AU728705B1 - A blank for a packaging article - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: AMCOR LIMITED Gordon Mellis CULLEN

CO.,

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 239 George Street, Brisbane, QId. 4000, Australia.

A BLANK FOR A PACKAGING ARTICLE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us A BLANK FOR A PACKAGING ARTICLE Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to packaging articles that are made from a blank of foldable material and, in particular, to packaging articles that can be used to partition a separate container and to packaging articles that form a container having an integral partition.

The invention has been developed primarily for containers that hold items that need to be substantially separated from each other and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular use.

Description of the Prior Art Containers that are used to store a plurality of items are often partitioned so that the different items can be stored in separate compartments of the partitioned container.

There currently exist a variety of container/partition arrangements that can be used to accomplish the above task. However, the prior art container/partition arrangements suffer from the disadvantage that they do not disclose a partition that can be erected from a single sheet of foldable material that can then be inserted into a container. The prior art container/partition arrangements also do not disclose a partition that can be integrally formed with a container that is made from a single sheet of foldable material.

It is an object of the invention to provide a partition that may overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank of foldable material for making a packaging article, the blank comprising: at least one first side wall panel; a pair of opposed end extension panels hinged to opposed ends of the at least one first side wall panel about fold lines; and a partition panel extending along and separated from an edge of the at least one first side wall panel, wherein the partition panel comprises: a main portion extending substantially along the full length of the edge of the at least one first side wall panel; and a pair of opposed end portions hinged to opposed ends of the main portion about fold lines, wherein each of the end portions is divided into an inner section hinged to the main portion by a fold line and an outer section hinged to the inner section by a fold line, the outer sections being hinged to an edge of an associated end extension panel about a fold line, whereby to erect the packaging article from the blank, the partition panel is folded to overlie the at least one first side wall panel, the opposed end portions and end extension panels are configured to extend outwardly from the at least one first side wall panel so that the main portion of the partition panel extends between the opposed end portions and the end extension panels at a location spaced from the at least one first side wall panel.

The blank may further include a main panel adapted to form a base in the packaging article formed from the blank, wherein the at least one first side wall panel is hinged to the main panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the partition panel projects outwardly from the main panel so as to substantially partition the main panel.

The main portion of the partition panel may partition the main panel into two substantially equal sections when the packaging article is erected from the blank.

The blank may have two said first side wall panels extending along opposed edges of the main panel, wherein each of the first side wall panels have: an associated pair of said opposed end extension panels hinged to opposed ends of the first side wall panel about fold lines; and an associated said partition panel extending along and separated from an edge of the first side wall panel.

The blank may further comprise at least one second side wall panel hinged to the main panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one second side wall panel extends outwardly from the main panel.

The blank may further comprise at least one ledge panel hinged to the at least one second side wall panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one ledge panel forms a ledge around a portion of an upper periphery of the packaging article.

The blank may further comprise at least one extension panel hinged to the at least one ledge panel about a fold line such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one extension panel substantially overlies an associated end extension panel.

The blank may further comprise: at least one locking tab attached to a free edge of the at least one extension panel; and at least one locking aperture located in the main panel such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one locking tab operatively engages with the at least one locking aperture.

The blank may further comprise a pair of opposed securing panels hinged to opposed ends of the at least one ledge panel about fold lines such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank each of the securing panels may be attached to an associated said first side wall panel.

The blank may have two said second side wall panels extending along opposed edges of the main panel.

The blank may further comprise: at least one locating tab projecting from an edge of a partition panel; at least one locating cutout corresponding to the at least one locating tab, wherein the at least one locating cutout is positioned on an opposing edge of the partition panel; and at least one locating aperture corresponding to the at least one locating tab, wherein the at least one locating aperture is positioned in the main panel such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one locating tab, at least one locating cutout and at least one locating aperture are substantially aligned with each other, and the at least one locating cutout and the at least one locating aperture are substantially adjacent each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a view of a blank according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the blank of Fig. 1 in a first stage of erection; Fig. 3 is a view of the blank of Fig. 1 in a second stage of erection; Fig. 4 is a view of the blank of Fig. 1 in a third stage of erection; Fig. 5 is a view of the blank of Fig. 1 fully erected; Fig. 6 is a view of a blank according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a view of the blank of Fig. 6 in a first stage of erection; Fig. 8 is a view of the blank of Fig. 6 in a second stage of erection; Fig. 9 is a view of the blank of Fig. 6 fully erected.

