Panel Connecting Device

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a panel connecting device, a carton, and a blank for forming a carton. The carton blank incorporates a panel connecting device for securing a first panel and a second panel together in an overlapping relationship. The panel connecting device includes a locking tab stamped from the first panel and a retention tab stamped from the second panel, the retention tab defining a locking hole. During use, the retention tab is displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole. The retention tab has opposing side edges, each of which is concavely curved when viewed from outside the retention tab.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to cartons and blanks for forming cartons. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a panel connecting device for a carton for securing together a pair of panels, e.g., adjacent overlapping panels of a paperboard carton, in some cases the panels being provided by opposing ends of a wrapper blank that are joined and connected in an overlapping relationship. [Background technology]

[0002] In the packaging art, 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. Cost and environmental considerations require that such cartons or carriers be formed from as little material as possible and waste as little of the material from which they are formed as possible. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability to hold and transport large weight articles. It is desirable for the contents of the carton to be stable within the carton.

[0003] Locking tabs are known which are punched from one end of a carton wrapper and arranged to be forced through corresponding holes defined by retention tabs punched from the opposite end of the wrapper. An example of such a lock is shown in Figure 1 and corresponds substantially to US Patent No. 5,399,633.

[0004] A further example is illustrated in US Pat. No. 5,399,633, owned by the present applicant, which illustrates a wrap-around carton with panel connection means that include locking tabs that must be driven through holes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] British Patent No. 1598367 [Patent Document 2] British Patent No. 2156785 [Patent Document 3] British Patent No. 1598368 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide an improved panel connecting device which overcomes, or at least alleviates, the problems of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a panel connecting device is provided that includes a male tab and a female tab having opposing side edges, each of which is concavely curved when viewed from an exterior side of the female tab.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel connecting device for securing a first panel and a second panel together in overlapping relationship, the panel connecting device including a locking tab stamped from the first panel and a retention tab defining a locking hole stamped from the second panel, the retention tab being displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the retention tab having opposing side edges, at least one of the side edges being concavely curved when viewed from an exterior side of the retention tab.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel connecting device for securing a first panel and a second panel together in overlapping relationship, the panel connecting device including a locking tab stamped from the first panel and a retention tab stamped from the second panel defining a locking hole, the retention tab being displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the locking hole having opposing side edges, each of which is concavely curved when viewed from outside the locking hole.

[0010] Optionally, the center of curvature of each curved side edge is disposed outside the retention tab.

[0011] Optionally, a minimum width F4 of the locking hole is located between the distal and proximal ends of the locking hole, such that both the width F5 at the distal end and the width F2 at the proximal end are greater than the minimum width F4 (F5>F4), (F2>F4).

[0012] Optionally, the width F2 at the proximal end is the maximum width.

[0013] Optionally, the radius of curvature r3 of each side edge is approximately equal to two-thirds of the maximum width F2 of the female tab (r3≈2 / 3 F2).

[0014] Optionally, the male tab includes a single position tab, the single position tab including a main portion, a neck portion, and a shoulder portion, the neck portion being narrower than the shoulder portion and defining at least one locking edge formed along a lower portion of the shoulder portion, and a maximum width F2 of the female tab being greater than a maximum width M2 of the single position tab (F2>M2).

[0015] Optionally, the width F5 at the distal end of the female tab is less than the maximum width M2 of the single position tab (F5 <M2)。

[0016] Optionally, the female tab is connected to the mother panel by a non-linear fold.

[0017] Optionally, the non-linear creases include curved creases.

[0018] Optionally, the center of curvature of the curved fold is located closer to the distal end of the female tab than the curved fold.

[0019] Optionally, the fold has a length F1 that is less than the maximum width F2 of the female tab (F1 <F2)。

[0020] Optionally, the length F1 is less than the minimum width F4 of the female tab (F1 <F4)。

[0021] Optionally, the fold has a length F1 approximately equal to the minimum width M1 / M4 of the male tab (F1≈M1), (F1≈M4).

