Construct With Locking Features

Abstract

A construct for covering a port of a container. The construct comprises a central panel and a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the construct. Panels of the plurality of panels can be foldably connected to the central panel. The construct further can comprise a plurality of locking edges. Each locking edge of the plurality of locking edges can be for engaging under a rim of the container, wherein the rim extends at least partially around the port. The central panel can contact a top of the rim opposite to the plurality of locking edges when the construct is engaged with the container to cover the port.

Claims

1. A construct for covering a port of a container, the construct comprising: a central panel and a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the construct, panels of the plurality of panels being foldably connected to the central panel; and a plurality of locking edges, each locking edge of the plurality of locking edges being for engaging under a rim of the container, wherein the rim extends at least partially around the port; wherein the central panel contacts a top of the rim opposite to the plurality of locking edges when the construct is engaged with the container to cover the port.

2. The construct of claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of outer locking edges, each outer locking edge of the plurality of outer locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

3. The construct of claim 2, wherein each of the outer locking edges is spaced apart from the central panel by a respective locking aperture, and wherein at least a portion of the rim of the container is at least partially received in the locking apertures when the construct is engaged with the container to cover the port.

4. The construct of claim 2, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of inner locking edges, each inner locking edge of the plurality of inner locking edges extending obliquely with respect to one or more of the panels of the plurality of panels.

5. The construct of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of locking flaps, each locking flap of the plurality of locking flaps extending in the interior of the construct, wherein each of the inner locking edges extends along at least a portion of a respective one of the locking flaps.

6. The construct of claim 4, further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to one of the panels of the plurality of panels and a plurality of locking flaps, one or more locking flaps of the plurality of locking flaps being foldably connected to the attachment panel, wherein each of the inner locking edges extends along at least a portion of a respective one of the locking flaps.

7. The construct of claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises at least an outer locking edge extending along at least one of the panels of the plurality of panels and at least one inner locking edge extending along at least a portion of a locking flap extending in the interior of the construct.

8. The construct of claim 7, wherein the locking flap is foldably connected to an attachment panel that is in an overlapping relationship with a first panel of the plurality of panels, and wherein the locking flap extends from the first panel toward a second panel of the plurality of panels.

9. The construct of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a side panel and an end panel, the construct further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to the end panel opposite to the central panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel, wherein the attachment panel is in an overlapping relationship with the end panel and the locking flap extends at least partially from the end panel to the side panel, and wherein one of the locking edges of the plurality of locking edges extends along the locking flap.

10. The construct of claim 9, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap and the side panel is a first side panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second side panel, and wherein the construct further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel and extending at least partially from the end panel to the second side panel.

11. The construct of claim 9, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap, the attachment panel is a first attachment panel, and the end panel is a first end panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel, and wherein the construct further comprises a second attachment panel in an overlapping relationship with the second end panel and a second locking flap foldably connected to the second attachment panel and extending at least partially from the second end panel to the side panel.

12. The construct of claim 1, wherein the central panel comprises a removable portion and a retention portion, wherein the removable portion is separable from the retention portion along a tear line, and wherein the retention portion is for remaining in contact with the rim of the container when the removable portion is separated from the retention portion.

13. The construct of claim 12, wherein the retention portion is foldably connected to at least one of the panels of the plurality of panels.

14. The construct of claim 12, wherein the central panel comprises a plurality of retention portions, each retention portion of the plurality of retention portions being foldably connected to two panels of the plurality of panels.

15. In combination, a container and a construct, the container comprising a port and a rim extending at least partially around the port, the construct at least partially covering the port of the container, the construct comprising: a central panel and a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the construct, panels of the plurality of panels being foldably connected to the central panel, the central panel contacting a top surface of the rim of the container and extending over the port of the container; and a plurality of locking edges, each locking edge of the plurality of locking edges engaging under the rim of the container opposite to the central panel.

