GB2319512A

GB2319512A - A blank for forming an insert or tray with a plurality of storage areas

Info

Publication number: GB2319512A
Application number: GB9724533A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Michael Arnell
Original assignee: Danisco Pack Ltd
Current assignee: Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Priority date: 1996-11-26
Filing date: 1997-11-21
Publication date: 1998-05-27
Also published as: GB9724533D0; GB9624537D0

Abstract

A blank 10 for forming a packaging insert defining a plurality of storage areas comprises a main portion 12, and, at least one but preferably, two second portions 14, hingeably attached to 12 along side edges 14A. A longitudinal separator member 16 is hingeably attached along 16A to each said second portion 14. Blank 10 also includes at least one, but preferably three, transverse divider members 20, 22 hingeably attached to said main portion 12. Some or all of said dividers may be formed as cut-outs from the main portion 12 (see 22) as well as being hingeably attached to end edges 18A of said main portion (see 20). The second portions 14 are folded about 14A to lie on the upper surface of and extend at least partially across the main portion 12. Folding of the divider members 20,22 underneath the main portion 12 and through slots 24,26,28 in said main portion ensures that said dividers attain an upright position relative to 12 so that they can engage the slots 30,32,34 in upright separator members 16 when said second portions 14 are folded over onto main portion 12 to define a plurality, in this case twelve, of storage areas. A second embodiment, a tray, is shown (Fig. 5) where the blank (110) has a detachable second portion (114) and means to form a peripheral wall (120,136) around the edge of the insert.

Description

A blank for forming a packaging arrangement This invention relates to blanks for forming packaging arrangements.

This invention also relates to packaging arrangements formed by such blanks and methods for forming packaging arrangements.

In the packaging industry, it is often necessary to pack a plurality of articles, for example mugs or the like into a single box. This is done by arranging in the box separators and dividers to split the box into a number of storage areas. This has the disadvantage that the separators are often difficult to manipulate making packaging the articles difficult.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a blank for forming a packaging arrangement, the blank comprising a first portion, a second portion, a separator member on the second portion and a divider member, wherein the second portion can be arranged to extend at least partially across the first portion and the separator member and the divider member can co-operate with each other to be arranged upstanding relative to the first portion to define a plurality of storage areas.

Preferably, the separator member is foldably attached to the second portion. The second portion may define at least one aperture or recess to receive at least a part of the divider member.

Desirably, the blank comprises a plurality of separator members and, desirably, a plurality of divider members. Preferably, the blank comprises nvo of said separator members and three of said divider members.

The, or each, divider member may define a recess or aperture to receive at least a part of a separator member. Preferably, the number of apertures or recesses defined by the second portion corresponds to the number of the divider members, and the number of recesses or apertures defined by each divider member corresponds to the number of separator members.

Preferably, the, or each, divider member is provided on the first portion.

In a first embodiment, the first portion comprises a main portion and a third portion. In the first embodiment, the divider member is preferably provided on the third portion.

In a second embodiment, the first portion constitutes a main portion and the divider member is preferably provided on said main portion.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a blank for forming a packaging arrangement, the blank comprising a main portion, a second portion provided on the main portion, a separator member provided on the second portion, a third portion provided on the main portion, and a divider member provided on the third portion, wherein the second and third portions can be arranged to extend at least partially across the main portion and the separator and divider members can co-operate with each other to be arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to define a plurality of packaging areas.

Preferably, the second portion is foldably attached to the main portion and may be attached thereto along one edge. The blank preferably comprises t'vo of said second portions and the second portions may be foldably attached to the main portion along respective opposite edges of the main portion.

The separator member is preferably foldably attached to the second portion. Preferably, where the blank comprises t'vo of said second portions each of the separator members is foldably attached to a respective one of the nvo second portions.

Preferably, the third portion is foldably attached to the main portion and may be attached thereto along one edge. Preferably, the third portion is attached to the main portion along an adjacent edge to which is attached the second portion. In one embodiment, the blank comprises two of said third portions and the third portions may be foldably attached to the main portion along opposite edges.

The divider member is preferably foldably attached to the third portion.

Preferably, where the blank comprises two of said third portions, each of the divider members is foldably attached to a respective one of the two third portions. The blank may include a further divider member foldably attached to a central region of at least one of said third portions. Said further divider member may be formed in the third portion, preferably in the form of a cut-out and preferably foldably attached thereto.

The main portion desirably defines at least one aperture to receive therethrough, the, or each, divider member on the third portion. Preferably, where the blank comprises a plurality of divider members, the main portion defines a corresponding number of apertures. Preferably, the, or each, aperture is in the shape of a slot.

The, or each, second portion may define at least one aperture to receive therethrough the, or each, divider member when the, or each, second portion is arranged across the main portion. Preferably, the, or each, separator member defines at least one aperture communicating with a respective aperture in the second portion, to receive therein at least a part of a divider member.

