Connected blank sets and blanks

Abstract

It would be desirable to simplify the construction of the blanks into a carrier, and provide a set of connected blanks and blanks that allow multiple connected blanks to be assembled simultaneously into a package. [Solution] A set of connected blanks 10a-10d each forming a top-engaged carrier, the blanks being removably connected in a matrix manner, each blank having a plurality of top receiving openings A1-A6, a first distance (D1) between the centers of each of two adjacent openings of the openings A1 of a first blank being shorter than a second distance (D2) between the center of the corner opening of the first blank and the center of the adjacent corner opening of a second blank, and the first distance (D1) being shorter than a third distance (D3) between the center of the corner opening of the first blank and the center of the adjacent corner opening of a third blank.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to cartons and blanks for forming cartons, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a plurality of connected blanks forming a top-gripping carrier having one or more openings for receiving and holding articles therein. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for allowing consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and as waste-free as possible in the materials from which they are formed. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy articles. It is desirable for the contents of the carton to be securely secured within the carton.

[0003] It is known to provide a top-gripping article carrier in which an opening is formed in a panel of the carrier, and tabs are struck from the opening such that when an article is received within the opening, the tabs are displaced out of the plane of the panel such that the tabs engage the article generally around a flange or lip of the article. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to simplify the construction of the blanks into a carrier, and it is an objective of this disclosure to allow multiple connected blanks to be assembled into a package simultaneously. The carrier should be sturdy enough to withstand the load of the articles. It is desirable for the carrier to be capable of packaging generally cylindrical articles, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, which are streamlined or slim in design.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide improvements 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 is a set of connected blanks each forming a top-engaged carrier, the blanks being removably connected together in a matrix fashion, each blank having a plurality of top-receiving openings, a first distance D between the centers of each of two adjacent ones of the openings of a first blank. 1 is a second distance D between the center of the corner opening of the first blank and the center of the adjacent corner opening of the second blank; 2 Shorter, the first distance D 1 is a third distance D between the center of the corner opening of the first blank and the center of the adjacent corner opening of the third blank; 3 Provide a set of shorter, connected blanks.

[0007] Optionally, a first distance D 1 is the maximum diameter D of the generally cylindrical article that is adapted to be engaged by the first blank. c Approximately equal to.

[0008] Optionally, the corner radius R of each blank b is the maximum diameter D of the generally cylindrical article that is intended to be engaged by the blank c is greater than half.

[0009] Optionally, the corner radius R bis the maximum diameter D of the generally cylindrical article that is intended to be engaged by the blank c At least 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) larger than half of the

[0010] Optionally, a second distance D 2 is the third distance D 3 Approximately equal to.

[0011] Optionally, a second distance D 2 and the third distance D 3 Each of the corner radii R of each blank b Approximately equal to twice the

[0012] Optionally, a fourth distance R s is defined between the outer end of each tab-defining element and the center of each opening, and a fourth distance R s is the maximum diameter D of the generally cylindrical article that is intended to be engaged by the blank c It is less than half of that.

[0013] Optionally, any point on the outline of the finger opening may be spaced apart by half the maximum diameter (1 / 2D) around the center of any one of the openings surrounding the finger opening. c ) outside a region defined by a radius equal to

[0014] A second aspect of the invention is a blank for forming a top-engaged carrier, the blank including a plurality of openings, each for receiving a portion of a generally cylindrical article, the blank including a first distance D between the centers of two adjacent ones of the openings. 1 is the maximum diameter of the item D c Approximately equal to the blank corner radius R b is the maximum diameter of the item D c Provide a blank that is greater than half of the original size.

[0015] Optionally, the corner radius R b is the maximum diameter of the item D c At least 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) larger than half of the

[0016] Optionally, a fourth distance R s is defined between the outer end of each tab-defining element and the center of each opening, and the fourth distance R s is the maximum diameter D of the generally cylindrical article that is intended to be engaged by the blank c It is less than half of that.

[0017] Optionally, the maximum diameter D of each opening a is the upper end diameter D of the article n Less than.

[0018] Optionally, any point on the outline of the finger opening is spaced apart by half the maximum diameter (1 / 2D) around the center of any one of the openings surrounding the finger opening. c ) outside a region defined by a radius equal to

[0019] It is contemplated or anticipated that within the scope of this application, 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 employed alone or in any combination thereof.

