Carton and blank therefor

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 first panel (18) and a second panel (20) disposed adjacent to the first panel. The carton further comprises a locking device (L / Rc) interconnecting the first panel with the second panel. The locking device comprises a female part (Rc) associated with the first panel and a male part (L) associated with the second panel. The female part comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel. The locking opening comprises a wider section (T2) and a narrower section (A5). The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear (44,46) is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation.

Description

[0001] CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to packages, cartons, panel interlocking devices, and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carton of the fully enclosed type having a panel locking device for securing a pair of adjacent 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 panel locking device for securing a pair of adjacent 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 first panel and a second panel disposed adjacent to the first panel. The carton further comprises a locking device interconnecting the first panel with the second panel. The locking device comprises a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel. The female part comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel. The locking opening comprises a wider section and a narrower section. The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part comprises a head portion having a width greater than the width of the narrower section of the locking opening. The male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which at least part of the head portion of the male part is tucked under the at least one engaging ear in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear.

[0010] Optionally, the narrower section is defined, at least in part, by a cutaway or aperture struck from, or defined in, the first panel.

[0011] Optionally, the wider section is defined, at least in part, by a backing tab. Optionally, the narrower section is defined in part by a portion of the backing tab.

[0012] Optionally, the female part further comprises a backing tab formed from the first panel, backing tab defines at least part of the locking opening, the backing tab, in the locking condition, underlies the head portion of the male part such that the head portion is exposed to view, at least partially, though the locking opening when viewed from the outside of the carton.

[0013] Optionally, the head portion is exposed to view, at least partially, though the wider section of the locking opening when viewed from the outside of the carton.

[0014] Optionally, the carton further comprises a third panel hingedly connected to the first panel, the narrower section of the locking opening extends into the third panel, and wherein the male part passes through a part of the locking opening defined in the third panel.

[0015] Optionally, the narrower section is defined, at least in part, by an aperture struck in part from the first panel and in part from the third panel.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel hingedly connected to the first panel by a fold line. The carton further comprises a locking device for interconnecting the first panel with the second panel. The locking device comprises a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel. The female part comprises a receiver or backing tab formed entirely from the first panel so as to define part of a locking opening in the first panel when the receiver tab is displaced from the plane of the first panel. The locking opening extends from the first panel into the third panel such that a gap is defined between the distal end of the receiver or backing tab and the neighboring end edge of the locking opening.

[0017] Optionally, one of the opposite ends of the blank is provided by the second panel, and the other end of the blank is provided by the third panel.

[0018] Optionally, the gap interrupts the fold line between the first panel and the third panel.

[0019] Optionally, the locking opening comprises a wider section defined in the first panel and a narrower section extending from the wider section into the third panel.

[0020] Optionally, the wider section has a first width W1 , and the narrower section has a second width W2, the first width W1 is greater than the second width W2.

[0021] Optionally, the male part comprises a head portion having a third width W3 which is greater than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

[0022] Optionally, the male part comprises a head portion having a third width W3 which is equal to or less than the first width W1 of the wider section of the locking opening.

[0023] Optionally, the male part has a proximal end connected to the second panel, the proximal end having a fourth width W4 which is equal to or less than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

[0024] A third aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging at least one article. The carton comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed adjacent to the first panel. The carton further comprises a locking device interconnecting the first panel with the second panel. The locking device comprises a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel. The female part comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel. The locking opening comprises a wider section and a narrower section. The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part comprises a head portion having a width greater than the width of the narrower section of the locking opening. The wider section of the locking opening has a width greater than the width of the head portion of the male part such that the head portion may pass unhindered therethrough. The male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which the head portion of the male part is tucked, at least partially, under the at least one engaging ear in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear.

[0025] Optionally, the head portion of the male part is disposed, at least in part, in face contacting relationship with an outer surface of a backing tab defining at least a part of the locking opening and coupled to the first panel.