16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of outer locking edges, each outer locking edge of the plurality of outer locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

17. The combination of claim 16, wherein each of the outer locking edges is spaced apart from the central panel by a respective locking aperture, and wherein at least a portion of the rim of the container is at least partially received in the locking apertures.

18. The combination of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of locking flaps, each locking flap of the plurality of locking flaps extending in the interior of the construct, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of inner locking edges, each inner locking edge of the plurality of inner locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective one of the locking flaps.

19. The combination of claim 18, further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to one of the panels of the plurality of panels, one or more of the locking flaps of the plurality of locking flaps being foldably connected to the attachment panel.

20. The combination of claim 15, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises at least an outer locking edge extending along at least one of the panels of the plurality of panels and at least one inner locking edge extending along at least a portion of a locking flap extending in the interior of the construct.

21. The combination of claim 20, wherein the locking flap is foldably connected to an attachment panel that is in an overlapping relationship with a first panel of the plurality of panels, and wherein the locking flap extends from the first panel toward a second panel of the plurality of panels.

22. The combination of claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a side panel and an end panel, the construct further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to the end panel opposite to the central panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel, wherein the attachment panel is in an overlapping relationship with the end panel and the locking flap extends at least partially from the end panel to the side panel, and wherein one of the locking edges of the plurality of locking edges extends along the locking flap.

23. The combination of claim 15, wherein the central panel comprises a removable portion and a retention portion, wherein the removable portion is separable from the retention portion along a tear line, and wherein the retention portion is for remaining in contact with the rim of the container when the removable portion is separated from the retention portion.

24. The combination of claim 15, wherein the rim of the container extends outwardly from a neck of the container, and the neck extends at least partially in the interior of the construct.

25. A blank for forming a construct for covering a port of a container, the blank comprising: a central panel and a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the construct formed from the blank, panels of the plurality of panels being foldably connected to the central panel; and a plurality of locking edges, each locking edge of the plurality of locking edges being for engaging under a rim of the container when the construct is formed from the blank, wherein the rim extends at least partially around the port; wherein the central panel contacts a top of the rim opposite to the plurality of locking edges when the construct formed from the blank is engaged with the container to cover the port.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of outer locking edges, each outer locking edge of the plurality of outer locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

27. The blank of claim 26, wherein each of the outer locking edges is spaced apart from the central panel by a respective locking aperture, and wherein at least a portion of the rim of the container is at least partially received in the locking apertures when the construct formed from the blank is engaged with the container to cover the port.

28. The blank of claim 26, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of inner locking edges, each inner locking edge of the plurality of inner locking edges being spaced apart from the central panel and the panels of the plurality of panels.

29. The blank of claim 28, further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to one of the panels of the plurality of panels and a plurality of locking flaps, one or more locking flaps of the plurality of locking flaps being foldably connected to the attachment panel, wherein each of the inner locking edges extends along at least a portion of a respective one of the locking flaps.

30. The blank of claim 25, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises at least an outer locking edge extending along at least one of the panels of the plurality of panels and at least one inner locking edge extending along at least a portion of a locking flap that is spaced apart from the central panel.

31. The blank of claim 30, wherein the locking flap is foldably connected to an attachment panel, and wherein the attachment panel is foldably connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels.

32. The blank of claim 25, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a side panel and an end panel, the blank further comprising an attachment panel foldably connected to the end panel opposite to the central panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel, and wherein an outer locking edge of the plurality of locking edges extends along the locking flap and an inner locking edge of the plurality of locking edges extends along the side panel.

33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap, and the blank further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel opposite to the first locking flap.

34. The blank of claim 32, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap, the attachment panel is a first attachment panel, and the end panel is a first end panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel opposite to the first end panel, and wherein the blank further comprises a second attachment panel foldably connected to the second end panel opposite to the central panel and a second locking flap foldably connected to the second attachment.

