Article carriers and blanks therefor

The carrier system with a locking mechanism for cartons addresses the need for secure and efficient collapsing and storage of cartons by utilizing hingedly connected panels and a locking device with male and female tabs and openings, enhancing packaging efficiency and security.

EP4217279B1Active Publication Date: 2025-06-11WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2021795118
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-09-25
Filing Date
2021-09-24
Publication Date
2025-06-11
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing carton designs lack an effective locking mechanism to securely collapse and store cartons in a flat form, which is essential for efficient packaging and transportation.

Method used

A carrier system comprising at least four hingedly connected panels that form a tubular structure, equipped with a locking device featuring male and female locking tabs and openings, allowing the carton to be securely locked in a flat collapsed form.

Benefits of technology

The proposed solution enables the carton to be efficiently collapsed and stored, maintaining the security and integrity of the contents, while also allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, thus addressing the need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

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Abstract

A locking device, a package, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The carrier (90; 290) comprises at least four panels (14, 16, 18, 20; 114, 116, 118, 120) hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure. The carrier (90; 290) comprises a locking device (L1 / L2) for locking the tubular structure in a flat collapsed form. In the flat collapsed form, a first one of the at least four panels (14, 16, 18, 20; 114, 116, 118, 120) is in an overlapping arrangement with a second one of the at least four panels (14, 16, 18, 20; 114, 116, 118, 120). The locking device comprises at least one male locking tab (42; 150A, 150B) formed from the first one of the at least four panels (14, 16, 18, 20; 114, 116, 118, 120) and at least one female locking opening for engaging with the at least one male locking tab (42; 150A, 150B). The at least one female locking opening is defined in the second one of the at least four panels (14, 16, 18, 20; 114, 116, 118, 120) at such a position that the at least one female opening registers with the at least one male locking tab when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form (42; 150A, 150B).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Collapsible bottle carrier

    US2395711A