Display package

Abstract: A display package (95) for articles such as batteries includes a hollow display box in which one or more articles are secured, the box having an interconnected display face (16), end walls (22,26) and back panel (20), and a hanging support panel (12) extending above the box and substantially coplanar with the back panel, a display window (C1) created in the display face by displacing into the hollow box a portion of the display face and a portion of the end wall, whereby the display face portion provides an internal partition (96) connecting the display face with the back panel.

Description: This invention relates to a display package adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles such as batteries and to a blank for forming the carrier. More particularly the invention relates to a display package with dividing cells to secure the articles in an array. The problems associated with cartons of this type are that the articles must be prevented from being individually removed from a multiple pack while at the same time displaying the articles. In addition, articles of this type require means to allow the unit to be hung, so the panels need to be of sufficient thickness to provide necessary support. The present invention and preferred embodiments seek to overcome or at least mitigate these problems. In US 2 913 101, to Daily, there is disclosed a display carton, constructed to accommodate a pair of articles, which articles are of different sizes. This document forms the basis of the pre-characterising portion of claim 1. One aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising a plurality of carton walls hingably interconnected in series to form a tubular structure, and end closure structure having a free end and an opposed end and hingably connected at the opposed end to one of the carton walls to at least partially close an open end of the tubular structure, and an internal partition formed from the end closure structure and the one carton wall and hingably connected at opposite ends thereof respectively to the end closure structure and the one carton wall. The internal partition is folded with respect to the end closure structure and to the one carton wall such that the internal partition is disposed internally of the tubular structure to define a cell for receiving an article. Preferably, the internal partition may comprise a first displaceable panel formed at least in part from the one carton wall and a second displaceable panel formed at least in part from the end closure structure and foldably connected to the first displaceable panel by hingable means. More preferably, the hingable means may comprise a fold line dividing the internal partition into the first and second displaceable panels the first displaceable panel extending between the fold line and one of the opposite ends of the internal partition, the second displaceable panel extending between the fold line and the other of the opposite ends. According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the hingable means may comprise a beveled corner panel foldably interconnecting the first and second displaceable panels, the first displaceable panel extending between the corner panel and one of the opposite ends of the internal partition, the second displaceable panel extending between the corner panel and the other of the opposite ends. According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the internal partition may be defined between a pair of opposed cut lines each emanating from the end closure structure and extended into the one carton wall. According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the internal partition may be folded inwardly of the tubular structure to define a window in the one carton wall and the end closure structure . According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention the end closure structure may comprise an end panel and a strengthening panel hingably connected to the end panel along a fold line, the end panel extending between the fold line and the opposed end of the end closure structure, the strengthening panel extending between the fold line and the free end of the end closure structure, and one of the opposite ends of the internal partition is hingably connected to the strengthening panel. According to a still further optional feature of this aspect of the invention there may further comprise means for suspending the tubular structure therefrom, the suspending means comprising a support panel hingably connected to the tubular structure. According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the tubular structure may comprise a top wall disposed in perpendicular relationship with the one carton wall, the top wall having an aperture for securing a top portion of the article. A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton comprising a hingably interconnected series of carton panels, and end closure section hingably connected to a side edge of one of the carton panels, and a pair of opposed cut lines each emanating from the end closure section and extended into the one carton panel to define therebetween a displaceable portion hingably connected at opposite ends thereof respectively to the end closure section and the one carton panel. Upon erection of the blank, the displaceable portion is disposed internally of the carton to define a cell for receiving an article. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the carton blank according to one aspect of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank as shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 5; FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 7; FIGURE 9 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 9; FIGURE 11 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 11. Referring to Figure 1 there is a shown a carton blank (10) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (12) is hingably connected to top panel (14) along fold line (30) thereby enabling panels (12, 14) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (14) is connected by way of fold line (32) to side panel (16), thereby enabling panels (14, 16) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (16) is hingably connected along fold line (34) to bottom panel (18) thereby enabling panels (16, 18) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (14) and bottom panel (18) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (18) is