AU2019453912A1

AU2019453912A1 - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2019453912A1
Application number: AU2019453912A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Given Not
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-25
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: TW202110721A; CN114258378B; WO2020258545A1; CN114258378A; JP2022539520A

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article retention device, a carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device. The article retention device comprise an anchor tab for engaging with an article. The article retention device comprises at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protection flap partially define an opening in at least one wall of the carrier. A portion of the article may protrude through the opening. The anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof. The at least one protection flap is spaced apart from at least a medial portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab when the carrier is in the blank form.

Description

CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having an article engagement structure for securing an end of an article.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. 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. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article engagement structure for securing an end of an article which is less prone to damage or failure when in use.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device. The article retention device may comprise an anchor tab for engaging with an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protection flap partially define an opening in at least one wall of the carrier. A portion of the article may protrude through the opening. The anchor tab may be hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof. The at least one protection flap may be spaced apart from at least a medial portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab when the carrier is in the blank form.

Optionally, the at least one protection flap is hingedly connected to the at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.

Optionally, the fold line is nonlinear.

Optionally, the fold line is interrupted by a first cutline.

Optionally, the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.

Optionally, the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection terminated by a first cutline.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second cutline spaced apart from a first cutline.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second fold line extending between terminal ends of first and second cut lines.

A second aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article retention device. The article retention device may comprise an anchor tab for engaging with an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protection flap partially define an opening in the blank for receiving a portion of the article. The anchor tab may be hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof. The at least one protection flap may be spaced apart from at least a medial portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab.

A third aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protection flap may protect part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and may extend into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line may be interrupted by the article-receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protection flap. A tear-blocking area may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap. A second fold line may extend from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

Optionally, the fold line is nonlinear.

Optionally, the fold line is interrupted by a first cutline.

Optionally, the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection terminated by a first cutline.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second cutline spaced apart from the first cutline.

Optionally, the second fold line extends between terminal ends of the first and second cut lines.

Optionally, the lower portion comprises a cut divergently arranged with respect the hinged connection.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a folding structure disposed between the article retention device and a free edge of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the folding structure comprises at least one relief tab extending from the second cutline.

A fourth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protection flap may protect part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and may extend into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article-receiving opening. The first fold line comprises a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protection flap so as to provide a tear-blocking area between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap. A second fold line may extend from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A fifth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protection flap may protect part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and may extend into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article-receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protection flap. A tear-blocking area may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap. A second fold line may extend from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A sixth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protection flap may protect part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and may extend into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article-receiving opening. The first fold line comprises a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protection flap. A tear-blocking area may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap. A second fold line may extend from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A seventh aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protection flap may comprise a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line. The side flap may be folded outwardly of the carrier, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.

Optionally, the non-linear fold line is curved.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a sloping heel wall provided by a corner panel hingedly connected between the side panel and the bottom panel and wherein the article-receiving opening is defined in the corner panel and extends into the side panel.

Optionally, the side flap is hingedly connected to the corner panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, article retention device comprises a pair of side flaps each hingedly connected to the side panel in opposition to each other along a respective non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the pair of side flaps are separated from each other by a severance line.

Optionally, a first non-linear fold hinging a first one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel is separated from a second non-linear fold hinging a second one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel by a cut line.

An eighth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and extends into the side panel. The heel panel is hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article-receiving opening. The carrier comprises an article retention device which comprises an article-receiving opening. The article retention device comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line. The side flap may be folded outwardly of the carrier, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.

Optionally, the side flap is hingedly connected to the heel panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the non-linear fold line provides a bias device such that the side flap resists folding outward while providing a flexible, shock-absorbing article bottom holding feature.

A ninth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a side panel and a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form walls of a tubular structure. The carrier comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protection flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and spaced apart, at least in part, from a bottom engaging tab which defines part of the opening which is also defined in part by the side flap.

A tenth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel and a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protection flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and foldable outwardly, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.

An eleventh aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and extends into the side panel. The heel panel is hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article-receiving opening. The article retention device comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and foldable outwardly, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.

A twelfth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel and a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article. The article-receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protection flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and spaced apart, at least in part, from a bottom engaging tab which defines part of the opening which is also defined in part by the side flap.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or 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 considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an alternative perspective view of a portion of the carton of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 6; and

Figure 9 is an alternative perspective view of a portion of the carton of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 3. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 8, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 8. The blank 110 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

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 90, 190 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles) , cans (for example aluminium cans) , tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10, 110 are 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 recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90, 190 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and two columns (n=2) ; in the illustrated embodiments two rows of two articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml beverage cans.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the blank 110 is configured to form a carton or carrier 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3) ; in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 330ml beverage cans.

Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figure 3) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first bevel or corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second bevel or corner panel 18, a top panel 20, a third bevel or corner panel 22, a second side panel 24, a fourth bevel or corner panel 26 and a second base panel 28. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 27, 29, 31.

In alternative embodiments, any of the first, second, third and fourth corner panels 14, 18, 22, 26 may be omitted, the fold lines 15, 17, 27, 29 may be omitted.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively portions of the first or second base panels 12, 28, to which they are hingedly connected.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 fold about lower portions or heels of the articles B and are also referred to herein as heel panels 14, 26.

