiving aperture 302e, 302f, 302g, 302h is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- Each of the article receiving apertures 302e, 302f, 302g, 302h in the top panel 319 is configured be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of the article receiving apertures 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d in the top panel 320 of the first inner carrier 392.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 302e, 302f, 302g, 302h, 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 B1, B2, B3, B4.
- a first fold line 378a may be provided, the first fold line 378a extends downwardly from a first article receiving aperture 302e towards the first bottom panel 325.
- a second fold line 378b may be provided, the second fold line 378b extends downwardly from a second article receiving aperture 302f towards the first bottom panel 325.
- a third fold line 382a may be provided; the third fold line 382a extends from the fold line 337 towards the top panel 319.
- the third fold line 382a 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 382a is optionally parallel with each of the first and second fold lines 378a, 378b.
- a fourth fold line 383a extends from a first side edge of the first side panel 323 to the second article receiving aperture 302f.
- a fifth fold line 383b extends from a second side edge of the first side panel 323 to the first article receiving aperture 302e.
- the fifth fold line 383b and fourth fold line 383a intersect one another and portions thereof define in part a diamond shaped panel struck from the first side panel 323.
- a sixth fold line 385a 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 385b 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 385a. Portions of the sixth fold line 385a and seventh fold line 385b define in part the diamond shaped panel.
- a fold line extends across the diamond shaped panel from a vertex between the sixth fold line 385a and seventh fold line 385b and a vertex between the fifth fold line 383b and fourth fold line 383a.
- the fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 382a.
- the fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 382a.
- a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380a, 380b extends downwardly from the vertex between the sixth fold line 385a and seventh fold line 385b.
- a first one 380a of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380a, 380b converges with the first fold line 378a.
- a second one 380b of the pair of divergently arranged fold lines 380a, 380b converges with the second fold line 378b.
- the second side panel 315 comprises a plurality of fold lines 378c, 378d, 382b, 380c, 380d, 383c, 383d, 385c, 385d which facilitate folding the second side wall 315 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 378c, 378d, 382b, 380c, 380d, 383c, 383d, 385c, 385d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 323 and will not be described in further detail.
- Figure 15 illustrates the first inner blank 310 and second outer blank 311 form a package 394.
- Figure 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 B1, B2.
- the first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B1, B2, 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 B1, B2 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 B1, B2 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 B1, B3.
- the first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B1, B3, 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 B1, B3 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 B1, B3 such that the second and third diamond shaped panel portions are non-coplanar with the remainder of the second side panel 315.
- Figure 16 illustrates a portion of the composite bottom panel 312, 328; the articles B1, B2, B3, B4 have been removed for illustrative purposes.
- the male tab M32 has passed through the first bottom panel 312, in doing the female tab F32 was displaced out of the plane of the first bottom panel 312.
- the female tab F32 bears against the male tab M32.
- the inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 310 is formed biases the female tab F32 against the male tab M32, so as to hold in a folded position.
- the male tab M31 and female tab F31 are similarly arranged albeit not visible in Figure 16 .
- the male tab M33 of the second outer carrier 390 has passed through the first bottom panel 325 of the second outer carrier 390.
- the female tab F33 bears against the male tab M33.
- the inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 311 is formed biases the female tab F33 against the male tab M33, so as to hold in a folded position.
- the male and female tabs M33, F33 have also passed through the composite bottom panel 312/328 of the first inner carrier 392.
- the male and female tabs M33, F33 are received in the aperture in the composite bottom panel 312/328 formed by the recesses R31, R32.
- the male tab M33 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.
- Figure 16 also illustrates the relationship between the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 in the first inner carrier 392 and the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 in the second outer carrier 390.
- the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 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 A31, A32, A33, A35 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.
- FIG. 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 Figures 1 to 16 will be described in any greater detail.
- Figure 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 473a, 473b, 436a, 436b.
- the top panel 320 is coupled to the second side panel 324 by a plurality of fold lines 438a, 438b, 473c, 473d.
- the first and second bottom panels 412, 428 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F41, F42 in the first bottom panel 412; and two male locking tabs M41, M42 in the second bottom panel 428.
- Optional alignment apertures A43, A45 are provided in the first bottom panel 412.
- Optional alignment apertures A41, A42 are provided in the second bottom panel 428.
- the alignment apertures A41, A42 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 428 relative to the first bottom panel 412.
- the alignment apertures A41, A42, A43, A45 are shaped and configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of the package 494.
- the alignment apertures A43, A45 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 H41, H42, H43, H44 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article.
- Each heel engaging feature H41, H42, H43, H44 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 H42 will be described.
- First heel engaging feature H42 comprises a first heel receiving aperture 440a.
- the first heel receiving aperture 440a is substantially "U" shaped.
- the blank 410 is optionally provided with a pair of recesses R41, R42.
- a first recess R41 is inset from an edge of the first bottom panel 412; and a second recess R42 is inset from an edge of the second bottom panel 428.
- the recesses R41, R42 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a composite bottom wall structure 412/428 is formed, the recesses R41, R42 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R41/R42 is provided in the composite bottom wall structure 412/428, which aperture or gap R41/R42 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M43 from the outer wraparound carrier 490.
- the top panel 420 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d.
- Each article receiving aperture 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, see Figure 19 .
- the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 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 B1, B2, B3, B4.
- a first fold line 472a may be provided; the first fold line 472a 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 472a may be collinear with a fold line 462 which extends across and bisects the top panel 420.
- a second fold line 436a may be provided; the second fold line 436a 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 472a.
- a third fold line 436b may be provided; the third fold line 436b 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 436a and the first fold line 472a.
- a fourth fold line 473a 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 472a, 436a, 436b.
- the fourth fold line 473a together with the second fold line 436a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
- a fifth fold line 473b 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 472a, 436a, 436b.
- the fifth fold line 473b together with the third fold line 436b 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 438a, 438b, 472b, 473c, 473d which facilitate folding the second side wall 424 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 438a, 438b, 472b, 473c, 473d 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 Figure 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 483a, 483b, 433a, 433b.
- the top panel 419 is coupled to the second side panel 415 by a plurality of fold lines 431a, 431b, 483c, 483d.
- the first and second bottom panels 425, 413 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises a female tab F43 in the first bottom panel 425; and a male locking tab M43 in the second bottom panel 413.
- Optional alignment apertures A47, A48 are provided in the first bottom panel 425.
- Optional alignment apertures A44, A46 are provided in the second bottom panel 413. The alignment apertures A47, A48, A44, A46 facilitate the automated location of the second bottom panel 413 relative to the first bottom panel 425.
- the alignment apertures A47, A48, A44, A46 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
- the top panel 319 comprises one or more article receiving apertures 402e, 402f, 402g, 402h.
- Each article receiving aperture 402e, 402f, 402g, 402h is configured to receive a neck portion of a respective one of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- Each of the article receiving apertures 402e, 402f, 402g, 402h in the top panel 419 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of the article receiving apertures 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d in the top panel 420 of the first inner carrier 492.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises four article receiving apertures 402e, 402f, 402g, 402h, 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 B1, B2, B3, B4.
- a first fold line 482a may be provided; the first fold line 482a 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 482a bisects the first side panel 423.
- the first fold line 482a may be collinear with a fold line 486 which extends across and bisects the top panel 419.
- a second fold line 433a may be provided; the second fold line 433a 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 482a.
- a third fold line 433b may be provided; the third fold line 433b 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 433a and the first fold line 482a.
- a fourth fold line 483a 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 482a, 433a, 433b.
- the fourth fold line 483a together with the second fold line 433a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape.
- a fifth fold line 483b 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 482a, 433a, 433b.
- the fifth fold line 483b together with the third fold line 433b 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 431a, 431b, 482b, 483c, 483d which facilitate folding the second side wall 415 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the arrangement of said plurality of fold lines 431a, 431b, 482b, 483c, 483d is substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first side panel 423 and will not be described in further detail.
- Figure 19 illustrates the first inner blank 410 and second outer blank 411 form a package 494.
- Figure 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 B1, B4.
- the second side panel 424 is folded about fold line 472b so as to be displaced into a void between the articles B1, B4, 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 B1, B4 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 B1, B4 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 B4, B3.
- the first side panel 423 is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B4, B3, 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 B4, B3 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 B4, B3 such that the first and second web panels are non-coplanar with the remainder of the first side panel 423.
- FIG. 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 Figures 20 to 23 shares many common features with the earlier described embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 F51, F52 in the second bottom panel 528; and two male locking tabs M51, M52 in the first bottom panel 512.
- the first inner blank 510 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A51, A53; and optional article heel engaging features H51, H52, H53, H54 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 of blank 10.
- the pair of recesses R1, R2 is replaced with a locking aperture A55 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 A55 optionally has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise two opposed fold lines 509a, 509b and two opposed tabs 507a, 507b.
- the two opposed tabs 507a, 507b may be hinged about the fold lines 509a, 509b.
- the two opposed tabs 507a, 507b may be displaced by one or more locking tabs M53, M54 of a second outer carrier 592. The presence of the two displaced opposed tabs 507a, 507b in the locking arrangement may enhance the security with which the first carrier 590 is interlocked with the second carrier 592.
- a further locking aperture A52 is provided, which will overlap or be aligned with the locking aperture A55 of the first bottom panel 512 and the locking tabs 507a, 507b may assist in locking the first and second bottom panels 512, 528 to one another.
- the second and third bevel panels 518, 522 optionally comprise a weakened arrangement 570a, 570b, 570c, 570d adjacent to each endmost aperture 502a, 502b, 502e, 502f. Since the weakened arrangements 570a, 570b, 570c, 570d are optionally similar, only one is described.
- Aperture 502e is defined in part by a circular cut line that lies adjacent to fold line 538. Adjacent to the aperture 502e a slit 570c extends at an angle in the third bevel panel 522.
- the weakened arrangements 570a, 570b, 570c, 570d 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 Figures 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
- the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
- six apertures 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f are provided in the top panel 520, each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6.
- the article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series of frangible lines 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d, 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d that emanate radially outward from an edge of an aperture 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f as shown in Figure 20 .
- frangible lines 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d, 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d 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 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d, 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d such that the aperture 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f 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 E1, E2, E3, E4, which terminations are optionally provided at the end of one, some or all of the frangible lines 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d, 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d 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 x 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of the apertures 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f. 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 B1/B4, B3/B6 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 H51, H52 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B6 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 H53, H54 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B4 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 M51, M52 against the first and second female tabs F51, F52.
- the outer wraparound carrier 592 compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 590 may take many and various forms.
- the blank 511 shown in Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 21 additionally comprises first and second inset panels 527a, 527b that are foldably connected to an edge of the first and second side panels 523, 515 respectively via fold lines 539a, 539b.
- the first and second bottom panels 525, 513 are disconnected from the inset panels 527a, 527b.
- a further difference between the blank 511 of Figure 21 and the blank 11 of Figure 2 is in the provision of shaped "female" locking tabs F53, F54 which in this arrangement have a greater width than the rectangular female tabs of blank 11.
- the locking tabs F53, F54 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 553a hinged to a Y-shaped centre tab 555a along a shaped fold line 561a and a second tab 559a hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 555a by a shaped fold line 563a (see Figures 21 and 23 ).
- the center tab 555a can be displaced out of the plane of the top panel 519 as it hinges downwardly about fold line 565a.
- the first and second tabs 553a, 559a 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 555a.
- a user can grip the top panel 519 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 555a 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 555b and adjacent first and second tabs 553b, 559b.
- 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 B1 - B6.
- 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 B1/B2/B3 of the article group.
- the article top engaging features T1, T2 are tightly fitted around the tops of the centre-most articles B2, B5 of the group.
- the second outer carrier 592 comprises an article engaging structure T1, T2 and a top portion C of at least one of the articles B2, B5 of the group in the first inner carrier 590 is received, at least in part, within the top article engaging structure T1, T2 of the second outer tubular structure 592.
- the first and second inset panels 527a, 527b 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 F53, F54 are aligned with and disposed beneath the locking apertures A52, A54/A55.
- 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 M53, M54 are thereby disposed beneath both the female locking tabs F53, F54 and the locking apertures A52, A54/A55.
- the first and second male tabs M53, M54 are then pushed against the female tabs F53, F54 respectively.
- this action also inwardly displaces the locking tabs 507a, 507b 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 553a/555a/559a and 553b/555b/559b, which as shown in Figure 23 provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B2, B5 of the article group.
- FIG. 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 Figures 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 Figures 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 x 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 Figure 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 F61, F62 which are optionally generally rectangular in shape in the second bottom panel 628; and two male locking tabs M61, M62 in the first bottom panel 628.
