Partition Insert

Abstract

A partition insert (100) includes a longitudinal primary partition panel (12), transverse divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a locking flap (26). The divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are rotated to an operative position and the locking flap (26) is rotated toward the primary partition panel (12). The partition insert includes means for engaging (52) such that the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and the locking flap (26) can engage one another to fix the position of the divider panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) in the operative position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/756,148, filed Jan. 3, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to packaging an arrangement of articles and, more specifically, to partition inserts that separate articles in a carton.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Partition inserts separate articles such as bottles in a carton or carrier so as to prevent the bottles from contacting one another. This protects against breakage or damage during shipping and handling. Typically, a partition insert that is used to separate the bottles of two adjacent rows of articles includes a longitudinal primary partition panel that is situated between the adjacent rows of articles, and transverse divider panels each which extends outwardly from the longitudinal primary partition panel and between adjacent bottles of one or more of the rows. Thus, for a package containing six bottles arranged in two adjacent rows, the partition insert would include two transverse divider panels that extend from each side of the longitudinal primary partition panel. For packages containing a greater number of bottles, the partition insert includes additional transverse divider panels as necessary. Additional partition inserts may be employed in packages containing multiples of these basic bottle groups to separate the bottles within each group, and a simple longitudinal partition panel is employed to separate the bottles of adjacent groups.

In a typical packaging operation, the transverse divider panels are folded out of the plane of the longitudinal primary partition panel to an operative position and the insert partition is then inserted into a group of bottles by insertion equipment prior to loading the bottles into a carton.

However, such insert partitions are prone to failure as they are inserted between the articles. For example, since the transverse divider panels are not fixed in the folded operative position, the transverse divider panels often times rotate out of the operative position so as to contact or catch on the tops of articles. Thereby, the insert partitions, articles, or carton can be damaged so as to interrupt the packaging process, or at minimum the insert partition can be improperly inserted between the articles.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. What is needed is a partition insert that includes transverse divider panels that can be fixed in a folded operative position before being inserted between articles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a partition insert that includes means for fixing a transverse divider panel in a folded operative position. The partition insert includes one or more locking flaps having means for engaging that are hingedly connected to the longitudinal primary partition panel and that are foldable toward the primary partition panel to engage one or more of the transverse divider panels. The one or more locking flaps are easily folded manually or by automatic erecting machinery to fix the position of the transverse divider panels before the partition insert is inserted between a group of articles.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a partition insert includes a longitudinal primary partition panel and transverse divider panels that are formed integrally from the primary partition panel. The divider panels can be folded or rotated out of the plane of the primary partition panel and fixed in an operative position by a locking flap. In the operative position, at least a portion of the divider panel extends from a first side of the primary partition panel to separate articles in a first row of adjacent articles. In the exemplary embodiments, the divider panels are arranged such that a first wing or portion extends from a first side of the primary partition panel and a second wing or portion extends from a second side of the primary partition panel. Using such a divider panel arrangement simplifies the folding operations that are necessary to erect the partition insert.

The locking flap and/or the transverse divider panels include means for engaging one another to fix the positions of the divider panels. Means for engaging can include elements that engage an edge of a locking flap or transverse divider panel, or combinations of elements that engage one another. In a first embodiment, a locking flap includes a notch that engages an edge of a divider panel. In other embodiments, a locking flap includes tabs or protrusions that are received in and engage an aperture in a divider panel. In still other embodiments, a divider panel includes a notch or protrusion that engages an edge of a locking flap. In each of the various embodiments, the divider panels are releasably locked in position without the need for adhesive or fasteners.

According to one aspect of the invention, the partition insert is formed from a unitary blank that includes a longitudinal primary partition panel, transverse divider panels, and a locking flap. The transverse divider panels are defined from and remain hingedly connected to the primary partition panel after being partially liberated from the primary partition panel. The transverse divider panels are rotatable about an axis of rotation that is defined by one or more fold lines that define the hinged connection. In the exemplary embodiments, the axis of rotation is defined by a pair of aligned fold lines that approximate a single interrupted fold line. The locking flap is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel along a longitudinal fold line, for example, along the lower edge of the primary partition panel. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal fold line is substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a partition insert blank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank of FIG. 1, with the divider panels locked in their operative positions.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank of FIG. 3, with the divider panels locked in their operative positions.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a partition insert formed from the partition insert blank of FIG. 5, with ail but one of the protuberances locking the divider panels in their operative positions.