[0020] Features or elements described in connection with or with respect to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements according to one embodiment may be incorporated or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0021] Any feature or combination of features disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of the embodiments, or any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be excluded from the embodiment.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a number of connected blanks, each blank intended to form a carrier according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of one of the blanks of FIG. 1. [Figure 2A] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank in FIG. 2. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a primary product container for use with the carrier of the first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of how certain aspects of the invention may be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as an illustration, sample, model, or template. In fact, it should be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various 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. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but should be construed merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a plurality of connected blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d which may form a carton or carrier 90 containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as Article B, as shown in Figure 2. The blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package, as shown in Figure 3.

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

[0027] The blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are formed from sheets of a suitable substrate. It should be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes any type of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that one or other number of blanks may be used where appropriate, for example to provide a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0028] The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as paperboard that may be made or coated with materials that increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided in two or more 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 that provides good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to impart properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesive ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary array of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d forms a package having an array in the form of a 2×3 matrix or array, where in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three articles are provided, and articles B are beverage cans. The beverage cans may be 12 oz (355 ml) cans of a streamlined or slim design, i.e., articles B are of substantially the same diameter throughout their entire height. Exemplary article B is shown in FIG. 4 and has a maximum diameter or transverse dimension D c (The diameter D c (D may be about 2.25 inches or about 58 mm). Item B has a diameter or transverse dimension D n (Diameter D n The article includes a top or top closure T having a diameter (which may be about 2.125 inches or 54.8 mm) of the neck N. The neck N provides an outwardly projecting flange, i.e., it may include an undercut for engaging with a carrier. The top closure may be attached to a sidewall of the article B to form a closure or "lip" C which provides a flange F. In an embodiment of the invention, the change in diameter between the top closure T and the body M of the article B is less than 7 mm, may be less than 5 mm, and optionally is less than 4 mm.

[0030] The terms "streamlined" or "slender" as used herein refer to articles that have little or no change in their lateral dimensions between the top closure T that engages the carrier 90 and the body M of the article B. The articles are generally parallel sided or of generally uniform diameter.

[0031] 1, there is shown a plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and in the embodiment shown, there are four blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d arranged in a 2×2 matrix or array. Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is connected to at least two adjacently disposed blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d by frangible or separable connections 42. Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d includes a main panel 12 that forms a top wall or engagement panel of a carrier 90 (see FIG. 3).

[0032] Each of the main panels 12 includes at least one item retaining structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6. In the embodiment of Figure 1, each of the main panels 12 includes a plurality of item retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6, specifically six item retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 arranged in a 2x3 matrix or array. In other embodiments, alternative arrangements may be used, such as, but not limited to, four item retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array, and in such embodiments, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include six blanks separably connected to form a 2x3 matrix or array. Another alternative arrangement may be three article holding structures RT1, RT3, RT5 arranged in a 1×3 configuration, in such an embodiment, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include eight blanks separably connected to form a 2×4 matrix or array. Another alternative arrangement may be two article holding structures RT1, RT3 or RT1, RT2 arranged in a 1×2 configuration, in such an embodiment, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include twelve blanks separably connected to form a 2×6 or 3×4 matrix or array. Yet another alternative arrangement may be four article holding structures RT1, RT2, RT1, RT2 arranged in a 1×4 configuration, in such an embodiment, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include six blanks separably connected to form a 1×6 configuration. Yet another alternative arrangement may be eight item retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6, RT1, RT2 arranged in a 2x4 configuration, and in such an embodiment, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include three blanks detachably connected to form a 1x3 configuration.

[0033] Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 are substantially similar in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to the first article retention structure RT1 shown in Figures 2 and 2A. Figure 2 shows a single blank 10 separated from a plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Figure 2A shows an enlarged portion of blank 10.

[0034] The first article retaining structure RT1 includes an opening A1. The opening A1 is an eleven-sided polygon or an eleven-sided vertex. In other embodiments, other polygonal shapes may be used.

[0035] Disposed around the periphery of the opening A1 are a plurality of article-engaging tabs 16, 18, 20. Each tab 16, 18, 20 is hinged to the main panel 12.