Detailed Description Fig. 1 illustrates a blank 100 for making a packaging article according to a first embodiment. The blank 100 is formed from a foldable material such as thin gauge fibreboard, corrugated fibreboard or solid fibreboard. It should be appreciated that the blank 100 is not limited to being formed from the aforementioned materials and that other suitable materials may also be used.

The blank 100 includes a main panel 101. The main panel 101 includes a locating aperture 172 and a number of locking apertures 171.

Attached to the main panel 101 is a pair of first side wall panels 106 and 107 hinged about opposing fold lines 108 and 109 respectively.

A first pair of opposed end extension panels 110 and 111 are hinged to opposed ends of first side wall panel 106 about fold lines 114 and 115 respectively. A second pair of opposed end extension panels 112 and 113 are hinged to opposed ends of first side wall panel 107 about fold lines 116 and 117 respectively. Each of the end extension panels 110 to 113 include a truncated comer portion 140.

Partition panels 120 and 121 extend along and are separated from an edge of a respective first side wall panel 106, 107. A pair of opposed end portions 130 and 131 are hinged to opposed ends of a main portion 122 of partition panel 120 about fold lines 136. Similarly, a pair of opposed end portions 132 and 133 are hinged to opposed ends of a main portion 123 of partition panel 121 about fold lines 136.

Each of the end portions 130 to 133 include an inner section 134 hinged to a main portion 122, 123 about a fold line 136. The inner section 134 of each end portion 130 to 133 are separated from an edge of a respective side wall panel 106, 107. The end portions 130 to 133 also include an outer section 135 hinged about a fold line 137 to each inner section 134. Outer section 135 is also hinged to an associated end extension panel 110 to 113 about a fold line 138.

Each main portion 122 and 123 include a locating tab 126, 127 and a locating cut-out 128, 129. The width of locating tabs 126, 127 and locating cut-outs 128, 129 is substantially the same as the width of locating aperture 172.

Second side wall panels 102 and 103 are hinged to the main panel 101 about opposing fold lines 104 and 105 respectively. Ledge panels 150 and 151 are hinged to second side wall panel 102 about a fold line 162.

Similarly, ledge panels 152 and 153 are hinged to second side wall panel 103 about a fold line 165. Ledge panels 150 and 151 are separated from each other by a slit 154. Similarly, ledge, panels 152 and 153 are separated from each other by a slit 155.

Extension panels 156 and 157 are hinged to ledge panels 150 and 151 about fold lines 163 and 164 respectively. Extension panels 158 and 159 are hinged to ledge panels 152 and 153 about fold lines 166 and 167 respectively. A locking tab 170 is formed on an edge of each extension panel 156 to 159. The width of each locking tab is substantially the same as the width of each locking aperture 171.

A slot 160 separates extension panels 156 and 157 from each other. Similarly, a slot 161 separates extension panels 158 and 159 from each other.

Fig. 2 is a view of the blank 100 of Fig. 1 in a first stage of erection. At this stage, partition panels 120 and 121 are folded about fold lines 138 so that they substantially overlie first side wall panels 106 and 107 respectively.

Fig. 3 is a view of the blank 100 of Fig. 1 in a second stage of erection. At this stage, main portion 122 is spaced apart from first side wall panel 106 by end extension panels 110, 111 and end portions 130, 131.

The arrow B indicates the manner in which end extension panel 110 and associated end portion 130 is rotated in order to achieve the illustrated second stage of erection.

Also illustrated is the rotation of second side wall panel 102 and its associated ledge panels 150, 151 and associated extension panels 156, 157 in the direction illustrated by the arrow A.

