AU2023215315A1 - Packaging method and apparatus, article carrier and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus for forming an article carrier, to a method of constructing a package, to a package, to an article carrier (290) for packaging one or more articles and a blank (210) for forming the carrier (290). The present disclosure provides an apparatus (1) for packaging articles (B) in an article carrier (290). The apparatus (1) comprises an article translation device or conveyor for moving a group of articles (B) in a downstream direction (D1) through an application section. The apparatus (1) comprises a carrier-preforming device (10, 110) for folding and gluing a carrier blank (210) into a top-engaging carrier (290) and conveying the top-engaging carrier (290 in a downstream direction (D1) to the application section where the top engaging carrier (290) is applied to the group of articles (B).

Description

PACKAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS, ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for construction of article carriers, to a method of construction of article carriers, to article carriers themselves, and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for preforming an article carrier of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein.

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 well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said panel and are arranged about the aperture. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabs engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for constructing packages which automates construction of an article carrier and its applications to at least one article whilst the at least one article is continuously conveyed through a packaging machine.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for packaging articles in an article carrier. The apparatus comprises an article translation device or conveyor for moving a group of articles in a downstream direction through an application section and a carrier-preforming device for folding and gluing a carrier blank into a preformed topengaging carrier and conveying the top-engaging carrier in a downstream direction to the application section where the top engaging carrier is applied to the group of articles.

Optionally, the carrier-preforming device comprises an internal mould and an external applicator to effect folding of the carrier blank about the internal mould.

Optionally, the external applicator comprises at least one carrier retention device for retaining the preformed top-engaging carrier whilst conveying the top-engaging carrier in a downstream direction to the application section.

Optionally, the internal mould comprises a groove for receiving at least a portion of the at least one carrier retention device to allow the external applicator to slide with respect to the internal mould. Optionally, the external applicator comprises an opening at least one end thereof to accommodate an end portion of the internal mould.

Optionally, the external applicator comprises a pair of opposed side walls each comprising a recess in an end edge thereof, the recesses being aligned to receive a static panel folding guide of the apparatus.

Optionally, the internal mould comprises an opening in an end thereof the opening providing a channel in which the static panel folding guide is receivable. The opening is aligned with the recesses in each of the end edges of the opposed side walls of the external applicator.

Optionally, the external applicator comprises a pair of opposed side walls each comprising a chamfered lower edge for engaging with a panel of the article carrier to effect folding thereof.

Optionally, the external applicator comprises at least one aperture for receiving a portion of an article during application of the top engaging carrier to the group of articles. The at least one aperture is provided in a top wall of the external applicator.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of packaging articles comprising translating a group of articles in a downstream direction through an application section of a packaging system. The method comprises folding and gluing a carrier blank into a preformed top-engaging carrier and conveying the top-engaging carrier in the downstream direction to the application section and applying the top-engaging carrier to the group of articles.

Optionally, the method comprises folding and gluing the carrier blank about an internal mould using an external applicator to effect folding of the carrier blank about the internal mould.

Optionally, the method comprises conveying the preformed top-engaging carrier within the external applicator.

Optionally, the method according comprises applying the top-engaging carrier to the group of articles using the external applicator and receiving the articles in the external applicator.

A third aspect of the invention provides a carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool. The interior tool comprises a plurality of mandrel surfaces which include a pair of opposed side surfaces. The plurality of mandrel surfaces comprises at least one end surface for supporting at least two end closure flaps of a carrier in an overlapping arrangement with an end closure panel of the carrier. The exterior tool comprising a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of the carrier into downwardly folded positions along the pair of opposed side surfaces of the interior tool. The exterior tool is structured and dimensioned such that when the side members bring the side panels of the carrier into the folded positions, the at least one end surface of the interior tool is offset outwardly from adjacent ends of the side members of the exterior tool.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool. The exterior tool comprises a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of the carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool. At least one of the side members of the exterior tool comprises an engaging ledge for engaging the carrier. The engaging ledge is movably connected to the side member for movement between an engaging position, in which the ledge is disposed within the interior of the exterior tool, and a yielding position, in which the ledge is disposed outside the interior of the exterior tool. The ledge is biased towards the engaging position when disposed in the yielding position. Optionally, the interior tool comprises a pair of side surfaces, and wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the interior tool has a groove for receiving the ledge of the exterior tool, the groove extending over the at least one of the side surfaces such that the ledge is movable along the grove.

Optionally, the ledge is slidably translatable within the grove.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool. The exterior tool comprises a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of a carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool. The pair of opposed side members of the exterior tool each comprise a recess along an end thereof for receiving a static machine guide.

Optionally, the interior tool comprises a channel for receiving the static guide, the channel extends between opposed side surfaces of the interior tool. The channel being aligned with the recesses in the pair of opposed side members.

Optionally, the interior tool has a top surface having an end edge, the top surface comprises a recess in the end edge, the recess being in communication with the channel.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool. The exterior tool comprises a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of a carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool. At least one of the pair of opposed side members of the exterior tool is provided at an end thereof with a protrusion projecting inwardly beyond the plane of the inside surface of the at least one of the pair of opposed side members. The protrusion may take the form of a rib extending perpendicularly to a top wall of the exterior tool connecting the pair of opposed side members.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of packaging articles comprising pre-forming a carrier blank into a top-engaging carrier using a carrier-forming device. The carrier-forming device comprises a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool. The method comprises disengaging the carrier from the interior tool while maintaining the carrier in engagement within the exterior tool. The method comprises bringing the exterior tool, along with the carrier, into engagement with a group of articles such that the articles are connected together by the carrier, and removing the exterior tool from the carrier as well as from the group of articles.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a top panel, a pair of side panels, and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier. The end closure structure comprises a plurality of end closing flaps including a pair of side end flaps and a top end flap. The top end flap has no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps. At least one of the pair of side end flaps comprises a corner panel. The top end flap is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recess. The plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure and the recess of the top end closure is in alignment, along a virtual axis perpendicular to the top panel, with at least a part of the corner panel.

