Carton and blank therfor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carton. The carton comprises a tray having a base panel and a plurality of walls. The carton further comprises a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls of the tray. The lid comprises a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray and at least one lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel. The carton comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray. The locking device comprises a lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel.

Description

[0001] CARTON AND BLANK THERFOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0004] BACKGROUND

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

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

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

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging at least one article. The carton comprises a tray having a base panel and a plurality of walls. The carton further comprises a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls of the tray. The lid comprises a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray and at least one lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel. The carton comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray. The locking device further comprises a lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel.

[0010] Optionally, the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to each of the other walls of the tray.

[0011] Optionally, the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to a pair of opposed ones of the other walls of the tray.

[0012] Optionally, the locking device comprises at least one lid lock panel hingedly connected to a lid wall panel. Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises at least one lid lock panel hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises a pair of opposing lid lock panels hingedly connected to opposed ends of the lid side wall panel.

[0014] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises a pair of adjacent lid lock panels hingedly connected to adjacent edges of the lid side wall panel.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises three lid lock panels hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel.

[0016] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a spacer disposed between the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.

[0017] Optionally, the spacer comprises a debossed region formed in one of the at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.

[0018] Optionally, the spacer comprises an embossed region formed in one of the at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a debossed region, the lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to the debossed region of the at least one lid wall panel.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises an embossed region, the lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed region of the at least one lid wall panel.

[0021] Optionally, a gap is defined between at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel, a portion of the tray lock panel is received in the gap.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels comprises a debossed region, the lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the debossed region of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

[0023] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels comprises an embossed region, the lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed region of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels, a lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

[0025] Optionally, opposed free edges of the tray lock panel are divergently arranged with respect to each other, and are configured such that the tray lock panel tapers towards an engaging free edge thereof. Optionally, the carton comprises a display window defined at least in part in the top panel, the display window comprises an aperture struck at least in part from the top panel.

[0026] Optionally, a barrier layer is secured to an inner surface of the carton to close the aperture for preventing egress of product therethrough, the barrier layer being arranged such that the product or interior of the carton is visible therethrough.

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

[0028] A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of tray panels for forming a tray including a base panel and a plurality of wall panels. The blank further comprises a plurality of lid panels for forming a lid. The plurality of lid panels comprises a top panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of wall panels of the tray and at least one lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel. The blank comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other wall panels of the tray. The locking device further comprises a lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel.

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

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

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

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

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 2B is a section view of a portion of the carton of Figure 2 showing the effect of a debossed region;

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

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

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

[0040] Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 6.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, locking devices, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, locking devices, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, fresh produce or dry goods, fruit or vegetables (for example, but not limited to, strawberries), hereinafter referred to as articles. Alternative blanks 1 10; 210 are shown in Figure 4 and 6 for forming carton or carrier 190; 290, as shown in Figures 5 and 7. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the carton 90; 190; 290 may form secondary packaging for one or more primary product containers such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans. In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the nonlimiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as the primary product or primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various primary products or primary product containers. Exemplary primary product containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

[0045] The blanks 10; 1 10; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0046] The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of, or coated with, materials to increase its strength. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0047] The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028’7-0.7mm). An example of such a substrate is a 28-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating, trade name CustomKote®) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0048] The blanks 10; 1 10; 210 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE).

[0049] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0050] The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18 for forming a tubular structure including a top panel 12 for forming, at least in part, a top wall or lid of a carrier 90 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0052] A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first side of the first upper panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A base panel 16 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15.

[0053] Optionally, the fold line 15 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A2, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 15 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A2. The apertures A2 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 15 and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0054] A second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

[0055] Optionally, the fold line 17 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A3, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 17 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A3. The apertures A3 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 17 and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0056] The blank 10 comprises end closure structures for closing ends of the tubular structure; a first end closure structure closes a first end of the tubular structure and a second end closure structure closes a second, opposing, end of the tubular structure.

[0057] The first end closure structure comprises a first bottom end closure panel 24A hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. Optionally, the fold line 23A may be interrupted by at least one aperture A4. The aperture A4 reduces the fold resistance of the fold line 23A and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0058] A first side end closure panel 22A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 A. A second side end closure panel 26A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A.

