Article Carrier Engaging Panel with Oblique Fold Line Locking Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carton designs for packaging multiple articles are inefficient in terms of material usage and structural integrity, often resulting in excessive material wastage and inadequate security for the contents during transportation.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an engaging panel with multiple article retention structures, each featuring an aperture and a series of engaging tabs that fold out to securely hold articles, optimizing material usage and structural strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional carton designs are used, then material usage is reduced, but structural integrity and security for contents during transportation are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaterial wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging panel is divided into multiple independent article retention structures, each with its own aperture and engaging tabs. This segmentation allows the panel to be optimized for both strength and material efficiency, as each segment can be sized and positioned to hold specific articles without requiring excessive material across the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging tabs are designed to be movable relative to the engaging panel, allowing them to flex and adapt to articles of different sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability enables the same panel structure to securely hold various articles without requiring additional material for reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If more engaging tabs are added to secure articles, then security for contents is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity for contentsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each engaging tab serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement to the panel, creates a secure grip on the article, and can be configured to accommodate different article sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging tabs are nested within the aperture structure, with each tab positioned to engage with specific features of the article. This nested arrangement allows multiple engagement points to be integrated into a compact configuration, maintaining simplicity while improving security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If engaging tabs are made larger to improve grip, then article retention is enhanced, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle retentionVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging tabs are positioned and sized to provide localized reinforcement and grip exactly where needed around the aperture. Rather than uniformly thickening the entire panel, the material is concentrated only in the tab regions, optimizing the balance between retention capability and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging panel and tabs can be formed from composite materials or multi-layer structures that provide enhanced strength and grip without requiring proportional increases in material volume. This allows for improved article retention with minimized material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4380874B1Article carrier and blank therefor
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP4380874B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4380874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4380874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier 90; 290 comprises a pair of spaced panels including a covering panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 and an engaging panel 12; 112; 212. A male locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 formed from the covering panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 connects the covering panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 with the engaging panel 12; 112; 212. The locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 is hingedly connected to the covering panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 along a fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581. The fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581 lies upon a notional line n-n which extends obliquely with respect to at least one of an end edge M1, M2 and a side edge 19; 119 of the covering panel 18/20; 118/120; 254.