Carton and blank thereof

Abstract

To manufacture a carton having a sufficiently strong rugged carrying handle structure to carry a load of an article to be packaged.SOLUTION: An embodiment according to the present disclosure relates to a carton for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank for forming a carrier. The carton comprises a plurality of panels including side panels and heel panels each, that are hinge-connected with a side panel by a folding line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom part reception openings including first openings and second openings. According to each of the first openings and the second openings, part of which are formed to side panels, and part of which are formed to heel panels. The first openings each comprise a first maximum width measured along a conceptual line in parallel with the folding line. The second openings each comprise a second maximum width measured along the conceptual line in parallel with the folding line. The second maximum width is larger than the first maximum width.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 915,998, filed October 16, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to cartons and blanks for forming same. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to wraparound carriers having article receiving openings for receiving the bottom or heel of an article. [Background technology]

[0003] In the packaging art, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and serve to transport, store, and enable consumers to access groups of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and produce as little waste as possible of the material from which they are formed. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and the suitability of the carton to hold and transport large quantities of articles. It is desirable for the contents of the carton to be safe within the carton. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to produce cartons with carrying handle structures that are strong and sturdy enough to carry the load of the packaged items.

[0005] The present invention provides an improvement in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in the side panel and the heel panel. Each of the first and second openings may be partially formed in the side panel and partially formed in the heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line. The second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a top wall, a base panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel.

[0008] Optionally, the first opening is positioned a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is positioned a second distance from another end of the carton, the first distance being significantly less than the second distance.

[0009] Optionally, the carton further includes a handle on at least a top panel of the carton, the handle being vertically aligned with the second opening when the carton is viewed from the side.

[0010] Optionally, the plurality of bottom receiving openings further includes a third opening located a third distance from the other end, the third distance being approximately equal to the first distance, such that the second opening is interposed between the first opening and the third opening.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, including a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a base panel hinged to said heel panel by a second fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first opening and the second opening may be formed partially in the side panel and partially in the heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined only by an arched free edge extending from the first fold line to the side wall and returning to the first fold line. The first opening has a first maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthest from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end defined only by an arched free edge extending from the first fold line to the side wall and returning to the first fold line. The second opening has a maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthest from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening may be greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

[0012] Optionally, the first opening is positioned a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is positioned a second distance from another end of the carton, the first distance being significantly less than the second distance.

[0013] Optionally, the carton further includes a handle on at least a top panel of the carton, the handle being vertically aligned with the second opening when the carton is viewed from the side.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of bottom receiving openings further includes a third opening located a third distance from the other end, the third distance being approximately equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first opening and the third opening.

[0015] Optionally, the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the first fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the first fold line, the second maximum width of the second opening being greater than the first maximum width of the first opening measured along a notional line parallel to the first fold line.

[0016] A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including side panels and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panels by fold lines. The blank comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first opening and the second opening may be formed partially in the side panels and partially in the heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width along a notional line parallel to the fold lines. The second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the fold lines. The second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold lines.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a base panel hinged to the heel panel by a second fold line. The blank comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first opening and the second opening may be formed partially in the side panel and partially in the heel panel. The first opening has an upper end defined only by an arched free edge extending from the first fold line to the side wall and returning to the first fold line. The first opening has a first maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthest from the second fold line. The second opening has an upper end defined only by an arched free edge extending from the first fold line to the side wall and returning to the first fold line. The second opening has a maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the arched free edge furthest from the second fold line. The second maximum height of the second opening may be greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a carton or blank for packaging one or more articles. The carton or blank comprises a plurality of panels including side panels and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panels by fold lines. The carton or blank comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening. Each opening is formed partially in the side panels and partially in the heel panel. The first opening comprises a pair of opposing first side edges and the second opening comprises a pair of opposing second side edges. The opposing pair of second side edges are divergently disposed relative to one another and define a second angle therebetween. The second angle is greater than the first angle defined by the opposing pair of first side edges.

[0019] It is contemplated or intended that within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings may be considered or interpreted independently or in any combination thereof.

