Carton and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carton. The carton comprising a tray having a base panel (16), a plurality of walls and a lid (12) hingedly connected to one of the walls; the lid comprising a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls; a first lid wall panel (28) hingedly connected to the top panel; and a second lid wall panel (30) hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel and secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel. The carton comprises a locking device ((E1,E2,T1,T2) for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray.

Description

[0001] CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to packages, cartons, panel locking devices, and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carton of the clam-shell type having a panel locking device for securing a pair of panels of the carton together.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a carton of the fully enclosed type having a panel locking device for securing a pair of adjacent panels of the carton together.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging at least one article. The carton comprises a tray having a base panel and a plurality of walls. The carton further comprises a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls of the tray. The lid comprises: a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray; a first lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel; and a second lid wall panel hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel and secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel. The carton comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises at least one tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray. The at least one tray lock panel comprises a locking tab extending outwardly from said other wall of the tray for being received in a receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one tray lock panel comprises a first tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray and a second tray lock panel hingedly connected to the first tray lock panel.

[0011] Optionally, the second tray lock panel is disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first tray lock panel. Optionally, the second tray lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the first tray lock panel.

[0012] Optionally, the locking device comprises a two-ply tab, a first ply of the two-ply tab being provided by the first tray lock panel and a second ply of the two-ply tab is provided by the second tray lock panel.

[0013] Optionally, the first lid wall panel is configured to be divergently arranged with respect the second lid wall panel.

[0014] Optionally, the first lid wall panel provides an outer lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel provides an inner lid wall panel.

[0015] Optionally, the first lid wall panel comprises a first height dimension defined between a first hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the top panel and a second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel.

[0016] Optionally, the second lid wall panel comprises a second height dimension defined between the second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel and an opposing edge of the second lid wall panel.

[0017] Optionally, the first height dimension is greater than the second height dimension.

[0018] Optionally, the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel define, at least in part, a tubular structure into which the locking tab is received.

[0019] Optionally, the tubular structure has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0020] Optionally, the carton comprises a securing panel hingedly connected to the second lid wall panel by a third hinged connection.

[0021] Optionally, the securing panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the top panel.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one tray lock panel comprises two or more locking tabs extending outwardly from said other wall of the tray for being received in a respective receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel.

[0023] Optionally, the top panel comprises a fold line extending across the top panel and arranged to be substantially parallel to the hingedly connection between the first lid wall panel and the top panel to facilitate disengagement of the locking tab from the receiver opening.

[0024] Optionally, the locking tab comprises a recess in a free edge thereof to facilitate machine tooling to handle the carton.

[0025] Optionally, the first lid wall panel comprises an aperture struck, at least in part, therefrom, the aperture may be at least partially aligned with the receiver opening in the second lid wall panel so as to provide a ventilation passageway between the interior and exterior of the carton.

[0026] Optionally, the carton comprises a display window defined, at least in part, in the top panel, the display window may comprise an aperture struck, at least in part, from the top panel. Optionally, a barrier layer is secured to an inner surface of the carton to close the aperture for preventing egress of product therethrough, the barrier layer being arranged such that the product or interior of the carton is visible therethrough.

[0027] Optionally, the aperture extends into the one of the walls of the tray that the top panel is hingedly connected to.

[0028] A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of tray panels for forming a tray including a base panel and a plurality of walls. The blank further comprises a plurality of lid panels for forming a lid. The plurality of lid panels comprises: a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray; a first lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel; and a second lid wall panel hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel and configured to be secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel in a setup carton. The blank comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises at least one tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray. The at least one tray lock panel comprises a locking tab integral therewith and configured to extend outwardly from said other wall of the tray in a setup carton. The second lid wall panel comprises a receiver opening for receiving the locking tab.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0030] Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

[0031] Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0032] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] 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 blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view an assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3B is an end view of a portion of the assembled carton of Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 4;

[0040] Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of an assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 5;

[0041] Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 7; and

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton according to a fourth embodiment.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, panel locking devices, and cartons 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, panel locking devices, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized 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.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, fresh produce or dry goods, fruit or vegetables (for example, but not limited to, strawberries), hereinafter referred to as articles PR. Alternative blanks 110; 210 are shown in Figures 4 and 7 for forming carton or carrier 190; 290, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8. An alternative carton 390 is shown in Figure 9 formed from a blank(not shown) which is a modified version of the blank of Figure 1 . It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the cartons 90; 190; 290; 390 may form secondary packaging for one or more primary product containers such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans.

