EP2736818A1

EP2736818A1 - Carton and carton blank

Info

Publication number: EP2736818A1
Application number: EP12745750.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alain Saulas; Philippe Lebras
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2011-07-29
Filing date: 2012-07-30
Publication date: 2014-06-04
Also published as: GB201113149D0; WO2013019753A1; CN103889851A

Abstract

A carton for packaging one or more articles includes a first side pan¬ el and a first base panelhingedly connected by a fold line. The carton further includes at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article. The at least one article retention struc¬ ture has at least one retention tab (42, 44) struck from, and hinged- ly connected to, the first side panel and the first base panel. At least a portion of the at least one retention tab is folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel and first base panel. The carton further includes at least one locking tab (52) hingedly connected to one of said first side panel and the first base panel. The at least one locking tab has a locking edge in engagement with a portion of the at least one retention tab.

Description

CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton and blank for forming the same, more specifically, but not exclusively to a wraparound carton comprising a locking mechanism for locking an article retention structure in a receiving position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a receiving mechanism for receiving a portion of an article and securely holding said article, it is further desirable to simplify assembly of a carton comprising such a structure and loading of the carton with articles.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

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

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a first side panel and a first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line. The carton further comprises at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article. The at least one article retention structure comprises at least one retention tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel. At least a portion of the at least one retention tab is folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein the carton further comprises at least one locking tab hingedly connected to one of said first side panel or said first base panel. The at least one locking tab comprises a locking edge in engagement with the at least one portion of the at least one retention tab so as to secure the at least one retention tab in the overlapping relationship.

The at least one retention structure may comprise a pair of article retention structures each comprising the at least one retention tab hingedly connected to the first side panel and/or the first base panel wherein the at least one locking tab engages with the at least one retention tab of each of the article retention structures.

The carton may comprise a top panel disposed between the first side panel and a second side panel. The second side panel may be hingedly connected to a second base panel, the first and second base panels being secured to one another.

The second side panel and second base panel may comprise at least one article retention structure struck therefrom.

The carton may further comprise a first bevel panel hingedly connected between the first side panel and the first base panel, and/or a second bevel panel hingedly connected between the second side panel and the second base panel.

The at least one article retention structure may be struck at least in part from one of the first or second bevel panels.

The at least one retention tab may comprise a pair of first and second tabs disposed in a substantially opposed position to one another. The second retention tab may comprise a linear dimension less than that of the first retention tab.

The second tab may be disposed adjacent to an end of the carton. The second tab may be folded in an over-centre manner.

The at least one locking tab may comprise a first latching edge for engaging with the at least one retention tab of the at least one article retention structure.

The at least one locking tab may comprise a second latching edge for engaging with the at least one retention tab of the at least one article retention structure.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton comprising a first panel hingedly connected to a second panel wherein at least one article retention structure is defined therein. The at least one article retention structure comprises at least one retention tab hingedly struck from the first and second panel and connected to the first and second panels, wherein one of the first or second panels comprises at least one locking tab disposed adjacent to the at least one retention tab. The at least one locking tab comprises a latching edge for securing the at least one retention tab in a folded condition with respect to the first and second panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGURE 1 . is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2. is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3. is a perspective view from above of along a tubular axis of the carton showing the internal configuration; FIGURE 4. is an enlarged perspective view from above of an internal portion of the carton of Figure 2;

FIGURE 5. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8. is an enlarged perspective view from above of an internal portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 5;

FIGURE 7. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8. is an end view of an end of the crate with the display panel according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 9. is an enlarged perspective view from above of a portion of a blank for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 10. is an enlarged perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 9;

FIGURE 1 1 . is an enlarged perspective view from above of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 9;

FIGURE 12. is an enlarged view of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 9; and

FIGURE 13. is an enlarged view of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 9. Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein, it will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a blank for forming a carton 90 capable of accepting an input of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles.

