CN114585570A

CN114585570A - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: CN114585570A
Application number: CN202080074909.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·德芒热; R·C·梅里维特; J·D·梅尔佐
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-08-26
Filing date: 2020-07-16
Publication date: 2022-06-03
Also published as: CO2022003268A2; EP4021821A1; BR112022003771A2; US20220297911A1; AU2020337154A1; CL2022000467A1; WO2021040901A1; CA3149524A1; MX2022002408A; JP2022545953A; KR20220050156A

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank for forming an article carrier. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least two articles, each article having a recess. The article carrier comprises a pair of article retention devices, each article retention device comprising a flap (80) for engaging a recess of a respective one of the at least two articles to inhibit movement of the article. The flaps are hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by respective hinge connections in an opposing manner to each other. The article carrier includes a pair of handle openings (a 4) defined in the one of the plurality of panels. The handle openings and flaps define a handle in the one of the plurality of panels.

Description

Article carrier and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming article carriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wrap-around carrier having a carrying handle. Aspects of the present invention relate to an article holding structure including an engaging means for securing an upper end portion of an article. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a wrap-around carrier having a dispenser feature for accessing the contents of the carrier.

Background

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons or article carriers 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 reasons, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little loss of material from which they are formed. An additional consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy weight articles. It is desirable for the carton to include a carrying handle that is strong enough to withstand the load of the carton and its contents.

It is desirable that the articles held within the carton be securely held and protected during shipping. It is also desirable that the articles within the carton be easily accessible.

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 an article carrier for packaging at least two articles, each article having a recess. The article carrier includes: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the at least two articles; and a pair of article retention devices, each article retention device comprising a flap for engaging the recess of a respective one of the at least two articles to inhibit movement of the articles within the tubular structure. The flaps are hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by respective hinge connections in an opposing manner to each other. The article carrier includes a pair of handle openings defined in the one of the plurality of panels. The handle opening and the flap define a handle in the one of the plurality of panels. The handle is coupled or connected to the one of the plurality of panels by four arms. Each arm is provided by a region of the one of the plurality of panels that is disposed or defined between one of the handle openings and one of the flaps.

Optionally, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is parallel to the tube axis.

Optionally, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is oblique to the tube axis.

Optionally, the one of the plurality of panels is a top panel.

Optionally, the flap is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line.

Optionally, the plurality of panels comprises a pair of opposed side walls, and the flaps are folded towards a respective one of the opposed side walls.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles, each article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the one or more articles; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the article carrier further comprises a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the access panel to provide a tear-inducing device for the dispenser.

Optionally, an access panel is defined at an end of the article carrier, the access panel being defined in part by a free end edge of the article carrier and in part by a severable line extending from the flap.

Optionally, an access panel is defined in the intermediate portion of the article carrier, the access panel being defined at least in part by a pair of severable lines extending from the flaps, the pair of severable lines being spaced from each end of the article carrier.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles, each article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the one or more articles; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection, the flap comprising a hinge edge defined by the hinged connection and a free edge, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein the free edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.

Optionally, the hinged edge of the flap is disposed closer to one of the pair of opposing side walls than the free edge in the deployed state.

Optionally, the flap is reverse folded in the operative condition into face-to-face relationship with the inner surface of the panel to which it is hinged, the free edge of the flap being disposed closer to one of the pair of opposed side walls than the hinged edge when the flap is in the operative position.

Optionally, the hinged connection is oriented non-parallel to the open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the hinged connection is oriented obliquely to the open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the hinged connection is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the article retention means is located in a recess defined in an end of said one of said plurality of panels.

Optionally, the top panel comprises an end edge of the at least one recess to which the article retention means is hingedly connected.

Optionally, the flap partially defines an end edge of the at least one recess of the top panel in the deployed state.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a pair of article retention means at an end of said one of the plurality of panels, and wherein the pair of article retention means are spaced from one another by a recess struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel.

Optionally, the pair of article retention means is hingedly connected to the top panel by respective fold lines, said fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, the flap is folded inwardly over 90 degrees about the hinged connection to said one of the plurality of panels so as to be in substantially face-to-face relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

Optionally, the article retention means comprises fold lines defined in the flaps and forming keel portions for increasing the security of the articles within the article carrier.

Optionally, the fold line defines in part a flap-like tab coupled to the one of the plurality of panels only by its hinged connection to the flap.

Optionally, the fold lines are arranged to converge at an end of the hinge connection to form an apex, and wherein a cut-out separates the wing tab from the one of the plurality of panels, the cut-out intersecting the apex between the hinge connection and the fold line.

Optionally, the article carrier is of the wrap-around type, comprising a composite wall formed by two panels secured together.

Optionally, the composite wall is a bottom wall of a tubular structure.

Optionally, the flap of the article retention device is fully contained within the footprint of the one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the flaps of the pair of article retention devices are contained entirely within the footprint of the top panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least two articles, each article having a recess, the blank comprising a pair of article retention devices, each article retention device comprising a flap for engaging the recess of a respective one of the at least two articles to inhibit movement of the articles within the tubular structure, wherein the flaps are hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by respective hinged connections in an opposed manner to each other, the blank comprising a pair of handle openings defined in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle openings and flaps defining a handle in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle being coupled or connected to the one of the plurality of panels by four arms, each arm is provided by a region of the one of the plurality of panels that is disposed or defined between one of the handle openings and one of the flaps.

Optionally, in the erected condition, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is parallel to the tube axis.

Optionally, in the erected condition, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is oblique to the tube axis.

Optionally, the plurality of panels comprises a pair of opposing side walls hingedly connected to the top panel along a hinge edge of the top panel, and the flaps are folded towards a respective one of the hinge edges.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles, the one or more articles having a recess; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the blank further comprising a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the access panel to provide a tear-inducing device for the dispenser.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles, the one or more articles having a recess; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection, the flap comprising a hinge edge defined by the hinged connection and a free edge, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein the free edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.

Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated or intended that various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or employed independently or in any combination thereof.

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

Features or combinations of features of embodiments disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, a feature or a combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from this embodiment.

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 an article carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 2 showing the dispenser in an expanded state; and

fig. 4 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and article carriers 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 can be practiced and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used in a broad sense to refer to embodiments that are used as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the packages, blanks, and article 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 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 capable of being formed into a carton or carrier 90 (as shown in fig. 2) for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as but not limited to beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in fig. 2. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to fig. 4, a plan view of another blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier (not shown) for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as but not limited to beverage cans, is shown. The blank 110 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to the container 90 for engaging and carrying the article B (such as the primary product container B) for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the invention. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention can 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), tints, cups, jars, bags, cartons, and the like.

The

blanks

10, 110 are formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It will be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes a wide variety of foldable sheet materials, 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 may be formed from a sheet material, such as paperboard. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties 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 without a coating or with a coating. If coated, the coating or treatment may provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 and 4, the

blanks

10, 110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an 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 three columns (n = 3); in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three articles B are provided, and these articles B are 330 ml beverage cans.

Alternatively, the

blanks

10, 110 can be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, which may be bottles or cans.