The second and third corner panels 18, 22 may be considered to form upper portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively portions of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figure 3. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the first base panel 12. The second base panel 28 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 28 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 28. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the second base panel 28 are configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 28 to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and second base panels 12, 28 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises two first apertures A1. The first apertures A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first apertures A1 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first apertures A1 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 28 with respect to each other or to align the first part F of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

Optionally, the top panel 20 comprises a pair of fold lines 21, 23 extending between opposed edges of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 comprises at least one article engagement structure N1, N2, N3, N4 for engaging with a heel, end or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises four heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4 each for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4 is substantially similar in construction and will be described only by reference to a heel engagement structure N3 provided in the second side panel 24 as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5.

The heel engagement structure N3 comprises an opening for receiving a portion of an article B. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by at least one heel tab 50a, 50b, 52a/56a, 52b/56b, 54.

A first heel tab 54, also referred to herein as an anchor tab, is hingedly connected to the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 is struck at least in part from the fourth corner panel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heel tab 54 is struck in part from the fourth corner panel 26 and in part from the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55, in the illustrated embodiment the hinged connection is arcuate or curvilinear. First and second side edges of the first heel tab 54 are defined by first and second cut lines or severance lines 65a, 65b respectively. A first end portion 65c of the first cutline 65a separates a first marginal portion the first heel tab 54 from the second base panel 28. A second end portion 65d of the second cutline 65b separates a second marginal portion the first heel tab 54 from the second base panel 28. The first and second end portion 65c, 65d separate the fold line 55 from the fold line 31, 31a hinging the fourth corner panel 26 to the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 may comprise a pair of fold lines 63a, 63b, which may define foldable portions of the first heel tab 54; each of the fold lines 63a, 63b may be formed by a cutline. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may be divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may be arranged to diverge towards the fold line 55 and may define foldable corner portions of the first heel tab 54. Each of the fold lines 63a, 63b may be arranged to terminate at a respective one of the terminal ends of the fold line 55.

The first heel tab 54 forms a lower or engaging heel tab. The first heel tab 54 is configured to engage with a recess or indentation in the base of an article B.

The first heel tab 54 defines a lower edge of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structure N3 comprises a second tab 50a, 50b, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of second tabs 50a, 50b separated from each other by an optional cutline or severance line 51. In other embodiments the cutline 51 is omitted and the second tab 50a, 50b is unitary. The second heel tab 50a, 50b defines an upper edge of the heel aperture A3. The second tab 50a, 50b is integral with the second side panel 24. The second tab 50a, 50b is struck, at least in part from the second side panel 24. In some embodiments the second tab 50a, 50b is struck, in part from the fourth corner panel 26.

The heel engagement structure N3 comprises a pair of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b, also referred to herein as protection flaps.

A third heel tab 52a/56a is struck in part from the second side panel 24 and in part from the fourth corner panel 26. The third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to at least one panel of the blank 10 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53a/57a. The hinged connection or fold line 53a/57a is interrupted by a cutline 58a. The cutline 58a is contiguous with an upper portion 57a of the fold line 53a/57a. The cutline 58a is contiguous with a lower portion 53a of the fold line 53a/57a.

The lower portion 53a of the fold line 53a/57a may comprise or be defined in part by a cutline. The cutline may be collinear with the lower portion 53a of the fold line 53a/57a.

The third heel tab 52a/56a comprises an upper portion 52a and a lower portion 56a, the upper portion 52a is hingedly connected to the lower portion 56a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59a. The upper portion 52a of the third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to the second side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57a. The lower portion 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53a.

The fold line 59a may be interrupted by a cutline 58a. The cutline 58a may define, or intersect with, a first or proximal end of the fold line 59a.

The fold line 59a may be substantially collinear with the fold line 29.

The fold line 59a may comprise or be defined in part by a cutline collinearly arranged with fold line 59a.

The upper and lower portions 52a, 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56a may adopt a non-coplanar relationship with each other when the heel engagement structure N3 is in use engaging an article B.

The third heel tab 52a/56a may comprise an optional fold line 61a. The fold line 61a is defined in the lower portion 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56a. The fold line 61a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 59a. The fold line 61a may be defined in part by a cutline.

A fourth heel tab 52b/56b is struck in part from the second side panel 24 and in part from the fourth corner panel 26. The fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to at least one panel of the blank 10 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53b/57b. The hinged connection or fold line 53b/57b is interrupted by a cutline 58b. The cutline 58b is contiguous with an upper portion 57b of the fold line 53b/57b. The cutline 58b is contiguous with a lower portion 53b of the fold line 53b/57b.

The lower portion 53b of the fold line 53b/57b may comprise or be defined in part by a cutline. The cutline may be collinear with the lower portion 53b of the fold line 53b/57b.

The fourth heel tab 52b/56b comprises an upper portion 52b and a lower portion 56b, the upper portion 52b is hingedly connected to the lower portion 56b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59b. The upper portion 52b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to the second side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57b. The lower portion 56b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53b.