[0047] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the nonlimiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as the primary product or primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various primary products or primary product containers. Exemplary primary product containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

[0048] The blanks 10; 1 10; 210 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. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0049] The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290; 390 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of, or coated with, materials to increase its strength. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0050] The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028’7-0.7mm). An example of such a substrate is a 28-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating, trade name CustomKote®) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition. The blanks 10; 1 10; 210 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE).

[0051] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0052] The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18 for forming a tubular structure including a top panel 12 for forming, at least in part, a top wall or lid of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2).

[0054] A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first side of the first upper panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A base panel 16 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The first side panel 14 forms a first side wall 14 of the carton 90.

[0055] Optionally, the fold line 15 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A2, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 15 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A2. The apertures A2 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 15 and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0056] A second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The second side panel 18 forms a second side wall 14 of the carton 90.

[0057] Optionally, the fold line 17 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A3, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 17 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A3. The apertures A3 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 17 and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0058] The blank 10 comprises end closure structures for closing ends of the tubular structure; a first end closure structure closes a first end of the tubular structure and a second end closure structure closes a second, opposing, end of the tubular structure. The first end closure structure comprises a first bottom end closure panel 24A hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. Optionally, the fold line 23A may be interrupted by at least one aperture A4. The aperture A4 reduces the fold resistance of the fold line 23A and may also provide ventilation or drainage. The first bottom end closure panel 24A forms a first end wall 24A of the carton 90.

[0059] A first side end closure panel 22A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 A. A second side end closure panel 26A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A.

[0060] The second end closure structure comprises a second bottom end closure panel 24B hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. Optionally, the fold line 23A may be interrupted by at least one aperture A4. The aperture A4 reduces the fold resistance of the fold line 23A and may also provide ventilation or drainage. The second bottom end closure panel 24B forms a second end wall 24B of the carton 90.

[0061] A third side end closure panel 22B is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 B. A fourth side end closure panel 26B is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B.

[0062] The base panel 16, first side panel 14, and second side panel 18, along with the first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B form, at least in part, a tray to which the lid is hingedly connected.

[0063] Optionally, the blank 10 may comprise a viewing or display window for display of the product contained therein. The display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck from at least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18. For example, the aperture A1 may be struck, at least in part, from the top panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture A1 is struck in part from the top panel 12 and in part from the first side panel 14, interrupting the fold line 13.

[0064] A sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL, also referred to herein as a barrier layer FL, may be secured in face contacting relationship with a surface of the blank 10 to close the display window. The second material may transparent or translucent or comprise a mesh or net structure such that the primary product is visible therethrough. The sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL may be secured in face contacting relationship with an internal surface of the blank 10.

[0065] The blank 10 comprises a locking device for securing the top wall or lid of the carrier 90 provided by top panel 12 in a closed condition. The locking device comprises at least one first part and at least one second part for engaging the at least one first part. The first part is provided by the lid and the second part is provided by the tray formed, at least in part, from the base panel 16, first and second side walls 14, 18 and first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B.

[0066] An outer lid side panel 28 is hingedly connected to the top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27. The outer lid side panel 28 is hinged to a side of the top panel 12 that opposes a side of the top panel 12 to which the first side panel 14 is hingedly connected.

[0067] The fold line 27 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A5 which will be discussed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 27 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A5.

[0068] An inner lid side panel 30 is hingedly connected to the outer lid side panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29. Fold lines 27 and 29 define opposed side edges of the outer lid side panel 28.