- a second locking aperture A65 is again formed in the first bottom panel; and as with the blank 510 of Figure 20 , the second locking aperture A65 has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise two opposed fold lines 609a, 609b and two opposed, hinged tabs 607a, 607a.
- the two opposed tabs 607a, 607b may be hinged about the fold lines 609a, 609b.
- the two opposed tabs 607a, 607a may be displaced by a locking tab M63, M64 of a second outer carrier 690. The presence of the two displaced opposed tabs 607a, 607b 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 A64 is provided, which overlap or are aligned with the locking aperture A65 of the first bottom panel 612 and the locking tabs 607a, 607b 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 A32, A34 formed such that an edge of the aperture A32, A34 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 A32, A34 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 A32, A34 may also receive interlocking features of the outer carrier 690.
- the top panel 620 as shown in Figure 24 comprises an article receiving arrangement, but in contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
- the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps.
- four apertures 602a, 602b, 602c and 602d are provided in the top panel 620, each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series of four frangible lines 604a, 604b, 604c, 604d that each emanate radially outward from an edge of an aperture 602a, 602b, 602c and 602d as shown in Figure 24 .
- frangible lines 604a, 604b, 604c, 604d 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 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d 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 668a, 668b, 670a, 670b adjacent to each of the four article receiving apertures 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d that are provided in the top panel 620. Since the weakened arrangements 668a, 668b, 670a, 670b are optionally similar, only one is described. Adjacent to the aperture 602a the frangible line 604a extends at an angle toward the first bevel panel 618; and toward a slit 668b formed at a co-operative angle in the first bevel panel 618. The slit 668b and frangible line 604a 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 x 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of the apertures 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d. 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 B1/B2, B3/B4 of the article group.
- the first bottom panel 612 is then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H61, H62 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B2 on one side of the group and then the second bottom panel 628 is folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H63, H64 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B4 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 M61, M62 against the first and second female tabs F61, F62.
- the locking apertures A64 and A65 overlap and prepare the inner carrier bottom wall for interlocking with the outer carrier 690 using a locking tab (M63 or M64) from the outer wraparound carrier 690.
- the outer wraparound carrier 690 compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 692 may take many and various forms. In this arrangement, two inner carriers 692a, 692b are held by a single outer carrier 690, such that the overall package 694 contains 8 articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B1', B2', B3', B4' packaged into two separate carriers 692a, 692b, each comprising a 2 x 2 group of four articles.
- An example, of a carrier 690 suitable for combination with two inner carriers 692a, 692b is shown in Figure 26 .
- the carrier 690 is formed from a blank 611 as shown in Figure 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 Figure 2 , albeit, with larger sized panels to accommodate a greater number of articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B1', B2', B3', B4'.
- the top panel 619 is formed similarly to the top panel 520 of the blank shown in Figure 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 655a along a shaped fold line and a second tab hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 655a by a shaped fold line (see Figures 25 and 26 ).
- the center tab 655a 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 655a.
- a user can grip the top panel 619 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 655a 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 655b and adjacent first and second tabs.
- the blank 611 comprises a similar series of main panels to the blank 11 of Figure 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 M63, M64, F63, F64 that co-operate as described above.
- the first bottom panels comprise one or more optional male tabs M65, M66 which co-operate with one or more corresponding female tabs F65, F66. 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 M65, M66, F65, F66 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 692a, 692b meet.
- An optional series of alignment apertures A61, A62, A63, A54; A55, A66, A67, A68 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 692a, 692b.
- the package 694 formed from two inner carriers 692a, 692b and the single outer carrier 690 is shown in Figure 26 .
- the package 694 is constructed by positioning two inner carriers 692a, 692b next to one another such that the second side panel 624 of a first one of the inner carriers 692a is disposed next to and possibly in face contacting relationship with a first side panel 616' of the second one of the inner carriers 692b. This results in a 2x4 article array being formed.
- the top panel 619 is then placed over the top of the eight bottle group B1, B2, B3, B4; B1', B2', B3', B4' and the first and second bevel panels 621, 617 folded down against the "open ends" of the inner carriers 692a, 692b.
- the first bevel panel 621 is disposed alongside a first end B2, B4, B2', B4' of the article group; and the second bevel panel 617 is disposed alongside a second end B1, B3, B1', B3' of the article group.
- the top engaging features T1a, T1b mate and locate with centremost articles B4, B2'; and the top engaging features T2a, T2b mate and locate with centremost articles B3, B1'.
- the first and second bottom panels 625, 613 of the outer carrier are folded in turn, beneath the inner carriers 692a, 692b.
- the second bottom panel 613 is folded first and contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of the inner carriers 692a, 692b such that the female locking tab F64 is disposed beneath locking aperture A64/A65 of the first inner carrier 692a; and such that the female locking tab F63 is disposed beneath the locking aperture A64'/A65' of the second inner carrier 692b.
- the first bottom panel 625 is then folded such that it contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of the inner carriers 692a, 692b; and partially overlays the second bottom panel 613.
- the male locking tab M64 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F64 and locking aperture A64/A65 of the first inner carrier 692a;
- the male locking tab M63 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F63 and locking aperture A64', A65' of the second inner carrier 692b;
- the additional male locking tabs M65, M66 are disposed beneath and aligned with the female tabs F66, F65 and apertures A32, A34.
- the male tab M64 is forced against the female tab F64, which pushes both the female tab F64 and the male tab M64 upwardly into the locking aperture A64/A65, which in turn pushes the tabs 607a, 607b up into the interior of the first inner carrier 692a.
- the tabs 607a, 607b are disposed behind the female tab F64 and male tab M64 respectively and the shape and size of all tabs M64, F64, 607a, 607b are such that once punched upwardly into a locking position, return of the tabs to their starting position is very difficult indeed.
- the male and female tabs M64, F64 may abut the edge of the aperture A65/A64 which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M64 overhang the edge of the aperture A65/A64 and sit on or just above the inner surface of the second bottom panel 628 of the first inner carrier 692a.
- FIG 27 illustrates an internal view of part of the package with bottles removed.
- the first inner carrier 692a is shown with its first side panel 616 to the right-hand side of the picture.
- the heel locking features H62, H61, with their foldable retention tabs 644a folded, can be seen.
- the second side panel 624 can be seen, with its heel locking features H63, H64 shown.
- the second inner carrier 692b 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 692a sits partially on top of the first bottom panel 612.
- the male tab M63 is forced against the female tab F63, which pushes both the female tab F63 and the male tab M63 upwardly into the locking aperture A64'/A65', which in turn pushes the tabs 607a', 607b' up into the interior of the second inner carrier 692b.
- the tabs 607a', 607b' are disposed behind the female tab F63 and male tab M63 and the shape and size of all tabs M63, F63, 607a', 607b' 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 second inner carrier 692b.
- the male and female tabs M63, F63 may abut the edge of the aperture A65'/A64' which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M63 overhang the edge of the aperture A65'/A64' and sit on or just above the inner surface of the second bottom panel 628' of the second inner carrier 692b.
- male tabs M66, M65 are forced against female tabs F66, F65.
- the male and female tabs may be located in the apertures A34, A32' respectively and may therefore provide additional interlocking of the inner and outer carriers 692a, 692b, 690.
- the weakened arrangement 668a, 668b, 670a, 670b adjacent to each of the four article receiving apertures 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d can be broken; and even once one or more of the articles have been removed, the structural integrity of the package 694 remains.
- FIG. 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 Figure 25 in order to construct a package.
- 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 Figures 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 760a.
- a second end panel 152 is coupled to the top panel 720 by a fold line 760b.
- 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 754a, 754b, 754c, 754d and four web panels 756a, 756b, 756c, 756d and four gusset panels 764a, 764b, 764c, 764d.
- a first anchor panel 754a is hingedly connected to a first side of the first side panel 716 by a fold line 753a.
- the first anchor panel 754a is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a first gusset panel 764a by a fold line 758a.
- the first gusset panel 764a is hingedly connected to a first web panel 756a by a fold line 763a.
- the first web panel 756a is hingedly connected to the first end panel 750 by a fold line 757a.
- a second anchor panel 754b is hingedly connected to a second side of the first side panel 716 by a fold line 753b.
- the second anchor panel 754b is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a second gusset panel 764b by a fold line 758b.
- the second gusset panel 764b is hingedly connected to a second web panel 756b by a fold line 763b.
- the second web panel 756b is hingedly connected to the second end panel 752 by a fold line 757b.
- a third anchor panel 754c is hingedly connected to a first side of the second side panel 724 by a fold line 753c.
- the third anchor panel 754c is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a third gusset panel 764c by a fold line 758c.
- the third gusset panel 764c is hingedly connected to a third web panel 756c by a fold line 763c.
- the third web panel 756c is hingedly connected to the first end panel 750 by a fold line 757c.
- a fourth anchor panel 754d is hingedly connected to a second side of the second side panel 724 by a fold line 753d.
- the fourth anchor panel 754d is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to a fourth gusset panel 764d by a fold line 758d.
- the fourth gusset panel 764d is hingedly connected to a fourth web panel 756d by a fold line 763d.
- the fourth web panel 756d is hingedly connected to the second end panel 752 by a fold line 757d.
- the first and second bottom panels 712, 728 are provided with complementary locking means.
- the illustrated complementary locking arrangement comprises two female tabs F71, F72 in the second bottom panel 728; and two male locking tabs M11, M12 in the first bottom panel 712.
- Optional alignment aperture A71 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 A72 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 A71 and A72 may also receive locking tabs of an outer carrier, such as outer carrier 690.
- Optional article heel engaging features H71, H72, H73, H74 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 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 provided with a first locking aperture A74 struck from the second bottom panel 728 and second locking aperture A75 struck from the first bottom panel 712.
- the locking apertures A74, A75 have a substantially hexagonal shape.
- the first and second apertures A74, A75 are each sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier.
- the first and second apertures A74, A75 are configured so as to be disposed in vertical registry when the carrier 792 is assembled.
- the second locking aperture A75 is defined in part by one or more tabs 709a, 709b, hingedly connected to the first bottom panel 712 by fold line 707a, 707b respectively.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of oppositely disposed tabs 709a, 709b.
- the tabs 709a, 709b 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 A74 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 720b, 720c, 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 720a, 720d that extend between the end panels 750, 752.
- a first aperture 720a defines an upper edge 766a of the first side panel 716.
- a second aperture 720d defines an upper edge 766b of the second side panel 724.
- the pair of transversely arranged displaceable flaps 720b, 720c are hinged to each other by a fold line 762b.
- the fold line 762b terminates at each end with a "V" shaped portion.
- the first displaceable flap 720a comprises one or more recesses 769a each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of recesses 769a.
- the second displaceable flap 720b comprises one or more recesses 769b each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B1, B2, B3, B4.
- the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of recesses 769b.
- the first side panel 716 comprises a first fold line 770b which extends between an upper edge of the first side panel 716 and a first side edge; defined by fold line 753a, of the first side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed.
- the first side panel 716 comprises a second fold line 768b which extends between an upper edge of the first side panel 716 and a second side edge; defined by fold line 753b, of the first side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed.
- the second side panel 724 comprises a third fold line 770a which extends between an upper edge of the second side panel 724 and a first side edge; defined by fold line 753c, of the second side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed.
- the second side panel 724 comprises a second fold line 768a which extends between an upper edge of the second side panel 724 and a second side edge; defined by fold line 753d, of the second side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed.
- first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770b, 768b, 770a, 768a may be comprised of two or more linear sections divergently arranged with respect to each other.
- 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 B1, B2, B3, B4, a pair of articles B1, B2, B3, B4 passes through each of the apertures 720a, 720d. This causes the displaceable flaps 720b, 720c to each fold upwardly about fold line 762b such that two transverse rows, each comprising two articles, are disposed within a transverse aperture thereby formed.
- 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 754a, 754b, 754c, 754d 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 H71, H72, H73, H74 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 M71, M72, F71, F72 can be operated to secure the first and second bottom panels 712, 728 together by displacing the male tabs M71, M72 inwardly to displace the female tabs F71, F72 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 B1, B2, B3, B4, 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 720b, 720c, fold line 762b and the fold lines 704a, 704c, 704b, 704d at either end thereof that couple the displaceable tabs 720b, 720c to the top panel 720.
- the keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B1/B4 and a second row of articles B2/B3.