The fold line 59b may be interrupted by a cutline. The cutline 58b may define, or intersect with, a first or proximal end of the fold line 59b.

The fold line 59b may be substantially collinear with the fold line 29.

The fold line 59b may comprise or be defined in part by a cutline collinearly arranged with fold line 59b.

The upper and lower portions 52b, 56b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b may adopt a non-coplanar relationship with each other when the heel engagement structure N3 is in use engaging an article B.

The fourth heel tab 52b/56b may comprise an optional fold line 61b. The fold line 61b is defined in the lower portion 56b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b. The fold line 61b is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 59b. The fold line 61b may be defined in part by a cutline.

The third and fourth heel tabs 52a/56a; 52b/56b define side edges of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structure N3 comprises a first relief cut 62a. The first relief cut 62a is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 29.

The first relief cut 62a may be disposed substantially parallel to the cutline 58a. The first relief cut 62a is spaced apart from the cutline 58a.

An end portion 29a of the fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 terminates at the first relief cut 62a. The first relief cut 62a and the cutline 58a define, at least in part a region α1 therebetween. The region α1 interrupts or spaces apart the end portion 29a of the fold line 29 and the fold line 59a. The region α1 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting area.

An optional fold line 64a extends between the first relief cut 62a and the cutline 58a. The fold line 64a is offset from the fold line fold line 29 and the fold line 59a. The fold line 64a may extend from a first or upper end of the first relief cut 62a to a first or upper end of the cutline 58a.

The fold line 64a may be defined in the second side panel 26. The fold line 64a may be substantially parallel with the fold line 29 or with the fold line 59a or with the fold line 29 and the fold line 59a.

The heel engagement structure N3 comprises a second relief cut 62b. The second relief cut 62b is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 29.

The second relief cut 62b may be disposed substantially parallel to the cutline 58b. The second relief cut 62b is spaced apart from the cutline 58b.

The fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 terminates at the second relief cut 62b. The second relief cut 62b and the cutline 58b define, at least in part a region α2 therebetween. The region α2 interrupts or spaces apart the fold line 29 and the fold line 59a. The regionα2 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting area.

An optional fold line 64b extends between the second relief cut 62b and the cutline 58b. The fold line 64b is offset from the fold line fold line 29 and the fold line 59b. The fold line 64b may extend from a first or upper end of the second relief cut 62b to a first or upper end of the cutline 58b.

The fold line 64b may be defined in the second side panel 26. The fold line 64b may be substantially parallel with the fold line 29 or with the fold line 59b or with the fold line 29 and the fold line 59b.

The heel engagement structure N3 interrupts the fold line 29.

The heel engagement structure N3 interrupts the fold line 31.

The fold lines 53a, 57a, 59a, 64a all terminate at the cutline 58a.

The fold lines 53b, 57b, 59b, 64b all terminate at the cutline 58b.

During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 90. The first heel tabs 54 are folded to assist in retaining the articles B. This may be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 28 outwardly such that the first heel tabs 54 extend inwardly, the first heel tabs 54 being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded about an article group. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are then subsequently folded about the base of the article group, and in doing so the first heel tabs 54 engage with said respective article B and are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second base panels 12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 55.

The first heel tabs 54 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of an article B in position.

The second tab 50a, 50b and the pair of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b deform or fold outwardly about the received article B. The second tab 50a, 50b and the pair of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b may protect the heel or lower portion of the article B received in the heel opening. The second tab 50a, 50b and the pair of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b may reduce stress or redirect forces in the substrate so as to reduce the likelihood of tears propagating when the carton 90 is in use.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one deformable or folding structure FS The illustrated blank 10 comprises a plurality of folding structures FS, optionally four folding structures FS are provided. Each folding structure FS forms a deformable corner region of a carton 90, optionally a lower or bottom corner region. The folding structure FS comprises an arrangement of fold lines and is suitable for eliminating or reducing the sharpness and/or rigidity of a corner or edge of the carton 90. This may be advantageous when the carton 90 is transported or carried in a carrier bag, particularly, but not exclusively, carrier bags formed from plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The folding structure FS may prevent or reduce the likelihood of the carton 90 perforating, tearing or otherwise piercing or damaging the material from which the carrier bag is formed. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag may compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag; and once compromised a tear is likely to propagate. This may lead to failure of the carrier bag and undesirable egress of the carton 90 or other items disposed in the carrier bag and the consequent possibility of damage thereto.

Each folding structure FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a folding structure FS provided in the second side panel 20 and shown in Figure 2.

The folding structure FS comprises relief tabs 60, 66, 68 formed from marginal portions of the second side panel 24 and the fourth corner panel 26. The folding structure FS comprises a first relief tab 68 and second relief tab 66 formed from the second side panel 24. A third relief tab 60 is formed from the fourth corner panel 26.

In embodiments in which the corner panel 26 is omitted, the third relief tab 60 may be formed at least in part from the second side panel 24 and in part from the second base panel 28 or alternatively, entirely from the second side panel 24.