Turning to fig. 1, a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 90 (see fig. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The blank 10 includes a plurality of

main panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of

main panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 includes: a first substrate panel 12, a first corner or bevel panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second corner or bevel panel 18, a top panel 20, a third corner or bevel panel 22, a second side panel 24, a fourth corner or bevel panel 26, and a second substrate panel 28. The plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged to be hinged one to the next in linear series (linear series) by corresponding

fold lines

13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27.

In an alternative embodiment, the first, second, third and

fourth corner panels

14, 18, 22, 26 may be omitted.

The fold lines 13 and 27 may optionally comprise cut or split lines (not shown) that are collinear with respective ones of the fold lines 13 and 27 so as to interrupt or coincide with said

fold lines

13, 27. The severance line may provide a shock absorbing or damping device proximate the base of the carton 90.

The first and

fourth corner panels

14, 26 can be considered to form a lower portion of a respective one of the first or

second side panels

16, 24, or alternatively a portion of the first or

second base panels

12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected.

The second and

third corner panels

18, 22 can be considered to form an upper portion of a respective one of the first or

second side panels

16, 24, or alternatively a portion of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in fig. 3 and 4. The first and

second base panels

12, 28 may be joined in an overlapping relationship with one another to form the composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the first base panel 12. The second substrate panel 28 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first substrate panel 12 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 28 includes a plurality of female tabs F that define an opening in the second base panel 28. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the second base panel 28 are configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tab F is arranged to be removed from the second base panel 28 to form an opening and bear against the male tab M when the male tab M is received in the opening. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 may be secured to one another by other means, such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

The complementary locking mechanisms illustrated and described are entirely optional.

Optionally, the first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 may include at least one first aperture a 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 includes two first apertures a 1. Optionally, the first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 may include at least one second aperture a 2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 includes one second aperture a 2. The first aperture a1 and the second aperture a2 may be employed to facilitate the construction of the carton 90. The wrapper component may be engaged with the first aperture a1 and the second aperture a2 to enable the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be gathered about a group of articles B. The first aperture a1 and the second aperture a2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first substrate panel 12 and the second substrate panel 28 relative to each other or to align the first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism with the second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The blank 10 includes at least one first article retention device or article engaging structure (also referred to herein as an end article retention device or article engaging structure) T1, T2, T3, T4 for engaging the upper end of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in fig. 1 and 1B includes four first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4.

Each of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 includes a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 20. Each of the first and second T1, T2 of these first article engaging structures includes a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 20 to a first end of the top panel 20. The third T3 and fourth T4 of these first article engaging structures each include a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 20 to the second end of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 are recessed from the first outer edge of the blank 10.

The first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 may be recessed relative to the first end edge of the first side panel 14 or the second side panel 24.

The first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 may be recessed relative to the marginal edge portions of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 may be recessed from the first free end edge of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 are recessed from the second outer edge of the blank 10.

The third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 may be concave relative to the second end edge of the first side panel 14 or the second side panel 24.

The third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 may be recessed relative to the marginal edge portions of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 may be recessed from the second free end edge of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 20. The flaps 70 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 are fully contained within the footprint of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 do not extend beyond the end of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the edge of the blank 10 at least partially defined by the first and

second side panels

16, 24.

Marginal portions of the top panel 20 are hingedly connected to each of the first and

second side panels

16, 24, or the second and third bevel panels 18, 22 (when present), and these marginal portions have a length equal to the length of the first and second side panels 16, 24 (or the second and third bevel panels 18, 22) and equal to the length of the

bottom panel

12, 28 or at least a portion of the

bottom panel

12, 28; the at least portions of the

bottom panels

12, 28 may be marginal portions, each marginal portion being hinged to one of the first and

second side panels

16, 24, or the first and fourth bevel panels 14, 26 (when present).

A first recess R7 is provided in the first end of the top panel 20, and the flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 can be considered to be located in the first recess R7. The flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 partially define the first recess R7 and increase the size of the first recess R7 when folded out of the plane of the top panel 20.

The first recess R7 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flap 70 and wing tab 70b (when present).

The first recess R7 is defined only in the top panel 20 and does not extend into the first and

second side panels

16, 24 or the second and third

angled panels

18, 22.

The flap 70 of the first one T1 of the first article engaging structure is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented relative to the fold line 19 which hinges the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18. The fold line 71 is spaced from a first end edge of one of the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The flap 70 of the second T2 of the first article engaging structure is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented relative to the fold line 21 which hinges the top panel 20 to the third corner panel 22. The fold line 71 is spaced from the first end edge of the other of the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one T1 of the first article engaging structure to the top panel 20 is arranged divergently with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one T2 of the first article engaging structure to the top panel 20. The fold line 71 that hingedly connects the flap 70 of the first one of the first article engaging structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the fold line 71 that hingedly connects the flap 70 of the second one of the first article engaging structures T2 to the top panel 20 define an angle therebetween that may be less than 120 ° and in some embodiments is about 110 °. The angle may be greater than 80 °, and may be greater than 90 °.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of the first article-engaging structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one of the first article-engaging structures T2 to the top panel 20 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of the first article engaging structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one of the first article engaging structures T2 to the top panel 20 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 20.

In this manner, the flaps 70 of the first one of the first article engaging structures T1 and the flaps 70 of the second one of the first article engaging structures T2 are folded away from each other.

A second recess R8 is provided in the second end of the top panel 20, and the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R8. The flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 partially define the second recess R8 and increase the size of the second recess R8 when folded out of the plane of the top panel 20.

The second recess R8 is defined only in the top panel 20 and does not extend into the first and

second side panels

16, 24 or the second and third

angled panels

18, 22.

The second recess R8 is arranged to receive the entirety of the flap 70 and wing tab 70b (when present).

The flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article engaging structure is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented relative to the fold line 19 which hinges the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18. The fold line 71 is spaced from the second end edge of said one of the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article engaging structure is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented relative to the fold line 21 which hinges the top panel 20 to the third corner panel 22. The fold line 71 is spaced from the second end edge of the other of the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20 is arranged divergently with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article-engaging structure to the top panel 20 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 20.

In blank form, flaps 70 partially define the free end edges of top panel 20. The edge portion of the top panel 20 defined by the flaps 70 is arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

The flap 70 of each of the first, second, third and fourth first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 is partially defined by at least one cut-

out

75, 77 that separates the flap 70 from the top panel 20.

The first notch 75 extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 71 to a respective one of the first and second recesses R7 and R8.

A second cut 77 is disposed between the flap 70 and a respective one of the adjacently disposed

fold lines

19, 21, which fold

lines

19, 21 hinge the top panel 20 to the first or second side panel 16, 24 (or the second or third

angled panel

18, 22 when present).

The first cut line 75 and the second cut line 77 are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The first end edge E1/75 of the top panel 20 is non-linear and extends between the fold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge E1/75 is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 20 that protrudes into the first recess R7.

At least part of the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20 extending between the flaps 70 of the first and second first article engaging structures T1, T2 is disposed at a location that is further from the center or middle of the top panel 20 than the inner ends 71a of the fold lines 71 of those flaps 70.

The second end edge E2/75 of the top panel 20 is non-linear and extends between the fold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge E2/75 is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 20 that protrudes into the second recess R8.

At least part of the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20 extending between the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 is disposed at a position which is further from the centre or middle of the top panel 20 than the inner ends 71a of the fold lines 71 of those flaps 70.

