Improvements in or relating to container carriers

Abstract

A carrier for unitising packaging articles of the type having a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like is provided. The carrier consists of a single layer. The single layer comprises a plurality of generally circular apertures, each for receiving a packaging article. The apertures comprise retention lugs for engaging a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like on an article.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CONTAINER CARRIERS

[0002] The present invention relates generally to container carriers and particularly, although not exclusively to clip-type carriers for securely retaining containers together, and to machines, methods and systems for applying container carriers to containers.

[0003] It is well known to package containers together using a carrier. Such carriers (sometimes referred to as “carrier stock”) are often formed from a plastics film with a plurality of apertures, for example as described in US2874835, US4250682 and US2936070.

[0004] Another type of carrier is known as a clip-type carrier, in which a sheet of flexible material engages the underside of a flange / rim of an article such as a can or bottle.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to carriers.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides or relates to a carrier for packaging articles of the type having a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like.

[0007] Aspects of the present invention provide or relates to carriers unitising packaging articles, such as cans, bottles and the like.

[0008] Optional features:

[0009] Retention lugs / tabs / castellations for engaging under a rim or the like in use.

[0010] Single layer (consisting of one layer).

[0011] Double layer.

[0012] More than two layers.

[0013] Multiple layers / panels / boards.

[0014] All layers are substantially the same thickness.

[0015] Multiple layers and at least two different thicknesses.

[0016] Where there are multiple layers: just one layer has retention tabs; more than one layer has retention tabs; all layers have retention tabs.

[0017] 100% paperboard / cartonboard / card board.

[0018] I Perforation / s provided at the root of the tab to assist folding.

[0019] Slot / s provided at the root of the tab to assist folding.

[0020] Through holes or blind holes provided at the root of the tab to assist folding.

[0021] Moisture barrier may be provided. The barrier may be provided on either / both sides of a layer / panel e.g. just the underside of the or the lowermost panel.

[0022] Finger aperture / s may be provided. The apertures may be circular. The aperture / s may be: flower-like; sunflower-like; cog-like; rosette-like; a wavy circle; a ripple edge circle; generally circular with a zig-zag, scalloped or wavy periphery.

[0023] Apertures are generally circular.

[0024] Apertures arranged in ranks of rows e.g. parallel rows of multiple apertures.

[0025] Panels are generally square or generally rectangular.

[0026] Where multiple layers are provided the layers may be formed separately and may be secured or securable together.

[0027] Carriers formed in accordance with the present invention may use “castellations” to support a container under the rim.

[0028] Some aspects and embodiments are based on the use of a roller drum to apply carriers.

[0029] In some embodiments the first layer is a “top” or “upper” layer / sheet / panel.

[0030] In some embodiments the second layer is a “bottom” or “lower” layer / sheet / panel.

[0031] In some embodiments container apertures (e.g. in a second / lower layer) are generally circular e.g. they may have a notional circular form, although they may be castellated.

[0032] In some embodiments the or each locking tab may be a foldable flap. The apertures in the first layer may, for example, provide a fold point for the locking tabs. The tabs may project from a second layer up and through the apertures in a first layer. In other embodiments tabs are provided on both layers.

[0033] Multiple layers (where provided) may be formed separately and are secured or securable together. Multiple layers may be bonded, adhered or glued together, for example forming a two-layer glued laminate. The first and second layers cannot then move relative to each other. This principle can be used to form a carrier that requires no gluing or manipulating during application.

[0034] Layers may be, for example, adhered, bonded or glued together in advance of application or at the time of application.

[0035] Layers may be secured together using re-pulpable adhesive.

[0036] Castellation may be formed as foldable flaps. Features may be provided to aid folding of the flaps e.g. slits, slots or perforations, which could be provided at the base / root / fold line of the flaps.

[0037] The apertures in a first layer may provide a fold point for the locking tabs in a second layer, for example.

[0038] The carrier may, for example, be formed from paperboard or cardboard material. In other embodiments the carrier may be formed from a plastics material.

[0039] In some embodiments multiple (e.g. first and second) layers are formed from the same material.

[0040] Materials, including paper, plastics, cardboard, cornstarch or potato starch, may be used to form generally flat, planar carrier layers.

[0041] In some embodiments, for example, the or each layer is formed from cardboard material.

[0042] Some embodiments, for example, are formed as a 100% cardboard ring style carrier.