The first relief tab 68 is defined in part by a first fold line 69 provided in the second side panel 24 and in part by a second fold line 67 provided in the second side panel 24.

The second relief tab 66 is defined in part by the second fold line 67 and in part by the end portion 29a of the fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26.

The third relief tab 60 is defined in part by the end portion 29a of the fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 and in part by a third fold line 49.

The third fold line 49 extends from a second or lower end of the first relief cut 62a. The third fold line 49 may extend to a first or outer end of the end portion 31a of the fold line 31 hinging the fourth corner panel 26 to the second base panel 28.

The first fold line 69 is divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line 67. The first and second fold lines 69, 67 diverge towards the longitudinal or free side edge of the blank 10. The first and second fold lines 69, 67 comprise first ends disposed proximal to each other and second ends disposed distal from each other.

The first, second and third fold lines 69, 67, 49 each extend inwardly from a free end edge E1 of the blank 10.

The relief tabs 60, 66, 68 are disposed between a longitudinal or free end edge E1 of the blank 10 and an adjacent heel engagement structure N3.

The folding structure FS enables a portion of the second side panel 24 (and the optional second corner panel 26 when provided) to be folded or deformed about an end of an endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of said portion into closer proximity with said endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer or end region of said portion such that it is readily deformed. In this way the likelihood of a lower corner portion of the carton 90 puncturing or otherwise damaging the wall of a carrier bag when disposed inside, either during loading or carrying of the carrier bag, is reduced. This may reduce the practice of “double bagging” -namely placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag in order to create a stronger two ply wall carrier bag.

The top panel 20 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a finger tab 70. The finger tab 70 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a fold line 71 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 73. The severance line 73 may comprise extension portion 73a, 73b extending outwardly from the finger tab 70, substantially from the fold line 71. The extension portions 73a, 73b may each terminate in “J” or “C” shaped cuts. The extension portions 73a, 73b may provide a relief device for controlling or directing load forces when the handle H is in use. This may mitigate against tears propagating in the top panel 20 when the handle is in use.

Optionally, the top panel 20 comprises a first cutaway or recess R1 struck from a first free end edge. Optionally, the top panel 20 comprises a second cutaway or recess R2 struck from a second free end edge. The second free end edge opposes the first free end edge. The first and second recess R1, R2 may be configured to be aligned with a gap or void disposed between a pair of adjacent articles B. One or both of the recesses R1, R2 may be employed to grasp the carton 90. A user may grasp the carton by engaging either engaging both of the recesses R1, R2 simultaneously or by engaging one of the first and second recesses R1, R2 together with a handle opening created by folding the tab 70 out of the plane of the top panel 20.

Each end of the blank 10 comprises end retention structures for preventing the contents of the carton 90 from dislodging from the carton 90 when said blank 10 is erected into the carton 90.

Each end retention structure comprises an anchoring portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel 16, 24 along a fold line 33a, 33b, 47a, 47b. Each end retention structure comprises a web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b hingedly connected to the anchoring portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b along a fold line 35a, 35b, 45a, 45b. Each web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a gusset panel 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b. Each web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b is hingedly connected a respective gusset panel 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37a, 37b, 43a, 43b. The gusset panels 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b are hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39a, 39b, 41a, 41b.

An optional aperture A2 may be struck in part from the top panel 20, in part from the first or second side panel 16, 24 or second and third corner panels 18, 22 and in part from portions of the end retention structures. The aperture A2 defines a terminus of each of the fold lines 17, 19, 33a, 35a, 37a, 39a; 17, 19, 33b, 35b, 37b, 39b; 25, 27, 41a, 43a, 45a, 47a; 25, 27, 41b, 43b, 45b, 47b and is disposed at a vertex of aforesaid fold lines.

Folding of the end retention structures is achieved during the erection of the carton 90. To form a top engaging structure out of each end retention structure, the anchoring portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b is folded about 180 degrees to bring it into a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the adjacent side panel 16, 24. The anchoring portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b is held in the folded position by being pressed by one of the packaged articles B against the adjacent side panel 16, 24. The folding of the anchoring portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b causes the web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b to be folded outwardly about the fold line 35a, 35b, 45a, 45b so that the web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b extends outwardly from the fold line 35a, 35b, 45a, 45b along the side wall of the one packaged article B and is caused to fold about the one packaged article B so as to extend from the fold line 35a, 35b, 45a, 45b towards the top panel 20 to which it is hinged by one of the gusset panels 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b respectively. The top-engaging structures thus completed are illustrated in Figure 3 wherein each structure is shown tightly engaging the top of an endmost article B.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 3, 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.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 four articles B are arranged in a 2 x 2 array. The top panel 20 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 20 of the carton 90.

The second and third corner panels 18, 22 are folded, with respect to the top panel 20 about fold lines 19, 25 respectively, about upper or shoulder portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded, with respect to the top panel 20 about fold lines 17, 27 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls 16, 24 of the carton 90.

The anchor portions 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b may be folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 substantially simultaneously with folding the first and second side panels 16, 24 with respect to the top panel 20, to form the top engaging structures as described above.

