Patents by Inventor Julien D. MERZEAU

Julien D. MERZEAU has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11919690
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier may package at least one article having a recess. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article. The article carrier comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess of one of said at least one article. The article retention device may inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a setup carrier. The tubular structure defines a tubular axis. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The first fold line extends at an acute angle with respect to the tubular axis. The acute angle may be no more than 50 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Bartlomiej Stepkowski, Julien D. Merzeau, Christian Labergere
  • Publication number: 20240059467
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90; 190; 290) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310) for forming the article carriers (90; 190; 290). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises a first panel (12; 112; 212; 312) and a second panel (14; 114; 214; 314) hinged to the first panel (12; 112; 212; 312) and folded at an angle with respect to the first panel (12; 112; 212; 312). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises an article-engaging feature (RT) formed from at least one of the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises a locking feature (L; L1, L2) including a locking tab (50; 150; 250; 350) formed from the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314) and a locking edge (56; 156; 256; 356) provided by one of the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20240034532
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510) for forming the carrier. The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) having one or more article retention structures (RT1, RT2) for receiving and securing the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) to a respective article (B). The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a side panel (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420, 518, 520) hingedly connected to the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) by a hinged connection. The hinged connection between the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) and the side panel (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420, 518, 520) is defined, at least in part, by a curved or arcuate fold line (13, 15, 17, 19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230406588
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton and a method of packaging articles. The carton (90) comprises a plurality of primary panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The primary panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) include a top panel (16). The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap (28A/28C) having a handle opening, a first side end closure flap (24A), and a web panel (26A) coupling the top end closure flap (28A/28C) with the first side end closure flap (24A). The web panel 26A is hingedly connected to the top end closure flap (28A/28C) as well as to the first side end closure flap (24A). The top end closure flap (28A/28C) is connected to the top panel (16) by at least one corner panel (40A, 40B, 40C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Boukredine, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230406590
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90; 190) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110) for forming the article carriers (90; 190). The blank (10; 110) comprises at least one panel (12; 112) having at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2) comprises an article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2) and an annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114 A) formed around the article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2). The annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114A) is defined at least in part by plurality of radial cut lines (15, 31; 115, 131). The annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114A) is defined at least in part by plurality of circumferential cut lines (9, 11; 109, 111). At least a first one (31, 131) of the radial cut lines extends to a corresponding circumferential cut line (9, 109) and at least a second one (15; 115) of the radial cut lines stops short of a respective circumferential cut line (9, 109).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Dominique Perrin, Nicolas Teillol, Julien D. Merzeau, Cedric Vosgeois
  • Publication number: 20230406589
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a packaging system, an apparatus (400; 500; 600; 700) for forming a package, an article carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles, a blank (10; 110; 310; 410A-B) for forming the carrier, and to a method of packaging one or more articles. The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a main panel (12; 112; 312; 412) having one or more article retention structures (RT1, RT2) for receiving and securing the main panel (12; 112; 312; 412) to a respective article (B). The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises at least one panel having a peripheral edge, a portion of which provides at least one registration edge shaped to inhibit movement in two orthogonal directions when engaged by a reference device (440; 540; 640; 740) of a packaging apparatus (400; 500; 600; 700).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau, Frederic Limousin, Gerald Portrait, Dominique Perrin
  • Publication number: 20230391523
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a top engaging carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The top engaging carrier comprises a top panel with at least one article-engaging feature. The top engaging carrier may comprise a pair of side panels hingedly connected the top panel and a pair of end panels. Each of the pair of end panels bridges between the side. At least one of the end panels is at least partially detachably connected to the top panel along a severance line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: West Rock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Lauren N. Chesnet, Margaret B. Staley, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Patent number: 11807411
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, and a blank for forming said carton. The carton comprising a plurality of primary panels 12a, 12b, 14, 16a, 16b at least partially extending around an interior of the carton, the plurality of primary panels comprising a top panel 14 and a pair of side panels 12a, 12b, 16a, 16b hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the top panel respectively, wherein the carrier further comprises an end closure structure 24a, 24b which partially closes an end of the carrier, the end closure structure comprises a top end closure panel 24a, 26a hingedly connected to an end edge of the top panel and at least one anchor panel 20a, 30a hingedly connected to an end edge of at least one of the pair of side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Garnier, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230348163
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier 90 for packaging one or more articles B and a blank 10 for forming the carrier. The article carrier has an at least double-ply strap handle at one or both of the opposed ends thereof. The article carrier comprises an end bridging strap 12a, 12b hingedly connected to a reinforcing strap 14,16 along their respective upper edges. The reinforcing strap is secured at its opposite ends to side panels 18, 20 of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Julien D. MERZEAU