[0022] Optionally, the male tab includes a multi-position tab including a plurality of recesses along at least one side edge thereof, each recess providing an engaging or locking edge for abutting a panel portion of the mother panel against which the female tab is punched, and a maximum width F2 of the female tab is greater than a maximum width M5 of the multi-position tab.

[0023] Optionally, the width F5 at the distal end of the female tab is less than the maximum width M5 of the multi-position tab (F5 <M5)。

[0024] Optionally, the female tab has a distal end edge that is convexly curved when viewed from the outside of the female tab.

[0025] Optionally, the locking hole has a distal end edge that is convexly curved when viewed from the outside of the locking hole.

[0026] Optionally, the center of curvature of the curved distal end edge is located closer to the proximal end than to the distal end of the female tab.

[0027] Optionally, the radius of curvature r2 of the distal end edge is greater than the radius of curvature r3 of each of the curved side edges (r2>r3).

[0028] Optionally, the radius of curvature r2 of the distal end edge is approximately equal to the maximum width F2 of the female tab (r2≈F2).

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carton blank incorporating a panel connecting device having a first panel and a second panel, the panel connecting means including a locking tab stamped from the first panel and a retention tab defining a locking hole stamped from the second panel, the retention tab being displaceable out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the retention tab having opposing side edges, each of which is concavely curved when viewed from an exterior side of the retention tab.

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

[0031] Features or elements described in relation to or with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated 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.

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

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a locking means substantially corresponding to patent no. 3. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a wraparound carton blank incorporating a panel connecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a pair of adjacent panels incorporating a panel connecting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 13A-13C show enlarged views of locking tabs for forming a panel connecting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3C] 13A-13C show enlarged views of retention tabs for forming a panel connecting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the panel connecting device illustrated in FIG. 3 with a pair of panels secured together. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the panel connecting device illustrated in FIG. 3 with a pair of panels secured together. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a portion of a pair of adjacent panels incorporating a panel connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner or upper portion of panels held in overlapping relationship by the panel connecting device illustrated in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 13A-13C show examples of panel connection devices formed from a pair of adjacent panels, which may be opposite ends of a wraparound carton blank, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13A-13C show examples of panel connection devices formed from a pair of adjacent panels, which may be opposite ends of a wraparound carton blank, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the panel connecting devices, packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will 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 the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to an embodiment that serves as an example, example, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the panel connecting devices, packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. The drawings 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 great detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but 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.

[0036] 2, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier (not shown) can be formed for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles (not shown). The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0037] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container for engaging and carrying an article, such as a primary product container, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating 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, which 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.

[0038] The blank 10 is formed from sheets of a suitable substrate. It will be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes any type of foldable sheet material, such as cardboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It will be appreciated that one or more of the blanks may be used where appropriate to provide, for example, a carrier structure, as described in more detail below.

[0039] The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials, such as cardboard, that may be made or coated with materials that increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It is noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided by two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces 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 that faces inward may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0040] 2 and 3 of the drawings, a pair of panels 20, 12 are adapted to be interlocked together and are formed from cardboard or a similar foldable sheet material. The pair of panels 20, 12 may be disposed, for example, at opposite ends of an identical wraparound carton blank 10. The pair of panels 20, 12 includes a first panel 20 and a second panel 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 10 is prepared to be formed into a carton sleeve including opposing side walls 14, 16 and a top panel 18, in which the first panel 20 and the second panel 12 then provide the bottom panel of the carton. The carton may be used to package a plurality of items, for example, cartons, cans or bottles of yogurt.

[0041] The second panel 12, the first sidewall panel 14, the top panel 18, the second sidewall panel 16, and the first panel 20 may be arranged in a linear series hingedly attached to one another.

[0042] The first panel 20 may form an outer bottom panel of the carton, and the second panel 12 may form an inner bottom panel of the carton.

[0043] 3, the first panel 20 and the second panel 12 include a panel connecting device L for securing the panels together in an overlapping relationship. The panel connecting device L includes a locking tab 22 (also referred to herein as a male tab 22) that is stamped from or defined within the first panel 20. The panel connecting device L also includes a retention tab 42 (also referred to herein as a female tab 42) that is stamped from or defined within the second panel 12. The pair of panels 20, 12 are also referred to herein as mother panels because the male tab 22 and the female tab 42 are stamped from the material that would otherwise form the first panel 20 or second panel 12, respectively.