[0036] Each tab 16, 18, 20 is separated from its neighbors by a linear cut 11. Thus, each tab 16, 18, 20 includes a first side edge 19 and a second side edge 21. Each tab 16, 18, 20 includes a free edge 23 opposite the hinged edge. The free edge 23 forms an engagement edge that retains the item B, or at least a portion thereof, within the opening A1. Each free edge 23 defines a side of the polygonal shape of the first opening A1. Each of the linear cuts 11 that define the side edges of the tabs 16, 18, 20 extends from a vertex or corner of the polygonal shape of the first opening A1. The linear cuts 11 may be disposed substantially radially with respect to a notional circle that passes through each of the vertices of the polygonal shape of the first opening A1. The linear break 11 includes a first proximal end that meets an apex or corner of the polygonal shape of the first opening A1. The linear break 11 includes a second distal end.

[0037] The plurality of article engaging tabs 16 , 18 , 20 includes a series or set of a first article engaging tab 16 , a series or set of a second article engaging tab 18 , and a series or set of a third article engaging tab 20 .

[0038] The set of first article engaging tabs 16 are positioned on the main panel 12 in an area where the article engaging tabs will be exposed to the greatest stress or deformation when an article B is received within the first article retaining structure RT1.

[0039] A first arcuate cut 26 is disposed proximal to each of the linear cuts 11 that define the side edges of the first article engaging tabs 16. Each first arcuate cut 26 is spaced from a second, distal end of the linear cuts 11 to define a connection 28 or "cut" between a pair of adjacent first article engaging tabs 16.

[0040] The set of third article engaging tabs 20 are positioned on the main panel 12 in an area where the article engaging tabs are exposed to minimal stress or deformation when an article B is received within the first article retaining structure RT1.

[0041] A third arcuate cut 22 is disposed proximal to each of the linear cuts 11 that define the side edges of the third article-engaging tabs 20. Each third arcuate cut 22 is spaced from a second distal end of the linear cuts 11 to define a connection 28 or "cut" between a pair of adjacent third article-engaging tabs 20. The connection 28 or "cut" is provided to maintain the connection between a pair of adjacent tabs 16, 18, 20 even after an article B is inserted into the opening A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6. The connection 28 connects each tab 16, 18, 20 with the next adjacent tab 16, 18, 20, thereby preventing or inhibiting each tab 16, 18, 20 from rocking or rotating about an axis indicated by the notional line P-P', or at least mitigating against such rocking or rotation.

[0042] A pair of second article engaging tabs 18 are disposed on the main panel 12 to provide a transition between one of the first article engaging tabs 16 and one of the third article engaging tabs 20 .

[0043] Second arcuate cuts 24 , 25 are disposed proximal to the cut 11 separating each of the second article engaging tabs 18 from the adjacent third article engaging tab 20 .

[0044] Each second arcuate cut 24, 25 is spaced from a second distal end of the straight cut 11 to define a connection 28 or "cut" between each one of the second article engaging tabs 18 and the adjacent third article engaging tab 20.

[0045] Each of the first arcuate cuts 22 and the third arcuate cuts 26 is symmetrically disposed about the linear cut with which it is associated. Each of the second arcuate cuts 24, 25 is asymmetrically disposed about one of the linear cuts 11.

[0046] When first article engaging tab 16, second article engaging tab 18, and third article engaging tab 20 are displaced out of the plane of main panel 12, first arcuate cut 26, second arcuate cuts 24, 25, and third arcuate cut 22 provide stress relief for main panel 12.

[0047] The first arcuate cut 26 and the third arcuate cut 22 are symmetrically disposed about their respective associated linear cuts 11. The first arcuate cut 26 is larger in size than the third arcuate cut 22. The first arcuate cut 26 includes a first radius of curvature and the third arcuate cut 22 includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being larger than the second radius of curvature.

[0048] Each of the second breaks 24, 25 is asymmetrically disposed about its associated respective linear break 11. The second breaks 24, 25 include a first portion and a second portion disposed adjacent to one another. The first portion is disposed proximal to the second article engaging tab 18 and the second portion is disposed proximal to the third article engaging tab 20. The first portion of each of the second breaks 24, 25 includes a first radius of curvature and the second portion of each of the second breaks 24, 25 includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being greater than the second radius of curvature.

