EP4255823A1

EP4255823A1 - Article carriers and blanks therefor

Info

Publication number: EP4255823A1
Application number: EP21835514.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Michel Garnier
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Also published as: CN116710367A; AU2021390537A1; WO2022120151A1; KR20230113763A; JP2024500061A

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (92; 192; 292, 392) for forming a package (90; 190; 290; 390) and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310) for forming the article carriers (92; 192; 292, 392). The article carrier (92; 192; 292, 392) comprises a main panel (12; 112; 212; 312) for receiving at least one article (B). A pair of opposed side panels (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320) hingedly connected to the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312) and an end strap secured between the pair of opposed side panels (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320). The end strap comprises an end panel (14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n) obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312). The end panel (14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n) comprises a first edge facing toward the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312) at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion or protuberance of an article (B).

Description

ARTICLE CARRIERS AND BLANKS THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packages, to article carriers, to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a package comprising a tray having a main panel and a plurality of side panels, the side panels adapted to follow the profile of an article being packaged.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting a weight of grouped articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are securely held by the carton and that the cartons or carriers are easy for a consumer to grasp and carry.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier for substantially cylindrical articles having a minimalistic appearance. The article carrier takes the form of a tray it is an object of the present disclosure to inhibit separation of the tray from articles disposed therein.

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

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a main panel for receiving at least one article and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel. An end strap is secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strap comprises an end panel obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel. The end panel comprises a first edge facing toward the main panel at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion of an article.

Advantageously, the end panel inhibits separation of the article carrier from the at least one article disposed therein. The end strap may form a waist band from which the article carrier is suspended when the article carrier is transported. Optionally, the article carrier is a tray and the main panel is a base panel.

Optionally, the end panel comprises an outer surface forming an overhanging face.

Optionally, the end panel is obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel such that the engaging edge extends into a waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article.

Optionally, the first edge of the end panel is a hinged edge, defined by a hinged connection between a distal portion of the end panel and an intermediate portion of the end panel.

Optionally, the end strap comprises at least one corner panel hingedly connected to each end of the end panel.

Optionally, the at least one corner panel comprises an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion of an article.

Optionally, the protrusion of an article is provided between the end panel or the at least one corner panel and the main panel.

Optionally, the at least one corner panel is arranged to extend about a waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article.

Optionally, the end panel comprises a second edge facing away from the main panel, the first edge of the end panel being disposed in closer proximity to the main panel than the second edge and in opposition to the first edge, wherein the first edge of the end panel is inset with respect to the second edge of the end panel.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises an end closure panel hingedly connected to the main panel, wherein at least a portion of the end panel is disposed internally of the end closure panel.

Optionally, the portion of the end panel is inset with respect to the end closure panel.

Optionally, the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels. Optionally, the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels, and wherein the end closure panel is hingedly connected to the gusset panel by a web panel.

Optionally, the end panel comprises a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, each of the proximal section, distal section and intermediate section being obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises a base panel upon which the plurality of articles is disposed and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the base panel. An end strap is secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strap comprises an end panel obliquely oriented with respect to the base panel. The end panel comprises a first edge facing towards the main panel at least a portion of which is in engagement with a protrusion of at least one of the plurality of articles.

Optionally, the end strap forms a waist band about the articles.

Optionally, the package comprises a top portion extending about upper portions of the articles.

Optionally, the top portion is secured to each of the pair of opposed side panels.

Advantageously, the end panel inhibits or prevents removal or withdrawal of the at least one article from the article carrier.