[0044] The locking tab 22 is hingedly connected to the first panel 20 by a fold line 24. The fold line 24 is spaced from an end edge 26 of the first panel 20.

[0045] The folds 24 may be non-linear, arcuate, or curvilinear in shape. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3, the folds 24 are concavely curved relative to the end edge 26 of the first panel 20, i.e., the folds 24 appear concave when viewed from the end edge 26 of the first panel 20.

[0046] Locking tab 22 includes a neck portion 28 and a main portion 30 adjacent to a shoulder portion 32 .

[0047] The main portion 30 extends beyond the neck portion 28 toward the free edge 26 and is separated from the first panel 20 by a first cut 38 that connects or adjoins each of a pair of oppositely disposed cuts 34, 36. The first cut 38 defines a shape for the main portion 30, which is optionally an "arrowhead" shape. The neck portion 28 is narrower in width than an adjacent portion of the shoulder portion 32 and may define at least one locking edge 40 formed along a lower portion of the shoulder portion 32.

[0048] A pair of oppositely disposed cuts 34, 36 define the side edges of neck portion 28.

[0049] As such, the locking tab 22 is at least partially defined by a cut 34 / 38 / 36 formed from a first cut 38 disposed in series with the pair of oppositely disposed cuts 34,36.

[0050] Fold line 24 is offset, or inset, from a first end of neck portion 28. The first end of neck portion 28 is defined by the terminations of cuts 34 / 38 / 36.

[0051] Optionally, fold line 24 is defined in part by at least one cut 25 so that locking tab 22 can more easily fold.

[0052] A retention tab 42 (also referred to herein as a female tab 42) is stamped from or defined within the second panel 12, as shown in Figure 3. The retention tab 42 at least partially defines a locking hole 43 spaced from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12, as shown in Figure 4.

[0053] The retention tab 42 includes opposed side edges, a free end edge or distal end, and a hinged end edge or proximal end. A second cut 50 defines the distal edge of the retention tab 42. The opposed side edges are defined by a second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 extending from each of the ends of the second cut 50. The proximal end is defined in part by a cut 47. The cut 47 is disposed between the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 and is spaced from each of the oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 to define a hinge portion 49 therebetween.

[0054] The retention tabs 42 are generally wider at the proximal end than at the distal end.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the cuts 46, 48, 50 define three edges of the locking hole 43, shown in FIG.

[0056] The break 47 is curvilinear in shape and concavely curved when viewed from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12. The break 47 includes a first radius of curvature r1 centered at a first point C1.

[0057] The cut 47 may be curved oppositely to the second cut 50 .

[0058] The first center of curvature C 1 may be located closer to the end edge 11 of the second panel 12 than the break 47 .

[0059] The first center of curvature C1 may be located closer to the end edge 11 of the second panel 12 than the second cut 50. The first center of curvature C1 may be located outside the retention tab 42.

[0060] The first center of curvature C1 may be located on the second discontinuity 50, as shown in FIG.

[0061] The first center of curvature C1 may be located within or on the retention tab 42.

[0062] The second cut 50 is curvilinear in shape and convexly curved when viewed from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12. The second cut 50 includes a second radius of curvature r2 centered at a second point C2.

[0063] The second center of curvature C2 may be located further from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12 than the second cut 50.

[0064] The second center of curvature C2 may be located further from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12 than the break 47.

[0065] The second center of curvature C2 may be located outside the retention tab 42.

[0066] Each of the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 has a curvilinear shape. Each of the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 is convexly curved when viewed from a position outside the retention tab 42. A first cut 46 of the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 includes a third radius of curvature r3 centered at a third point C3. The third center of curvature C3 is located outside the retention tab 42. A second cut 48 of the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 includes a fourth radius of curvature r4 centered at a fourth point C4. The fourth center of curvature C4 is located outside the retention tab 42.

[0067] The third center of curvature C3 and the fourth center of curvature C4 are disposed on either side of the retention tab 42.

