EP4638301A1

EP4638301A1 - Article carrier

Info

Publication number: EP4638301A1
Application number: EP23836659.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau; Cullen B. Rosenbrien
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2022-12-19
Filing date: 2023-11-28
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: JP2026501981A; AU2023407283A1; MX2025007310A; CN120712228A; TW202438408A; WO2024137134A1

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790) for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including at least one upper panel (18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720) and a lower panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712). The at least one upper panel (18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720) comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture (A2; A2/A3; A2/A5; A10). The lower panel comprises a lower article receiving opening. The upper article receiving opening and the lower article receiving opening being disposed in vertical alignment and having respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article (B) at two vertically spaced elevations.

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top-gripping type having an engaging panel including one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein and a top panel affixed thereto. BACKGROUND In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton. It is well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said aperture. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabs engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like. SUMMARY A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises spaced apart panels including at least one upper panel and a lower panel. The at least one upper panel comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture and the lower panel comprising a lower article receiving opening. The upper and lower article receiving openings are disposed in vertical alignment and have respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article at two vertically spaced elevations. Optionally, the lower article receiving opening takes the form of an article retention structure defined in part by one or more engaging tabs struck from and hingedly connected to the lower panel, wherein the one or more engaging tabs are hingedly connected, at a proximal end thereof, to the lower panel by a hinged connection to define the perimeter of the lower article receiving opening, the one or more engaging tabs comprise an engaging edge at a distal end thereof, the distal end opposes the proximal end and are configured and dimensioned such that at least a part of the perimeter of the lower article receiving opening abuts an article, when the article is received in the article retention structure such that the one or more engaging tabs yield out of the plane of the lower panel to bear against the article. Optionally, the article carrier engages the article at two vertically spaced elevations above and below a projection of the article which is supported by the engaging edges of the one or more engaging tabs to suspend the article therefrom. Optionally, the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture having a scalloped or serrated edge configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright wall of the article. Optionally, the at least one upper panel comprises a first upper panel and a second upper panel. The article carrier may comprise a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the lower panel. The keel structure may comprise a first keel panel hingedly connected to the first upper panel by a first hinged connection and extending to a floor panel disposed in face contacting relationship with the lower panel. Optionally, part of the keel structure defines part of a first tubular structure. The first tubular structure may comprise the upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture in the first upper panel. The lower article receiving opening may be defined in the lower panel in vertical alignment with upper article receiving opening. Optionally, the carrier may comprise a second tubular structure. The floor panel may provide part of a spine coupling the first and second tubular structures together. Optionally, the at least one upper panel may be substantially parallel to the lower panel. Optionally, the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture defining a nonlinear edge in the upper panel and configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright wall of the article. Optionally, the nonlinear edge is arcuate. A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises spaced apart panels, including at least one upper panel, a lower panel, and a keel structure extending between the at least one upper and the lower panel. The keel structure comprises a first keel panel hingedly connected to a first one of the at least one upper panel. A second one of the at least one upper panel comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture, and the lower panel comprising a lower article receiving opening. The first keel panel is hingedly connected to the first upper panel and to a first side of a floor panel. The floor panel is hingedly connected along a second, opposing, side thereof to a second keel panel. The first upper panel comprises an article receiving aperture defined therein and extending into the first keel panel to interrupt the hinged connection therebetween. The article receiving aperture is arranged to allow an upper portion of an article to pass therethrough. Optionally, the first keel panel comprises an engaging edge defined by a portion of the article receiving aperture. Optionally, the engaging edge of the first keel panel is provided by an engaging tooth struck from the first keel panel and defines a portion of the perimeter of the article receiving aperture. A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including a pair of spaced apart panels comprising an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel comprises an inner top panel and an outer top panel. The article carrier further comprises an end closure structure for closing each end of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises an end panel hingedly connected to the lower panel along an end edge thereof. The end closure structure comprises a first anchor panel hinged to a side edge of the inner top panel and disposed in face contacting relationship therewith, a second anchor panel is hinged to a side edge of a first side panel and is disposed in face contacting relationship therewith. The first side panel connects the inner top panel to the lower panel. The second anchor panel is connected to the end panel by a first connecting panel. The end closure structure comprises a third anchor panel hinged to a side edge of the outer top panel and disposed in face contacting relationship therewith, a fourth anchor panel hinged to a side edge of a second side panel and is disposed in face contacting relationship therewith. The second side panel connects the outer top panel to the lower panel. The fourth anchor panel is connected to the end panel by a second connecting panel. Optionally, the first anchor panel is configured and arranged to avoid obscuring an article receiving opening disposed in the inner top panels and the third anchor panel is configured and arranged to avoid obscuring an article receiving opening disposed in the outer top panel. Optionally, the end panel comprises a free end edge opposing a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection to the lower panel, the free end edge is disposed in contact with a surface of each of the first and third anchor panels. A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels including an engaging panel and a hinged panel hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection. The engaging panel comprises at least one article retention structure. The at least one article retention structure includes an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth struck from the engaging panel and hingedly connected thereto so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening. The perimeter of article receiving opening comprises a toothless region disposed adjacent to the hinged connection between the engaging panel and the hinged panel. The toothless region interrupts the hinged connection between the engaging panel and the hinged panel. The toothless region is defined by either a cut or a cutaway extending between a pair of adjacent engaging teeth. The cutaway may be provided in the form of an aperture. A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including at least one upper panel and an engaging panel. The engaging panel comprises at least one pair of article retention structures. Each article retention structure includes an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth struck from the engaging panel and hingedly connected thereto so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening. The perimeter of each article receiving opening comprises a toothless region. The toothless region of a first one of the at least one pair of article retention structures is disposed adjacent to the toothless region of a second one of the at least one pair of article retention structures. The article carrier comprises a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the engaging panel. The at least one upper panel comprises first and second upper panels which, optionally, may be disposed in face-to-face relationship with each other. The keel structure comprises a first keel panel hingedly connected to the first upper panel, and a floor panel hingedly connected along a first side thereof to the first keel panel. Optionally, the floor panel may be hingedly connected along a second, opposing, side thereof to a second keel panel. The toothless region of each of the at least one pair of article retention structures is configured to receive a portion of one of the first and second keel panels to facilitate engagement of a free edge of the first and second keel panels below a projection of an article received in each of the at least one pair of article retention structures. A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including at least one upper panel and a lower panel and a keel structure for extending between the at least one upper and the lower panel. The at least one upper panel comprises first and second upper panels. Optionally, the first and second upper panels may be disposed in face-to-face relationship with each other. The second upper panel comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture, and the lower panel comprises a lower article receiving opening. The keel structure comprises a first keel panel hingedly connected to the first upper panel, and a floor panel hingedly connected along a first side thereof to the first keel panel. Optionally, the floor panel may be hingedly connected along a second, opposing, side thereof to a second keel panel. The first upper panel comprises an article receiving aperture defined therein. Optionally, the article receiving aperture may extend into the first keel panel to interrupt the hinged connection therebetween. The article receiving aperture is arranged to allow an upper portion of an article to pass therethrough in a setup carrier. A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a pair of connected tubular structures. The plurality of panels includes: a first keel panel; a first upper panel; a first side panel hingedly connected to the first upper panel; a base panel hingedly connected to the first side panel; a second keel panel; a second upper panel; a second side panel hingedly connected to the second upper panel and to the base panel; and a floor panel configured to extend between the first keel panel and the second keel panel. The first upper panel comprises at least one first upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture and the second upper panel comprises at least one second upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture. The lower panel comprises a lower article receiving opening configured to be in vertical alignment a respective one of the at least one first and second upper article receiving openings in the first and second upper panels. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment. A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment; Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5; Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views from of an end of the carrier of Figure 6 in which portions of the carrier have been removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 9 is a perspective view from below of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth embodiment; Figure 11 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a sixth embodiment; Figure 12 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a seventh embodiment; and Figure 13 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to an eighth embodiment; and Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the 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 90, as shown in Figure 2, 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 blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are shown in Figures 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 14 for forming carton or carrier 190: 290; 390; 690; 790, as shown in Figures 4, 6, 9, 13, and 15, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 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 described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190: 290; 390; 690; 790 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190: 290; 390; 690; 790 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, 14, and 15, the arrangement is a 2 × 3 matrix or array. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, 14, and 15, two rows of three articles B are provided and the articles B are 500ml or 591ml (20US fl. oz.) bottles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the blank 610 is arranged to accommodate four articles in a 2 × 2 matrix or array arrangement, that is to say two rows of two articles B and is configured to receive articles in the form of 591ml (20US fl. oz.) bottles. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, including a main panel 12 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2). A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A first top or cover panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second side panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A second top or cover panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. The first top panel 18, second top panel 20, first and second side panels 14, 16 and main panel 12 form a tubular structure. Each end of the tubular structure is closed by an end closure structure. A first end closure structure comprises a first end panel 22A hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21A. A first anchor flap 28A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F2. The first anchor flap 28A is hingedly connected to a second anchor flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A. The second anchor flap 26A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1. A first connecting panel 24A is hingedly connected to the second anchor flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A. The first connecting panel 24A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The first side panel 14 is separated from the first connecting panel 24A by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the first connecting panel 24A and the second anchor flap 26A from the main panel 12. A third anchor flap 34A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6. The third anchor flap 34A is hingedly connected to a fourth anchor flap 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A. The fourth anchor flap 32A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5. A second connecting panel 30A is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor flap 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31A. The second connecting panel 30A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The second side panel 16 is separated from the second connecting panel 30A by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the second connecting panel 30A and the fourth anchor flap 32A from the main panel 12. A second end closure structure comprises a second end panel 22B hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21B. A fifth anchor flap 28B is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F4. The fifth anchor flap 28B is hingedly connected to a sixth anchor flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B. The sixth anchor flap 26B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F3. A third connecting panel 24B is hingedly connected to the sixth anchor flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B. The third connecting panel 24B is hingedly connected to the second end panel 22B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. The first side panel 14 is separated from the third connecting panel 24B by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the third connecting panel 24B and the sixth anchor flap 26B from the main panel 12. A seventh anchor flap 34B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F8. The seventh anchor flap 34B is hingedly connected to an eighth anchor flap 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B. The eighth anchor flap 32B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7. A fourth connecting panel 30B is hingedly connected to the eighth anchor flap 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31B. The fourth connecting panel 30B is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The second side panel 16 is separated from the fourth connecting panel 30B by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the fourth connecting panel 30B and the eighth anchor flap 32B from the main panel 12. The main panel 12 of the blank 10 includes at least one article retention structure RT1. The main panel 12 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, specifically six article retention structures RT1 arranged in 2 × 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 comprises a first article receiving opening defined, at least in part, by a pair of engaging tabs or teeth 40, 42. The article retention structures RT1 comprise a first engaging tab 40 struck from the main panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 41. A second engaging tab 42 is struck from the main panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 43. The second engaging tab 42 is hinged in opposition to the first engaging tab 40. The second engaging tab 42 is separated from the first engaging tab 40 by cut line or severable line. The cutline may be nonlinear so as to define a tongue T extending from the second engaging tab 42 and a recess R in the free end edge of the first engaging tab 40. Endmost article retention structures RT1 disposed adjacent to the first or second end panels 22A, 22B may interrupt the fold line 21A, 21B between the main panel 12 and a respective one of the first and second end panels 22A, 22B. The cutline separating the first and second engaging tabs 40, 42 from each other may extend to the respective fold line 21A, 21B. The first top panel 18 comprises at least one second article receiving opening defined by an aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 18 comprises three second article receiving openings A2; each second article receiving opening A2 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 in the main panel 12 disposed adjacent to the first side panel 14. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutline SE which may define a scalloped or serrated engaging edge in the first top panel 18. The second top panel 20 comprises at least one second article receiving opening defined by an aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 20 comprises three second article receiving openings; each second article receiving opening is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 in the main panel 12 disposed adjacent to the second side panel 16. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutline SE which may define a scalloped or serrated engaging edge in the second top panel 20. The apertures A2 in the first and second top panels 18, 20 are smaller in dimension, diameter or width than the openings in the main panel 12 defined by the engaging tabs 40, 42. The first and second top panels 18, 20 are configured to be disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship. A portion of the first top panel 18 is configured to be brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the second top panel 20 to form a composite top panel 18/20. The blank 10 comprises a panel securing device L, see Figure 2, the panel securing device L comprises at least one first locking element L1 in the first top panel 18, at least one second locking element L2 in the second top panel 20, and at least one third locking element RC in the main panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 18 comprises a pair of first locking elements L1, the second top panel 20 comprises a pair of second locking elements L2 and the main panel 12 comprises a pair of third locking element RC. Each of the pair of the third locking element RC is disposed centrally between a group of four article retention structures RT1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking elements L1 take the form of a first locking tab 80 struck from, or defined within, the first top panel 18 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 81. The first locking tab 80 defines an opening in the first top panel 18, in alternative embodiments the locking tab may be omitted and replaced with an aperture to define an opening in the first top panel 18. The second locking elements L2 take the form of a second locking tab 82 struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 20 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 83. The second locking tab 82 comprises a head AH, the head AH may be generally arrowhead shaped, that is to say at least a portion of the head AH may be wider than the main body of the second locking tab 82 so as to define shoulders S or barbs for engaging with the main panel 12. The first locking tab 80, when provided, may be similarly arranged comprising a head AH defining shoulders S. In some embodiments, the first locking tab 80 or opening may be larger in dimension, length and/or width, than the second locking tab 82 to facilitate easy passage of the second locking tab 82 through the first top panel 18. The third locking elements RC take the form of an opening in the main panel 12, the opening may be defined at least in part by one or more receiving tabs 70, 72. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the opening is defined by a pair of receiving tabs 70, 72 each struck from the main panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71, 73. A first receiving tab 70 is hinged in opposition to a second receiving tab 72. The second receiving tab 72 is greater in length than the first receiving tab, where the length is defined between a hinged edge defined by a fold line 71, 73 and an opposing free end edge of the receiving tab 70, 72. Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 is applied to a group of articles B. The blank 10 is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each of the article retention structures RT1 of the blank 10 is aligned with a respective article B in the group. Portions of the articles B pass through the main panel 12. The engaging tabs 40, 42 of each of the article retention structures RT1 fold out of the plane of the main panel 12. The blank 10 is folded about fold lines 13, 15 to bring the first side panel 14 and first top panel 18 into substantially perpendicular relationship with the main panel 12 and to bring the second end panel 16 and the second top panel 20 into substantially perpendicular relationship with the main panel 12. In doing so the first and second end panels 22A, 22B are also folded upwardly with respect to the main panel 12, the first and second end panels 22A, 22B may fold through an angle greater than 90°, so as to be inclined with respect to the main panel 12. Each of the first and second end panels 22A, 22B defines an internal angle with respect to the main panel 12, the angle may be less than 90°, in this way an upper free edge of the end panels 22A, 22B may provide a support edge for the first and second top panels 18, 20. The first and fifth anchor flaps 28A, 28B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the first top panel 18, the second and sixth anchor flaps 26A, 26B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the first side panel 14. The fold line 27A hinging the first and fifth anchor flaps 28A, 28B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14. The fold line 27B hinging the second and sixth anchor flaps 26A, 26B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14. The first connecting panel 24A is folded into face-to-face relationship with the second anchor flap 26A. The third connecting panel 24B is folded into face-to-face relationship with the sixth anchor flap 26B. The third and seventh anchor flaps 34A, 34B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 20, the fourth and eighth anchor flaps 32A, 32B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the second side panel 16. The fold line 33A hinging the third and seventh anchor flaps 34A, 34B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16. The fold line 33B hinging the fourth and eighth anchor flaps 32A, 32B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16. The second connecting panel 30A is folded into face-to-face relationship with the fourth anchor flap 32A. The fourth connecting panel 30B is folded into face-to-face relationship with the eighth anchor flap 32B. The first top panel 18 is then folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 17, to be disposed over the main panel 12. In doing so the first anchor flap 28A is folded with respect to the second anchor flap 26B and the fifth anchor flap 28B is folded with respect to the sixth anchor flap 26B. Upper ends of articles B are received in the apertures A2 in the first top panel 18. The second top panel 20 is then folded with respect to the second side panel 16, about fold line 19, to be disposed over the main panel 12 and in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first top panel 18. In doing so the fourth anchor flap 34A is folded with respect to the fourth anchor flap 32B and the seventh anchor flap 34B is folded with respect to the eighth anchor flap 32B. Upper ends of articles B are received in the apertures A2 in the second top panel 20. The blank 10, in this partially assembled condition, may be further lowered with respect to the articles B such that engaging edges of the tabs 40, 42 engage beneath a projection or flange of the articles B. The projection may be provided by a ridge or undercut shaping of the article B or by an end closure of the article B for example but not limited to a crown cork, tamper evident screw cap or other closure. In this way, the engaging edges grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12. The second locking tabs 82 are then folded inwardly of the carrier 90, passing through the first top panel 18 (the first locking tabs 80 when present are folded inwardly as consequence). A distal portion, head AH, of the second locking tabs 82 passes through the opening of the third locking elements RC in the main panel 12, the receiving tabs 70, 72 are displaced downwardly, outwardly of the interior of the carrier 90. The shoulders S of the head AH engage with a lower or outer surface of the main panel 12 to prevent or at least inhibit withdrawal of the second locking tabs 82 from the receiving opening. The first locking tabs 80 when provided also pass though and engage with the main panel 12, shoulders S of the head AH engage with a lower or outer surface of the main panel 12. The receiving tabs 70, 72 may interact with the locking tabs 80, 82 when received in the receiving opening, free end edges of one or both receiving tabs 70, 72 may engage or contact the locking tabs 80, 82 so as to prevent or inhibit unfolding of the locking tabs 80, 82. The openings created in the composite top panel 18/20 by deployment or activation of the pair of panel securing devices L may form a carrying handle for transportation of the package. Advantageously, the carrier 90 may be assembled or constructed without use of glue or adhesive to secure the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 in an erected condition. The carrier 90 may beneficially conceal a part of the articles B from view. The composite top panel 18/20 may conceal and/or protect a top or upper region of the articles B. Referring now to Figures 3 to 13 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”; “200”; “300”; “400”; “500”; “600” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiment respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and described above, will be described in any greater detail. Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a blank 110 comprising a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, including a main panel 112 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 190 (see Figure 4). The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the each of the first and second top panel 118, 120 is arranged to receive an upper portion of each of the articles B being packaged. The second top panel 120 comprises six second article receiving openings arranged in a 2 × 3 matrix or array; each second article receiving opening is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 in the main panel 112. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutline SE which may define a scalloped or serrated engaging edge in the second top panel 120. The first top panel 118 comprises six third article receiving openings arranged in a 2 × 3 matrix or array; each third article receiving opening is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 in the main panel 112 and with one of the second article receiving openings in the second top panel 120. Each third article receiving opening comprises a second aperture A3 is defined by a cutline which may be circular in shape to define a circular edge in the second top panel 120. Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a blank 210 comprising a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, including a main panel 212 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 290 (see Figures 6, 7A, and 7B). In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the main panel 212 comprises alternative article retention structures RT1. The article retention structures RT1 of the embodiment of Figure 5 take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 240 arranged in an annular series about an aperture A4 to form part of a first article receiving opening. The plurality of teeth 240 are provided by the main panel 212. Each of the teeth 240 is hingedly connected to the main panel 212, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines 241, 243. The plurality of cut lines 241, 243 may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the apertures A4. The plurality of cut lines 241, 243 may define or approximate a portion of circle or polygon such as, but not limited to an octagon as illustrated in Figure 5. Each of the annular series of tabs 240 may be arranged to interrupt the hinged connection, fold lines 213, 215, between the main panel 212 and one of the first and second side panels 214, 216. Endmost article retention structures RT1 may be arranged to interrupt the hinged connection, fold lines 221A, 221B, between the main panel 212 and one of the first and second end panels 222A, 222B. Each of the plurality of teeth 240 comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the aperture A4. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises eight teeth 240 together defining an octagon. Each tooth 240 comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts 245 extending radially outward from respective vertices of the octagon, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of the octagon. The cuts 245 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about 45°. The second top panel 220 comprises six second article receiving openings each defined by an aperture A2, arranged in a 2 × 3 matrix or array; each second article receiving opening A2 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 in the main panel 212. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutline SE which may define a scalloped or serrated engaging edge in the second top panel 220. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of panels 218B, 218C, 218D for forming a brace or keel structure for increasing the rigidity of the carrier 290. The brace or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally of the carrier 290. The plurality of panels 218B, 218C, 218D are hingedly connected to the first top panel 218. A first beam panel 218B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217B. A second beam panel 218C, also referred to herein as floor panel 218C, is hingedly connected to the first beam panel 218B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217C. A third beam panel 218D is hingedly connected to the second beam panel 218C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217D. The first top panel 218 comprises at least one third article receiving opening A5, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving openings A5 each receiving a respective one of the articles B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 214. The third article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 218B and may be generally oval or egg shaped. Each article receiving opening A5 may comprise an engaging tooth 244 struck from the first beam panel 218B and extending from the first beam panel 218B into the receiving opening A5. The second beam panel 218C comprises at least one first locking element L1, the illustrated embodiment comprises two first locking elements L1. The first locking elements L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 280 struck from, or defined within, the second beam panel 218C and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 281. The first locking tab 280 comprises a head or distal portion opposing the fold line 281, the head or distal portion is wider than a proximal or intermediate portion of the first locking tab 280. In this way, the locking tab receiving opening comprises a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or restriction. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 280 are substantially equal to, or may be greater in, width than the second beam panel 218C. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 280, or at least portions thereof, interrupt the hinged connections between the second beam panel 218C and each of the first and third beam panels 218B, 218D. The second top panel 220 comprises at least one second locking element L2, the illustrated embodiment comprises two second locking elements L2. The second locking elements L2 take the form of a second locking tab 284 struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 220 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 283. The second locking tab 284 comprises a head 288, the head 288 may be wider than a main body of the second locking tab 284 so as to define shoulders or barbs for engaging with the main panel 212. The second locking tab 284 comprises a pair of wing portions 286 hingedly connected to opposed sides of the main body, or proximal portion, of the second locking tab 284 by hinged connection in the form of fold lines 285. The wing portions 286 are separated from the head 288 by cutlines 287 which define the shoulders or barbs. Each second locking tab 284 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the locking tab receiving opening of one of the first locking elements L1. Each second locking tab 284 is configured to be hinged in opposition to the first locking tab 280 of the first locking element L1 with which it is in vertical registry. The term “in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between each second locking tab 284 and the associating first locking tab 280 refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 284 and 280 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends. The main panel 212 comprises at least one third locking element RC, the illustrated embodiment comprises two third locking elements RC. The third locking elements RC take the form of an opening in the main panel 212, the opening may be defined by a respective receiving tab 270 struck from the main panel 212 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 271. Each receiving tab 270 is hinged in opposition to the associated second locking tab 284. The term “in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between each receiving tab 270 and the associated second locking tab 284 is similar to the above illustrated relationship between each first locking tab 280 and its associated second locking tab 284. More specifically, it refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 284 and 270 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends. Figure 6 shows the blank 210 assembled to form a carrier 290 in combination with a group of articles B to create a package. Figures 7A and 7B show perspective views of the carrier 290 in which portions of the carrier 290 have been removed for illustrative purposes. The first top panel 218 is folded internally of the second top panel 220. An article B is received in each of the article receiving openings A5 and a portion of the article B passes through the first top panel 218 and through the first beam panel 218B. The first beam panel 218B is folded with respect to the first top panel 218 to be inclined thereto, so as to extend substantially between the composite top panel 218/220 and the main panel 212. The second beam panel 218C is disposed between adjacent pairs of articles B and/or article retention structures RT1. The second beam panel 218C may be in face contacting relationship with the main panel 212. The third beam panel 218D is folded with respect to the second beam panel 218C to be inclined thereto. A free end edge of the third beam panel 218D is configured to engage below a projection or flange FL of the articles B in the row adjacent to the row of articles B received in the first top panel 218 and first beam panel 218B. The second locking tab 284 is folded downwardly, internally, of the carrier 290. A distal portion, opposing a proximal portion hinged to the second top panel 220 of the second locking tab 284 passes through openings in the second beam panel 218C and the main panel 212. Shoulders S of the head or distal portion 288 engage a lower or outer surface of the main panel 212. The first locking tab 280 is displaced downwardly though the opening in the main panel 212, the receiving tab 270 is also displaced downwardly out of the plane of the main panel 212. The second locking tab 284 may be folded sufficiently that the tab 284 is received in the wider distal portion of the opening in the second beam panel 218C, in this way edges of the second beam panel 218C proximate the waist or restriction of the opening engage with a surface of the second locking tab 284. The head portion of the first locking tab 280 may be sized and arranged to ensure engagement of the first locking tab 280 across the width of the head 288 of the second locking tab 284 to prevent or inhibit folding or deformation of marginal side portions of the head 288 which might otherwise allow the second locking tab 284 to egress through the openings in the second beam panel 218C and the main panel 212. Figures 7A and 7B show that the carrier 290 engages with the articles B at two distinct elevations. The main panel 212 engages the articles B a first, lower, elevation, about a neck of the articles B. The article retention structures RT1 define an article receiving opening in the main panel 212 having a perimeter defined by the hinged connection between the plurality of teeth 240 and the main panel 212, at least a portion of the perimeter or edge of the main panel 212 defined by the article receiving opening engages with an adjacent region of the article B passing through the article receiving opening. The second top panel 220 engages the articles B at a second, upper, elevation. The second top panel 220 engages the articles B above the flange or projection FL of the articles B. The apertures A2 may be dimensioned to be smaller than the flange or projection FL of the articles B to prevent or inhibit movement of the articles B through the second top panel 220. An annular region of the second top panel 220 surrounding the apertures A2 may deform or displace upwardly when an article B is received therein. This may create a tight fit about the article B at the second, upper, elevation. By engaging the articles B at two different height locations, with a pair of spaced apart panels 212, 220, the carrier 290 prevent or mitigates against rotation or tipping of the articles B, when packaging multiple articles B this may prevent or inhibit splaying of the articles with respect to each other. The engaging teeth 240 and the first and third beam panels 218B, 218D engage the articles B at a third, intermediate, elevation, disposed between the first and second elevations, the engaging teeth 240 and the first and third beam panels 218B, 218D engage the articles B below a flange or projection FL of the articles B. The engaging teeth 240 suspend or support the articles B and prevent or inhibit withdrawal of the articles B from the carrier 290. Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a blank 310 comprising a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, including a main panel 312 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 390 (see Figure 9). The blank 310 is substantially similar in construction to the blank of Figure 5 and only the differences will be described in further detail. The main panel 312 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, the article retention structures are substantially similar in construction to those of the blank of Figure 1. The blank 310 comprises a plurality of panels 318B, 318C, 318D for forming a brace or keel structure for increasing the rigidity of the carrier 390. The brace or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally of the carrier 390. The plurality of panels 318B, 318C, 318D are hingedly connected to the first top panel 318. A first beam panel 318B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317B. A second beam panel 318C, also referred to herein as floor panel 318C, is hingedly connected to the first beam panel 318B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317C. A third beam panel 318D is hingedly connected to the second beam panel 318C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317D. The second beam panel 318C comprises at least one first locking element L1, the illustrated embodiment comprises two first locking elements L1. The first locking elements L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 380 struck from, or defined within, the second beam panel 318C and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 381. The first locking tab 380 comprises a head or distal portion opposing the fold line 381, the head or distal portion is wider than a proximal or intermediate portion of the first locking tab 380. In this way, the locking tab receiving opening comprises a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or restriction. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 380 are substantially smaller in width than the second beam panel 318C. The second top panel 320 comprises at least one second locking element L2, the illustrated embodiment comprises two second locking elements L2. The second locking elements L2 take the form of a second locking tab 384 struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 320 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 383. The second locking tab 384 comprises a head 388 defining shoulders or barbs for engaging with the main panel 312. The second locking tab 384 comprises a pair of wing portions along opposed sides of the main body, or proximal portion, of the second locking tab 384. The wing portions are integral with the main body, that is to say the fold line 285 of the embodiment in Figure 5 has been omitted. The wing portions are separated from the head 388 by cutlines 387 which define the shoulders or barbs. The second locking tab 384 is hinged in opposition to the first locking tab 380. The main panel 312 comprises at least one third locking element RC, the illustrated embodiment comprises two third locking elements RC. The third locking elements RC take the form of an opening in the main panel 312, the opening may be defined by a single receiving tab 370 struck from the main panel 312 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 371. The receiving tab 370 is hinged in opposition to the second locking tab 384. The receiving tab 370 comprises a head or distal portion opposing the fold line 371, the head or distal portion is wider than a proximal or intermediate portion of the receiving tab 370. In this way, the receiving tab receiving opening comprises a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or restriction. Figure 9 shows the blank 310 in an assembled to form a carrier 290, articles B have been omitted from Figure 9 for illustrative purposes. Figure 9 shows the first, second, and third locking elements L1, L2, RC cooperating to form a panel securing device, the receiving tab 370 is displaced outwardly of the carrier 390, downwardly below the main panel 312. The second locking tab 384 is also displaced downwardly and passes through the receiving opening in the main panel 312. The head or distal portion of the first locking tab 380 is received in the receiving opening in the main panel 312. Shoulder portions of the head engage the lower surface of the main panel 312. The receiving tab 370 and the second locking tab 384 (if provided) engage the head or distal portion of the first locking tab 380 to encourage the first locking tab 380 towards an end of the receiving opening in the main panel 312. Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a blank 410 comprising a plurality of panels 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, including a main panel 412 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not illustrated). The blank 410 is substantially similar in construction to the blank of Figure 8 and only the differences will be described in further detail. The blank 410 comprises a plurality of panels 418B, 418C, 418D for forming a brace or keel structure for increasing the rigidity of the carrier. The brace or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally of the carrier. The plurality of panels 418B, 418C, 418D are hingedly connected to the first top panel 418. A first beam panel 418B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 418 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417B. A second beam panel 418C, also referred to herein as floor panel 418C, is hingedly connected to the first beam panel 418B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417C. A third beam panel 418D is hingedly connected to the second beam panel 418C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417D. The first top panel 418 comprises at least one third article receiving opening A5, the illustrated embodiment comprises three third article receiving openings A5 each receiving a respective one of the articles B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 414. The third article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 418B. Each third article receiving opening A5 may comprise a pair of engaging teeth 446 struck from the first beam panel 418B adjacent to the receiving opening A5. The pair of engaging teeth 446 are defined, in part, and separated by a cutline 447 defined in the first beam panel 418B and extending outward from the portion of article receiving opening A5 provided therein. The main panel 412 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, the article retention structures RT1 of the embodiment of Figure 10 take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 440 arranged in an annular series about an aperture A6 to form part of an article receiving opening. The plurality of teeth 440 are provided by the main panel 412. Each of the teeth 440 is hingedly connected to the main panel 412, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines 441, 443. The plurality of cut lines 441, 443 may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the apertures A4. The plurality of cut lines 441, 443 may define or approximate a portion of circle. Endmost article retention structures RT1 are arranged to interrupt the hinged connection, fold lines 421A, 421B, between the main panel 412 and one of the first and second end panels 422A, 422B. Each of the plurality of teeth 440 comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the aperture A6. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises seven teeth 440 together defining a portion of an octagon. Each tooth 440 comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts 445 extending radially outward from respective vertices of the aperture A6, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the aperture A6. The cuts 445 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about 45°. The annular series of engaging teeth 440 comprises a gap or toothless region G the gap may be equivalent to a single tooth in size and defines an extension of the aperture A6, such that the aperture A6 adopts a “keyhole” shape. The gap G is provided on a portion of the perimeter of the aperture A6 in closed proximity to a notional line longitudinally bisecting the main panel 412. The gaps G are arranged to be at a portion of the perimeter of the article retention structures RT1 which is brought into contact or close proximity with one of the first or third beam panels 418B, 418D. In this way, an engaging tooth is not provided below said first or third beam panels 418B, 418D such that only a single layer of material is engaging the articles B, this may facilitate or improve engagement of said first or third beam panels 418B, 418D with the articles B. Referring to Figure 11, there is shown a blank 510 comprising a plurality of panels 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, including a main panel 512 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not illustrated). The blank 510 is substantially similar in construction to the blank of Figure 10, albeit the main panel 512 comprises alternative article retention structures RT1, RT2 and only the differences will be described in further detail. The main panel 512 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, RT2, the article retention structures RT1, RT2 of the embodiment of Figure 11 take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 540 arranged in an annular series about an aperture A7, A8 to form part of an article receiving opening. The blank 510 comprises four first or endmost article retention structures RT1 each comprising a first opening or aperture A7. The blank 510 comprises two second, medial or intermediate, article retention structures RT2 each comprising a second opening or aperture A8. The second aperture A8 may be square, diamond or kite shaped. Each second article retention structure RT2 comprises four engaging teeth 540 are provided by the main panel 512. Each tooth 540 is separated from its adjacent neighbours by a first cut line 545. The first cutlines 545 extend radially outward from the second aperture A8, specifically from a vertex or corner of the second aperture A8 when second aperture A8 is a quadrilateral polygon. Each of the teeth 540 is hingedly connected to the main panel 512, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined between pairs of second cutlines 543. Second cutlines 543 define in part a perimeter of the article receiving opening of the second article retention structures RT2. Each second cutline 543 together with one of the first cutline 545 defines a “T” shaped cut. Pairs of “T” shaped cuts are disposed opposite to each other, a first pair of “T” shaped cuts is configured to be orthogonal to a second first pair of “T” shaped cuts, in this way a cross potent is defined with second aperture A8 at the centre. The first cutlines 545 of a first pair of “T” shaped cuts are arranged to extend transversely of the main panel 512 and the first cutlines 545 of a second pair of “T” shaped cuts are arranged to extend longitudinally of the main panel 512. Each first or endmost article retention structures RT1 is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structure RT2 albeit one of the “T” shaped cuts is omitted and replaced with a cutaway G, the cutaway G may take the form of a generally triangular cut-out intersecting with a first aperture A7. The first aperture A7 may be square, diamond or kite shaped. The cutaway G may be considered to be a gap formed by removing a portion of each of a pair of adjacently disposed engaging teeth 540. Each cutaway G is configured to be disposed adjacent to one of the fold lines 521A, 521B between the main panel 512 and a respective one of the first and second end panels 522A, 522B. The cutaway G may extend into said respective one of the first and second end panels 522A, 522B so as to interrupt the fold lines 521A, 521B. In this way, the endmost article retention structures RT1 are arranged to interrupt the hinged connection, fold lines 521A, 521B, between the main panel 512 and one of the first and second end panels 522A, 522B. The plurality of engaging teeth 540 about the second aperture A8 comprises a gap or toothless region G the gap G defines an extension of the second aperture A8, such that the aperture A6 adopts a “keyhole” shape. The gap or toothless region G can be considered to remove wing or marginal side portions of each of a pair of adjacently disposed engaging teeth 540 which might otherwise, if present, interfere with or otherwise come into contact with the one of the first and second end panels 522A, 522B when folded with respect to the main panel 512. In this way, the first and second end panels 522A, 522B are free to fold without encumbrance from the engaging teeth 540. Advantageously, the first and second end panels 522A, 522B do not engage or come into contact with the engaging teeth 540 of the endmost article retention structures RT1 and thus disengagement of the engaging teeth 540 or other compromise of the security of the endmost article retention structures RT1 is prevented or inhibited. Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a blank 610 comprising a plurality of panels 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, including a main panel 612 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 690 (see Figure 13). The blank 610 is substantially similar in construction to the blank of Figure 3, albeit blank 610 is adapted to accommodate four articles B in a 2 × 2 matrix or array arrangement and the main panel 612 comprises alternative article retention structures RT1, and therefore only the differences will be described in further detail. The main panel 612 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, specifically four article retention structures RT1. The article retention structures RT1 comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by an aperture A9 and a pair of opposed engaging tabs 640, 642 spaced apart from each other by the aperture A9. The aperture A9 is configured and shaped such that a side or marginal portion of each of the pair of opposed engaging tabs 640, 642 is spaced apart from the edge of the article receiving opening and/or from one of the fold lines 621A, 621B, between the main panel 612 and a respective one of the first and second end panels 622A, 622B. In this way, the first and second end panels 622A, 622B do not interfere with the engaging teeth 640, 642 of the article retention structures RT1, neither preventing folding of the first and second end panels 622A, 622B with respect to the main panel 612 nor affecting engagement of the engaging teeth 640, 642 with the articles B. The apertures A9 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 621A, 621B, between the main panel 612 and the first or second end panel 622A, 622B hingedly connected thereto. Referring now to Figures 14 and 15 there is shown a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the eighth illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “700” to indicate that these features belong to the eighth embodiment respectively. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 13, therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, and described above, will be described in any greater detail. Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of main panels 718D, 718C, 718B, 718, 714, 712, 716, 720, 720B hinged connected together in a linear series by a respective one of a plurality of fold 717D, 717C, 717B, 717, 713, 715, 719, 719B lines. The plurality of main panels 718D, 718C, 718B, 718, 714, 712, 716, 720, 720B includes a main panel 712 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 790 (see Figure 15). A first side panel 714 is hingedly connected to a first side of the engaging panel 712 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 713. A first top panel 718 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 714 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 717. A first keel panel 718B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 718 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 717B. A floor panel 718C is hingedly connected to the first keel panel 718B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 717C. A securing panel 718D is hingedly connected to the floor panel 718C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 717D. A second side panel 716 is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the engaging panel 712 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 715. A second top panel 720 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 720 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 719. A second keel panel 720B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 720 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 719B. The engaging panel 712 of the blank 710 includes at least one article retention structure RT1. The main panel 712 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, specifically six article retention structures RT1 arranged in 2 × 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 comprises an article receiving opening defined, at least in part, by a pair of engaging tabs or teeth 740, 742. The article retention structures RT1 comprise an opening defined in part by a pair of apertures A11, A12 and in part by a pair of engaging tabs 740, 742. A first aperture A11 is disposed on a first side of the pair of engaging tabs 740, 742 and a second aperture A11 is disposed on a second, opposing, side of the pair of engaging tabs 740, 742. The article retention structures RT1 comprise a first engaging tab 740 struck from the engaging panel 712 and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 741. A second engaging tab 742 is struck from the engaging panel 712 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 743. The second engaging tab 742 is hinged in opposition to the first engaging tab 740. The second engaging tab 742 is separated from the first engaging tab 740 by cut line or severable line. The cutline may be nonlinear so as to define a tongue T extending from the second engaging tab 742 and a recess R in the free end edge of the first engaging tab 740. The engaging panel 712 of the blank 710 includes at least one first handle opening, in the illustrated embodiment the engaging panel 712 of the blank 710 includes a pair of first handle openings. A first one of the first handle openings is disposed centrally between a first group of four article retention structures RT1 of the array of article retention structures RT1. A second one of the first handle openings is disposed centrally between a second group of four article retention structures RT1 of the array of article retention structures RT1. The first and second groups of four article retention structures RT1 may share a pair of common article retention structures RT1. Each handle opening takes the form of an aperture A13 struck from the engaging panel 712. The floor panel 718C comprises at least one second handle opening, in the illustrated embodiment the engaging panel 712 of the blank 710 includes a pair of second handle openings. A first one of the second handle openings is configured to be disposed in vertical alignment with a first one of the pair of first handle openings. A second one of the second handle openings is configured to be disposed in vertical alignment with a second one of the pair of first handle openings. Each second handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 760, the handle flap 760 may form a cushioning tab of a carrying handle. The handle flap 760 is struck from, or defined in, the floor panel 718C and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 761. The handle flap 760 may be dimensioned to pass through the aperture A13 in the engaging panel 712. The handle flap 760 passes through the aperture A13 forming the first handle opening and may serve to secure or lock the floor panel 718C to the base panel 712. In some embodiments, glue of other adhesive treatment may be employed to secure the floor panel 718C to the base panel 712. The first top panel 718 comprises at least one article receiving opening A10. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A10, specifically, but not limited to three article receiving opening A10. The article receiving opening takes the form of an aperture A10 struck from the first top panel 718. The aperture A10 may extend transversely across the first top panel 718 and into each of the first side panel 714 and the first keel panel 718B. The aperture A10 may comprise a central portion T_A struck from the first top panel 718 which is wider in dimension at least in part than the portions S_A, K_A of the aperture A10 defined in the first side panel 714 and the first keel panel 718B. The central portion T_A of the aperture A10 is defined by curved cut line portions C_C1, C_C2. The aperture A10 comprises opposed ends in each of the first side panel 714 and the first keel panel 718B, the opposed ends may be defined by linear cutline portions C_E1, C_E2. The linear cutline portions C_E1, C_E2 may define article engaging edges, the article engaging edge are configured to be disposed below a flange or projection of the article B so as to support, at least in part, the article B. The aperture A10 is dimensioned and arranged such that an upper end of the article B, such as, but not limited to, a cap or closure C passes through the first top panel 718. The second top panel 720 comprises at least one article receiving opening A10. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A10, specifically, but not limited to three article receiving opening A10. The article receiving opening takes the form of an aperture A10 struck from the second top panel 720. The aperture A10 may extend transversely across the second top panel 720 and into each of the second side panel 716 and the second keel panel 720B. The article receiving openings A10 in the second top panel 720 are substantially similar in construction to the those provided in the first top panel 718 and as described above and will not be described in further detail. Figure 15 shows an article carrier 790 forming a package with a plurality of articles B, the blank 710 has been folded to form the article carrier 790. The article carrier 790 comprises a tubular structure formed from one of the top panels 718, 720, one of the side panels 714, 716, one of the keel panels 718B, 720B/718D, and a portion of the base panel 712. The top panel 718, 720 is arranged substantially parallel to the portion of the base panel 712 and in a normal or resting condition may be generally horizontal. That is to say the articles B comprise a generally cylindrical shape having a cylindrical axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the top panel 718, 720. The article carrier 790 comprises a pair of tubular structures extending parallel to each other and connected by a spine. The spine formed from the floor panel 718C and a portion of the base panel 712 disposed in underlying relationship with the floor panel 718C. In this way the spine is two-ply in structure. Each tubular structure comprises at least one first opening in its respective portion of the base panel 712 and at least one second opening in its top panel 718, 720. An article B is received in the at least one first opening and a portion passes therethrough, the article B is received in the at least one second opening and a portion passes therethrough so as to protrude above the top panel 718, 720. The at least one second opening is shaped to form a close fit with the article B and frictionally engages with a side wall of the article B at a pair of opposed locations thereabout. The apertures A10 define nonlinear contact edges in the top panel 718, 720, the nonlinear contact edges may be curved and a complementary to the shape of the side wall of the portion of the article passing through the aperture A10. The at least one first opening is defined at least in part by a pair of opposed tabs 740, 742. The pair of opposed tabs 740, 742 are hinged to the base panel 712 by hinged connections which are substantially orthogonal to a tubular axis of the respective tubular structure. The pair of opposed tabs 740, 742 engage the article B at a location below the location at which the top panel 718, 720 engages the article B. The at least one second opening extends into the side 714, 716 and keel panels 718B, 720B/718D of the respective tubular structure and provides a pair of opposed support edges. A portion of the article B protrudes or projects outwardly of the side panel 714, 716 and the keel panel 718B, 720B/718D through the at least one second opening. Each tubular structure may be generally trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape. The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 include at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028”/~0.7mm). An example of such a substrate is a 23-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKoteTM) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition. The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross- laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE). Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used. The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate. The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620; 712, 718, 720 including an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720 and a lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720 comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture A2; A2/A3; A2/A5, A10. The lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 comprises a lower article receiving opening. The upper article receiving opening and the lower article receiving opening are disposed in vertical alignment and have respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article B at two vertically spaced elevations. The lower article receiving opening may be in the form of an article retention structure RT1, RT2 defined in part by one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 struck from and hingedly connected to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 are hingedly connected, at a proximal end thereof, to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 by a hinged connection. The one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 comprise an engaging edge at a distal end, the distal end opposing the proximal end. The one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 are configured and dimensioned such that at least a part of the perimeter of the lower article receiving opening abuts an article B when the article B is received in the article retention structure RT1, RT2, the one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 yielding out of the plane of the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 to bear against the article B. The carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 may engage an article B at two vertically spaced elevations above and below a flange or projection FL of the article B which is supported or engaged by the engaging edge of the one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140,142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 to suspend the article B therefrom. The upper article receiving opening may comprise an aperture A2 having a scalloped or serrated edge SE configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright or vertical wall. The upright wall may be provided by an end closure of the article B disposed above the flange or projection FL of the article B. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a brace or keel structure extending between the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720 and the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The keel structure may comprise a pair of keel panels 718B, 720B hingedly connected to the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720 by a first hinged connection and extending to a floor panel 718C disposed in face contacting relationship with the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The keel structure may define part of each of a pair of tubular structures, each tubular structure comprising at least one upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture in its upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720 and a lower article receiving opening the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 in vertical alignment with upper article receiving opening. The floor panel 718C provides part of a spine coupling pair of tubular structures together. In some embodiments, the brace or keel structure comprises an inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518 disposed in face-to-face relationship with an outer top panel 220; 320; 420; 520. The outer top panel 220; 320; 420; 520 comprises the upper article receiving opening. The brace or keel structure comprises a first beam or keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B is hingedly connected to the inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518, a floor panel 218C; 318C; 418C; 518C (also referred to herein as second beam panel) is hingedly connected along a first side thereof to the first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B and is hingedly connected along a second, opposing, side to a second keel panel 218D; 318D; 418D; 518D (also referred to herein as third beam panel). The inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518 comprises an article receiving aperture A5 defined therein and extending into the first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B to interrupt the hinged connection therebetween, the article receiving aperture A5 is arranged to allow an upper portion of an article B to pass therethrough. The first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B comprises an engaging edge defined by a portion of the article receiving aperture A5. The engaging edge of the first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B may be provided by an engaging tooth 244; 344; 446; 546 struck from the first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B and defining a portion of the perimeter of the article receiving aperture A5. The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220; 312, 314, 316, 318, 320; 412, 414, 416, 418, 420; 512, 514, 516, 518, 520; 612, 614, 616, 618, 620; 712, 714, 716, 718, 720 for forming a tubular structure including a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620; 712, 718, 720 comprising an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 254; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720; and a lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718, 720; comprises an inner top panel 18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518; 618 and an outer top panel 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 further comprises an end closure structure for closing each end of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprises an end panel 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B hingedly connected to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612 along an end edge thereof. The end closure structure comprises a first anchor panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B hinged to a side edge of the inner top panel 18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518; 618; 718 and a second anchor panel 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B; 326A, 326B; 426A, 426B; 526A, 526B; 626A, 626B hinged to a side edge of a first side panel 14; 114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614 that connects the inner top panel 18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518; 618; 718 to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The second anchor panel 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B; 326A, 326B; 426A, 426B; 526A, 526B; 626A, 626B is connected to the end panel 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B by a first connecting panel 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B; 242A, 242B; 324A, 324B; 424A, 424B; 524A, 524B; 624A, 624B. The end closure structure comprises a third anchor panel 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B hinged to a side edge of the outer top panel 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720 and a fourth anchor panel 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B; 332A, 332B; 432A, 432B; 532A, 532B; 632A, 632B hinged to a side edge of a second side panel 16; 116; 216; 316; 416; 516; 616 that connects the outer top panel 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720 to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The fourth anchor panel 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B; 332A, 332B; 432A, 432B; 532A, 532B; 632A, 632B is connected to the end panel 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B by a second connecting panel 30A, 30B; 130A, 130B; 302A, 302B; 330A, 330B; 430A, 430B; 530A, 530B; 630A, 630B. Each of the first anchor panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B and third anchor panel 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B is configured and arranged to avoid obscuring or overlapping with an article receiving opening disposed in the respective one of the inner and outer top panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420; 518, 520; 618, 620; 718, 720. The end panel 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B comprises a free end edge opposing a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The free end edge is disposed in contact with a surface of each of the first anchor panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B and the third anchor panel 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B. The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620 including an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720; and a lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a panel locking device comprising spaced apart locking tabs disposed in vertical registry. The spaced apart locking tabs comprise a first locking tab 82; 182; 284; 384; 484; 584; 682 struck from and hingedly connected to the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720; and a second locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680 struck from and hingedly connected to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The second locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680 is hingedly connected in opposition to the first locking tab 82; 182; 284; 384; 484; 584; 682. The first locking tab 82; 182; 284; 384; 484; 584; 682 extends between the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720; and the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and passes through an opening in the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 created by displacement of the second locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680. The panel locking device L may be disposed centrally between a group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2 and form a carrying handle in an activated or deployed condition. The present disclosure further provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220; 312, 314, 316, 318, 320; 412, 414, 416, 418, 420; 512, 514, 516, 518, 520; 612, 614, 616, 618, 620 including an engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and a hinged panel 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection. The engaging panel comprises 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2. The at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2 includes an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth 240, 440; 540; 640 struck from the engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; and hingedly connected thereto so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening. The perimeter of article receiving opening comprises a toothless region disposed adjacent to the hinged connection between the engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; and the hinged panel 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B. The toothless region interrupts the hinged connection between the engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; and the hinged panel 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B. The toothless region is defined by a cutaway in the form of an aperture struck from each of a pair of adjacent engaging teeth 240, 440; 540; 640, that is to say from material which would otherwise form the adjacent engaging teeth 240, 440; 540; 640. The present disclosure also provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620 including a top panel 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720 and an engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; comprises at least one pair of article retention structures RT1, RT2. Each article retention structure RT1, RT2 includes an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth 240, 440; 540; 640 struck from the engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; and hingedly connected thereto so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening. The perimeter of each article receiving opening comprises a toothless region, the toothless region of a first one of the at least one pair of article retention structures RT1, RT2 is disposed adjacent or proximate to the toothless region of a second one of the at least one pair of article retention structures RT1, RT2. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a brace or keel structure extending between the top panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720; and the engaging panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The brace or keel structure comprises an inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518 disposed in face-to-face relationship with the top panel 220; 320; 420; 520. The brace or keel structure comprises a first beam or keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B hingedly connected to the inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518, a floor panel 218C; 318C; 418C; 518C (also referred to herein as second beam panel) hingedly connected along a first side thereof to the first keel panel 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B and hingedly connected along a second, opposing, side to a second keel panel 218D; 318D; 418D; 518D (also referred to herein as third beam panel). The toothless region of each of the at least one pair of article retention structures RT1, RT2 is configured to receive a portion of one of the first and second keel panels 218B, 218D; 318B, 318D; 418B, 418D; 518B, 518D to facilitate engagement of a free edge of the first and second keel panels 218B, 218D; 318B, 318D; 418B, 418D; 518B, 518D below a flange or projection FL of the article B. 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 1. An article carrier for engaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising at least one upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart from the at least one upper panel, the at least one upper panel comprising an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture, the lower panel comprising a lower article receiving opening, the upper and lower article receiving openings being disposed in vertical alignment and having respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article at two vertically spaced elevations.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the lower article receiving opening takes the form of an article retention structure defined in part by one or more engaging tabs struck from and hingedly connected to the lower panel, wherein the one or more engaging tabs are hingedly connected, at a proximal end thereof, to the lower panel by a hinged connection to define the perimeter of the lower article receiving opening, the one or more engaging tabs comprising an engaging edge at a distal end thereof, the distal end opposes the proximal end, and wherein the one or more engaging tabs are configured and dimensioned such that at least a part of the perimeter of the lower article receiving opening abuts an article, when the article is received in the article retention structure such that the one or more engaging tabs yield out of the plane of the lower panel to bear against the article.