[0049] The second cuts 24, 25 may be considered to include one half of the first arcuate cut 26 and one half of the third arcuate cut 22 disposed adjacent to one another.

[0050] The second cuts 24, 25 form an asymmetrical "C" shaped cut, while the first cut 26 and the third cut 22 form a symmetrical "C" shaped cut. The second cuts 24, 25 are used at the boundary between a first area of ​​the main panel 12 that is exposed to higher stresses upon displacement of the first article engaging tab 16 and a second area of ​​the main panel 12 that is exposed to lower stresses upon displacement of the third article engaging tab 20. When an article B is inserted into each opening A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, the higher stress areas of the main panel 12 are created where the first tabs 16 are located because these first tabs 16 experience higher bending stresses than the third tab 20, which is located in the lower stress areas of the main panel 12.

[0051] Each of the third article-engaging tabs 20 is defined in part by a second linear cut 17 in the main panel 12 .

[0052] Each second linear cut 17 is disposed between a pair of adjacent arcuate cuts 26, 24, 25, 22 in spaced relationship with each of the pair of adjacent arcuate cuts 26, 24, 25, 22. Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 adjacent one of the second article engaging tabs 18 includes a second linear cut 17 disposed between the first arcuate cut 26 and the second arcuate cut 24, 25 in spaced relationship with both the first arcuate cut 26 and the second arcuate cut 24, 25. The remaining third article engaging tabs 20 include a second linear cut 17 disposed between a pair of adjacent first arcuate cuts 26 in spaced relationship with each of the pair of adjacent first arcuate cuts 26.

[0053] Second linear cuts 17 facilitate folding of each of the third article-engaging tabs 20 relative to the main panel 12 .

[0054] The second linear cuts 17 at least partially define a straight or linear fold line 17 by which each of the third article-engaging tabs 20 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 .

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first item retaining structure RT1 includes eleven tabs 16, 18, 20 disposed around the outer edge of the opening A1.

[0056] Optionally, the multiple article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 may vary in size according to their location on the main panel 12. The first article engaging tab 16 may have a first width, the second article engaging tab 18 may have a second width, and the third article engaging tab 20 may have a third width. The third width may be greater than the second width, and the second width may be greater than the first width. In this manner, the free edge 23 forming the engagement edges E1, E2 of the first tab 16 is smaller in size than the free edges 23 or engagement edges of the second tab 18 or the third tab 20.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 located in the area of ​​the main panel 12 that is exposed to the greatest stress or deformation when the article B is received within the article retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 are smaller in dimension than the article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 located in the area of ​​the main panel 12 that is exposed to the least stress or deformation.

[0058] The main panel 12 may optionally include a handle structure. The handle structure may include a pair of handle openings H. Each of the pair of handle openings H is cut out of the main panel 12. One of the pair of handle openings H is located in a region centrally disposed between a first pair of item retaining structures RT1, RT2 and a second pair of item retaining structures RT3, RT4. The one of the pair of handle openings H is located within a region that is centrally disposed between a maximum diameter D of an item B. cThe other of the pair of handle openings H is located within a region centrally disposed between the second pair of article retaining structures RT3, RT4 and the third pair of article retaining structures RT5, RT6. The other of the pair of handle openings H is located within a region centrally disposed between the second pair of article retaining structures RT3, RT4 and the third pair of article retaining structures RT5, RT6. The other of the pair of handle openings H is located within a region centrally disposed between the second pair of article retaining structures RT3, RT4 and the third pair of article retaining structures RT5, RT6. c This includes the outer edges spaced from the centers of each of the openings A3, A4, A5, A6 by the above distances.

[0059] Optionally, the side and / or end edges of the main panel 12 may be curved or corrugated.

[0060] The corners of the main panel 12 are rounded, and the corners have a radius of curvature R b The arc is centred on the centre of the openings A1, A2, A5, A6 of the endmost item retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT5, RT6.

[0061] The main panel 12 includes at least a paperboard substrate and a tear-resistant layer laminated together. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The paperboard substrate material may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example ranging in weight from about 10 pt upwards, preferably from about 11 pt upwards to about 14 pt. An example of such a substrate is 12 point SBS board or CNK board manufactured by WestRock Company. The paperboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally on the opposite side of the laminate, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0062] The tear-resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminate sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of n-axis oriented film, such as MYLAR®, which is a biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high density polyolefin. The oriented and cross-laminated structure of these materials contributes to the tear-resistant properties. The tear resistance may also be due to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-etched polyethylene (mPE).