Each of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 includes a wing-like tab 70b hingedly connected to the flap 70 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 73.

The fold line 73 may form a keel portion when the first article engaging structure T1, T2, T3, T4 engages article B in use. The keel portion may form a ridge to increase the stability or rigidity of the first article engaging structure T1, T2, T3, T4. The flaps 70 and wing-like tabs 70B can be in a non-coplanar arrangement, such as, but not limited to, when the articles are moved outwardly through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B. The wing tabs 70b are foldable relative to the flaps 70.

The fold line 73 may be oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 71 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing-like tabs 70b are connected only to the flaps 70 and are not connected to the top panel 20 except by an indirect connection to the flaps 70, that is, there is no direct connection of the wing-like tabs 70b to the top panel 20. The flap 70 interconnects the wing tab 70b and the top panel 20.

In the unfolded condition, fold line 73 is oriented substantially parallel to fold

lines

19, 21 that hinge

side panels

14, 24 or

upper corner panels

18, 22 to top panel 20 in blank 10.

The fold lines 73 may be oriented obliquely relative to the fold lines 19, 21 when the flaps 70 are folded about their respective fold lines 71 into face-to-face relationship with the top panel 20.

The blank 10 may include at least one second article retention device or article engaging structure (also referred to herein as intermediate article retention devices or article engaging structures) T5, T6 for engaging the upper end of article B. The blank 10 illustrated in fig. 1 and 1B includes two second article engaging structures T5, T6.

Each of the second article engaging structures T5, T6 includes a flap 80 hingedly connected to the top panel 20.

The flap 80 of the first one of the second article engaging formations T5 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 81 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 19 which hinges the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18.

The fold line 81 of the first one of the second article engaging formations T5 defines a hinge edge of the flap 80 which, in the deployed condition, is disposed closer to the fold line 19 than the free edge defined by the cut or severance line. In the folded, operative condition, the free edge of flap 80 is disposed closer to first side panel 16 than the hinged edge defined by fold line 81.

The flap 80 of the second one of the second article engaging formations T6 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 81 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 21 which hinges the top panel 20 to the third corner panel 22.

The fold line 81 of the second one of the second article engaging formations T6 defines a hinge edge of the flap 80 which in the deployed condition is disposed closer to the fold line 21 than the free edge defined by the cut or severance line. In the folded, operative condition, the free edge of the flap 80 is disposed closer to the second side panel 16 than the hinged edge defined by the fold line 81.

The fold line 81 that hinges the flap 80 of the first one of the second article engaging structures T5 to the top panel 20 is arranged in parallel with respect to the fold line 81 that hinges the flap 80 of the second one of the second article engaging structures T6 to the top panel 20.

Each of the second article engaging structures T5, T6 includes a wing tab 80b hingedly connected to the flap 80 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 83.

The fold line 83 may form a keel portion when the second article engaging structure T5, T6 engages article B in use. The keel portion may form a ridge to increase the stability or rigidity of the second article engaging structure T5, T6. The flaps 80 and wing tabs 80B can be in a non-coplanar arrangement, such as, but not limited to, when an article is moved outwardly through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B. The wing tabs 80b are foldable relative to the flaps 80.

The fold line 83 may be oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 81 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing-like tabs 80b are connected only to the flaps 80 and are not connected to the top panel 20 except by an indirect connection to the flaps 80, that is, there is no direct connection of the wing-like tabs 80b to the top panel 20. The flaps 80 interconnect the wing tabs 80b and the top panel 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wing tabs 80b of the first one of the second article engaging structures T5 are hingedly connected to the end of the flaps 80 closest to the second end of the top panel 20. The wing tabs 80b of the second one of the second article engaging structures T6 are hingedly connected to the ends of the flaps 80 closest to the first end of the top panel 20. In this manner, the wing-like tabs 80b are diagonally opposed. In other embodiments, the wing tabs 80b may be arranged differently, for example, they may be disposed proximate the same end of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 may include at least one heel engaging structure R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 for engaging a heel or lower portion of article B. The blank 10 illustrated in fig. 1 includes six heel engaging structures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, each for engaging a respective article B. Each of heel engaging structures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 are substantially similar in construction and will only be described with reference to first heel engaging structure R1 being partially disposed in first side panel 16 as shown in fig. 1.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may include an opening. The opening is defined in part by the heel aperture a3 and in part by the heel tab 40. The heel tab 40 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12 by a fold line 41. A heel tab 40 is struck at least in part from the first corner panel 14.

The fold line 41 interrupts the fold line 13 that hingedly connects the first base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold line 41 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the shape of the fold line 41 is curved or arcuate, in other embodiments it may be formed by at least two linear fold lines arranged divergently with respect to each other and connected to each other.

The heel tab 40 may include a pair of divergently arranged

fold lines

43a, 43b, which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 40.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may include a pair of

cut lines

45a, 45a disposed on opposite sides of the heel aperture A3. Each of the

cut lines

45a, 45a is spaced from the heel aperture a 3. The

cut lines

45a, 45a may be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the fold line 15. The

cut lines

45a, 45a may intersect or intersect the fold line 15. The

cut lines

45a, 45a may be bisected by the fold line 15.

During erection and packaging of the articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated such that each heel aperture a3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain the article B within the carton 90. The heel tab 40 is also folded to help retain the article B. This can be achieved by: the first and

second base panels

12, 28 are folded outwardly such that the heel tabs 40 extend inwardly, the heel tabs 40 being positioned below the respective article B when the first and

second side panels

16, 24 are folded about the group of articles. The first and

second base panels

12, 28 are then subsequently folded about the base of the group of articles and, in so doing, the heel tab 40 engages with the respective article B and is folded relative to the respective one of the first and

second base panels

12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 41.

The heel tab 40 facilitates securing or locking the heel or base of the article B in place.

The top panel 20 may include an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a pair of openings. These openings may be at least partially defined by tabs 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening is defined in part by the handle aperture a4 and in part by the tab 62. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of tabs 62 spaced apart from one another. The tab 62 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a fold line 61 and is defined in part by a cut or severance line. A first one of the tabs 62 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 opposite a second one of the tabs 62.

A first one of the tabs 62 is arranged to be positioned over a void or gap between a first set of four adjacently positioned articles B. A second one of the tabs 62 is arranged to be positioned over a void or gap between a second set of four adjacently positioned articles B.

The first and second groups may comprise a pair of common articles B positioned adjacent to each other.

A first one of the second article engaging structures T5 may be arranged to be positioned over a first one of the pair of common articles B. A second one of the second article engaging structures T6 may be arranged to be positioned over a second one of the pair of common articles B.

The tabs 62 and flaps 80 of the second article engaging structures T5, T6 define a handle or gripping area in the top panel 20. The gripping region is coupled to the surrounding region by a plurality of arms or bridging regions. The illustrated embodiment includes four arms or bridging regions. Each arm or bridging region is defined between one of the tabs 62 and an adjacent one of the flaps 80.

The grip region may be coupled to an outer portion or end portion of the top panel 20 by an arm or bridge region. In this way, the handle is connected to the top panel by the arm.

The handle is defined by a pair of spaced apart handle openings and by a pair of spaced apart article engaging flaps 80.