[0059] The second end closure structure comprises a second bottom end closure panel 24B hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. Optionally, the fold line 23A may be interrupted by at least one aperture A4. The aperture A4 reduces the fold resistance of the fold line 23A and may also provide ventilation or drainage.

[0060] A third side end closure panel 22B is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 B. A fourth side end closure panel 26B is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B.

[0061] Optionally, the blank 10 may comprises a viewing or display window for display of the product contained therein. The display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck from at least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18. For example, the aperture A1 may be struck, at least in part, from the top panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture A1 is struck in part from the top panel 12 and in part from the first side panel 14, interrupting the fold line 13.

[0062] A sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL, also referred to herein as a barrier layer FL, may be secured in face contacting relationship with a surface of the blank 10 to close the display window. The second material may transparent or translucent or comprise a mesh or net structure such that the primary product is visible therethrough. The sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL may be secured in face contacting relationship with an internal surface of the blank 10.

[0063] The blank 10 comprises a locking device for securing the top wall or lid of the carrier 90 provided by top panel 12 in a closed condition. The locking device comprises at least one first part 32, 32A, 32B and at least one second part 20, 34A, 34B for engaging the at least one first part 32, 32A, 32B. The illustrated embodiment comprises three first parts 32, 32A, 32B and three second parts 20, 34A, 34B for engaging a respective one of the three first parts 32, 32A, 32B.

[0064] The at least one first part 32, 32A, 32B may comprise a lid side lock panel 32 is hingedly connected to a lid side panel 30 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33. The lid side panel 30 is hingedly connected to the top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29.

[0065] The lid side panel 30 may comprise an embossed or debossed region DB. The embossed or debossed region DB provides a raised surface on, or protruding from, an inner surface of the lid side panel 30. The embossed or debossed region DB is disposed proximate to the hinged connection, fold line 33, between the lid side lock panel 32 and the lid side panel 30. The embossed or debossed region DB is spaced apart from, or distal from, the hinged connection, fold line 29, between the lid side panel 30 and the top panel 12.

[0066] The embossed or debossed region DB is configured to be in registry with the lid side lock panel 32 when the lid side lock panel 32 is folded about fold line 33 to be in face-to-face relationship with the lid side panel 30.

[0067] A free edge E3 of the lid side lock panel 32 defines an engaging or locking edge; the free edge E3 opposes a hinged edge of the lid side lock panel 32 defined by the fold line 33.

[0068] The embossed or debossed region DB serves to provide a spacer device. The embossed or debossed region DB has the effect of displacing the lid side lock panel 32 inwardly of the carrier 90. In other embodiments, the spacer device may be provided by one or one panels hingedly connected to the lid side lock panel 32 and folded to be disposed between the lid side lock panel 32 and the lid side panel 30.

[0069] The lid side lock panel 32 may be greater in dimension than the embossed or debossed region DB such that, in a set up condition, a marginal portion of the lid side lock panel 32 proximate the free edge E3 is spaced apart from an opposing portion of the lid side panel 30 disposed adjacent to the embossed or debossed region DB defining a gap therebetween.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a glue region GR of the lid side lock panel 32 for being secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the embossed or debossed region DB of the lid side panel 30.

[0071] The marginal portion of the lid side lock panel 32 is defined between the free edge E3 and the glue region GR.

[0072] The at least one first part 32, 32A, 32B may comprise a first lid end lock panel 32A configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with a first lid end panel 28A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lid end lock panel 32A is hingedly connected to a first end of the lid side panel 30 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A.

[0073] The first lid end panel 28A is hingedly connected to the top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A.

[0074] The first lid end lock panel 32A comprises an engaging or locking edge E1 . The first lid end lock panel 32A is shaped and configured such that the engaging or locking edge E1 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the first lid end panel 28A and the top panel 12, in a setup carrier 90.

[0075] The first lid end panel 28A may comprise an embossed or debossed region DB. The embossed or debossed region DB provides a raised surface on, or protruding from, an inner surface of the first lid end panel 28A, best shown in Figure 2B. The embossed or debossed region DB is disposed proximate to a free edge of the first lid end panel 28A opposing a hinged edge of the first lid end panel 28A defined by the hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the first lid end panel 28A and the top panel 12. The embossed or debossed region DB is spaced apart from, or distal from, the hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the first lid end panel 28A and the top panel 12.