Blank 10 comprises a series of main panels hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first base panel 12, which forms a part of a composite base panel 12 of the carton 90, is hinged to a first lower side wall panel 14 by fold line 13. Optionally, first lower side wall panel 14 is hinged to, or comprises, a first bevel panel 56, along a fold line 15. First lower side wall panel 14 is hinged to a first upper side wall panel 16 by a fold line 17.

First upper side wall panel 16 is hinged to a top panel 18 along a fold line 19. Top panel 19 is hinged to second upper side wall pane! 20 along fold line 21 . Second upper side wall panel 20 is hinged to second lower side wall panel 22 along fold line 23. Second lower side wall panel 22 is hinged to second base panel 24 which, together with first base panel 12, forms the composite base panel 12/24 of a carton 90.

Optionally, second lower side wail panel 22 is hinged to second bevel pane! 54 along fold line 25 which in turn is hinged to second base panel 24 along fold line 27. First base panel 12 comprises female tabs F, second base panel 24 comprises male tabs M, together the male and female tabs M, F form a locking mechanism for securing the first and second base panels 12, 24 together. Top pane! 18 comprises a pair of finger tabs H for forming a handle, in alternative embodiments alternative handle structures may be employed.

Top panel 18 also comprises a pair of transverse fold lines 29, 31 which extend between fold line 19 and fold line 21 , in other words, between the first and second upper side wall panels 16, 20.

Transverse fold lines 29, 31 each define in part a top end flap 38, 38 for at least partially closing an end of the carton 90.

First and second upper side wall panels 16, 20 comprise one or more upper article retention structures 34.

Each upper article retention structure 34 comprises a substantially U-shaped aperture 26, preferably each U-shaped aperture 26 is disposed adjacent to a respective one of fold lines 19, 21. more preferably each U-shaped aperture 26 interrupts the respective fold line 19, 21 . The upper article retention structure 34 also comprise a first, second and third frangible line or outline 28, 30, 32. First cut line 28 extends from a lowermost portion of the U-shaped aperture 26 preferably first cut line 28 is substantially perpendicular to a respective one of fold lines 19, 21. Second and third cut lines 30, 32 each comprise first portions which are convergently orientated with respect to one another, and preferably are additionally convergently orientated with respect to first cut line 28. Second and third cut lines 30, 32 may optionally comprise second portions which are orientated substantially parallel with respect to one another and preferably are substantially parallel with respect to first cut line 28.

First cut line 28 and second cut line 30 define in part a first flap. First cut line 28 and third cut line 32 define in part a second flap.

Each of the upper article retention structures 34 are arranged to accommodate a respective article of a group of articles which form a package with the carton 90. In the illustrated embodiment the carton 90 is arranged to accommodate six articles arranged in two rows of three articles, the blank 10 comprises six article retention structures arranged in a 2 x 3 array for receiving an outermost region of upper portions of each article. In embodiments with more than two rows it is envisaged that only those articles in the outermost rows will be received in a respective upper article retention structure 34. In yet further alternative embodiments it is envisaged that only those articles disposed adjacent the ends of the carton 90 may be retained in a respective upper article retention structure 34.

Preferably, the first upper side wall panel 16 comprises a first fold line 31 , first fold line 31 extends from fold line 19 to an adjacent free end edge of first upper side wall panel 12. First fold line 31 defines in part a gusset panel struck from first upper side wall panel 16, which gusset panel is hinged to first top end flap 36. A second fold line 35 disposed adjacent a second free end edge, opposing the first free end edge, is provided in the first upper side wall panel 16 and defines a second gusset panel hinged to the second top end flap 38. Likewise second upper side wall panel 20 comprises a third and a fourth fold line 33, 37 respectively, each of third and fourth fold lines defining in part a third and fourth gusset panel hinged to a respective one of the first or second top end flaps 36, 38.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of lower retention structures L1 , L2, in the illustrated embodiment the blank 10 comprises a pair of first, or endmost, lower article retention structures L1 and a pair of second, or inner, lower article retention structures L2, Each of the first retention structures L1 is disposed adjacent a respective one of the end edges of the carton 90. Each of the second lower retention structures L2 are disposed between a pair of endmost retention structures L1.