- the first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770a, 768a, 770b, 768b facilitate folding of upper end portions of the first and second side panels 716, 728 about the shoulder of an adjacently disposed the article B1, B2, B3, B4. In this way the first carrier forms a close fit with the group of articles.
- the first, second, third and fourth fold lines 770a, 768a, 770b, 768b may facilitate folding of said portions of the first and second side panels 716, 728 at least partially over the shoulder of an article B1, B2, B3, B4 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.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
Description
- 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.
- In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. 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.
- 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. Disadvantageously however, 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. As a consequence 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.
- For cost and environmental considerations, it is still preferable if 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.
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US 2,828,009 to Andre discloses a package for cans and has a carton structure enclosing and holding a plurality of separately packaged groups of cans. The enclosures for the separately packaged groups coact with a means for holding them together. - 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.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided 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 comprising 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, wherein the second outer carrier is wrapped around the first inner carrier and the group of articles, wherein 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, wherein the bottom wall of the first inner carrier is formed by a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel, characterised in that the first and second bottom panels are 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.
- Optionally, wherein the second outer carrier is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: paperboard, cardboard, coated board, plastics material and polymeric substrates.
- Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a 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 ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 1 and the second blank ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part of the package ofFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the package ofFigure 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; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of the wraparound blank ofFigure 6 in an assembled form as a wraparound carrier holding a group of six articles; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 6 and the second blank ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 9 and the second blank ofFigure 2 ; -
Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the package ofFigure 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 ofFigures 9 and2 , is not significantly compromised; -
Figure 12 is an enlarged view of part of the package ofFigure 11 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 14 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 13 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 14 and the second blank ofFigure 13 ; -
Figure 16 is an internal view of part of a bottom structure of the package ofFigure 15 wherein part of a composite bottom wall of a first inner wraparound carrier formed from the first inner blank ofFigure 14 is shown locked to a composite bottom wall of a second outer wraparound carrier formed from the second outer blank ofFigure 13 . -
Figure 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 ofFigure 18 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 17 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 18 and the second blank ofFigure 17 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 21 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 20 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 20 and the second blank ofFigure 21 ; -
Figure 23 is an enlarged view of part of the package ofFigure 22 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 25 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 24 ; -
Figure 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 ofFigure 24 and the second blank ofFigure 25 ; -
Figure 27 is an enlarged view of part of the package ofFigure 26 ; -
Figure 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; and -
Figure 29 is a perspective view from above of the wraparound blank ofFigure 28 in an assembled form as a wraparound carrier holding a group of six articles. - Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.
- In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 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.
- The carriers and packages shown herein are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like.
- In various embodiments, blanks are shown which are configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an optional arrangement of suggested articles. In a first illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 3 x 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.
- Referring now to
Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view from above of a first inner blank 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. 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 inFigure 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 firstbottom panel 12, afirst bevel panel 14, afirst side panel 16, asecond bevel panel 18, atop panel 20, athird bevel panel 22, asecond side panel 24, afourth bevel panel 26 and a secondbottom panel 28. Themain panels fold lines - Additionally, first and
second end panels top panel 20 byfold lines second end panels gusset panels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and fourweb panels second end panels second side panels gusset panel 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d is hinged by afold line second side panel gusset panel 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d is hinged by afold line adjacent web panel web panel second end panel fold line second side panels top panel 20, the fourgusset panels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and fourweb panels second end panels top panel 20. - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 12; and two male locking tabs M1, M2 in thesecond bottom panel 28. - Optional alignment apertures A1, A3 are provided in the
second bottom panel 28. The alignment apertures A1, A3 facilitate the automated location of thesecond bottom panel 28 relative to the firstbottom panel 12. - Optional article heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article. Each heel engaging feature H1, H2, H3, H4 is formed in part in a
bevel panel bottom panel side panel Figure 1 is merely an example and is in no way limiting. Optionally, each of the four heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described. - Heel engaging feature H1 comprises a
bottom aperture 40, a pair of inwardlyfoldable retention tabs 46a, 44a, and anupper aperture 42. The pair of inwardlyfoldable retention tabs 46a, 44a is each foldably connected to the firstbottom panel 12,first bevel panel 14 andfirst side panel 16 by means of arcuate fold lines 46, 44. Optionally each inwardlyfoldable retention tab 46a, 44a 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 arrangement endmost aperture arrangements Aperture 2c is defined in part by a cut line that is co-linear withfold line 38 and which terminates at short,arcuate fold lines Figure 1 ). Adjacent to theaperture 2c aslit 72a extends from an edge of theaperture 2c down to foldline 80. A first weakenedline 68a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short,arcuate fold line 4c, towards but not reaching thefold line 80. A second weakenedline 70a extends at an angle away from the junction of the cut line and the short,arcuate fold line 4e, towards but not reaching thefold line 80. The weakenedarrangement tab 66a which can be displaced out of the plane of the third bevel panel 22 (seeFigure 4 ) once the firstinner carrier 92 is assembled. The four weakened arrangements may assist in removal of an article B from thecarrier 92 when assembled. - The
top panel 20 comprises an article receiving arrangement that is defined by a series ofdisplaceable flaps apertures second end panels fold lines Displaceable flap 20d is hinged via short,arcuate fold lines 4a, 4c to thetop panel 20.Displaceable flap 20c is hinged via short,arcuate fold lines top panel 20. Displaceable flaps 20a, 20b are hinged to one another alongfold line 62; and are each hinged to thetop panel 20 along short,arcuate fold lines common cut line 66; anddisplaceable flaps common cut line 68. - To facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the
inner wraparound carrier 92 and theouter wraparound carrier 90, a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided. The mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more locking apertures provided on theinner wraparound carrier 92 and one or more corresponding and co-operating locking tabs provided in theouter wraparound carrier 90. In the present embodiment, the blank 10 is optionally provided with a locking aperture A2; and a pair of recesses R1, R2. The locking aperture A2 is formed in thesecond bottom panel 28. The aperture A2 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from theouter wraparound carrier 92. - The first recess R1 is inset from an edge of the first
bottom panel 12; and the second recess R2 is inset from an edge of thesecond bottom panel 28. The recesses R1, R2 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a compositebottom wall structure 12/28 is formed, the recesses R1, R2 overlap to a sufficient extent such that a further aperture or gap R1/R2 is provided in the compositebottom wall structure 12/28, which further aperture or gap R1/R2 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from theouter wraparound carrier 92. - Turning to the construction of the first
inner wraparound carrier 92 as illustrated inFigures 3 ,4 and5 , the firstinner carrier 92 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the firstinner 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. - To prepare the blank 10, each pair of inwardly
foldable retention tabs 46a, 44a of the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 is folded inwardly towards the adjacent first orfourth bevel panels - The six articles B are arranged in a 3 x 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 fourapertures apertures displaceable flaps top panel 20 such that two rows of three articles each sit within an elongate aperture thereby formed in thetop panel 20. - The second and
third bevel panels fold lines second side panels fold lines second side panels second side panels gusset panels 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and the fourweb panels second end panels fold lines second end panels - The first
bottom panel 12 andfirst bevel panel 14 are then folded aboutfold lines bottom panel 12 is disposed beneath part of the article group. - Similarly, the
second bottom panel 28 andfourth bevel panel 26 are folded aboutfold lines bottom panel 28 is disposed beneath part of the article group until it partially overlaps the firstbottom panel 12. The first and third apertures A1, A3 (generally triangular shaped apertures) within thesecond bottom panel 28 may be used by automating machinery to ensure proper positioning and relative alignment of the first and secondbottom panels - Optionally, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panels carrier 92. The ends of the article group (not shown) are covered only partially by the first andsecond end panels - 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 thecarrier 92, in other words betweenfirst end panel 50 andsecond end panel 52. The first notional tubular axis is parallel to thebottom wall structure 12/28. - The locking aperture A2 and further aperture or gap R1/R2 formed from the overlaying recesses R1, R2 are ready for receiving a locking tab from the
outer wraparound carrier 90. - The
outer wraparound carrier 90 is compatible with theinner wraparound carrier 92 and may take many and various forms. For example, the blank 11 shown inFigure 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outerwraparound 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. - In
Figure 2 it can be seen that the blank 11 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a secondouter carrier 92 once the secondouter carrier blank 11 is assembled. The series of main panels include: a firstbottom panel 25, afirst side panel 23, afirst bevel panel 21, atop panel 19, asecond bevel panel 17, asecond side panel 15, and a secondbottom panel 13. Themain panels fold lines - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels outer wraparound carrier 90 formed from the blank 11, the first and secondbottom panels second bottom panel 13; and two male locking tabs M3, M4 in the firstbottom panel 25. - Optional alignment apertures A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 are provided in the
second bottom panel 13 and firstbottom panel 25. The alignment apertures A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 facilitate the automated location of thesecond bottom panel 13 relative to the firstbottom panel 25. - Optional article top engaging features T1, T2, are provided for engaging and securely locating the top or crown or closure 'C' of an article B. Each article top engaging feature T1, T2 is formed in part in a
bevel panel top panel 19. The presence of the article top engaging features T1, T2 is entirely optional; and when provided, the configuration of the top engaging feature T1, T2 may take many and various forms. As such, the configuration of each article top engaging feature T1, T2 illustrated inFigure 2 is merely an example and is in no way limiting. Optionally, each of the article top engaging features T1, T2 shown has the same configuration and therefore only one will be described. - Article top engaging feature T1 comprises an upper aperture 43 defined in part by a
cut edge 45 of thetop panel 19; a pair of outwardly displaceable, foldable retention tabs 47a, 47b separated by acommon cut line 51 and each hinged to thefirst bevel panel 21 viafold lines - 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 (seeFig. 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 thetop panel 19 and comprises a first tab 53a hinged to a centre tab 55a along angled fold line 61a and asecond tab 59a hinged on the other side of the centre tab 55a by angled fold line 63a. The centre tab 55a is hinged to thetop panel 19 along fold line 65a; and the first andsecond tabs 53a, 59a are separated from thetop panel 19 by means of an optional cut line. In use the center tab 55a can be displaced out of the plane of thetop panel 19 as it hinges downwardly about fold line 65a. The first andsecond tabs 53a, 59a are also displaced out of the plane of thetop panel 19 and fold downwardly relative to thetop panel 19 and slightly inwardly towards the center tab 55a. To carry the second outer wraparound carrier 90 (once assembled) a user can grip thetop panel 19 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 55a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against theother center tab 55b and adjacent first andsecond tabs - Turning to the construction of the second
outer wraparound carrier 90 as illustrated inFigures 3 ,4 and5 , the secondouter wraparound carrier 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the secondouter 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 firstinner carrier 92 such that a top closure C, for example a crown closure, of each one of the articles B is beneath thetop 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 thetop panel 19. The first andsecond bevel panels fold lines second side panels fold lines second side panels second bevel panels outer carrier 90 comprises an article engaging structure T1, T2 and a top portion C of at least one of the articles B of the group in the firstinner carrier 92 is received, at least in part, within the top article engaging structure T1, T2 of the second outertubular structure 90. - The
second bottom panel 13 is folded aboutfold line 27 until thesecond bottom panel 13 is disposed beneath part of thebottom wall structure 12/28 of theinner wraparound carrier 92. - Similarly the first
bottom panel 25 is then folded aboutfold line 37 until the firstbottom panel 25 is disposed beneath part of thesecond bottom panel 13 and part of thebottom wall structure 12/28 of theinner wraparound carrier 92. The alignment apertures A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 (generally triangular shaped apertures) within thesecond bottom panel 13 and firstbottom panel 25 may be used by automating machinery to ensure proper positioning and relative alignment of the first and secondbottom panels - Optionally, to form a bottom wall structure of the
outer wraparound carrier 90, the first and secondbottom panels - Advantageously, the male tabs M3, M4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second
outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A2 and gap R1/R2 of the firstinner carrier 92. When the male tabs M3, M4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F3, F4 of thesecond bottom panel 13 of theouter wraparound carrier 90, the male tabs M3, M4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A2 or gap R1/R2 of theinner carrier 92. - The shoulders of the first and second male tabs M3, M4 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 M3, M4 from accidentally returning back through locking aperture A2; gap R1/R2 of the firstinner carrier 92; and the apertures formed when the first and second female tabs F1, F2 are displaced. In this way, the first and secondbottom panels outer carrier 90. Theinner wraparound carrier 92 and the group of six articles B are tightly packed and further held together in theouter wraparound carrier 90. The ends of the article group (not shown) are now more fully covered by the first and second side andbevel panels 23/21, 17/15 of the secondouter wraparound carrier 90. Furthermore, the composite bottom wall structure of the secondouter carrier 90 is mechanically locked to the composite bottom wall structure of the firstinner 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 thecarrier 90. The second notional tubular axis is parallel to thebottom wall structure 25/13. - As such a
package 94 is formed which comprises a firstinner carrier 92 and a secondouter carrier 90 with the secondouter carrier 90 being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the firstinner carrier 92. The tubular axis of the firstinner carrier 92 is perpendicular to the second tubular axis of the secondouter carrier 90. - The two sets of carrying feature 53a/55a/59a and 53b/55b/59b, together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B3, B4 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 53a, 53b, thecenter tab 55a, 55b, and thesecond tab Figure 5 , the carrying handle structure is in use, and only part of the carrying handle structure is therefore visible. In use, the foldable tabs 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b have all been folded out of the plane of thetop panel 19; and the first andsecond tabs center tab 55a, 55b and toward thecenter tab 55a, 55b. Thecenter tab 55a, 55b, along with the adjacent and angled first andsecond tabs Figure 5 ). - The two folded carrying handle features 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b are disposed on either side and partially between the centermost articles B3, B4. They can be gripped in a pinching type hold, optionally between a user's thumb, which might contact the center tab 55a, and a user's index and middle fingers, which might contact the
other center tab 55b. - In this way the carrying handle features 53a/55a/59a, 53b/55b/59b can each provide, when folded downwardly into the interior of the
package 94, a spacer that is positioned between two adjacent articles B3, B4 and a carrying handle for theentire package 94. - The package 94 (see
Fig. 3 ) encloses at least a lower portion of the group of articles due to the provision of theside walls 23/21, 15/17, of the secondouter carrier 90 about each of the sides of the group of articles and the provision of theside panels inner carrier 92 about each of the ends of the group of articles. To remove an article, the shoulder S of a side-most bottle B may be pulled against the weakenedarrangement displaceable flaps wraparound carriers Fig. 4 ). - Once articles have been removed (see
Fig. 5 ) thepackage 94 may comprise empty openings 'O' where a bottle B was positioned, yet thepackage 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 thepackage 94 retains structural integrity, even after the removal of two or more or all bottles B5, B6 as shown. This is in part due to a keel structure or bracing structure formed by the combination ofdisplaceable tabs line 62 and the arcuateshort fold lines displaceable tabs third bevel panels - This keel structure may provide a brace across the first
inner carrier 92 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the firstinner carrier 92 even after the articles have been removed. This keel structure is optionally centrally disposed and as shown inFigure 3 has a substantially inverted "V"-shaped cross-section. The keel structure may brace or provide support between the first andsecond side panels - Referring now to
Figures 6 ,7 and8 , 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 adifferent package 194. For example, but without limitation, the first inner blank 110 may be combined with the second outer blank 11 ofFigure 2 , as illustrated inFigures 7 and8 . In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The second embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated inFigures 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 firstbottom panel 112, afirst bevel panel 114, afirst side panel 116, atop panel 120, asecond side panel 124, afourth bevel panel 126 and a secondbottom panel 128. Themain panels fold lines - Again first and
second end panels top panel 120 byfold lines second end panels second side panels gusset panels web panels fold lines gusset panels web panels second end panels - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 112; and two male locking tabs M11, M12 in the secondbottom panel 128. - Optional alignment apertures A11, A13 are provided in the second
bottom panel 128 for facilitating the automated location of the secondbottom panel 128 relative to the firstbottom panel 112. - Optional article heel engaging features H11, H12, H13, H14 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 already described.