The blank 10 may include a dispenser that may include one or more access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. The embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 1B includes six access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. Each access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 includes a portion of the first or

second side panel

16 or 24, a portion of the second or

third corner panel

18 or 22, and a portion of the top panel 20.

Each access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 is defined in part by a severable line. Each access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 may be defined in part by a hinged connection in the form of a

fold line

29, 31. Optionally, the first side panel 16 comprises a first access panel fold line 29 extending transversely across the blank 10, which first access panel fold line 29 extends in the longitudinal direction of the carton 90 in the erected condition, that is, in a direction parallel to the tube axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of

main panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. Optionally, the second side panel 24 comprises a second access panel fold line 31 extending transversely across the blank 10, which second access panel fold line 31 extends in the longitudinal direction of the carton 90 in the erected condition, that is, in a direction parallel to the tube axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of

main panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28.

A first access panel D1 (also referred to herein as an end access panel) is arranged to be disposed at a first end of the carton 90 on a first side thereof and is defined by a first severance line 51a provided in the first side panel 16. The first severance line 51a extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The second dividing line 51b provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the first dividing line 51 a. The second dividing line 51b may be divergently arranged with respect to the first dividing line 51 a. The second dividing line 51b extends from the intersection between the first dividing line 51a and the fold line 19 to the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20. The second line of severance 51b may extend from the intersection between the first line of severance 51a and the fold line 19 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the first one of the first article engaging features T1. In this manner, the flap 70 of the first one of the first article engaging structures T1 is coupled to the first access panel D1 and is at least partially removable or detachable.

The first access panel D1 may be defined in part by a first partial-depth cut 50 a. The first partial-depth cut 50a is arranged parallel to the first severance line 51a and extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The first partial-depth cut 50a is disposed on a first side of the first severance line 51a and may be closer to the first end of the first side panel 16 than the first severance line 51 a. The first access panel D1 may be defined in part by the second partial-depth cut 50 b. The second partial-depth cut 50b is arranged parallel to the second severance line 51b and may extend substantially from the intersection between the first severance line 51a and the fold line 19 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the first one T1 of the first article engaging structures. The second partial-depth cut 50b is disposed on a second side of the second cut line 51b and may be closer to the second end of the top panel 20 than the second cut line 51 b. In this way, the first partial depth slit 50a and the second partial depth slit 50b are disposed on opposite sides of the dividable line including the first dividing line 51a and the second dividing line 51 b.

A second access panel D2 (also referred to herein as an end access panel) is arranged to be disposed at a first end of the carton 90 on a second side thereof and is defined by a first severance line 51a provided in the second side panel 24. The first severance line 51a extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. The second dividing line 51b provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the first dividing line 51 a. The second division line 51b may be divergently arranged with respect to the first division line 51 a. The second dividing line 51b extends from the intersection between the first dividing line 51a and the folding line 21 to the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20. The second line of severance 51b may extend from the intersection between the first line of severance 51a and the fold line 21 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the second T2 in the first article engaging feature. In this manner, the flaps 70 of the second one of the first article engaging structures T2 are coupled to the second access panel D2 and are at least partially removable or detachable.

The second access panel D2 may be defined in part by the first partial-depth cut 50 a. The first partial-depth cut 50a is arranged parallel to the first severance line 51a and extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. The first partial-depth cut 50a is disposed on a first side of the first cut line 51a and may be closer to a first end of the second side panel 24 than the first cut line 51 a. The second access panel D2 may be defined in part by a second partial-depth cut 50 b. The second partial-depth cut 50b is arranged parallel to the second dividing line 51b and may extend substantially from the intersection between the first dividing line 51a and the fold line 21 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the second T2 in the first article engaging configuration. The second partial-depth cut 50b is disposed on a second side of the second cut line 51b and may be closer to the second end of the top panel 20 than the second cut line 51 b. In this way, the first partial depth slit 50a and the second partial depth slit 50b are disposed on opposite sides of the dividable line including the first dividing line 51a and the second dividing line 51 b.

A third access panel D3 (also referred to herein as an end access panel) is arranged to be disposed at a second end of the carton 90 on a first side of the carton and is defined by a third severance line 53a provided in the first side panel 16. The third cut line 53a extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The fourth dividing line 53b provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the third dividing line 53 a. The fourth dividing line 53b may be divergently arranged with respect to the third dividing line 53 a. The fourth dividing line 53b extends from the intersection between the third dividing line 53a and the fold line 19 to the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20. The fourth cut line 53b may extend from the intersection between the third cut line 53a and the fold line 19 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article engaging structure. In this manner, the flaps 70 of the third T3 in the first article engaging structure are coupled to the third access panel D3 and are at least partially removable or detachable.

The third access panel D3 may be defined in part by a third partial-depth cut 52 a. The third partial-depth cut 52a is arranged parallel to the third cut line 53a and extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The third partial-depth cut 52a is disposed on a first side of the third severance line 53a and may be closer to the second end of the first side panel 16 than the third severance line 53 a. The third access panel D3 may be defined in part by the fourth partial-depth cut 52 b. The fourth partial-depth cut 52b is disposed parallel to the fourth dividing line 53b and may extend substantially from the intersection between the third dividing line 53a and the fold line 19 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the third T3 in the first article engaging structure. The fourth partial-depth cut 52b is disposed on a second side of the fourth cut line 53b and may be closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fourth cut line 53 b. In this way, the third partial depth slit 52a and the fourth partial depth slit 52b are disposed on opposite sides of the dividable line including the third dividing line 53a and the fourth dividing line 53 b.

A fourth access panel D4 (also referred to herein as an end access panel) is arranged to be disposed at the second end of the carton 90 on the second side thereof and is defined by a third severance line 53a provided in the second side panel 24. The third cut line 53a extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. The fourth dividing line 53b provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the third dividing line 53 a. The fourth dividing line 53b may be divergently arranged with respect to the third dividing line 53 a. The fourth dividing line 53b extends from the intersection between the third dividing line 53a and the folding line 21 to the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20. The fourth cut line 53b may extend from the intersection between the third cut line 53a and the fold line 21 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article engaging structure. In this manner, the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article engaging structure is coupled to the fourth access panel D4 and is at least partially removable or detachable.

The fourth access panel D4 may be defined in part by the third partial-depth cut 52 a. The third partial-depth cut 52a is arranged parallel to the third cut line 53a and extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. The third partial-depth cut 52a is disposed on a first side of the third cut line 53a and may be closer to the second end of the second side panel 24 than the third cut line 53 a. The fourth access panel D4 may be defined in part by the fourth partial-depth cut 52 b. The fourth partial-depth cut 52b is disposed parallel to the fourth dividing line 53b and may extend substantially from the intersection between the third dividing line 53a and the fold line 21 to the innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the fourth T4 in the first article engaging structure. The fourth partial-depth cut 52b is disposed on a second side of the fourth cut line 53b and may be closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fourth cut line 53 b. In this way, the third partial depth slit 52a and the fourth partial depth slit 52b are disposed on opposite sides of the dividable line including the third dividing line 53a and the fourth dividing line 53 b.

The blank 10 may include a fifth access panel D5 (also referred to herein as an intermediate access panel) arranged to be disposed intermediate opposite ends of the carton 90 on a first side of the carton 90. The fifth access panel D5 may be disposed centrally between the opposing ends of the carton 90.