[0076] The embossed or debossed region DB is configured to be in registry with the first lid end lock panel 32A when the first lid end lock panel 32A is disposed in face contacting relationship with the first lid end panel 28A.

[0077] The embossed or debossed region DB serves to provide a spacer device as shown in Figure 2B. The embossed or debossed region DB has the effect of displacing the first lid end lock panel 32A inwardly of the carrier 90. In other embodiments, the spacer device may be provided by one or one panels hingedly connected to the first lid end panel 28A or to first lid end lock panel 32A and folded to be disposed between the first lid end lock panel 32A and the first lid end panel 28A.

[0078] The first lid end lock panel 32A may be greater in dimension than the embossed or debossed region DB of the first lid end panel 28A such that in a set up condition a marginal portion of the first lid end lock panel 32A proximate the engaging or locking edge E1 is spaced apart from an opposing portion of the first lid end panel 28A disposed adjacent to the embossed or debossed region DB defining a gap therebetween.

[0079] Figure 1 shows a glue region GR1 of the first lid end lock panel 32A for being secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the embossed or debossed region DB of the first lid end panel 28A.

[0080] The marginal portion of the first lid end lock panel 32A is defined between the engaging or locking edge E1 and the glue region GR1 .

[0081] The at least one first part 32, 32A, 32B may comprise a second lid end lock panel 32B configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with a second lid end panel 28B. In the illustrated embodiment, the second lid end lock panel 32B is hingedly connected to a second end of the lid side panel 30 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B.

[0082] The second lid end panel 28B is hingedly connected to the top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B.

[0083] The second lid end lock panel 32B comprises an engaging or locking edge E1 . The second lid end lock panel 32B is shaped and configured such that the engaging or locking edge E1 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the second lid end panel 28A and the top panel 12, in a setup carrier 90.

[0084] The second lid end panel 28B may comprise an embossed or debossed region DB. The embossed or debossed region DB provides a raised surface on, or protruding from, an inner surface of the second lid end panel 28B. The embossed or debossed region DB is disposed proximate to a free edge of the second lid end panel 28B opposing a hinged edge of the second lid end panel 28B defined by the hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the second lid end panel 28B and the top panel 12. The embossed or debossed region DB is spaced apart from, or distal from, the hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the second lid end panel 28B and the top panel 12.

[0085] The embossed or debossed region DB is configured to be in registry with the second lid end lock panel 32B when the second lid end lock panel 32B is disposed in face contacting relationship with the second lid end panel 28B.

[0086] The embossed or debossed region DB serves to provide a spacer device. The embossed or debossed region DB has the effect of displacing the second lid end lock panel 32B inwardly of the carrier 90. In other embodiments, the spacer device may be provided by one or one panels hingedly connected to the second lid end panel 28B or to the second lid end lock panel 32B and folded to be disposed between the second lid end lock panel 32B and the second lid end panel 28B.

[0087] The second lid end lock panel 32B may be greater in dimension than the embossed or debossed region DB of the second lid end panel 28B such that in a set up condition a marginal portion of the second lid end lock panel 32B proximate the engaging or locking edge E1 is spaced apart from an opposing portion of the second lid end panel 28B disposed adjacent to the embossed or debossed region DB defining a gap therebetween.

[0088] Figure 1 shows a glue region GR2 of the second lid end lock panel 32B for being secured with glue or other adhesive treatment to the embossed or debossed region DB of the second lid end panel 28B.

[0089] The marginal portion of the second lid end lock panel 32B is defined between the engaging or locking edge E1 and the glue region GR2.

[0090] The at least one second part 20, 34A, 34B may comprise a second side panel lock panel 20 hingedly connected to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. Optionally, the fold line 19 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A5, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 19 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A5. The apertures A5 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 19 and may also provide ventilation. The second side panel lock panel 20 is configured to be folded about fold line 19 into face-to-face relationship with an outer surface of the second side panel 18. The second side panel lock panel 20 comprises a free edge E4 defining an engaging or locking edge; the free edge E4 opposes a hinged edge of the second side panel lock panel 20 defined by the fold line 19.

