Multipack packaging rings for beverage cans

Abstract

Multipack packaging rings for holding a plurality of beverage cans of a type haying a upper portions formed into circular necks of reduced diameter which seal to lids around circumferential seams. The rings are formed from a foldable sheet material having in a first panel a first set of circular apertures with inwardly directed tabs. In use of the rings the tabs engage under the circular necks. In an adjoining second panel a second set of substantially smooth edged circular apertures correspond in layout to the first set so that when the second panel is folded over along a line between the panels apertures of said second set correspond in position to those of the first set and the second panel overlies and reinforces the first panel.

1 . Multipack packaging rings for holding a plurality of beverage cans of a type having a upper portions formed into circular necks of reduced diameter which seal to lids around circumferential seams, said rings being formed from a foldable sheet material having in a first panel thereof a first set of circular apertures with inwardly directed tabs which in use of the rings engage under said circumferential seams and in an adjoining second panel thereof a second set of substantially smooth edged circular apertures corresponding in layout to said first set whereby when said second panel is folded over along a line between said panels apertures of said second set correspond in position to respective ones of said first set and said second panel overlies and reinforces said first panel. 
     
     
         2 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said inwardly directed tabs are formed between notches arranged around the circumference of said first set of apertures. 
     
     
         3 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 2  wherein diameters of said first set of apertures as measured between inside edges of opposite ones of said tabs are sufficiently less than the diameters of the seams whereby during assembly of said rings as said first set of apertures are pressed down over the seams the 
       tabs are initially bent upwardly and outwardly to clear said seams before displacing at least partially back to engage under said seams. 
     
     
         4 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said second set of apertures are sized to provide a push fit over said seams. 
     
     
         5 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 4  wherein when said second panel is folded over along said line and the second set of apertures is press fitted over said seams the edges of said second set of apertures press inwardly against the tabs to hold and lock said tabs under the seams. 
     
     
         6 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said line comprises a preformed crease in said sheet. 
     
     
         7 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 6  wherein one of said panels is formed with a display tag which in a position of use extends downwardly from an edge thereof. 
     
     
         8 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 7  wherein there are six apertures in each of said first and second sets which are arranged in a rectangular array. 
     
     
         9 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said sheet material is of a thickness not exceeding 0.7 mm. 
     
     
         10 . Multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 10  wherein finger holes are formed in said panels for carrying the packaging rings. 
     
     
         11 . Multipack packing rings as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said sheet material is biodegradable paperboard, cardboard or card stock or a biodegradable plastic. 
     
     
         12 . A method of assembling multipack packaging rings as claimed in  claim 1  said method including the steps of:
 pressing said first panel down over the seams of an arrangement of said cans corresponding to the position of said first set of apertures whereby said tabs resiliently bend upwardly and outwardly before displacing at least partially back to engage under said seams. 
 folding said second panel along said line between said panels whereby said apertures of said second set correspond in position to respective ones of said first set and said second panel overlies and reinforces said first panel. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 12  and including a further step of bending a display tag formed as part of one of said sections down along another fold line to locate at the front of said multipack packaging rings. 
     
     
         14 . A plate for assembling multipack packing rings as claimed in  claim 1  by simultaneously pressing said sets of panel apertures over the can seams said plate including an array of circular holes with bevelled edges on one face which correspond in position to said sets of panel apertures. 
     
     
         15 . A flat blank for constructing multipack packaging rings, said blank being of foldable sheet material and including first and second panels joined along a fold line, said first panel having a first set of circular apertures with inwardly directed tabs forming an inside edge thereof and said second panel having a second set of substantially smooth edged circular apertures corresponding in layout to said first set.