Article Carrier Flap with Rounded Edge for Handle Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article carriers, particularly top-gripping types, face challenges in efficiently using materials while ensuring strength and secure retention of articles, especially when handling large weights or varied article sizes.
Innovation Solution
The article carrier design features an engaging panel with hinged side and end panels, including a flap with a rounded edge for easy construction and a cutaway to form a two-ply structure reinforcing the handle, optimizing material usage and article retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flap is folded during the construction process, then the carrier structure is formed, but the flap may be crushed or improperly folded by side panels
Solution Approach 1:
The free upper edge of the flap is formed with a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape instead of a straight edge. This curved geometry allows the flap to slide smoothly along the inside surface of the side panel during folding, preventing crushing and ensuring proper positioning at the operative location next to the handle.
2Loss of substance
If material is reduced for cost and environmental considerations, then material usage decreases, but the strength and suitability for holding large weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a segmented structure with distinct engaging panel, side panels, end panels, corner panels, and securing panels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using minimal material, achieving both material efficiency and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is configured to extend between the securing panel and the side panel, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the carrier structure. This spatial optimization allows the flap to provide reinforcement and structural support without adding extra material, effectively using the available volume to enhance strength.
3Reliability
If tabs are struck from the panel to engage articles, then article retention is improved, but the complexity of the construction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is integrated with the securing panel through a hinged connection, combining the functions of the flap and securing panel into a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining effective article retention through the coordinated action of the flap and tabs.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier (90; 290; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for forming the carrier (90; 290; 390; 490). The carrier (90; 290; 390; 490) comprises at least one engaging panel (12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F) and a pair of side panels (14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B) hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel (12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F). A plurality of end panels is hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel (12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F). The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel (18A/18B, 20A/20B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 218A/218B, 220A/220B; 318A/318B, 320A/320B; 418A/418B/418C/418D/418E/418F, 420A/420B/420C/420D/420E/420F) having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel (24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B) hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, a securing panel (22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B) hingedly connected to each corner panel (24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B), and a flap (30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B) hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel (22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B). The flap (30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B) comprises a free upper or side edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.