[0068] The third center of curvature C3 and the fourth center of curvature C4 are located farther from the end edge 11 of the second panel 12 than the second cut line 50.

[0069] 3C, the locking tab 22 includes a length dimension M3 defined between the fold 24 and the opposite end or tip. The locking tab 22 includes a first width dimension M2 defined between the outer edges of the shoulder portions 32. The neck portion 28 of the locking tab 22 includes a second width dimension M1 defined between the breaks 34, 36.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 3B, the retention tab 42 includes a length dimension F3 defined between a proximal end (defined by the cut 47) and a distal end (defined by the second cut 50).

[0071] The length dimension F3 of the retention tab 42 may be equal to the first radius of curvature r1 (F3=r1).

[0072] The retention tab 42 includes a waist, ie, is narrower in the middle region than at the distal and proximal ends.

[0073] The waist of retention tab 42 includes a waist width dimension F4.

[0074] The opposed ends of second cut 50 define the width of the distal end of retention tab 42, the distal end of retention tab 42 including distal end width dimension F5.

[0075] The distal end width dimension F5 is greater than the waist width dimension F4 (F5>F4).

[0076] The opposing ends of the cut 47 define a linear dimension F1 therebetween. The linear dimension is defined by a chord of an imaginary circle having a radius equal to the radius of curvature r1 of the cut 47. This chord extends between the terminal ends of the cut 47.

[0077] A second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48 define a width dimension F2 of the proximal end of the retention tab 42. The proximal end of the retention tab 42 is wider than the distal end and waist of the retention tab 42 (F2>F5>F4).

[0078] The waist (minimum width F4) of the retention tab 42 may be located closer to the distal end of the retention tab 42 than to the proximal end of the retention tab 42.

[0079] The width dimension F2 of the proximal end of the retention tab 42 may be substantially equal to the second radius of curvature r2 (F2=r2).

[0080] The third radius of curvature r3 and the fourth radius of curvature r4 may be substantially equal to two-thirds of the width dimension F2 of the proximal end of the retention tab 42 (r3=r4=2 / 3 of F2).

[0081] The linear dimension F1 of the break 47 may be equal to the width dimension M1 of the neck portion 28 of the locking tab 22 (F1=M1).

[0082] The length dimension F3 of the retention tab 42 may be substantially equal to the length dimension M3 of the locking tab 22.

[0083] The width dimension M2 of shoulder portion 32 of locking tab 22 may be equal to the width dimension F2 of the proximal end of retention tab 42 minus 1 mm (M2=F2-1 mm).

[0084] The waist width dimension F4 may be equal to the linear dimension F1 of the cut 47 plus 0.5 mm (F4=F1+0.5 mm).

[0085] The distal end width dimension F5 may be equal to the linear dimension F1 of the break 47 plus 1 mm (F5=F1+1 mm).

[0086] In some embodiments, the linear dimension F1 of the notch 47 can be in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm (4 mm < F1 < 8 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 6 mm (F1 = 6 mm).

[0087] In some embodiments, the width dimension F2 of the proximal end of the retaining tab 42 can be in the range of 10 mm to 14 mm (10 mm < F2 < 14 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 12 mm (F2 = 12 mm).

[0088] In some embodiments, the length dimension F3 of the retaining tab 42 can be in the range of 7 mm to 11 mm (7 mm < F3 < 11 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 9 mm (F3 = 9 mm).

[0089] In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature r1 can be in the range of 7 mm to 11 mm (7 mm < r1 < 11 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 9 mm (r1 = 9 mm).

[0090] In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature r2 can be in the range of 10 mm to 14 mm (10 mm < r2 < 14 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 12 mm (r2 = 12 mm).

[0091] In some embodiments, the third radius of curvature r3 can be in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm (6 mm < r3 < 10 mm), and in some embodiments, it can be equal to 8 mm (r3 = 8 mm).