[0069] A securing panel 32 is hingedly connected to the inner lid side panel 30 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 .

[0070] The fold line 31 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A6 which will be discussed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 29 is interrupted by a two apertures A6. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures A6 are defined in part in the inner lid side panel 30 and extend into the securing panel 32 to be defined in part therein. In alternative embodiments, the apertures A6 may be defined entirely within the inner lid side panel 30.

[0071] Each aperture A6 forms a receiver for receiving a securing tab provided by the second part of the locking device. A free edge of the inner lid side panel 30 defined by the apertures A6 may form an engaging or locking edge E2. The engaging or locking edge E2 may be interrupted by a recess R1. The recess R1 in combination with the apertures A5 in the outer lid side panels 28 and apertures A7 in the second side panel 18 may form openings through the wall of the carton 90 for ventilation.

[0072] A tray outer securing flap 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0073] A tray inner securing flap 34 is hingedly connected to the tray outer securing flap 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33.

[0074] The tray inner securing flap 34 reinforces the tray outer securing flap 20 and, in a setup carton 90, is secured in face contacting relationship thereto.

[0075] The tray inner securing flap 34 comprises at least one inner securing tab T 1 extending from a free edge E1 of the tray inner securing flap 34. The free edge E1 of the tray inner securing flap 34 opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray inner securing flap 34 comprises two inner securing tabs T 1 . The tray outer securing flap 20 comprises at least one outer securing tab T1. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray inner securing flap 34 comprises two outer securing tabs T2. Each outer securing tab T 1 is defined in part by an aperture A7 struck from, or defined in, the second side panel 18. The aperture A7 is defined in part by a first cut line C1 extending from the fold line 19 into the second side panel 18 and returning to the fold line 19. The first cut line C1 is nonlinear and may be arcuate in shape. A second cutline C2 extends between the first cutline C1 . The second cutline C2 is offset with respect to the fold line 19, so as to define an outer securing tab T2 struck from, or formed from material which would otherwise form, the second side panel 18. The outer securing tab T2 is integral with the tray outer securing flap 20. The second cutline C2 may be shaped so as to define a recess in a free edge of the outer securing tab T2. This may facilitate machinery tooling to be able to punch the cutout out of the second side panel 18.

[0076] Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0077] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue region GR1 of the securing panel 32. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a portion of the top panel 12 disposed between the fold line 27 and fold line F1 . Fold line F1 extends across the top panel 12. Fold line F1 may be interrupted by the aperture A1 .

[0078] The blank 10 is folded about fold line 29 to fold the securing panel 32 and the inner lid side panel 30 with respect to the outer lid side panel 28.

[0079] The securing panel 32 is brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel 12 disposed between the fold line 27 and fold line F1. The securing panel 32 is secured to the top panel 12. The inner lid side panel 30 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the outer lid side panel 28.

[0080] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue region GR2 of the tray inner securing flap 34. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the tray outer securing flap 20.

[0081] The blank 10 is folded about fold line 33 to fold the tray inner securing flap 34 with respect to the tray outer securing flap 20.

[0082] The tray inner securing flap 34 is brought into face contacting relationship with the tray outer securing flap 20. The tray inner securing flap 34 is secured to the tray outer securing flap 20.

[0083] The blank 10 is folded about fold lines 23A, 23B to fold the first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B with respect to the base panel 16.

[0084] The first side panel 14, along with the first top panel 12, is folded with respect to the base panel 16, about the fold line 15. The second side panel 18, along with the second top panel 20, is folded with respect to the base panel 16 about the fold line 17.

[0085] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue regions GR of the first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first, second, third, and fourth side end closure panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B.

[0086] The first end closure panel 22A is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 21 A, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the first bottom end closure panel 24A. The first end closure panel 22A is secured to the first bottom end closure panel 24A.

[0087] The second end closure panel 26A is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 25A, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the first bottom end closure panel 24A. The second end closure panel 26A is secured to the first bottom end closure panel 24A.