Optionally, the recess is disposed over the corner panel and exposes to view a portion of the corner panel which would otherwise be concealed. Optionally, the corner panel is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the top end closure, and a gap is provided therebetween, the recess providing an opening in vertical alignment with the gap and allowing access to the gap from above.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a top panel, a pair of side panels, and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier. The end closure structure comprises a plurality of end closing flaps including a pair of side end flaps and a top end flap. The top end flap has no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps. At least one of the pair of side end flaps comprises a corner panel with an upper edge. The top end flap is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recessed edge. The plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure in which the upper edge of the corner panel intersects the recessed edge of the top end flap.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

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

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

Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of a first device for forming an article carrier according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 2 is an isometric view from above of a second device for forming an article carrier according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

Figures 3 to 5 are perspective views from above showing stages of construction of a blank into a carrier;

Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of a stage of construction of a blank into a carrier employing the first device of Figure 1 and the second device of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a stage of construction of a blank into a carrier employing the first device of Figure 1 and the second device of Figure 2;

Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of a stage of construction of a package comprising the carrier of Figure 7 employing the second device of Figure 2 to apply the carrier to a group of articles; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the package of Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the apparatus, method, package, blanks and carriers 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 apparatus, method, packages, blanks and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized 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 6, there is shown a plan view of a blank 210 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 290, as shown in Figure 7, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles (not shown). The blank 210 forms 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 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 210 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 290 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 NATRALOCK® 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 illustrated embodiment, the blank 210 is configured to form a carton or carrier 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array; two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml PET bottles (not shown).

Alternatively, the blank 210 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 210 shown in Figure 6 comprises a plurality of panels 212, 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, including a main panel 212 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 290 (see Figure 7 and 11).

A first upper end panel 214A is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213A. A first lower end panel 214B is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 214A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213B.

A second upper end panel 216A is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215A. A second lower end panel 216B is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 216A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215B.

A first upper side panel 218A is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217A. A first lower side panel 218B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 218A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217B.

A second upper side panel 220A is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219A. A second lower side panel 220B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 220A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219B.

A first corner panel 224A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first lower side panel 218A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 225A. A second corner panel 224B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second lower side panel 220B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 225B.

A first securing panel 222A/230A is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 224A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223A. The first securing panel 222A/230A comprises a first lower securing panel portion 222A and a first upper securing panel portion 230A, the first lower securing panel portion 222A is hingedly connected to a first upper securing panel portion 230A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221 A. The first upper securing panel portion 230A is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B by a cut line 233A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the first corner panel 224A from the first upper end panel 214A; the aperture A3 also separates first upper securing panel portion 230A from the first upper side panel 218A and a portion of the first lower end panel 214B. A second securing panel 222B/230B is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 224B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223B. The second securing panel 222B/230B comprises a second lower securing panel portion 222B and a second upper securing panel portion 230B, the second lower securing panel portion 222B is hingedly connected to a second upper securing panel portion 230B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221 B. The second upper securing panel portion 230B is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B by a cut line 233B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the second corner panel 224B from the first upper end panel 214A; the aperture A3 also separates second upper securing panel portion 230B from the second upper side panel 220A and a portion of the first lower end panel 214B.

A third corner panel 228A is hingedly connected to a second end of the first lower side panel 218A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 231 A. A fourth corner panel 228B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second lower side panel 220A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 231 B.

A third securing panel 226A/232A is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 228A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229A. The third securing panel 226A/232A comprises a third lower securing panel portion 226A and a third upper securing panel portion 232A, the third lower securing panel portion 226A is hingedly connected to a third upper securing panel portion 232A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 227A. The third upper securing panel portion 232A is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 216A, 216B by a cut line 235A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the third corner panel 228A from the second upper end panel 216A; the aperture A3 also separates third upper securing panel portion 232A from the first upper side panel 218A and a portion of the second lower end panel 216B.

A fourth securing panel 226B/232B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 228B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229B. The fourth securing panel 226B/232B comprises a fourth lower securing panel portion 226B and a fourth upper securing panel portion 232B, the fourth lower securing panel portion 226B is hingedly connected to a fourth upper securing panel portion 232B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 227B. The fourth upper securing panel portion 232B is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 216A, 216B by a cut line 235B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the fourth corner panel 228B from the second upper end panel 216A; the aperture A3 also separates fourth upper securing panel portion 232B from the second upper side panel 220A and a portion of the second lower end panel 216B.

The main panel 212 comprises at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The main panel 212 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT 1 , RT2, specifically six article retention structures RT 1 , RT2, arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.

The article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 comprise a pair of opposed tabs 240, 242, 270, 272. A first tab 240, 270 extends from one of the first or second side panels 218A, 220A and is integral therewith. A second tab 242, 272 is hingedly connected to the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 243. A portion of the first tab 240, 270 is struck from the second tab 242, 272, that is to say it is formed from material which would otherwise form the second tab 242, 272. A pair of apertures A4, A5, A6, A7 define at least part of opposed side edges of the first and second tabs 240, 242, 270, 272. The endmost or corner retention structures RT 1 may comprise an outer or endmost aperture A5 configured to interrupt the fold line 213A, 215A between a respective upper end panel 214A, 216A and the main panel 212. The endmost aperture A5 may comprises a cutaway or recess defining an edge portion of the endmost aperture A5 arranged to be collinear with said fold line 213A, 215A.