[0092] It is envisioned that the carton may include several locking and retaining tabs, which are substantially identical to the locking tabs 22, 42 for locking the two panels together, and thus will not be described in further detail. It is further envisioned that the panel connecting means may include a "half lock", where the locking tabs, retaining tabs, and locking holes are formed on only one side of an imaginary centerline X, as shown in FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, one or both sides of the retaining tabs and / or locking holes may be concavely curved in shape. The general principles of applying the panel connecting means invention to half locks are well known in the art. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention includes half locks incorporating their relevant features of the present invention.

[0093] To lock the first panel 20 and the second panel 12 together, they are brought into overlapping relationship with one another and the locking tab 22 is folded out of alignment with the first panel 20, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The retention tab 42 is folded out of alignment with the first panel 12, such that the locking tab 22 passes through a hole 43 defined by the retention tab 42 in this embodiment.

[0094] 4, the locking tab 22 continues to fold about the crease 24 into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the first panel 20 and the second panel 12, such that the locking tab 22 is forced past the distal edge 50 of the retention tab 42, shown in FIG. 5. The locking tab 22 is thus held in place as the retention tab 42 abuts against one side of the locking tab 22, preventing the locking tab 22 from springing back to its original position. The locking tab 22 abuts against an edge of the hole 43 corresponding to the distal edge 50 of the retention tab 42, thereby holding the locking tab 22 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the first panel 20 and the second panel 12.

[0095] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the base of the shoulder portion 32 is held in place by the abutment between the locking edge 40 and the panel portion of the second panel 12 because the shoulder portion is wider than the locking hole 43 in the vertical or diagonal position.

[0096] Tension may be applied to the first panel 20 and the second panel 12 in the opposite locking direction, i.e., in a direction that tends to separate the first panel 20 and the second panel 12. Thus, the butt engagement between the locking tab 22 and the retention tab 42 maintains the locking tab 22 in its locked state. The first panel 20 and the second panel 12 may remain connected because the forward edge of the hole 43 butts or contacts with the fold 24 of the first panel 20 and the locking edge 40 of the locking tab 22 is supported by the panel portion of the second panel 12 as described above.

[0097] The hole 43 includes a waist due to the shape and arrangement of the second pair of oppositely disposed cuts 46, 48. In some embodiments, the waist width dimension F4 can be less than the width dimension M1 of the neck portion 28 of the locking tab 22 (F4 <M1)。

[0098] Thus, the constriction in bore 43 can inhibit movement of locking tab 22 and locking tab 22 may need to deform or bend to pass through the constriction. In this manner, the constriction increases resistance and improves stability of locking tab 22 when received in the distal end of bore 43.

[0099] A distal end of hole 43 defined by cut 50 may be positioned to accommodate a neck portion of locking tab 22. Locking tab 22 may adopt the curved shape of the distal end of hole 43 when located adjacent the distal end of hole 43. The curved distal end of retention tab 42 may encourage or facilitate deformation of locking tab 22.

[0100] The fold line 24 hingedly attaching the locking tab 22 to the first panel 20 may be shaped similarly to the curved shape of the distal end of the hole 43 and the curved distal end of the retention tab 42 .

[0101] The curved arrangement of fold 24 , the distal end of hole 43 , and the distal end of retention tab 42 may bias locking tab 22 into engagement with the distal end of hole 43 .

[0102] 6-9, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second, third, and fourth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have been used to indicate like parts where possible, but with the addition of the prefixes "100," "200," and "300" to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, and fourth embodiments, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiments of Figures 1-5, and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-5 will be described in great detail.

[0103] A second embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7, with reference to Figure 6 showing a pair of panels 120, 112, each adapted to be interlocked and formed from cardboard or similar foldable sheet material. As with the first embodiment, the panels 120, 112 may be disposed at opposite ends of, for example, an identical wraparound carton blank that is formed into a carton sleeve including opposing side walls and a top panel, in which the panels 120, 112 provide the bottom panel of the carton. The carton is used to package multiple items, such as cartons, cans or bottles of yogurt.

[0104] The first panel 120 and the second panel 112 include a pair of panel connection devices L for securing the panels together in overlapping relationship. The panel connection means L each include a locking tab 122 stamped from and hingedly connected to the first panel 120. In this embodiment, the locking tabs 122 are defined by a pair of oppositely disposed cuts 134, 136 that define side edges of the main portion 130.