- The
top panel 120 comprises a different article receiving arrangement compared to the blank 10 ofFigure 1 . The article receiving arrangement is defined by a series of transversely arrangeddisplaceable flaps end panels displaceable flaps apertures - A first part of the
top panel 120 that is hinged to thefirst side panel 116 alongfold line 136 forms a first displaceable flap having a shaped cut edge defined bycut line 166. Thecut line 166 also defines a shaped cut edge of a seconddisplaceable flap 120a. The seconddisplaceable flap 120a is hinged to thetop panel 120 by means of a transversely extendingfold line 162a and shortarcuate fold lines fold line 162a to the adjacent first and/orsecond end panel - A third
displaceable flap 120b is also hinged to thetop panel 120 by means of the transversely extendingfold line 162a and shortarcuate fold lines fold line 162a to the adjacent first and/orsecond end panel displaceable flap 120b has a shaped cut edge defined bycut line 168. Thecut line 168 also defines a shaped cut edge of a fourthdisplaceable flap 120c. - The fourth
displaceable flap 120c is also hinged to thetop panel 120 by means of a further transversely extendingfold line 162b and shortarcuate fold lines fold line 162b to the adjacent first and/orsecond end panel displaceable flap 120d has a shaped cut edge defined bycut line 169. Thecut line 169 also defines a shaped cut edge of a fifthdisplaceable flap 120, which is part of thetop panel 120 and that is hinged to thesecond side panel 124 alongfold line 180. - To facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the
inner wraparound carrier 192 formed from the blank 110 (seeFigure 7 ) with anouter wraparound carrier 90, a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided. The mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more locking apertures provided on theinner wraparound carrier 192 and the co-operating locking tabs M3, M4 provided in theouter wraparound carrier 90. In the present embodiment, the blank 110 is again optionally provided with a locking aperture A12; and a pair of similarly shaped recesses R11, R12. The locking aperture A12 is formed in the secondbottom panel 128 and has a substantially octagonal shape. The aperture A12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 from theouter wraparound carrier 90. - As in the first embodiment of
Figure 1 a first recess R11 that is inset from an edge of the firstbottom panel 112; and a second recess R12 that is inset from an edge of the secondbottom panel 128 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once thebottom wall structure 112/128 is formed, the recesses R11, R12 overlap to a sufficient extent that a further aperture or gap R11/R12 is provided in thebottom wall structure 112/128, which further aperture or gap R11/R12 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 from theouter wraparound carrier 90. - The construction of the first inner wraparound carrier 192 (see
Figure 7 ) is similar to that already described in relation to the firstinner wraparound carrier 92, albeit, when thetop panel 120 is lowered and placed over the tops of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, a top C of each article B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 passes through one of theapertures displaceable flaps fold lines transverse aperture 102a/102b, 102c/102d, 102e/103f, thereby formed. - The first and
second side panels fold lines second end panels fold lines second end panels Figure 7 ). - The first
bottom panel 112 andfirst bevel panel 114 are folded as described before, with the first and second article heel engaging features H11, H12 being located about the heels of two articles B4, B1 along a first side B1/B4 of the group of articles and with the firstbottom panel 112 being disposed beneath part of the article group. - Similarly, the second
bottom panel 128 andfourth bevel panel 126 are folded as described before with the third and fourth heel engaging features H13, H14 being located about the heels of two articles B6, B3 along a second side B3/B6 of the group of articles and with the secondbottom panel 128 being disposed beneath part of the article group and in partial overlapping relationship with the firstbottom panel 112. The mechanical interlocking mechanism M11, M12, F11, F12 can then be operated to secure the first and secondbottom panels - In this way, the first and second
bottom panels first carrier 192. The ends B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6 of the article group (seeFigure 7 ) are covered only partially by the first andsecond end panels - A first keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of
displaceable tabs line 162a and the arcuateshort fold lines displaceable tabs top panel 120. The first keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B1/B4 and a second row of articles B2/B5. - A second keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of
displaceable tabs line 162b and the arcuateshort fold lines displaceable tabs top panel 120. The second keel structure forms a brace between the second row of articles B2/B5 and a third row of articles B3/B6. - The keel structure may provide a structural brace across the first
inner carrier 92 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the firstinner carrier 92 even after the articles have been removed. Optionally the keel structure has a substantially inverted "V" shaped cross-section. The keel structure may brace or provide support between the first andsecond side panels outer carrier 90. - The locking aperture A12 and further aperture or gap R11/R12 formed from the overlaying recesses R11, R12 are ready for receiving a locking tab M3, M4 from the
outer wraparound carrier 90. - The
outer wraparound carrier 90 compatible with the inner wrap aroundcarrier 92 may take many and various forms. For example, the blank 11 shown inFigure 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outerwraparound 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 theinner carrier 92 and article group B1-B6 shown inFigure 7 , in the same manner as described above, with thetop panel 19 being placed onto the tops of the articles B1-B6 and such that the first andsecond bevel panels second side panels - The
second bottom panel 13 is folded aboutfold line 27 until thesecond bottom panel 13 is disposed beneath part of thebottom wall structure 112/128 of theinner wraparound carrier 192. - Similarly the first
bottom panel 25 is then folded aboutfold line 37 until the firstbottom panel 25 is disposed beneath part of thesecond bottom panel 13 and part of thebottom wall structure 112/128 of theinner wraparound carrier 192. - Again, to form a bottom wall structure of the
outer wraparound carrier 90, the first and secondbottom panels - Advantageously, the male tabs M3, M4 of the mechanical locking mechanism of the second
outer wraparound carrier 90 are aligned with the locking aperture A12 and gap R11/R12 of the firstinner carrier 192. When the male tabs M3, M4 are punched through the first and second female tabs F1, F2 of thesecond bottom panel 13 of theouter wraparound carrier 90, the male tabs M3, M4 are also punched through one of the locking aperture A12 and gap R11/R12 of theinner carrier 192. - The first and second
bottom panels outer carrier 90. Theinner wraparound carrier 192 and the group of six articles B1-B6 are tightly packed and further held together in theouter wraparound carrier 90. The ends of the article group B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6 are now more fully covered by the first and second side andbevel panels 23/21, 17/15 of the secondouter wraparound carrier 90. Furthermore, the compositebottom wall structure 25/13 of the secondouter carrier 90 is mechanically locked to the compositebottom wall structure 112/128 of the firstinner carrier 192. - As before, 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 thecarrier 90. The second notional tubular axis is parallel to thebottom wall structure 112/128. - As such a
package 194 is formed which comprises a firstinner carrier 192 and a secondouter carrier 90 with the secondouter carrier 90 being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the firstinner carrier 192. The tubular axis of the firstinner carrier 192 is perpendicular to the second tubular axis of the secondouter carrier 90. - As shown in
Figure 8 , the two sets of carrying feature 53a/55a/59a and 53b/55b/59b together provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B2, B5 of the article group. - Once articles have been removed (not shown) the
package 194 may again comprise empty openings 'O' where a bottle B1-B6 was positioned, yet thepackage 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 ofdisplaceable tabs 120d fold lines short fold lines displaceable tabs end panels - This keel structure may provide a brace across the first
inner carrier 192 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the firstinner carrier 192 even after the articles B1-B6 have been removed. The keel structures are optionally centrally disposed and as shown inFigure 6 provide two transverse structures with inverted "V" shaped cross-sections. The keel structures may brace or provide support between the first andsecond side panels - Referring now to
Figures 9 ,10 ,11 and12 , 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 ofFigure 2 in order to construct adifferent package 294. In the third illustrated embodiment 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 inFigures 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail. - Referring now to
Figure 9 , there is shown a plan view from above of a first inner blank 210 according to the third embodiment of the invention. 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 inFigure 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 inFigures 10 ,11 and12 . The series of main panels includes: a firstbottom panel 212, afirst bevel panel 214, afirst side panel 216, atop panel 220, asecond side panel 224, afourth bevel panel 226 and a secondbottom panel 228. Themain panels fold lines - 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 ofFigure 1 , the first inner blank 210 does comprise a mechanical interlocking means for the first and secondbottom panels bottom panel 212; and two male locking tabs M21, M22 in the secondbottom panel 228. - The first inner blank 210 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A21, A23; optional article heel engaging features H21, H22, H23, H24 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 of blank 10; and a pair of recesses R21, R22 which are provided, as before, to facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the
inner wraparound carrier 292 and theouter wraparound carrier 90. - The
top panel 220, as shown inFigure 9 , also comprises an article receiving arrangement that is also optionally defined by a series of four longitudinally extending,displaceable flaps displaceable flaps apertures common cut line 266 separatesdisplaceable flaps common cut line 268 separates displaceable flaps 220c, 220d. Thecommon cut lines apertures optional apertures top panel 220 with the article group. - Additionally, the outermost
displaceable flaps top panel 220 by means of curved orarcuate fold lines curved fold lines arcuate fold lines displaceable flaps top panels 220 by a sufficiently strong connection because there are no end panels in this arrangement. - Similarly the centre-most
displaceable flaps common fold line 262, are hinged to thetop panel 220 via longarcuate fold lines - In this embodiment, however, the
displaceable flaps top panel 220. Optionally this may be achieved by pushing the bottoms of the bottles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 onto thetop panel 220 which causes theflaps - To complete the construction of the first
inner wraparound carrier 292, the first andsecond side panels bottom panel 212 andfirst bevel panel 214 are then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H21, H22 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B6 on one side of the group and then the secondbottom panel 228 andfourth bevel panel 226 are folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H23, H24 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B2 on the other side of the article group. Then, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and secondbottom panels - Alternatively the
displaceable flaps top panel 220 in a pre-assembly step, after which the opentop panel 220 is located onto the tops of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and by relative movement of the blank 210 and articles, the blank 210 is then pulled down the necks of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and the construction of the blank 210 about the articles group completed as described before. - However formed, 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 thecarrier 292, in other words along a line running through the middle of the centremost articles B2, B5. The first notional tubular axis is parallel to thebottom wall structure 212/228. - The locking aperture A22 and further aperture or gap R21/R22 formed from the overlaying recesses R21, R22 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. For example, the blank 11 shown inFigure 2 may be assembled into one such suitable outerwraparound 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
outer wraparound carrier 90 and its assembly need not be described again and inFigures 10 and12 thepackage 294 can be seen. Once articles have been removed (seeFig. 11 for a partially emptied package 294) thepackage 294 may comprise two empty openings 'O' where bottles B1-B6 were positioned, yet thepackage 294 still retains much of its structural integrity. Thepackage 294 again retains structural integrity, even after the removal of two B4, B1 bottles shown, or more bottles. This is in part due to a keel structure or bracing structure formed by the combination ofdisplaceable tabs line 262 and thearcuate fold lines - This keel structure again may provide a brace across the first
inner carrier 292 which helps to preserve the structural rigidity of the firstinner carrier 292 even after the articles have been removed. This keel structure is optionally centrally disposed and as shown inFigure 11 has a substantially inverted "V" shaped cross-section. The keel structure may brace or provide support between the first andsecond side panels - Referring now to
Figures 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 analternative package 394. In the fourth illustrated embodiment 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 inFigures 1 to 12 will be described in any greater detail. - A first inner blank 310 is shown in
Figure 14 comprising a series of main panels which form the main walls of a firstinner carrier 392 once the first inner blank 310 is assembled. The series of main panels includes: a firstbottom panel 312, afirst bevel panel 314, afirst side panel 316, atop panel 320, asecond side panel 324, asecond bevel panel 326 and a secondbottom panel 328. Themain panels fold lines main panels fold lines - The
first side panel 316 is coupled to thetop panel 320 by a plurality offold lines fold lines top panel 320 is coupled to thesecond side panel 324 by a plurality offold lines fold lines - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 312; and two male locking tabs M31, M32 in the secondbottom panel 328. - Optional alignment apertures A33, A35 are provided in the first
bottom panel 312. Optional alignment apertures A31, A32 are provided in the secondbottom panel 328. The alignment apertures A31, A32 facilitate the automated location of the secondbottom panel 328 relative to the firstbottom panel 312. The alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 are shaped and configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of thepackage 394. - A machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 to engage with the first and second