The blank 210 may comprise a handle structure H, the handle structure H may comprise at least one finger opening. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle tab 260 struck from, or defined in, the main panel 212. Each handle tab 260 is hingedly connected to the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261 , the handle tabs 260 may be hinged in opposition to each other.

Figure 7 illustrates a carrier 290 formed from the blank 210 of Figure 5. The blank 210 may be pre-assembled into a carrier 290 as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5.

The article carrier 290 in its preformed condition, prior to application to a group of articles, comprises corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B which are substantially planar and extend between a lower side panel 218A, 220A and a lower end panel 214A, 216A. More specifically, the preassembled article carrier 290 may provide a skirt structure formed of the side panels 218A/218B, 220A/220B, the end panels 214A/214B, 216A/216B and the corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B. Each pair of opposing upper panels (i.e., the opposing upper side panels 218A, 220A and the opposing upper end panels 214A, 216A) are inclined with respect to the main panel 212 such that the respective pair of opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend downwards from the main panel 212. The opposing lower side panels 218B, 220B extend from the lower edges of the upper side panels 218A, 220A, respectively. The lower side panels 218B, 220B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 212. The opposing lower end panels 214B, 216B extend from the lower edges of the upper end panels 214A, 216A, respectively. The lower end panels 214B, 216B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 212. Each corner panel 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B interconnects the adjacent lower side and end panels to provide the respective corner panel of the skirt structure. The corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 212.

Figure 7 and 11 show the carrier 290 after application to a group of articles B, in Figure 7 the articles B have been omitted from Figure 7 for illustrative purposes. The corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B are deformed from their initial planar, preformed, shape and may adopt a generally convex shape (when viewed from an external viewpoint); in doing so the length or area of a region of the corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B in contact with the article B may increase. The maximum distance between a pair of diagonally opposing corner panels 224A/228B, 224B/228A increases. Portions of the corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B are displaced outwardly.

Figure 1 shows a first device 10 for forming a mandrel for preforming the carrier 290 from the blank 210. Figure 2 shows a second device 110 for application of the blank 210 to the first device 10 and/or folding of the blank 210 about the first device 10 (see Figures 3 to 5, 8 and 9). Optionally, the second device 110 may be employed for subsequent application of the preformed carrier 290 to a group or articles B, as shown in Figure 10.

The first device 10 comprises a plurality of walls 12, 14, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B. The plurality of walls 12, 14, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B comprises a top wall 12 and a first upper side wall 18A depending therefrom. The first upper side wall 18A is connected to a first side of the top wall 12 and is inclined thereto. The plurality of walls 12, 14, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B comprises a second upper side wall 20A depending from the top wall 12. The second upper side wall 18A is connected to a second, opposing, side of the top wall 12 and is inclined thereto.

A first lower side wall 18B is coupled to the first upper side wall 18A, the first lower side wall 18A may be generally perpendicular to the top wall 12.

A second lower side wall 20B is coupled to the second upper side wall 20A, the second lower side wall 20B may be generally perpendicular to the top wall 12. The second lower side wall 20B is generally parallel to the first lower side wall 18B.

The first device 10 comprises a first end wall 14 and a second end wall 16 (see Figure 3). The first end wall 14 is coupled to the first lower side wall 18B by a first lower corner or bevel wall 22A. The first end wall 14 is coupled to the second lower side wall 20B by a second lower corner or bevel wall 22B.

The second end wall 16 is coupled to the first lower side wall 18B by a third lower corner or bevel wall 24A. The second end wall 16 is coupled to the second lower side wall 20B by a fourth lower corner or bevel wall 24B (see Figure 3).

An optional first upper corner or bevel wall 26A couples the first lower corner or bevel wall 22A to the first upper side wall 18A. An optional second upper corner or bevel wall 26B couples the second lower corner or bevel wall 22B to the second upper side wall 20A.

An optional third upper corner or bevel wall 28A couples the third lower corner or bevel wall 24A to the first upper side wall 18A. An optional fourth upper corner or bevel wall (not shown) couples the fourth lower corner or bevel wall to the second upper side wall 20A.

The first upper corner or bevel wall 26A comprises a cutaway in the form of a first recess R1. The second upper corner or bevel wall 26B comprises a cutaway in the form of a second recess R2. The second recess R2 is aligned with the first recess R1 for receipt of a static guide or rail G2.

The third upper corner or bevel wall 28A comprises a cutaway in the form of a third recess R3. The fourth upper corner or bevel wall comprises a cutaway in the form of a fourth recess (not shown). The third recess R3 is aligned with the fourth recess for receipt of a second static guide or rail G2.

The recesses R1, R2, R3 may form part of a channel extending between opposed side of the first device 10, the channel adapted for receipt of a static panel forming guide G2.

The first device 10 comprises a first slot S1 struck from, or defined in, the first lower side wall 18B, the first slot S1 extends from a lower free edge of the first lower side wall 18B across the first lower side wall 18B and into the first upper side wall 18A. The first slot S1 terminates in the first upper side wall 18A.

Optionally, the first device 10 comprises a second slot S2 struck from, or defined in, the first lower side wall 18B, the second slot S2 extends from a lower free edge of the first lower side wall 18B across the first lower side wall 18B and into the first upper side wall 18A. The second slot S2 terminates in the first upper side wall 18A.