[0105] In the second embodiment, locking tab 122 (male tab 122) forms a multi-position locking tab, whereas in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, locking tab 22 (male tab 22) forms a single position locking tab.

[0106] The locking tab 122 terminates at an end edge 126 and is separated from the first panel 120 by a cut connecting cuts 134 and 136 and defining the shape of the main portion. Preferably, the locking tab 122 is generally elongated in shape. In this embodiment, the cuts 134, 136 are non-linear to define at least one recess 129. More preferably, the cuts 134, 136 are serrated, with the or each recess 129 being defined between adjacent teeth 128 to provide an engagement edge. Thus, the tab 122 can be engaged in a number of positions depending on how much overlap of the panels is required.

[0107] The locking tab 122 includes a minimum width dimension M4 defined between the recess 129 on one side of the main portion 130 and the recess 129 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the minimum width dimension M4 of the locking tab 122 is substantially equal to the linear dimension F1 of the break 147 plus 1 mm (M4≈F1+1 mm).

[0108] The locking tab 122 includes a maximum width dimension M5 defined between the teeth 128 on one side of the main portion 130 and the teeth 128 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the maximum width dimension M5 of the locking tab 122 is substantially equal to the maximum width dimension F2 of the retention tab 142 minus 0.5 mm (M5≈F2-0.5 mm).

[0109] Locking tab 122 includes a length dimension M6 defined between end edge 126 and the terminus of discontinuities 134 and 136 that define the proximal end of main portion 130. In some embodiments, length dimension M6 of locking tab 122 is substantially equal to maximum width dimension F2 of retention tab 142 plus 7 mm (M6≈F2+7 mm).

[0110] The teeth 128 are arranged at a pitch or period having a linear dimension M7, and adjacent recesses 129 are similarly spaced apart by the linear dimension M7. In some embodiments, the pitch dimension M7 is substantially equal to the linear dimension F1 of the break 147 minus 1 mm (M7≈F1-1 mm).

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking tab 122 of a first panel connecting device L of the pair of panel connecting devices L is spaced apart from the locking tab 122 of a second panel connecting device L of the pair of panel connecting devices L by a spacing distance M8. In some embodiments, the spacing distance M8 is substantially equal to the length F3 of the retention tab 142 minus 0.5 mm (M8≈F3-0.5 mm).

[0112] As shown in Figure 6, a retention tab 142 is stamped from the second panel 112 that extends into the locking hole 143. See Figure 7. Preferably, the retention tab 142 is configured substantially similarly to the retention tab 42 of the embodiment of Figures 1-5 and will not be described in further detail.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the carton may include a number of locking and retaining tabs which are substantially identical to locking tab 122 and retaining tab 142 for locking the two panels together and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0114] The process of locking the first panel 120 and the second panel 112 together is substantially identical to locking the panels 20 and 12 together in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed in further detail.

[0115] 7, when the panels 120 and 112 are locked together, the locking tab 122 is folded into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the panels 120, 112 and the locking tab 122 is held in place because the retention tab 142 abuts one of the faces of the locking tab 122 to prevent the locking tab 122 from springing back to its original position and the corresponding edge of the hole 143 engages the opposing recess 129 of the locking tab 122. In embodiments where the teeth 128 on the opposing side edges are offset, the locking tab 122 may twist or deform to help retain it.

[0116] The locking tab 122 is held in place by the teeth 128 abutting the second panel because the teeth are wider than the narrow portion of the locking hole 143 in the vertical or angled position.

[0117] A third embodiment is shown in Figure 8, which is substantially similar to the embodiment of Figures 1-5, except that in the third embodiment, the cuts 47 are replaced with creases, scores, or fold lines 245. The fold lines 245 may be formed from scored lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, lines of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of half cuts, single half cuts, interrupted cuts, lines of aligned slits, lines of scores, or any combination thereof.

[0118] A fourth embodiment is shown in Figure 9, which is substantially similar to the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, in which the cuts 147 are replaced with creases, scores, or fold lines 345. The fold lines 345 may be formed from scored lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, lines of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of half cuts, single half cuts, interrupted cuts, lines of aligned slits, lines of scores, or any combination thereof.

