CN111788123B

CN111788123B - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: CN111788123B
Application number: CN201880086035.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 涩谷克雄
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2018-01-09
Filing date: 2018-12-20
Publication date: 2023-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-20
Also published as: TW201936452A; WO2019139763A1; EP3737616A1; CN111788123A; MX2020007007A; TWI832835B; JP7487106B2; US20200346827A1; AU2018400794A1; JP2021510136A; CA3087538A1; KR20200103655A

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to: a carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of flanged articles (B); a blank (10) for forming a carrier. The carrier includes a top panel (18), a bottom panel (12/14), and first (16) and second (20) side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line (15) and extends towards the second side panel. A retention feature (H2) is provided at least at the second side panel for engaging the article. The bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion (14), said proximal panel portion (14) being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion (12) along a second fold line (13). The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced from the first fold line. The bottom panel includes a retention aid tab (40) for engaging an article. The retention aid tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion.

Description

Carton and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to cartons and blanks for forming the same. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier having a retention feature for stabilizing or securing an item within the carrier.

Background

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling a consumer 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 result in as little waste as possible in the material from which they are formed. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its adaptability for holding and transporting heavy weight articles. Desirably, the contents of the carton are secured within the carton.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier having a retention feature for stabilizing or securing an article within the carrier. It is desirable to minimize or reduce the materials required to produce the carrier for economic and environmental benefits.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cartons generally formed from paperboard or the like.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The carrier includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature is provided at least at the second side panel for engaging the article. The bottom panel includes a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panel includes a retention aid tab for engaging an article. The retention aid tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention aid tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common imaginary line perpendicular to the first fold line.

Alternatively, the common imaginary line may pass through a longitudinal midpoint of the hinged connection between the retention aid tab and the distal panel portion.

Alternatively, the common imaginary line may pass through the center of the article engaged by the retention aid tab.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the carrier. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature is provided at least at the second side panel for engaging the article. The bottom panel includes a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panel includes a retention aid tab for engaging an article. The retention aid tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention aid tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common imaginary line perpendicular to the first fold line.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, which may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises a composite base wall formed of two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and comprising an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall. A first retention feature is provided for engaging articles in the first row of articles and includes a first retention tab. A second retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a second row of articles. The second row of items is disposed adjacent to the first row of items. The second retention feature has a second retention tab. The second retention tab is hinged opposite the first retention tab. The first base panel includes a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection, and a third retention feature. The third retention feature includes a retention aid tab for engaging the article. A retention aid tab is formed at least from the proximal portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention aid tab is hinged opposite the second retention tab.

Optionally, the carrier comprises top engagement means for flanged articles.

Optionally, the articles are disconnected.

Optionally, the articles are connected to each other via their respective flanges.

Optionally, the retention aid tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common imaginary line perpendicular to the first fold line.

Optionally, the first retention tab is engaged with the first article in a radially outward direction relative to the first article.

Optionally, the retention aid tab is engaged with a second article adjacent to the first article in a radially outward direction relative to the second article.

Optionally, the second retention tab engages with the second article in a radially outward direction relative to the second article.

Optionally, the article comprises an interior surface, and wherein the first, second and third retention features engage the interior surface.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of the tubular structure, which walls may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and comprising an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall. A first retention feature is provided for engaging articles in the first row of articles and includes a first retention tab. A second retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a second row of articles. The second row of items is disposed adjacent to the first row of items. The second retention feature has a second retention tab. The second retention tab is hinged opposite the first retention tab. The first base panel includes a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection, and a third retention feature. The third retention feature includes a retention aid tab for engaging the article. The retention aid tab is formed at least by the proximal portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention aid tab is hinged opposite the second retention tab.

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

Drawings

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

fig. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of fig. 1; and

fig. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, and 5B are bottom perspective views of stages in constructing the carton of fig. 2 from the blank of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be practiced and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways in which the invention may be practiced. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that is used as a description, sample, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein can be embodied in a variety of 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 have not necessarily been 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 present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10, the blank 10 being capable of being formed into a carton or carrier 90, as shown in fig. 2, for receiving and carrying a group of primary products (hereinafter referred to as articles B), such as, but not limited to, flanged containers, cups, or yogurt cans. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments described in detail herein, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to the container 90 for engaging and carrying the article B, such as the primary product container B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), cans, pouches, bags, and the like.

Blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It should be understood that as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all forms of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It will be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be employed where appropriate, for example, to provide a carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein can be formed from a sheet of material (such as paperboard) that can be made or coated with a material to increase its strength. An example of such sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK @ cardboard made by Westrock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant material 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 than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outwardly from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating (such as a clay coating) or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inwardly facing surface of the sheet material may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging the exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m × n matrix or array, having two rows (m = 2) and two columns (n = 2); in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are individual 112g cups having a lid or film lid, which is a metal or plastic material such as, but not limited to, aluminum or PET (polyester-polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blank 10 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration (such as, but not limited to, a fully enclosed carton or basket carrier), which may be bottles or cans.

Turning to fig. 1, a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see fig. 2) according to a first embodiment is shown. The blank 10 includes a plurality of primary panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of primary panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 include a first base panel (or outer layer) 12/14 having a distal portion 12 and a proximal portion 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, and a second base panel or securing flap (or inner layer) 22. A plurality of panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may be arranged linearly in series, hinged to each other by

respective fold lines

13, 15, 17, 19, 21.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90, as shown in fig. 2. The first and second base panels 12/14, 22 can be joined to one another in an overlapping relationship to form the composite base wall 12/14/22 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first base panel 12/14 to the second base panel 22. The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 may include at least one first portion M of a complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 22 may comprise at least one second portion F of a complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 includes a male tab M extending from a free end edge opposite a fold line 13, the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the distal portion 12 to the proximal portion 14. The male tab M is hingedly connected to the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 11.

The second part F of the complementary locking mechanism forms a receptacle for receiving the male tab M.

The second base panel 22 includes a female tab that defines an opening or slot in the second base panel 22, at least partially forming a receptacle. The opening in the second base panel 22 is configured to receive the male tab M. The female tab is arranged to be displaced away from the second base panel 22 to form an opening and bear against the male tab M (when received therein). In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanisms M/F may be omitted and the first and

second base panels

12, 20 may be secured to one another by other means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives or staples.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion F includes a plurality of

cut lines

60, 62, 64, 66, 68. The first cut line 60 is disposed collinear with the fold line 21, which fold line 21 hingedly connects the second base panel 22 to the second side panel 20. The first cut line 60 interrupts the fold line 21. A first pair of fold lines 62, 64 extend from opposite ends of the first cut line 60 into the second side panel 20. The first pair of fold lines 62, 64 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first pair of fold lines 62, 64 define a first displaceable portion provided in the second side panel 20. A second pair of fold lines 66, 68 extend from opposite ends of the first cut line 60 into the second base panel 22. The second pair of fold lines 66, 68 may be arranged in parallel with respect to each other. The second pair of fold lines 66, 68 defines a second displaceable portion provided in the second base panel 22.

The blank 10 is adapted to accommodate four articles B arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix or array. The blank 10 includes four top engaging structures T. Each of the top engagement structures T is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to the top engagement structure T provided in the second side panel 20.

Each of the top engagement structures T includes an opening A1 (see fig. 2) defined by a cut or severable line 30. The cut line 30 is made at least of the second side panel 20. Optionally, the cut line 30 is curved or arcuate in shape. The cut line 30 interrupts the fold line 19 between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. When the second side panel 20 is folded about fold line 19 relative to the top panel 18, the cut line 30 opens to form an opening A1, which opening A1 may receive a portion of an article B. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening A1 receives a flange F of an article B (best shown in fig. 2).

The cut lines 30 each define a projection P (see fig. 2) that extends from and is integrally formed with a side edge of the top panel 18. The protrusion P is made of a material that would otherwise form the second side panel 20. In this way, the protrusion P may be considered to be made from one of the first and

second side panels

16, 20. The projections P each form a protective top cover portion for the portion of the article B received in the opening A1, said opening A1 being formed by folding the

side panels

16, 20, see fig. 2.