The first device 10 comprises a third slot S3 struck from, or defined in, the second lower side wall 20B, the third slot S3 extends from a lower free edge of the second lower side wall 20B across the second lower side wall 20B and into the second upper side wall 20A. The third slot S3 terminates in the second upper side wall 20A. Optionally, the first device 10 comprises a fourth slot (not shown) struck from, or defined in, the second lower side wall 20B, the fourth slot extends from a lower free edge of the second lower side wall 20B across the second lower side wall 20B and into the second upper side wall 20A. The fourth slot terminates in the second upper side wall 20A.

A cutaway provides an opening 0 separating or spacing apart the first end wall 14 from the top wall 12, the cutaway may be considered to remove or omit material which would otherwise form an upper end wall coupling the first end wall 14 to the top panel 12. Similarly, a further cutaway provides an opening separating or spacing apart the second end wall 16 from the top wall 12. The cutaway may be considered to form part of the transversely extending channel for receiving the static panel forming guide G2. In some embodiments, the upper corner panels 26A, 26B, 28A may be omitted in such embodiments the opening 0 may be considered to extend in to the opposed sides of the first device 10.

The top wall 12 may comprises a recessed first end edge defined by at least one top wall recess C1 , C2. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed first end edge comprises a pair of top wall recess C1 , C2 spaced apart from each other to define a prong therebetween.

The top wall 12 may comprises a recessed second end edge defined by at least one top wall recess C3, C4. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed second end edge comprises a pair of top wall recess C3, C4 spaced apart from each other to define a prong therebetween.

Referring now to Figure 2, the second device 110 comprises a main or top wall 112 and a pair of opposed side walls 118, 120 depending from the main wall 112. Each of the pair of opposed side walls 118, 120 comprises a vertically extending rib or protrusion 118R, 120R at each end thereof. Each 118R, 120R provides an internal wall or surface which is disposed divergently arranged, non-coplanar with, an internal wall or surface of medial or adjacent portions of the opposed side wall 118, 120 from which it extends. In this way each internal surface of each side wall 118, 120 comprises a first portion dispose between second and third portions, the second and third portions being divergently arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the first portion. The interior of the second device 110 is thus shaped complementary to at least a portion of the external surface of the first device 10, so as to partially wrap thereabout. The second device 110 is arranged to be disposed about the top wall 12, the upper and lower side walls 18A, 20A, 18B, 20B of the and portions of the corner panel 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B of the first device 10.

The top wall 112 comprises at least one aperture A1 , in the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 112 comprises a plurality of apertures A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six apertures A1 . Each aperture A1 receives a portion of an article B and portion of engaging teeth or tabs 240, 242, 270, 272 when employing the second device 110 to apply the carrier 290 to one or more articles B as shown in Figure 10.

The second device 110 comprises a first recess R5 struck from, or defined in a portion of the first side wall 118 proximate to the top wall 112, the first recess R5 may interrupt the vertically extending rib 118R. The second device 110 comprises a second recess R6 struck from, or defined in a portion of the second side wall 120 proximate to the top wall 112, the first recess R5 may interrupt the vertically extending rib 120R. The second recess R6 is aligned with the first recess R5, that is to say the first and second recesses R5, R6 are equidistantly spaced apart from the top wall 112. The first and second recesses R5, R6 are arranged to be aligned with a pair of the recesses R1 , R2, R3 in the first device when present.

Similarly, the second device 110 comprises a third recess R7 struck from, or defined in a portion of the first side wall 118 proximate to the top wall 112, said third recess R7 being disposed at an opposing end of the first side wall 118 to the first recess R5. The second device 110 comprises a fourth recess R8 (see Figure 3) struck from, or defined in a portion of the second side wall 120 proximate to the top wall 112, said fourth recess R8 being disposed at an opposing end of the second side wall 120 to the second recess R6. The third recess R7 is aligned with the fourth recess R8, that is to say the third and fourth recesses R7, R8 are equidistantly spaced apart from the top wall 112. The third and fourth recesses R7, R8 are arranged to be aligned with a pair of the recesses R1 , R2, R3 in the first device when present.

The first side wall 118 comprises at least one carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 for retaining a carrier 290 within the second device 110 when the first device 10 is withdrawn or removed from an interior of the carrier 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side wall 118 comprises two retention device CL1 , CL2. The, or each, carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 takes the form of a barb or detent extending into an interior of the second device 110. The barb or detent being disposed proximate a lower edge of the first side wall 118 and mounted to the first side wall 118 so as to be displaceable transversely of a longitudinal or tubular axis of the second device 110. The detent provides a ledge L upon which an edge of one of the panels of the carrier 290 may rest. The carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 may be resiliently biased to a rest or initial position in which the barb or detent projects into the interior of the second device 110 beyond the internal surface of the first side wall 118. The barb or detent is mounted to the first side wall by a spring, which may take the form of a leaf spring. The spring may be integrally moulded or formed with the first side wall 118 so as to form a living hinge or living spring. An exterior surface of the first side wall 118 may be recessed or rebated such that when the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 is displaced outwardly it does not project outwardly of the exterior surface of the first side wall 118. In this way the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 the barb or detent can be displaced into a disengaged or open condition without increasing the footprint of the second device 110. That is to say the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 does not protrude beyond the exterior surface of side walls 118, 120 of the second device 110 in an open or yielded position.

In alternative embodiments the interior surface of the first side wall 118 may be recessed or rebated, and the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 may be mounted to the first side wall 118 such that the recess can be displaced outwardly into the recess; the recess having sufficient depth to accommodate the barb or detent within the first side wall 118 in an open condition. In other embodiments, the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 may comprise a static bar or detent, in such embodiments the skirt panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B of the carton may deform or displace in response to receiving the articles B within the carrier 290, said deformation may displace the skirt panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B engaged by the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 inwardly disengaging said skirt panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B therefrom.

The carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 may be located in the first side wall 118 so as to be aligned with a gap or recess between a pair of generally cylindrical articles B. Similarly, the second side wall 120 comprises at least one second carrier retention device CL3, CL4 for retaining a carrier 290 within the second device 110, the second carrier retention device CL3, CL4 are substantially similar to the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 in the first wall 118 and will not be described in further detail.

Figures 3 to 5 show stages of construction of an article carrier 290 from the blank 210 shown in Figure 6. The blank 210 is lowered over the first device 10; the top panel 212 of the carton blank 210 being lowered with respect to the top wall 12 of the first device 10. The blank 210 and the subsequently formed article carrier 290 are conveyed upon, or by, a conveyor (not shown) in a first direction D1 . The first and second devices 10, 110 are conveyed in synchronicity with a respective blank 210 or article carrier 290, in the downstream direction D1 over a working reaching of a packaging system. The first and second devices 10, 110 upon completion of their assigned tasks may be returned to an upstream position on a return reach of a conveyor to engage with a subsequent blank 210 in an incoming stream of carton blanks 210.

The first and second side panels 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B may be partially folded downwardly, about fold lines 217A, 219A, with respect to the top panel 212. The corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B and the securing 222A/230A, 222B/230B 226A/232A, 226B/232B are folded with respect to the side panel 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B to which they are connected. The corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B and the securing 222A/230A, 222B/230B 226A/232A, 226B/232B are maintained in a folded condition be a guide rail G1.

The second device 110 is lowered, as indicated by direction arrow D2 in Figure 3, with respect to the carton blank 210 and the first device 10. A lower edge of the first and second side walls 118, 120 including the ribs 118R, 120R may be chamfered or otherwise shaped to facilitate engagement of the first and second side walls 118, 120 with the carton blank 210. The second device 110 is lowered with respect to the carton blank 210 and the first device 10 to fold the first and second side panels 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, the corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B and the securing 222A/230A, 222B/230B 226A/232A, 226B/232B about the first device 10.

The carrier retention devices CL1 , CL2, CL3, CL4 may be displaced or spread outwardly such that the detent is disposed outside an interior surface of the side wall 118, 120 during the lowering of the second device 110 about the blank 210 and the first device 10. Once the detents pass the lower edge of the lower side panels 218B, 220B the carrier retention devices CL1 , CL2, CL3, CL4 may return to an unbiased or rest position in which the detent is in engagement with said lower edge of the lower side panels 218B, 220B.

The first side panels 218A, 218B of the carton blank 210 are disposed between first side wall 118 of the second device 110 and the first upper and lower side walls 18A, 18B of the first device 10.

The second side panels 220A, 220B of the carton blank 210 are disposed between second side walls 120 of the second device 110 and the second upper and lower side walls 20A, 20B of the first device 10, best shown in Figure 8.

Each corner panel 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B is disposed between a respective one of the lower corner or bevel walls 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B and one of the vertically extending ribs 118R, 120R. The securing panels 222A/230A, 222B/230B 226A/232A, 226B/232B are disposed between one of the first and second end walls 14, 16 and a respective static guide G1, see Figure 5. In Figures 3 to 5 only one of the static guides G1 is shown for illustrative purposes. In order to facilitate folding downwardly of the upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B a second static guide G2, shown in Figure 5, effects folding of the upper securing panel portions 230A, 230B, 232A, 232B inwardly of the first and second devices 10, 110. The second static guide G2 is received in the recesses R5, R6, R7, R8 in the second device 110 and in the recesses R1 , R2, R3 in the first device 10. The second static guide G2 folds the upper securing panel portions 230A, 230B, 232A, 232B into an opening or void 0 in the upper end of the first device 10. Folding the upper securing panel portions 230A, 230B, 232A, 232B inwardly prevents their interference with subsequent folding of the upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B.

Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B whilst the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B are held in the folded condition between the first device 10 and the guide d .

After the glue or adhesive treatment is applied an end panel folding guide (not shown) effects folding of the upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B with respect to the engaging panel 212.

The second guide G2 is terminates, or is withdrawn, once the upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B are folded sufficiently about the ends of the first device 10.

The end panel folding guide brings the upper and lower end panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B into face contacting relationship with the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B, the guide G1 terminates, or is withdrawn from being disposed between the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B and the lower end panels 214B, 216B, as, or immediately prior to, the lower end panels 214B, 216B making contact with lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B. In this way the lower end panels 214B, 216B can be brought into contact with the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B without encumbrance from the guide G1.

Pressure or force is applied to the outer surface of the lower end panels 214B, 216B to ensure a secure bond between the lower end panels 214B, 216B and the lower securing panel portions 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B.

In this way the carrier 290 is preformed about the first device 10, the first device 10 serves as a mandrel or mould for forming the article carrier 290.

Figures 8 and 9 show portions of the first and second devices 10, 110 disposed about the preformed article carrier 290. Each of the opposed ends of the article carrier 290 protrudes outwardly of the ends of the second device 110. The corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B are disposed between the corner walls 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B of the first device 10 and the ribs 118R, 120R of the second device 110. The side panels 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B are disposed between the side walls 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B of the first device and the side wall 118, 120 of the second device 110.

The lower end panels 214B, 216B may partially overlap with the ribs 118R, 120R of the second device 110, best shown in Figure 8, a portion of the rib may be disposed between the lower end panels 214B, 216B and an adjacent corner panel 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B.