bottom panels inner carrier 392 about a group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 may facilitate tightening of the firstinner carrier 392 about the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The machine component may engage the first and secondbottom panels inner carrier 392 allows the degree of overlap between the first and secondbottom panels - A machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 during assembly of the second
outer carrier 390 about the firstinner carrier 392 and group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 may facilitate or enable tightening of the secondouter carrier 390 about the firstinner carrier 392 and the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The machine component may pass through the first and secondbottom panels inner carrier 392 during the assembly of the secondouter carrier 390. The machine component may optionally engage with the first and secondbottom panels inner carrier 392 when the secondouter carrier 390 is being assembled thereabout, so as to align the firstinner carrier 392 with respect to the secondouter carrier 390. - Optionally, the alignment apertures A33, A35 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 H31, H32, H33, H34 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article. Each heel engaging feature H31, H32, H33, H34 is formed in one of the
bevel panels - First heel engaging feature H32 comprises a first
heel receiving aperture 340a. The firstheel receiving aperture 340a 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 firstbottom panel 312 and thefirst bevel panel 314. - The blank 310 is optionally provided with a pair of recesses R31, R32. A first recess R31 is inset from an edge of the first
bottom panel 312; and a second recess R32 is inset from an edge of the secondbottom panel 328. The recesses R31, R32 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a compositebottom wall structure 312/328 is formed, the recesses R31, R32 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R31/R32 is provided in the compositebottom wall structure 312/328, which aperture or gap R31/R32 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M33 from theouter wraparound carrier 390. - The
top panel 320 comprises one or morearticle receiving apertures article receiving aperture article receiving apertures - 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 B1, B2, B3, B4. - A
first fold line 368a may be provided, thefirst fold line 368a extends substantially between a firstarticle receiving aperture 302a and the firstheel receiving aperture 340a. - A
second fold line 368b may be provided, thesecond fold line 368b extends substantially between a second article receiving aperture 302b and a secondheel receiving aperture 340b in thefirst bevel panel 314. - A third fold line 372a may be provided; the third fold line 372a extends from the
fold line 332 towards thetop panel 320. Optionally, the third fold line 372a extends across a substantial portion of thefirst side panel 316, that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of thefirst side panel 316. The third fold line 372a may extend into thefirst bevel panel 314. The third fold line 372a is optionally parallel with each of the first andsecond fold lines - A
fourth fold line 373a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 316 to the second article receiving aperture 302b. - A
fifth fold line 373b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 316 to the firstarticle receiving aperture 302a. - The
fifth fold line 373b andfourth fold line 373a intersect one another and portions thereof define in part a first diamond shaped panel portion struck from thefirst side panel 316. - A
sixth fold line 375a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 316 to the center of thefirst side panel 316. - A
seventh fold line 375b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 316 to the center of thefirst side panel 316 so as to meet or intersect with thesixth fold line 375a. Portions of thesixth fold line 375a andseventh fold line 375b 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 375a andseventh fold line 375b and a vertex between thefifth fold line 373b andfourth fold line 373a. The fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 372a. The fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 372a. - Two further substantially diamond shaped panel portions are defined in part by the
fold lines 375b article receiving aperture 302a. The second diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion offold line 373a in common. Thefirst fold line 368a extends across the second diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by thefold lines article receiving aperture 302a. - 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 302b. The third diamond shaped panel portion and the first diamond shaped panel portion share a portion of
fold line 373b in common. Thesecond fold line 368b extends across the third diamond shaped panel portion from a vertex, defined by thefold lines - A pair of divergently arranged
fold lines sixth fold line 375a andseventh fold line 375b. A first one 370a of the pair of divergently arrangedfold lines first fold line 368a. A second one 370b of the pair of divergently arrangedfold lines second fold line 368b. - The blank 310 may comprise additional fold lines; a fold line may extend from the
first fold line 368a to an inner edge of the firstheel engaging aperture 340a; a fold line may extend from thesecond fold line 368b to an inner edge of the secondheel engaging aperture 340b; a fold line may extend from the firstarticle receiving aperture 302a to the first side edge of thefirst side panel 316 so as to define in part a triangular gusset panel with thefold line 304a; a fold line may extend from the second article receiving aperture 302b to the second side edge of thefirst side panel 316 so as to define in part a triangular gusset panel with thefold line 304b. - The
second side panel 324 comprises a plurality offold lines second side wall 324 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The arrangement of said plurality offold lines first side panel 316 and will not be described in further detail. - A second outer blank 311 shown in
Figure 13 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a firstinner carrier 392 once the second outer blank 311 is assembled. The series of main panels includes: a firstbottom panel 325, afirst side panel 323, atop panel 319, asecond side panel 315 and a secondbottom panel 313. Themain panels fold line 337. Themain panels - The
first side panel 323 is coupled to thetop panel 319 by a plurality offold lines fold lines 383a, 383b. Thetop panel 319 is coupled to thesecond side panel 315 by a plurality offold lines fold lines - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 325; and a male locking tab M33 in the secondbottom panel 313. - Optional alignment apertures A37, A38 are provided in the first
bottom panel 325. Optional alignment apertures A34, A36 are provided in the secondbottom panel 313. The alignment apertures A37, A38, A34, A36 facilitate the automated location of the secondbottom panel 313 relative to the firstbottom panel 325. - A machine component may be inserted into the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 to engage with the first and second
bottom panels outer carrier 390. The alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 may facilitate tightening of the secondouter carrier 390 about the firstinner carrier 392 and the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The machine component may engage the first and secondbottom panels outer carrier 390 allows the degree of overlap between the first and secondbottom panels - Optionally, the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
- The
top panel 319 comprises one or morearticle receiving apertures article receiving aperture article receiving apertures top panel 319 is configured be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of thearticle receiving apertures top panel 320 of the firstinner carrier 392. - The illustrated embodiment comprises four
article receiving apertures - The
first side panel 323 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding thefirst side panel 323 about a third side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. - A
first fold line 378a may be provided, thefirst fold line 378a extends downwardly from a firstarticle receiving aperture 302e towards the firstbottom panel 325. - A
second fold line 378b may be provided, thesecond fold line 378b extends downwardly from a secondarticle receiving aperture 302f towards the firstbottom panel 325. - A third fold line 382a may be provided; the third fold line 382a extends from the
fold line 337 towards thetop panel 319. Optionally, the third fold line 382a extends across a substantial portion of thefirst side panel 323, that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of thefirst side panel 323. The third fold line 382a is optionally parallel with each of the first andsecond fold lines - A
fourth fold line 383a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 323 to the secondarticle receiving aperture 302f. - A fifth fold line 383b extends from a second side edge of the
first side panel 323 to the firstarticle receiving aperture 302e. - The fifth fold line 383b and
fourth fold line 383a intersect one another and portions thereof define in part a diamond shaped panel struck from thefirst side panel 323. - A
sixth fold line 385a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 323 to the center of thefirst side panel 323. - A
seventh fold line 385b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 323 to the center of thefirst side panel 323 so as to meet or intersect with thesixth fold line 385a. Portions of thesixth fold line 385a andseventh fold line 385b define in part the diamond shaped panel. - A fold line extends across the diamond shaped panel from a vertex between the
sixth fold line 385a andseventh fold line 385b and a vertex between the fifth fold line 383b andfourth fold line 383a. The fold line may in some embodiments be a portion of the third fold line 382a. The fold line may in some embodiments be collinear with the third fold line 382a. - A pair of divergently arranged
fold lines 380a, 380b extends downwardly from the vertex between thesixth fold line 385a andseventh fold line 385b. A first one 380a of the pair of divergently arrangedfold lines 380a, 380b converges with thefirst fold line 378a. A second one 380b of the pair of divergently arrangedfold lines 380a, 380b converges with thesecond fold line 378b. - The
second side panel 315 comprises a plurality offold lines second side wall 315 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The arrangement of said plurality offold lines first side panel 323 and will not be described in further detail. - Referring now to
Figure 15 the first inner blank 310 and second outer blank 311 form apackage 394.Figure 15 illustrates thesecond side panel 324 of the firstinner carrier 392 and thesecond side panel 315 of the secondouter carrier 390. - An upper portion of the
second side panel 324 of the firstinner carrier 392 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B1, B2. The first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B1, B2, 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 B1, B2 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 B1, B2 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 secondouter carrier 390 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B1, B3. The first diamond shaped panel portion is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B1, B3, 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 B1, B3 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 B1, B3 such that the second and third diamond shaped panel portions are non-coplanar with the remainder of thesecond side panel 315. -
Figure 16 illustrates a portion of thecomposite bottom panel - The male tab M32 has passed through the first
bottom panel 312, in doing the female tab F32 was displaced out of the plane of the firstbottom panel 312. The female tab F32 bears against the male tab M32. The inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 310 is formed biases the female tab F32 against the male tab M32, so as to hold in a folded position. The male tab M31 and female tab F31 are similarly arranged albeit not visible inFigure 16 . - The male tab M33 of the second
outer carrier 390 has passed through the firstbottom panel 325 of the secondouter carrier 390. In doing the female tab F33 was displaced out of the plane of the firstbottom panel 325. The female tab F33 bears against the male tab M33. The inherent resilience of the material from which the blank 311 is formed biases the female tab F33 against the male tab M33, so as to hold in a folded position. The male and female tabs M33, F33 have also passed through thecomposite bottom panel 312/328 of the firstinner carrier 392. The male and female tabs M33, F33 are received in the aperture in thecomposite bottom panel 312/328 formed by the recesses R31, R32. The male tab M33 may be substantially arrowhead shaped and comprise engaging shoulders, the engaging shoulders may be in locking engagement with thecomposite bottom panel 312/328 of the firstinner carrier 392 so as to lock thecomposite bottom panel 312/328 of the firstinner carrier 392 to thecomposite bottom panel 325/313 of the secondouter carrier 390. -
Figure 16 also illustrates the relationship between the alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 in the firstinner carrier 392 and the alignment apertures A34, A36, A37, A38 in the secondouter carrier 390. - The alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 in the first
inner carrier 392 allow a machine tool to pass through both thecomposite bottom panel 325/313 of the secondouter carrier 390 and thecomposite bottom panel 312/328 of the firstinner carrier 392. The alignment apertures A31, A32, A33, A35 in the firstinner carrier 392 are shaped and/or dimensioned such that the machine tool when inserted has freedom to move the first and secondbottom panels outer carrier 390 with respect to each other. - Referring now to
Figures 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 analternative package 494. In the fifth illustrated embodiment, 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 inFigures 1 to 16 will be described in any greater detail. -
Figure 18 illustrates a first inner blank 410 comprising a series of main panels which form the main walls of a firstinner carrier 492 once the first inner blank 410 is assembled. The series of main panels include: a firstbottom panel 412, afirst bevel panel 414, afirst side panel 416, atop panel 420, asecond side panel 424, asecond bevel panel 426 and a secondbottom panel 428. Themain panels main panels - The
first side panel 416 is coupled to thetop panel 420 by a plurality offold lines top panel 320 is coupled to thesecond side panel 324 by a plurality offold lines - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 412; and two male locking tabs M41, M42 in the secondbottom panel 428. - Optional alignment apertures A43, A45 are provided in the first
bottom panel 412. Optional alignment apertures A41, A42 are provided in the secondbottom panel 428. The alignment apertures A41, A42 facilitate the automated location of the secondbottom panel 428 relative to the firstbottom panel 412. The alignment apertures A41, A42, A43, A45 are shaped and configured to allow movement of a machine component in two directions during assembly of thepackage 494. - Optionally, the alignment apertures A43, A45 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 H41, H42, H43, H44 are provided for engaging and securely locating the heel of an article. Each heel engaging feature H41, H42, H43, H44 is formed in one of the