[0043] In other embodiments different layers may be formed from different materials. This allows, for example, different properties to be provided by the layers.

[0044] It will be understood that some embodiments are restricted to the use of one or two layers, but other embodiments may include more than two layers.

[0045] In a two layer carrier the material of the first and second layers may have generally the same thickness, or they may have different thicknesses.

[0046] The container apertures may be dimensioned to fit under a rim, undercut, chime or the like formed on a container, such as a can (including standard beverage cans, or “slim” or “sleek” cans) or a bottle.

[0047] Examples of standard cans:

[0048] UNIT SIZE HEIGHT CLOSED BODY DIAMETER END SIZE (DIA)

[0049] 330 ml I 15.2 mm 66.3 mm 202

[0050] 440 ml 149.9 mm 66.2 mm 202 UNIT SIZE HEIGHT CLOSED BODY DIAMETER END SIZE (DIA)

[0051] 500 ml 168 mm 66.2 mm 202

[0052] 568 ml 188.1 mm 66.2 mm 202

[0053] Examples of slim cans:

[0054] UNIT SIZE HEIGHT CLOSED BODY DIAMETER END SIZE (DIA)

[0055] 150 ml 88.5 mm 53.3 mm 200

[0056] 200 ml l l l .2 mm 53.3 mm 200

[0057] 250 ml 134 mm 53.3 mm 200 Examples of sleek cans:

[0058] UNIT SIZE HEIGHT CLOSED BODY DIAMETER END SIZE (DIA)

[0059] 250 ml 1 13.9 mm 58.1 mm 202

[0060] 330 ml 145.4 mm 58.1 mm 202

[0061] 355 ml 156.9 mm 57.6 mm 202

[0062] 450 ml 168 mm 63.5 mm 202

[0063] 473 ml 173.5 mm 63.5 mm 202

[0064] 473 ml 173.5 mm 63.5 mm 206

[0065] 591 ml 193.7 mm 66.2 mm 206

[0066] Other examples off can sizes are:

[0067] In some embodiments the carrier comprises two (or more) parallel rows of apertures. In some embodiments, between the rows and / or at the ends / sides of the carrier are provided one or more manipulation apertures / finger apertures and / or weight saving cut-outs.

[0068] In some embodiments carrier layers may be formed by rotary die cutting; in other embodiments punch cutting may be used, for example. Other method of manufacture, including additive manufacturing, may be used.

[0069] Layers may be formed as generally rectangular or generally square sheets.

[0070] In some embodiments the carrier may further comprise one or more marketing panels formed along one or more sides of one or more layers.

[0071] In some embodiments the carrier may further comprise a handle.

[0072] The carrier may further comprise a cover film for covering the first layer.

[0073] The cover film may be peelable away from the first layer.

[0074] An array of carriers may be provided i.e. multiple carriers formed in one piece.

[0075] The present invention also provides a continuous strip of a plurality of carriers as described herein i.e. a plurality of carriers may be formed together and then can be separated either before or at the point of application.

[0076] A strip of carriers may, for example, comprise perforations for separating carriers.

[0077] The strip may be formed in a fan foldable or fan folded format.

[0078] In some embodiments the carriers may be pre-separated; however, in other embodiments the carriers may also be separated at an application station (before, during or after application).

[0079] The present invention also provides a multipack bottle or can carrier comprising a carrier as described herein.

[0080] The present invention also provides a carrier as described herein in combination with a plurality of container to form a multi-pack; for example a 4-pack of 500ml cans.

[0081] The carrier may be suitable for or adapted to be pushed / pressed onto containers.

[0082] The carrier may be suitable for or adapted to be rolled onto containers.

[0083] Some aspects and embodiments provide or relate to a board-based carrier.

[0084] The carrier may retain articles such as cans, bottles and the like. Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0085] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0087] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0089] In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

[0090] Figure I

[0091] 4-pack, single layer carrier 10. Apertures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d with radial slits 12 forming castellations / retention lugs 14. Central circular finger aperture 16; semi-circular end notches 18.

[0092] Figure 2

[0093] 6-pack carrier I 10 with radial slits I 12 forming castellations I 14.

[0094] Figure 3

[0095] 4-pack carrier 210 with narrow U-shape gaps / notches 220 forming castellations 214. Central circular finger aperture; semi-circular end notches.