[0063] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer can be a layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, there is no need to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0064] The adhesive layer may be formed of a polyolefin material, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be disposed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

[0065] The position of the article B relative to the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is indicated by a conceptual line CP, which indicates the position of the cylindrical wall of the body of the article B shown in Fig. 4 relative to the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the positions of 24 articles B are shown relative to the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The articles B are arranged in four different groups of six articles.

[0066] Each article B is aligned with one of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 of the article retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 of one of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The tube axis of article B is precisely aligned with the center of one of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6.

[0067] Each article B with a group of articles is disposed in contact with or at least in close proximity to at least two neighbors. Article B in one group is spaced a distance z from the nearest neighboring article B in the adjacent group. This allows each adjacently disposed blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d to provide a sufficient thickness of the main panel 12 around the periphery of article B when the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are applied simultaneously to all of the groups of articles. The spacing of the groups of articles by the distance z is particularly important when packaging articles of the "streamlined" or "skinny" design shown in FIG. 4, in which there is little or no difference in diameter between the top closure and / or neck to the sidewalls of the body M of article B.

[0068] 2, each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d includes a maximum width W. The main panel 12 is adapted to be wider than the width of the group of articles B it will house, and an edge of the main panel 12 is spaced a distance y from the location of the cylindrical side wall CP of the articles B, where y=(1 / 2z).

[0069] The plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d include a maximum width 2W.

[0070] 2, each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d includes a maximum length L. The main panel 12 is adapted to be longer than the length of the group of articles B it contains, and an edge of the main panel 12 is spaced a distance y from the location of the cylindrical side wall CP of the articles B, where y=(1 / 2z).

[0071] The plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d includes a maximum length of 2L.

[0072] In this manner, the periphery of major panel 12, in its flat blank configuration, is spaced from group of articles B by a distance equal to or greater than distance y, as shown in FIG.

[0073] Thus, the main panel 12 includes a border area that surrounds the items.

[0074] Openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 are the maximum width or diameter D a has.

[0075] The center of any one of the first opening A1, the second opening A2, the third opening A3, the fourth opening A4, the fifth opening A5, and the sixth opening A6 of a given blank 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is a dimension D from the center of an adjacent one of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 of the blank 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. 1 are spaced apart by dimension D 1 D c Approximately equal to (D 1 =D c ) The cylindrical axes of articles B of a given group may be similarly spaced apart.

[0076] The center of the first opening A1 of the first blank 10a is spaced from the center of the adjacent opening A2 of the second blank 10b by a dimension D. 3 The distance between the two is D 3 is dimension D c and the dimension z (D 3 =D c +z). The cylindrical axes of each of the items B may be similarly spaced apart.

[0077] The center of the first opening A1 of the first blank 10a is spaced a distance D from the center of the adjacent opening A5 of the third blank 10c. 2 The distance between the two is D 2 is dimension D c and the dimension z (D2 =D c +z). The cylindrical axes of each of the items B may be similarly spaced apart.

[0078] The gap 26 of the first retaining structure RT1 is spaced at least a distance x from the gap 26 of the third retaining structure RT3. The gap 26 of each retaining structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 is spaced at least a distance x from the gap 26 of an adjacent retaining structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6.

[0079] The distance between the center of one of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and the outer edge of each one of the tabs 16, 18, 20 surrounding said openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 is dimension R. s The outer end of each one of the tabs 16, 18, 20 may be defined by the distal end of the radial cut 11. The distance R s is the maximum diameter D of item B c Less than or equal to half of (R s ≦1 / 2D c ). Distance R s is the maximum diameter D of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 a longer than half of (R s >1 / 2D a ).

[0080] Each of the article retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 defines an opening formed in part from a respective one of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and from a plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 associated with each opening A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6. The openings are spaced apart from each other by a maximum diameter D of an article B that may be received therein. c Including the diameter or maximum lateral dimension which may be smaller.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 1, each of the corners of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be rounded. The rounded corners have a corner radius R b The corner radius Rb is the maximum diameter D of item B c (R b >1 / 2D c In some embodiments, the corner radius R b is the maximum diameter D of item B c and in another embodiment, the corner radius R b is the maximum diameter D of item B c 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) larger than half.