bevel panels - First heel engaging feature H42 comprises a first
heel receiving aperture 440a. The firstheel receiving aperture 440a is substantially "U" shaped. - The blank 410 is optionally provided with a pair of recesses R41, R42. A first recess R41 is inset from an edge of the first
bottom panel 412; and a second recess R42 is inset from an edge of the secondbottom panel 428. The recesses R41, R42 are sized, positioned and arranged such that once a compositebottom wall structure 412/428 is formed, the recesses R41, R42 overlap to a sufficient extent that an aperture or gap R41/R42 is provided in the compositebottom wall structure 412/428, which aperture or gap R41/R42 is sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab M43 from theouter wraparound carrier 490. - The
top panel 420 comprises one or morearticle receiving apertures article receiving aperture Figure 19 . The illustrated embodiment comprises fourarticle receiving apertures - The
first side panel 416 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding thefirst side wall 416 about a first side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. - A first fold line 472a may be provided; the first fold line 472a extends substantially between the
first bevel panel 414 and thetop panel 420. The first fold line bisects thefirst side panel 416. - The first fold line 472a may be collinear with a
fold line 462 which extends across and bisects thetop panel 420. - A
second fold line 436a may be provided; thesecond fold line 436a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 416 to the center of thefirst side panel 416 and intersects with the first fold line 472a. - A
third fold line 436b may be provided; thethird fold line 436b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 416 to the center of thefirst side panel 416 so as to meet or intersect with thesecond fold line 436a and the first fold line 472a. - A
fourth fold line 473a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 416 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second andthird fold lines fourth fold line 473a together with thesecond fold line 436a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape. - A
fifth fold line 473b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 416 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second andthird fold lines fifth fold line 473b together with thethird fold line 436b defines at least in part a second web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape. - The
second side panel 424 comprises a plurality offold lines second side wall 424 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The arrangement of said plurality offold lines first side panel 416 and will not be described in further detail. - A second outer blank 411 shown in
Figure 17 comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a firstinner carrier 490 once the second outer blank 411 is assembled. The series of main panels includes: a firstbottom panel 425, afirst side panel 423, atop panel 419, asecond side panel 415 and a secondbottom panel 413. Themain panels main panels fold line 427. - The
first side panel 423 is coupled to thetop panel 419 by a plurality offold lines top panel 419 is coupled to thesecond side panel 415 by a plurality offold lines - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 425; and a male locking tab M43 in the secondbottom panel 413. - Optional alignment apertures A47, A48 are provided in the first
bottom panel 425. Optional alignment apertures A44, A46 are provided in the secondbottom panel 413. The alignment apertures A47, A48, A44, A46 facilitate the automated location of the secondbottom panel 413 relative to the firstbottom panel 425. - Optionally, the alignment apertures A47, A48, A44, A46 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes may be employed.
- The
top panel 319 comprises one or morearticle receiving apertures article receiving aperture article receiving apertures top panel 419 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of thearticle receiving apertures top panel 420 of the firstinner carrier 492. - The illustrated embodiment comprises four
article receiving apertures - The
first side panel 423 comprises a plurality of fold lines which facilitate folding thefirst side panel 423 about a third side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. - A
first fold line 482a may be provided; thefirst fold line 482a extends substantially between, that is to say more than 50 percent of the height of thefirst side panel 425, the firstbottom panel 425 and thetop panel 419. Thefirst fold line 482a bisects thefirst side panel 423. - The
first fold line 482a may be collinear with afold line 486 which extends across and bisects thetop panel 419. - A
second fold line 433a may be provided; thesecond fold line 433a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 423 to the center of thefirst side panel 423 and intersects with thefirst fold line 482a. - A
third fold line 433b may be provided; thethird fold line 433b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 423 to the center of thefirst side panel 423 so as to meet or intersect with thesecond fold line 433a and thefirst fold line 482a. - A
fourth fold line 483a extends from a first side edge of thefirst side panel 423 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second andthird fold lines fourth fold line 483a together with thesecond fold line 433a defines at least in part a first web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape. - A
fifth fold line 483b extends from a second side edge of thefirst side panel 423 to the vertex defined by the intersection of the first, second andthird fold lines fifth fold line 483b together with thethird fold line 433b defines at least in part a second web panel which may be substantially triangular in shape. - The
second side panel 415 comprises a plurality offold lines second side wall 415 about a second side of the group of articles B1, B2, B3, B4. The arrangement of said plurality offold lines first side panel 423 and will not be described in further detail. - Referring now to
Figure 19 the first inner blank 410 and second outer blank 411 form apackage 494.Figure 19 illustrates thesecond side panel 424 of the firstinner carrier 492 and thefirst side panel 423 of the secondouter carrier 490. - An upper portion of the
second side panel 424 of the firstinner carrier 492 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B1, B4. Thesecond side panel 424 is folded aboutfold line 472b so as to be displaced into a void between the articles B1, B4, so as to form a recessed panel portion. The recessed panel portion forms a valley trough which extends substantially vertically between thetop panel 420 and thecomposite bottom panel 412/428. - The first and second web panels may be deformed about a respective one of the articles B1, B4 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 B1, B4 such that the first and second web panels are non-coplanar with the remainder of the
second side panel 424. - An upper portion of the
first side panel 423 of the secondouter carrier 490 is folded or deformed about shoulders of the articles B4, B3. Thefirst side panel 423 is displaced inwardly into a void between the articles B4, B3, so as to form a recessed panel portion. The recessed panel portion forms a valley trough which extends substantially vertically between thetop panel 419 and thecomposite 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 B4, B3 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 B4, B3 such that the first and second web panels are non-coplanar with the remainder of thefirst side panel 423. - Referring now to
Figures 20 ,21 ,22 and23 , 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 apackage 594 according to a sixth embodiment. In the sixth illustrated 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 inFigures 20 to 23 shares many common features with the earlier described embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated inFigures 1 to 19 will be described in any greater detail. - Referring now to
Figure 20 , the first inner blank 510 again comprises a series of main panels which form the main walls of a firstinner carrier 590 shown inFigure 22 . The series of main panels include: a firstbottom panel 512, a first bevel panel 514, afirst side panel 516, asecond bevel panel 518, atop panel 520, athird bevel panel 522, asecond side panel 524, afourth bevel panel 526 and a secondbottom panel 528. Themain panels fold lines - 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
Figure 1 , the first inner blank 510 does comprise a mechanical interlocking means for the first and secondbottom panels bottom panel 528; and two male locking tabs M51, M52 in the firstbottom panel 512. - The first inner blank 510 also optionally comprises alignment apertures A51, A53; and optional article heel engaging features H51, H52, H53, H54 which operate in the same manner as heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 of blank 10. In this arrangement, the pair of recesses R1, R2 is replaced with a locking aperture A55 which is formed in the first
bottom panel 512 and is provided to facilitate the co-operation and locking together of theinner wraparound carrier 590 and theouter wraparound carrier 592. - The second locking aperture A55 optionally has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise two
opposed fold lines opposed tabs opposed tabs fold lines opposed tabs outer carrier 592. The presence of the two displacedopposed tabs first carrier 590 is interlocked with thesecond carrier 592. - In the second bottom panel 528 a further locking aperture A52 is provided, which will overlap or be aligned with the locking aperture A55 of the first
bottom panel 512 and thelocking tabs bottom panels - The second and
third bevel panels arrangement endmost aperture arrangements Aperture 502e is defined in part by a circular cut line that lies adjacent to foldline 538. Adjacent to theaperture 502e aslit 570c extends at an angle in thethird bevel panel 522. The weakenedarrangements carrier 590 when assembled. - The
top panel 520, as shown inFigure 20 , also comprises an article receiving arrangement, but in contrast to the embodiment ofFigures 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps. In this arrangement sixapertures top panel 520, each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6. The article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series offrangible lines aperture Figure 20 . Thefrangible lines frangible lines aperture - To preserve the integrity of the
top panel 520, at least to some extent after one or more articles have been so removed, the article receiving arrangement may also comprise one or more terminations or edge cuts E1, E2, E3, E4, which terminations are optionally provided at the end of one, some or all of thefrangible lines 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 (seeFigure 22 ) is assembled by first placing thetop panel 520 over the tops of a group of six articles arranged in a 3 x 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of theapertures carrier 590 is completed as described in respect of earlier embodiments with the second andthird bevel panels second side panels bottom panel 512 and first bevel panel 514 are then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H51, H52 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B6 on one side of the group and then the secondbottom panel 528 andfourth bevel panel 526 are folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H53, H54 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B4 on the other side of the article group. Then, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and secondbottom panels - The locking apertures A54 and A55 overlap and together with locking aperture A52, the inner carrier bottom wall is ready for interlocking with the
outer carrier 592 by locking tabs from theouter wraparound carrier 592 being inserted into the locking apertures A54/A55, A52. - The
outer wraparound carrier 592 compatible with theinner wraparound carrier 590 may take many and various forms. For example, the blank 511 shown inFigure 21 may be assembled into one such suitable outerwraparound 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. - In
Figure 21 it can be seen that the blank 511 is similar to the blank 11 ofFigure 2 , but instead has differently shaped first andsecond bevel panels second bevel panel Figure 2 , the blank 511 ofFigure 21 additionally comprises first andsecond inset panels second side panels fold lines 539a, 539b. - To allow the
inset panels bottom panels inset panels - A further difference between the blank 511 of
Figure 21 and the blank 11 ofFigure 2 is in the provision of shaped "female" locking tabs F53, F54 which in this arrangement have a greater width than the rectangular female tabs of blank 11. The locking tabs F53, F54 have shoulders and a leading edge that is narrower in width than the width of the locking tabs across their shoulders. - Yet a further difference between the blank 511 and blank 11 is that the carrying handle features are formed within and are surrounded by part of the
top panel 519 rather than being formed in a recessed region at an edge of thetop panel 519. Fully surrounded by the remainder of the top panel, each carrying handle feature comprises afirst tab 553a hinged to a Y-shaped centre tab 555a along a shapedfold line 561a and asecond tab 559a hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 555a by a shapedfold line 563a (seeFigures 21 and23 ). - As before, in use the center tab 555a can be displaced out of the plane of the
top panel 519 as it hinges downwardly aboutfold line 565a. The first andsecond tabs top panel 519 and fold downwardly relative to thetop panel 519 and slightly inwardly toward the center tab 555a. To carry the second outer wraparound carrier 592 (once assembled) a user can grip thetop panel 519 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 555a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against theother center tab 555b and adjacent first andsecond tabs - Otherwise, the blank 511 comprises a similar series of main panels including: a first
bottom panel 525, afirst side panel 523, afirst bevel panel 521, atop panel 519, asecond bevel panel 517, asecond side panel 515, and a secondbottom panel 513. - Turning to the construction of the
package 594 as illustrated inFig. 22 , the secondouter wraparound carrier 592 is aligned with the articles within the firstinner carrier 590, lowered and placed onto the tops of the articles B1 - B6. The first andsecond bevel panels fold lines second side panels fold lines second side panels second bevel panels outer carrier 592 comprises an article engaging structure T1, T2 and a top portion C of at least one of the articles B2, B5 of the group in the firstinner carrier 590 is received, at least in part, within the top article engaging structure T1, T2 of the second outertubular structure 592. - The first and
second inset panels - The second