The fifth access panel D5 is defined in part by a first cut line 51a provided in the first side panel 16. The fifth access panel D5 is defined in part by a third cut line 53a provided in the first side panel 16.

The first severance line 51a extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20.

The third cut line 53a extends from the first access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line 19 between the second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20.

The fifth dividing line 51c provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the first dividing line 51 a. The fifth division lines 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the first division lines 51 a. The fifth division lines 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the second division lines 51 b. The fifth cut line 51c extends from the intersection between the first cut line 51a and the fold line 19 to the first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the first T5 in the second article engaging structure.

The sixth dividing line 53c provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the third dividing line 53 a. The sixth dividing line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to the third dividing line 53 a. Sixth dividing line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to fourth dividing line 53 b. The sixth severance line 53c extends from the intersection between the third severance line 53a and the fold line 19 to the second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the first T5 in the second article engaging feature.

In this manner, the flap 80 of the first one of the second article engaging structures T5 is coupled to the fifth access panel D5 and is at least partially removable or detachable therewith.

The flap 80 of the first T5 in the second article engaging structure, or the opening created when the flap 80 is folded, may serve as a tear-initiating device, facilitating deployment of the fifth access panel D5. The user can easily engage the hinged edge of flap 80 defined by fold line 81. The hinged edge of flap 80 may be seated over a recess in the upper end of article B with which flap 80 is engaged.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by the first partial-depth cut 50 a. The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by the third partial-depth cut 52 a.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by a fifth partial-depth cut 50 c. The fifth partial-depth cut 50c is arranged parallel to the fifth cut line 51c and may extend substantially from the intersection between the first cut line 51a and the fold line 19 to the first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the first T5 in the second article engaging structure.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by a sixth partial-depth cut 52 c. The sixth partial-depth cut 52c is arranged parallel to the sixth severance line 53c and may extend substantially from the intersection between the third severance line 53a and the fold line 19 to the second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the first T5 in the second article engaging feature.

The fifth partial-depth cut 50c is disposed on a first side of the fifth cut line 51c and may be closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fifth cut line 51 c. In this way, the first partial-depth cut 50a and the fifth partial-depth cut 50c are arranged on the same side of the dividable line that includes the first dividing line 51a and the fifth dividing line 51 c.

Second partial-depth cutout 50b and fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may intersect proximate fold line 19. The second partial-depth cutout 50b and the fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may define a "V" shape. The second partial-depth cutout 50b and the fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may be divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The sixth partial-depth cut 52c is disposed on a first side of the fifth cut line 51c and may be closer to the second end of the top panel 20 than the fifth cut line 51 c. In this way, third partial depth cutout 52a and sixth partial depth cutout 52c are disposed on the same side of the dividable line including third dividing line 53a and sixth dividing line 53 c.

Fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may intersect proximate fold line 19. Fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may define a "V" shape. The fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and the sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may be divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The blank 10 may include a sixth access panel D6 (also referred to herein as an intermediate access panel) arranged to be disposed intermediate opposite ends of the carton 90 on a second side thereof. The sixth access panel D6 may be disposed centrally between the opposing ends of the carton 90.

The sixth access panel D6 is defined in part by a first severance line 51a provided in the second side panel 24. The sixth access panel D6 is defined in part by a third cut line 53a provided in the second side panel 24.

The first severance line 51a extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20.

The third cut line 53a extends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between the third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20.

The fifth dividing line 51c provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the first dividing line 51 a. The fifth division lines 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the first division lines 51 a. The fifth division lines 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the second division lines 51 b. The fifth cut line 51c extends from the intersection between the first cut line 51a and the fold line 21 to the first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the second one of the second article engaging structures T6.

The sixth dividing line 53c provided in the top panel 20 is arranged continuously with the third dividing line 53 a. The sixth dividing line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to the third dividing line 53 a. Sixth dividing line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to fourth dividing line 53 b. The sixth severance line 53c extends from the intersection between the third severance line 53a and the fold line 21 to the second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the second T6 of the second article engaging feature.

In this manner, the flap 80 of the second one of the second article engaging structures T6 is coupled to the sixth access panel D6 and is at least partially removable or detachable therewith.

The flap 80 of the second T6 in the second article engaging structure, or the opening created when the flap 80 is folded, may serve as a tear-initiating device, facilitating deployment of the sixth access panel D6. The user can easily engage the hinged edge of flap 80 defined by fold line 81. The hinged edge of flap 80 may be seated over a recess in the upper end of article B with which flap 80 is engaged.

Similarly, the flaps 70 or recesses R7, R8 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 may act as tear-inducing devices, facilitating deployment of the access panels D1, D1, D3, D4. The user can easily engage the hinged edge of flap 70 defined by fold line 71. The hinged edge of the flap 70 may sit over a recess in the upper end of the article B with which the flap 70 is engaged.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by the first partial-depth cut 50 a. The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by the third partial-depth cut 52 a.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by a fifth partial-depth cut 50 c. The fifth partial-depth cut 50c is arranged parallel to the fifth cut line 51c and may extend substantially from the intersection between the first cut line 51a and the fold line 21 to the first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the second T6 in the second article engaging structure.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by a sixth partial-depth cut 52 c. The sixth partial-depth cut 52c is arranged parallel to the sixth severance line 53c and may extend substantially from the intersection between the third severance line 53a and the fold line 21 to the second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the second one of the second article engaging features T6.

The fifth partial-depth cut 50c is disposed on a first side of the fifth cut line 51c and may be closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fifth cut line 51 c. In this way, the first partial depth cut 50a and the fifth partial depth cut 50c are arranged on the same side of the splittable line comprising the first split line 51a and the fifth split line 51 c.

Second partial-depth cutout 50b and fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may intersect proximate fold line 21. The second partial-depth cutout 50b and the fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may define a "V" shape. The second partial-depth cutout 50b and the fifth partial-depth cutout 50c may be divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may intersect proximate fold line 21. Fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may define a "V" shape. The fourth partial-depth cutout 52b and the sixth partial-depth cutout 52c may be divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Turning to the erection of the carton 90 as illustrated in fig. 2, the carton 90 can be formed in a straight line machine by a series of sequential folding operations so that there is no need to rotate or invert the carton 90 to complete its erection. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be modified according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Assembling a group of articles B; in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, six articles B are arranged in a2 x 3 array. The top panel 20 of the blank 10 is positioned over the group of articles B to provide the top wall 20 of the carton 90.

The flaps 70 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 are folded into a face-to-face relationship with the top panel 20. The first pair of flaps 70 at a first one of the first and second ends of the top panel 20 may be folded before the second pair of flaps 70 at the other of the first and second ends of the top panel 20.

The flaps 80 of the second article engaging structures T5, T6 are folded into a face-to-face relationship with the top panel 20.

The

flaps

70, 80 may be folded by a portion of the packaging machine, such as, but not limited to, a passive device (such as a static guide) or an active device (such as a folding wheel) or a combination of active and passive devices.

In one example, the blank 10 is oriented laterally relative to the conveyor belt such that the flaps 70 of the first and second article engaging structures T1, T2 precede (downstream of) the flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engaging structures T3, T4.