The blank 10 may include at least one heel engaging structure H1/H2 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of the article B. The blank 10 shown in fig. 1 includes four heel engaging structures H1/H2, each provided for engaging a respective article B. The blank 10 includes a pair of first heel engagement structures H1 and a pair of second heel engagement structures H2. Each of the first heel engagement structures H1 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the first heel engagement structures H1 provided in the first side panel 16. Each of the second heel engagement structures H2 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the second heel engagement structures H2 provided in the second side panel 20.

The first heel engagement structure H1 includes a retention tab 44. The retention tab 44 is at least partially defined by a first cut or severable line 47. The first cut line 47 interrupts the fold line 15, which fold line 15 hingedly connects the first side panel 16 to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The first cut line 47 may be non-linear, formed by at least two linear cut lines arranged divergently with respect to each other and continuous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 47 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 47 is substantially 'U' -shaped. A second cut or severance line 49 may extend from the first cut line 47; a second cut or severance line 49 may extend from the middle or center of the first cut line 47. A second cut or severance line 49 may be disposed to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 15.

The first retention tab 44 can include a pair of

cut lines

45a, 45b disposed divergently, the

cut lines

45a, 45b defining fold lines such that corner portions of the first retention tab 44 can be folded thereabout. The

cutting lines

45a, 45b are arranged converging towards the first cutting line 47. It will be understood that the

cut lines

45a, 45b can be replaced with fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the first retention tab 44.

The first retention tab 44 is hingedly connected to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43. The fold line 43 may be non-linear or curvilinear in shape.

The second heel engagement structure H2 includes a second retention tab 50. The second retention tab 50 is at least partially defined by a first cut line or severable line 53. The first cut line 53 interrupts the fold line 21, which fold line 21 hingedly connects the second side panel 20 to the second base panel 22. The first cut line 53 may be non-linear, formed by at least two linear cut lines arranged divergently with respect to each other and continuous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 53 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 53 is substantially 'U' -shaped. A second cut or severance line 57 may extend from the first cut line 53; a second cut or severance line 57 may extend from the middle or center of the first cut line 53. A second cut or severance line 57 may be disposed to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 21.

The second retention tab 50 may include a pair of

cut lines

53, 55 arranged divergently, the cut lines 53, 55 defining fold lines such that corner portions of the second retention tab 50 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 53, 55 are arranged to converge towards the first cut line 53. It will be appreciated that the cut lines 53, 55 may be replaced by fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the second retention tab 50.

The second retention tab 50 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The fold line 51 may be non-linear or curvilinear in shape.

The second retention tab 50 may be smaller in size than the first retention tab 44. The pair of second retention tabs 50 are spaced apart from one another.

The receiving portion of the complementary locking mechanism may be provided between an adjacently disposed pair of second retention tabs 50.

The blank 10 may include at least one other or third heel engaging structure H3 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 shown in fig. 1 includes two other heel engaging structures H3, each provided for engaging a respective article B. Each of the other heel engagement structures H3 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the other heel engagement structures H3 provided in the first base panel 12/14.

The third heel engagement structure H3 includes a retention assist tab 40. The retention aid tab 40 is at least partially defined by a first cut or severable line 42 a. The first cut line 42a interrupts the fold line 13, which fold line 13 hingedly connects the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The first cut line 42a may be non-linear, formed by at least two linear cut lines arranged divergently with respect to each other and continuous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 42a may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 42a is substantially 'U' -shaped.

The retention aid tab 40 may include a pair of divergently arranged

cut lines

41a, 41b, said cut

lines

41a, 41b defining fold lines such that corner portions of the retention aid tab 40 may be folded thereabout. The

cutting lines

41a, 41b are arranged to converge towards the first cutting line 42 a. It will be understood that the

cut lines

41a, 41b can be replaced with fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the retention aid tab 40.

The retention aid tab 40 is hingedly connected to the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 42 b. The fold line 42b may be non-linear or curvilinear in shape.