[0026] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a panel locking device for interconnecting a first panel of a carton with a second, adjacent, panel of the carton. The panel locking device comprises a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel. The female part comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel. The locking opening comprises a wider section and a narrower section. The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part comprises a head portion having a width greater than the width of the narrower section of the locking opening. The male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which the head portion of the male part is tucked under the at least one engaging ear in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a partially assembled carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 4A is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 showing a first part of a locking device for securing a pair of panels of the carton together; and

[0037] Figure 4B is a plan view from above of a second portion of the blank of Figure 1 showing a second part of a locking device for securing a pair of panels of the carton together.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, panel interlocking 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, panel interlocking 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.

[0040] 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. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the carton 90 may form secondary packaging for one or more primary product containers such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans.

[0041] 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 aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0042] The blank 10 is 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.

[0043] The packaging structures or cartons 90 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.

[0044] 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 26-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.

[0045] The blank 10 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-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0046] 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.

[0047] The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as 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.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 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 Figure 2).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] A second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

[0052] 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.

[0053] A second top panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Optionally, the blank 10 may comprise 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, 20. 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.

[0060] A sheet, film, or mesh of a second material FL may be secured in face contacting relationship with a surface of the blank 10 to close the display window. The second material may be 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.

[0061] The blank 10 comprises a panel locking device for securing a first one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 to a second one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The panel locking device comprises a first or male part L and a second or female part Rc for receiving the male part L.

[0062] The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of male parts L and a pair of female parts Rc each configured to receive one of the pair of male parts L. The or each male part L takes the form of a locking tab T1 struck from and / or extending from the top panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each male part L extends from a free side edge E1 of the top panel 12. The free side edge E1 opposes a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection, fold line 13, to the first side panel 14. Each male part L extends into the top panel 12 from the free side edge E1 so as to be struck from or provided by the top panel 12. As shown in Figure 4A the male part L or locking tab T1 comprises a head portion 34 coupled to a main body or intermediate portion extending from the free side edge E1. The head portion 34 comprises a pair of opposed wing portions 30, 32 extending laterally of the main body portion.

[0063] The portion of the male part L struck from the top panel 12 is defined by a pair of cutlines 31 , 33. The pair of cutlines 31 , 33 may be arranged to be divergently arranged, at least in part, with respect to each other. The pair of cutlines 31 , 33 terminate in the top panel 12 with a “J” or “C” shaped cut.

[0064] The male part L may comprise a fold line F1 extending across the main body portion. The fold line F1 may be collinear with the free side edge E1 of the top panel 12. The main body portion defines a waist having a waist or minimum locking tab width W4 (also referred to herein as fourth width dimension W4).

[0065] The head portion 34 defines or comprises a locking tab head width W3 (also referred to herein as third width dimension W3). The waist width W4 of the locking tab T 1 is less than the head width W3 of the locking tab T1 .

[0066] The pair of opposed wing portions 30, 32 are spaced apart from the free side edge E1 of the top panel 12 by a second distance d2.

[0067] The main body portion of the locking tab T1 extends into the top panel 12 by a fourth distance d4. The cutlines 31 , 33 terminate a fourth distance d4 from the free side edge E1 of the top panel 12 and define a hinge therebetween.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4B the female part Rc or receiver comprises a receiver opening. The receiver opening is defined, at least in part, by a cutaway struck, at least in part, from the second side panel 18. The cutaway takes the form of an aperture A5 struck in part from the second side panel 18 and defines a recess extending from the edge of the second side panel 18.

[0069] The aperture A5 extends into the second top panel 20 so as to be struck in part therefrom and defines a recess in the second top panel 20 when the second top panel 18 is folded with respect to the second side panel 18. The aperture A5 defines a gap between a distal end E4 of the locking tab T 1 and an opposing edge E3 of the second top panel 20.

[0070] The receiver opening may be defined in part by a pair of cutlines 41 , 43 extending from the cutaway, from the aperture A5 in the illustrated embodiment. The pair of cutlines 41 , 43 define in part a receiver tab T2, also referred to herein as backing tab T2. The receiver tab T2 is struck from the second side panel 18 and is hinged thereto, a hinged connection E5 being defined between inner ends of the pair of cutlines 41 , 43. The receiver tab T2 comprises a pair of wings 40, 42 proximate the hinged connection E5.

[0071] The receiver opening comprises a first or proximal portion disposed adjacent or proximate to the edge of the second side panel 14 and a second or distal portion disposed distally from the edge of the second side panel 14. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion. The distal portion, also referred to herein as wider section, comprises or defines a distal portion width W1 (also referred to herein as first width dimension W1 ). The proximal portion, also referred to herein as narrower section, comprises or defines a proximal portion width W2 (also referred to herein as first width dimension W2). The proximal portion width W2 of the receiver opening is less than the distal portion width W1 of the receiver opening.

[0072] The distal portion of the receiver opening is spaced apart from the edge of the second side panel 18, fold line 19, by a first distance d1. The first distance d1 is equal to or greater than the second distance d2.

[0073] The receiver opening defines at least one engaging lug or ear 44, 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver opening defines a pair of engaging lugs or ears 44, 46 in the second side panel 18 disposed between the distal portion of the receiver opening and the hinged edge defined by fold line 19. The pair of engaging lugs or ears 44, 46 are disposed on opposed sides of the proximal portion of the receiver opening. The pair of engaging lugs or ears 44, 46 each have a height dimension equal to the first distance d1 .

[0074] The portion of the aperture A5 struck from the second top panel 20 extends a third distance d3 from the hinged connection defined by fold line 19. The third distance d3 may be greater than or equal to (generally or approximately equal to in some embodiments) the fourth distance d4.

[0075] The receiver opening is shaped and configured to accommodate the locking tab T 1 such that the locking tab T 1 may pass through the receiver opening unhindered without substantial deformation or folding of the locking tab T1 . The distal portion or wider section is shaped and configured to accommodate the head portion 34 of the locking tab T1 . The proximal portion or narrower section of the receiver opening is shaped and configured to accommodate the main body portion of the locking tab T1 .

[0076] In order to insert the locking tab T1 into the receiver opening, the locking tab T1 is displaceable downwardly and inwardly of the carton 90 into the receiver opening, particularly the main body portion of the locking tab T 1 passes through the portion of the receiver opening defined by the aperture A5. The locking tab T1 is folded about the hinge between the inner ends of the cutlines 31 , 33. The main body portion of the locking tab T1 passes through the aperture A5 such that the head portion 34 of the locking tab T 1 overlies the wider section of the receiver opening. The head portion 34 of the locking tab T1 can then be pressed inwardly passing through the receiver opening in the second side panel 18. As a consequence of pressing the head portion 34 of the locking tab T 1 inwardly the receiver tab T2 is displaced internally of the carton 90, folding or deforming about the hinged connection E5.

[0077] When downward force on the locking tab T1 is released the inherent resilience of the substrate material encourages the locking tab T1 to unfold or return to its original position. This has the effect of drawing the head portion 34 of the locking tab T1 behind second side panel 18. The wing portions 30, 32, or at least parts thereof, are brought into a position behind the engaging ears 44, 46 as shown in Figure 3.

[0078] The receiver tab T2 which has been inwardly displaced encourages the locking tab T 1 into or towards face contacting relationship with the inner surface of the second side panel 18. The inherent resilience of the substrate material encourages the receiver tab T2 to unfold or return to its original position, this in turn applies a force to the locking tab T1 which is interposed between the second side panel 18 and the receiver tab T2.

[0079] A portion of the locking tab T1 may be exposed to view through the receiver opening, this may facilitate unlocking of the locking device L / RC. A user may engage an exposed, proximal, portion of the receiver tab T2 adjacent its hinged connection E5 to the second side panel 18 to displace the receiver tab T2 inwardly of the carton 90. This in turn allows the user to engage a lower or outer free edge of the head portion of the locking tab T1 to allow them to pull the locking tab T1 back through the receiver opening to disengage or unlock the locking device L / RC.

[0080] 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 Figure 3.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The second side panel 18, along with the second top panel 20, is folded with respect to the base panel 16 about the fold line 17.

[0084] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to glue regions GR 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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. 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.

[0088] The second top panel 20 is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 19, to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the second side panel 18.

[0089] The first top panel 12 is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 13, to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the first side panel 14. The first top panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 20 and may be in face contacting relationship therewith.