Preferably, where the blank comprises a plurality of divider members, the, or each, second portion and the, or each, separator member defines a corresponding number of apertures. Preferably, the, or each, aperture in the, or each, second portions and the, or each, separator member is in the shape of a slot.

The divider member may define a recess to receive at least a part of the separator member. Preferably, where the blank comprises a plurality of separator members, the number of recesses defined by the, or each, divider member corresponds to the number of separator members.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a packaging arrangement formed from a blank as described in paragraphs nine to seventeen above.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of forming a packaging arrangement from a blank as described in paragraphs nine to seventeen above, comprising folding the, or each, second portion onto the upper surface of the main portion, such that the, or each, second portion is arranged at least partially across the main portion, folding the, or each, separator member, such that the, or each, separator member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion, folding the, or each, third portion onto the lower surface of the main portion such that the, or each, third portion is arranged at least partially across the main portion, folding the, or each, divider member such that the, or each, divider member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member and define a plurality of packaging areas.

Preferably, the, or each, divider member is passed through the main portion and the second portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member.

Conveniently, the, or each, second portion is affixed to the upper surface of the main portion, desirably by the use of an appropriate adhesive.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a packaging arrangement, the blank comprising a main portion, a divider member provided on the main portion, a second portion, and a separator member provided on the second portion, wherein the second portion can be arranged at least partially across the main portion and the separator and divider members can co-operate with each other to be arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to define a plurality of storage areas.

Preferably, the second portion is detached, or detachable, from the main portion. The separator member may be foldably attached to the second portion.

Two of said separator members may be provided and said separator members may be foldably attached to the second portion along opposite edges respectively.

The divider member may be foldably attached to the main portion, preferably foldably attached to a central region of the main portion. The divider member is preferably formed in the main portion and may be formed as a cut-out therein. Preferably, the blank comprises a plurality of divider members1 each of which may be formed in the main portion.

The second portion may define at least one aperture to receive therethrough the, or each, divider member when the second portion is arranged across the main portion. Preferably, the, or each, separator member defines at least one aperture communicating with a respective aperture in the second portion, to receive therein at least a part of a divider member.

Preferably, where the blank comprises a plurality of divider members, the second portion and the, or each, separator member defines a corresponding number of apertures. Preferably, the, or each, aperture in the second portion and the, or each, separator member is in the shape of a slot.

The divider member may define a recess to receive at least a part of the separator member. Preferably, where the blank comprises a plurality of separator members the number of recesses defined by the, or each, divider member corresponds to the number of separator members.

The main portion may include a wall member foldably attached around the periphery of the main portion to define a wall of the packaging arrangement.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a packaging arrangement formed from a blank as described in paragraphs twenty two to twenty eight above.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of forming a packaging arrangement from a blank as described in paragraphs twenty two to twenty eight above, comprising arranging the second portion onto the main portion, folding the, or each, separator member, such that the, or each, separator member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion, folding the, or each, divider member such that the, or each, divider member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member and define a plurality of packaging areas.

Preferably, the, or each, divider member is passed through the second portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 to 4 show a blank for forming a packaging arrangement in successive folded conditions; and Figs. 5 to 9 show a modified blank for forming a packaging arrangement in successive folded conditions.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, there is shown a blank 10 for forming a packaging arrangement. The blank 10 comprises a first portion 11 comprising a main portion 12 of substantially rectilinear configuration, and two third portions 18. The blank 10 further includes two second portions 14 foldably attached to the main portion 12 by edges 14A. Two separator portions 16 are foldably attached to respective second portions 14 along edges 16A. The two third portions 18 are foldably attached to the main portion 12 at edges 18A.

Two first divider members 20 are foldably attached to the respective edges 20A of the third portions 18. A further divider member 22 is formed as a cut-out in one of the third portions 18 and is foldably attached to the third portion 18 at the edge 22A.

The main portion 12 defines three slots 24,26 and 28, which are substantially the same length as the divider members 20,22. The second portions 14, and their respective separator members 16 are similarly provided with slots 30,32,34 which correspond in position to the slots 24,26,28 respectively. The purpose of the slots 24 to 34 will be explained below.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown the next stage in the folding procedure of the blank 20. In Fig. 2, the second portions 14 have been folded onto the upper surface of the main portion 12, in which the slots 30,32,34, are arranged in register with the slots 24,26,28, which are concealed in Fig. 2 by the second portions 14 and the separator members 16.

Fig. 3 shows the next stage in the folding procedure in which the separator members 16 are folded upwardly to the position, as shown, upstanding from the main portion 12.