Optionally, the top portion is separate from the article carrier and is in engagement with the articles.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a main panel for receiving at least one article and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel. The blank comprises an end strap which is arranged to be secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strap comprises an end panel configured to be obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel in a set-up condition. The end panel comprises a first edge facing toward the main panel at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion of an article. Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 3B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a third embodiment;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 7;

Figure 9A illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of Figure 2; Figure 9B illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of Figure 4;

Figure 9C illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of Figure 8;

Figure 10A is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the article carrier of Figure 2 and a top-gripping clip; and

Figure 10B is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the article carrier of Figure 4 and a strap member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the packages, blanks and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 92, as shown in Figure 2. The carrier 92 is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The carrier 92 may form part of a secondary package 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 10A that packages at least one primary product container B. Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310 are shown in Figures 3, 5, and 7 for forming an alternative carton or carriers 192; 292; 392.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers (articles B). It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers may include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure 92; 192; 292; 392 described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290; 390, described herein, may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glueability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 92; 192; 292; 392 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated, the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments, three rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are bottles. The articles B may be formed from plastic and may comprise a petaloid base. The side walls of the articles B may be contoured or shaped to define a waist or recessed region. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment and shows the blank 10 for forming the article carrier 92 shown in Figure 2. The carrier 92 takes the form of a tray or crate for mounting to, or about, bases of one or more articles B. The article carrier 92 comprises an open upper end configured to receive the articles B. The blank 10 comprises a main or base panel 12. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels forming side or end walls of the carrier 92. The carrier 92 comprises a pair of opposed side walls 18a/18b/18c, 20a/20b/20c and a pair of opposed end walls 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 18a, 18b, 18c for forming a first side wall 18a/18b/18c including a proximal first side panel 18a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17a. An intermediate first side panel 18b is hingedly connected to the proximal first side panel 18a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17b. A distal first side panel 18c is hingedly connected to the intermediate first side panel 18b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 20a, 20b, 20c for forming a second side wall 20a/20b/20c including a proximal second side panel 20a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19a. An intermediate second side panel 20b is hingedly connected to the proximal second side panel 20a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19b. A distal second side panel 20c is hingedly connected to the intermediate second side panel 20b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 14a, 14b, 14c for forming a first end wall 14a/14b/14c including a proximal first end panel 14a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13a. An intermediate first end panel 14b is hingedly connected to the proximal first end panel 14a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13b. A distal first end panel 14c is hingedly connected to the intermediate first end panel 14b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13c. The distal first end panel 14c forms part of a first end strap or waist band.

The blank 10 comprises at least one first corner panel 22a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23a. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of first corner panels 22a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23a. The plurality of first corner panels 22a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 23a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 22a comprises four first corner panels 22a. A first securing panel 24a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 22a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25a. The first securing panel 24a is hingedly connected to the plurality of first corner panels 22a to form a linear series with the first corner panels 22a. The blank 10 comprises at least one second corner panel 22b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23b. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of second corner panels 22b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23b. The plurality of second corner panels 22b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 23b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 22b comprises four second corner panels 22b. A second securing panel 24b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 22b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25b. The second securing panel 24b is hingedly connected to the plurality of second corner panels 22b to form a linear series with the second corner panels 22b.

The blank 10 comprises panels 16a, 16b, 16c for forming a second end wall 16a/16b/16c including a proximal second end panel 16a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15a. An intermediate second end panel 16b is hingedly connected to the proximal second end panel 16a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15b. A distal second end panel 16c is hingedly connected to the intermediate second end panel 16b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15c. The distal second end panel 16c forms part of a second end strap or waist band.

The blank 10 comprises at least one third corner panel 26a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27a. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of third corner panels 26a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27a. The plurality of third corner panels 26a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 27a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 26a comprises four third corner panels 26a. A third securing panel 28a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 26a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29a. The third securing panel 28a is hingedly connected to the plurality of third corner panels 26a to form a linear series with the third corner panels 26a.

The blank 10 comprises at least one fourth corner panel 26b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27b. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of fourth corner panels 26b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27b. The plurality of fourth corner panels 26b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 27b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fourth corner panels 26b comprises four fourth corner panels 26b. A fourth securing panel 24b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 26b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29b. The fourth securing panel 24b is hingedly connected to the plurality of fourth corner panels 26b to form a linear series with the fourth corner panels 26b.