Alternatively, the blank 10 may include an access device in the form of a tear strip. The tear strip is defined at least in part by a pair of severance lines T1, T2 defined in the first side panel 16. The tear strip may comprise a tear initiation tab I defined by a cut line interrupting a fold line 17, said fold line 17 hingedly connecting the first side panel to the top panel 18.

Turning to the configuration of the carton 90, as shown in fig. 2, the carton 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a linear machine such that it is not required to rotate or reverse the carton 90 to complete its configuration. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may vary depending on the particular manufacturing requirements.

A set of articles B are assembled; in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, four articles B are arranged in a 2 × 2 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed over the group of articles B to provide the top wall 18 of the carton 90. In fig. 3A, the set of articles B and the top panel 18 are shown from below, giving the impression that an inverted article B has been placed on the inner surface of the top panel 18.

The first and

second side walls

16, 20 are folded about the opposite sides of the group of articles B about

fold lines

17, 19, respectively, relative to the top panel 18, so as to be disposed about the opposite sides of the group of articles B, as shown in fig. 3B. The flange or skirt S of each article B is received in a respective one of the openings A1 (best shown in fig. 2) of the top engaging structure T formed when the first and

second side walls

16, 20 are folded.

The second base panel 22 is folded about fold line 21 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of the second retention tabs 50 engages an adjacently disposed article B. The article B may include a recessed base or lip portion or recessed edge (chime) C that engages the second retention tab 50, as shown in fig. 2.

The first base panel 12/14 is folded about fold line 15 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of the first retention tabs 44 engages an adjacently disposed article B. Article B includes a recessed base, lip, rim or recessed edge C that engages first retention tab 44. In this way, article B includes an engageable inner edge or surface.

The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded relative to the proximal portion 14 about the fold line 15 such that the retention aid tab 40 is displaced out of the plane of the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded to be disposed adjacent the base of the pair of articles B adjacent the first side panel 16. In this case, each of the retention aid tabs 40 is brought into engagement with a respective one of the pair of articles B adjacent to the second side panel 20. Each retention aid tab 40 is laterally aligned with (engaged with) article B.

The retention aid tab 40 engages an article B disposed in a row of articles B adjacent to the row of articles B engaged by the first retention tab 44.

The retention aid tab 40 may engage an article B disposed in a different row of articles B than the row of articles B engaged by the first retention tab 44.

The retention aid tab 40 is engageable with an article B disposed in the same row of articles engaged by the second retention tab 50.

The erected carton 90 is shown in fig. 2.

The flange F of each article B has been at least partially received in the opening A1 of the top engagement structure T. In the illustrated embodiment, article B is disconnected or is a separate cup disposed immediately adjacent its adjacent abutment. The article B is tapered in shape, which may be considered to be substantially frustoconical in shape (albeit inverted) such that the end with the smaller diameter is in contact with the composite base panel 12/14/22 and the end with the larger diameter is in contact with the top panel 18.

A void or gap exists between the lower portions of two adjacent articles B.

The retention aid tab 40 can urge an article B adjacent the second side panel 20 toward an article B adjacent the first side panel 16, and thus toward the first side panel 16.

The second retention tab 50 can urge, push, or force an article B adjacent the second side panel 20 in an opposite direction toward the second side panel 20. The second retention tab 50 can urge an article B adjacent the second side panel 20 into engagement with the opening A1 of the top engagement structure T provided in the second side panel 20.

The first retention tab 44 may urge, push, or force an article B adjacent the first side panel 16 toward the first side panel 16. The first retention tab 44 can urge an article B adjacent the first side panel 16 into engagement with the opening A1 of the top engagement structure T provided in the first side panel 16.

Each of the retention aid tabs 40 may have the effect of urging the articles B in the first row adjacent the second side panel 20 and the articles B in the adjacent row towards each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent row is disposed adjacent the first side panel 16.

The retention aid tab 40 has the effect of urging the articles in a transverse direction (that is, in a direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the carton 90).

In this manner, retention assist tabs 40 may be advantageous in maintaining secure engagement of the articles with their respective top engagement structures T. This may ensure that the articles B are securely held within the carton 90 during transport.