35. The blank of claim 25, wherein the central panel comprises a removable portion and a retention portion, wherein the removable portion is separable from the retention portion along a tear line, and wherein the retention portion is for remaining in contact with the rim of the container when the removable portion is separated from the retention portion in the construct formed from the blank.

36. The blank of claim 35, wherein the retention portion is foldably connected to at least one of the panels of the plurality of panels.

37. The blank of claim 35, wherein the central panel comprises a plurality of retention portions, each retention portion of the plurality of retention portions being foldably connected to two panels of the plurality of panels.

38. A method of forming a construct, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a central panel, a plurality of panels, and a plurality of locking edges, wherein panels of the plurality of panels are foldably connected to the central panel; forming the construct by folding the panels of the plurality of panels relative to the central panel so that the central panel and the plurality of panels extend at least partially around an interior of the construct; and engaging the construct with a rim of a container so that each locking edge of the plurality of locking edges engages under the rim of the container and the central panel contacts a top of the rim opposite to the locking edges.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of outer locking edges, each outer locking edge of the plurality of outer locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective panel of the plurality of panels, wherein each of the outer locking edges is spaced apart from the central panel by a respective locking aperture, and wherein the engaging the construct with the rim of the container comprises at least partially receiving the rim of the container in the locking apertures.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of locking flaps, wherein the plurality of locking edges comprises a plurality of inner locking edges, each inner locking edge of the plurality of inner locking edges extending along at least a portion of a respective one of the locking flaps, and the forming the construct further comprises positioning each locking flap of the plurality of locking flaps in the interior of the construct.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a side panel and an end panel, wherein the blank further comprises an attachment panel foldably connected to the end panel opposite to the central panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel, wherein one of the locking edges of the plurality of locking edges extends along the locking flap, and wherein the forming the construct further comprises positioning the attachment panel in an overlapping relationship with the end panel and positioning the locking flap to extend at least partially from the end panel to the side panel in the interior of the construct.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap and the side panel is a first side panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second side panel and the blank further comprises a second locking flap foldably connected to the attachment panel, and wherein the forming the construct further comprises positioning the second locking flap to extend at least partially from the end panel to the second side panel in the interior of the construct.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the locking flap is a first locking flap, the attachment panel is a first attachment panel, and the end panel is a first end panel, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel and the blank further comprises a second attachment panel and a second locking flap foldably connected to the second attachment panel, and wherein the forming the construct further comprises positioning the second attachment panel in an overlapping relationship with the second end panel and positioning the second locking flap to extend from the second end panel to the side panel in the interior of the construct.

44. The method of claim 38, wherein the rim of the container extends outwardly from a neck of the container, and the method further comprises at least partially receiving the neck of the container in the interior of the construct.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tap cover according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flattened construct formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the folding of the flattened construct of FIG. 2 to form the erected construct according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the erected construct according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the construct of FIG. 4 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the construct of FIGS. 4 and 5 engaged with a keg spout or neck of a suitable container according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the construct and keg neck of FIG. 6A with a portion of the construct cut away according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the construct and keg neck of FIGS. 6A and 6B with opening or access features of the construct actuated to expose a tap port within the keg neck according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The construct of the present disclosure can be useful in covering and/or protecting a tap port of a keg or other pressure vessels or other suitable containers. In embodiments, the keg or other container can hold a beverage such as a carbonated beverage, a pressurized gas, a pressurized liquid, a pressurized gas and liquid mixture, or other suitable articles and/or materials. For example, the construct can be for covering/protecting a tap port of a beer keg. In this specification, the terms inner, interior, outer, exterior, lower, bottom, upper, and top indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright packages. As described herein, constructs can be formed from blanks by being glued with multiple panels, flaps, portions, and/or other features. Such panels, flaps, portions, and/or other features may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., first, second, third, etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank, generally indicated at 103, used to form a construct or port cover 105 (FIGS. 4-7) of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The construct 105 can include integrated locking features (e.g., one or more locking apertures and/or one or more locking flaps) and opening features (e.g., one or more tear lines and/or one or more tear-away features). In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 can have an exterior surface 101 (FIG. 1) and an interior surface 102 (FIG. 2). The construct 105 is used to cover and/or protect a tap port P, such as for a beer keg or other suitable pressure vessel or other suitable container C (FIGS. 6A-7). In embodiments, the tap port P can be located in an interior of a keg spout or neck N (FIGS. 6A-7).