[0020] A feature or element described in connection with or in relation to one embodiment is applicable to all embodiments, unless there is an incompatibility of that feature. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and a feature or element extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

[0021] Any feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment, or any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the carton of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] A comparison between the first heel engagement structure N1 and the second heel engagement structure N2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing an alternative format for the second opening of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing an alternative format for the second opening of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Detailed descriptions of certain embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be implemented. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as examples, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in a variety of 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 have not necessarily been described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims, as well as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0025] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90 may be formed for containing and transporting a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as Item B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0026] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container 90 for engaging and carrying an article B, such as a primary product container B, for non-limiting purposes of describing various features of the present invention. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to a variety of product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, cups, pots, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0027] The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of a suitable substrate. As used herein, it should be understood that the term "suitable substrate" may include any type of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be used, where appropriate, for example, providing a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0028] The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein is formed from a sheet material, such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with a material to enhance its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK Paperboard® manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided in multiple layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide one or more properties, such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desirable functional properties.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an mxn matrix or array having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3), and in the illustrated embodiment, two columns of three items B are provided, where items B are 500 ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 10 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers and sizes of items B, such as, but not limited to, a fully enclosed carton or basket carrier, where items B may be bottles or cans, and / or for packaging items B in different arrangements or configurations.

[0030] Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figure 3) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 includes a first base panel 12, a first corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner panel 22, and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one after the other by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted and the fold lines 15, 21 may also be omitted.

[0032] The first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be considered to form the lower portions of the corresponding first or second side panels 16, 20, or may be considered to form the lower portions of the respective first or second base panels 12, 24 to which they are hinged.

[0033] The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90, as shown in FIG. 3. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12 / 24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include complementary locking mechanisms for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 24 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 includes a plurality of female tabs F that define an opening in the first base panel 12. The second base panel 24 includes a plurality of male tabs M, the opening in the first base panel 12 receiving a corresponding one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are configured to extend from the first base panel 12 to form an opening and to support the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M / F may be omitted and the first and second base panels 12, 24 may be secured to one another by other means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

[0034] Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may include at least one first opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 includes two first openings A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may include at least one second opening A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 includes one second opening A2. The first and second openings A1, A2 may be used to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage the first and second openings A1, A2 to enable the multiple panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to be clamped around a group of articles B. The first and second openings A1, A2 may also be used to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 24 relative to one another or to align a first portion of a complementary locking mechanism with a second portion of a complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanisms shown and described are entirely optional.

[0035] The blank 10 may include at least one heel engagement structure N1, N2 for engaging a heel or bottom of an article B. The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 includes six heel engagement structures N1, N2, each provided for engaging a corresponding article B. The blank 10 includes four first or outer heel engagement structures N1. The blank 10 includes two second or inner heel engagement structures N2.

[0036] Each of the first heel-engaging structures N1 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to the first heel-engaging structure N1 provided on the second side panel 20 and shown in detail in FIG.

[0037] The first heel-engagement structure N1 may include an opening defined in part by the first heel opening A3 and in part by a heel tab 42. The heel tab 42 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 24 by a fold line 43. The heel tab 42 is at least partially stamped out of the second corner panel 22.

[0038] Fold line 43 interrupts fold line 23 hingedly connecting second base panel 24 to second corner panel 22. Fold line 43 is non-linear and in the illustrated embodiment, fold line 43 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In other embodiments, it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines arranged divergently from one another and adjacent to each other.

[0039] Heel tab 42 may include a pair of divergently disposed fold lines 45a, 45b that define foldable corner portions of heel tab 42.

[0040] Each of the second heel-engaging structures N2 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to the second heel-engaging structure N2 provided on the second side panel 20 and shown in detail in FIG.

[0041] The second heel-engagement structure N2 may include an opening defined in part by the second heel opening A5 and in part by a heel tab 42. The heel tab 42 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 24 by a fold line 43. The heel tab 42 is at least partially stamped out of the second corner panel 22.

[0042] Fold line 43 interrupts fold line 23 hingedly connecting second base panel 24 to second corner panel 22. Fold line 43 is non-linear and in the illustrated embodiment, fold line 43 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In other embodiments, it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines arranged divergently from one another and adjacent to each other.

[0043] Heel tab 42 may include a pair of divergently disposed fold lines 45a, 45b that define foldable corner portions of heel tab 42.

[0044] The first heel opening or opening A3 includes a maximum width dimension W1. The maximum width dimension W1 extends along a notional line parallel to the fold line 21. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the maximum width dimension W1 of the first opening A3 extends along a notional extension of the fold line 21.