In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that more second retention structures L2 may be provided between a pair of first retention structures L1 .

In yet a further alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the carton 90 may comprise only first or second retention structures.

Second, or inner, lower retention structures L2 are symmetrically, first or endmost, lower retention structures L1 are asymmetrical, but otherwise are substantially the same and will be described by reference to first lower retention structure L1 . The differences of the second lower retention structures L2 will be described by reference to first lower retention structures L1 .

Each first lower retention structure L1 comprises two retention tabs 42, 44. First retention tab 42 comprises three components, upper tab component 42A, lower tab component 42C and central tab component 42B. Upper tab component 42A is hinged to central tab component 42B by fold line 41A. Central tab component 42B is hinged to lower tab component 42C by fold line 41 B.

Second retention tab 44 comprises three components, upper tab component 44A, lower tab component 44C and central tab component 44B. Upper tab component 44A is hinged to central tab component 44B by fold line 43A. Central tab component 44B is hinged to lower tab component 44C by fold line 43B.

First and second retention tabs 42, 44 are hinged to the blank 10 along fold lines 59A, 59B, preferably each fold line 59A, 59B is non linear, or arcuate.

Optionally, the fold line 59A, 59B may comprise two or more linear sections defining an angle therebetween. Fold line 41 A and 43A are arranged to be convergent with respect to one another. Fold lines 41 B and 43B are arranged to be convergent with respect to one another. Fold line 41A comprises a first end disposed substantially on fold line 27 and extends therefrom. Fold line 43A comprises a first end disposed substantially upon fold line 25 and extends therefrom. Fold line 41 B comprises a first end disposed substantially on the fold line 25 and extends therefrom. Fold line 43B comprises a first end disposed substantially upon fold line 27 and extends therefrom.

First upper tab component 42A and second upper tab component 44A are struck at least in part from material forming the second lower side wall panel 22. First central tab component 42B and second central tab component 44B are struck at least in part from material forming the first bevel panel 56 when present or the second lower side wall panel 22.

In the illustrated embodiments the fold lines 41 A, 41 B, 43A, 43B are defined in part by cut lines extending partially across the first retention tab 42 or second retention tab 42 respectively. The cut lines are preferably arranged to be convergently orientated with respect to one another such that they converge towards a hinged connection of the first retention tab 42 to the blank 10. First lower tab component 42C and second lower tab component 44C are stuck at least in part from material forming the second base panel 24. First retention tab 42 is separated from second retention tab 44 by a cut line or weakened line of severance and optionally by an aperture 46,

Lower article retention structure L1 may also comprise a first, upper, aperture 48 disposed adjacent the first and second upper tab components 42A, 44A.

Lower article retention structure L1 may further comprise a second, lower aperture 40 disposed adjacent the first and second lower tab components 42C, 44C.

Second lower apertures 40 may comprise a substantially V-shaped portion wherein the vertex of the aperture 40 is disposed closest to a free edge of base panel 24 opposing an edge comprising the hinged connection to the first bevel panel 54. These lower apertures 40 may be engaged by fingers for assembly of the carton 90.

The blank 10 further comprises at least one locking tab 52. In the illustrated embodiment a pair of locking tabs 52 is defined in each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 and hinged thereto.

Each locking tab 52 is disposed between a pair of first or second lower article retention structures L1 , L2. Each locking tab 52 is substantially "arrow head like" in shape. The locking tab 52 comprises first and second latching edges disposed on opposing sides of a "shaft" coupling the locking tab 52 to the blank 10. In alternative embodiments alternative shapes are envisaged which comprise one or more latching edges defined in part by a "waist".