[0021] The blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 includes a top or central panel 110 foldably connected to a first side panel 112 (broadly, panel 112) at longitudinal fold lines 114. A second side panel 116 (broadly, panel 116) is foldably connected to the central panel 110 along longitudinal fold lines 118. A first end panel 120 (broadly, panel 120) is foldably connected to the central panel 110 along lateral fold lines 122, and a second end panel 124 (broadly, panel 124) is foldably connected to the central panel 110 along lateral fold lines 126.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes end flaps 130, 132 foldably connected at respective ends of the first end panel 120 along respective fold lines 134, 136. End flaps 138, 140 are respectively foldably connected at respective ends of the second end panel 124 along the respective fold lines 142, 144. Any of the central panel 110, the side panels 112, 116, the end panels 120, 124, and/or the end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 could be foldably connected to the respective side panels 112, 116.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 can include retention or locking features for helping to retain the erected construct 105 in engagement with the neck N of the keg C (e.g., FIGS. 6A-7). For example, the blank 103 can include retention or locking apertures 146 (e.g., four locking apertures or any suitable number of locking apertures). As shown in FIG. 1, the locking apertures 146 can extend along the respective panels 112, 116, 120, 124, between the central panel 110 and the respective panels 112, 116, 120, 124. In embodiments, each of the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 can have a respective locking or retention edge 148 (e.g., an outer locking edge) extending along the respective locking aperture 146 and spaced apart from the respective fold lines 114, 118, 122, 126 by a distance sufficient so that the retention edges 148 can engage under a rim R of the neck N when the central panel 110 engages (e.g., contacts) an upper surface of the rim R (e.g., FIGS. 6A and 6B). Stated another way, the locking apertures 146 can receive respective portions of the rim R of the neck N when the erected construct 105 is engaged with the neck N. Any of the locking apertures 146 and/or the retention edges 148 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0024] The locking features further can include locking structures 150, 152 foldably connected to the respective end panels 120, 124 along respective lateral fold lines 154, 156. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the locking structures 150, 152 can include an attachment panel 158 foldably connected to the respective end panel 120, 124 along the respective lateral fold lines 154, 156 and two wing flaps or locking flaps 160 foldably connected to each of the attachment panels 158 along respective longitudinal fold lines 162. In embodiments, each of the locking flaps 160 can have a locking edge 164 (e.g., an inner locking edge) configured to engage under the rim R of the neck N as described in more detail below. The locking structures 150, 152 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 can include opening features or access features for removing a portion of the central panel 110 to expose the tap port P for attachment of a tap (not shown) without requiring the removal of the entire construct 105 (e.g., FIG. 7). For example, the central panel 110 can include an arcuate tear line 170 at each of its corners, e.g., with the arcuate tear lines 170 extending between respectively adjacent locking apertures 146. In addition, a tab 172 can extend from the central panel 110 into the locking aperture 146 extending along the first side panel 112. In embodiments, the tab 172 can be separable from the first side panel 112 along a tear or cut line 174. Alternatively, the tab 172 can be spaced from the first side panel 112. In embodiments, the central panel 110 can include a removable portion or dispenser portion 176 that is at least partially defined by the arcuate tear lines 170 and that extends along the locking apertures 146 and includes the tab 172. A plurality of retention portions or corner portions 178 (e.g., four corner portions 178 as shown in FIG. 1) can be at least partially defined by the arcuate tear lines 170 and the respectfully adjacent ones of the fold lines 114, 118, 122, 126 at the corners of the central panel 110. As described in more detail below, the tab 172 can be pulled away from the remainder of the construct 105 to tear the central panel 110 along the arcuate tear lines 170 to remove the dispenser portion 176 of the central panel 110 and expose the tap port P (FIG. 7), leaving the corner portions 178 of the central panel 110 to help retain the remainder of the construct on the neck N. Any of the opening features could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the arcuate tear lines 170 could have other suitable shapes. In another example, the central panel 110 could include any suitable number of tabs 172 extending into any suitable number of the locking apertures 146.