[0082] Dimension D 2 , D 3 is the corner radius R b Approximately equal to twice the 2 =D 3 ≒2R b ) is possible.

[0083] Dimension D 2 , D 3 is dimension D 1 Greater than (D 1 <D 2 ;D 1 <D 3 ).

[0084] Each of the handle openings H is adapted to precisely register with a space between four adjacently disposed articles B. Each of the handle openings H includes a contour that defines an edge of the main panel 12.

[0085] Each of the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is separably connected to adjacent ones of the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d by connecting bridges or connecting notches 42. Adjacent blanks may be in contact along short straight portions 40 (see FIG. 2) of the outer edges of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.

[0086] Returning to the structure of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be applied to the plurality of groups of articles B. The plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are lowered relative to the plurality of groups of articles. Each of the article retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 of each of the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is aligned with a respective article B of one of the plurality of groups of articles B. A portion of the article B passes through the main panel 12. The tabs 16, 18, 20 of each of the article retaining structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 are folded out of the plane of the main panel 12 to engage beneath an edge C (which may result in a flange F, see FIG. 4) of the article B. In this manner, the tabs 16, 18, 20 grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12. The assembled carrier 90 is shown in FIG.

[0087] 3, each of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d forming a top-engaging carrier 90, only one of which is shown, includes a main panel 12 including openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, each of which receives a portion of a respective article B. Main panel 12 further includes an annular series of tabs 16, 18, 20 formed around each of first and second openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6. Each annular series of tabs 16, 18, 20 is connected to main panel 12 such that when article B is received within each opening A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, the tabs 16, 18, 20 yield out of the plane of main panel 12 about fold line 31 for carrying against article B.

[0088] Another optional feature of carrier 90 is that, once each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is separated from the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the major panel 12 is defined by a perimeter to which other portions of carrier 90 are not connected. That is, carrier 90 has no connections to other panels, such as, but not limited to, sidewall panels or endwall panels that extend around the sides of the article. Thus, the perimeter of major panel 12 is defined entirely by edges that are not connected, such as by free cuts or hinges.

[0089] Another optional feature of carrier 90 is that main panel 12 is defined by a periphery that includes a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, where the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge.

[0090] The present disclosure provides a top-engaged carrier with improved article retention structures. In particular, the retention structures include article-engaging tabs that yield upon insertion of an article. The tabs engage the article to retain or secure the article within the panel of the carrier. The configuration of the tabs is determined by the location of the tabs within the panel of the carrier. Those tabs that are subject to the greatest stresses, typically those located within the interior region of the panel or in close proximity to the tabs of the adjacent retention structures, are provided with a stress relief feature in the form of a discontinuity that is located proximal to a side edge of the tab and that interrupts or defines a fold line between the tab and the panel from which it is cut or formed.

[0091] The dimensions of the tabs may also depend on their location within the panel of the carrier: those tabs located in higher stress areas may be smaller in width than those exposed to lower stresses.

[0092] The carrier is formed from a blank adapted to be applied to a group of articles simultaneously with at least one similarly adapted additional blank, the blank and the additional blank being separable from one another upon their application to their respective groups of articles, the blank including a protruding edge forming a border or lip around the group of articles it contains.

[0093] It is recognized that directional references such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "rear," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," etc., used herein do not necessarily limit each panel to such an orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0094] The terms "hinge-like connection" and "crease line" as used herein refer to any type of line that defines a hinge feature of the blank, facilitates folding of portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicates optimal panel folding locations of the blank. Any reference to a "hinge-like connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single crease line, and in fact a hinge-like connection can be formed from two or more crease lines, each of which can be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When straight crease lines form a hinge-like connection, they can be disposed parallel to one another or bent at a slight angle relative to one another. When curved crease lines form a hinge-like connection, they can cross one another to define a shaped panel within the area encompassed by the curved crease lines. A typical example of such a hinge-like connection can include a pair of arched or bowed crease lines that cross at two points to define an elliptical panel between them. A hinge-like connection may be formed from one or more straight fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge-like connection may include a combination of straight fold lines and arched or bowed fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0095] The term "crease line" as used herein may refer to one of the following: a perforation 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, a line of aligned slits, a perforation line, and any combination of the foregoing options.