The second lower tab component 44C of first lower retention structure L1 is shorter than the first lower tab component 42C whereas the second lower retention structure L2 comprises first and second lower tab components 42C, 44C which are of equal length in dimension.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, it is envisaged that the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. The carton 90 is constructed by folding the first and second upper side wall panels 16, 20 about a group of articles by folding about respective fold lines 19, 21 .

The optional fold lines 17, 23 when provided, allow the lower side wall panels 14, 22 to be folded about lower regions of the group of articles, it is envisaged that in embodiments for accommodating articles having substantially parallel sides fold lines 17, 23 may be omitted.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 are then folded about the base of the group of articles. This stage may include first folding the first and second bevel panels 54, 56 about lower regions of the article group. The first and second base panels are brought into at least partial overlapping arrangement such that male tabs M may be inserted through apertures in the first base panel 12 defined by female tabs F. Preferably the first base panel 12 is disposed innermost. First and second top end flaps 36, 38 are folded about downwardly about upper ends of the fold lines 29, 31 respectively. Preferably, this is done simultaneously with folding the first and second upper side wall panel 16, 20 about the group of articles. The gusset panels are folded into flat face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first or second upper side wall panels 16, 20 from which they are struck. !t is envisaged that the first and second retention tabs 42, 44 of each of the lower article retention structures L1 , L2 will be folded internally of the carton 90 about fold lines 59A, 59B prior to folding the first and second base panels 12, 24 about the base of the group of articles, or alternatively simultaneously as the first and second base panels 12, 24, and first and second bevel panels 54, 56 when present, are folded about the group of articles.

The lower tab components 42C, 44C of each lower article retention structure L1 , L2 are folded into overlapping relationship preferably substantially face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first or second base panel 12, 24.

Locking tabs 52 are then displaced internally of the carton 90 such that each locking tab 52 engages with a first lower tab 52C of a first one of the lower article retention structures L1 , L2 and a second lower tab component 44C of a second lower article retention structure L1 , L2 adjacent said first one of the lower article retention structure L1 , 12.

The first and second lower tab components 42C, 44C engage with engaging edges below the "arrowhead" on opposing sides of the each locking tab 52 best illustrated in Figure 4.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 13, there is shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second, third and fourth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100", "200" or "300" to indicate that these features belong to the second, third or fourth embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 will be described in any greater detail. Blank 1 10 comprises a lower article retention structure L1 comprising first and second retention tabs 142, 144. Each of the first and second tabs comprises an upper tab component 142A, 144A and a lower tab component 142B, 144B hingedly connected by a respective fold line 143A, 143B.

Fold lines 143A, 143B converge towards a cut line or aperture 146 separating the first and second retention tabs 142, 144.

Upper aperture 148 is D-shaped and comprises an arcuate section adjacent the first and second upper tab components 142A, 144A. A pair of cut lines 181 extends from an upper, linear, portion of upper aperture 148, preferably cut lines 161 are arcuate and are continuous with an arcuate cut line defining the arcuate section of upper aperture 148.

Figure 6 illustrates an internal portion of a carton 90 formed from the blank 1 10. The lower article retention structures L1 , L2 have been assembled and are locked in position by locking tabs 152.

An article, not illustrated, is at least partially received in the each of the apertures 146 formed when the first and second retention tabs 142, 144 are folded out of the plane of the blank 1 10. Portions of the article engage with the first and second retention tabs 142, 144. The first and second retention tabs 142, 144 at least partially extend about opposing sides or ends of each article so as to prevent movement of the article in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of a tubular structure formed by the blank 1 10.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a blank 210 and a lower portion of a carton formed from the blank 210 according to a third embodiment. The first lower article retention structure L1 differs from those of the second embodiment in that the second lower tabs 244B are of equal length to the first lower tabs 242B. Figure 9 illustrates a portion of a blank 310 for forming a portion of a carton as illustrated in Figure 10. The blank 310 comprises a first side wall panel 322 and a first base panel 324, it is envisaged that the blank 310 will additionally comprise a top panel, second side wall panel, and second base panel, the first and second base panels being brought into overlapping relationship and secured together.