bottom panel 513 is disposed beneath part of thebottom wall structure 512/528 of theinner wraparound carrier 590. In this way, the locking tabs F53, F54 are aligned with and disposed beneath the locking apertures A52, A54/A55. The firstbottom panel 525 is then folded aboutfold line 537 until the firstbottom panel 525 is disposed beneath part of the secondbottom panel 513 and part of thebottom wall structure 512/528 of theinner wraparound carrier 590. The male locking tabs M53, M54 are thereby disposed beneath both the female locking tabs F53, F54 and the locking apertures A52, A54/A55. The first and second male tabs M53, M54 are then pushed against the female tabs F53, F54 respectively. This displaces the female tabs F53, F54 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 F53, F54. In respect of the locking aperture A54/A55, this action also inwardly displaces thelocking tabs bottom panels bottom panels outer carrier 592 with the first and secondbottom panels 512/528 of theinner carrier 590. - Once the shoulders of both the first and second male tabs M53, M54 and of the first and second "female" tabs F53, F54 are pushed past the outer
bottom wall structure 513/525 and through and into the interior region of the firstinner wraparound carrier 590, return of the male and female tabs M53, M54, F53, F54 is prevented and theinner wraparound carrier 590 and outerwraparound carrier 592 are securely locked together, with the ends of the article group B1/B2/B3, B4/B5/B6 now being more fully (albeit still partially) covered by the first and second side andbevel panels 523/521, 517/515 of the secondouter wraparound carrier 592. - The
package 594 thus formed comprises a firstinner carrier 590, a secondouter carrier 592 and may be easily carried by the carryingfeatures 553a/555a/559a and 553b/555b/559b, which as shown inFigure 23 provide a carrying handle structure and individually provide a spacer between adjacent centremost articles B2, B5 of the article group. - Referring now to
Figures 24 ,25 and26 , 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 apackage 694 according to a seventh embodiment. In the seventh illustrated 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 inFigures 20 to 23 ; and the outer wraparound blank 611 and theouter wraparound carrier 690 share many features in common with the embodiment shown inFigures 2 and21 and therefore only the differences from the earlier described embodiments will be described in any greater detail. - Referring now to
Figure 24 , the first inner blank 610 is configured for holding four articles in a 2 x 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 firstbottom panel 612, afirst side panel 616, asecond bevel panel 618, atop panel 620, athird bevel panel 622, asecond side panel 624, and a secondbottom panel 628. - Similarly to the first inner blank 510, 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 ofFigure 20 , the first inner blank 610 comprises a mechanical interlocking means for the first and secondbottom panels bottom panel 628; and two male locking tabs M61, M62 in the firstbottom panel 628. - In this arrangement, a second locking aperture A65 is again formed in the first bottom panel; and as with the blank 510 of
Figure 20 , the second locking aperture A65 has a generally hexagonal shaped edge and may comprise twoopposed fold lines tabs opposed tabs fold lines opposed tabs outer carrier 690. The presence of the two displacedopposed tabs second carrier 690. - In the second bottom panel 628 a further locking aperture A64 is provided, which overlap or are aligned with the locking aperture A65 of the first
bottom panel 612 and thelocking tabs bottom panels - In this arrangement, the blank 610 optionally comprises additional apertures A32, A34 formed such that an edge of the aperture A32, A34 is coincident with the
fold line 632, 684 between the first or secondbottom panel second side panel bottom panels outer carrier 690. - The
top panel 620, as shown inFigure 24 comprises an article receiving arrangement, but in contrast to the embodiment ofFigures 1 to 5 , the article receiving arrangement does not comprise displaceable flaps. In this arrangement fourapertures top panel 620, each one for receiving a top and neck portion of an article B1, B2, B3, B4. The article receiving arrangement also optionally comprises a series of fourfrangible lines aperture Figure 24 . Thefrangible lines top panel 620 such that theaperture - As before, the second and
third bevel panels arrangement article receiving apertures top panel 620. Since the weakenedarrangements first bevel panel 618; and toward aslit 668b formed at a co-operative angle in thefirst bevel panel 618. Theslit 668b and frangible line 604a can be broken and used to tear thetop panel 620 and thefirst 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 (see
Figure 22 ) is assembled by first placing thetop panel 690 over the tops of a group of four articles arranged in a 2 x 2 group, such that a neck of one article from the group is received in each of theapertures third bevel panels second side panels bottom panel 612 is then folded until the first and second article heel engaging features H61, H62 are located about the heels of the two articles B1, B2 on one side of the group and then the secondbottom panel 628 is folded until the third and fourth heel engaging features H63, H64 are located about the heels of the two articles B3, B4 on the other side of the article group. Then, to form a bottom wall structure, the first and secondbottom panels - The locking apertures A64 and A65 overlap and prepare the inner carrier bottom wall for interlocking with the
outer carrier 690 using a locking tab (M63 or M64) from theouter wraparound carrier 690. - The
outer wraparound carrier 690 compatible with the inner wraparound carrier 692 may take many and various forms. In this arrangement, twoinner carriers outer carrier 690, such that theoverall package 694 contains 8 articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B1', B2', B3', B4' packaged into twoseparate carriers carrier 690 suitable for combination with twoinner carriers Figure 26 . Thecarrier 690 is formed from a blank 611 as shown inFigure 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. - In
Figure 25 it can be seen that the blank 611 is similar to the blank 11 ofFigure 2 , albeit, with larger sized panels to accommodate a greater number of articles B1, B2, B3, B4, B1', B2', B3', B4'. Additionally, thetop panel 619 is formed similarly to thetop panel 520 of the blank shown inFigure 21 wherein the carrying handle features are formed within and are surrounded by part of thetop panel 619 rather than being formed in a recessed region at an edge of thetop panel 619. Fully surrounded by the remainder of the top panel, each carrying handle feature again comprises a first tab hinged to a Y-shaped centre tab 655a along a shaped fold line and a second tab hinged on the other side of the Y-shaped centre tab 655a by a shaped fold line (seeFigures 25 and26 ). - As before, in use the center tab 655a 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 thetop panel 619 and fold downwardly relative to thetop panel 619 and slightly inwardly toward the center tab 655a. To carry the second outer wraparound carrier 690 (once assembled) a user can grip thetop panel 619 using a pinching action, pressing their thumb against the center tab 655a of one side of the carrying feature and by pressing any one or more or all of their index, middle and ring fingers against theother center tab 655b and adjacent first and second tabs. - Otherwise, the blank 611 comprises a similar series of main panels to the blank 11 of
Figure 2 , including: a firstbottom panel 625, afirst side panel 623, afirst bevel panel 621, thetop panel 619, asecond bevel panel 617, asecond side panel 615, and a secondbottom panel 613. - To interlock the
outer carrier 690 formed from the blank 611 to the twoinner carriers bottom panels bottom panels outer carrier 690 together and increases the security with which the bottom structure of thepackage 694 is held together. As can be seen the additional bottom locking features M65, M66, F65, F66 that interlock the firstbottom panel 625 of theouter carrier 690 to the secondbottom panel 613 of theouter 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 separateinner carriers - An optional series of alignment apertures A61, A62, A63, A54; A55, A66, A67, A68 are provided in the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels outer carrier 690 together and with thebottom walls 612/628, 612'/628' of theinner carriers - The
package 694 formed from twoinner carriers outer carrier 690 is shown inFigure 26 . Thepackage 694 is constructed by positioning twoinner carriers second side panel 624 of a first one of theinner carriers 692a is disposed next to and possibly in face contacting relationship with a first side panel 616' of the second one of theinner carriers 692b. This results in a 2x4 article array being formed. - The
top panel 619 is then placed over the top of the eight bottle group B1, B2, B3, B4; B1', B2', B3', B4' and the first andsecond bevel panels inner carriers first bevel panel 621 is disposed alongside a first end B2, B4, B2', B4' of the article group; and thesecond bevel panel 617 is disposed alongside a second end B1, B3, B1', B3' of the article group. The top engaging features T1a, T1b mate and locate with centremost articles B4, B2'; and the top engaging features T2a, T2b mate and locate with centremost articles B3, B1'. - After folding the first and second side panels firmly against the ends of the
inner carriers bottom panels inner carriers bottom panel 613 is folded first and contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of theinner carriers inner carrier 692a; and such that the female locking tab F63 is disposed beneath the locking aperture A64'/A65' of the secondinner carrier 692b. - The first
bottom panel 625 is then folded such that it contacts the underside of the bottom wall structures of theinner carriers bottom panel 613. In this way, the male locking tab M64 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F64 and locking aperture A64/A65 of the firstinner carrier 692a; the male locking tab M63 is aligned with and disposed beneath the female locking tab F63 and locking aperture A64', A65' of the secondinner carrier 692b; and the additional male locking tabs M65, M66 are disposed beneath and aligned with the female tabs F66, F65 and apertures A32, A34. - To interlock the first and second
bottom panels bottom wall 625/613 of theouter carrier 690 to theinner carrier 692a: the male tab M64 is forced against the female tab F64, which pushes both the female tab F64 and the male tab M64 upwardly into the locking aperture A64/A65, which in turn pushes thetabs inner carrier 692a. Thetabs outer carrier 690 is securely attached to theinner carrier 692a. The male and female tabs M64, F64 may abut the edge of the aperture A65/A64 which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M64 overhang the edge of the aperture A65/A64 and sit on or just above the inner surface of the secondbottom panel 628 of the firstinner carrier 692a. - This is shown in
Figure 27 , which illustrates an internal view of part of the package with bottles removed. The firstinner carrier 692a is shown with itsfirst side panel 616 to the right-hand side of the picture. The heel locking features H62, H61, with theirfoldable retention tabs 644a folded, can be seen. Similarly, on the left-hand side of the picture, thesecond side panel 624 can be seen, with its heel locking features H63, H64 shown. Through the gaps created by the inward folding of thefoldable retention tabs 644a, the secondinner carrier 692b can be seen, in particular the first side panel 616' thereof (on the very left-hand side of the picture). As can be seen the secondbottom panel 628 of theinner carrier 692a sits partially on top of the firstbottom panel 612. - Similarly, to further interlock the first and second
bottom panels bottom wall 625/613 of theouter carrier 690 to theinner carrier 692b: the male tab M63 is forced against the female tab F63, which pushes both the female tab F63 and the male tab M63 upwardly into the locking aperture A64'/A65', which in turn pushes thetabs 607a', 607b' up into the interior of the secondinner carrier 692b. Thetabs 607a', 607b' are disposed behind the female tab F63 and male tab M63 and the shape and size of all tabs M63, F63, 607a', 607b' 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 theouter carrier 690 is securely attached to the secondinner carrier 692b. The male and female tabs M63, F63 may abut the edge of the aperture A65'/A64' which may be shaped such that the shoulders of the male tab M63 overhang the edge of the aperture A65'/A64' and sit on or just above the inner surface of the second bottom panel 628' of the secondinner carrier 692b. - Furthermore, to interlock the first and second
bottom panels outer carriers - To remove an article, the weakened
arrangement article receiving apertures package 694 remains. - Referring now to
Figures 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 ofFigure 25 in order to construct a package. In the eighth illustrated embodiment, 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 inFigures 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 firstbottom panel 712, afirst side panel 716, atop panel 720, asecond side panel 724, and a secondbottom panel 728. Themain panels fold line 732. Themain panels fold line 784. - A
first end panel 750 is coupled to thetop panel 720 byfold lines 760a. Asecond end panel 152 is coupled to thetop panel 720 by afold line 760b. The blank 710 is configured to automatically articulate the first andsecond end panels anchor panels web panels gusset panels - A
first anchor panel 754a is hingedly connected to a first side of thefirst side panel 716 by afold line 753a. Thefirst anchor panel 754a is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to afirst gusset panel 764a by a fold line 758a. Thefirst gusset panel 764a is hingedly connected to afirst web panel 756a by a fold line 763a. Thefirst web panel 756a is hingedly connected to thefirst end panel 750 by afold line 757a. - A
second anchor panel 754b is hingedly connected to a second side of thefirst side panel 716 by afold line 753b. Thesecond anchor panel 754b is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to asecond gusset panel 764b by afold line 758b. Thesecond gusset panel 764b is hingedly connected to asecond web panel 756b by afold line 763b. Thesecond web panel 756b is hingedly connected to thesecond end panel 752 by afold line 757b. - A
third anchor panel 754c is hingedly connected to a first side of thesecond side panel 724 by afold line 753c. Thethird anchor panel 754c is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to athird gusset panel 764c by afold line 758c. Thethird gusset panel 764c is hingedly connected to athird web panel 756c by afold line 763c. Thethird web panel 756c is hingedly connected to thefirst end panel 750 by afold line 757c. - A
fourth anchor panel 754d is hingedly connected to a second side of thesecond side panel 724 by afold line 753d. Thefourth anchor panel 754d is hingedly connected, along an end thereof, to afourth gusset panel 764d by afold line 758d. Thefourth gusset panel 764d is hingedly connected to afourth web panel 756d by afold line 763d. Thefourth web panel 756d is hingedly connected to thesecond end panel 752 by afold line 757d. - To facilitate the mechanical interlocking of the first and second
bottom panels bottom panels bottom panel 728; and two male locking tabs M11, M12 in the firstbottom panel 712. - Optional alignment aperture A71 is provided in the second
bottom panel 728 for facilitating the automated location of the secondbottom panel 728 relative to the firstbottom panel 712. Optional alignment aperture A72 is provided in the firstbottom panel 712 for facilitating the automated location of the secondbottom panel 728 relative to the firstbottom panel 712. Apertures A71 and A72 may also receive locking tabs of an outer carrier, such asouter carrier 690. - Optional article heel engaging features H71, H72, H73, H74 are also provided and have a similar structure to the heel engaging features H1, H2, H3, H4 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.
