AU2014260121B2

AU2014260121B2 - Carton and carton blank

Info

Publication number: AU2014260121B2
Application number: AU2014260121A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tamio Ikeda
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2013-04-30
Filing date: 2014-04-29
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-29
Also published as: GB201307818D0; KR20160002961A; JP6334681B2; WO2014179258A1; JP2016517834A; CN105431355B; AU2014260121A1; CN105431355A

Abstract

A carton (90) of the top gripping type comprising: a main panel forming top gripping structure a first strap (14) hinged to the main panel; and a second strap (16) hinged to the main panel; wherein each end of the first strap comprises a first part (32) of a lock, and each end of the second strap comprises a second part (30) of a lock, and wherein the first end of the first strap overlaps with the first end of the second strap and the second end of the first strap overlaps with the second end of the second strap, and wherein each of the first and second ends of first strap are adhered to a respective one of the first and second ends of the second strap at a pair of adhesive regions (28a, 28b), the lock being disposed between the pair of adhesive regions to form a handle.

Description

- 1 - WO 2014/179258 PCT/US2014/035783

CARTON, PACKAGE AND CARTON BLANK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton for packaging one or more articles and to a blank for forming the carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton of the top gripping style having an end retention strap which provides a carrying handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is known to provide cartons which grip the top portion of an article or articles. Such cartons may engage a flange or protrusion of each article so as to retain each article within the carton. When the carton is picked up the articles are suspended from the carton.

The present invention seeks to provide more secure retention of the articles within the carton and provide a means for a consumer to carry the carton.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carton of the top gripping type for receiving and retaining a group of articles disposed in rows, the carton comprising: a top gripping structure for engaging a group of articles, the top gripping structure having opposed side edges; a first strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; and a second strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; wherein the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and the second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism respectively, and wherein the first end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap and the second end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, and wherein each of the first and second end portions of the first strap is adhesively secured to a respective one of the first and second end portions of the second strap at a pair of adhesive regions, each of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions such that the first and second straps form a carrying handle at each end of the carton.

Optionally, one of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a tab defined in part by a cut line.

In some embodiments, the cut line is arcuate.

Preferably, the cut line interrupts a fold line extending across a respective one of the first and second straps.

Optionally, the other of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises an aperture struck from a respective one of the first and second straps.

Optionally, the pairs of adhesive regions comprise a plurality of half cut lines.

In some embodiments, the top gripping structure comprises: a first top panel; a second top panel; a pair of inner shoulder panels forming a keel structure; a first outer shoulder panel that provides the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; and a second outer shoulder panel that provides the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure, wherein the first strap is hinged to the first outer shoulder panel, and the second strap is hinged to the second outer shoulder panel.

Optionally, each of the first and second top panels comprises a tear strip, each tear strip being defined, at least in part, by a pair of weakened lines.

Preferably, each tear strip extends longitudinally across a respective one of the first or second top panels.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package comprising a carton of the top gripping type and a plurality of articles forming a group, the carton comprising a top gripping structure hinged at one of its opposed side edges to a first strap and at the other of its opposed side edges to a second strap, the first strap being disposed in part along a first side of the group, the second strap being disposed in part along a second side of the group, the first strap comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being folded about a first end of the group and the second end portion being folded about the second end of the group, the second strap comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being folded about a first end of the group and the second end portion being folded about the second end of the group, wherein the first end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap, and the second end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism respectively, the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed in interlocking engagement, and wherein each of the first and second end portions of the first strap is adhesively secured to a respective one of the first and second end portions of the second strap at a pair of adhesive regions, each of first and second the locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions such that the first and second straps form a carrying handle at each end of the package.

Optionally, the top gripping structure comprises a main panel having a pair of inner shoulder panels forming a keel structure disposed between two adjacent rows of articles of the group, a first outer shoulder panel and second outer shoulder panel, the first outer shoulder panel providing the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure and being hinged to the first strap, the second outer shoulder panel providing the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure and being hinged to the second strap,

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for forming a carton of the top gripping type comprising: a top gripping structure-forming section having opposed side edges; a first strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; and a second strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; wherein the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and the second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism, and wherein the first end portion of the first strap and the first end portion of the second strap are arranged such that the first end portion of the first strap may be disposed in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap, and the second end portion of the first strap and the second end portion of the second strap are arranged such that the second end portion of the first strap may be disposed in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, and wherein at least one of the first end portions of the first and second straps comprises a pair of adhesive regions for adhesively securing the first end portions of the first and second straps together, and at least one of the second end portions of the first and second straps comprises a pair of adhesive regions for adhesively securing the second end portions of the first and second straps together, at least one of the complementary parts of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions provided at a respective one of the end portions of the first and second straps.