hingably connected to support panel (20) by means of fold line (36) thereby enabling panels (18, 20) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition, support panels (12, 20) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. End panel (22) is hingably connected to side panel (16) along fold (38) and strengthening panel (24) is hingably connected by means of fold line (40) to the opposing side of end panel (22). Likewise, end panel (26) is hingably connected to side panel (16) along fold line (42) and strengthening panel (28) is hingably connected to the opposing side of end panel (26) along fold line (44). In a set up condition, top panel (14), side panel (16), bottom panel (18) and a portion of support panel (20) cooperate to form a hollow display box. End panels (22, 26) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panels (24, 28) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (20) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (16) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (20) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (12, 20) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates two securing cells or display windows (C1, C2) constructed from partition sections (96, 98) as illustrated in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 1, partition section (96) is struck from side panel (16) and end panel (22) along opposing cut lines (50, 52). Partition section (96) is hinged to side panel (16) along fold line (46) and hinged to strengthening panel (24) along fold line (40). When the carton is in a set up condition, this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (96), this section comprises inner side panel (29a) and inner support panel (29b) hingably connected together along fold line (47). Partition section (98) is struck from side panel (16) and end panel (26) along opposing cut lines (54, 56). Partition section (98) is hinged to side panel (16) along fold line (48) and hinged to strengthening panel (28) along fold line (44). When the carton is in a set up condition this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (98), this section comprises inner support panel (29c) and inner side panel (29d) hingably connected together along fold line (49) . In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 2, partition section (96) is moved out of alignment with side panel (16) by folding end panel (22), inner support panel (29b) and inner side panel (29a) along fold lines (38, 40, 46, 47). Likewise, partition section (98) is moved out of alignment with side panel (16) by folding end panel (26), inner side panel (29a) and inner support panel (29c) along fold lines (42, 44, 48, 49). In this embodiment, inner side panels (29a, 29d) are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (16) and spaced therefrom by end panels (22, 29b and 26, 29c) respectively, thus forming securing cells (C1, C2) illustrated in Figure 2. The articles are introduced into the cells and strengthening panel (24) is folded along fold line (40) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (22). Strengthening panel (28) is also folded along fold line (44) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (26). Strengthening panel (24, 28) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition sections (96, 98) respectively and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (14) is folded along fold line (32) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (16) such that apertures (70, 72) are used to secure top portions of said articles (not shown). Base panel (18) is folded along fold line (34) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (16). Thus, panels (14, 18) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (20) is folded along fold line (36) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (18) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (29a, 29d). Support panel (12) is folded along fold line (30) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (14) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (20) and apertures (74, 76) are in alignment. In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window aperture created when partition sections (96, 98) are moved out of alignment with side panel (16) and corresponding end panels (22, 26). Optionally, tab (60) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (20). In use, this tab facilitates access to the articles retained within the cells and apertures (74, 76) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means. Referring to Figure 3 there is a shown a carton blank (110) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (112) is hingably connected to top panel (114) along fold line (130) thereby enabling panels (112, 114) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (114) is connected by way of fold line (132) to side panel (116), thereby enabling panels (114, 116) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (116) is hingably connected along fold line (134) to bottom panel (118) thereby enabling panels (116, 118) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (114) and bottom panel (118) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (118) is hingably connected to support panel (120) by means of fold line (136) thereby enabling panels (118, 120) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition, support panels (112, 120) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. End panel (122) is hingably connected to side panel (116) along fold (138) and strengthening panel (124) is hingably connected by means of fold line (140) to the opposing side of end panel (122). Likewise, end panel (126) is hingably connected to side panel (116) along fold line (142) and strengthening panel (128) is hingably connected to the opposing side of end panel (126) along fold line (144) . In a set up condition, top panel (114), side panel (116), bottom panel (118) and a portion of support panel 120 cooperate to form a hollow display box. End panels (122, 126) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panels (124, 128) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (120) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (116) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (120) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (112, 120) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates two securing cells or display windows (C11, C12) constructed from partition sections (196, 198) as illustrated in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 3, partition section (196) is struck from side panel (116) and end panel (122) along opposing cut lines (150, 152). Partition section (196) is hinged to side panel (116) along fold line (146) and hinged to strengthening panel (124) along fold line (140). When the carton is in a set up condition, this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (196), this section comprises inner side panel (129a) and inner support panel (129b) hingably connected together along fold line (147). Partition section (198) is struck from side panel (116) and end panel (126) along opposing cut lines (154, 156). Partition section (198) is hinged to side panel (116) along fold line (148) and hinged to strengthening panel (128) along fold line (144). When the carton is in a set up condition this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (198), this section comprises inner support panel (129c) and inner side panel (129d) hingeably connected together along fold line (148). In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 4, partition section (196) is moved out of alignment with side panel (116) by folding end panel (122), inner support panel (129b) and inner side panels (129a) along fold lines (138, 140, 146, 147). Likewise, partition section (198) is moved out of alignment with side panel (116) by folding end panel (126), inner side panel (129d) and inner support panel (129c) along fold lines (142, 144, 148, 149). In this embodiment, inner side panels (129a, 129d) are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (116) and spaced therefrom by end panels (122, 129b and 126, 129c) respectively, thus forming securing cells (C11, C12) illustrated in Figure 4. The articles are introduced into the cells and strengthening panel (124) is folded along fold line (140) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (122). Strengthening panel (128) is also folded along fold line (144) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (126). Strengthening panels (124, 128) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition sections (196, 198) respectively and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (114) is folded along fold line (132) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (116) such that apertures (170, 172, 174, 176) are used to secure top portions of said articles (not shown). Base panel (118) is folded along fold line (134) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (116). Thus, panels (114, 118) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (120) is folded along fold line (136) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (118) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (129a, 129d). Support panel (112) is folded along fold line (130) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (114) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (120) and apertures (178, 180) are in alignment. In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window apertures created when partition sections (196, 198) are moved out of alignment with side panel (116) and corresponding end panels (122, 126) . Optionally, tab (160) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (120). In use, this tab facilitates access to the articles retained within the cells and apertures (178, 1780) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means. Referring to Figure 5 there is a shown a carton blank (210) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (212) is hingeably connected to top panel (214) along fold line (230) thereby enabling panels (212, 214) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (214) is connected by way of fold line (232) to side panel (216), thereby enabling panels (214, 216) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (216) is hingably connected along fold line (234) to bottom panel (218) thereby enabling panels (216, 218) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (214) and bottom panel (218) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (218) is hingeably connected to support panel (220) by means of fold line (236) thereby enabling panels (218, 220) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition, support panels (212, 220) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. Strengthening panel (224), end panel (222), intermediate panel (221) and side panel (216) are joined one to the next along fold lines (240, 239, 238) respectively. Likewise, on the opposing side of side panel (216), strengthening panel (228), end panel (226), intermediate panel (225) and side panel (216) are connected one to the next along fold lines (244, 243, 242) respectively. In a set up condition, top panel (212), side panel (216), bottom panel (218) and a portion of support panel (220) cooperate to form a hollow display box. End and intermediate panels (221, 222, 225, 226) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panels (224, 228) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (220) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (216) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (220) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (212, 220) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates two securing cells or display windows (C21, C22) constructed from partition sections (296, 298) as illustrated in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 5, partition section (296) is struck from side panel (216) and end panel (222) along opposing cut lines (252, 254). Partition section (298) is hinged to side panel (216) along fold line (246) and hinged to strengthening panel (224) along fold line (240). When the carton is in a set up condition, this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (296), this section comprises inner side panel (229a), intermediate panel (229c) and inner support panel (229b) hingably connected one to next along fold lines (247, 250) respectively. Tab (229d) is hingeably connected to inner support panel (229b) along fold line (262) . Partition section (298) is struck from side panel (216) and end panel (226) along opposing cut lines (256, 258). Partition section (298) is hinged to side panel (216) along fold line (248) and hinged to strengthening panel (228) along fold line (244). When the carton is in a set up condition this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (298), this