FIGS. 7-9 are perspective views of the partition insert of FIG. 2 as it is positioned between a group of articles that are packaged in a carton in various ways.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternative partition insert blank, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations: specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, hut merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a partition insert that separates articles, such as glass bottles that are enclosed in a carton or other container.

The exemplary partition inserts are erected from blanks, which are formed from a unitary sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material including paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, and the like. Further, in the illustrated embodiments, a unitary blank is used to form a partition insert, although it should be recognized that two or more blanks may be employed. It is envisaged that the partition insert blank can be sized or adapted to partition articles of different shapes and sizes and/or different arrangements of articles.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary partition insert blank 10 can be folded or erected to form a partition insert 100. The blank 10 includes a longitudinal primary partition panel 12, transverse divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and a longitudinal locking flap 26. Here, the primary partition panel 12 is elongated, although it is contemplated that it may be square or trapezoidal. In any event, the primary partition panel 12 has upper and lower longitudinally extending edges, the lower edge being configured to rest against the bottom wall of a carton.

Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 remains hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 12 along a pair of vertical fold lines 28a, 28b after having been partially separated from the primary partition panel 12 along severance lines. In the exemplary embodiment die blank 10 includes vertical severance lines 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 that define the distal edges of the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is further defined by two pairs of contoured severance lines 44a, 44b, 48a, 46b which define the upper and lower edges of the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Each contoured severance line 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b connects one end of a vertical severance line 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 to one end of a vertical fold line 28a, 28b. For example, referring to divider panel 14, the contoured severance lines 44a, 44b connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 30 to Inside ends of the vertical fold lines 28a, 28b, respectively, and the contoured severance lines 46a, 48b connect opposing ends of the vertical severance line 32 to outside ends of vertical fold lines 26a, 28b, respectively. The vertical fold lines 28a, 28b form the hinged connection that defines the axis of rotation A about which the divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, can swivel into the operative position.

In the exemplary embodiment, each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 has wings or portions P1, P2 that extend from opposite sides of the primary partition panel 12 when the insert partition 100 is erected. For each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the first portion P1 can be distinguished from the second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A. The portions P1 P2 of the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are also defined by certain of the severance lines. For example, the first portion P1 of the divider panel 14 is defined by the vertical severance line 30, the contoured severance lines 44a, 44b, and the axis of rotation A. Similarly, the second portion P2 of the divider panel 14 is defined by the vertical severance line 32, the contoured severance lines 46a, 48b, and the axis of rotation A.

Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is substantially identical such that the description of the divider panel 14 is applicable to the other divider panels 16, 18, 20, 22. In embodiments in which each article B is a round cylinder, each portion P1, P2 has a maximum width C, measured from the axis A to the distal edge of the portion P1, P2, that is at least half the diameter of an article B. So that the portion P1, P2 is disposed between the points of tangency between the articles B to be separated. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the thickness of the divider panels and the width C can be selected to obtain optimum separation between articles of various cross sectional shapes and sizes. It should be understood that the maximum width of adjacent portions P1, P2 can be increased by providing that the shared severance line that defines the distal edges of the adjacent portions P1, P2 is contoured; curved, or at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation, rather than vertical or parallel to the axis of rotation as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments.

It should also be understood that the dimensions and shape of the divider panels are merely design decisions so long as that the divider panels function to partition adjacent articles. In alternative embodiments, each divider panel can be hingedly connected to the primary partition panel along one or more fold lines and may consist of a single wing that extends from a single side of the primary partition panel.