[0088] The third end closure panel 22B is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 21 B, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the second bottom end closure panel 24B. The third end closure panel 22B is secured to the second bottom end closure panel 24B.

[0089] The fourth end closure panel 26B is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 25B, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the second bottom end closure panel 24B. The fourth end closure panel 26B is secured to the second bottom end closure panel 24B.

[0090] The tray outer securing flap 20 along with the tray inner securing flap 34 is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 19, to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the second side panel 18 so as to partially close the open upper end of the tray. The tabs T1 , T2 extend outwardly of the second side wall 18.

[0091] The outer lid side panel 28 and the inner lid side panel 30 are folded with respect to the top panel 12 so as to be at least perpendicular thereto; in some embodiments, the outer lid side panel 28 and the inner lid side panel 30 may be folded, about fold line 27 through an angle greater than 90° to be obliquely oriented with respect to the top panel 12.

[0092] With the lid of the carrier 90 (top panel 12, outer lid side panel 28, inner lid side panel 30, and securing panel 32) in an open condition the carrier 90 can be loaded with a product.

[0093] The lid can be closed by folding the top panel 12 with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 13, to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the first side panel 14. The first top panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the tray outer securing flap 20. The first side panel 14, second side panel 18, base panel 16, and first and second end closure panels 24A, 24B form a tray to which the lid is hingedly connected.

[0094] The tabs T1 , T2 engage a respective one of the openings defined by apertures A6, locking the top panel 12 in a closed condition. The fold line F1 may facilitate opening of the carton 90, allowing the top panel 12 to fold about itself to enable a user to disengage the tabs T1 , T2 from the openings in the inner lid side panel 30.

[0095] The outer lid side panel 28 and the inner lid side panel 30 may be configured to be divergently arranged with respect to each other, best shown in Figures 3B and 9. In this way, a gap or void G exists between the outer lid side panel 28 and the inner lid side panel 30. The tabs T1 , T2 extend into this gap G to securely retain the lid in the closed condition.

[0096] The outer lid side panel 28 comprises a first height dimension d1 defined between fold line 27 and fold line 29.

[0097] The inner lid side panel 30 comprises a second height dimension d2 defined between fold line 29 and fold line 31 .

[0098] The first height dimension d1 is greater than the second height dimension d2, and creates the gap or void G between the outer lid side panel 28 and the inner lid side panel 30. It also creates a tubular structure, best shown in Figure 3B, having greater rigidity which may improve locking strength or security of the engagement.

[0099] The fold line F1 may provide an alignment device to facilitate alignment of the securing panel 32 with respect to the top panel 12 to ensure the gap G is created. An edge of the securing panel 32 may be aligned to the fold line F1 during assembly.

[0100] Figure 9 shows a modified version of the carton 390 of Figure 2 in which the display window, aperture A1 is formed entirely within the top panel 312 and additional ventilation apertures A8 are provided in the first side wall 318. The tab receiving openings defined by apertures A6 have a different shape, the recesses R1 have been omitted and the apertures A5 have been omitted from the outer lid side panel 328. The gap or void G between the outer lid side panel 328 and the inner lid side panel 330 is clearly shown.

[0101] Referring now to Figures 4 to 8, there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”; “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiment, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and described above, will be described in any greater detail.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a blank 110 comprising a plurality of panels 1 12, 114, 116, 118 for forming a tubular structure including a top panel 1 12 for forming, at least in part, a top wall or lid of a carrier 190 (see Figure 5). The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the viewing or display window is defined entirely within the top panel 1 12. The display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck from or defined within the top panel 112. A sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL may be secured in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the top panel 112 to close the display window. Optionally, fold line 1 13, hinging the top panel 1 12 to first side panel 114 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A8, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 113 is interrupted by one aperture A8. The aperture A8 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 1 13 and may also provide ventilation.

[0103] The fold line 115 and fold line 1 17 are interrupted by a single aperture A2, A3 respectively.