[0026] The blank 103 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, one or both of the locking structures 150, 152 could be foldably connected to different panels of the blank 103.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 103 can be formed into a flattened construct 180 (e.g., a partially formed tray) by folding the locking structures 150, 152 along the respective lateral fold lines 154, 156 over the respective end panels 120, 124. In embodiments, the attachment panels 158 can overlap the respective panels 120, 124 and can be glued to the respective panels 120, 124, such as by glue strips or glue spots G (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiments, the locking structures can be folded so that the interior surface 102 of the attachment panels 158 are in face-to-face contact with the inner surface 102 of the respective end panels 120, 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the locking flaps 160 partially overlap the respective end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 when the locking structures 150, 152 are folded along the lateral fold lines 154, 156. In embodiments, the locking flaps 160 remain unglued to the remainder of the blank 103 so that the locking flaps 160 are free to pivot along the respective longitudinal fold lines 162. In exemplary embodiments, the partially formed, flattened construct 180 can be a pre-glued, non-erected construct that can be stored and/or delivered to forming equipment (not shown) in a flat configuration. The flattened construct 180 could be otherwise formed, shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flattened construct 180 can be folded to form the erected construct 105 (e.g., in the form of a tray as shown in FIG. 4) with the locking flaps 160 extending in the interior 182 of the erected construct 105. For example, the flattened construct 180 can be positioned with the interior surface 102 facing upwardly as shown in FIG. 2 and the end panels 120, 124 and the side panels 112, 116 can be folded upwardly (FIG. 3) with respect to the central panel 110 so that the side panels 112, 116 and the end panels 120, 124 extend at least upwardly (e.g., extend vertically or substantially vertically) from the central panel 110. In the illustrated embodiments, at least the central panel 110, the side panels 112, 116, and the end panels 120, 124 can extend at least partially around the interior 182 of the construct 105 (FIG. 4). In embodiments, as the end panels 120, 124 are folded upwardly, the end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 can be folded to be in an overlapping relationship with the respective side panels 112, 116 (e.g., so that the exterior surfaces of the end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 are in face-to-face contact with the interior surfaces of the side panels 112, 116) and can be glued (e.g., with glue strips) or otherwise secured to the side panels 112, 116 to at least partially secure the construct 105 in its erected form (FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 can be secured to the exterior surfaces of the side panels 112, 116. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tab 172 separates from the side panel 112 along the cut line 174 as the side panel 112 folds relative to the central panel 110 so that the tab 172 extends outwardly from the erected construct 105 adjacent the locking aperture 146 extending along the side panel 112.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, as the end panels 120, 124 are folded upwardly relative to the central panel (FIG. 3), the locking structures 150, 152 fold upwardly with the attachment panels 158 glued in face-to-face contact with the respective end panels 120, 124. In embodiments, as the end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 are folded inwardly, the end flaps can push the locking flaps 160 into the interior 182 of the construct 105 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). As shown in the interior view of FIG. 4, when the end panels 130, 138, 132, 140 are glued to the side panels 112, 116 in the erected construct 105, the locking flaps 160 can extend obliquely from the respective end panels 120, 124 and attachment panels 158 toward the respective side panels 112, 116. For example, the locking flaps 160 can extend at an angle of 45 degrees (e.g., approximately, substantially, generally 45 degrees) or any other suitable angle with respect to the respective attachment panels 158 and end panels 120, 124. Accordingly, in embodiments, the locking flaps 160 can be folded into position by being urged by other features of the construct during forming of the construct without needing additional folding apparatus to position the locking flaps 160. In embodiments, at least a portion of each of the locking edges 164 of the locking flaps 160 can be spaced apart from the central panel 110 by a distance sufficient so that the locking edges 164 can engage under the rim R when the construct 105 is positioned on the neck N. The erected construct 105 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The construct 105 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, the construct 105 can be engaged with the neck N of a keg C to cover and/or to protect the tap port (e.g., to help keep dirt and debris out of the interior of the tap port and/or to protect the port from foreign contaminants). In embodiments, the erected construct 105 can be positioned over the neck N and moved onto the neck N so that at least a portion of the rim R is received in the interior 182 of the construct 105 (FIGS. 6A and 6B). The construct 105 can be arranged with the central panel 110 on top and the side panels 112, 116 and the end panels 120, 124 extending downwardly from the central panel 110 and can be moved downwardly onto the neck N while portions of the construct 105 can bend or flex or deform to accommodate the rim R as the rim R moves in the interior 182 of the construct 105 and the central panel 110 moves toward the upper surface of the rim R. For example, at least the panels 112, 116, 120, 124, the attachment panels 158, and/or the locking flaps 160 can move (e.g., bend, bulge, flex, etc.) outwardly as they move over the rim R. In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 112, 116 and the end panels 120, 124 can be arranged around the interior 182 of the construct 105 so that the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 extend downwardly and outwardly from the central panel 110 to an opening at least partially defined by the distal edges of the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 and the fold lines 154, 156. Accordingly, the opening at the bottom of the construct 105 can be wider than the central panel 110 (e.g., in the longitudinal and lateral directions) to facilitate aligning the construct with the rim R and guiding the construct 105 onto the neck N so that the rim is received in the interior 182.