[0045] The first heel opening A3 includes a pair of opposing first side edges and a first arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposing side edges are disposed to diverge from one another. The pair of opposing side edges diverge toward the top panel 18. The pair of opposing side edges define a first angle θ1 therebetween.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first angle θ1 may be less than 20°, for example, about 16°. In other embodiments, a pair of opposing side edges of the first heel opening A3 are parallel, and in such embodiments, the first angle θ1 may be considered to be zero or undefined.

[0047] The second heel opening or opening A5 includes a maximum width dimension W2. The maximum width dimension W2 extends along a notional line that is collinear with the fold line 21. In other words, the maximum width dimension W2 of the second opening A5 extends along a notional extension of the fold line 21.

[0048] The second heel opening A5 includes a pair of opposing second side edges and a second arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposing side edges are disposed to diverge from one another. The pair of opposing side edges diverge toward the top panel 18. The pair of opposing side edges define a second angle θ2 therebetween.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second angle θ2 may be greater than 20°, and in some embodiments, the second angle θ2 may be greater than 30°, for example, about 40°.

[0050] The second maximum width dimension W2 is greater than the first maximum width dimension W1.

[0051] The first heel opening A3 includes a first height dimension H1.

[0052] The second heel opening A5 includes a second height dimension H2. The second height dimension H2 may be greater than the first height dimension H1.

[0053] The second angle θ2 is greater than the first angle θ1.

[0054] The opposing pair of first side edges may define a first notional convergence point. In embodiments in which the opposing pair of first side edges are parallel, there is no first notional convergence point.

[0055] A second pair of opposing side edges defines a second notional convergence point that is closer to fold line 23 than the first notional convergence point.

[0056] The second arcuate edge is longer than the first arcuate edge, which is best seen in FIG.

[0057] The heel tab 42 and fold line 43 of the first heel-engaging structure N1 are substantially the same dimensions as the heel tab 42 and fold line 43 of the second heel-engaging structure N2. The first and second heel openings A3, A5 may be substantially similar in dimensions proximate the fold line 43.

[0058] Top panel 18 may include an optional handle structure H. Handle structure H includes a pair of foldable finger tabs 52. Finger tabs 52 are spaced apart from one another. Finger tabs 52 are hinged to top panel 18 by fold line 53 and defined in part by cut line or tear line 55. A first one of finger tabs 52 is hinged to top panel 18 on an opposite side from a second one of finger tabs 52.

[0059] The top panel 18 may include a removable portion D in the form of a tear strip. The removable portion D is defined by a first tear or cut line 62a and by a second tear or cut line 62b. The first and second cut lines 62a, 62b generally extend longitudinally across the top panel 18. The second cut line 62b is laterally spaced from the first cut line 62a. A tear initiation device in the form of a pull tab 60a, 60b may be provided at each end of the tear strip. The pull tabs 60a, 60b are hinged to the tear strip by corresponding fold lines 61a, 61b and may be defined in part by a weakened line that is more easily torn than the first and second cut lines 62a, 62b, i.e., less tear resistant than the first and second cut lines 62a, 62b.

[0060] Removable portion D may facilitate access to the contents of carton 90, item B, upon removal thereof.

[0061] Each of the panels 12, 16, 18, 20, 24 is formed with a pair of cutouts or recesses defined in opposing end edges of the blank 10. The cutouts include complete major cutouts and partial or minor cutouts.

[0062] A first major cutout is defined in the top panel 18 near the midpoint along each of its opposing end edges. A second major cutout is defined in each end edge of the first side panel 16. A third major cutout is defined in each end edge of the second side panel 20.

[0063] A minor notch is defined in each of the opposing end edges of each of the first and second base panels 12,24.

[0064] As a result, blank 10 has four tabs along either longitudinal edge thereof, each tab being sandwiched between adjacent notches.

[0065] 1, the first upper tab is defined by adjacently disposed first and third cutouts. The second upper tab is defined by adjacently disposed first and second cutouts. The first lower tab is defined by the second cutout and a first partial cutout defined in the first base panel 12. The second lower tab is defined by the third cutout and a second partial cutout defined in the second base panel 24.

[0066] The first top tab is positioned across adjacent fold line 19. The second top tab is positioned across adjacent fold line 17.