[0104] The blank 1 10 is provided with a single aperture A5 in the outer lid side panel 128 and a single aperture A8 is struck in part from the inner lid side panel 130 and in part from the securing panel 132 to form a receiver for the single two-ply tab T1 / T2 provided in part by the tray outer securing flap 120 and in part by the tray inner securing flap 134.

[0105] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a blank 210 comprising a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218 for forming a tubular structure including a top panel 212 for forming, at least in part, a top wall or lid of a carrier 290 (see Figure 7). The blank 210 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the fold line 215 and fold line 217 are interrupted by a single aperture A2, A3 respectively. The blank 210 is provided with a single aperture A5 in the outer lid side panel 228 and a single aperture A8 is struck in part from the inner lid side panel 230 and in part from the securing panel 232 to form a receiver for the single two-ply tab T1 / T2 provided in part by the tray outer securing flap 220 and in part by the tray inner securing flap 234.

[0106] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290; 390 for packaging at least one article PR. The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 comprises a tray having a base panel 16; 1 16; 216; 316 and a plurality of walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B. The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 further comprises a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray. The lid comprises: a top panel 12; 112; 212; 312 hingedly connected to said one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray; a first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 hingedly connected to the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312; and a second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328. The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises at least one tray lock panel 20, 34; 120, 134; 220, 234; 320, 334 hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray. The at least one tray lock panel 20, 34; 120, 134; 220, 234; 320, 334 comprises a locking tab T1 , T2 extending outwardly from said other wall 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray for being received in a receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0107] The at least one tray lock panel 20, 34; 120, 134; 220, 234; 320, 334 may comprise a first tray lock panel 20; 120; 220; 320 hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray and a second tray lock panel 34; 134; 234; 334 hingedly connected to the first tray lock panel 20; 120; 220; 320. The second tray lock panel 34; 134; 234; 334 may be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first tray lock panel 20; 120; 220; 320 and may be secured in face contacting relationship therewith.

[0108] The locking device may comprise a two-ply tab T1 / T2 wherein a first ply of the two-ply tab T1 / T2 is provided by the first tray lock panel 20; 120; 220; 320 and a second ply of the two- ply tab T1 / T2 is provided by the second tray lock panel 34; 134; 234; 334.

[0109] The first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 may be configured to be divergently arranged with respect the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0110] The first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 may provide an outer lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 may provide an inner lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0111] The first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 comprises a first height dimension d1 defined between a first hinged connection between the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312 and a second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0112] The second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 comprises a second height dimension d2 defined between the second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 and an opposing edge of the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330. The first height dimension d1 may be greater than the second height dimension d2.

[0113] The first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 may define, at least in part, a tubular structure into which the locking tab T1 , T2 is received.

[0114] The tubular structure may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0115] A securing panel 32; 132; 232; 332 may be hingedly connected to the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 by a third hinged connection, said third hinged connection defining the opposing edge of the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0116] The securing panel 32; 132; 232; 332 may be secured in face contacting relationship to the top panel 12; 1 12; 212; 312.

[0117] The at least one tray lock panel 20, 34; 120, 134; 220, 234; 320, 334 may comprise two or more locking tabs T1 , T2 extending outwardly from said other wall 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314; 318; 324A, 324B of the tray for being received in a respective receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330.

[0118] The top panel 12; 112; 212; 312 may comprise a fold line F1 extending across the top panel 12; 1 12; 212; 312 and arranged to be substantially parallel to the hingedly connection between the first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 and the top panel 12; 1 12; 212; 312 to facilitate disengagement of the locking tab T1 , T2 from the receiver opening.

[0119] The locking tab T1 , T2 may comprise a recess in a free edge thereof to facilitate machine tooling to handle the carton 90; 190; 290; 390 or blank 10; 1 10; 210.

[0120] The first lid wall panel 28; 128; 228; 328 may comprise an aperture A5 struck, at least in part, therefrom, the aperture A5 may be at least partially aligned with the receiver opening in the second lid wall panel 30; 130; 230; 330 so as to provide a ventilation passageway between the interior and exterior of the carton 90; 190; 290; 390.