The locking flap 26 is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 12 along a fold line 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the fold line 50 defines or is positioned along the lower edge of the primary partition panel 12, and is substantially perpendicular to the axes of rotation A. In alternative embodiments, the fold line 50 can be at other angles or orientations with respect to the axes of rotation A and can be offset from an edge of the primary partition panel 12. Further, the locking flap 26 can be hingedly connected to other edges of the partition panel 12.

The blank 10 further includes elements that provide means for engaging such that the locking flap 26 and the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 engage one another as the blank 10 is erected, as described in further detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, means for engaging includes notches 52 that are disposed in a distal edge of the locking flap 26. The notches 52 are positioned so as to be substantially bisected by respective axes of rotation A. Thereby, the notches 52 are aligned with a respective portion P1, P2 and, as the locking flap 26 is folded along the fold line 50 to an operative position that is substantially normal to the plane of the primary partition panel 12, the notches 52 ere positioned in engaging proximity to a respective portion P1, P2. As used herein, the phrase “distal edge” refers to an edge that is situated away from the point of attachment for example, an end edge that is spaced apart from a fold line that defines a hinged connection.

The size and shape of each notch 52 is a design choice that is at least partially dependent on which portion P1, P2 of each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 is to be engaged by the locking flap 26 and is additionally dependent on the dimensions and shape of the portion P1, P2 and the width W of the locking flap 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the innermost point of each notch 52 is a distance S1 from the fold line 50 wherein the distance S1 is less than or equal to a distance S2 or a distance S3 depending on the folding procedure used to erect the partition insert blank 10 to form the partition insert 100. That is, if the notch 52 is to engage the partition P1, then the distance S1 is less than or equal to the distance S2. Conversely, if the notch 52 is to engage the portion P2, then the distance S1 is less than or equal to the distance S3. The distances S2, S3 are defined as the distances between the fold line 50 and the intersection of the vertical fold line 28b and the contoured severance lines 44b, 46b, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the size and shape of the notch 52 is designed to engage the portion P1 of each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Specifically, the notch 62 is designed to engage the edge of the divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 that is defined by the contoured severance line 44b.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, erecting the partition insert carton 100 from the blank 10 may be accomplished with the folding operations as described herein. The operations can be performed by automatic erecting machinery and/or manually. The method of performing the erecting process is not limited to the exemplary method described herein. Particularly, the order of the steps can be altered according to manufacturing requirements and steps may be added or omitted.

Each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 is folded along the vertical fold lines 28a, 28b so as to rotate about the axis of rotation A. Specifically, each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is rotated until it is substantially perpendicular to the primary partition panel 12 and such that the portions P1, P2 are disposed on opposing sides of the primary partition panel 12. Alternatively, each divider panel can be rotated until if is at a desired angle relative to the primary partition panel 12 and fixed in position at that angle. This alternative configuration may be useful, for example, to partition a staggered arrangement of articles.

The looking flap 26 is then folded along fold line 50 to rotate toward the side of the primary partition panel 12 wherein the portion P1 of each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is disposed such that each notch 52 engages an edge of a respective divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to fix the position of each divider panel 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The partition insert 100 is thereafter fully erected. One of the benefits of the partition insert 100 is the simplicity of the method for erecting the partition insert 100. That is, the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are engaged all at once with the rotation of the one locking flap 26. Additionally, the notch 52 provides a simple means for engaging that easily engages the edge of a respective divider panel and is also easily disengaged from a respective divider panel.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Where the elements introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present in this embodiment, the same element number has been used with the addition of the prefix “2” or “3”. For example, the blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the blank 210 shown in FIG. 3 and the partition insert 100 shown in FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the partition insert 300 shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, certain elements shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be merely introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion will be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the alternative embodiment of a partition insert blank 210 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert 300. The partition insert blank 210 includes a primary partition panel 212, divider panels 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and a locking flap 226. Each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 212 along a pair of vertical fold lines 228a, 228b that define an axis of rotation A. The partition insert blank 210 includes vertical severance lines 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240 that at least partially define the divider panels 214, 216, 218, 220, 222. Each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 is further defined by two pairs of contoured severance lines 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b that connect one end of a vertical severance line 230, 232, 234, 230, 238, 240 to one end of a vertical fold line 228a, 228b. Further, each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 includes a first portion P1, which is distinguished from a second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A.