[0067] The first bottom tab is positioned across adjacent fold lines 13, 15. The second bottom tab is positioned across adjacent fold lines 21, 23.

[0068] Each of the first and second top tabs forms or helps form an end retention structure to prevent the contents of the carton 90 from becoming dislodged from the carton 90 when the blank 10 is assembled into the carton 90. The second top tab has a cut line and a fold line to form an upper engagement structure when folded along the fold lines.

[0069] More specifically, each top tab includes an anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel 16, 20 along a fold line 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b. Each top tab includes a gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly connected to the anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.

[0070] Each top tab includes a web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b hinged to a gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along an extension 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b of a corresponding one of the fold lines 17, 19. Each top tab includes a cover portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b integrally formed with the top panel 18. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hinged to a corresponding cover portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b by a fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b.

[0071] Optional apertures A4 may be punched partially through the top panel 18, partially through the first or second side panels 16, 20, and partially through each adjacent top tab. The apertures A4 define the ends of each of the fold lines 17, 19; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b, and are located at the apexes of said fold lines.

[0072] The folding of each top tab occurs during erection of the carton. To form the top engagement structure from each top tab, the anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b are folded approximately 180 degrees into face-contacting relationship with the inner surface of the adjacent side panel 16, 20. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b are held in the folded position by being pressed against the adjacent side panel 16, 20 by one of the packaged articles B. The folding of the anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the gusset portions 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to fold outwardly about the fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b such that the gusset portions 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extend outwardly from the fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the side wall of one of the packaged articles B. Simultaneously, web portions 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b are folded downwardly along fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, thereby bringing web portions 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b into a folded position extending between fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and the outer edges of gusset portions 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The completed top engagement structure is shown in FIG. 2, where it is shown securely engaged to the top of one article B.

[0073] Each bottom tab helps provide sufficient material within which an adjacent first or extreme heel opening A3 is defined. More specifically, the first heel opening A3 adjacent each bottom tab is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the first heel opening A3 even when the first heel opening A3 extends into that bottom tab. During assembly and packaging of the articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated such that each first heel opening A3 receives the bottom of a corresponding article B to retain the article B within the carton 90. The heel tabs 42 are also folded to help retain the article B.

[0074] Each bottom tab includes a deformable folding structure FS that forms a foldable corner region of the carton 90, best shown in FIG. 2. The deformable structure FS takes the form of an arrangement of fold lines and is adapted to eliminate or reduce the creation of sharp corners or edges of the carton 90. This may be advantageous when the carton 90 is to be shipped or conveyed in a carry bag, particularly one formed from, but not limited to, plastic, paper, or similar sheet material. The deformable structure FS prevents or reduces the possibility that the carton 90 will puncture, tear, or otherwise pierce the material from which the carry bag is formed. It will be appreciated that puncturing the carry bag will compromise the load-bearing capacity of the carry bag, and once compromised, the tear may propagate, leading to the exit of, and resulting damage to, the carton 90 or other items disposed within the carry bag.

[0075] Each deformable structure FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to the deformable structure FS provided in one of the second bottom tabs shown in Figure 2. The second bottom tab is formed in part from the second side panel 20, in part from the optional second corner panel 22, and in part from the second base panel 24.

[0076] The deformable structure FS includes a relief tab 88 formed in part from the second side panel 20 and in part from the second corner panel 22. In embodiments in which the first or second corner panels 14, 22 are omitted, the relief tab 88 is formed in part from the second side panel 20 and in part from the second base panel 24.

[0077] The relief tab 88 is defined in part by a first fold line 87 in the second side panel 20 and in part by a second fold line 91 in the second corner panel 22 .

[0078] The first fold line 87 is disposed divergently relative to the second fold line 91. The first and second fold lines 87, 91 diverge toward a longitudinal or free side edge of the blank 10. The first and second fold lines 87, 91 include first ends disposed proximally relative to one another and second ends disposed distally relative to one another.