In order to be able to with draw the article carrier 290 from within the second device 110 the upper end panels 214A, 216A comprises recessed or shaped end walls to avoid interference therewith. The recesses R have the effect of creating an opening through which the ribs 118R, 120R can be withdrawn, see Figure 11. Once the article carrier 290 has been formed, the first device 10 is removed from the interior of the article carrier 290 whilst the second device 110 remains disposed about the exterior of the article carrier 290. This may be achieved by raising the second device 110 with respect to the first device 10, in doing so the article carrier 290 is raised with respect to the first device 10 to disengage it therefrom. The carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 of the second device 110 clipping or securing the article carrier 290 therein.

As the second device 110, and preformed carrier 290, is raised with respect to the first device 10 the detents of the carrier retention device CL1 , CL2 slide along the groove or slots S1 , S2, S3, S4 in the side walls 18A/18B, 20A, 20B of the first device 10.

The first device 10 may be configured such that a portion of the lower side walls 18B, 20B extends below the lower side panels 218B, 220B of the article carrier 290, and below or beyond a lower extremity of the side walls 118, 120 of the second device 110. This may facilitate handling of the first device 10 when disposed with the article carrier 290.

After the second device 110 and carrier 290 have been separated from the first device 10, the article carrier 290 and second device 110 are conveyed to an applications station of the apparatus 1 and are lowered with respect to a group of articles B vertically aligned therebelow. The articles B are received in a respective one of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2. Portions of the articles B pass through the apertures A1 in the top wall 112 of the second device 110 as, shown in Figure 10. The tabs 240, 242, 270, 272 engage the articles B below a flange or protrusion of the articles B. The second device 110 can then be raised to separate the second device from the package formed from the article carrier 290 and the group of articles B, as indicated by direction narrow D3. In this way the second device 110 is employed to form the article carrier 290 and to apply the article carrier 290 to a group of articles B.

The blank 210 includes at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.0287-0.7mm). Examples of such a substrate are: 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™); 21 point (pt.) SBS board or CNK® board; and E flute or F flute corrugated fibreboard, manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

The blank 210 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

The present disclosure provides a carrier of the top engaging type having improved article retention structures or article top engaging devices.

Embodiments provide an article retention structure RT1 , RT2 in a main, top, or engaging panel 212 having a plurality of tabs 240, 242, 270, 272 and at least one article receiving aperture A4, A5.

The article carrier 290 comprises at least one top or engaging panel 212 and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the at least one engaging panel 212, the skirt structure comprises a plurality of panels 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B for surrounding a portion of at least one article B.

In some embodiments, one or both of a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension decreases after loading the carrier 290 with articles. In some embodiments, one of a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension may decrease and the other one of a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension may increase after loading the carrier 290 with articles. In other embodiments a diagonal dimension or distance between the diagonally opposing corner panels increases after the loading, in such embodiments one or both of the longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension may also change. The change in dimension or shape of the skirt structure has the effect of increasing the circumferential tension in the skirt structure after application to the articles so as to tightly bundle or restrain the articles within the group of articles B. The increase in circumferential tension, may in turn, induce an upward force on the carrier 290 such that engaging teeth or tabs 240, 242, 270, 272 are tightly pressed against an underside of a feature of the article such as an end closure, caps or neck flange.

In some embodiments, the angle of inclination or shape of the upper side panels 218A, 220A may change in response to receiving the articles B within the carrier 290.

In some embodiments, the angle of inclination or shape of the upper end panels 214A, 216A may change in response to receiving the articles B within the carrier 290.

The article carrier 290 may automatically disengage from the second device 110, from the carrier retention devices CL1 , CL2, upon receipt of the articles B in the article carrier 290. In other embodiments, the carrier retention devices CL1 , CL2 may disengage the carrier 290 as the second device 110 is moved upwardly with respect to the article carrier 290 and articles B received therein. The force of engagement between the article carrier 290 and the articles B may be greater than the force of engagement of the carrier retention devices CL1 , CL2 with the article carrier 290, such that the detents are displaced outwardly with respect to the panel of the carrier 290 with which it is engaged, without separating the article carrier 290 from the articles B when the second device 110 is moved upwardly. It will be appreciated that the detent may be shaped to encourage the displacement either of the detent outwardly, or of the panel the detent engages inwardly (panel 218B, 220B in the illustrated embodiment), when the second device 110 is raised upwardly with respect to the carrier 290.

The detent may be shaped to encourage the displacement either of the detent outwardly, or of the panel it engages inwardly (panel 218B, 220B in the illustrated embodiment), when the second device 110 is lowered downwardly with respect to the carrier 290.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus 1 for packaging articles B in an article carrier 290. The apparatus 1 comprises an article translation device or conveyor for moving a group of articles B in a downstream direction D1 through an application section. The apparatus 1 comprises a carrier-preforming device 10, 110 for folding and gluing a carrier blank 210 into a top-engaging carrier 290 and for conveying the top-engaging carrier 290 in a downstream direction D1 to the application section where the top engaging carrier 290 is applied to the group of articles B.

The present disclosure provides a method of packaging articles B comprising translating a group of articles B in a downstream direction D1 through an application section. The method comprises folding and gluing a carrier blank 290 into a top-engaging carrier 290 and conveying the top-engaging carrier 290 in the downstream direction D1 to the application section and applying the top-engaging carrier 290 to the group of articles B.

The method may comprise folding and gluing the carrier blank 210 about an internal mould 10 using an external applicator 110 to effect folding of the carrier blank 210 about the internal mould 10.

The method may comprise conveying the top-engaging carrier 290 using the external applicator 110.

The method may comprise applying the top-engaging carrier 290 to the group of articles B using the external applicator 110 and include receiving the articles B in the external applicator 110.