  • Publication number: 20230339665
    Abstract: 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 cover 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 cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 connects the cover 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 cover 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 cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau, Alexandre Therond, Nicolas Teillol, Arnaud Demange, Nathaniel B. Ball, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20230322458
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B, B1, B2) and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310A, 310B) for forming the carrier. The package comprises an article carrier and one or more articles. The carrier comprises a main panel (14) having at least two article retention structures for receiving and securing the main panel to a respective article. Each of the at least two article retention structures comprises a center. The center C of the at least two article retention structures is spaced apart from the center of an adjacent one of the at least two article retention structures by a distance. The distance is greater than the maximum diameter of each of the at least two articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alex N. Barrette, Matthew E. Zacherle, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230242315
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and defining an interior thereof. The plurality of primary panels includes a pair of opposed end panels. The article carrier further comprises a partition structure for dividing the interior into two or more article-receiving cells. A primary partition panel is hingedly connected to one of the pair of end panels along a first fold line, the primary partition panel comprises the partition structure. The partition structure comprises at least one lateral partition flap and a glue flap. The at least one lateral partition flap and the glue flap are coupled together by a distal end joint. The distal end joint is adjoined by a tab interrupting the first fold line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle, Julien D. Merzeau, Elina Blehm
  • Publication number: 20230234763
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310) for forming the article carriers (90). The blank (10; 110; 210; 310) comprises at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) having at least four article receiving openings (RT1). The at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) comprises a handle feature. The at least article receiving openings (RT1) are arranged in two rows. The handle feature comprises at least one handle opening (Ha1, Ha2, Ha3) located at a centre (C) of the at least four article receiving openings (RT1). The at least one handle opening (Ha1, Ha2, Ha3) is defined at least in part by a pair of first tabs (16, 18; 140, 142; 216, 218; 340, 342, 370, 372, 374, 376) hingedly connected to the at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) by a pair of first divergent fold lines (17, 19; 141, 143; 341, 343, 373a, 373b, 375a, 375b) respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230192377
    Abstract: An article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier are disclosed. The carrier (90) comprises an engaging panel (12) having at least one article-engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The carrier (90) comprises a bundling structure having first and second segments. The first segment includes a first panel (14) hinged to the engaging panel (12) and abridging portion (22A, 26A) hinged to the first panel (14). The second segment includes a second panel (18A) hinged to the engaging panel (12), a third panel (18B) hinged to the second panel (18A) in overlapping position therewith and a bridge-engaging feature engaging the bridging portion (22A, 26A). The bridge-engaging feature is provided at least by the second and third panels (18A, 18B) such that art of the bridging portion (22A, 26A) is disposed between the second and third panels (18A, 18B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Julien D. MERZEAU, Fabrice AVRIL, Alexandre THEROND, Nicolas TEILLOL, Emmanuel DAVAILLON
  • Publication number: 20230182943
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing an orientation of a container (40) in a package (25) are disclosed, which includes positioning a plurality of containers in a predetermined orientation, wrapping the arrangement of containers in a paperboard package, and applying an adhesive (50) within the package to secure the orientation of at least one container in the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: John-Christophe BONNAIN, Cedric VOSGEOIS, Julien D. MERZEAU, Alexandre THEROND, Pascal MARTINI
  • Publication number: 20230182984
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom paneljoined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and a foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Fahrner, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20230052589
    Abstract: An article top engaging device, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel (112) having at least one top-receiving opening (A1-A8). The article top engaging device comprises at least four engaging members (T1-T6). The at least four engaging members comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposed engaging members. At least one of the at least four engaging members (T1, T5) is hingedly connected to the article carrier by a linear fold line (21). At least two of the at least four engaging members (T2, T4, T6, T8) are hingedly connected to the article carrier by a respective nonlinear fold line (46a/46b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Julien D. MERZEAU
  • Publication number: 20230040097
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier may package at least one article having a recess. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article. The article carrier comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess of one of said at least one article. The article retention device may inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a setup carrier. The tubular structure defines a tubular axis. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The first fold line extends at an acute angle with respect to the tubular axis. The acute angle may be no more than 50 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Bartlomiej STEPKOWSKI, Julien D. MERZEAU, Christian LABERGERE
  • Patent number: 11524826
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom panel joined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Fahrner, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Publication number: 20220297911
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least two articles each having a recess. The article carrier comprises a pair of article retention devices each comprising a flap (80) for engaging the recess of a respective one of said at least two articles to inhibit movement thereof. The flaps are hingedly connected by a respective hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels in opposition to each other. The article carrier comprises a pair of handle openings (A4) defined in said one of the plurality of panels. The handle openings and the flaps define a handle in said one of the plurality of panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Arnaud DEMANGE, Richard MERREYWETHER, Julien D. Merzeau