[0031] In embodiments, when the construct 105 is fully pushed onto the neck N, the interior surface 102 of the central panel can engage, contact, and/or be positioned adjacent the upper surface of the rim R, and the rim R can be engaged by the locking features of the construct 105. For example, as the construct 105 moves into position on the neck N, the retention edges 148 of the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 and the locking edges 164 of the locking flaps 160 can move under the rim R as the central panel 110 moves against the rim R and portions of the rim R are received in the locking apertures 146 (FIGS. 6A and 6B). In embodiments, the portions of the construct 105 that deform around the rim R as the construct 105 is moved onto the neck N can snap under the rim R as the locking flaps 160 move below the rim R and the portions of the rim R are received into the locking apertures 146 so that the retention edges 148 and the locking edges 164 engage an underside of the rim R. Accordingly, the engagement of the locking features with the rim R can help retain the construct 105 on the neck N with the central panel 110 engaging the rim R and covering the tap port P. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention edges 148 of the four panels 112, 116, 120, 124 and the locking edges 164 of the four locking flaps 160 can form eight points of capture under the rim R of the neck N. Alternatively, the construct 105 could have any suitable number of points of capture.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the central panel 110 can be sized and shaped so that it covers the neck N and contacts the rim R around an interior of the neck N. For example, the central panel can have curved edges that extend along and/or adjacent the locking openings 146 so that the central panel contacts the upper surface of the rim R where the rim R extends through the locking openings 146 (FIGS. 6A and 6B). In exemplary embodiments, the outer locking edges 148 and the inner locking edges 164 of the construct 105 can be spaced from the central panel 110 so that the locking edges 148, 164 and the central panel 110 are in tension (e.g., the locking edges 148, 164 can pull downwardly on the central panel 110) so that the central panel 110 is urged into contact with the upper surface of the rim R around the neck N of the container C. This can help the central panel 110 to close off the neck N to help prevent dirt and debris from entering an interior of the neck N.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the construct 105 can be erected manually and/or by a forming system (e.g., a system for forming folded paperboard trays such as by plunging or other suitable systems and methods). Further, the erected construct 105 can be engaged with the neck N of the keg C by hand or by a suitable system. For example, erected constructs 105 can be fed to a system that originally applied plastic tap port covers to kegs and that has been modified to apply the paperboard constructs 105 of the present disclosure to tap ports. In another example, the system can be further modified to erect the flattened constructs 180 or the blanks 103 into the erected constructs 105 and then apply the erected constructs 105 to the tap ports P of respective kegs C.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the pre-glued flattened construct 180 can be delivered flat to forming equipment, which can form the erected construct 105 in a plunging motion. In embodiments, the locking flaps 160 will protrude upwardly and begin to position themselves in place while the glue flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 are engaged during the plunging motion of the forming equipment. In embodiments, the glue flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 are the mechanism that causes the integrated locking flaps 160 to position themselves (e.g., the glue flaps help cause the locking flaps to move into position). The forming equipment can plunge the construct so that the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 extend upwardly from the central panel 110 (e.g., in a semi-perpendicular position or other suitable position) and can glue the end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 to the side panels 112, 116 to finish forming the construct 105. The formed constructs 105 can be stored and/or shipped/distributed, such as in packaging (e.g., loose-filled in a poly bag or other suitable packaging) and can be applied to a neck of a keg by hand or by an automated system.