In this embodiment, the blank 210 further includes a substantially triangular aperture 242 that remains at a lower end of certain vertical severance lines 232, 234, 236, 238 after material is struck from the primary partition panel 212 to define at least one of the lower corners of the divider panels 214, 216, 218, 220, 222. The angled lower corners further reduce the likelihood that divider panels 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 will contact the articles as the partition insert 300 is inserted between a group of articles. Further, in this embodiment, the portion P2 of each of the divider panels 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 includes a receiving aperture 248 that is disposed adjacent to and between the vertical fold lines 228b, 228c.

The locking flap 226 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of primary partition panel 212 along a fold line 250. In this embodiment, means for engaging includes tabs 258a, 258b that are defined in the locking flap 226. Each set of tabs 258a, 258b is defined by a notch 252, an aperture 254, and a severance line 256 that are disposed in the locking flap 226 and that are aligned with or substantially bisected by a respective axis of rotation A. Further, the severance line 256 extends from the notch 252 to the aperture 254 to define each set of tabs 258a, 258b. One or both of the tabs 258a, 258b are dimensioned and positioned to be received in and engage a respective receiving aperture 248. Accordingly, the size and shape of each notch 252 and aperture 254 and the length of each severance line 256 are design choices that are at least partially dependent on the position, size, and shape of the receiving aperture 248.

The partition insert blank 210 can be folded according to a method that is substantially similar to the method described above in order to form the partition insert 300. However, it should be understood that, in this embodiment, the locking flap 226 is folded along the fold line 250 to rotate toward the portion P2 of each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222. As the locking flap 226 is folded, the edge of each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 that is defined by contoured severance line 246b first engages a respective notch 252 and separates the tabs 258a, 258b from one another. As the locking flap 226 is further rotated, the tabs 258a, 258b contact opposing surfaces of the portion P2 until the tabs 258a, 258b reach the receiving aperture 248. The tabs 258a, 258b are then received in and engage the receiving aperture 248 to fix the position of each divider panel 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 and thereby form the partition insert 300. One of the benefits of the partition insert 300 is that the engagement between the tabs 258a, 258b and the receiving aperture 248 provides a strong locking relationship to substantially prevent the locking flap 226 from being released or disengaged from the divider panels once the partition insert 300 is formed.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Where the elements introduced and described above are present and substantially similar to the elements present in this embodiment, the same element number has been used with the addition of the prefix “4” or “5”. For example, the blank 10 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the blank 410 shown in FIG. 5 and the partition insert 100 shown in FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the partition insert 500 shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, certain of the elements shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will merely be introduced and only the features that warrant further discussion will be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated alternative partition insert blank 410 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert 500. The partition insert blank 410 includes a primary partition panel 412, divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, and locking flaps 426.

Each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 412 along a pair of vertical fold lines 428a, 428b that define an axis of rotation A. The blank 410 includes vertical severance lines 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and contoured severance lines 444a, 444b, 446a, 446b that at least partially define the divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. The blank 410 further includes a substantially triangular aperture 442 that remains at a lower end of certain vertical severance lines 432, 434, 436, 438. Further, each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a first portion P1, which is distinguished from a second portion P2 by the axis of rotation A. The second portion P2 of each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a receiving aperture 448.

The locking flaps 426 are each hingedly connected to the lower edge of the primary partition panel 412 along a fold fine 450 and aligned with a respective divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422. Each looking flap 426 includes a base portion 452, an extending portion 454, and a protuberance 456. In the exemplary embodiment, the base portion 452 of each locking flap 426 extends longitudinally to provide a stronger hinged connection between the locking flaps 426 and the primary partition panel 412 or otherwise increase the length of each fold line 450. The extending portion 454 of each locking flap 426 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base portion 452 and the protuberance and the protuberance 456 of each locking flap 426 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the extending portion 454. The protuberance 456 is dimensioned and positioned to be received in and engage a respective receiving aperture 448, as described in further detail below, and thereby provides means for engaging.