section comprises inner support panel (229e), intermediate panel (229g) and inner side panel (229f) hingeably connected one to next along fold lines (251, 249). Tabs (229h) is hingeably connected to inner support panel (229g) along fold line (264) . In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 6, partition section (296) is moved out of alignment with side panel (216) by folding end panel (222), intermediate panels (221, 229c), inner support panel (229b) and inner side panel (229a) along fold lines (238, 239, 240, 246, 247, 251). Likewise, partition section (298) is moved out of alignment with side panel (216) by folding end panel (226), intermediate panels (225, 229g), inner side panel (229f) and inner support panel (229e) along fold lines (242, 243, 244, 248, 249, 251). In this embodiment, inner side panels (229a, 229) are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (216) and spaced therefrom by respective end and support panels (222, 229b and 226, 229c), thus forming securing cells (C21, C22) illustrated in Figure 4. The articles are introduced into the cells and strengthening panel (224) is folded along fold line (240) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (222). Strengthening panel (228) is also folded along fold line (244) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (226). Strengthening panels (224, 228) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition sections (296, 298) respectively and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (214) is folded along fold line (232) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (216) such that apertures (270, 272) are used to secure top portions of said articles (not shown). Base panel (218) is folded along fold line (234) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (216). Thus, panels (214 & 218) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (220) is folded along fold line (236) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (218) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (229a, 229). Support panel (212) is folded along fold line (230) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (214) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (220) and apertures (274, 276) are in alignment as illustrated in Figure 6. In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window apertures created when partition sections (296, 298) are moved out of alignment with side panel (216) and corresponding end panels (222, 226) . Optionally, tab (260) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (220). In use, this tab facilitates access to the articles retained within the cells and apertures (274, 276) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means. Referring to Figure 7 there is a shown a carton blank (310) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (312) is hingably connected to top panel (314) along fold line (330) thereby enabling panels (312, 314) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (314) is connected by way of fold line (332) to side panel (316), thereby enabling panels (314, 316) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (316) is hingably connected along fold line (334) to bottom panel (318) thereby enabling panels (316, 318) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (314) and bottom panel (318) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (318) is hingeably connected to support panel (320) by means of fold line (336) thereby enabling panels (318, 320) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition, support panels (312, 320) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. Strengthening panel (324), end panel (322), intermediate panel (321) and side panel (316) are joined one to the next along fold lines (340, 339, 338) respectively. Likewise, on the opposing side of side panel (316), strengthening panel (328), end panel (326), intermediate panel (325) and side panel (316) are connected one to the next along fold lines (344, 343, 342) respectively. In a set up condition, top panel (314), side panel (316), bottom panel (318) and a portion of support panel (320) cooperate to form a hollow display box. End and intermediate panels (321, 322, 325, 326) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panels (324, 328) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (320) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (316) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (320) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (312, 320) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates two securing cells or display windows (C31, C32) constructed from partition sections (396, 398) as illustrated in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 7, partition section (396) is struck from side panel (316) and end panel (322) along opposing cut lines (352, 354). Partition section (398) is hinged to side panel (316) along fold line (346) and hinged to strengthening panel (324) along fold line (340). When the carton is in a set up condition, this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (396), this section comprises inner side panel (329a), intermediate panel (329c) and inner support panel (329b) hingably connected one to next along fold lines (347, 350) respectively. Tab (329d) is hingeably connected to inner support panel (329b) along fold line (362) . Partition section (398) is struck from side panel (316) and end panel (326) along opposing cut lines (356, 358). Partition section (298) is hinged to side panel (316) along fold line (348) and hinged to strengthening panel (328) along fold line (344). When the carton is in a set up condition this partition section will define an individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (298), this section comprises inner support panel (329e), intermediate panel (329g) and inner side panel (329f) hingeably connected one to next along fold line (351, 349). Tab (329h) is hingeably connected to support panel (329g) along fold line (364). In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 8, partition section (396) is moved out of alignment with side panel (316) by folding end panel (322), intermediate panels (321, 329c), inner support panel (329b) and inner side panel (329a) along fold lines (338, 339, 340, 346, 347, 350). Likewise, partition section (398) is moved out of alignment with side panel (316) by folding end panel (326), intermediate panels (325, 