The lower article retention structure L1 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the second lower tab component 344C is of equal length to the first lower tab component 342C. The central tab components 344A, 344B are not hingedly connected directly to the blank 310, but are each separated therefrom by respective cut line 383A, 363B. The central tab components 342B, 344B are hinged indirectly to the blank 310 via the hinged connections to the upper and lower tab components 342A, 344A, 342C, 344C. The cut lines 363A, 363B facilitate folding of the first and second tabs 342, 344 internally of the carton.

In the foregoing embodiments the first and second retention tabs 42, 44; 142, 144; 242, 244; 342, 344 comprise a first stable position and a second stable position, the retention tabs 42, 44; 142, 144; 242, 244; 342, 344 can be toggled or snapped between the two positions in an over-centre manner when the base panel 12, 24; 1 12, 124; 212, 224; 322, 324 is folded into an angular relationship with the first or second lower sidewall panel 14, 22; 1 14, 122; 214, 222; 314, 322.

The outermost tabs, for example the second retention tab 44 of lower article retention structure L1 illustrated in Figure 1 , is not provided with a locking tab; this second retention tab 44 being held in the second stable position when folded out of the plane of the base panel 24 and the second lower side wall panel 22.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. in alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the locking tab 52, 152, 252, 352 may be shaped and arranged to engage with a single retention tab 42, 44; in such embodiments the locking tab may comprise only a first latching edge.

The locking tabs 52 are located adjacent to one of the first or second lower article retention structures L1 , L2.

In embodiments in which one or more of the locking tab 52 comprises only a first latching edge, the first latching edge of the locking tab 52 is disposed at a distance from the respective first or second retention structures L1 , L2 which is equal to or less than a distance between the fold line 59A, 59B and a free edge of the first or second retention tab 42, 44 with which the latching edge or the locking tab 52 engages. In the illustrated embodiment the locking tabs 52 engage with a first side edge of the first or second retention tabs 42, 44 which first side edge opposes a second side edge which is defined at least in part by the respective fold line 59A, 59B.

In alternative embodiments the locking tab 52 may engage with an end edge of the first or second retention tab 42, 44 which end edge is adjacent to the second side edge of the locking tab 52 which is defined at least in part by the respective fold line 59A, 59B.

In those embodiments in which one or more of the locking tabs 52 comprise a first and second latching edge for locking with a first or second retention tabs 42, 44 of a pair of lower article retention structures L1 , L2 both the first and second latching edges of the locking tab 52 are disposed at a distance from the respective first or second lower article retention structures L1 , L2 which is equal to or less than a distance between the fold line 59A, 59B and a free edge of the first or second retention tab 42, 44 with which the latching edge or the locking tab 52 engages. !n the illustrated embodiments it will be appreciated that the first and second lower article retention structures L1 , L2 are separated by a distance which is greater than the combined linear dimension, for example width, of the first or second retention tabs 42, 44 which are disposed adjacent to one another, in order that the first or second tabs of each lower article retention structures L1 , L2 do not overlap with one another. Preferably, the first or second retention tabs 42, 44, which are disposed adjacent to one another, of a pair of adjacent lower article retention structures L1 , L2 when folded about the respective fold line 59A, 59B are separated from one another by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the locking tab 52 but less than a distance defined by the outer extremities of the first and second latching edges of the locking tab 52, In the illustrated embodiment the distance of separation between adjacent first or second retention tabs 42, 44 of adjacent lower article retention structures L1 , L2 is greater than the distance defined by the width of the "shaft" of the locking tab 52 and is smaller than distance defined by the widest part of the "arrow head".