In the exemplary embodiment, a portion of the protuberance 456 and a respective receiving aperture 448 are disposed on opposite sloes of the axis of rotation A. Further, the center of the protuberance 456 is a distance S4 from the fold line 450, the center of the receiving aperture 448 is a distance S4 from the fold line 450, and the height H2 of the protuberance 456 is less than the height H1 of the receiving aperture 448. One of the benefits of the blank 500 is that less material is consumed to form the locking flaps 426 than to form one of the locking flaps 26, 226.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the partition insert blank 410 can be folded or erected to form the partition insert 500 according to a non-limiting method as described below. Each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is folded along the vertical fold lines 428a, 428b to rotate about the axis of rotation A in a first direction and past a position where it is perpendicular to the primary partition panel 412. For example, each divider panel may be rotated one hundred and thirty five degrees in a clockwise direction. The locking flaps 426 are then folded along fold lines 450 toward the side of the primary partition panel 412 from which the portion P2 of each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 extends until the protuberance 456 is adjacent to the receiving aperture 448. Each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 is then rotated about a respective axis of rotation A in a direction opposite the first direction or otherwise toward the locking flap 426 such that the protuberances 456 of the locking flaps 426 are received in the receiving apertures 448. The tendency of the divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 and the locking flaps 426 to return to their non-rotated positions facilitates the engagement between each protuberance 456 and a respective receiving aperture 448, thereby fixing the position of each divider panel 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the primary partition panel 412 and thereby form the partition insert 500.

It should be noted that a benefit of this embodiment is that the locking flaps 426 are independent of one another. Thus, the locking flaps 426 can rotate and secure the divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 regardless of which direction the divider panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 are rotated. Accordingly, the portions P1, P2 can extend from either side of the primary partition panel 412 and different portions P1, P2 of different divider panels can extend from the same side of the primary partition panel 412. It should be noted that another benefit of the partition insert 500 is that each of the locking flaps 426 is positioned or disposed in the space between four cylindrical articles B when the partition insert 500 is positioned between a group of articles B such that the locking flaps 426 do not interfere with the articles B.

It should be understood that the means for engaging is not limited to the elements or arrangements of elements described herein. Rather, it is contemplated that either or both of the divider panel and respective locking flap can include complimentary or otherwise interlockable elements that provide means for engaging including, but not limited to, notches, ridges, slots, silts, apertures, protuberances, tabs, extensions, combinations thereof, and the like.

Each of the exemplary partition inserts 100, 300, 500 is to be inserted or otherwise incorporated between a group of articles in a package to prevent contact between individual articles. For example, the partition insert 100 can be dropped, lowered, fired, positioned, or inserted in between a group of articles B that are arranged in an article group, such as the exemplary two by six matrix configuration. Then, the entire assembly can be pushed into an open end of a tubular carton N1, as shown in FIG. 7, or wraparound packaging N3 can be applied to enclose the articles B and the partition insert, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the partition insert 100 can be dropped, lowered, fired, positioned, or inserted in between a group of articles B that are included in a carton N3 and arranged in a two by six matrix configuration, as shown in FIG. 8.

Means for engaging provides that the locking flap retains the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in a folded operative position or otherwise keeps the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 substantially perpendicular to the primary partition panel 12. Thereby, as the partition insert 100 is inserted between a group of articles B, the divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are fixedly positioned so as to be less likely to contact or collide with the top of an article B, which may result in damage to the partition insert 100.