[0079] The relief tab 88 is defined in part by a cut or separable line 93. The cut line 93 may extend from a first proximal end of the first fold line 87 toward a first proximal end of the second fold line 91. The cut line 93 may extend substantially between a first proximal end of the first fold line 87 and a first proximal end of the second fold line 91. The cut line 93 may contiguously connect a first end of the first fold line 87 with a first end of the second fold line 91. The cut line 93 may be disposed to be generally parallel to an adjacent portion of a longitudinal or free side edge of the second bottom tab. The relief tab 88 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

[0080] An extension or portion of fold line 21 defines a third fold line 89 that substantially bisects relief tab 88. In other embodiments, third fold line 89 can be off-center such that relief tab 88 is asymmetric with respect to third fold line 89.

[0081] The relief tab 88 may include a first notch or recess R1 punched from its longitudinal or free side edge. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the recess R1 is substantially triangular to define a "V" shaped free edge. The recess R1 interrupts the third fold line 89. The third fold line 89 terminates at an apex of the "V". The recess R1 removes material spanning the third fold line 89 to reduce the protrusion of the third fold line 89 proximate the free edge of the second bottom tab. The recess R1 provides a clipped edge of the third fold line 89.

[0082] A relief tab 88 is disposed between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second bottom tab 72c and the adjacent first heel opening A3.

[0083] The deformable structure FS may comprise a web structure including a pair of flaps 84, 86. The first flap 84 is hinged to the second side panel 20 by a fourth fold line 83. The fourth fold line 83 may be substantially collinear with or offset from the longitudinal free edge of the third major cutout. The second flap 86 is hinged to the first flap 84 by a fifth fold line 85. The fifth fold line 83 is divergently disposed relative to the fourth fold line 83. The first flap 84 is substantially triangular in shape. The second flap 86 is hinged to a relief tab 88 by a first fold line 87. The fifth fold line 83 is divergently disposed relative to the first fold line 87. The second flap 86 is substantially triangular in shape.

[0084] The first and second flaps 84 , 86 interconnect a relief tab 88 to the second side panel 20 .

[0085] The deformable structure FS allows the portion of the second bottom tab provided by the second side panel 20 (and the optional second corner panel 22, if provided) to fold or deform around the end of the most adjacent item B, so that the free edge of said portion of the second bottom tab is close to the most adjacent item B. This reduces the stiffness of the outer region of said portion of the second bottom tab so that it can be easily deformed. In this way, the possibility of the second bottom tab puncturing the wall of the carry bag when placed inside, either during loading or transportation of the carry bag, is reduced. This can reduce the practice of "double-backing" where a first carry bag is placed inside a second carry bag to create a two-layer wall.

[0086] The deformable structure FS may include a second notch or recess R2 punched from its longitudinal or free side edge. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second recess R2 is substantially triangular to define a "V" shaped free edge portion. The second recess R2 interrupts the fold line 23 that joins the second base panel 24 to the second corner panel 22. The fold line 23 terminates at the apex of the "V". The second recess R2 removes material spanning the fold line 23 to reduce the protrusion of the fold line 23 adjacent the free edge of the second bottom tab. The second recess R2 provides a clipped edge of the fold line 23.

[0087] Turning to the construction of carton 90 as shown in Figure 2, carton 90 may be formed by a series of successive folding operations on a linear machine such that carton 90 does not need to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to those described below and may be modified based on particular manufacturing requirements.

[0088] Article group B is assembled, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, six articles B arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel 18 of blank 10 is placed over article group B to provide the top wall 18 of carton 90.

[0089] The first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded about fold lines 17, 19, respectively, to be disposed about opposing sides of group B of articles B to form first and second side walls 16, 20 of the carton 90, respectively, about opposite sides of group B of articles B, relative to the top panel 18.

[0090] The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 can be folded into a face-contacting relationship with a corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 substantially simultaneously with folding the first and second side panels 16, 20 relative to the top panel 18 to form the upper engagement structure described above.

[0091] Alternatively, the upper engagement structures may be formed after the carton 90 is erected into a tubular form. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 may be wedged between an adjacently disposed article B and a corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 to which they are hingedly connected.

[0092] The first and second corner panels 14,22 are folded about corresponding fold lines 15,21 around the heel or bottom of the article B adjacently disposed relative to a corresponding one of the first and second side panels 16,20.

[0093] The heel tab 42 may be folded out of the plane of the first and second corner panels 14,22 about a fold line 43 prior to folding over the corresponding first and second side panels 16,20 of the first and second corner panels 14,22.