3. An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the article carrier engages the article at two vertically spaced elevations above and below a projection of the article which is supported by the engaging edges of the one or more engaging tabs to suspend the article therefrom.

4. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture having a scalloped edge configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright wall of the article.

5. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture having a serrated edge configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright wall of the article.

6. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one upper panel comprises a first upper panel, the article carrier comprises a keel structure extending between the first upper panel and the lower panel, the keel structure comprising a first keel panel hingedly connected to the first upper panel by a first hinged connection, and a floor panel disposed in face contacting relationship with the lower panel, the first keel panel extending to the floor panel and hingedly connected thereto.

7. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein part of the keel structure defines part of a first tubular structure comprising the first upper panel and the first keel panel, the first tubular structure comprising the upper article receiving opening.

8. An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the at least one upper panel further comprising a second upper panel, wherein the carrier further comprises a second tubular structure extending alongside the first tubular structure, the second tubular structure comprising the second upper panel and a second keel panel, wherein the floor panel provides part of a spine coupling of the first and second tubular structures together.

9. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture defining a nonlinear edge in the at least one upper panel and configured to form a tight fit about a substantially upright wall of the article.

10. An article carrier for engaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including an engaging panel and a hinged panel hingedly connected thereto by a first hinged connection, the engaging panel comprises at least one article retention structure wherein the at least one article retention structure includes an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth struck from the engaging panel and hingedly connected thereto by second hinged connections respectively so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening, the perimeter of the article receiving opening comprises a toothless region which is disposed adjacent to the first hinged connection such that the toothless region interrupts the first hinged connection.

11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the toothless region is defined by a cut extending between respective second hinged connections of two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth.

12. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the toothless region is defined by a cutaway in the form of an aperture extending between two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth.

13. An article carrier according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of engaging teeth comprise larger teeth and smaller teeth, and wherein the smaller teeth comprise the two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth.

14. An article carrier according to claim 13, wherein each of the two adjacent one of the plurality of engaging teeth is adjoined by one of the larger teeth.

15. An article carrier for engaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising at least one upper panel and an engaging panel spaced apart from the at least one upper panel, the engaging panel comprising at least one article retention structure including an article receiving opening defined at least in part by a plurality of engaging teeth struck from the engaging panel, the engaging teeth being hingedly connected to the engaging panel so as to define at least part of a perimeter of the article receiving opening, wherein the perimeter of the article receiving opening comprises a toothless region, the article carrier further comprises a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the engaging panel, the keel structure comprises a first keel panel and a floor panel, the first keel panel being hingedly connected to the at least one upper panel, the floor panel being hingedly connected along one of first and second opposed sides thereof to the first keel panel, the toothless region of the at least one article retention structure is positioned proximately to a portion of one of the first and second opposed sides of the floor panel.

16. An article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the toothless region is defined by a cut or opening extending between two adjacent ones of the engaging teeth.

17. An article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the first keel panel being hingedly connected to the first side of the floor panel, the toothless region of the at least one article retention structure being positioned proximately to a portion of the first side of the floor panel, and wherein the first keel panel comprises an engaging element for engaging at least one article such that the toothless region facilitates engagement of the engaging element with the at least one article.

18. A article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the keel structure further comprises a second keel panel hingedly connected to the floor panel, the first keel panel being hingedly connected to the first side of the floor panel, the second keel panel being hingedly connected to the second side of the floor panel, he toothless region of the at least one article retention structure being positioned proximately to a portion of the second side of the floor panel, and wherein the second keel panel comprises a free end edge which is configured to engage the at least one article.

19. An article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the at least one article retention structure comprises first and second article retention structurers, wherein the perimeter of the article receiving opening of each of the first and second article retention structures comprises a toothless region, the toothless region of the first article retention structure is disposed adjacent to the toothless region of the second article retention structure.

20. An article carrier comprising a pair of upper and lower spaced panels wherein an access opening is defined in an upper panel for accessing a handle opening in the lower panel, wherein at least two panels extend at least partially between the upper and lower panels such that the at least two panels provide an inside surface of a structure extending at least partially between the access opening and the handle opening.

21. An article carrier according to claim 20 wherein the at least two panels are disposed next to each other so as to define an angle therebetween.

22. An article carrier according to claim 20 wherein the at least two panels comprise three panels which together provide the inside surface of the structure and wherein two of the three panels each extends fully between the upper and lower panels.

23. An article carrier according to claim 20 wherein the at least two panels comprise four panels which together provide the inside surface of the structure and wherein three of the four panels each extends fully between the upper and lower panels.