The present disclosure provides a carrier-forming device 10/110 comprising a pair of tools 10, 110 including an interior tool 10 and an exterior tool 110. The interior tool 10 comprises a plurality of mandrel surfaces 12, 14, 16, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B including a pair of opposed side surfaces 18B, 20B and at least one end surface 14, 16 for supporting at least two end closure flaps 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B of a carrier 290 in an overlapping arrangement with an end closure panel 214B, 216B of the carrier 290. The exterior tool 110 comprises a pair of opposed side members 118, 120 for folding opposed side panels 218B, 220B of the carrier 290 into downwardly folded positions along the side surfaces 18B, 20B of the interior tool 10. The exterior tool 110 is structured and dimensioned such that, when the side members 118, 120 bring the side panels 218B, 220B of the carrier 290 into the folded positions, the at least one end surface 14, 16 of the interior tool 10 is offset outwardly from adjacent ends of the side members 118, 120 of the exterior tool 110.

The present disclosure provides a carrier-forming device 10/110 comprising a pair of tools 10, 110 including an interior tool 10 and an exterior tool 110. The exterior tool 110 comprises a pair of opposed side members 118, 120 for folding opposed side panels 218B, 220B of the carrier 290 into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool 10. At least one of the side members 118, 120 of the exterior tool 110 comprises an engaging ledge L (see Figure 2) for engaging the carrier 290. The engaging ledge L is movably connected to the exterior member 110 for movement between an engaging position, in which the ledge L is disposed within the interior of the exterior tool 110, and a yielding position, in which the ledge L is disposed outside the interior of the exterior tool 110. The ledge L is biased, urged or encouraged towards the engaging position when disposed in the yielding position.

The interior tool 10 may comprise a pair of side surfaces 18A/18B, 20A/20B, wherein at least one of the side surfaces 18A/18B, 20A/20B of the interior tool 10 has a groove S1 , S2, S3 for receiving the ledge L of the exterior tool 110. The groove S1 , S2, S3 extending over the at least one of the side surfaces 18A/18B, 20A/20B such that the ledge L is movable, or slidably translatable, along, or within, the grove S1 , S2, S3.

The present disclosure provides a carrier-forming device 10/110 comprising a pair of tools 10, 110 including an interior tool 10 and an exterior tool 110. The exterior tool 110 comprises a pair of opposed side members 118, 120 for folding opposed side panels 218A/218B, 220A/220B of a carrier 290 into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool 10. The side members 118, 120 of the exterior tool 110 each comprise a recess R5, R6, R7, R8 along an end thereof for receiving a static machine guide G2.

The interior tool 10 may comprise a channel or opening O (in the form of a void in the illustrated embodiment) for receiving the static guide G2, the channel or opening O extends between opposed side surfaces 18A/18B, 20A/20B of the interior tool 10.

The interior tool 10 has a top surface 12 having an end edge (along which a top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B of the carrier 290 is folded), the top surface 12 comprises a recess C1 , C2, C3, C4 along the end edge, the recess C1 , C2, C3, C4 being in communication with the channel or opening O.

The present disclosure provides a carrier-forming device 10/ 110 comprising a pair of tools 10, 110 including an interior tool 10 and an exterior tool 110. The exterior tool 110 comprises a pair of opposed side members 118, 120 for folding opposed side panels 218A/218B, 220A/220B of a carrier 290 into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool 10. At least one of the side members 118, 120 of the exterior tool 110 is provided at an end thereof with a protrusion 118R, 120R projecting inwardly beyond the plane of the inside surface of the at least one of the side members 118, 120.

The present disclosure provides a method of packaging articles comprising pre-forming a carrier blank 210 into a top-engaging carrier 290 using a carrier-forming device 10/110 comprising a pair of tools 10, 1 10 including an interior tool 10 and an exterior tool 110. The method comprises disengaging the carrier 290 from the interior tool 10 while maintaining the carrier 290 in engagement with the exterior tool 110. The method comprises bringing the exterior tool 110 along with the carrier 290 into engagement with a group of articles B such that the group of articles B are connected together by the carrier 290 and removing the exterior tool 110 from the carrier 290 as well as from the group of articles 290.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 290 comprising a top panel 212, a pair of side panels 218A/218B, 220A/220B and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier 290. The end closure structure comprises a plurality of end closing flaps which includes a pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B and a top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B. The top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B has no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B. At least one of the pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B comprises a corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B. The top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recess R. The plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure wherein the recess R of the top end closure 214A/214B, 216A/216B is in alignment, along a virtual axis A perpendicular to the top panel 12, with at least a part of the corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B, best shown in Figure 11 . The recess R is disposed above or over the corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B and exposed to view a portion of the corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B which would otherwise be concealed. The corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B may be disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the top end closure 214A/214B, 216A/216B, and a gap or void may be provided therebetween, the recess R providing an opening in vertical alignment with the gap or void and allowing access to the gap or void from above.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 290 comprising a top panel 212, a pair of side panels 218A/218B, 220A/220B and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier 290. The end closure structure comprises a plurality of end closing flaps which includes a pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B and a top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B. The top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B has no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B. At least one of the pair of side end flaps 222A/224A, 222B/224A, 226A/228A, 226B/228B comprises a corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B with an upper edge. The top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recessed edge R. The plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure in which the upper edge of the corner panel 226A, 226B 228A, 228B intersects, meets or crosses the recessed edge R of the top end flap 214A/214B, 216A/216B.

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, a greater or lesser number of articles and/or arranged in different array configurations.