329g), inner side panel (329f) and inner support panel (329e) along fold lines (342, 343, 344, 348, 349, 351). In this embodiment, inner side panels (329a, 329) are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (316) and spaced therefrom by respective end and support panels (322, 329b and 326, 329c), thus forming securing cells (C31, C32) illustrated in Figure 6. The articles are introduced into the cells and strengthening panel (324) is folded along fold line (340) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (322). Strengthening panel (328) is also folded along fold line (344) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (326). Strengthening panel (324, 328) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition sections (396, 398) respectively and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (314) is folded along fold line (332) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (316) such that apertures (370, 372) are used to secure top portions of said articles (not shown). Base panel (318) is folded along fold line (334) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (316). Thus, panels (314, 318) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (320) is folded along fold line (336) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (318) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (329a, 329). Support panel (312) is folded along fold line (330) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (314) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (320) and apertures (374, 376) are in alignment. In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window apertures created when partition sections (396, 398) are moved out of alignment with side panel (316) and corresponding end panels (322, 326) . Optionally, tab (360) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (320). In use, this tab facilitates access to the articles retained within the cells and apertures (374, 376) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means Referring to Figure 9 there is a shown a carton blank (410) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (412) is hingably connected to top panel (414) along fold line (430) thereby enabling panels (412, 414) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (414) is connected by way of fold line (432) to side panel (416), thereby enabling panels (414, 416) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (416) is hingably connected along fold line (434) to bottom panel (418) thereby enabling panels (416, 418) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (414) and bottom panel (418) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (418) is hingeably connected to support panel (420) by means of fold line (436) thereby enabling panels (418, 420) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition, support panels (412, 420) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. End panel (422) is hingably connected to side panel (416) along fold (438) and strengthening panel (424) is hingably connected by means of fold line (440) to the opposing side of end panel (422). Likewise, end panel (426) is hingably connected to side panel (416) along fold line (442) and strengthening panel (428) is hingeably connected to the opposing side of end panel (426) along fold line (444) . In a set up condition, top panel (414), side panel (416), bottom panel (418) and a portion of support panel (420) cooperate to form a hollow display box. End panels (422, 426) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panels (424, 428) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (420) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (416) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (420) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (412, 420) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates three securing cells or display windows (C41, C42, C43) constructed from partition sections (496, 498) and tabs (490, 492) illustrated in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 9, partition section (496) is struck from side panel (416) and end panel (422) along opposing cut lines (450, 452). Partition section (496) is hinged to side panel (416) along fold line (446) and hinged to strengthening panel (424) along fold line (440). Turning in more detail to partition section (496), this section comprises inner side panel (429a) and inner support panel (429b) hingably connected together along fold line (447) to define cell (C41). Tab (490) is hingeably connected to side panel (416) along fold line (446) and is separable from said panel by cut lines (462, 464). When the carton is in a set up condition, partition section (496) supports tab (490); the tab (490) defining one side of the cell (C42). Partition section (498) is struck from side panel (416) and end panel (426) along opposing cut lines (454, 456). Partition section (498) is hinged to side panel (416) along fold line (448) and hinged to strengthening panel (428) along fold line (444). Turning in more detail to partition section (498), this section comprises inner support panel (429) and inner side panel (429d) hingeably connected together along fold line (448) to define cell C43. Tab (492) is hingeably connected to side panel (416) along fold line (446) and is separable from said panel by cut lines (462, 464). When the carton is in a set up condition, partition section (498) supports tab (492); the tab (492) defining the opposite side of the cell (C42). In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 10, partition section (496) is moved out of alignment with side panel (416) by folding end panel (422), inner support panel (429b) and inner side panel (429a) along fold lines (438, 440, 446, 447). Likewise, partition section (498) is moved out of alignment with side panel (416) by folding end panel (426), inner side panel (429a) and inner support panel (429c) along fold lines (442, 444, 448, 449). In this embodiment, inner side panels (429a, 429d) are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (416) and spaced therefrom by end panels (422, 429b and 426, 429c). Tabs (490, 492) are folded into a face to face relationship with the respective inner support panel (429b, 429c). Thus, securing cells (C41, C42, C43) are formed as shown in Figure 10. The articles are introduced into one or more of the cells and strengthening panel (424) is folded along fold line (440) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (422). Strengthening panel (428) is also folded along fold line (444) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (426). Strengthening panels (424, 428) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition sections (496, 498) respectively and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (414) is folded along fold line (432) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (416) such that apertures (470, 472) are used to secure top portions of said articles (not shown). Base panel (418) is folded along fold line (434) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (416). Thus, panels (414, 418) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (420) is folded along fold line (436) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (418) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (429a, 429). Support panel (412) is folded along fold line (430) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (414) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (420) and apertures (474, 476) are in alignment. In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window apertures created when partition sections (496, 498) are moved out of alignment with side panel (416) and corresponding end panel (422, 426) . Optionally, tab (460) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (420). In use, this tab facilitates access to the articles retained within the cells and apertures (470, 472) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means. Referring to Figure 11 there is a shown a carton blank (510) made from paperboard or similar foldable sheet material. The blank comprises a series of panels hinged one to the next. Thus, support panel (512) is hingably connected to top panel (514) along fold line (530) thereby enabling panels (512, 514) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Top panel (514) is connected by way of fold line (532) to side panel (516), thereby enabling panels (514, 516) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. Side panel (516) is hingably connected along fold line (534) to bottom panel (518) thereby enabling panels (516, 518) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship such that top panel (514) and bottom panel (518) form opposing sides in a set up carton. Base panel (518) is hingeably connected to support panel (520) by means of fold line (536) thereby enabling panels (518, 520) to be placed in a substantially perpendicular relationship. In a set up condition support panels (512, 520) are connected together in a face to face relationship by glue or other suitable means. End panel (522) is hingably connected to side panel (516) along fold (538) and strengthening panel (524) is hingably connected by means of fold line (540) to the opposing side of end panel (522). Likewise, end panel (526) is hingably connected to side panel (516) along fold line (542) and strengthening panel (528) is hingeably connected to the opposing side of end panel (526) along fold line (544). In a set up condition, top panel (514), side panel (516), bottom panel (518) and a portion of support panel (520) cooperate to form a hollow display box. End panels (522, 526) provide closures for the box, with strengthening panel (524, 528) being secured, such as by gluing, to support panel (520) to maintain the box in set up condition. Side panel (516) provides a display face for the package, while support panel (520) provides a back panel. As explained herein, support panels (512, 520) together cooperate to provide the panel from which the package may be hung. The carton incorporates a single securing cell or display window (C51) constructed from partition section (546) as illustrated in Figure 12. Partition section (546) is struck from side panel (516) and end panel (526) along opposing cut lines (550, 552). Partition section (546) is hinged to side panel (516) along fold line (546) and hinged to strengthening panel (528) along fold line (544). When the carton is in a set up condition this partition section will define the individual cell. Turning in more detail to partition section (546), this section comprises inner support panel (529a) and inner side panel (529b) hingeably connected together along fold line (548). In order to form the carton illustrated in Figure 12, partition section (546) is moved out of alignment with side panel (516) by folding end panel (526), inner side panel (529b) and inner support panel (529b) along fold lines (542, 544, 546, 548). In this embodiment, inner side panel (529a) is positioned in a plane substantially parallel to side panel (516) and spaced therefrom by end and inner support panels (526, 529a), thus forming securing cell (C51) illustrated in Figure 12. The article is introduced into the cell and strengthening panel (524) is folded along fold line (540) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with end panel (522). Strengthening panel (528) is also folded along fold line (544) into a perpendicular relationship with corresponding end panel (526). Strengthening panel (524, 528) are thus brought into a face to face relationship with partition section (596) and are connected thereto by glue or other suitable means. Top panel (514) is folded along fold line (532) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (516). Base panel (518) is folded along fold line (534) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with side panel (516). Thus, panels (514, 518) are oppositely disposed so as to enclose each cell. Support panel (520) is folded along fold line (536) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with base panel (518) and forms a face to face relationship with inner side panels (529a, 529c). Support panel (512) is folded along fold line (530) into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel (514) so that it forms a face to face relationship with support panel (520) . In a set up condition, the articles are retained within the cells of the carton and can be partially viewed through the display window aperture created when partition sections (596, 598) are moved out of alignment with side panel (516) and corresponding end panel (522, 526). Optionally, tab (not shown) is frangibly connected to a central portion of support panel (520). In use, this tab facilitates access to the article retained within the cell and apertures (570, 572) allow the carrier to be hung from a hook or other suitable means.