[0091] The at least one second part 20, 34A, 34B may comprise first bottom end lock panel 34A hingedly connected to the first bottom end closure panel 24A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A. The first bottom end lock panel 34A comprises a free edge E2 defining an engaging or locking edge; the free edge E2 opposes a hinged edge of the first bottom end lock panel 34A defined by the fold line 35A.

[0092] The at least one second part 20, 34A, 34B may comprise second bottom end lock panel 34B hingedly connected to the second bottom end closure panel 24B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B. The second bottom end lock panel 34B comprises a free edge E2 defining an engaging or locking edge; the free edge E2 opposes a hinged edge of the second bottom end lock panel 34B defined by the fold line 35B.

[0093] Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0094] The blank 10 is folded about fold lines 23A, 23B to fold the first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B with respect to the base panel 16.

[0095] The first side panel 14, along with the first top panel 12, is folded with respect to the base panel 16 about the fold line 15.

[0096] The second side panel 18, along with the second side panel lock panel 20, is folded with respect to the base panel 16 about the fold line 17.

[0097] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue regions GR3 of the first and second bottom end closure panels 24A, 24B. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first, second, third, and fourth side end closure panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B.

[0098] The first end closure panel 22A is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 21 A, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the first bottom end closure panel 24A. The first end closure panel 22A is secured to the first bottom end closure panel 24A.

[0099] The second end closure panel 26A is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 25A, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the first bottom end closure panel 24A. The second end closure panel 26A is secured to the first bottom end closure panel 24A.

[0100] The third end closure panel 22B is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 21 B, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the second bottom end closure panel 24B. The third end closure panel 22B is secured to the second bottom end closure panel 24B.

[0101] The fourth end closure panel 26B is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 25B, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the second bottom end closure panel 24B. The fourth end closure panel 26B is secured to the second bottom end closure panel 24B.

[0102] The second side panel lock panel 20 is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 19 to be brough into substantially face-to-face relationship therewith.

[0103] The first bottom end lock panel 34A is folded with respect to the first bottom end closure panel 24A, about fold line 35A to be brough into substantially face-to-face relationship therewith.

[0104] The second bottom end lock panel 34B is folded with respect to the second bottom end closure panel 24B, about fold line 35B to be brough into substantially face-to-face relationship therewith. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue region GR of the lid side lock panel 32. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to embossed or debossed region of the lid side panel 30.

[0105] The lid side lock panel 32 is folded with respect to the lid side panel 30, about fold line 33, to be brought into face contacting relationship with the lid side panel 30. The lid side lock panel 32 is secured to the lid side panel 30.

[0106] The first lid end lock panel 32A is folded with respect to the lid side panel 30, about fold line 31 A, to be substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0107] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue region GR1 of the first lid end lock panel 32A. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to embossed or debossed region of the first lid end panel 28A.

[0108] The first lid end panel 28A is folded with respect to the top panel 12, about fold line 27A, to be substantially perpendicular thereto. The first lid end panel 28A is brought into face contacting relationship with the first lid end lock panel 32A. The first lid end panel 28A is secured to the first lid end lock panel 32A.

[0109] The second lid end lock panel 32B is folded with respect to the lid side panel 30, about fold line 31 B, to be substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0110] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue region GR2 of the second lid end lock panel 32B. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to embossed or debossed region of the second lid end panel 28B.

[0111] The second lid end panel 28B is folded with respect to the top panel 12, about fold line 27B, to be substantially perpendicular thereto. The second lid end panel 28B is brought into face contacting relationship with the second lid end lock panel 32B. The second lid end panel 28B is secured to the second lid end lock panel 32B.

[0112] With the lid of the carrier 90 (top panel 12, lid side panel 30, first lid end panel 28A, and second lid end panel 28B) in an open condition the carrier 90 can be loaded with a product. The first side panel 14, second side panel 18, base panel 16, and first and second end closure panels 24A, 24B form a tray to which the lid is hingedly connected.

[0113] The lid can be closed by folding the first top panel 12 with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 13, to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the first side panel 14.