Optionally, the top gripping structure-forming section comprises: a first top panel; a second top panel; a pair of inner shoulder panels for forming a keel structure between a pair of adjacent rows of articles; a first outer shoulder panel for providing the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; and a second outer shoulder panel for providing the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton 90 as shown in Figure 2. The carton 90 can engage a plurality of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blank is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In a first illustrated exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array and the articles are cans. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 10 comprises a main panel 12, which comprises a first top panel 12a and a second top panel 12b, a first shoulder panel 40, second shoulder panel 42, third shoulder panel 44 and a fourth shoulder panel 46.

The first shoulder panel 40 is hinged to a first side edge of the first top panel 12a by a first fold line 19. First top panel 12a is hinged along a second side edge thereof to the third shoulder panel 44 by a second fold line 7. The third shoulder panel 44 is hinged to the fourth shoulder panel 46 by a third fold line 11. The fourth shoulder panel 46 is hinged to a first side edge of the second top panel 12b by a fourth fold line 9. Second top panel 12b is hinged along a second side edge thereof to the second shoulder panel 42 by a fifth fold line 17. Each of the first, second, fourth and fifth fold lines 19, 7, 9, 17 are interrupted by cut lines 20, 22, 24, 26. First fold line 19 is interrupted by three cut lines 26. Second fold line 7 is interrupted by three cut lines 24. Fourth fold line 9 is interrupted by three cut lines 22. Fifth fold line 17 is interrupted by three cut lines 20. Each of the cut lines 20, 22, 24, 26 defines a tab struck from the fourth, third, second or first shoulder panels 46, 44, 42, 40 respectively.

Each of the first and second top panels 12a, 12b comprises a tear strip 18a, 18b respectively. The first top panel 12a comprises a first tear strip 18a defined in part by a first weakened line of severance 21a and in part by a second weakened line of severance 21b. The second top panel 12b comprises a second tear strip 18b defined in part by a third weakened line of severance 21c and in part by a fourth weakened line of severance 21 d.

Blank 10 comprises a first strap 14 hinged to the first shoulder panel 40 by a fold line 13 and a second strap 16 hinged to the second shoulder panel 42 by a fold line 15.

The first strap 14 and the second strap 16 are longer in length than the top panel 12.

The first strap 14 comprises a first part L1 of a complementary locking mechanism. The second strap 16 comprises a second part L2 of a complementary locking mechanism. A first part L1 of the complementary locking mechanism is provided at each end of the first strap 14. A second part L2 of the complementary locking mechanism is provided at each end of the second strap 16.

The first part L1 of the complementary locking mechanism comprises a fold line 34 extending across the first strap 14. The fold line 34 is interrupted by a cut line 32; preferably the cut line 32 is arcuate in shape and defines in part a locking tab or projection.

The second part L2 of the complementary locking mechanism comprises an aperture 30; preferably the aperture 30 is hemispherical in shape.

The second strap 16 comprises first and second glue regions 28a, 28b. The first glue region 28a is disposed on a first side of the aperture 30. The second glue region 28b is disposed on a second side of the aperture 30 opposite the first side, such that the aperture 30 is disposed between the first and second glue regions 28a, 28b. Optionally, the first and second glue regions 28a, 28b may comprise a plurality of half cut lines for improving adhesion of glue to the substrate. Preferably, the half cut lines are arranged so as to be disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to the grain of the substrate. In the illustrated embodiment, the grain of the substrate is arranged to extend transversely across the blank 10, that is to say perpendicular to the third fold line 11.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, it is envisaged that the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

The blank 10 is assembled about a group of articles A. The group of articles A comprises six articles A arranged in two rows each having three articles A. The main panel 12 is folded about the third fold line 11 such that the third shoulder panel 44 and the fourth shoulder panel 46 form a “V” shaped keel structure. The third and fourth shoulder panels 44, 46 are disposed between two rows of articles A. The third shoulder panel 44 is folded about the chime of each article, and about an innermost portion of a shoulder of each article A, in a first row of articles A. The fourth shoulder panel 46 is folded about the chime of each article, and about an innermost portion of a shoulder of each article A, in a second row of articles A. The first top panel 12a is disposed upon or over the first row of articles A, and the second top panel 12b is disposed upon or over the second row of articles A. The first shoulder panel 40 is folded about the chime of each article, and about an outermost portion of the shoulder of each article A, in the first row of articles A. The second shoulder panel 42 is folded about the chime of each article, and about an outermost portion of the shoulder of each article A, in the second row of articles A.

The cut lines 20, 22, 24, 26 each define an engaging edge. Each engaging edge is disposed beneath a flange or protrusion of an article A. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion is formed by the chime of the articles A. Folding the first, second, third and fourth shoulder panels 40, 42, 44, 46 opens up the cut lines 20, 22, 24, 26 to form a slot S through which a portion of the article A protrudes.

The first strap 14 is folded about fold line 13 about the outermost side of the first row of articles A. The second strap 16 is folded about fold line 15 about the outermost side of the second row of articles A. A first end of the first strap 14 is folded about a first end of the group of articles A. A second end of the first strap 14 is folded about a second end of the group of articles A. A first end of the second strap 16 is folded about a first end of the group of articles A. The first end of the second strap 16 is disposed in overlapping relationship with the first end of the first strap 14. A second end of the second strap 14 is folded about a second end of the group of articles A. The second end of the second strap 16 is disposed in overlapping relationship with the second end of the first strap 14.

Adhesive is applied to the first and second glue regions 28a, 28b on each end of the second strap 16. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the corresponding portions of the first strap 14.

The end portion of first strap 14 is folded about the fold line 34 such that the tab defined by cut line 32 protrudes from the first strap 14. The tab is inserted into the aperture 30 in the second strap 16 and the first strap 14 is folded back about the fold line 34 so as bring the end portion of the first strap 14 back into a substantially co-planar relationship with the adjacent portion of the first strap 14 so as to place the end portions of the first and second straps 14, 16 in a face contacting relationship. Pressure is applied to the second strap 16 in the first and second glue regions 28a, 28b to adhesively secure the second strap 16 to the first strap 14 on opposing sides of the mechanical locking mechanism L formed by the first part L1 and the second part L2 of the complementary locking mechanism.

In this way the ends of the first and second strap 14, 16 can be tightened about the ends of the article group so as to securely retain the articles A.

The end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16 can be employed as a carrying handle, since the combination of the mechanical lock and the adhesive regions 28a, 28b provide sufficient strength to maintain the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16 in overlapping relationship when the package is carried. This is advantageous over providing handle apertures or finger apertures in the main panel 12, for example in the first or second top panel 12a, 12b or the third or fourth shoulder panels 44, 46, since it has been found that providing handle apertures or finger apertures can reduce the carton’s 90 ability to retain the articles. The articles A have been observed to become detached or dislodged from the carton 90 when a consumer employs a handle aperture or finger aperture in the main panel 12.

It will be appreciated that the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16 are separate from the main panel 12. The articles A have a substantially cylindrical shape which provides a void or gap at the end of the group of articles A into which the user may insert their finger and thumb. This allows a user to engage with both an upper and lower edge of the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16. For example, a user can use finger and thumb to carry the carton 90. A user can insert their finger and thumb behind the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16; for example, the user may engage the lower edge of the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16 with their thumb, and the upper edge of end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16 with an index finger. In other embodiments, the user may insert one or more fingers into the void to engage with one of the upper or lower edges of the end portions of the first and second strap 14, 16.

The first and second tear strips 18a, 18b, which extend longitudinally across the first and second top panel 12a, 12b respectively, can be severed from the carton by a consumer to gain access to the articles A. Removal of the tear strips 18a, 18b releases the articles A from the carton 90.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the main panel may comprise a plurality of apertures each for receiving and retaining an article. In some embodiments the main panel may comprise a plurality of tabs disposed around the apertures for engaging the articles. It is envisaged that the inner shoulder panels may be omitted such that the carton does not comprise a keel structure. Additionally or alternatively the outer shoulder panels may be omitted such that the first and second straps are connected directly to the main panel.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that 5 define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a 10 short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “weakened line of severance” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or 15 slits.

It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut 20 line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

Claims

1. A carton of the top gripping type for receiving and retaining a group of articles disposed in rows, the carton comprising: a top gripping structure for engaging a group of articles, the top gripping structure having opposed side edges; a first strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; and a second strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; wherein the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and the second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism respectively, and wherein the first end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap and the second end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, and wherein each of the first and second end portions of the first strap is adhesively secured to a respective one of the first and second end portions of the second strap at a pair of adhesive regions, each of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions such that the first and second straps form a carrying handle at each end of the carton.