The retention aid tab 40 can have the effect of preventing or inhibiting tilting or rotation of the articles B (that is, in a direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the carton 90).

The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging articles B. The carton 90 can include a top engagement means T for flanged articles B, such as flanged cups. The cups may be disconnected or may be connected to each other via their respective flanges. The carton 90 includes a composite wall 12/14/22 formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer 22 and an outer layer 12/14. The carton 90 comprises a plurality of panels that form the walls of a tubular structure, which may include a top wall 18, a first side wall 16, a base wall 12/14/22, and a second side wall 20, optionally hingedly connected to one another in linear series.

The carton 90 includes: a first retention feature H1 for engaging an article B in the first row of articles B; and a second retention feature H2 for engaging an article B in a second row of articles B, the second row of articles B being disposed adjacent to the first row of articles B.

The first retention feature H1 includes a first retention tab 44. The second retention feature H2 includes a second retention tab 50. The first retention tab 44 is hinged opposite the second retention tab 50.

The base panel 12/14 includes a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection 13, and a third retention feature H3. The third retention feature H3 includes a retention aid tab 40 for engaging the article B. Retention aid tab 40 is formed at least by proximal panel portion 14 and is hingedly connected to distal panel portion 12.

The retention aid tab 40 is hinged opposite the second retention tab 50.

The retention aid tab 40 is disposed in alignment with the retention feature H2 such that the retention aid tab 40 and the retention feature H2 are disposed on a common imaginary line L (shown in fig. 5B) perpendicular to the first fold line. A common imaginary line L extends through the centers of the articles B in each of the rows of articles B that are adjacent one another in the transverse direction relative to the tubular structure of the carton 90.

The first retention tab 44 is engaged with the first article B in a radially outward direction relative to the first article B.

The retention aid tab 40 engages a second article B adjacent to the first article B in a radially outward direction relative to the second article B.

The second retention tab 50 engages the second article B in a radially outward direction relative to the second article B.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 for packaging articles, the article carrier 90 including a top panel 18, a bottom panel 12/14, and first and

second side panels

16, 20. The bottom panel 12/14 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 16 along a first fold line 15 and extends toward the second side panel 20. A retention feature H2 is provided at least at the second side panel for engaging the article. Bottom panel 12/14 includes a proximal panel portion 14, the proximal panel portion 14 being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion 12 along a second fold line 13, the second fold line 13 extending parallel to and spaced from first fold line 15. The bottom panel 12/14 includes a retention aid tab 44 for engaging the article B. Retention aid tab 44 is formed at least by proximal panel portion 14 and is hingedly connected to distal panel portion 12. The retention aid tab 44 is disposed in alignment with the retention feature H2 such that the retention aid tab 44 and the retention feature H2 are disposed on a common imaginary line L perpendicular to the first fold line.

The common imaginary line L may pass through the longitudinal midpoint of the hinged connection between the retention aid tab and the distal panel portion 12.

The common imaginary line L may pass through the center of the article B engaged by the retention aid tab 44.

An advantage of the present disclosure is that the need to provide a central spine or spacer structure in the space between articles B in adjacent rows is avoided or eliminated, which reduces the material required to produce the carton 90 and blank 10.

It will be appreciated that various changes can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles having different sizes or shapes.

It will be appreciated that, as used herein, directional references (such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "rear," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower") do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but may merely serve to distinguish the panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all forms of lines: the lines define hinge features of the blank that facilitate folding portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicate an optimal panel folding position for the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring only to a single fold line; indeed, the hinged connection may be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. The linear fold lines may be disposed parallel to one another or at a slight angle relative to one another when they form a hinged connection. The curvilinear fold lines may intersect one another when they form a hinged connection to define a shaped panel in the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define an oval-shaped panel therebetween. The hinged connection may be formed by 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 arcuate or arcuate fold line intersecting at two points such that they define a half-moon panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: score lines, embossed (debossed) lines, debossed (debossed) lines, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, interrupted cut lines, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores, and any combination of the foregoing options.

It should be understood that the hinged connections and fold lines may each include elements formed in the base panel of the blank, including perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide the desired function. For example, a row of perforations may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. A row of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more force, or to facilitate breaking with less force.