[0094] The first base panel 12 is folded about fold line 13 so as to be positioned adjacent to the base of group B of articles, and then the second base panel 24 is folded about fold line 23 so as to be in at least a partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12, such that each of the heel tabs 42 can be engaged with the base of the corresponding article B.

[0095] The first and second base panels 12, 24 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 24. In doing so, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly to create a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in corresponding ones of the openings to lock the first and second base panels 12, 24 together. In this manner, a tubular structure is formed around the group of articles B.

[0096] The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows a side view of the carton 90.

[0097] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging an article B. The carton 90 comprises a plurality of bottom receiving openings including first and second openings or openings A3, A5. Each of the first and second openings A3, A5 is partially formed in the side walls 16, 20 and partially formed in the heel panel 14, 22 hinged to the side walls 16, 20 by fold lines 15, 21. The first opening A3 has a maximum width W1 dimension along a notional line parallel to the fold lines 15, 21. The second opening A5 has a maximum width W2 dimension along an extension of the notional line of the fold lines 15, 21. The maximum width W2 of the second opening A5 is greater than the maximum width W1 of the first opening A3.

[0098] The first and second openings A3, A5 are widest at or around the fold lines 15, 21.

[0099] The maximum width dimensions W1, W2 of the first and second openings A3, A5 are measured along a longitudinally extending axis or notional line of the carton 90, i.e., along the tubular axis of the tubular structure defined by the plurality of major panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. The axis or notional line may be oriented transversely to the blank 10, the transverse axis of the blank being indicated by the letter x in FIG. 1 and the longitudinal axis by the letter y. The transverse axis of the blank extends between the opposing end retention structures. The longitudinal axis extends between the first and second base panels 12, 24.

[0100] In the set up carton 90, the tubular axis may be referred to or considered as the longitudinal axis of the carton 90. The transverse axis or direction may extend between the opposing side panels 16, 20.

[0101] The blank 10 may be formed from a material having a grain or machine direction, which may extend between the first and second base panels 12, 28 parallel to the direction of arrow y in FIG.

[0102] It has been found that increasing the width of the second opening A5 may increase the strength or robustness of the carton 90 when the carrying handle H is used. It may reduce the likelihood of a tear propagating from the opening A5. It is believed that increasing the width of the second opening A5 may allow the material forming the carton 90 to stretch or deform to a greater extent than it would otherwise. The shape of the opening A5 may also distribute the load over a larger or wider area of ​​the side walls 16, 20. The second opening A5 may distribute the load to adjacent articles B, such as beverage cans or bottles, to a greater extent than the first opening A3.

[0103] By providing an interior or centrally located second opening A5 with an enlarged width and an exterior or endmost first opening A3 with a narrower width dimension, the strength or robustness of the carton 90 is improved without compromising the integrity of the carton 90 or the retention of the items B within the carton 90. By providing a smaller, narrower, and / or shorter height first opening A3, the end regions of the side panels 16, 20 of the carton 90 do not stretch or deform as easily as the interior regions where the larger second opening A5 is provided.

[0104] In some embodiments, the carton 90 may include one or more second openings A5 in an area of ​​the side panels 16, 20 generally below or aligned with the carrying handle H of the top panel 18. In other embodiments, the carton 90 may include a plurality of second openings A5 disposed between a pair of first openings A3, each disposed adjacent an end of the carton 90. In some embodiments, the carton 90 may include at least one second opening A5 disposed between two or more first openings A3 disposed adjacent a first end of the carton 90 and two or more first openings A3 disposed adjacent a second opposing end of the carton 90.

[0105] The first opening A3 is located a first distance D1 from an end E1 of the carton 90 or blank 10, and the second opening A5 is located a second distance D2 from the other end E2 of the carton. The first distance D1 is significantly smaller than the second distance D2.

[0106] The plurality of bottom receiving openings may include a third opening located a third distance D3 from the other end E2, the third distance D3 being approximately equal to the first distance D1 such that the second opening A5 is interposed between the first and third openings A3.

[0107] The first opening A3 is disposed a first distance D1 from the first end E1 of the carton 90 or blank 10, and the second opening A5 is disposed a fourth distance D4 from the first end E1 of the carton. The first distance D1 is significantly less than the second distance D2.

[0108] The carton 90 may include a handle H on at least the top panel 18 of the carton 90, the handle H being vertically aligned with the second opening A5 when the carton 90 is viewed from the side.