[0096] Figure 4

[0097] 6-pack carrier 310 with narrow U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. Central circular finger apertures; semicircular end notches.

[0098] Figure 5 4-pack carrier 410. Each aperture is provided with approximately 90 degrees of U-shape gaps / notches 422 (wider than the notches 220) forming retention lugs and approximately 270 degrees of slits 412 forming lugs (meaning that the gaps are provided in the outer corners).

[0099] Figure 6

[0100] 6-pack carrier 510 with six apertures 505a-f. Each of the four outer apertures 505a, 505c, 505d, 505f is provided with approximately 90 degrees of U-shape gaps / notches 522 forming castellations and 270 degrees of slits 512 (meaning that the gaps are provided in the four outer corners). The two central apertures 505b, 505e are provided only with slits.

[0101] Figure 7

[0102] 4-pack carrier 610 with wide U-shape gaps / notches 622 forming castellations. The gaps have rounded corners leading into the castellations. Central circular finger aperture; semi-circular end notches.

[0103] Figure 8

[0104] 6-pack carrier 710 with wide U-shape gaps / notches 722 forming castellations. The gaps have rounded corners leading into the castellations. Central circular finger apertures; semi-circular end notches.

[0105] Figure 9

[0106] 4-pack carrier 810 similar to Figure 7, but with a central D-shape folding panel 824 rather than a circular aperture.

[0107] Figure 10

[0108] 6-pack carrier 910 similar to Figure 8, but with central D-shape folding panels 924 rather than circular apertures.

[0109] Figures I I to 13 show 4-, 6-, and 8-pack carriers 1010, 1 1 10, 1210 similar to the carriers of Figures 7 and 8.

[0110] Figure I I

[0111] 4-pack carrier 1010 with U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. The gaps have rounded corners leading into the castellations. One circular finger aperture; semi-circular end and side notches.

[0112] Figure 12

[0113] 6-pack carrier with wide U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. The gaps have rounded corners leading into the castellations. Two circular finger apertures; semi-circular end and side notches. Figure I 3

[0114] 8-pack carrier with wide U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. The gaps have rounded corners leading into the castellations. Three circular finger apertures; semi-circular end and side notches.

[0115] Figures 14 to 16 show three different versions of 4-pack carriers 1310, 1410, 1510.

[0116] Figure 14

[0117] 4-pack carrier with alternating U-shape gaps / notches and slits / slots forming castellations. One circular finger aperture; semi-circular end and side notches.

[0118] Figure 15

[0119] 4-pack carrier with U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. One circular finger aperture; semi-circular end and notches. Marketing panels 1426 on either side.

[0120] Figure 16

[0121] 4-pack carrier with U-shape gaps / notches forming castellations. One circular finger aperture; semi-circular end and notches. Marketing / barcode panels 1528 on either end (on opposite sides).

[0122] Figure 17

[0123] Double layer carrier 1610, formed in one piece. Upper layer 1630 has circular apertures 1635a-d. Lower layer 1640 has corresponding apertures I 645a-d with retention lugs 1650 formed by U-shape notches 1655. Central fold line 1660 between upper and lower layers.

[0124] Figure 18

[0125] Single layer carrier 1710 with six apertures 1705a-f. Each aperture includes radial slits 1712 defining castellations 1714. At the base of the castellations three punctures 1715 are provided to aid folding.

[0126] Figure 19

[0127] Plan view of Figure 18.

[0128] Figure 20

[0129] Magnified view of an aperture illustrating slits / punctures. Figure 21

[0130] 4-pack carrier 1810 with V-shape notches I 860 defining castellations 1862. Arcuate slots 1864 provided at the base of each castellation to aid folding. Central generally circular finger aperture 1865 with four U-shape lobes 1867 spaced by around 90 degrees. Semi-circular end cut-outs 1870.

[0131] Figure 22

[0132] Single layer carrier 1910 with 6 container apertures. Teardrop notches 1975 define castellations. Two “flower-like” wavy circle finger apertures 1980. Ends have half flower apertures 1982; sides have half lower apertures 1984; corners have quarter flower apertures 1986.

[0133] Figure 23

[0134] Plan view of the carrier 1910 of Figure 22.

[0135] Figure 24

[0136] Double layer, 4-pack carrier 2010. Top and bottom layers are the same. The layers are similar to the carrier 1910, with teardrop notches defining castellations and a central wavy circle finger aperture.