As used herein, the phrase "with 8230 \8230; \8230mating" 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 the two overlapping panels. Those elements that match 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 "matches" a second aperture in a second panel placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the aperture may extend along at least part of the edge of the second aperture and may be aligned with the second aperture in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels.

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging articles, comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels, wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is provided at least at one of the first side panel and the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention aid tab for engaging an article, the retention aid tab being formed at least by the proximal panel portion and being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion by a hinged connection in the form of a third fold line, and wherein the retention aid tab is provided in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are provided on a common imaginary line perpendicular to the first fold line, and wherein the retention aid tab and the retention feature are each configured to be engaged radially outward relative to the article.

2. The article carrier of claim 1, the retention features comprising a first retention feature and a second retention feature, wherein the first retention feature is disposed in at least the first side panel to engage the article and the second retention feature is disposed in at least the second side panel to engage another article, wherein the second retention feature is configured to engage the other article in a radially outward direction with respect to the other article, and wherein each of the first retention feature and the retention aid tab is configured to engage an engageable inner edge or surface, lip, rim, or recessed rim of the recessed base of the article in a radially outward direction with respect to the article.

3. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the common imaginary line may pass through a longitudinal midpoint of the hinged connection between the retention aid tab and the distal panel portion.

4. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the common imaginary line may pass through a center of the article engaged by the retention aid tab.

5. A blank for forming a carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and first and second side panels, wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to a first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is provided at least at one of the first side panel and the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line, the second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention aid tab for engaging an article, the retention aid tab being formed at least from the proximal panel portion and being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion by a hinged connection in the form of a third fold line, and wherein the retention aid is provided in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are provided in a direction perpendicular to the first fold line and the retention aid tab are configured to be joined radially outward relative to the retention aid tab and the retention aid tab.

6. An article carrier for packaging articles, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the walls comprising a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the carrier comprising:

a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and comprising an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall;

a first retention feature for engaging an article in the first row of one or more articles and having a first retention tab;

a second retention feature for engaging an article in a second row of one or more articles disposed adjacent to the first row of one or more articles, the second retention feature having a second retention tab, wherein the second retention tab is hinged opposite the first retention tab;

wherein the first base wall comprises:

a proximal portion;

a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinge connection in the form of a first fold line; and

a third retention feature;

wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention aid tab for engaging an article of the second row of one or more articles, the retention aid tab being formed by at least the proximal portion and being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion by a hinged connection in the form of a second fold line,

wherein the retention aid tab is hinged opposite the second retention tab, and

wherein the first retention tab is hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a hinge connection in the form of a third fold line.

7. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the carrier includes a top engagement means for a flanged article.

8. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the articles are disconnected.

9. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the articles are connected to each other via their respective flanges.

10. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the retention aid tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention aid tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common imaginary line perpendicular to the first fold line.

11. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the first retention tab is engaged with the first article in a radially outward direction relative to the first article.

12. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein the retention aid tab engages a second article adjacent the first article in a radially outward direction relative to the second article.

13. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein the second retention tab engages a second article in a radially outward direction relative to the second article.

14. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein each of the articles comprises an engageable inner edge or surface, lip, rim, or chime of the recessed base, wherein each of the second and third retention features engages the engageable inner edge or surface of an article of the second row of one or more articles in a radially outward direction relative to an article of the second row of one or more articles, and wherein the first retention feature engages the engageable inner edge or surface of an article of the first row of one or more articles in a radially outward direction relative to an article of the first row of one or more articles.

15. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the walls comprising a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the second base wall being arranged to provide an inner layer of a composite base wall and the first base wall being arranged to provide an outer layer of the composite base wall and being configured to at least partially overlap the second base wall; the blank comprises:

wherein the first base wall comprises:

a proximal portion;

a third retention feature;

wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention aid tab for engaging an article of the second row of one or more articles, the retention aid tab being formed from at least the proximal portion and being hingedly connected to the distal panel portion by a hinged connection in the form of a second fold line, wherein the retention aid tab is hinged opposite the second retention tab; and is