[0114] When the lid is closed, the lid side panel 30 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the second side panel 18; the lid side lock panel 32 is disposed between the lid side panel 30 and the second side panel 18. The second side panel lock panel 20 is disposed between the lid side panel 30 and the second side panel 18. In Figure 3, the position of the lid side lock panel 32 and the second side panel lock panel 20 is indicated by phantom or dot-dash lines. The second side panel lock panel 20 engages with lid side lock panel 32. The engaging edge E4 of the second side panel lock panel 20 engages with the engaging edge E3 of the lid side lock panel 32. In some embodiments, the second side panel lock panel 20 may engage or be received in a gap between lid side lock panel 32 and the lid side panel 30.

[0115] Figure 3 also shows that in the closed condition, the second lid end lock panel 32B is disposed between the second lid end panel 28B and an end wall of the carrier 90 formed from the second bottom end closure panel 24B and the third and fourth end closure panels 22B, 26B. The second bottom end lock panel 34B is disposed between the second lid end panel 28B and an end wall of the carrier 90 formed from the second bottom end closure panel 24B and the third and fourth end closure panels 22B, 26B.

[0116] In Figure 3, the position of the second bottom end lock panel 34B and the second lid end lock panel 32B is indicated by phantom or dot-dash lines. The second bottom end lock panel 34B engages with second lid end lock panel 32B. The engaging edge E2 of the second bottom end lock panel 34B engages with the engaging edge E1 of the second lid end lock panel 32B. In some embodiments, the second bottom end lock panel 34B may engage or be received in a gap between second lid end lock panel 32B and the second lid end panel 28B.

[0117] It will be appreciated that the first bottom end lock panel 34A and the first lid end lock panel 32A are similarly arranged, albeit not shown in Figure 3.

[0118] Referring now to Figures 4 to 7, there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”; “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiment, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and described above, will be described in any greater detail.

[0119] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a blank 110 comprising a plurality of panels 1 12, 114, 116, 118 for forming a tubular structure including a top panel 1 12 for forming, at least in part, a top wall or lid of a carrier 190 (see Figure 5). The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the viewing or display window is defined entirely within the top panel 1 12. The display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck from or defined within the top panel 112. A sheet, film or mesh of a second material FL may be secured in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the top panel 112 to close the display window. Optionally, fold line 1 13, hinging the top panel 1 12 to first side panel 114 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A6, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 113 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A6. The apertures A6 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 113 and may also provide ventilation.

[0120] Figure 7 shows a carrier 290, formed from the blank 210 of Figure 6, according to a third embodiment. The carrier 290, and blank 210 is substantially similar in construction to the carrier 90 of Figures 2 and 3, and blank 10 of Figure 1 , albeit the viewing or display window is defined entirely within the top panel 212. The fold line 213, hinging the top panel 212 to first side panel 214 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A6, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 213 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A6. The apertures A6 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 213 and may also provide ventilation.

[0121] The apertures interrupting the fold line 219 are struck in part from second side panel 218 and in part from second side panel lock panel 220 to form recesses R in the hinged edge therebetween.

[0122] The fold line 229, hinging lid side panel 230 to the top panel 212 may be interrupted by at least one aperture A7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 229 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A7. The apertures A7 reduce the fold resistance of the fold line 229 and may also provide ventilation. Each of the apertures A7 may be arranged to be in registry or alignment with a respective one of the recesses R in the hinged edge between the second side panel 218 and the second side panel lock panel 220.

[0123] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging at least one article. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a tray having a base panel 16; 116 and a plurality of walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B. The carton 90; 190; 290 further comprises a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray. The lid comprises a top panel 12; 112; 212 hingedly connected to said one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray and at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 hingedly connected to the top panel 12; 1 12; 212. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray. The locking device comprises a tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray. The locking device comprises a lid lock panel 32, 32A, 32B; 132, 132A, 132B; 232, 232A, 232B secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230.

[0124] The locking device may comprise a tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B hingedly connected to each of the other walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray.

[0125] The locking device may comprise a tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B hingedly connected to a pair of opposed ones of the other walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 1 14, 1 18, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray.

[0126] The locking device may comprise at least one lid lock panel 32, 32A, 32B; 132, 132A, 132B; 232, 232A, 232B hingedly connected to a lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230. The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230 and the locking device may comprise at least one lid lock panel 32, 32A, 32B; 132, 132A, 132B; 232, 232A, 232B hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230.

[0127] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230 and the locking device may comprise a pair of opposing lid lock panels 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B hingedly connected to opposed ends of the lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230.

[0128] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230 and the locking device may comprise a pair of adjacent lid lock panels 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B hingedly connected to adjacent edges of the lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230.

[0129] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230 and the locking device may comprise a three lid lock panels 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel 30; 130; 230.

[0130] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise an embossed or debossed region, the lid lock panel 32, 32A, 32B; 132, 132A, 132B; 232, 232A, 232B may be secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed or debossed region of the at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230.

[0131] A gap may be defined between at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 and the lid lock panel 32, 32A, 32B; 132, 132A, 132B; 232, 232A, 232B, a portion of the tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B may be received in the gap.

[0132] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a pair of opposed lid end wall panels 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B may comprise an embossed or debossed region, a the lid lock panel 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B may be secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed or debossed region of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B.

[0133] The at least one lid wall panel 28A, 28B, 30; 128A, 128B, 130; 228A, 228B, 230 may comprise a pair of opposed lid end wall panels 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B, a lid lock panel 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B may be secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B.

[0134] Opposed free edges of the tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B may be divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may be configured such that the tray lock panel 20, 34A, 34B; 120, 134A, 134B; 220, 234A, 234B tapers towards an engaging or free edge E2, E4 thereof.

[0135] The carton 90; 190; 290 may comprise a display window defined at least in part in the top panel 12; 112; 212, the display window may comprise an aperture A1 struck at least in part from the top panel 12; 1 12; 212. A barrier layer FL may be secured to an inner surface of the carton 90; 190; 290 to close the aperture A1 for preventing egress of product therethrough, the barrier layer FL being arranged such that the product or interior of the carton 90; 190; 290 is visible therethrough.

[0136] The aperture A1 may extend into the one of the walls 14, 18, 24A, 24B; 114, 118, 124A, 124B; 214; 218; 224A, 224B of the tray that the top panel 12; 112; 212 is hingedly connected to.

[0137] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0138] As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0139] As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0140] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and / or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

[0141] The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A carton for packaging at least one article, the carton comprising a tray having a base panel and a plurality of walls, the carton further comprising a lid hingedly connected to one of the walls of the tray, the lid comprising a top panel hingedly connected to said one of the walls of the tray and at least one lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel, wherein the carton comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray, the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other walls of the tray, the locking device further comprises a lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel.2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to each of the other walls of the tray.3 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to a pair of opposed ones of the other walls of the tray.4 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the locking device comprises at least one lid lock panel hingedly connected to a lid wall panel.5 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises at least one lid lock panel hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel.6 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises a pair of opposing lid lock panels hingedly connected to opposed ends of the lid side wall panel.7 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises a pair of adjacent lid lock panels hingedly connected to adjacent edges of the lid side wall panel.8 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a lid side wall panel and the locking device comprises three lid lock panels hingedly connected to the lid side wall panel.9 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a spacer disposed between the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.10 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises a debossed region formed in one of the at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.1 1. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises an embossed region formed in one of the at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel and the at least one lid wall panel.

12. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a debossed region, the lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to the debossed region of the at least one lid wall panel.

13. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises an embossed region, the lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed region of the at least one lid wall panel.

14. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein a gap is defined between at least one lid wall panel and the lid lock panel, a portion of the tray lock panel is received in the gap.

15. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels comprises a debossed region, the lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the debossed region of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

16. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels comprises an embossed region, the lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to the embossed region of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

17. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid wall panel comprises a pair of opposed lid end wall panels, a lid lock panel is secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of each of the pair of opposed lid end wall panels.

18. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein opposed free edges of the tray lock panel are divergently arranged with respect to each other and configured such that the tray lock panel tapers towards an engaging free edge thereof.

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

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

2. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of tray panels for forming a tray including a base panel and a plurality of wall panels, the blank further comprising a plurality of lid panels for forming a lid, the plurality of lid panels comprising a top panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of wall panels of the tray and at least one lid wall panel hingedly connected to the top panel, wherein the blank comprises a locking device for securing the lid in a closed condition with respect to the tray, the locking device comprises a tray lock panel hingedly connected to at least one of the other wall panels of the tray, the locking device further comprises a lid lock panel secured in face contacting relationship to an inner surface of the at least one lid wall panel.

Images