The leading flap 70 may be folded by a static guide that slows the movement of the flap 70 relative to the blank 10 to effect folding of the flap 70.

The trailing (upstream) flap 70 may be folded by active means which accelerate the movement of the flap 70 relative to the blank 10 to effect folding of the flap 70.

The flaps 80 may be folded by a combination of active means, by which the initial folding out of the plane of the top panel 20 may be performed, and static guides, by which the subsequent folding into face-to-face relationship with the inner surface of the top panel 20 may be accomplished.

Once the flaps 70 of the first article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 and the flaps 80 of the second article engaging structures T5, T6 are folded into a face-to-face relationship with the top panel 20, the blank 10 is moved relative to the group of articles B so as to be disposed over the upper ends of the articles B.

The

flaps

70, 80 may be received in recesses or voids in the upper end of the article B.

The

flaps

70, 80 may be arranged to abut a portion of the article B providing the abutment surface, or be positioned in close proximity to the abutment surface, in order to inhibit movement of the article B relative to the article carrier 90.

The second angled panel 18 and the third angled panel 22 (when present) are folded about the shoulders of the group of articles B about

fold lines

19, 21, respectively, relative to the top panel 20.

The first 16 and second 24 side panels are folded about the opposite sides of the group B about

fold lines

17, 23, respectively, with respect to the second 18 and third 22 angled panels to which they are hinged, so as to be disposed about the opposite sides of the group B, thereby forming the first 16 and second 24 side walls of the carton 90.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 (when present) are folded about the heel or lower portion of the adjacently positioned article B about

fold lines

15, 25, respectively, relative to a respective one of the first and

second side panels

16, 24.

The heel tab 40 may be folded out of the plane of the first and

fourth corner panels

14, 26 about the fold line 41 prior to folding the first and

fourth corner panels

14, 26 relative to the respective one of the first and

second side panels

16, 24.

In some embodiments, this is achieved by: the first and

second base panel

12, 28 are folded outwardly such that the heel tab 40 extends inwardly under the group of articles to engage one of the articles B, and then the first and

second base panel

12, 28 are folded in opposite directions under the base of the group of articles.

The second base panel 28 is folded about fold line 27 to lie adjacent the base of the group of articles B. The first base panel 12 is then folded about the fold line 13 so as to be in at least partial overlying relationship with the second base panel 28; in so doing, each of the heel tabs 42 may become engaged with the base of the respective article B.

The first and

second substrate panels

12, 28 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is moved inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 28. In doing so, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly, creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings to lock the first and

second base panels

12, 28 together. In this way, a tubular structure is formed around the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in fig. 2 and 3.

The

flaps

70, 80 engage the edge, rim or upstanding wall or other projection of the article B. When article B is a can, the top wall of the can may be countersunk to be positioned below the upper end of the side wall or end seam of article B. The top wall of the can is connected to the side wall by a can chime or end seam.

The

flaps

70, 80 engage the inner surface or abutment surface of the rim. The

flaps

70, 80 may be seated in a recess or void provided by the countersunk top wall of the article B.

When the carrying handle H is in use, the

flaps

70, 80 remain engaged with the articles B, the

flaps

70, 80 being deployable as a result of the inherent resilience or resiliency of the carrier base plate as the top panel 20 is displaced upwardly relative to the group of articles B.

The

flaps

70, 80 are folded inwardly over 90 degrees about the hinged

connections

71, 81 of the top panel 20 so as to be in substantially face-to-face relationship with the top panel 20. In this way, the

flaps

70, 80 are held in the folded condition by the respective article B with which they are engaged. Since the top panel 20 is in close proximity to the upper end of the article B, there is not enough space to allow the

flaps

70, 80 to unfold.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an additional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like parts, except with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. This additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 to 3 will be described in detail.

Fig. 4 illustrates a blank 110 for forming an article carrier (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 110 includes a plurality of

main panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of

main panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 includes: a first substrate panel 112, an optional first corner or bevel panel 114, a first side panel 116, an optional second corner or bevel panel 118, a top panel 120, an optional third corner or bevel panel 122, a second side panel 124, an optional fourth corner or bevel panel 126, and a second substrate panel 128. The plurality of

panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be arranged to be hinged one to the next in linear series by

respective fold lines

113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127.

The blank 110 includes an upper article receiving aperture a5 defined in at least the second corner panel 118 or the third corner panel 122. The blank 110 includes six upper article receiving apertures a 5; three disposed in the second corner panel 118 and three disposed in the third corner panel 122. Each of the upper article receiving apertures a5 may be defined in the top panel 120 and may be defined in a respective one of the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 124.

The upper article receiving aperture a5 is shown as being substantially triangular in form, however, in other embodiments, other shapes may be employed.

It will be understood that the blank 10 of the embodiment of fig. 1 may be modified to incorporate the upper receiving aperture a5 shown in fig. 4.

The blank 110 includes at least one article retention device or article engaging structure T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging the upper end of article B. The blank 110 illustrated in fig. 4 includes six article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6.

The blank 110 includes four end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4, and two intermediate article engaging structures T5, T6 disposed between pairs of end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4.

Each of the end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 comprises a flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 171. The first end article engaging structure T1 and the second end article engaging structure T2 each include a flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 at a first end thereof. The third end article engaging structure T3 and the fourth end article engaging structure T4 each include a flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 at its second end.

Each of the intermediate article engaging structures T5, T6 includes a flap 180 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 181.

The flaps 170 of the end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 120. The flaps 170 of the end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 are contained entirely within the footprint of the top panel 120.

The flaps 170 do not extend beyond the end of the top panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the end article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the edge of the blank 110 defined at least in part by the first and

second side panels

116, 124.

Marginal portions of the top panel 120 are hingedly connected to each of the first and

second side panels

116, 124, or the second and third bevel panels 118, 122 (when present), and have a length equal to the length of the first and second side panels 116, 124 (or the second and third bevel panels 118, 122) and equal to the length of the

bottom panel

112, 128, or at least a portion of the

bottom panel

112, 128; the at least portions of the

bottom panels

112, 128 may be marginal portions, each marginal portion hinged to one of the first and

second side panels

116, 124, or the first and fourth bevel panels 114, 126 (when present).

A first recess R7 is provided in the first end of the top panel 120, and the lobes 170 of the first and second end article engaging structures T1, T2 can be considered to be located in the first recess R7. The flaps 170 of the first and second end article engaging structures T1 and T2 partially define the first recess R7 and increase the size of the first recess R7 when folded out of the plane of the top panel 120.

The first recess R7 is arranged to receive the entirety of the flap 170.

The first recess R7 is defined only in the top panel 120 and does not extend into the first and

second side panels

116, 124 or the second and third

angled panels

118, 122.

The flap 170 of the first end article engaging structure T1 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 119 which hinges the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118. The fold line 171 is spaced apart from the fold line 119.

The flap 170 of the second end article engaging structure T2 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 121 which hinges the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122. The folding line 171 is spaced apart from the folding line 121.