[0119] The panel connection means of the third and fourth embodiments are formed in a similar manner to that previously described and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0120] The present invention and its exemplary embodiments relate to a means for locking two adjacent panels in a carton that is shaped to provide sufficient strength in the locked position. The carrier may be formed by hand or by machinery. It is anticipated that the present invention may be applied to a variety of carriers, including but not limited to wrap-around types.

[0121] It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and holes can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

[0122] It will be appreciated that directional references used herein, such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower," do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0123] The terms "hinge connection" and "crease" 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 an optimal panel folding location of the blank. Any reference to a "hinge connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single crease, and in fact a hinge connection may be formed from two or more creases, each of which may be either straight / linear or curved / curved in shape. When linear creases form a hinge connection, the creases may be disposed parallel to one another or slightly angled relative to one another. When curvilinear creases form a hinge connection, the creases may intersect one another to define a panel molded within the area enclosed by the curvilinear creases. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a pair of arched or bowed creases that intersect at two points, so that the creases define an oval panel between them. The hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear creases and one or more curvilinear creases. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of a linear crease and an arched or bowed crease that intersect at two points, so that the creases define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0124] The term "crease" as used herein may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, an interrupted cut, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores, and any combination of the aforementioned options.

[0125] It should be understood that the hinged connections and creases may each include elements formed in the substrate of the blank, including perforations, lines of perforations, lines of short slits, lines of half cuts, single half cuts, breaks, interrupted breaks, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and positioned to provide the desired functionality. For example, the lines of perforations may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define the creases and / or cut lines. The lines of perforations may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or facilitate breaking with less effort.

[0126] The phrase "in registry with" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an upright carton, e.g., a hole formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second hole formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. The elements that are in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when a hole in a first panel is "in registry with" a second hole in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the hole may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second hole and be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10 unfinished products 11 End edge 12 Second Panel 14 Side wall, first side wall panel 16 Sidewall, second sidewall panel 18 Top Panel 20 First Panel 22 Lock tab, male tab 24 creases 25 Break 26 End edge, free edge 28 Neck 30 Main parts 32 Shoulder part 34 Break 36 Break 38 The first gap 40 Lock Edge 42 Retention tab, female tab 43 Lock hole 46 Break 47 Break 48 Break 49 Hinge part 50 Second incision, distal edge 112 Second Panel 120 First Panel 122 Lock tab, male tab 126 End edge 128 teeth 129 Recess 130 Main parts 134 Break 136 Break 142 Retention tab 143 Lock hole 147 Break 245 Fold Line 345 Folding Line C1 First point, first center of curvature C2 Second point, second center of curvature C3 Third point, third center of curvature C4 Fourth point C4 Fourth center of curvature F1 Linear Dimension F2 Width dimension, maximum width dimension F3 Linear dimension F4 Neck width dimension, minimum width F5 Distal end width dimension L Panel connection device, panel connection means M1 Second width dimension M2 First width dimension M3 length dimension M4 minimum width dimension M5 Maximum width M6 Length Dimension M7 Linear dimension, pitch dimension M8 spacing distance X Imaginary center line r1 First radius of curvature r2 Second radius of curvature r3 Third radius of curvature r4 Fourth radius of curvature

Claims

1. 1. A panel connecting device comprising: a male tab and a female tab having opposing side edges, each of the opposing side edges having a continuous length and, when viewed from an exterior side of the female tab, being concavely curved along a majority of the continuous length according to a radius of curvature.

2. 1. A panel connecting device for securing a first panel and a second panel together in overlapping relationship, comprising: a locking tab stamped from the first panel; and a retention tab stamped from the second panel defining a locking hole, the retention tab being displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the retention tab having opposing side edges, at least one of the side edges having a continuous length and which, when viewed from an exterior side of the retention tab, is concavely curved along a majority of the continuous length according to a radius of curvature.

3. 1. A panel connecting device for securing a first panel and a second panel together in overlapping relationship, comprising: a locking tab stamped from the first panel; and a retention tab stamped from the second panel defining a locking hole, the retention tab being displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the locking hole having opposing side edges, each of the opposing side edges having a continuous length and which, when viewed from an exterior side of the locking hole, is concavely curved along a majority of the continuous length according to a radius of curvature.