Fig. 4 illustrates the third stage of erection of the blank 100 of Fig. 1. In order to achieve this stage, first side wall panel 106 is rotated about fold line 108 in the direction indicated by the arrow C. Then ledge panel 150 and the extension panel 156 are rotated about end extension panel 111 and the associated end portion 131 in the manner shown by the arrow D. The locking tab 170 associated with the extension panel 156 operatively engages with an associated locking aperture 171 so as to substantially secure the locking tab 170 and the locking aperture 171 together.

Fig. 5 illustrates the blank 100 of Fig. 1 fully erected into a container. In order to form the completed container similar steps to those previously described in Figs. 2 to 4 are carried out. The blank 100 is suitable for constructing hand-erected containers that do not require any glue or other attachment means to facilitate their construction.

The container includes a partition that is formed by the main portions 122 and 123 of the partition panels 120 and 121. Locating cut-outs 128 and 129 are substantially adjacent the locating aperture 172. Also, locating tabs 126 and 127 extend substantially away from the container. A ledge formed by ledge panels 150 to 153 extends around a portion of an upper periphery of the container.

The aforementioned arrangement enables a plurality of containers formed from blanks 10 to be stacked on top of and partially secured to each other.

Fig. 6 illustrates a blank 200 for making a packaging article according to a second embodiment. In a similar manner to the first embodiment described in Figs. 1 to 5, the blank 200 may be formed from a foldable material such as thin gauge fibreboard, corrugated fibreboard or solid fibreboard. The blank 200 is not limited to being constructed from the aforementioned materials and other suitable materials may also be used.

The blank 200 is very similar to the blank 100 that was previously described. Whereas the blank 100 is suitable for hand-erecting containers, the blank 200 is more suitable for machine erection.

The blank 200 includes a main panel 201. The main panel 201 includes a locating aperture 261, however, unlike the main panel 101 of the blank 100, the main panel 201 of the blank 200 does not include locking apertures.

Attached to the main panel 201 is a pair of first side wall panels 206 and 207 hinged about opposing fold lines 208 and 209 respectively.

A first pair of opposed end extension panels 210 and 211 are hinged to opposed ends of first side wall panel 206 about fold lines 214 and 215 respectively. A second pair of opposed end extension panels 212 and 213 are hinged to opposed ends of first side wall panel 207 about fold lines 216 and 217 respectively.

Partition panels 220 and 221 extend along and are separated from an edge of a respective first side wall panel 206, 207. A pair of opposed end portions 230 and 231 are hinged to opposed ends of a main portion 222 of partition panel 220 about fold lines 236. Similarly, a pair of opposed end portions 232 and 233 are hinged to opposed ends of a main portion 223 of partition panel 221 about fold lines 236.

Each of the end portions 230 to 233 include an inner section 234 hinged to a main portion 222, 223 about a fold line 236. The inner section 234 of each end portion 230 to 233 is separated from an edge of a respective side wall panel 206, 207. The end portions 230 to 233 also include an outer section 235 hinged about a fold line 237 to each inner section 234. Outer section 235 is also hinged to an associated end extension panel 210 to 213 about a fold line 238.

Each main portion 222 and 223 include a locating tab 226, 227 and a locating cut-out 228, 229. The width of locating tabs 226, 227 and locating cut-outs 228, 229 is substantially the same as the width of locating aperture 261.

Second side wall panels 202 and 203 are hinged to the main panel 201 about opposing fold lines 204 and 205 respectively. Ledge panels 260 and 260 are respectively hinged to second side wall panel 202 and 203 about fold lines 255.

Securing tabs 251 and 252 are hinged to opposing ends of each ledge panels 202 and 203 about respective fold lines 253 and 254.

Securing tabs 251 are separated from end extension panels 210 and 211 by slits 256 and 259. Securing tabs 252 are separated from end extension panels 212 and 213 by slits 257 and 258.

Fig. 7 is a view of the blank 200 of Fig. 6 in a first stage of erection. At this stage, partition panels 220 and 221 are folded about fold lines 238 so that they substantially overlie first side wall panels 206 and 207 respectively.