[0090] The locking tabs T1 can then be folded or displaced with respect to the first top panel 12, about the hinged connection between the inner ends of cutlines 31 , 33, the intermediate portion of each locking tab T 1 passing through the respective aperture A5 and internally of the carton 90 so as to enable the head portion 34 to pass through the receiver opening.

[0091] The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging at least one article. The carton 90 comprises a first panel 18 and a second panel 12 disposed adjacent to the first panel 18. The carton 90 further comprises a locking device L / Rc interconnecting the first panel 18 with the second panel 12. The locking device L / Rc comprises a female part Rc associated with the first panel 18 and a male part L associated with the second panel 12. The female part Rc comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel 18. The locking opening comprises a wider section and a narrower section. The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel 12 such that at least one engaging ear 44, 46 is provided by the first panel 18 along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part L comprises a head portion 34 having a width W3 greater than the width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening. The male part L is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which the head portion 34 of the male part L is tucked under the at least one engaging ear 44, 46 in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear 44, 46.

[0092] The narrower section may be defined, at least in part, by a cutaway or aperture A5 struck from or defined in the first panel 18.

[0093] The wider section may be defined, at least in part, by a receiver or backing tab T2.

[0094] The narrower section may be defined in part by a portion of the receiver or backing tab T2.

[0095] The female part Rc may further comprise a receiver or backing tab T2 formed from the first panel 18 and defining at least part of the locking opening. The receiver or backing tab T2 in the locking formation underlies the head portion 34 of the male part L such that the head portion 34 is exposed to view at least partially though the locking opening as viewed from the outside of the carton 90. The head portion 34 may be exposed to view at least partially though the wider section of the locking opening as viewed from the outside of the carton 90.

[0096] The carton 90 may further comprise a third panel 20 hingedly connected to the first panel 18. The narrower section of the locking opening extends into the third panel 20. The male part L passes through a part of the locking opening defined in the third panel 20.

[0097] The present disclosure also provides a blank 10 for forming a carton 90. The blank comprises a first panel 18, a second panel 12, and a third panel 20 hingedly connected to the first panel 18 by a fold line 19. The second panel 12 may be disposed adjacent to the first panel 18. The carton 90 further comprises a locking device L / Rc for interconnecting the first panel 18 with the second panel 12. The locking device L / Rc comprises a female part Rc associated with the first panel 18 and a male part L associated with the second panel 20. The female part Rc comprises a receiver or backing tab T2 formed entirely from the first panel 18 so as to define part of a locking opening in the first panel 18 when the receiver or backing tab T2 is displaced from the plane of the first panel 18. The locking opening extends from the first panel 18 into the third panel 20 such that a gap is defined between the distal end E4 of the receiver or backing tab T2 and the neighboring end edge E4 of the locking opening.

[0098] The gap may interrupt the fold line 19 between the first panel 18 and the third panel 20.

[0099] The locking opening may comprise a wider section defined in the first panel 18 and a narrower section extending from the wider section into the third panel 20.

[0100] The wider section may have a first width W1 , and the narrower section has a second width W2, the first width W1 is greater than the second width W2.

[0101] The male part L may comprise a head portion 34 having a third width W3 which is greater than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

[0102] The male part L may comprise a head portion 34 having a third width W3 which is equal to or less than the first width W1 of the wider section of the locking opening.

[0103] The male part L may have a proximal end F1 connected to the second panel 12, the proximal end F1 having a fourth width W4 which is equal to or less than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

[0104] The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging at least one article. The carton 90 comprises a first panel 18 and a second panel 12 disposed adjacent to the first panel 18. The carton 90 further comprises a locking device L / Rc interconnecting the first panel 18 with the second panel 12. The locking device L / Rc comprises a female part Rc associated with the first panel 18 and a male part L associated with the second panel 12. The female part Rc comprises a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel 18. The locking opening comprises a wider section and a narrower section. The narrower section extends from the wider section toward the second panel 12 such that at least one engaging ear 44, 46 is provided by the first panel 18 along the perimeter of the locking opening. The male part L comprises a head portion 34 having a width W3 greater than the width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening. The wider section of the locking opening has a width W1 greater than the width W3 of the head portion 34 of the male part L such that the head portion 34 may pass unhindered therethrough. The male part L is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which the head portion 34 of the male part L is tucked, at least partially, under the at least one engaging ear 44, 46 in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear 44, 46.