[0096] It should be understood that the hinge-like connections and fold lines can each include elements formed in the blank substrate, including perforations, perforations, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cuts, interrupted cuts, slits, perforations, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and positioned to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforations can be dimensioned or designed with a degree of weakness that defines the crease and / or separation lines. The perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and breaking with additional effort or to facilitate breaking with very little effort.

[0097] As used herein, the phrase "in registry with" 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. Elements that are in registry 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 "in registry 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 an edge of the second opening and may be aligned with the second opening in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Blank 11 Break in a Line 12 Main Panel 16 first article engaging tab 17 Second Line Break 18 Second article-engaging tab 19 (of tab) first side edge 20 Third article-engaging tab 21 (of tab) second side edge 22 Third bow 23 Free edge 24, 25 Second arcuate cut 26 First bowed gap 28 Connection 31 Crease Line 90 cartons, carriers A1 First opening A2 Second opening A3 Third opening A4 4th opening A5 Fifth opening A6 6th opening B Goods C Closure, edge F flange H Handle opening L Maximum length M body N-neck RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 Article holding structure T Upper closure, top closure W Maximum width

Claims

【Request 1】 A set of connected blanks each forming a top-engaged carrier, the blanks being removably connected in a matrix manner, each blank having a plurality of top-receiving openings, a first distance (D) between respective centers of two adjacent ones of the openings of a first blank. 1 ) is a second distance (D) between the center of the corner opening of the first blank and the center of the adjacent corner opening of the second blank. 2 ) and the first distance (D 1 ) is a third distance (D 3 ) a set of shorter, connected blanks. 【Request 2】 The first distance (D 1 ) is the maximum diameter (D c 2. The set of claim 1, wherein the set is approximately equal to 【Request 3】 The corner radius of each blank (R b ) is the maximum diameter (D c 2. The set of claim 1, wherein the number of adjacent cells is greater than half of the number of adjacent cells. 【Request 4】 The corner radius (R b ) is the maximum diameter (D c 4. The set of claim 3, wherein the at least one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) is greater than half of the at least one-half of the width of the at least one groove. 【Request 5】 The second distance (D 2 ) is the third distance (D 3 2. The set of claim 1, wherein the set is approximately equal to [Request 6] The second distance (D 2 ) and the third distance (D 3 ) is the corner radius (R b 6. The set of claim 5, wherein the number of slits is approximately equal to twice the number of slits. 【Request 7】 The fourth distance (R s ) is defined between the outer end of each tab-defining element and the center of its respective opening, and the fourth distance (R s ) is the maximum diameter (D c 2. The set of claim 1, wherein the number of stimuli is less than or equal to half of the number of stimuli. 【Request 8】 Any point on the outline of a finger opening is located within half the maximum diameter (1 / 2D) of the finger opening around the center of any one of the openings surrounding the finger opening. c 13. The set of claim 1, wherein the set is disposed outside a region defined by a radius equal to 1 / 2. 【Request 9】 A blank for forming a top-engaged carrier, the blank including a plurality of openings, each for receiving a portion of a generally cylindrical article, the blank including a first distance (D) between centers of two adjacent ones of the openings. 1 ) is the maximum diameter of the article (D c ) and the corner radius (R b ) is the maximum diameter (D c ) greater than half, blank. 【Request 10】 The corner radius (R b ) is the maximum diameter (D c 10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the blank is at least 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) larger than half of the width of the blank.

11. The fourth distance (R s ) is defined between an outer end of each tab-defining element and the center of the respective opening, and the fourth distance (R s ) is the maximum diameter (D c 10. The blank according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of the blank is less than or equal to half of the thickness of the blank. [Request 12] The maximum diameter of each opening (D a ) is the upper end diameter (D n 10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the blank is smaller than 10 mm. 【Request 13】 Any point on the outline of the finger opening is located within half of the maximum diameter (1 / 2D) around the center of any one of the openings surrounding the finger opening. c 10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the blank is disposed outside an area defined by a radius equal to .times. ...

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