The blank 10 is assembled about a group of articles B, a group of articles B are lowered with respect to the base panel 12 to be disposed thereupon.

First end wall panels 14a, 14b, 14c are folded with respect to the base panel 12, about fold line 13a to be disposed about a first end of the article group. The proximal first end panel 14a may be folded through an angle a (see Figure 9A), angle a may be less than 90°, to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. In this way an outer surface of the proximal first end panel 14a may define or provide an overhanging face. An inner surface of the proximal first end panel 14a and the base panel 12 define an internal angle p, the angle may be greater than 90°.

The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded with respect to the proximal first end panel 14a, about fold line 13b. The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded through an angle p (see Figure 9A) to be inclined at an angle 5 with respect to the base panel 12. The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded such that an inner surface of the intermediate first end panel 14b defines or provides an overhanging face.

The distal first end panel 14c is folded with respect to the intermediate first end panel 14b, about fold line 13c. The distal first end panel 14c is folded to define an angle co to the vertical or to a notional line normal to the base panel 12. An outer surface of the distal first end panel 14c defines or provides an overhanging face.

A lower edge, defined by the hinged connection 13c to the intermediate first end panel 14b, of the distal first end panel 14c may provide an engaging edge; the engaging edge may engage a portion of an article B so as to inhibit movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 12.

The articles B comprises a waist defining hips or shoulders, the intermediate first end panel 14b overlies, at least in part the hips or shoulders and may be in contact therewith. The intermediate first end panel 14b may inhibit movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 12. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first and second securing panels 24a, 24b or to corresponding regions of the first and second distal side panels 18c, 20c.

The first and second corner panels 22a, 22b are folded about corners of the article group.

Second end wall panels 16a, 16b, 16c are folded similarly to the first end wall panels 14a, 14b, 14c.

The first and second side panels 18a/18 b/ 18c, 20a/20b/20c are folded with respect to the base panel 12, about fold lines 17a, 19a respectively.

First side wall panels 18a, 18b, 18c are folded with respect to the base panel 12, about fold line 17a to be disposed about a first side of the article group. The proximal first side panel 18a is folded to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. In this way an outer surface of the proximal first side panel 18a defines or provides an overhanging face. The intermediate first side panel 18b is folded with respect to the proximal first side panel 18a, about fold line 17b. The intermediate first side panel 18b is folded to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. The distal first side panel 18c is folded with respect to the intermediate first side panel 18b to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12.

The proximal second side panel 20a is folded (along with the intermediate and distal first side panels 18b, 18c), about fold line 19a, to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. In this way an outer surface of the proximal second side panel 20a defines or provides an overhanging face. The intermediate second side panel 20b is folded with respect to the proximal second side panel 20a, about fold line 19b. The intermediate second side panel 20b is folded to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. The distal second side panel 20c is folded with respect to the intermediate second side panel 20b to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12.

The first distal side panel 18c is brought into contact with the first and third securing panels 24a, 28a. The second distal side panel 20c is brought into contact with the second and fourth securing panels 24b, 28b. The first and third securing panels 24a, 28a are secured to the first distal side panel 18c. The second and fourth securing panels 24b, 28b are secured to the second distal side panel 20c. The assembled carrier 92 is shown in Figure 2, the distal side and end panels 18c, 20c, 14c, 16c form a band around the article group. The intermediate and proximal side and end panels 18b, 18a, 20b, 20a, 14b, 14a, 16b, 16a form a ballooned or billowed skirt.