[0105] The head portion 34 of the male part L is disposed, at least in part, in face contacting relationship with an outer surface of a backing tab T2 defining at least a part of the locking opening and hingedly connected to the first panel 18.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 first panel and a second panel disposed adjacent to the first panel, the carton further comprising a locking device interconnecting the first panel with the second panel, the locking device comprising a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel, the female part comprising a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel, the locking opening comprising a wider section and a narrower section, the narrower section extending from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening, wherein the male part comprises a head portion having a width greater than the width of the narrower section of the locking opening, the male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which at least part of the head portion of the male part is tucked under the at least one engaging ear in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear.2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the narrower section is defined, at least in part, by a cutaway struck from the first panel.3 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the wider section is defined, at least in part, by a backing tab.4 An article carrier according to claim 3, wherein the narrower section is defined in part by a portion of the backing tab.5 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the female part further comprises a backing tab formed from the first panel and defining at least part of the locking opening, the backing tab, in the locking condition, underlies the head portion of the male part such that the head portion is exposed to view, at least partially, though the locking opening as viewed from the outside of the carton.6 An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the head portion is exposed to view, at least partially, though the wider section of the locking opening as viewed from the outside of the carton.7 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the carton further comprises a third panel hingedly connected to the first panel, the narrower section of the locking opening extends into the third panel, and wherein the male part passes through a part of the locking opening defined in the third panel.8 An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the narrower section is defined, at least in part, by an aperture struck in part from the first panel and in part from the third panel.

9. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel hingedly connected to the first panel by a fold line, the carton further comprising a locking device for interconnecting the first panel with the second panel, the locking device comprising a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel, the female part comprising a receiver tab formed entirely from the first panel so as to define part of a locking opening in the first panel when the receiver tab is displaced from the plane of the first panel, wherein the locking opening extends from the first panel into the third panel such that a gap is defined between the distal end of the receiver tab and the neighboring end edge of the locking opening.

10. A blank according to claim 9, further comprising opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being provided by the second panel, the other of the opposite ends being provided by the third panel.11 . A blank according to claim 9, wherein the gap interrupts the fold line between the first panel and the third panel.

12. A blank according to claim 9, wherein the locking opening comprises a wider section defined in the first panel and a narrower section extending from the wider section into the third panel.

13. A blank according to claim 12, wherein the wider section has a first width W1 , and the narrower section has a second width W2, the first width W1 is greater than the second width W2.

14. A blank according to claim 13, wherein the male part comprises a head portion having a third width W3 which is greater than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

15. A blank according to claim 13, wherein the male part comprises a head portion having a third width W3 which is equal to or less than the first width W1 of the wider section of the locking opening.

16. A blank according to claim 13, wherein the male part has a proximal end connected to the second panel, the proximal end having a fourth width W4 which is equal to or less than the second width W2 of the narrower section of the locking opening.

17. A carton for packaging at least one article, the carton comprising a first panel and a second panel disposed adjacent to the first panel, the carton further comprising a locking device interconnecting the first panel with the second panel, the locking device comprises a female part associated with the first panel and a male part associated with the second panel, the female part comprising a locking opening defined, at least in part, in the first panel, the locking opening comprising a wider section and a narrower section, the narrower section extending from the wider section toward the second panel such that at least one engaging ear is provided by the first panel along the perimeter of the locking opening, wherein the male part comprisesa head portion having a width greater than the width of the narrower section of the locking opening, the wider section of the locking opening has a width greater than the width of the head portion of the male part such that the head portion may pass unhindered therethrough, the male part is received, at least in part, in the locking opening to make a locking formation in which the head portion of the male part is tucked, at least partially, under the at least one engaging ear in a face-contacting arrangement with the at least one engaging ear.

8. An article carrier according to claim 17, wherein the head portion of the male part is disposed, at least in part, in face contacting relationship with an outer surface of a backing tab defining at least a part of the locking opening and coupled to the first panel.

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