- To facilitate the co-operation and locking together of the
inner wraparound carrier 792 formed from the blank 710 (seeFigure 29 ) with an outer wraparound carrier, a mechanical interlocking mechanism is provided. The mechanical interlocking mechanism optionally comprises one or more apertures provided on theinner wraparound carrier 792 for co-operating with locking tabs provided in the outer wraparound carrier. In the present embodiment, the blank 710 is provided with a first locking aperture A74 struck from the secondbottom panel 728 and second locking aperture A75 struck from the firstbottom panel 712. Optionally, the locking apertures A74, A75 have a substantially hexagonal shape. The first and second apertures A74, A75 are each sized and positioned for receiving a locking tab from the outer wraparound carrier. The first and second apertures A74, A75 are configured so as to be disposed in vertical registry when thecarrier 792 is assembled. - The second locking aperture A75 is defined in part by one or
more tabs bottom panel 712 byfold line tabs tabs carrier 792, the firstbottom panel 712 being disposed externally of the secondbottom panel 728, so as to pass through the first locking aperture A74 thereby holding the first and secondbottom panel - The
top panel 120 comprises an article receiving arrangement. The article receiving arrangement comprises a pair of transversely arrangeddisplaceable flaps top panel 720 hingedly connected to theend panels slots 720a, 720d that extend between theend panels upper edge 766a of thefirst side panel 716. Asecond aperture 720d defines anupper edge 766b of thesecond side panel 724. - The pair of transversely arranged
displaceable flaps fold line 762b. Thefold line 762b terminates at each end with a "V" shaped portion. - A
first leg 704a of a first "V" shaped portion hingedly connects a first end of a firstdisplaceable flap 720b to thetop panel 720. Asecond leg 704c of the first "V" shaped portion hingedly connects a first end of a seconddisplaceable flap 720d to thetop panel 720. - A
first leg 704b of a second "V" shaped portion hingedly connects a second end of the firstdisplaceable flap 720b to thetop panel 720. Asecond leg 704d of the second "V" shaped portion hingedly connects a second end of the seconddisplaceable flap 720c to thetop panel 720. - The first displaceable flap 720a comprises one or
more recesses 769a each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B1, B2, B3, B4.The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair ofrecesses 769a. - The second
displaceable flap 720b comprises one ormore recesses 769b each shaped to receive a portion of respective article B1, B2, B3, B4.The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair ofrecesses 769b. - The
first side panel 716 comprises afirst fold line 770b which extends between an upper edge of thefirst side panel 716 and a first side edge; defined byfold line 753a, of thefirst side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed. - The
first side panel 716 comprises asecond fold line 768b which extends between an upper edge of thefirst side panel 716 and a second side edge; defined byfold line 753b, of thefirst side panel 716 so as to be obliquely disposed. - The
second side panel 724 comprises athird fold line 770a which extends between an upper edge of thesecond side panel 724 and a first side edge; defined byfold line 753c, of thesecond side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed. - The
second side panel 724 comprises a second fold line 768a which extends between an upper edge of thesecond side panel 724 and a second side edge; defined byfold line 753d, of thesecond side panel 724 so as to be obliquely disposed. - Optionally the first, second, third and
fourth fold lines - The construction of the first
inner wraparound carrier 792 is similar to that already described in relation to the firstinner wraparound carrier 92, albeit, when thetop panel 120 is lowered and placed over the tops of the articles B1, B2, B3, B4, a pair of articles B1, B2, B3, B4 passes through each of theapertures 720a, 720d. This causes thedisplaceable flaps fold line 762b such that two transverse rows, each comprising two articles, are disposed within a transverse aperture thereby formed. - The first and
second side panels anchor panels second side panels second side panels second end panels - The first and second
bottom panels bottom panel 712 being disposed externally of, and in overlapping relationship with, the secondbottom panel 728. - The mechanical interlocking mechanism M71, M72, F71, F72 can be operated to secure the first and second
bottom panels bottom panel 728 thereby formed. - In this way, the first and second
bottom panels first carrier 792. The ends of the article group (seeFigure 29 ) are covered only partially by the first andsecond end panels - A keel structure or bracing structure is formed by the combination of
displaceable tabs line 762b and thefold lines displaceable tabs top panel 720. The keel structure forms a brace between a first row of articles B1/B4 and a second row of articles B2/B3. - The first, second, third and
fourth fold lines second side panels fourth fold lines second side panels inner carrier 792 is shown inFig. 29 . - To complete a package (not shown) one or more, for example two such
inner carriers 792 may be housed within and locked and attached to an outer carrier, for example theouter carrier 690 of the previous embodiment. - It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.
- As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. 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.
- As used herein, the term "severance 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.
- It should be understood that 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. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.
Claims (2)
- A package (94, 194, 294, 394, 494, 594, 694) comprising at least one first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) and a second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690), 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 comprising a group of articles (B), wherein the or each at least one first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), first and second side panels (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716; 24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724), a bottom wall (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712; 28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528, 628, 728) and two opposite open ends, wherein the first tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends; wherein the second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) is of the wraparound type and comprises: a top panel (19, 319, 419, 519, 619, 719), first and second side panels (15, 315, 415, 515, 615; 23, 323, 423, 523, 623), a bottom wall (13, 313, 413, 513, 613; 25, 325, 425, 525, 625) and two opposite open ends, wherein the second tubular axis extends between the two opposite open ends; wherein the first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) is wrapped about the group of articles (B), wherein the second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) is wrapped around the first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) and the group of articles (B), wherein the second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) comprises at least one locking tab (M3, M33, M43, M53, M63; M4, M54, M64) and wherein the first inner carrier comprises an aperture (R1/R2, R11/R12, R21/R22, R31/R32, R41, R42, A55, A65, A75; A2, A54, A64, A74), the first and second carriers (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a; 90, 390, 490, 592, 690) being configured such that when the package is formed, the locking tab (M3, M33, M43, M53, M63; M4, M54, M64) of the second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) is received in said aperture (R1/R2, R11/R12, R21/R22, R31/R32, R41/R42, A55, A65, A75; A2, A54, A64, A74) of the first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) for connecting the first inner (92, 192, 292, 393, 492, 590, 629a) and second outer (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) carriers together, wherein the bottom wall (12/28, 112/128, 212/228, 312/328, 412/428, 512/528, 612/628, 712/728) of the first inner carrier (92, 192, 292, 392, 492, 590, 692a) is formed by a first bottom panel (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and a second bottom panel (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528, 628, 728), characterised in that the first and second bottom panels are disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship, and wherein the aperture (R1/R2, R11/R12, R21/R22, R31/R32, R41/R42, A55, A65, A75; A2, A54, A64, A74) is defined in part by a first cutaway (R1, R11, R21, R31, R41, A55, A65, A75) struck from the first bottom panel (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and a second cutaway (R2, R12, R22, R32, R42, A54, A64, A74) struck from the second bottom panel (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528, 628, 728).
- A package (94, 194, 294, 394, 494, 594, 694) according to claim 1 wherein the second outer carrier (90, 390, 490, 592, 690) is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: paperboard, cardboard, coated board, plastics material and polymeric substrates.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20164943.1A EP3696112A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
PL16806347T PL3380409T3 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562259363P | 2015-11-24 | 2015-11-24 | |
PCT/US2016/061976 WO2017091375A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20164943.1A Division EP3696112A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3380409A1 EP3380409A1 (en) | 2018-10-03 |
EP3380409B1 true EP3380409B1 (en) | 2020-03-25 |
Family
ID=57485890
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20164943.1A Pending EP3696112A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
EP16806347.7A Active EP3380409B1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20164943.1A Pending EP3696112A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-15 | Packaging system and blanks therefor |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20180346215A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3696112A1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR106804A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018010504A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3006040A1 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2018001393A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2794803T3 (en) |
MX (2) | MX2018006349A (en) |
PL (1) | PL3380409T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017091375A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2948302T3 (en) | 2018-01-23 | 2023-09-08 | Graphic Packaging Int Llc | Support with characteristic handle features |
USD854412S1 (en) | 2018-02-22 | 2019-07-23 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
JP2023527465A (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2023-06-28 | グラフィック パッケージング インターナショナル エルエルシー | Carrier with container holding features |
USD980069S1 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2023-03-07 | Ball Corporation | Metallic dispensing lid |
USD972943S1 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2022-12-20 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Carrier |
TW202335926A (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-09-16 | 美商偉斯特洛克包裝系統有限責任公司 | Article carrier and blank therefor |
Family Cites Families (6)
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 |
US3394800A (en) * | 1966-08-24 | 1968-07-30 | John C. Brackett | Bottle carriers |
US3495704A (en) * | 1967-11-22 | 1970-02-17 | Reynolds Metals Co | Tubular carrier and blank for making same |
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 |
-
2016
- 2016-11-15 CA CA3006040A patent/CA3006040A1/en active Pending
- 2016-11-15 PL PL16806347T patent/PL3380409T3/en unknown
- 2016-11-15 WO PCT/US2016/061976 patent/WO2017091375A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-11-15 BR BR112018010504A patent/BR112018010504A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2016-11-15 US US15/777,845 patent/US20180346215A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-11-15 ES ES16806347T patent/ES2794803T3/en active Active
- 2016-11-15 EP EP20164943.1A patent/EP3696112A1/en active Pending
- 2016-11-15 EP EP16806347.7A patent/EP3380409B1/en active Active
- 2016-11-15 MX MX2018006349A patent/MX2018006349A/en unknown
- 2016-11-24 AR ARP160103597A patent/AR106804A1/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-05-22 MX MX2023004524A patent/MX2023004524A/en unknown
- 2018-05-23 CL CL2018001393A patent/CL2018001393A1/en unknown
-
2023
- 2023-04-03 US US18/130,099 patent/US20230312206A1/en active Pending
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CL2018001393A1 (en) | 2018-10-12 |
WO2017091375A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
MX2018006349A (en) | 2018-08-29 |
ES2794803T3 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
EP3696112A1 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
CA3006040A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
EP3380409A1 (en) | 2018-10-03 |
MX2023004524A (en) | 2023-05-08 |
AR106804A1 (en) | 2018-02-21 |
PL3380409T3 (en) | 2020-09-21 |
US20230312206A1 (en) | 2023-10-05 |
BR112018010504A2 (en) | 2018-11-13 |
US20180346215A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 |
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