[0035] In another example, the flattened constructs 180 can be efficiently stored and/or shipped in a case and can be delivered flat to a filling machine supply (e.g., feeder, hopper, etc.). The filling machine can be modified to form the erected construct 105 just before applying the construct 105 to the keg neck with an automated system (e.g., an existing system for applying caps to keg spouts, a modified existing system, a new system, and/or any other suitable system).

[0036] The construct 105 could be otherwise erected and/or applied to a tap port without departing from the disclosure.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the opening features can be actuated to remove a portion of the central panel 110 and expose at least a portion of the tap port P, such as for coupling a tap (not shown) to the tap port P. For example, when the construct 105 is engaged with the neck N as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tab 172 can be grasped and pulled upwardly away from the neck N to tear the central panel 110 along the arcuate tear lines 170 and to remove the dispenser portion 176 of the central panel 110 from the construct 105 (e.g., removing the majority of the central panel 110 from the construct 105). The resulting opened construct 184 is shown in FIG. 7 with corner portions 178 of the central panel 110 remaining on the construct and the interior of the neck N being exposed by the opened construct so that the tap can be coupled to the tap port P. The remainder of the construct 105 can be left in place on the neck N when the tap is attached or could be removed before or after the tap is attached. In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 can be printed with information such as branding that can help identify the keg. Since the remainder of the central panel 110 (e.g., the corner portions 178 of the construct 105) can help retain the remainder of the construct 105 on the neck N of the keg C after the removable dispenser portion 176 of the central panel 110 has been removed, the branding on the panels 112, 116, 120, 124 can remain associated with the keg C for easier identification even with the tap applied. The construct 105 could be otherwise opened without departing from the disclosure.

[0038] The constructs of the present disclosure can provide advantages over other structures used to protect and/or cover keg spouts/tap ports, such as plastic caps. For example, the blanks and constructs of the present application can be made entirely or predominantly of renewable materials that are readily recycled such as paperboard and/or other suitable materials. In contrast, plastic caps are made from materials that may be nonrenewable or less renewable and that may be more difficult or more costly to recycle or less likely to enter a recycling waste stream. Further, the constructs of the present application can be shipped and/or stored as flat blanks 103 and/or flattened constructs 180, which can save a significant amount of space in vehicles and storage facilities relative to molded plastic caps, which cannot be flattened. In addition, printed materials, such as product information, branding, promotions, etc. can be included more easily on paperboard constructs than other structures.

[0039] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0041] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0042] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term glue is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0043] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.