Alternatively, the top engaging structures may be formed subsequent to erection of the carton 90 into a tubular form. The anchor portions 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b may be tucked between the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 to which they are hingedly connected and an adjacently disposed article B.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 about fold lines 15, 29 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The first heel tabs 54 may folded out of the plane of the first and fourth corner panels 14, 26, about fold lines 55, prior to folding the first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24.

In some embodiments this is achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 28 outwardly such that the first heel tabs 54 extend inwardly below the article group to engage one of the articles B, the first and second base panels 12, 28 are then folded in the opposite direction below the base of the article group.

The second base panel 28 is then folded about the fold line 31 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B. The first base panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 28; in doing so each of the first heel tabs 54 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the first base panel 12. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the second base panel 24. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 28 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 3. Figures 4 and 5 show an enlarged view of one of the folding structures FS and of one of the heel engagement structures N3 in the set-up carton 90.

The second heel tab 50a, 50b, the third tab 52a/56a and the fourth heel tab 52b/56b are folded outwardly externally of the article B, the second heel tab 50a, 50b, the third tab 52a/56a and the fourth heel tab 52b/56b protect a lower portion of the article B, more particularly but not exclusively a portion of the article B that protrudes through the article receiving opening.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 9, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the additional illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the additional embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 comprises: a first base panel 112, a first bevel or corner panel 114, a first side panel 116, a second bevel or corner panel 118, a top panel 120, a third bevel or corner panel 122, a second side panel 124, a fourth bevel or corner panel 126 and a second base panel 128. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 125, 127, 129, 131.

In alternative embodiments, any (one or more) of the first, second, third and fourth corner panels 114, 118, 122, 126 may be omitted, the respective fold lines 115, 117, 127, 129 may be omitted.

The first and fourth corner panels 114, 126 (also referred to herein as lower corner panels) may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 116, 124, or alternatively portions of the first or second base panels 112, 128, to which they are hingedly connected.

The first and fourth corner panels 114, 126 fold about a lower portion or heel of the articles B and are also referred to herein as heel panels 114, 126.

The second and third corner panels 118, 122 may be considered to form upper portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 116, 124, or alternatively portions of the top panel 120.

The pair of fold lines 21, 23 provided in the top panel 20 of the embodiment of Figure 1 have been omitted from top panel 120 of the embodiment of Figure 8, but in other embodiments (not shown) may be incorporated into the top panel 120.

The blank 110 is foldable to form a package 190 as illustrated in Figure 8. The first and second base panels 112, 128 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 112/128 of the carton 190. The blank 110 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 128 to the first base panel 112. The second base panel 128 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 112 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 112, 128 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 112, 124 comprises three first apertures A1.

The top panel 120 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a pair of finger tabs 170 arranged in opposition to each other. Each finger tab 170 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 171 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 173. The severance line 173 may comprise extension portion 173a, 173b extending outwardly from the respective finger tab 170, substantially from the fold line 171. The extension portions 173a, 173b may each terminate in “J” or “C” shaped cuts. The extension portions 173a, 173b may provide a relief device for controlling or directing load forces when the handle H is in use. This may mitigate against tears propagating in the top panel 120 when the handle is in use.

The blank 110 may comprise at least one deformable or folding structure FS. The illustrated blank 110 comprises a plurality of folding structures FS, optionally four folding structures FS are provided. Each folding structure FS forms a deformable corner region of a carton 190, optionally a lower or bottom corner region. The folding structure FS comprises an arrangement of fold lines and is suitable for eliminating or reducing the sharpness and/or rigidity of a corner or edge of the carton 190. This may be advantageous when the carton 190 is transported or carried in a carrier bag, particularly, but not exclusively, carrier bags formed from plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The folding structure FS may prevent or reduce the likelihood of the carton 90 perforating, tearing or otherwise piercing or damaging the material from which the carrier bag is formed. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag may compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag; and once compromised a tear is likely to propagate. This may lead to failure of the carrier bag and undesirable egress of the carton 190 or other items disposed in the carrier bag and the consequent possibility of damage thereto.

Each folding structure FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a folding structure FS provided in the second side panel 120 and shown in Figure 7.

The folding structure FS comprises relief tabs 160, 166 formed from marginal portions of the second side panel 124 and the fourth corner panel 126. The folding structure FS comprises a first relief tab 166 formed from the second side panel 124. A second relief tab 160 is formed from the fourth corner panel 126.

In embodiments in which the corner panel 126 is omitted, the second relief tab 160 may be formed at least in part from the second side panel 124 and in part from the second base panel 128 or alternatively, entirely from the second side panel 124.

The first relief tab 166 is defined in part by a first fold line 167 and in part by an end portion 129a of the fold line 129 hinging the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126.

The second relief tab 60 is defined in part by the end portion 129a of the fold line 129 hinging the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 and in part by a second fold line 149.

The second fold line 149 extends from a second or lower end of a relief cut 162a. The second fold line 149 may extend to a first or outer end of the end portion 131a of the fold line 131 hinging the fourth corner panel 126 to the second base panel 128.

The first and second fold lines 167, 149 each extend inwardly from a free end edge E1 of the blank 110.