Referring to Figure 10A there is shown an embodiment in which the carrier 92 forms part of a package 490 with a top-engaging clip 494 and a plurality of articles B. The engaging panel 450 comprises a plurality of article retention structures, each article retention structure provides an article receiving opening for receiving a respective article B. The article retention structures may comprise an article receiving aperture about which a plurality of teeth or tabs may be disposed. Each of the teeth is struck from the engaging panel 450 and is hingedly connected thereto. Each article receiving opening of the retention structures receives one of the articles B forming the group of articles B. An end closure or upper end of the articles B passes through the article receiving openings. The tabs fold out of the plane of the engaging panel 450. The tabs fold upwardly. The tabs engage an article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward of the article B. The tabs support the article B and inhibit movement or withdrawal of the article B from the opening.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 8, 9B, 9C and 10B, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. 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”, “300” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, or fourth embodiment respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, 9A and 10A will be described in detail.

Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank 110 for forming an article carrier 192 as shown in Figure 4.

The blank 110 comprises a main or base panel 112. The blank 110 comprises a first side panel 118 hingedly connected to a first side edge of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. The blank 110 comprises a second side panel 120 hingedly connected to a second side edge of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119, the second side edge opposes the first side edge.

The blank 110 comprises a first end wall structure in the form of a band or strap. The first end wall structure is hingedly connected between the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120. The first end wall structure comprises a plurality of panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 118 and hinged at a second end to the second side panel 120. The plurality of panels is separated from the base panel 112 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A1 .

The first end wall structure comprises a first end panel 114. At least one first corner panel 122a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123a.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of first corner panels 122a hingedly connected to the first side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123a. The plurality of first corner panels 122a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 123a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 122a comprises four first corner panels 122a. A first securing panel 124a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 122a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125a. The first securing panel 124a is hingedly connected to a first gusset panel 130a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131a. The first gusset panel 130a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the first side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133a.

The first end wall structure comprises at least one second corner panel 122b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123b.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of second corner panels 122b hingedly connected to the second side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123b. The plurality of second corner panels 122b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 123b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 122b comprises four second corner panels 122b. A second securing panel 124b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 122b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125b. The second securing panel 124b is hingedly connected to a second gusset panel 130b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 b. The second gusset panel 130b is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133b. The blank 110 comprises a second end wall structure in the form of a band or strap. The second end wall structure is hingedly connected between the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120.

The second end wall structure comprises a plurality of panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 118 and hinged at a second end to the second side panel 120. The plurality of panels is separated from the base panel 112 by a cutaway in the form of a second aperture A2.

The second end wall structure comprises a second end panel 116. At least one third corner panel 126a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127a.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of third corner panels 126a hingedly connected to the first side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127a. The plurality of third corner panels 126a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 127a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 126a comprises four third corner panels 126a. A third securing panel 128a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 126a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129a. The third securing panel 128a is hingedly connected to a third gusset panel 132a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135a. The third gusset panel 132a is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the first side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137a.

The second end wall structure comprises at least one fourth corner panel 126b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127b.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of fourth corner panels 126b hingedly connected to the second side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127b. The plurality of fourth corner panels 126b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 127b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 126b comprises four fourth corner panels 126b. A fourth securing panel 128b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 126b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129b second. The fourth securing panel 128b is hingedly connected to a fourth gusset panel 132b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135b. The fourth gusset panel 132b is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137b.

The gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b comprise a pair of hinged edges defined by pairs of fold lines 131 a/133a, 131 b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137b. The fold lines of each of the pairs of fold lines 131 a/133a, 131 b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137b are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Each pair of fold lines 131 a/133a, 131 b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137b defines an angle 9 therebetween.

When the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b are folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 118, 120 to which they are hinged and the securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b to which they are hinged, as shown in Figure 3B (folded panels are shown in phantom/dashed lines), an angle co is defined between the hinged edge of the securing panel 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b and the end edge of said one of the first and second side panels 118, 120.

The angle co is equal to the difference between 90° and twice 9, (co = 90° - 20). The angle 9 is less than 45°.

The fold line 129b between the fourth securing panel 128b and fourth corner panel 126b is perpendicular to the fold line 137b between the fourth gusset panel 132b and the second side panel 120.