The third portions 18 are folded underneath the main portion 12 to lie across the lower surface thereof. The divider members 20,22 are folded relative to the third portions 18 to be inserted through the slots 24,26,28 in the main portion 12, and the corresponding slots 30,32,34 in the second portions 14 and the separator members 16. Only one of the divider members is shown in this position in Fig. 3.

The divider members 20 comprise slot recesses 36 which are intended to receive therein a part of the separator members 16 when the divider member 20 are inserted through the slots in the main portion 12, the second portions 14 and the separator members 16. The part of the slots 30,32,34 defined by the separator members 16 acts as a recess to co-operate with the recess 36 in the divider members 20, thereby enabling the divider members 20 to be arranged upstanding in relation to the main portion 12.

Fig. 4 shosss the final arrangement of the insert in which the divider members 20 are inserted through the slots 24,26 and the divider member 22 is inserted through the slots 28 in the main portion 12. The packaging arrangement as shown in Fig. 4 so formed by the blank 10 defines a plurality (ie twelve in the embodiment shown) of storage areas 38 to package individual articles such as cups, mugs or the like. The packaging arrangement so formed is in the form of an insert and can be arranged in an appropriate box or tray in which articles, for example cups and mugs can be packaged for transport.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 9, there is shown a further embodiment in the form of a blank 110 comprising a first portion 111 and a second portion 114.

The first portion 111 comprises a main portion 112, three divider members 118 and wall members 120,122. The second portion 114 comprises a base member 113 and two separator members 116. The two separator members 116 are foldably attached to the second portion 114 at edges 116A. The three divider members 118 are defined as cut-outs in the main portion 112, and each divider member 118 is foldably attached to the main portion 112 at respective fold lines 118A. Side wall members 120 are foldably attached to the main portion 112 at the fold lines 120A. Similarly, end wall members 122 are foldably attached to the main portion 112 at fold lines 122A. The end wall members 122 comprise first and second portions 124,126, and the part 124 is foldable about fold lines 128,130 to lie across the part 126, as shown in Figs. 6 to 9. The part 124 is provided with a tab 132 to be inserted into a slot 134 defined in the main portion 112. The side wall members 120 are provided with tabs 136 which can be inserted between the parts 124,126 when in their folded condition, as shown in Fig. 6.

The second section 113 is attached to the main section 111 by one of the separator members 116 which, is releasably secured to the tabs 132 and 136 at the top end as shown in Fig. 5. It will be appreciated, however, that the second section 113 can be formed separately.

The second portion 114 and the separator members 116 define slots 138, 140,142. As can be seen, the slots 138,140,142 extend across the second portion 114 and are partially defined by the separator members 116. The slots defined by the separator members 116 are designated respectively 138A,14OA and 142A, to correspond with the slots 138,140,142.

The divider members 118 define recesses 144 to co-operate with the sections of the slots 138A,140A,142A when the packaging arrangement is constructed, as described below.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown the next stage in the folding procedure for forming the packaging arrangement in which the wall members 120,122 are folded to define walls around the main portion 112 as shown.

Referring to Fig. 7, the next stage in the folding procedure is shown in which the separator members 116 are folded relative to the second portion 114 to be upstanding therefrom. Also, the divider members 118 are folded upwardly from the main portion 112, as shown to be upstanding therefrom.

The divider members 118 can be so folded as shown by the use of an appropriate jig to ensure that the divider members 118 are arranged in the correct position.

Referring to Fig. 8, the second section 113 is then arranged over the main portion 112 in the position shown, and lowered onto the main portion 112 such that the recesses 144 in the divider members 118 co-operate with the slots 138A,140A,142A defined in the separator members 116. As the second section 113 is lowered onto the main portion 112, the central regions of the divider members 118 pass through the slots 138,140,142 in the second portion 114 to enable the second section to be arranged in the position shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 shows a packaging arrangement formed from the blank 110 and defines a plurality (ie twelve in the embodiments shown) of storage areas 146 to package articles such as cups, mugs or the like.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A blank for forming a packaging arrangement, the blank comprising a first portion, a second portion, a separator member on the second portion and a divider member, wherein the second portion can be arranged to extend at least partially across the first portion and the separator member and the divider member can co-operate with each other to be arranged upstanding relative to the first portion to define a plurality of storage areas.

2. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the separator member is foldably attached to the second portion, and the second portion defines at least one aperture or recess to receive at least a part of the divider member.

3. A blank according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the blank comprises a plurality of separator members and a plurality of divider members.

4. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the blank comprises two of said separator members and three of said divider members.

5. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the, or each, divider member may define a recess or aperture to receive at least a part of a separator member.

6. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the number of apertures or recesses defined by the second portion corresponds to the number of the divider members, and the number of recesses or apertures defined by each divider member corresponds to the number of separator members.

7. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the, or each divider member is provided on the first portion.

8. A blank according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion comprises a main portion and a third portion, and the, or each, divider member is provided on the third portion.