The relief tabs 160, 166 are disposed between a longitudinal or free end edge E1 of the blank 110 and an adjacent heel engagement structure N3.

The folding structure FS enables a portion of the second side panel 124 (and the optional second corner panel 126 when provided) to be folded or deformed about an end of an endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of said portion into closer proximity with said endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer or end region of said portion such that it is readily deformed. In this way the likelihood of a lower corner portion of the carton 190 puncturing or otherwise damaging the wall of a carrier bag when disposed inside, either during loading or carrying of the carrier bag, is reduced. This may reduce the practice of “double bagging” -namely placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag in order to create a stronger two ply wall carrier bag.

The blank 110 comprises at least one article engagement structure N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 for engaging with a heel, end or lower portion of an article B. The blank 110 illustrated in Figure 8 comprises six heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 each for engaging a respective article B. The blank 110 comprises four endmost heel engagement structures N1, N3, N4, N6 and two intermediate heel engagement structures N2, N5. In other embodiments, the carton 190 may be configured to carry more than six articles B, in such embodiments the blank (not illustrated) would comprises a greater number of intermediate heel engagement structures.

The heel engagement structure N4, shown in Figure 7, comprises an opening for receiving a portion of an article B. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by at least one heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b, 154.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 comprise a first heel tab 154, also referred to herein as an anchor tab, is hingedly connected to the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 is struck at least in part from the fourth corner panel 126. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 7, the first heel tab 154 is struck in part from the fourth corner panel 126 and in part from the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 128 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 155, in the illustrated embodiment the hinged connection is arcuate or curvilinear.

First and second side edges of the first heel tab 154 are defined by first and second cut lines or severance lines 165a, 165b respectively. A first end portion 165c of the first cutline 165a separates a first marginal portion the first heel tab 154 from the second base panel 128. Asecond end portion 165d of the second cutline 165b separates a second marginal portion the first heel tab 154 from the second base panel 128. The first and second end portion 165c, 165d separate the fold line 155 from the fold line 131, 131a hinging the fourth corner panel 126 to the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 may comprise a pair of fold lines 163a, 163b, which may define foldable portions of the first heel tab 154; each of the fold lines 163a, 163b may be formed by a cutline. The pair of fold lines 163a, 163b may be divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may be arranged to diverge towards the fold line 155 and may define foldable corner portions of the first heel tab 154. Each of the fold lines 163a, 163b may be arranged to terminate at a respective one of the terminal ends of the fold line 155.

The first heel tab 154 forms a lower or engaging heel tab. The first heel tab 154 is configured to engage with a recess or indentation in the base of an article B.

The first heel tab 154 comprises a free end edge E2, opposing a hinged edge defined by the fold line 155, the free end edge E2 defines a lower edge of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 comprise at least one second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b. The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b defines an upper edge of the heel aperture A3.

The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b is struck, at least in part, from one of the side panels 116, 124, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 said one of the side panels is the second side panel 124. The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b may be struck, in part from the one of the side panels 116, 124 and in part from one of the lower corner panels 114, 126.

Referring to Figure 7, the heel engagement structure N4 may comprise a pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b separated from each other by a cutline or severance line 151a.

The pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b define an upper edge of the heel aperture A3. The pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b are struck, at least in part, from the second side panel 124. In the illustrated embodiments the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b are struck, in part from the second side panel 124 and in part from the fourth corner panel 126.

Each of the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b comprises an upper portion 150a, 150b hingedly connected to a lower portion 152a, 152b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fold lines may be defined in part by a cutline 159a, 159b; optionally the fold lines may be defined in part by a crease, score or embossed line continuously arranged with the cutline 159a, 159b. The fold lines may be collinear with the fold line 131, 131a

Each lower portion 152a, 152b is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 126 by a respective lower second tab fold line 153a, 153b.

Each upper portion 150a, 150b is hingedly connected to the second side panel 124 by a respective upper second tab fold line 157a, 157b. Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be non-linear. A first one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be separated from a second one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b by a cut line 151b. Cutline 151b intersects with a first or upper end of cutline 151b. Cutline 151a may bisect cutline 151b.

Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b is continuously arranged with a respective one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153b.

Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b is divergently arranged with a respective one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153b.

Each of the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b is hingedly connected to the blank 110 or carton 190 by a non-linear fold line 153a/157a, 153b/157b.

Heel aperture A3 may be substantially triangular in shape. In this way at least an intermediate or central portion of the heel tab 154 is spaced apart from the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b

The upper portions 150a, 150b of the second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b may adopt a non-coplanar relationship with the lower portions 152a, 152b of respective one of the second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b when the heel engagement structure N4 is in use engaging an article B.

The heel engagement structure N4 is spaced apart from the relief cut 162a. The relief cut 162a is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 129a.

An end portion 129a of the fold line 129 hinging the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 terminates at the relief cut 162a. The relief cut 162a and the fold line 153a/157a define, at least in part a regionα2 therebetween. The regionα2 interrupts or spaces apart the end portion 129a of the fold line 129 and the fold line 159a. The regionα2 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting area.

The heel engagement structure N4 is spaced apart from an adjacent one the folding structures FS.