The blank 110 is assembled into a carrier 92, as shown Figure 4, a group of articles B are lowered with respect to the base panel 112 to be disposed thereupon. The carrier 192 is assembled by folding the first and second end structures with respect to the first and second side panels 118, 120, about fold line 133a, 133b, 137a, 137b. The first and second end panels 114, 116 may be brought substantially into contact with ends of the article group.

The corner panels 122a, 122b, 126a, 126b are folded, at least partially, about corners of the article group. The securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are folded, at least partially, with respect to the gusset panel 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b to which they are hinged. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b or to corresponding regions of the first and second side panels 118, 120.

The first and second side panels 118, 120 are folded with respect the base panel 112, about the fold lines 117, 119, to be disposed about sides of the article group. In doing so the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b are bought into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 118, 120 to which they are hinged. The securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are bought into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b to which they are hinged. The securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are bought into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the first and second side panels 118, 120 and secured thereto.

The assembled carrier 192 is shown in Figures 4 and 9B. The end walls 114, 116 are disposed at an angle co to the vertical or to a notional line y-y’ normal to the base panel 112. An outer surface of the first end panel 114 defines or provides an overhanging face. The angle co is defined by the angle 9.

A lower edge of the end panel 114 provides an engaging edge; the engaging edge engages a portion of an article B so as to inhibit movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 112.

The articles B comprises a waist defining a shelf or shoulders, the lower edge of the first end panel 114 engages, at least in part, the shelf or shoulders and may be in contact or close proximity therewith. The lower edge of the first end panel 114 inhibits movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 112, along notional line y-y’. The second end panel 316 is similarly arranged.

Referring to Figure 10B there is shown an embodiment in which the carrier 192 forms part of a package 590 with a strap or top portion 552 and a plurality of articles B. The top portion 552 may comprise an article receiving opening for receiving a respective article B. The top portion 552 may comprise a handle structure for carrying the package 590. The top portion 552 is secured to the first and second side panels 118, 120 of the article carrier 192. The first and second side panels 118, 120 may comprise optional windows or openings exposing to view at least a lower portion of an adjacently disposed article B. In the illustrated embodiment, a central section of the top portion 552 is disposed at an elevation below the upper ends of the articles B. In other embodiments, the central section may extend over or be disposed above the upper ends of the articles B. The top portion 552 may be substantially “bow-tie” shaped, that is to say end sections of the top portion 552 are wider than an intermediate section. In other embodiments, the top portion 552 may be substantially rectangular in shape and may be sufficiently wide to cover some or all of the group or articles B.

Figure 5 illustrates a third embodiment and shows a blank 210 for forming an article carrier 292 as shown in Figure 6.

The blank 210 comprises a main or base panel 212 and is substantially similar to the blank 110 of Figure 3; albeit first and second end panels 214, 216 have been adapted to comprise a tab or projection 214p, 216p. The tabs 214p, 216p extend to the base panel 212 and may be frangibly connected thereto by a frangible connection 213, 215. In other embodiments, the tabs 214p, 216p are separated from the base panel 212 by a cutaway in the form of a cut, slot or slit. The tabs 214p, 216p are defined in part by a pair of apertures A1 , A2 which pair of apertures A1 , A2 defines opposed side edges of a respective one of the tabs 214p, 216p.

The tabs 214p, 216p may serve to stabilize the end structures, at least when handling in the blank form.

Figure 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment and shows a blank 310 for forming an article carrier 392 as shown in Figure 8.

The blank 310 comprises a main or base panel 312. The blank 310 comprises a first side panel 318 hingedly connected to a first side edge of the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. The blank 310 comprises a second side panel 320 hingedly connected to a second side edge of the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319, the second side edge opposes the first side edge.

The blank 310 comprises a first end wall structure in the form of a band or strap.