Claims: A carton comprising a plurality of carton walls (14, 16, 18, 20) hingedly interconnected in series to form a tubular structure, and an end closure structure (22, 24) having a free end and an opposed end (38) and hingedly connected at said opposed end to one (16) of said carton walls to at least partially close an open end of said tubular structure, characterized in that there further comprises an internal partition (96) formed from said end closure structure (22, 24) and said one carton wall (16) and hingedly connected at opposite ends (40, 46) thereof respectively to said end closure structure and said one carton wall, and in that said internal partition is folded with respect to said end closure structure and to said one carton wall such that said internal partition is disposed internally of said tubular structure to define a cell for receiving an article. The carton according to claim 1 wherein said internal partition (96) comprises a first displaceable panel (29b) formed at least in part from said one carton wall (16) and a second displaceable panel (29a) formed at least in part from said end closure structure (22, 24) and foldably connected to said first displaceable panel (29b) by hingable means (47). The carton according to claim 2 wherein said hingable means comprises a fold line (47) dividing said internal partition (96) into said first and second displaceable panels (29b, 29a) said first displaceable panel (29b) extending between said fold line (47) and one (46) of said opposite ends of said internal partition, said second displaceable panel (29a) extending between said fold line (47) and the other (40) of said opposite ends. The carton according to claim 2 wherein said hingable means comprises a beveled corner panel (229c) foldably interconnecting said first and second displaceable panels (229b, 229a), said first displaceable panel (229b) extending between said corner panel (229c) and one (246) of said opposite ends of said internal partition, said second displaceable panel (229a) extending between said corner panel (229c) and the other (240) of said opposite ends. The carton according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein said internal partition (96) is defined between a pair of opposed cut lines (50, 52) each emanating from said end closure structure (22, 24) and extended into said one carton wall (16). The carton according to any preceding claim wherein said internal partition (96) is folded inwardly of said tubular structure to define a window (C1) in said one carton wall (16) and said end closure structure (22, 24). The carton according to claim 3 wherein said end closure structure (22, 24) comprises an end panel (22) and a strengthening panel (24) hingably connected to said end panel along a fold line (40), said end panel (22) extending between said other end (40) of said internal partition (96) and said opposed end (38) of said end closure structure, said strengthening panel (24) extending between said other end (40) of said internal partition (96) and said free end of said end closure structure, and said other end (40) of said internal partition (96) is hingably connected to said strengthening panel. The carton according to any preceding claim further comprising means for suspending said tubular structure therefrom, said suspending means comprising a support panel (12) hingably connected to said tubular structure. The carton according to any preceding claim wherein said tubular structure comprises a top wall (14) disposed in perpendicular relationship with said one carton wall (16), said top wall having an aperture (70, 72) for securing a top portion of said article. A blank for forming a carton comprising a hingably interconnected series of carton panels (14, 16, 18, 20), and an end closure section (22, 24) hingedly connected to a side edge of one (16) of said carton panels, characterized in that there further comprises a pair of opposed cut lines (50, 52) each emanating from said end closure section and extended into said one carton panel to define therebetween a displaceable portion hingably connected at opposite ends (40, 46) thereof respectively to said end closure section (22, 24) and said one carton panel (16), whereby upon erection of said blank, said displaceable portion is disposed internally of the carton to define a cell for receiving an article. A blank for forming a carton as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9. A package comprising a carton as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 and a plurality of articles held in the cell.

Inventors: AUCLAIR JEAN-MICHEL, BLIN PATRICK, AUCLAIR, JEAN-MICHEL, BLIN, PATRICK
Applicants: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B65D5
IPC codes: B65D73, B65D85