[0121] The carton 90; 190; 290; 390 may comprise a display window defined, at least in part, in the top panel 12; 1 12; 212; 312, the display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck, at least in part, from the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312. A barrier layer FL may be secured to an inner surface of the carton 90; 190; 290; 390 to close the aperture A1 for preventing egress of product therethrough, the barrier layer FL being arranged such that the product or interior of the carton 90; 190; 290; 390 is visible therethrough.

[0122] The aperture A1 may extend into the one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B; 314, 318, 324A, 324B of the tray that the top panel 12; 1 12; 212; 312 is hingedly connected to.

[0123] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "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.

[0124] 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. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0125] As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0126] It should be understood that hinged connections 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 cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, 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.

[0127] The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A carton for packaging at least one article, the carton comprising a tray having a base panel and a plurality of walls, the carton further comprising a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls of the tray, the lid comprising: a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray; a first lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel; and a second lid wall panel hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel and secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel, wherein the carton comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray, the locking device comprises at least one tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray, the at least one tray lock panel comprises a locking tab extending outwardly from said other wall of the tray for being received in a receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel.2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one tray lock panel comprises a first tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray and a second tray lock panel hingedly connected to the first tray lock panel.3 An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the second tray lock panel is disposed in face- to-face relationship with the first tray lock panel.4 An article carrier according to claim 3, wherein the second tray lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the first tray lock panel.5 An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the locking device comprises a two-ply tab, a first ply of the two-ply tab being provided by the first tray lock panel and a second ply of the two-ply tab is provided by the second tray lock panel.6 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid wall panel is configured to be divergently arranged with respect the second lid wall panel.7 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid wall panel provides an outer lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel provides an inner lid wall panel.8 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid wall panel comprises a first height dimension defined between a first hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the top panel and a second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel.9 An article carrier according to claim 8, wherein the second lid wall panel comprises a second height dimension defined between the second hinged connection between the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel and an opposing edge of the second lid wall panel.10 An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the first height dimension is greater than the second height dimension.1 1 . An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid wall panel and the second lid wall panel define, at least in part, a tubular structure into which the locking tab is received.

12. An article carrier according to claim 11 , wherein the tubular structure has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

13. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the carton comprises a securing panel hingedly connected to the second lid wall panel by a third hinged connection.

14. An article carrier according to claim 13, wherein the securing panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the top panel.

15. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one tray lock panel comprises two or more locking tabs extending outwardly from said other wall of the tray for being received in a respective receiver opening defined, at least in part, in the second lid wall panel.

16. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the top panel comprises a fold line extending across the top panel and arranged to be substantially parallel to the hingedly connection between the first lid wall panel and the top panel to facilitate disengagement of the locking tab from the receiver opening.

17. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the locking tab comprises a recess in a free edge thereof to facilitate machine tooling to handle the carton.

18. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first lid wall panel comprises an aperture struck, at least in part, therefrom, the aperture may be at least partially aligned with the receiver opening in the second lid wall panel so as to provide a ventilation passageway between the interior and exterior of the carton.

19. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the carton comprises a display window defined, at least in part, in the top panel, the display window comprises an aperture struck, at least in part, from the top panel.

20. An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein a barrier layer is secured to an inner surface of the carton to close the aperture for preventing egress of product therethrough, the barrier layer being arranged such that the product or interior of the carton is visible therethrough.21 . An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein the aperture extends into the one of the walls of the tray that the top panel is hingedly connected to.

22. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of tray panels for forming a tray including a base panel and a plurality of walls, the blank further comprising a plurality of lid panels for forming a lid, the plurality of lid panels comprising: a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray; a first lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel;and a second lid wall panel hingedly connected to the first lid wall panel and configured to be secured in a spaced apart relationship to the first lid wall panel in a setup carton, wherein the blank comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray, the locking device comprises at least one tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray, the at least one tray lock panel comprises a locking tab integral therewith and configured to extend outwardly from said other wall of the tray in a setup carton, and wherein the second lid wall panel comprises a receiver opening for receiving the locking tab.