The first end wall structure comprises a plurality of outer end wall panels, including: a first outer end wall panel 314x (also referred to herein as first end closure panel 314x) hinged to the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313, a first web panel 334a hinged to a first side of the first outer end wall panel 314x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 341a, and a second web panel 334b hinged to a second side of the first outer end wall panel 314x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 341 b. The first end wall structure comprises a plurality of inner end wall panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 318 and hinged at a second end to the second side panel 320. The plurality of inner end wall panels comprises a first inner end wall panel 314n.

The plurality of inner end wall panels is separated, at least in part, from the plurality of outer end wall panels by a pair of cutaways in the form of apertures A1 .

The plurality of inner end wall panels comprises at least one first corner panel 322a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323a.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of first corner panels 322a hingedly connected to the first side edge of the first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323a. The plurality of first corner panels 322a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 323a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 322a comprises four first corner panels 322a. A first securing panel 324a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 322a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 325a. The first securing panel 324a is hingedly connected to a first gusset panel 330a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 331a. The first gusset panel 330a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 333a.

The first end wall structure comprises at least one second corner panel 322b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323b.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of second corner panels 322b hingedly connected to the second side edge of the first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323b. The plurality of second corner panels 322b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 323b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 322b comprises four second corner panels 322b. A second securing panel 324b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 322b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 325b. The second securing panel 324b is hingedly connected to a second gusset panel 330b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 331 b. The second gusset panel 330b is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the second side panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 333b. The first web panel 334a is hinged to the first gusset panel 330a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 339a. The second web panel 334b is hinged to the second gusset panel 330b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 339b.

An aperture A3 is struck in part from the first web panel 334a and in part from the first gusset panel 330a and is disposed at a first corner of the base panel 312. An aperture A3 is struck in part from the second web panel 334b and in part from the second gusset panel 330b and is disposed at a second corner of the base panel 312.

The blank 310 comprises a second end wall structure in the form of a band or strap.

The second end wall structure comprises a plurality of outer end wall panels, including: a second outer end wall panel 316x (also referred to herein as second end closure panel 316x) hinged to the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315, a third web panel 336a hinged to a first side of the second outer end wall panel 316x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 345a, and a fourth web panel 336b hinged to a second side of the second outer end wall panel 316x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 345b.

The second end wall structure comprises a plurality of inner end wall panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 318 and hinged at a second end to the second side panel 320. The plurality of inner end wall panels comprises a second inner end wall panel 316n.

The plurality of inner end wall panels is separated, at least in part, from the plurality of outer end wall panels by a pair of cutaways in the form of apertures A2.

The plurality of inner end wall panels comprises at least one third corner panel 326a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327a.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of third corner panels 326a hingedly connected to the first side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327a. The plurality of third corner panels 326a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 327a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 326a comprises four third corner panels 326a. A third securing panel 328a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 326a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 329a. The third securing panel 328a is hingedly connected to a third gusset panel 332a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 335a. The third gusset panel 332a is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 337a.

The second end wall structure comprises at least one fourth corner panel 326b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327b.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of fourth corner panels 326b hingedly connected to the second side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327b. The plurality of fourth corner panels 326b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 327b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 326b comprises four fourth corner panels 326b. A fourth securing panel 328b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 326b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 329b second. The fourth securing panel 328b is hingedly connected to a fourth gusset panel 332b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 335b. The fourth gusset panel 332b is hingedly connected to a second end edge of the second side panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 373b.

The gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b comprise a pair of hinged edges defined by pairs of fold lines 331a/333a, 331 b/333b, 335a/337a, 335b/337b. The fold lines of each of the pairs of fold lines 331a/333a, 331 b/333b, 335a/337a, 335b/337b are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Each of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b comprises at least one glue aperture or cutaway GA. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b comprises two glue apertures GA.

The glue apertures GA facilitate securing the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b to a respective one of the first and second side panels 318, 320. The glue apertures GA enable the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b and the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to be secured to the respective first and second side panel 318, 320 by a single application of glue or other adhesive treatment. In other embodiments, a two stage gluing process may be employed a first adhesive application secures the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to be secured to the respective first and second side panel 318, 320 and a second adhesive application secures each securing panel 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b to the respective one of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which it is hinged.