9. A blank according to claim 8 wherein the second portion is provided on the main portion, the second and third portions can be arranged to extend at least partially across the main portion, and the separator and divider members can co-operate with each other to be arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to define a plurality of packaging areas.

10. A blank according to claim 9 wherein the second portion is foldably attached to the main portion and may be attached thereto along one edge.

11. A blank according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the blank comprises two of said second portions and the second portions are foldably attached to the main portion along respective opposite edges of the main portion.

12. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the separator member is preferably foldably attached to the second portion.

13. A blank according to claim 12 when dependent upon claim 12 wherein where the blank comprises two of said second portions each of the separator members is foldably attached to a respective one of the two second portions.

14. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the third portion is foldably attached to the main portion along one edge thereof.

15. A blank according to claim 14 wherein the third portion is attached to the main portion along an adjacent edge to which is attached the second portion.

16. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 15 wherein the blank comprises nvo of said third portions and the third portions are foldably attached to the main portion along opposite edges of the main portion.

17. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 16 wherein the divider member is foldably attached to the third portion

18. A blank according to claim 17 when dependent upon claim 17 wherein where the blank comprises two of said third portions, each of the divider members is foldably attached to a respective one of the two third portions.

19. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 18 wherein the blank includes a further divider member foldably attached to a central region of at least one of said third portions, said further divider member being in the form of a cut-out in the third portion, and being foldably attached thereto.

20. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 19 wherein the main portion defines at least one aperture to receive therethrough, the, or each, divider member respectively.

21. A blank according to claim 20 wherein the, or each, aperture is in the shape of a slot.

22. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 21 wherein the, or each, second portion defines at least one aperture to receive therethrough the, or each, divider member when the, or each, second portion is arranged across the main portion, and the, or each, separator member defines at least one aperture communicating nsith a respective aperture in the second portion, to receive therein at least a part of a divider member.

23. A blank according to claim 22 wherein the, or each, aperture in the, or each, second portions and the, or each, separator member is in the shape of a slot.

24. A blank according to any of claims 9 to 23 wherein the, or each, divider member defines a recess to receive at least a part of a respective separator member.

25. A method of forming a packaging arrangement from a blank as claimed in any of the claims 9 to 24 comprising folding the, or each, second portion onto the upper surface of the main portion, such that the, or each, second portion is arranged at least partially across the main portion, folding the, or each, separator member, such that the, or each, separator member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion, folding the, or each, third portion onto the lower surface of the main portion such that the, or each, third portion is arranged at least partially across the main portion, and folding the, or each, divider member such that the, or each, divider member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member and define a plurality of packaging areas.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the, or each, divider member is passed through the main portion and the second portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member.

27. A method according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the, or each, second portion is affixed to the upper surface of the main portion, desirably by the use of an appropriate adhesive.

28. A blank member according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first portion constitutes a main portion and the, or each, divider member is provided on said main portion.

29. A blank according to claim 28 wherein the second portion is detached, or detachable, from the main portion.

30. A blank according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the separator member is foldably attached to the second portion.

31. A blank according to any of claims 28, 29 or 30 wherein trvo of said separator members are provided and said separator members are foldably attached to the second portion along opposite edges respectively.

32. A blank according to any of claims 28 to 31 wherein the, or each, divider member is foldably attached to the main portion.

33. A blank according to claim 32 wherein the, or each, divider member is foldably attached to a central region of the main portion.

34. A blank according to claim 32 or 33 wherein the, or each divider member is preferably formed in the main portion, as a cut-out therein.

35. A blank according to any of claims 28 to 34 wherein the second portion defines at least one aperture to receive therethrough the, or each, divider member when the second portion is arranged across the main portion, and, the, or each, separator member defines at least one aperture communicating with a respective aperture in the second portion, to receive therein at least a part of a divider member.

36. A blank according to claim 35 wherein the, or each, aperture in the second portion and the, or each, separator member is in the shape of a slot.

37. A blank according to claim 35 or 36 wherein the divider member defines a recess to receive at least a part of the separator member.

38. A blank according to any of claims 28 to 37 wherein the main portion includes a wall member foldably attached around the periphery of the main portion to define a wall of the packaging arrangement.

39. A method of forming a packaging arrangement from a blank as claimed in any of claims 28 to 38 comprising arranging the second portion onto the main portion, folding the, or each, separator member, such that the, or each, separator member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion, folding the, or each, divider member such that the, or each, divider member is arranged upstanding relative to the main portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member and define a plurality of packaging areas.

40. A method according to claim 39 wherein the, or each, divider member is passed through the second portion to co-operate with the, or each, separator member.

41. A packaging arrangement formed from a blank as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24 and 28 to 38.

42. A blank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A packaging arrangement formed from a blank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. A method of forming a packaging arrangement from a blank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding daims.