[0137] Figure 25

[0138] Double layer, 2-pack carrier 21 10. Top and bottom layers are the same configuration. The layers are similar to the carrier 1910, with teardrop notches defining retention lugs.

[0139] Figure 26

[0140] Section of the carrier 21 10 of Figure 25. Lower layer 2190 is thicker than the upper layer 2192.

[0141] Figure 27

[0142] Magnified view of an aperture of the carrier of Figure 26, showing teardrop form cut-outs 2175 defining retention lugs 2162.

[0143] Figure 28

[0144] Magnified view of ripple-edge circle aperture 2280.

[0145] Figure 29 Multiple carriers shown in a one-piece array 2300. Carriers could be separated from each other before or after application to containers. Perforations of the like could be provided to enable separation. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. io

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carrier for unitising packaging articles of the type having a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like, the carrier consisting of a single layer, the single layer comprises a plurality of generally circular apertures, each for receiving a packaging article, the apertures comprise retention lugs for engaging a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like on an article.

2. A carrier according to claim I, in which the single layer is formed from 100% paperboard / cartonboard / card board .

3. A carrier for unitising packaging articles of the type having a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like, the carrier consisting of a single layer, the single layer consists of paperboard, cardboard or cartonboard material, the single layer comprises a plurality of generally circular apertures, each for receiving a packaging article, the apertures comprise retention lugs for engaging a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like on an article.

4. A carrier according to any preceding claim, in which the apertures comprise radial slits forming the retention lugs.

5. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, in which the apertures comprise generally U-shape notches forming the retention lugs.

6. A carrier according to claim 5, in which the generally U-shape notches are narrow.

7. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, in which at least one aperture comprises approximately 90 degrees of generally U-shape notches forming retention lugs and approximately 270 degrees of slits forming retention lugs.

8. A carrier according to claim 7, in which apertures including U-shape notches and slits are provided in outer corners of the carrier.

9. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, in which apertures comprise wide U-shape notches forming retention lugs.

10. A carrier according to claim 9, in which the notches have rounded corners leading into the lugs.1 1. A carrier according to any preceding claim in which the single layer comprises a circular finger aperture.

12. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising semi-circular end notches.

13. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising a D-shape folding panel finger aperture.

14. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more marketing panels.

15. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, in which each aperture includes radial slits defining castellations, and in which at the base of the castellations three punctures are provided to aid folding.

16. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, in which apertures comprise generally V-shape notches defining retention lugs.

17. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising slots at the base of each retention lug to aid folding.

18. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising a generally circular finger aperture with four U-shape lobes spaced by around 90 degrees.

19. A carrier according to any of claims I to 3, comprising a wavy circle finger aperture.

20. A carrier according to claim 19, comprising one or more wavy circle finger apertures, one or more half wavy circle notches and one or more quarter wavy circle notches.

21. A carrier according to any of claims to 3, in which apertures comprise alternating U-shape notches and slits or slots forming retention lugs.

22. A carrier according to any of claims to 3, comprising a scalloped edge generally circular finger aperture.A carrier according to any of claims to 3, comprising teardrop-shape notches defining retention lugs.

24. A carrier for unitising packaging articles of the type having a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like, the carrier having two layers, in which each layer has a plurality of generally circular apertures, each for receiving a packaging article, in which the apertures in the two layers comprise teardrop-shape notches defining retention lugs for engaging a rim, ridge, chime, undercut, waist or the like on an article.

25. A carrier according to claim 24, comprising a scalloped edged generally circular finger aperture.

26. A carrier according to claim 24 or claim 25, in which the layers are substantially the same.

27. A carrier according to claim 24 or claim 25, in which a lower layer is thicker than an upper layer.

28. A carrier according to any of claims 24 to 27, in which the double layer carrier is formed in one piece, and in which a central fold line is provided between upper and lower layers.

29. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising 4, 6 or 8 apertures.

30. A carrier according to any preceding claim in combination with packaging articles.

31. A combination according to claim 30, in which the packaging articles comprise cans.

32. A combination according to claim 31 , comprising standard cans, stubby cans, sleek cans, or slim cans.

33. An array of carriers according to any of claims I to 29.

34. An array according to claim 33, in which carriers can be separated from each other before or after application to containers.

35. An array according to claim 34, in which perforations or the like are provided to enable separation.

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