The flaps 170 of the first end article engaging structure T1 and the flaps 170 of the second end article engaging structure T2 are folded away from each other and they are hinged in an opposing manner to each other. The flaps 170 of the first end article engaging structure T1 are folded toward the first side panel 116. The flap 170 of the second end article engaging structure T2 is folded toward the second side panel 124. The hinged edge of flap 170 of first end article engaging structure T1 defined by fold line 171 is positioned closer to fold line 119 than the free edge of flap 170. The hinged edge of the flap 170 of the second end article engaging structure T2 defined by the fold line 171 is disposed closer to the fold line 121 than the free edge of the flap 170.

A second recess R8 is provided in the second end of the top panel 120, and the flaps 170 of the third and fourth end article engaging structures T3, T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R8. The flaps 170 of the third and fourth first article engaging structures T3, T4 partially define the second recess R8 and increase the size of the second recess R8 when folded out of the plane of the top panel 120.

The second recess R8 is defined only in the top panel 120 and does not extend into the first and

second side panels

116, 124 or the second and third

angled panels

118, 122.

The second recess R8 is arranged to receive the entirety of the flap 170.

The flap 170 of the third end article engaging structure T3 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 119 which hinges the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118. The fold line 171 is spaced from the fold line 119.

The flap 170 of the fourth end first article engaging structure T4 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 121 which hinges the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122. The folding line 171 is spaced apart from the folding line 121.

The flaps 170 of the third end article engaging structure T3 and the flaps 170 of the fourth end first article engaging structure T4 are folded away from each other and they are hinged in an opposing manner to each other. Flap 170 of third end article engaging structure T3 is folded toward first side panel 116. The flap 170 of the fourth end first article engaging structure T4 is folded toward the second side panel 124. The hinged edge of flap 170 of the third end article engaging structure T3 defined by fold line 171 is disposed closer to fold line 119 than the free edge of flap 170. The hinged edge of flap 170 of the fourth end first article engaging structure T4 defined by fold line 171 is disposed closer to fold line 121 than the free edge of flap 170.

In blank form, the flaps 170 partially define the free end edges of the top panel 120. The edge portion of the top panel 120 defined by the flaps 170 is arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

The flap 180 of the first intermediate article engaging structure T5 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 119 which hinges the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118. The fold line 181 is spaced from the fold line 119.

The flap 180 of the second intermediate article engaging structure T6 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is oriented parallel to the fold line 121 which hinges the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122. The fold line 181 is spaced apart from the fold line 121.

The flaps 180 of the first intermediate article engaging structure T5 and the flaps 180 of the second intermediate article engaging structure T6 are folded away from each other and they are hinged in an opposing manner to each other. The flaps 180 of the first intermediate article engaging structure T5 are folded toward the first side panel 116. The flaps 180 of the second intermediate article engaging structure T6 are folded toward the second side panel 124. The hinged edge of flap 180 of the first intermediate article engaging structure T5 defined by fold line 181 is disposed closer to fold line 119 than the free edge of flap 180. The hinged edge of flap 180 of the second intermediate article engaging structure T6 defined by fold line 181 is disposed in closer proximity to fold line 121 than the free edge of flap 180.

The fold lines 171, 181 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the open ends of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of

panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128.

The

flaps

170, 180 of each of the article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 are defined in part by cuts and/or by cut lines that separate the

flaps

170, 180 from the top panel 120.

The

flaps

170, 180 of each of the article engaging structures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 include a hinged edge defined by

fold lines

171, 181 and a free edge defined by a cut or cut line. The free edge extends from a first end of the hinged edge to a second end of the hinged edge. The free edge is arcuate or curved across its entire extent.

It will be understood that features of the embodiment of fig. 1 may be incorporated in the embodiment of fig. 4, for example, but not limited to, the blank 110 may be modified to include dispenser access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, handle aperture a4, or

wing tabs

70b, 80b of the embodiment of fig. 1.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 for packaging at least one article B, each article having a recess. The article carrier 90 includes: a plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article B; and article retention means T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging the recess of one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or inadvertent dislodgement of article B from at least one of the opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention means T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 comprises a

flap

70, 80 hingedly connected to one of the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, which one of the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be the top panel 20. The article carrier 90 also includes a dispenser feature having access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. The

flaps

70, 80 are hingedly connected to the access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 to provide tear-initiating means for the dispenser.

Access panels D1, D2, D3, D4 are defined at the ends of the article carrier 90. The access panels D1, D2, D3, D4 are defined in part by the free end edges of the article carrier 90 and in part by severable lines extending from the

flaps

70, 80.

Access panels D5, D6 are defined in a middle portion of the article carrier 90. The access panels D5, D6 are at least partially defined by a pair of severable lines extending from the

flaps

70, 80. The pair of severable lines are spaced from each end of article carrier 90.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article B, each article having a recess. The article carrier includes: a plurality of

panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article B; and article retention means T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging the recess of one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or inadvertent dislodgement of article B from at least one of the opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention means T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 comprises a

flap

170, 180 hingedly connected to one of the plurality of

panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 by a hinged connection, which one of the plurality of

panels

112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be the top panel 120. The

flaps

170, 180 include a free edge extending from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of the hinged connection and a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection, the free edge being arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.

Flaps

70, 80; 170. 180 is disposed closer to one of the pair of opposing side walls than the free edge in the deployed state.

Flaps

70, 80; 170. 180 are reverse folded in an operative condition into a face-to-face relationship with the inner surface of the panel to which it is hinged. In the operative position, the

flaps

70, 80; 170. 180 is disposed closer to one of the pair of opposing side walls than the hinge edge. The

hinge connections

71, 81, 171, 181 are oriented non-parallel to the open end of the tubular structure. The hinged

connections

71, 81, 171, 181 may be oriented obliquely to the open end of the tubular structure. The

hinge connections

71, 81, 171, 181 are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the open end of the tubular structure.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 for packaging at least two articles B, each article having a recess. The article carrier 90 includes: a plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 forming a tubular structure for enclosing the at least two articles B; and a pair of article retaining devices T5, T6, each article retaining device comprising a

flap

80, 180 for engaging a recess of a respective one of the at least two articles B to prevent or inhibit movement of the articles B within the tubular structure. Each flap 80; 180 are hingedly connected to the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 in an opposed manner to one another by a hinge connection; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be the top panel 20; 120. the article carrier 90 includes a plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 defined therein; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. Each handle opening may be at least partially defined by a tab 62. The tabs 62 may be hingedly connected in an opposing manner to one another. The tab 62 and flap 80 define the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. The handle H is coupled or connected to the top panel 20 by a plurality of arms; 120, the plurality of arms may comprise four arms. Each arm is defined by a top panel 20; 120 that is disposed between one of the tabs 62 and one of the flaps 80.

The endmost article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 may be located in a recess defined in the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, or stamped therefrom. In this manner, the article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 do not add to the top panel 20; 120 or the blank 10; 110.

A top panel 20; 120 includes at least one recessed end edge to which each endmost article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4 is hingedly connected.

In some embodiments, the flaps 70; 170 partially define the top panel 20; 120 of the at least one recess. That is, the flaps 70; 170 in the expanded state do not fill or complete the end edges of the depressions.

In some embodiments, the article carrier 90 extends between the plurality of

panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112. 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 or the top panel 20; 120 includes a pair of article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 at each end. The pair of article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 are spaced from each other by recesses R7, R8, which are spaced from the top panel 20; 120 are stamped or defined therein.