2. The carton according to claim 1 wherein one of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a tab defined in part by a cut line.

3. The carton according to claim 2 wherein the cut line is arcuate.

4. The carton according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the cut line interrupts a fold line extending across a respective one of the first and second straps.

5. The carton according to claim 1 wherein the other of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises an aperture struck from a respective one of the first and second straps.

6. The carton according to claim 1 wherein the pairs of adhesive regions comprises a plurality of half cut lines.

7. The carton according to claim 1 wherein the top gripping structure comprises: a first top panel; a second top panel; a pair of inner shoulder panels forming a keel structure; a first outer shoulder panel that provides the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure; and a second outer shoulder panel that provides the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure, wherein the first strap is hinged to the first outer shoulder panel, and the second strap is hinged to the second outer shoulder panel.

8. The carton according to claim 7 wherein each of the first and second top panels comprises a tear strip, each tear strip being defined, at least in part, by a pair of weakened lines.

9. The carton according to claim 8 wherein each tear strip extends longitudinally across a respective one of the first or second top panels.

10. A package comprising a carton of the top gripping type and a plurality of articles forming a group, the carton comprising a top gripping structure hinged at one of its opposed side edges to a first strap and at the other of its opposed side edges to a second strap, the first strap being disposed in part along a first side of the group, the second strap being disposed in part along a second side of the group, the first strap comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being folded about a first end of the group and the second end portion being folded about the second end of the group, the second strap comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being folded about a first end of the group and the second end portion being folded about the second end of the group, wherein the first end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap, and the second end portion of the first strap is in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism respectively, the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed in interlocking engagement, and wherein each of the first and second end portions of the first strap is adhesively secured to a respective one of the first and second end portions of the second strap at a pair of adhesive regions, each of first and second the locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions such that the first and second straps form a carrying handle at each end of the package.

11. The package according to claim 10 wherein the top gripping structure comprises a main panel having a pair of inner shoulder panels forming a keel structure disposed between two adjacent rows of articles of the group, a first outer shoulder panel and second outer shoulder panel, the first outer shoulder panel providing the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure and being hinged to the first strap, the second outer shoulder panel providing the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure and being hinged to the second strap,

12. A blank for forming a carton of the top gripping type comprising: a top gripping structure-forming section having opposed side edges; a first strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; and a second strap having a first end portion and a second end portion and being hinged to the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; wherein the first end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a first locking mechanism respectively, and the second end portions of the first and second straps comprise complementary parts of a second locking mechanism, and wherein the first end portion of the first strap and the first end portion of the second strap are arranged such that the first end portion of the first strap may be disposed in overlapping relationship with the first end portion of the second strap, and the second end portion of the first strap and the second end portion of the second strap are arranged such that the second end portion of the first strap may be disposed in overlapping relationship with the second end portion of the second strap, and wherein at least one of the first end portions of the first and second straps comprises a pair of adhesive regions for adhesively securing the first end portions of the first and second straps together, and at least one of the second end portions of the first and second straps comprises a pair of adhesive regions for adhesively securing the second end portions of the first and second straps together, at least one of the complementary parts of the first and second locking mechanisms being disposed between a respective one of the pairs of adhesive regions provided at a respective one of the end portions of the first and second straps.

13. The blank according to claim 12 wherein the top gripping structure-forming section comprises: a first top panel; a second top panel; a pair of inner shoulder panels for forming a keel structure between a pair of adjacent rows of articles; a first outer shoulder panel for providing the one of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section; and a second outer shoulder panel for providing the other of the opposed side edges of the top gripping structure-forming section.

14. The blank according to claim 12 wherein one of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a tab defined in part by a cut line.

15. The blank according to claim 14 wherein the cut line is arcuate.

16. The blank according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the cut line interrupts a fold line extending across a respective one of the first and second straps.

17. The blank according to claim 14 wherein the other of the complementary parts of each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises an aperture struck from a respective one of the first and second straps.

18. The blank according to claim 12 wherein the pairs of adhesive regions comprises a plurality of half cut lines.

19. The blank according to claim 13 wherein each of the first and second top panels comprises a tear strip, each tear strip being defined, at least in part, by a pair of weakened lines.

20. The blank according to claim 19 wherein each tear strip extends longitudinally across a respective one of the first or second top panels.