[0109] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carton with multiple bottom receiving openings, including first and second openings A3, A5, each formed partially in the sidewalls 16, 20 and partially in the heel panel 14, 22. The heel panel 14, 22 is hinged to the sidewalls 16, 20 by a first fold line 15, 21 and to the bottom panel 12, 24 by a second fold line 13, 23. Referring to FIG. 2, the second opening A5 has an upper end defined only by an arched free edge FE2 that extends from the first fold line 15, 21 to the sidewalls 16, 20 and returns to the first fold line 15, 21. The second opening A5 has a maximum height H2 from the second fold line 13, 23 to a point on the arched free edge FE2 furthest from the second fold line 13, 23. The first opening A3 has a maximum height H1 from the second fold line 13, 23 to a point on the free edge FE1 furthest from the second fold line 13, 23. The maximum height H2 of the second opening A5 is greater than the maximum height H1 of the first opening A3. The arched free edge FE2 of the second opening A5 may be free of a hinge connection to other parts of the carton and / or the arched free edge FE2 of the second opening A5 may be symmetrical about a notional line that is perpendicular to the first fold lines 15, 21 and extends along the side walls 16, 20.

[0110] Optionally, the second opening can have an alternative shape at its top. Such alternative forms of the second opening are shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 shows an alternative second opening A6 having an upper end defined by a generally square free edge FE2. The free edge EF2 of the second opening A6 extends upward from the first fold line 221 to the side wall 220, rotates to extend generally horizontally, and then extends downward back to the first fold line 221. Fig. 7 shows another alternative second opening A7 similar to Fig. 6, but the free edge FE2 of the second opening A7 has its vertical segment intersecting the first fold line 321, as opposed to emerging from the first fold line 221 as in Fig. 6. Each of the second openings A6, A7 has a maximum height H2 that extends from the second fold line 223, 323 to a horizontally extending segment of the corresponding square free edge FE2. The maximum height H2 of the second openings A6, A7 is greater than the maximum height of the associated first openings.

[0111] The carton 90 is formed from blanks 10 which may each be nested with similar blanks to form the carton 90 .

[0112] The blank 10 includes longitudinal edges having a plurality of indentations therebetween that define tabs. The indentations may be positioned such that the blank 10 may be nested with similar blanks 10. The tabs provide upper and lower corner portions of the carton 90. The lower corner portions may include deformable folding structures FS that allow the lower corner portions to deform or fold to reduce the sharpness of the lower corner portions of the carton 90. The deformable folding structures FS allow the lower corner portions to easily fold and round when a load is applied.

[0113] It will be understood that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and openings can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

[0114] As used herein, the terms "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.

[0115] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to any type of line that defines the hinge function of the blank, facilitates folding portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicates the optimal panel folding position of the blank. References to a "hinge connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line, and in fact, a hinge connection can be formed from two or more fold lines, each of which can be either straight / linear or curved / curved in shape. When straight fold lines form a hinge connection, they can be disposed parallel to one another or slightly angled relative to one another. When curved fold lines form a hinge connection, they can intersect with one another to define a shaped panel within the area bounded by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points to define an oval panel between them. A hinge connection can be formed from one or more straight fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a combination of straight fold lines and arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel between them.

[0116] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to any one of a score line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, an aligned slit line, a score line, or any combination of these options.

[0117] It should be understood that the hinge connections and fold lines may each include elements formed in the blank substrate, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and positioned to provide the required functionality. For example, perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold and / or cut lines. Perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, to facilitate folding and easier breakage with more effort, or to facilitate breakage with less effort.

[0118] The term "aligned" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an opening formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. The elements that are aligned with one another may be aligned with one another in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening in a first panel is "aligned" with a second opening in a second panel that is disposed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of the edge and be aligned with the second opening in the thickness direction of the first and second panels of the second opening.