The first and second end inner panels 314n, 316n may comprise a tab or projection. The tabs extend to the respective one of the adjacent first and second end outer panels 314x, 316x and may be frangibly connected thereto by a frangible connection. In other embodiments, the tabs may be separated from said first or second end outer panels 314x, 316x by a cutaway in the form of a cut, slot or slit. The tabs are defined in part by a pair of apertures A1 , A2 which pair of apertures A1 , A2 define opposed side edges of a respective one of the tabs. The tabs may serve to stabilize the end structures, at least when handling in the blank form.

The blank 310 is assembled into a carrier 392, as shown Figure 8, a group of articles B are lowered with respect to the base panel 312 to be disposed thereupon. The carrier 392 is assembled by folding the first and second end structures with respect to the first and second side panels 318, 320, about fold lines 313, 315, 333a, 333b, 337a, 337b. The first and second inner and outer end wall panels 314n, 314x, 316n, 316x may be brought substantially into contact with ends of the article group.

The corner panels 322a, 322b, 326a, 326b are folded, at least partially, about corners of the article group.

The web panels 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b are folded, at least partially, about corners of the article group.

The first and second side panels 318, 320 are partially folded with respect the base panel 312, about the fold lines 317, 319. The gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b are partially folded with respect to the first and second side panels 318, 320 to which they are hinged.

The securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b and the web panels 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b are folded, at least partially, with respect to the gusset panel 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which they are hinged.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b or to corresponding regions of the first and second side panels 318, 320.

The first and second side panels 318, 320 are folded further with respect the base panel 312, about the fold lines 317, 319, to be disposed about sides of the article group. In doing so the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b are bought into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 318, 320 to which they are hinged. The securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b are bought into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which they are hinged. The securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b are secured to a respective one of the first and second side panels 118, 120 through the glue apertures GA.

The assembled carrier 392 is shown in Figures 8 and 9C. The inner end walls 314n, 316n are disposed at an angle to the vertical or to a notional line normal to the base panel 312. An outer surface of the first inner end wall 314n defines or provides an overhanging face, the second inner end wall 316n is similarly arranged. The outer end walls 314x, 316x are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the base panel 312. The inner end walls 314n, 316n are inset, at least in part, with respect to the adjacent outer end wall 314x, 316x.

A lower edge of the inner end wall 314n provides an engaging edge; the engaging edge engages a portion of an article B so as to inhibit movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 312.

The articles B comprises a waist defining a shelf or shoulders, the lower edge of the first inner end wall 314n engages, at least in part, the shelf or shoulders and may be in contact or close proximity therewith. The lower edge of the first inner end wall 314n inhibits movement of the article B perpendicularly to the base panel 312. The second inner end wall 316n is similarly arranged.

The present disclosure provides a package 90; 190; 290; 390, a carrier or tray 92; 192; 292, 392 for forming part of the package 90; 190; 290; 390 and a blank 10; 110; 210; 310 for forming the carrier 92; 192; 292, 392. The carrier 92; 192; 292, 392 has a main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 for receiving at least one article B. A pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 and an end strap is secured between the pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320.

The end strap comprises an end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312. The end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n comprises a first edge 13c, 15c; 114a, 116a; 214a, 216a; 314a, 316a facing toward the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion or protuberance of an article B. The end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n comprises an outer surface forming an overhanging face.

The end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n is obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 such that the engaging edge extends into a recess or waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article B.

The first edge 13c, 15c; 114a, 116a; 214a, 216a; 314a, 316a of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n may be a hinged edge, defined by a hinged connection between a distal portion 14c, 16c of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n and an intermediate portion 14b, 16b.

The end strap comprises at least one corner panel 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b; 122a, 122b, 126a, 126b; 222a, 222b, 226a, 226b; 322a, 322b, 326a, 326b hingedly connected to each end of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n.