The fold line 129 hinging the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 terminates at the fold line 153b/157b. The fold line 129 can be considered to be contiguous with the fold line defined in part by cutline 159b.

The endmost heel engagement structures N4, N6, N1, N3 may be spaced apart from the adjacent one of the folding structures FS.

The fold lines 115, 129 can be considered to be contiguous with the fold lines defined in part by cut lines 159a, 159b provided in the second heel tabs of intermediate heel engagement structures N2, N5 respectively.

The heel engagement structures N4, N5, N6 interrupt the fold line 129.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3 interrupt the fold line 115.

The heel engagement structures N4, N5, N6 interrupt the fold line 131.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3 interrupt the fold line 113.

During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 110 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 190. The first heel tabs 154 are folded to assist in retaining the articles B. This may be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 112, 128 outwardly such that the first heel tabs 154 extend inwardly, the first heel tabs 154 being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second side panels 116, 124 are folded about an article group. The first and second base panels 112, 128 are then subsequently folded about the base of the article group, and in doing so the first heel tabs 154 engage with said respective article B and are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second base panels 112, 128 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 155.

The first heel tabs 154 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of an article B in position.

The second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b deform or fold outwardly about the received article B. The second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b may protect the heel or lower portion of the article B received in the heel opening. The second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b may reduce stress or redirect forces in the substrate so as to reduce the likelihood of tears propagating when the carton 190 is in use.

In some embodiments the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be substantially linear. The upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be arranged convergently with respect to each other. Optionally, each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be defined in part or comprise one or more cut lines.

In some embodiments the cut line 151b may be omitted.

In some embodiments a cutline (not shown) may space apart the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b from its respective adjacent lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153b. The cutline may be non-linear and define a vertex, for example, but not limited to, the cutline may be a shallow “V” shape. A fold line may extend from the vertex of the cutline between upper second tab fold lines 157a and lower second tab fold lines 153a towards the cutline 162a. The fold line 129 may intersect or meet the lower second tab fold lines 153b below the vertex with the upper second tab fold lines 157b.

In some embodiments a fold line may extend from one of the upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a to the cutline 162a.

In some embodiments a fold line may extend from an intersection or vertex between the upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a to the cutline 162a, the fold line may meet or intersect with the upper end of the cutline 162a.

Optionally, the cut lines 159a, 159b may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The cut lines 159a, 159b may be arranged so as to diverge away from the heel aperture A3. The cut lines 159a, 159b may be arranged to extend from a vertex between a respective one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b and adjacent one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153b.

In the illustrated embodiment the upper second tab fold lines 157b and lower second tab fold lines 153b meet at vertex which is located on the fold line 129. In other embodiments the vertex may be offset from the fold line 129.

The upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a meet at a vertex, the vertex may be collinear with the fold line 129 and/or the fold line 129a; in other embodiments the vertex may be offset.

In alternative embodiments the heel aperture A3 may be shaped differently for example but not limited to substantially trapezoidal, rather than the triangular shape illustrated.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 comprising an article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4, also referred to herein as an article engagement structure. The article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 comprises an anchor or heel tab 54 for engaging with an article B and at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b for protecting the article B. The anchor tab 54 and the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b partially define an opening in the carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 through which a portion of the article B protrudes. The at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b is disposed externally of the article B. The anchor tab 54 is hingedly connected to a bottom panel 28 along a fold line 55 and extends from the fold line 55 to a free end edge E2 thereof. The at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b is spaced apart from at least a medial portion (and optionally the entirety) of the free end edge E2 of the anchor tab 54 when the carrier 90 is in the blank form.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 comprising an article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 which comprises an article-receiving opening A3. The article-receiving opening A3 is configured for receiving part of an article B. The article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 comprises at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b. The at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b defines part of the article-receiving opening A3. The at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b protects the part of an article B when in use. The article-receiving opening A3 is defined in a heel or corner panel 26 which is disposed between a bottom panel 28 and a side panel 24. The article-receiving opening A3 extends into the side panel 24. The heel or corner panel 26 is hingedly connected to the side panel 24 along a first fold line 29. The first fold line 29 is interrupted by the article-receiving opening A3 such that the first fold line 29 stops short of the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b so as to provide or define a tear-blocking area α1, α2 between the first fold line 29 and the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b. A second fold line 64a, 64b extends from the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b into the tear-blocking areaα1, α2. The second fold line 64a, 64b is offset from the first fold line 29.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 190 or carrier blank 110 comprising an article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 having an article-receiving opening A3. The article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 may comprise a side flap 150a/152a, 150b/152b hingedly connected to a carton side wall 116, 124 along a non-linear or curved fold line 157a/153a, 157b/153b to be folded outwardly of the carton 190 about the non-linear or curved fold line. In some embodiments the side flap 150a/152a, 150b/152b may be hingedly connected to a carton side wall 116, 124 and to sloping heel wall of the carton provided by a corner panel 114, 126. The non-linear or curved fold line may provide a bias or resistance device such that the side flap 150a/152a, 150b/152b resists folding outward while providing a stretchable or flexible, shock-absorbing article bottom holding feature.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 190 or carrier blank 110 comprising an article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 having an article-receiving opening A3. The article retention device N1, N2, N3, N4 may comprise a side flap 150a/152a, 150b/152b hingedly connected to a carton side wall 116, 124 and spaced apart at least in part from a bottom engaging tab 154 which defines part of a common opening A3 which is also defined in part by the side flap 150a/152a, 150b/152b.