In yet another embodiment it is envisaged that the outermost tabs, for example second retention tab 44 of lower article retention structure L1 illustrated in Figure 1 , may be secured by a locking tab having one or more latching edges. Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a wraparound style carton it is envisaged that the locking mechanism and/or the article retention structure may be employed in cartons of alternative design, such as but not limited to fully enclosed cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged conneciion can be formed from one or more of the following, a short silt, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

C LAI MS

1 . A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a first side panel and first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the carton comprising at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article, the at least one article retention structure comprising at least one retention tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of the at least one retention tab being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein the carton further comprises at least one locking tab hingedly connected to one of said first side panel or said first base panel, the at least one locking tab comprising a locking edge in engagement with the at least one portion of the at least one retention tab so as to secure the at least one retention tab in said overlapping relationship.

2. The carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one article retention structure comprises a pair of article retention structures each having the at least one retention tab hingedly connected to the first side panel and/or the first base panel, wherein the at least one locking tab engages with the at least one retention tab of each of the article retention structures, whereby the at least one retention tab of each of the article retention structures is secured in overlapping relationship with the first side panel and/or first base panel.

3. The carton according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a top pane! disposed between the first side panel and a second side panel, the second side panel being hingedly connected to a second base panel, the first and second base panels being secured to one another.

4. The carton according to claim 3 wherein the second side panel and second base panel comprise at least one retention tab of the at least one article retention structure.

5. The carton according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a first bevel panel hingedly connected between the first side pane! and the first base panel and/or a second bevel panel hingedly connected between the second side panel and the second base panel.

6. The carton according to claim 5 wherein the at least one article retention structure is struck at least in part from one of the first or second bevel panels,

7. The carton according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the at least one article retention tab comprises first and second retention tabs disposed substantially in an opposed position to one another.

8. The carton according to claim 7 wherein the second retention tab comprises a linear dimension less than a linear dimension of the first retention tab.

9. The carton according to claim 8 wherein the second retention tab is disposed adjacent to an end of the carton.

10. The carton according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the second retention tab is folded in an over-centre manner.

1 1 . The carton according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the locking tab comprises a first latching edge for engaging with the at least one retention tab of the at least one article retention structure.

12. The carton according to claim 1 1 wherein the locking tab further comprises a second latching edge for engaging with the at least one retention tab of a second article retention structure.

13. A blank for forming a carton comprising a first panel hingeclly connected to a second panel wherein at least one article retention structure is defined therein, the at least one article retention structure comprising at least one retention tab hingedly struck from the first and second panels and connected to the first and second panels, wherein one of the first or second panels comprises at least one locking tab disposed adjacent to the at least one retention tab, the at least one locking tab comprising a latching edge for securing the at least one retention tab in a folded condition with respect to the first and second panels.

14. The blank according to claim 13 wherein the at least one article retention structure comprises a pair of article retention structures each having the at least one retention tab hingedly connected to the first and second panels, wherein the at least one locking tab engages with the at least one retention tab of each of the article retention structures, whereby the at least one retention tab of each of the article retention structures is secured in overlapping relationship with the first side panel and/or first base panel.

15. The blank according to claim 13 or 14 further comprising a top panel disposed between the first panel and a third panel, the third panel being hingedly connected to a fourth panel, the second and fourth panels being secured to one another when the blank is erected into a carton.

16. The blank according to claim 15 wherein the third and fourth panels comprise at least one retention tab of the at least one article retention structure.

17. The blank according to any one of claims 13 to 16 further comprising a first bevel panel hingedly connected between the first and second panels and/or a second bevel panel hingedly connected between the third and fourth panels.

18. The blank according to claim 17 wherein the at least one article retention structure is struck at least in part from one of the first or second bevel panels.

19. The blank according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the at least one retention tab comprises first and second retention tabs disposed substantially in an opposed position to one another.

20. The blank according to claim 19 wherein the second retention tab comprises a linear dimension less than a linear dimension of the first retention tab.