In the package 90; 190; 290; 390 the end strap forms a waist band about the articles B.

The end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n comprises a second edge facing away from the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312.

The first edge 13c, 15c; 114a, 116a; 214a, 216a; 314a, 316a of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n is disposed in closer proximity to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 than the second edge.

The first edge 13c, 15c; 114a, 116a; 214a, 216a; 314a, 316a of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n opposes the second edge of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n.

The first edge 13c, 15c; 114a, 116a; 214a, 216a; 314a, 316a of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n is inset with respect to the second edge of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n.

The carrier 92; 192; 292, 392 may comprise an end closure panel 14a, 16a; 314x, 316x hingedly connected to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312, wherein at least a portion of the end panel14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n is disposed internally of the end closure panel 14a, 16a; 314x, 316x. At least a portion of the end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n may be inset with respect to the end closure panel 14a, 16a; 314x, 316x.

The end strap may comprise a gusset panel 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b; 230a, 230b, 232a, 232b; 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b at each end thereof, the gusset panel 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b; 230a, 230b, 232a, 232b; 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b is hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320.

The end closure panel 14a, 16a; 314x, 316x may be hingedly connected to the gusset panel 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b; 230a, 230b, 232a, 232b; 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b by a web panel 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b.

The package 90; 190; 290; 390 may comprise a top portion 494, 552 engaging or covering an upper portion of the articles B. The top portion 494, 552 may be secured to each of the pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320 or may be separate from the carrier 92; 192; 292, 392 and in engagement with the articles B.

The end panel 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314n, 316n may comprise a proximal section 14a, 16a, a distal section 14c, 16c and an intermediate section 14b, 16b hingedly connected therebetween. Each of the proximal section 14a, 16a, distal section 14c, 16c and intermediate section 14b, 16b may be obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape, a greater or lesser number of articles and/or arranged in different array configurations.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

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

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

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

Claims

CLAIMS An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a main panel for receiving at least one article, a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel, and an end strap secured between the pair of opposed side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge facing toward the main panel at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion of an article. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end panel comprises an outer surface forming an overhanging face. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end panel is obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel such that the engaging edge extends into a waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the first edge of the end panel is a hinged edge, defined by a hinged connection between a distal portion of the end panel and an intermediate portion of the end panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end strap comprises at least one corner panel hingedly connected to each end of the end panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end panel comprises a second edge facing away from the main panel, the first edge of the end panel being disposed in closer proximity to the main panel than the second edge and in opposition to the first edge, and wherein the first edge of the end panel is inset with respect to the second edge of the end panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the article carrier comprises an end closure panel hingedly connected to the main panel, wherein at least a portion of the end panel is disposed internally of the end closure panel. An article carrier according to claim 8, wherein the portion of the end panel is inset with respect to the end closure panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels.

- 25 - An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels, and wherein the end closure panel is hingedly connected to the gusset panel by a web panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end panel comprises a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, each of the proximal section, distal section, and intermediate section being obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the end panel comprises a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, the distal section and intermediate section each being obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel. A package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a base panel upon which the plurality of articles is disposed, a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the base panel, and an end strap secured between the pair of opposed side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel obliquely oriented with respect to the base panel, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge facing toward the main panel at least a portion of which is in engagement with a protrusion of at least one of the plurality of articles. A package according to claim 13, wherein the end strap forms a waist band about the articles. A package according to claim 13, wherein the package comprises a top portion extending about upper portions of the articles. A package according to claim 15, wherein the top portion is secured to each of the pair of opposed side panels. A package according to claim 15, wherein the top portion is separate from the article carrier and is in engagement with the articles. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel for receiving at least one article, a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel, and an end strap arranged to be secured between the pair of opposed side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel configured to be obliquely oriented with respect to the main panel in a set-up condition, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge faces toward the main panel at least a portion of which provides an engaging edge for engaging a protrusion of an article.