4. The panel connecting device of claim 3 , wherein a center of curvature of each curved side edge is disposed outside the retention tab.

5. 5. The panel connecting device of claim 4, wherein a minimum width F4 of the locking hole is located between a distal end and a proximal end of the locking hole, such that both a width F5 at the distal end and a width F2 at the proximal end are greater than the minimum width F4 (F5>F4), (F2>F4).

6. The panel connecting device of claim 1 , wherein a center of curvature of each curved side edge is disposed outside the female tab.

7. 7. The panel connecting device of claim 6, wherein a minimum width F4 of the female tab is located between the distal end and the proximal end of the female tab, such that both a width F5 at the distal end and a width F2 at the proximal end are greater than the minimum width F4 (F5>F4), (F2>F4).

8. The panel connecting device of claim 7 , wherein the width F2 at the proximal end is a maximum width.

9. 9. The panel connecting device of claim 8, wherein the radius of curvature r3 of each side edge is approximately equal to two-thirds of the maximum width F2 of the female tab (r3 ≈ 2 / 3 F2).

10. The male tab comprises a single position tab, the single position tab comprising: The main part, The neck part and a shoulder portion, the neck portion being narrower than the shoulder portion and defining at least one locking edge formed along a lower portion of the shoulder portion; The panel connecting device of claim 1 , wherein the female tab has a maximum width F2 that is greater than the single position tab's maximum width M2 (F2>M2).

11. 11. The panel connecting device of claim 10, wherein a width F5 at a distal end of the female tab is less than a maximum width M2 of the single location tab (F5<M2).

12. The panel connection device of claim 1 , wherein the female tab is connected to a mother panel by a non-linear fold.

13. The panel connection device of claim 12 , wherein the non-linear crease comprises a curved crease.

14. The panel connection device of claim 13 , wherein a center of curvature of the curved fold line is located closer to a distal end of the female tab than the curved fold line.

15. 13. The panel connecting device of claim 12, wherein the fold has a length F1 that is less than a maximum width F2 of the female tab (F1<F2).

16. 16. The panel connecting device of claim 15, wherein the length F1 is less than a minimum width F4 of the female tab (F1<F4).

17. 13. The panel connecting device of claim 12, wherein the fold has a length F1 approximately equal to a minimum width M1 / M4 of the male tab (F1≈M1), (F1≈M4).

18. 2. The panel connecting device of claim 1, wherein the male tab comprises a multi-position tab including a plurality of recesses along at least one side edge thereof, each recess providing an engagement edge for abutting a panel portion of a mother panel from which the female tab is stamped, and wherein a maximum width F2 of the female tab is greater than a maximum width M5 of the multi-position tab.

19. 20. The panel connecting device of claim 18, wherein a width F5 at a distal end of the female tab is less than a maximum width M5 of the multi-position tab (F5<M5).

20. The panel connecting device of claim 1 , wherein the female tab has a distal end edge that is convexly curved when viewed from an exterior side of the female tab.

21. 21. The panel connecting device of claim 20, wherein a center of curvature of the curved distal end edge is located closer to the proximal end than to the distal end of the female tab.

22. 22. The panel connecting device of claim 21, wherein the radius of curvature r2 of the distal end edge is greater than the radius of curvature r3 of each of the curved side edges (r2>r3).

23. 23. The panel connecting device of claim 22, wherein the radius of curvature r2 of the distal end edge is approximately equal to the maximum width F2 of the female tab (r2≈F2).

24. 1. A carton blank incorporating a panel attachment device having a first panel and a second panel, the panel attachment means including a locking tab stamped from the first panel and a retention tab defining a locking hole stamped from the second panel, the retention tab being displaced out of the plane of the second panel to receive and engage the locking tab through the locking hole, the retention tab having opposing side edges, each of the opposing side edges having a continuous length and which, when viewed from an exterior side of the retention tab, is concavely curved along a majority of the continuous length according to a radius of curvature.

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