It should be noted that the scope of the invention is not limited to partition inserts having substantially identical divider panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or to rotating each of the divider panels in the same direction about a respective axis of rotation A. That is, for example, divider panel 14 may be rotated in a clockwise direction while divider panel 16 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a partition insert blank 610 can be folded or erected to form a partition insert (not shown). The blank 610 includes a primary partition panel 612 and divider panels 614, 616, 618, 620, 622 that are substantially similar to those in the embodiments described herein. In this embodiment, the blank 610 includes locking flaps 626 that are defined from the primary partition panel 612. Each locking flap 626 remains hingedly connected to the primary partition panel 612 along a longitudinal fold line 650 after having been partially separated from the primary partition panel 612 along severance lines 660a, 660b. Each of the severance lines 660a, 660b extends between an end of the fold line 650 and an edge of the primary partition panel 612. Thereby, the fold line 650 is offset from the edge of the primary partition panel 612 and the distal end of each locking flap 626 is defined, by a portion of the edge of the primary partition panel 612. Each locking flap 626 further includes a notch 626 that provides means for engaging the divider panels 614, 616, 618, 620, 622. One of the benefits of this embodiment is that the blank 610 can be optimized to use a minimum amount of material and can be easily formed from a single sheet of material.

It must be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such modifications, combinations, and variation are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles in a package, comprising:

a substantially planar primary partition panel;

at least one divider panel formed at least in part from said primary partition panel, at least a first portion of said at least one divider panel being rotatable out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel to an operative position in which said first portion extends from a side of said primary partition panel; and

at least one locking flap hingedly connected only to said primary partition panel;

wherein at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap comprises means for engaging that substantially rigidly fixes said at least one divider panel in sale operative position when said at least one locking flap is folded toward said primary partition panel and info engagement with said at least one divider panel.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein in said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite side of said primary partition panel.

3. The blank of claim 1, wherein the hinged connection between said at least one divider panel and said primary partition panel defines an axis of rotation about which said at least one divider panel is rotatable.

4. Use blank of claim 3, said substantially planar primary partition panel having a longitudinal edge, said axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal edge.

5. The blank of claim 1, wherein said means for engaging comprises at least one of the following: a notch, an aperture, a protuberance, a slot, a slit, a tab.

6. The blank of claim 1, wherein said at least one locking flap comprises a single locking flap configured to engage each said at least one divider panel via said means for engaging.

7. A blank for forming a partition insert for separating articles in a package, comprising:

a substantially planar primary partition panel having a longitudinal edge;

at least one divider panel formed at least in part from said primary partition panel, at least a first portion of said at least one divider panel being rotatable out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel to an operative position in which said first portion extends from a side of said primary partition panel; and

at least one locking flap each hingedly connected to said primary partition panel along a fold line that is spaced apart from said longitudinal edge;

wherein at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap comprises means for engaging that substantially rigidly fixes said at least one divider panel in said operative position when said at least one locking flap is folded toward said primary partition panel and into engagement with said at least one divider panel.

8. The blank of claim 7, wherein said at least one divider panel further comprises a second portion, wherein in said operative position, said second portion extends from an opposite side of said primary partition panel.

9. The blank of claim 7, wherein the hinged connection between said at least one divider panel and said primary partition panel defines an axis of rotation about which said at least one divider panel is rotatable.

10. The blank of claim 9, said axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal edge.

11. The blank of claim 7, wherein said means for engaging comprises at least one of the following: a notch, an aperture, a protuberance, a slot, a slit, a tab.

12. The blank of claim 7, wherein said at least one locking flap has a distal edge, at least a portion of which lies along said longitudinal edge.

13. The blank of claim 6, wherein said at least one locking flap comprises a single longitudinally extending locking flap configured to engage each said at least one divider panel via said means for engaging.

14. A package, comprising:

a plurality of articles arranged in multiple rows;

a carton for enclosing said articles;

a partition insert for separating said articles in said carton, said partition insert comprising; a substantially planar primary partition panel extending between two adjacent rows; at least one divider panel formed at least in pad from said primary partition panel and rotated out of a plane defined by said primary partition panel so as to extend outwardly from said primary partition panel in an operative position in which a first portion of said at least one divider panel separates two articles in a first one of said two adjacent rows; at least one looking flap each hingedly connected to said primary partition panel and each folded toward said primary partition panel to engage said at least one divider panel; and means for engaging integral to at least one of said at least one divider panel and said at least one locking flap, said means for engaging substantially rigidly fixing said at least one divider panel in said operative position.

15. The package of claim 14, wherein in said operative position, a second portion of said at least one divider panel separates two articles in a second one of said two adjacent rows.