It will be recognized 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/li near or curved/curvi linear 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, embossed lines, debossed lines, 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 (1)

1. CLAIMS An apparatus for packaging articles in an article carrier, the apparatus comprising an article translation device for moving a group of articles in a downstream direction through an application section, and a carrier-preforming device for folding and gluing a carrier blank into a preformed top-engaging carrier and conveying the top-engaging carrier in a downstream direction to the application section where the top engaging carrier is applied to the group of articles. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the carrier-preforming device comprises an internal mould and an external applicator to effect folding of the carrier blank about the internal mould. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external applicator comprises at least one carrier retention device for retaining the preformed top-engaging carrier whilst conveying the top-engaging carrier in a downstream direction to the application section. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the internal mould comprises a groove for receiving at least a portion of the at least one carrier retention device to allow the external applicator to slide with respect to the internal mould. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external applicator comprises an opening at least one end thereof to accommodate an end portion of the internal mould. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external applicator comprises a pair of opposed side walls each comprising a recess in an end edge thereof, the recesses being aligned to receive a static panel folding guide. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the internal mould comprises an opening in an end thereof the opening providing a channel in which the static panel folding guide is receivable. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external applicator comprises a pair of opposed side walls each comprising a chamfered lower edge for engaging with a panel of the article carrier to effect folding thereof. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external applicator comprises at least one aperture for receiving a portion of an article during application of the top engaging carrier to the group of articles. A method of packaging articles comprising translating a group of articles in a downstream direction through an application section of a packaging system, the method comprising folding and gluing a carrier blank into a preformed top-engaging carrier and conveying the top-engaging carrier in the downstream direction to the application section and applying the top-engaging carrier to the group of articles. A method according to claim 10, comprising folding and gluing the carrier blank about an internal mould using an external applicator to effect folding of the carrier blank about the internal mould. A method according to claim 11 , comprising conveying the preformed top-engaging carrier within the external applicator. A method according to claim 11 , comprising applying the top-engaging carrier to the group of articles using the external applicator and receiving the articles in the external applicator. A carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool, the interior tool comprising a plurality of mandrel surfaces which include a pair of opposed side surfaces and at least one end surface for supporting at least two end closure flaps of a carrier in an overlapping arrangement with an end closure pane of the carrier, the exterior tool comprising a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of the carrier into downwardly folded positions along the pair of opposed side surfaces of the interior tool, wherein the exterior tool is structured and dimensioned such that when the side members bring the side panels of the carrier into the folded positions, the at least one end surface of the interior tool is offset outwardly from adjacent ends of the side members of the exterior tool. A carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool, the exterior tool comprising a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of a carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool, at least one of the side members of the exterior tool comprising an engaging ledge for engaging the carrier, the engaging ledge being movably connected to the side member for movement between an engaging position, in which the ledge is disposed within the interior of the exterior tool, and a yielding position, in which the ledge is disposed outside the interior of the exterior tool, wherein the ledge is biased towards the engaging position when disposed in the yielding position. A carrier-forming device according to claim 15, wherein the interior tool comprises a pair of side surfaces, and wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the interior tool has a groove for receiving the ledge of the exterior tool, the groove extending over the at least one of the side surfaces such that the ledge is movable along the grove. A carrier-forming device according to claim 16, wherein the ledge is slidably translatable within the grove. A carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool, the exterior tool comprising a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of a carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool, the pair of opposed side members of the exterior tool each comprising a recess along an end thereof for receiving a static machine guide. A carrier-forming device according to claim 18, wherein the interior tool comprises a channel for receiving the static guide, the channel extends between opposed side surfaces of the interior tool. A carrier-forming device according to claim 19, wherein the interior tool has a top surface having an end edge, the top surface comprises a recess in the end edge, the recess being in communication with the channel. A carrier-forming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool, the exterior tool comprising a pair of opposed side members for folding opposed side panels of a carrier into downwardly folded positions along an exterior of the interior tool, at least one of the pair of opposed side members of the exterior tool is provided at an end thereof with a protrusion, the protrusion projecting inwardly beyond the plane of the inside surface of the at least one of the pair of opposed side members. A method of packaging articles comprising pre-forming a carrier blank into a top-engaging carrier using a carrierforming device comprising a pair of tools including an interior tool and an exterior tool, the method comprising disengaging the carrier from the interior tool while maintaining the carrier in engagement with the exterior tool, bringing the exterior tool along with the carrier into engagement with a group of articles such that the group of articles are connected together by the carrier, and removing the exterior tool from the carrier as well as from the group of articles. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a top panel, a pair of side panels and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier, the end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closing flaps which includes a pair of side end flaps and a top end flap, the top end flap having no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps, at least one of the pair of side end flaps comprises a corner panel, wherein the top end flap is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recess, the plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure, and wherein the recess of the top end closure is in alignment, along a virtual axis perpendicular to the top panel, with at least a part of the corner panel. An article carrier according to claim 23, wherein the recess is disposed over the corner panel and exposes to view a portion of the corner panel which would otherwise be concealed. An article carrier according to claim 23, wherein the corner panel is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the top end closure, and a gap is provided therebetween, the recess providing an opening in vertical alignment with the gap and allowing access to the gap from above. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a top panel, a pair of side panels and an end closure structure for closing at least one of opposed ends of the carrier, the end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closing flaps including a pair of side end flaps and a top end flap, the top end flap having no direct foldable connection with the pair of side end flaps, at least one of the pair of side end flaps comprising a corner panel with an upper edge, wherein the top end flap is provided along at least one of its side edges with a recessed edge, and wherein the plurality of end closing flaps are secured together to form the end closure structure in which the upper edge of the corner panel intersects the recessed edge of the top end flap.