[0119] [Section 1] A carton for packaging one or more items, comprising: The carton comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line; the carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in the side panel and the heel panel; the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line, the second maximum width being greater than the first maximum width. [Section 2] 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes a top wall, a base panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. [Section 3] 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first opening is located a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is located a second distance from another end of the carton, the first distance being significantly less than the second distance. [Section 4] 10. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a handle on at least a top panel of the carton, the handle being aligned approximately vertically with the second opening when the carton is viewed from the side. [Section 5] 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the plurality of bottom receiving openings further includes a third opening disposed a third distance from the other end, the third distance being approximately equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first opening and the third opening. [Section 6] A carton for packaging one or more items, comprising: The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, including a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a base panel hinged to the heel panel by a second fold line; The carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in a side panel and a heel panel; the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge extending from a first fold line to a sidewall and back to the first fold line, the first opening having a first maximum height from a second fold line to a point on the first free edge furthest from the second fold line; the second opening has an upper end defined only by a second free edge that extends from the first fold line to the side wall and returns to the first fold line, the second opening having a maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge farthest from the second fold line; The carton, wherein a second maximum height of the second opening is greater than a first maximum height of the first opening. [Section 7] 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the first opening is located a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is located a second distance from another end of the carton, the first distance being significantly less than the second distance. [Section 8] 7. The carton of claim 6, further comprising a handle on at least a top panel of the carton, the handle being aligned approximately vertically with the second opening when the carton is viewed from the side. [Section 9] 8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the plurality of bottom receiving openings further includes a third opening located a third distance from the other end, the third distance being approximately equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first opening and the third opening. [Section 10] 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width along a notional line parallel to the first fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the first fold line, the second maximum width of the second opening being greater than the first maximum width of the first opening measured along the notional line parallel to the first fold line. [Section 11] 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the second free edge is free of a hinge connection to other portions of the carton. [Section 12] 7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the second free edge is perpendicular to the first fold line and symmetrical about a notional line extending along the side panel. [Section 13] A carton for packaging one or more items, comprising: The carton includes a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line; the carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in the side panel and the heel panel; the first opening includes a pair of opposing first side edges and the second opening includes a pair of opposing second side edges, the pair of opposing second side edges being divergently disposed with respect to one another and defining a second angle therebetween, the second angle being greater than a first angle defined by the pair of opposing first side edges. [Section 14] A blank for forming a carton, comprising: The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line; the blank includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in the side panel and the heel panel; the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, and the second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line, the second maximum width being greater than the first maximum width. [Section 15] A blank for forming a carton, comprising: The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel, a heel panel hinged to the side panel by a first fold line, and a base panel hinged to the heel panel by a second fold line; The blank includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening being formed partially in a side panel and a heel panel; the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge extending from a first fold line to a sidewall and back to the first fold line, the first opening having a first maximum height from a second fold line to a point on the first free edge furthest from the second fold line; the second opening has an upper end defined only by a second free edge that extends from the first fold line to the side wall and returns to the first fold line, the second opening having a maximum height from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge farthest from the second fold line; A blank, wherein a second maximum height of the second opening is greater than a first maximum height of the first opening. [Section 16] 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the second free edge is free of a hinge connection to another portion of the carton. [Section 17] 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the second free edge is perpendicular to the first fold line and symmetrical about a notional line extending along the side panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Blank 12 First Base Panel 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43, 45, 53 Fold lines 14 First Corner Panel 16 First Side Panel 18 Top Panel 20 Second Side Panel 22 Second Corner Panel 24 Second Base Panel 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b Anchor part 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b Gusset parts 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b extension 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b Web parts 42 Heel tab 52 Finger Tab 55 Cut line or cutting line 62a First tear or cut line 62b Second tear or cut line 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b Cover parts 87, 221, 321 First fold line 88 Relief Tab 89 Third fold line 90 cartons 91, 223, 323 Second fold line 93 Cut Line A1 First opening A2 Second opening A3 First heel opening A4 Optional Aperture A5 Second Heel Opening A6, A7 Second opening B Goods D. Removable parts D1~D4 Distance 1~4 E1, E2 ends FS Transformable Structure F Female tab FE1, FE2 Free Edge H-handle structure, carrying handle H1, H2 maximum height M Male tab N1, N2 heel engagement structure R1 First notch or recess W1 First maximum width dimension W2 Second maximum width dimension θ1 First angle θ2 Second angle

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A carton for packaging one or more items, comprising: The carton comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line; the carton includes a plurality of bottom receiving openings including a first opening and a second opening, each opening partially formed in the side panel and the heel panel; the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line and the second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line, the second maximum width being greater than the first maximum width.

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