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. The illustrated embodiments show cartons or blanks for forming an article carrier of the wraparound style; in other embodiments, the article carrier may take an alternative format or styles and may employ one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top" , "bottom" , “base” , "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 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. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections 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 cutline, an interrupted cutline, 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.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an anchor tab for engaging with an article and at least one protection flap for protecting the article, the anchor tab and the at least one protection flap partially defining an opening in at least one wall of the carrier, aportion of the article protrudes through the opening, wherein the anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line and extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof, and wherein the at least one protection flap is spaced apart from at least a medial portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab when the carrier is in the blank form.
A carrier according to claim 1 wherein the at least one protection flap is hingedly connected to the at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.
A carrier according to claim 2 wherein the fold line is nonlinear.
A carrier according to claim 2 wherein the fold line is interrupted by a first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 1 wherein the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.
A carrier according to claim 4 wherein the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection is terminated by the first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 4 wherein the article retention device comprises a second cutline spaced apart from the first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 7 wherein the article retention device comprises a second fold line extending between terminal ends of the first and second cut lines.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and including a bottom panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an anchor tab for engaging with an article and at least one protection flap for protecting the article, the anchor tab and the at least one protection flap partially defining an opening in the blank for receiving a portion of the article, wherein the anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line and extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof, wherein the at least one protection flap is spaced apart from at least a medial portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab.
A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protection flap to provide a tear-blocking area between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap, and wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area, the second fold line is offset from the first fold line.
A carrier according to claim 10 wherein the at least one protection flap is hingedly connected to the at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.
A carrier according to claim 11 wherein the fold line is nonlinear.
A carrier according to claim 11 wherein the fold line is interrupted by a first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 10 wherein the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.
A carrier according to claim 13 wherein the at least one protection flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, the hinged connection being terminated by the first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 13 wherein the article retention device comprises a second cutline spaced apart from the first cutline.
A carrier according to claim 16 wherein the second fold line extends between terminal ends of the first and second cut lines.
A carrier according to claim 14 wherein the lower portion comprises a cut divergently arranged with respect the hinged connection.
A carrier according to claim 16 comprising a folding structure disposed between article retention device and a free edge of the tubular structure.
A carrier according to claim 19 wherein the folding structure comprises at least one relief tab extending from the second cutline.
A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening, the first fold line comprising a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protection flap so as to provide a tear-blocking area between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap, and wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area, the second fold line is offset from the first fold line.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening such that at least an intermediate portion of the first fold line stops short of the at least one protection flap to provide a tear-blocking area between the at least an intermediate portion of the first fold line and the at least one protection flap, and wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area, the second fold line is offset from the first fold line.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening, the first fold line comprising a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protection flap so as to provide a tear-blocking area between the first fold line and the at least one protection flap, and wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protection flap into the tear-blocking area, the second fold line is offset from the first fold line.
A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel and a bottom panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the side panel, the at least one protection flap comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and folded outwardly of the carrier, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.
A carrier according to claim 24 wherein the non-linear fold line is curved.
A carrier according to claim 24 wherein the carrier comprises a sloping heel wall provided by a corner panel hingedly connected between the side panel and the bottom panel and wherein the article-receiving opening is defined in the corner panel and extends into the side panel.
A carrier according to claim 24 wherein the side flap is hingedly connected to the corner panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.
A carrier according to claim 24 wherein article retention device comprises a pair of side flaps each hingedly connected to the side panel in opposition to each other along a respective non-linear fold line.
A carrier according to claim 28 wherein the pair of side flaps are separated from each other by a severance line.
A carrier according to claim 24 wherein a first non-linear fold line hinging a first one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel is separated from a second non-linear fold line hinging a second one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel by a cut line.
A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening, the article retention device comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and folded outwardly of the carrier, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.
A carrier according to claim 31 wherein the side flap is hingedly connected to the heel panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.
A carrier according to claim 31 wherein the non-linear fold line provides a bias device such that the side flap resists folding outward while providing a flexible, shock-absorbing article bottom holding feature.
A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a side panel and a bottom panel, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the side panel, the at least one protection flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and spaced apart, at least in part, from a bottom engaging tab which defines part of the opening which is also defined in part by the side flap.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel and a bottom panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the side panel, the at least one protection flap comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and foldable outwardly, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel, abottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article-receiving opening, the article retention device comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and foldable outwardly, about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article-receiving opening.
A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including a side panel and a bottom panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a part of an article and at least one protection flap defining part of the article-receiving opening to protect the part of the article, the article-receiving opening being defined in the side panel, the at least one protection flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and spaced apart, at least in part, from a bottom engaging tab which defines part of the opening which is also defined in part by the side flap.