The pair of article retention means T1, T2, T3, T4 may be hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by respective fold lines 71, said fold lines 71 being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Flaps 70; 170 around the top panel 20; 120 are folded inwardly over 90 degrees so as to be in substantially face-to-face relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

The article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 may include a second fold line 73 defined in the flap 70 and forming a keel portion for increasing the security of the articles B within the article carrier 90.

The second fold line 73 may partially define a wing tab 70b, which wing tab 70b is coupled to the top panel 20 only by its hinged connection to the flap 70.

The second fold line 73 may be arranged to converge at the end of the first fold line 71 to form an apex. A cut-out 75 in the form of a cut line or parting line can separate the wing tab 70b from the article carrier 90. The cutting line intersects the vertex between the first folding line 71 and the second folding line 73. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cut-out 75 may be a slot or slit or other recess that spaces the wing tab 70b from the top panel 20 of the article carrier 90.

The article carrier 90 may be of the wrap-around type, which includes a composite wall formed of two panels secured together. The composite wall may be the bottom wall of a tubular structure.

It will be understood that various changes may 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 of different sizes or shapes. The illustrated embodiments show a carton or blank for forming a wrap-style article carrier; in other embodiments, the article carrier may take on alternative formats or styles and may take on one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated 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 an orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish the panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to a wide variety of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding of portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicate an optimal panel folding position of the blank. Any reference to "a hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in practice, the hinged connection can be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines can be rectilinear/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When the linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or at a slight angle with respect to each other. When the curved fold lines form a hinge connection, they may intersect one another to define a shaped panel in the area enclosed by these curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arcuate or bow-shaped fold lines which intersect at two points such that they define an oval panel therebetween. The hinge connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a combination of linear fold lines and arcuate or arcuate fold lines which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term "polyline" may refer to one of: a score line, a raised line, a recessed line, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, an interrupted cut line, a row of aligned slits, a row of scores, and any combination of the above.

It should be understood that the hinge connection and fold line can each comprise an element formed in the base panel of the blank, including a perforation, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, a slit, a score, any combination thereof, and the like. These elements can be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a row of perforations can be sized or designed with a weakness to define a fold line and/or a cut line. The row of perforations can be designed to promote folding and resist breaking, to promote folding and promote breaking with more effort, or to promote breaking with less effort.

The phrase "aligned 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 stacked panels, and a second aperture formed in a second of two stacked panels. Those elements that are aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the stacked panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "aligned" with a second aperture in a second panel (which is placed in a stacked 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 with the second aperture in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging at least two articles, each article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the at least two articles; and a pair of article retention devices, each article retention device comprising a flap for engaging a recess of a respective one of the at least two articles to inhibit movement of the articles within the tubular structure, wherein the flaps are hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by respective hinged connections in an opposed manner from one another, the article carrier comprising a pair of handle openings defined in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle openings and flaps defining a handle in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle being coupled or connected to the one of the plurality of panels by four arms, each arm being defined by an area of the one of the plurality of panels, the area being disposed between one of the handle openings and one of the flaps.

2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is parallel to the tube axis.

3. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is oblique to the tube axis.

4. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of panels is a top panel.

5. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line.

6. The article carrier of claim 5, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a pair of opposing side walls, and the flaps are folded toward a respective one of the opposing side walls.

7. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, each article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the one or more articles; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the article carrier further comprises a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the access panel to provide a tear-inducing device for the dispenser.

8. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the access panel is defined at an end of the article carrier, the access panel being defined in part by a free end edge of the article carrier and in part by a severable line extending from the flap.

9. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the access panel is defined in a middle portion of the article carrier, the access panel being defined at least in part by a pair of severable lines extending from the flap, the pair of severable lines being spaced from each end of the article carrier.

10. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, each article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the one or more articles; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection, the flap comprising a free edge and a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein the free edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.

11. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the hinged edges of the flaps are disposed closer to one of a pair of opposing side walls than the free edges in the deployed state.

12. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the flap is reverse folded in an operative condition into face-to-face relationship with an inner surface of a panel to which it is hinged, in an operative position the free edge of the flap being disposed closer to one of a pair of opposing side walls than the hinged edge.

13. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the hinged connection is oriented non-parallel to the open end of the tubular structure.

14. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the hinged connection is oriented oblique to the open end of the tubular structure.

15. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the hinged connection is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the open end of the tubular structure.

16. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the article retention device is located in a recess defined in an end of the one of the plurality of panels.

17. The article carrier of claim 16, wherein the top panel comprises an end edge of at least one recess to which the article retention device is hingedly connected.

18. The article carrier of claim 17, wherein the flaps partially define an end edge of the at least one recess of the top panel in a deployed state.

19. The article carrier of claim 16, wherein the article carrier comprises a pair of article retention devices at an end of the one of the plurality of panels, and wherein the pair of article retention devices are spaced apart from one another by a recess struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel.

20. The article carrier of claim 19, wherein the pair of article retention devices are hingedly connected to the top panel by respective fold lines, the fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

21. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the flaps are folded inwardly more than 90 degrees about the hinged connection to the one of the plurality of panels so as to be in substantially face-to-face relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

22. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the article retention device comprises fold lines defined in the flaps and forming keel portions for increasing the security of the articles within the article carrier.

23. The article carrier of claim 22, wherein the fold line partially defines a wing tab that is coupled to the one of the plurality of panels only by its hinged connection to the flap.

24. The article carrier of claim 22, wherein the fold lines are arranged to converge at an end of the hinge connection to form an apex, and wherein a cut-out separates the wing tab from the one of the plurality of panels, the cut-out intersecting the apex between the hinge connection and the fold line.

25. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the article carrier is of the wrap-around type comprising a composite wall formed of two panels secured together.

26. The article carrier of claim 25, wherein the composite wall is a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

27. The article carrier of claim 10, wherein the flaps of the article retention device are completely contained within the footprint of the one of the plurality of panels.

28. The article carrier of claim 19, wherein the flaps of the pair of article retention devices are fully contained within the footprint of the top panel.

29. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least two articles, each article having a recess, the blank comprising a pair of article retention devices, each article retention device comprising a flap for engaging the recess of a respective one of the at least two articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, wherein the flaps are hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels in an opposed relationship to each other by respective hinged connections, the blank comprising a pair of handle openings defined in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle openings and flaps defining a handle in the one of the plurality of panels, the handle being coupled or connected to the one of the plurality of panels by four arms, each arm is defined by a region of the one of the plurality of panels that is disposed between one of the handle openings and one of the flaps.

30. The blank of claim 29, wherein, in an erected condition, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is parallel to the tube axis.

31. The blank of claim 29, wherein, in an erected condition, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and a tube axis is defined between the ends, and wherein the hinged connection between the flap and the one of the plurality of panels is oblique to the tube axis.

32. The blank of claim 29, wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line.

33. A blank according to claim 32 wherein the plurality of panels comprises a pair of opposed side walls hingedly connected to a top panel along a hinge edge of the top panel, and the flaps are folded towards a respective one of the hinge edges.

34. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles, the one or more articles having a recess; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the blank further comprising a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the access panel to provide a tear-inducing device for the dispenser.

35. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing the one or more articles, the one or more articles having a recess; and an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of the article within the tubular structure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection, the flap comprising a free edge and a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein the free edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.