Also, main portion 222 is spaced apart from first side wall 206 by end extension panels 210, 211 and end portions 230,231.

Fig. 8 illustrates the second stage of erection of the blank 200 of Fig. 6. In order to achieve this stage, first side wall panel 206 is rotated about fold line 208.

Fig. 9 illustrates the blank 200 of Fig. 6 fully erected into a container. In order to form the completed container similar steps to those described in relation to Figs. 2 to 5 are carried out.

The securing tabs 251 and 252 may be glued or stapled to first side wall panels 206 and 207 respectively.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the term "comprising" as used herein is to be understood in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting essentially of'.

Claims (12)

1. A blank of foldable material for making a packaging article, the blank comprising: at least one first side wall panel; a pair of opposed end extension panels hinged to opposed ends of the at least one first side wall panel about fold lines; and a partition panel extending along and separated from an edge of the at least one first side wall panel, wherein the partition panel comprises: a main portion extending substantially along the full length of the edge of the at least one first side wall panel; and a pair of opposed end portions hinged to opposed ends of the main portion about fold lines, wherein each of the end portions is divided into an inner section hinged to the main portion by a fold line and an outer section hinged to the inner section by a fold line, the outer sections being hinged to an edge of an associated end extension panel about a fold line, whereby to erect the packaging article from the blank, the partition panel is folded to overlie the at least one first side wall panel, the opposed end portions and end extension panels are configured to extend outwardly from the at least one first side wall panel so that the main portion of the partition panel extends between the opposed end portions and the end extension panels at a location spaced from the at least one first side wall panel.

2. The blank as claimed in claim 1 further including a main panel adapted to form a base in the. packaging article formed from the blank, wherein the at least one first side wall panel is hinged to the main panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the partition panel projects outwardly from the main panel so as to substantially partition the main panel.

3. The blank as claimed in claim 2, wherein the main portion of the partition panel partitions the main panel into two substantially equal sections when the packaging article is erected from the blank.

4. The blank as claimed in claim 2 or 3 having two said first side wall panels extending along opposed edges of the main panel, wherein each of the first side wall panels have: an associated pair of said opposed end extension panels hinged to opposed ends of the first side wall panel about fold lines; and an associated said partition panel extending along and separated from an edge of the first side wall panel.

5. The blank as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 further comprising at least one second side wall panel hinged to the main panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one second side wall panel extends outwardly from the main panel.

6. The blank as claimed in claim 5 further comprising at least one ledge panel hinged to the at least one second side wall panel about a fold line, such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one ledge panel forms a ledge around a portion of an upper periphery of the packaging article.

7. The blank as claimed in claim 6 further comprising at least one extension panel hinged to the at least one ledge panel about a fold line such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one extension panel substantially overlies an associated end extension panel.

8. The blank as claimed in claim 7 further comprising: at least one locking tab attached to a free edge of the at least one extension panel; and at least one locking aperture located in the main panel such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one locking tab operatively engages with the at least one locking aperture.

9. The blank as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a pair of opposed securing panels hinged to opposed ends of the at least one ledge panel about fold lines such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank each of the securing panels may be attached to an associated said first side wall panel.

10. The blank as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 having two said second side wall panels extending along opposed edges of the main panel.

11. The blank as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10 further comprising: at least one locating tab projecting from an edge of a partition panel; at least one locating cutout corresponding to the at least one locating tab, wherein the at least one locating cutout is positioned on an opposing edge of the partition panel; and at least one locating aperture corresponding to the at least one locating tab, wherein the at least one locating aperture is positioned in the main panel such that when the packaging article is erected from the blank the at least one locating tab, at least one locating cutout and at least one locating lo aperture are substantially aligned with each other, and the at least one locating cutout and the at least one locating aperture are substantially adjacent each other.

12. A blank of foldable material for making a packaging article, the blank being substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 or Figs. 6 to 9 of the drawings. Dated this 12 day of May 2000 AMCOR LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO