EP4646373A1

EP4646373A1 - Article carrier and blank therfor

Info

Publication number: EP4646373A1
Application number: EP24704961.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2023-01-06
Filing date: 2024-01-04
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2024148160A1; CN120752185A; KR20250133890A; AU2024206370A1; CL2025001977A1; MX2025007864A; JP2026503037A

Abstract

The invention relates to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier may package at least one article having a recess. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an article retention device (RT1, RT2) for engaging a recess of the at least one article. The article retention device comprises a tab (50, 52) hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line (51, 53). The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position. The tab comprises a main body which is defined in part by a first free edge (61, 62a) opposing the first fold line. The first free edge includes a curved segment having a radius of curvature (Rc1, Rc2). The curved segment defines a center (Cr1, Cr2) of the radius of curvature. The tab further comprises at least one retention lobe (L1, L2) extending outwards from the main body. The at least one retention lobe has a second free edge (71, 72) continuous with the first free edge. The at least one retention lobe includes a farthest point (Fp1, Fp2) along the second free edge. The farthest point is disposed at a maximum lobe distance (Ld1, Ld2) from the center of the radius of curvature. The maximum lobe distance is greater than the radius of curvature.

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 an article retention structure including an engagement device for securing an end of an article.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons or article carriers 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 carton comprises a carrying handle sufficiently strong enough to bear the load of the carton and its contents.

It is desirable that the articles held within a carton are securely held and protected during transportation. It is also desirable that the articles within a carton can be readily accessed.

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 a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess. The blank comprises: a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carrier for receiving at least part of at least one article; and an article retention device for engaging a recess of the at least one article. The article retention device comprises a tab hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position. The tab comprises a main body which is defined in part by a first free edge opposing the first fold line. The first free edge includes a curved segment having a radius of curvature. The curved segment defines a center of the radius of curvature. The tab further comprises at least one retention lobe extending outwards from the main body. The at least one retention lobe has a second free edge continuous with the first free edge. The at least one retention lobe includes a farthest point along the second free edge. The farthest point is disposed at a maximum lobe distance from the center of the radius of curvature. The maximum lobe distance is greater than the radius of curvature.

Optionally, the second free edge may be disposed closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

Optionally, the second free edge may extend between the first fold line and the first free edge.

Optionally, the main body may comprise a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge. The at least one retention lobe may comprise a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge. The second maximum linear dimension may be less than the first maximum linear dimension.

Optionally, the second maximum linear dimension may be less than half the first maximum linear dimension.

Optionally, the at least one retention lobe may be disposed next to at least one end of the first fold line.

Optionally, the at least one retention lobe comprises a pair of retention lobes disposed at opposite ends of the first fold line, respectively.

Optionally, the first fold line may be less in length than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

Optionally, the tab may have a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line, and the first fold line may be less in length than the maximum width of the tab.

Optionally, the maximum width of the tab may be less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge. A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess of one of said one or more articles. The article retention device inhibits dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retention device comprises a tab hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position in which the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than ninety degrees. The tab comprises a main body providing an edge for engaging a surface of the article provided by the recess therein. The tab comprises a retention lobe extending from the main body to engage a feature of the article to inhibit disengagement of the tab from the article, the retention lobe inhibits unfolding of the tab from the engagement position.

Optionally, the tab comprises a pair of retention lobes extending from opposed sides of the main body.

Optionally, the or each retention lobe is disposed adjacent to the first fold line.

In a package comprising the article carrier and at least one article having a recess the retention lobe may be disposed between said first one of the plurality of panels and a base feature upon which the article rests.

Optionally, the main body of the tab comprises a first linear or height maximum dimension measured between a hinged edge and an opposing free edge and the retention lobe comprises a second linear or height maximum dimension measured between a first free edge colinear with the hinged edge of the main body and a second free edge opposing the first free edge, and wherein the second linear or height maximum dimension is less than the first linear or height maximum dimension,

Optionally, the second linear or height maximum dimension is less than half the first linear or height maximum dimension. Optionally, the retention lobe is connected to the main body of the tab by connection in the form of a bridging portion which is sufficiently narrow to allow deformation between main body of the tab and the retention lobe.

In a package comprising the article carrier and at least one article having a recess, the main body of the tab stands proud of the first one of the plurality of panels when in the folded condition whilst the retention lobe may be held in contact, and optionally in face contacting relationship, with a portion of the base panel.

In the package, the main body of the tab may project into the recess in the base of the article to provide an end stop to limit movement thereof.

Optionally, the first fold line extends at an acute angle with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure. Optionally, the angle is acute. Optionally, the angle is no more than 50 degrees.

Optionally, the first fold line extends parallel with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected such that the tab is foldable inwardly of the article carrier toward a second one of the plurality of panels which is hingedly connected to the first one of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a machine pull opening for receiving a machine element, the tab when folded about the first fold line, defines at least part of the machine pull opening.

Optionally, the machine pull opening includes a recess along a perimeter of the machine pull opening, the recess extending from the main body of the tab.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises an end closure structure comprising at least one end panel for partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding one or more articles. The blank comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess of one of said one or more articles. The article retention device inhibits dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retention device comprises a tab hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position in which the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than ninety degrees. The tab comprises a main body providing an edge for engaging a surface of the article provided by the recess therein. The tab comprises a retention lobe for inhibiting unfolding of the tab from the engagement position. The retention lobe extends from the main body to engage a feature of the article to inhibit disengagement of the tab from the article, the retention lobe.

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

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

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another portion of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is schematic illustration of the profile of a product container; and

Figure 6 is schematic illustration of the base of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 showing the position of a base feature of the articles being packaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and article 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 article carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like. The articles may comprise a recess or indentation in the upper and/or lower ends thereof. In some embodiments the articles may comprise a projection or flange extending outwardly, upwardly or downwardly so as to provide a wall or engaging surface.

The blank 10 is 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 recognised 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 structure or carton 90 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 embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 330ml beverage cans.

Alternatively, the blank 10 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 for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans. Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 90 (see Figures 2 and 3) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first corner or bevel panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner or bevel panel 22 and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted. In still other embodiments an additional corner panel may be provided hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the first side panel 16. An additional corner panel may be provided hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. An additional corner panel may be provided hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and each of the first and second side panels 16, 20

Fold lines 13, 23 and/or fold lines 15, 21 optionally comprise cut lines or severance lines (not shown) which are collinear with the respective one of the fold lines 13,15, 21 , 23 so as to interrupt said fold line 13, 15, 21 , 23 or be coincident therewith. Severance lines may provide shock absorbing or damping devices proximate the base of the carton 90.

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 are optional and may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels 12, 24, to which they are hingedly connected. In some embodiments the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted, the fold lines 15, 23 may be omitted in such embodiments.

The blank 10 comprises an end closure structure for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

A first end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a first end structure comprising a first top end flap 26A hingedly connected to a first end of the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A. A first connecting panel 32A is hingedly connected to a first side of the first top end flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A.

A first anchor panel 28A is hingedly connected to the first side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A.

A first web panel 30A hingedly connects the first anchor panel 28A to the first connecting panel 32A. The first web panel 30A is hingedly connected to the first anchor panel 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The first web panel 30A is hingedly connected to the first connecting panel 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A.

A second connecting panel 34A is hingedly connected to a second side of the first top end flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A.

A second anchor panel 38A is hingedly connected to the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 A.

A second web panel 36A hingedly connects the second anchor panel 38A to the second connecting panel 34A. The second web panel 36A is hingedly connected to the second anchor panel 38A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39A. The second web panel 36A is hingedly connected to the second connecting panel 34A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A.

A second end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a second end structure comprising a second top end flap 26B hingedly connected to a second end of the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B.

A third connecting panel 32B is hingedly connected to a first side of the second top end flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B.

A third anchor panel 28B is hingedly connected to the first side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B. A third web panel 30B hingedly connects the third anchor panel 28B to the third connecting panel 32B. The third web panel 30B is hingedly connected to the third anchor panel 28B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The third web panel 30B is hingedly connected to the third connecting panel 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B.

A fourth connecting panel 34B is hingedly connected to a second side of the second top end flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B.

A fourth anchor panel 38B is hingedly connected to the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 B.

A fourth web panel 36B hingedly connects the fourth anchor panel 38B to the fourth connecting panel 34B. The fourth web panel 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor panel 38B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39B. The fourth web panel 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth connecting panel 34B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37B.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism M/F for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism M/F. The second base panel 24 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism M/F. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 28. The second base panel 28 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the first base panel 12 are configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. Each of the female tabs F is arranged to be displaced out of the first base panel 12 to form an opening and to bear against a male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and second base panels 12, 24 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

The complementary locking mechanism M/F illustrated and described is entirely optional. The blank 10 comprises at least one article retention device or article engagement structure (also referred to herein as lower end article retention devices or article engagement structures) RT1 , RT2 for engaging a lower end of the articles B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six second article engagement structures RT1 , RT2.

The blank 10 comprises four first article engagement structures RT1 and two second article engagement structures RT2. Each of the base panels 12, 24 may comprise a pair of first article engagement structures RT1 and a second article engagement structures RT2. The article retention devices will be described in further detail with reference to the first and second article engagement structures RT 1 , RT2 provided in the first base panel 12.

Referring to Figure 4, the first article engagement structures RT 1 comprise a first engaging tab 50 struck from the first base panel 12, that is to say provided by material which would otherwise form the first base panel 12. The first engaging tab 50 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 . Fold Line 51 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 13 providing the hinged connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner or bevel panel 14. Fold Line 51 may be obliquely arranged with respect to the fold line 13. In embodiments having two first article engagement structures RT1 the fold line 51 of a first one of the two first article engagement structures RT 1 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 51 of the second one of the two first article engagement structures RT1 ; the fold lines 51 may be arranged to diverge from each other as they approach the fold line 13 providing the hinged connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner or bevel panel 14.

The first engaging tab 50 comprises a main body portion configured to be received in a recess R in a base of an article B (see Figure 5) and a projection forming a retention lobe L1. The retention lobe L1 extends from a first, inner, side of the main body portion.

The retention lobe L1 is configured to be folded so as to be disposed between the first base panel 12 and a base of an article B. An exemplary article B is shown in Figure 5, the article B comprises a cylindrical wall W closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE comprises a recess R in the form of a dome shape. The article B rests upon a base, the base may take the form of an annular ridge or rim C extending outwardly or downwardly from the lower end. The annular ridge or rim C surrounds the recess R. The retention lobe L1 in a setup carton 90 may be disposed between the first base panel 12 and annular ridge or rim C, best illustrated in Figure 6. The weight of the article B provides friction preventing or inhibiting the first engaging tab 50 from unfolding. The main body portion of the first engaging tab 50 projects into the recess R and provides an edge which bears against a surface of the article B to prevent or inhibit movement of the article B with respect to the carton 90.

In some applications, the retention lobe L1 may be configured to engage with a marginal region of the recess R adjacent to the annular ridge or rim C. An upward facing surface, that is to say, a surface facing the recess R in the article, of the retention lobe L1 may be disposed in close proximity or touching contact with the marginal region of the recess R so as to prevent or inhibit unfolding of the first engaging tab 50.

The retention lobe L1 may be free from direct hinged connection to the first base panel 12, and may be coupled to the first base panel 12 by the main body portion of the first engaging tab 50. The retention lobe L1 may be defined, at least in part, by a “U” or “C” shape cutline. The cutline defining the retention lobe L1 may extend from the fold line 51 hinging the main body portion to the first base panel 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the retention lobe L1 may be free from direct hinged connection to the first base panel 12, the cutline defining the retention lobe L1 separates said portion of the retention lobe L1 from the first base panel 12.

The main body of the engaging tab 50 is defined in part by a first free edge 61 which is disposed at the position opposing the first fold line 51. The first free edge 61 includes a curved segment 61a which is defined by a radius of curvature Rc1. The curved segment 61a defines a center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rc1 . The retention lobe L1 extends radially outwards from the main body in the direction away from the center Cr1 of the radius of curvature. The retention lobe L1 has a second free edge 71 extending continuous from the first free edge 61. The retention lobe L1 includes a farthest point Fp1 along the second free edge 71. The farthest point Fp1 is disposed at a maximum lobe distance Ld1 from the center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rd . The maximum lobe distance Ld1 is greater than the radius of curvature Rd. The second free edge 71 is located closer to the fold line 51 than the first free edge 61. The second free edge 71 extends between the fold line 51 and the first free edge 61. The retention lobe L1 is located next to one of the opposed ends of the fold line 51. The length of the fold line 51 is less than twice the radius of curvature Rd of the curved segment 61a of the first free edge 61. Figure 4 shows the second article engagement structure RT2 comprises a second engaging tab 52 struck from the first base panel 12, that is to say provided by material which would otherwise form the first base panel 12. The second engaging tab 52 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53. Fold Line 53 may be arranged parallel with respect to the fold line 13 providing the hinged connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner or bevel panel 14.

The second engaging tab 52 comprises a main body portion configured to be received in a recess in a base of an article B and a pair of second projections forming second retention lobes L2. A first one of the pair of second retention lobes L2 extends from a first side of the main body portion and a second one of the pair of second retention lobes L2 extends from a second, opposing, side of the main body portion.

The retention lobes L2 are configured to be folded so as to be disposed between the first base panel 12 and a base of an article B. An exemplary article B is shown in Figure 5, the article B comprises a cylindrical wall W closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE comprises a recess R in the form of a dome shape. The article B rests upon a base, the base may take the form of an annular ridge or rim C extending outwardly or downwardly from the lower end. The annular ridge or rim C surrounds the recess R. Each of the retention lobes L2 in a setup carton 90 is disposed between the first base panel 12 and portion of annular ridge or rim C, best illustrated in Figure 6. The weight of the article B provides friction preventing or inhibiting the second engaging tab 52 from unfolding. The main body portion of the second engaging tab 52 projects into the recess R and provides an edge which bears against a surface of the article B to prevent or inhibit movement of the article B with respect to the carton 90. The main body of the engaging tab 52 is defined in part by a first free edge 62 which opposes the fold line 53. The first free edge 62 includes a curved segment 62a having a radius of curvature Rc2. The curved segment 62a defines a center Cr2 of the radius of curvature Rc2. The engaging tab 52 further comprises a pair of retention lobes L2, L2 each extending radially outwards from the main body in the direction away from the center Cr2. The at least one retention lobe has a second free edge continuous with the first free edge. Each of the retention lobes L2, L2 includes a farthest point Fp2 (only one of which is denoted in Figure 4) along the respective second free edge 72. Each farthest point Fp2 is disposed at a maximum lobe distance Ld2 from the center Cr2 of the radius of curvature Rc2. The maximum lobe distance Ld2 of each farthest point Fp2 is greater than the radius of curvature Rc2. Each second free edge 72 is located closer to the fold line 53 than the first free edge 62. Each second free edge 72 extends between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. The main body of the engaging tab 52 has a first maximum linear dimension hi measured between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. Each retention lobe L2 has a second maximum linear dimension h2 measured between the fold line 53 and the second free edge 72. The second maximum linear dimension h2 is less than the first maximum linear dimension hi . The second maximum linear dimension h2 may be less than a half of the first maximum linear dimension hi . The retention lobes L2, L2 are located at the opposite ends of the fold line 53, respectively.

Referring to Figure 6, the length W1 of the fold line 53 of the engaging tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved segment 62a of the first free edge 62. The engaging tab 52 may have a maximum width W2 extending in a direction along the fold line 53 while the length W1 the fold line 53 may be less than the maximum width W2 of the engaging tab 52. The maximum width W2 of the engaging tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved segment 62a of the first free edge 62.

In some applications, the retention lobes L2 may be configured to engage with respective marginal regions of the recess R adjacent to the annular ridge or rim C. An upward facing surface, that is to say, a surface facing the recess R in the article, of each of the retention lobes L2 may be disposed in close proximity or touching contact with a marginal region so as to prevent or inhibit unfolding of the second engaging tab 52.

Each of the pair of second retention lobes L2 may be free from direct hinged connection to the first base panel 12, and may be coupled to the first base panel 12 by the main body portion of the second engaging tab 52. Each of the pair of second retention lobes L2 may be defined, at least in part, by a “U” or “C” shape cutline. The cutline defining the second retention lobes L2 may extend from the fold line 53 hinging the main body portion to the first base panel 12. The blank 10 may comprise an assembly device. The assembly device facilitates tightening of the blank 10 about the group of articles B. The assembly device may comprise an alignment feature. The assembly device takes the form of an opening in the first and/or second base panels 12, 24. The opening (also referred to herein as a machine pull opening) may be defined at least in part by the engaging tab 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1 , RT2. The alignment feature takes the form of a cutaway A1 , A2. The cutaway A1 , A2 may take the form an aperture which may be adjacent to and contiguous with the engaging tab 50, 52.

In an operative condition, the cutaway A1 , A2 forms a recess or notch extending from the opening created in the first or second base panels 12, 24 formed when the respective engaging tab 50, 52 is folded internally of the carrier 90. In this way, the opening created in the first or second base panel 12, 24 by the engaging tab 50, 52 and the cutaway A1 , A2 is integral or combine to form a single aperture.

In other embodiments, the cutaway A1 , A2 may be defined by an aperture separate and spaced apart from the engaging tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT 1 , RT2.

The cutaway A1 , A2 is defined by a part of a notional triangle, another part of which is accommodated within the engaging tab 50, 52. One of the vertices of the triangle is disposed outside footprint of the engaging tab 50, 52 such that the cutaway A1 is formed.

Each of the engaging tabs 50, 52 is defined by a cutline 55, 57; the cut line 55, 57 is interrupted by the cutaway A1 , A2 to form two cut line portions on either side thereof.

The cutaways A1 , A2 extend from the main body portion of a respective one of the engaging tabs 50, 52. Each of the cutaways A1, A2 comprises a pair of converging side edges, the side edges converge towards a free end edge of the first base panel 12, the free end edge of the first base panel 12 opposes a hinged edge of the first base panel 12 defined by the fold line 13.

Each of the engaging tabs 50, 52 may be spaced apart from the fold line 13 by a minimum distance d1.

Each of the cutaways A1 , A2 may be spaced apart from the free end edge of the first base panel 12 by a minimum distance d2.

The openings in the first base panel 12 created or defined by the engaging tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1 , RT2 and the cutaways A1, A2 of the assembly device are defined within a medial region of the first base panel 12. The medial region is disposed a first distance d1 from the hinged edge of the first base panel 12 defined by the fold line 13 and a second distance d2 from the free end edge of the first base panel 12.

In this way, the openings in the first or second base panel 12, 24 created, or defined, by the engaging tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT 1 , RT2 and the cutaways A1 , A2 of the assembly device are spaced apart from the male or female tabs M, F of the complementary locking mechanism M/F. This may improve the carton integrity or at least prevent or minimise any reduction in carton integrity as a consequence of providing said openings in the base panels 12, 24.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a handle structure H, the handle structure may take the form of at least one handle opening in the top panel 18. The handle opening may be defined by a handle tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the top panel 18. The illustrated embodiment, comprises a pair of handle openings each defined by a handle tab, the pair of handle tabs being hingedly connected in opposition to each other.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 and a blank 10 for forming an article carrier. The article carrier 90 and the blank 10 comprise at least one an article retention device RT1, RT2 for engaging a recess, flange, projection, or other suitable engaging surface provided by an article B. When the articles B being packaged are cans the engaging surface may be provided by a seam or chime.

The article carrier 90 may package at least one article B having a recess R. The article carrier 90 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure for surrounding one or more articles B. The article carrier 90 comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess R of one of said one or more articles B. The article retention device RT1, RT2 may inhibit dislodgement of the article B from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retention device RT1 , RT2 comprises a tab 50, 52 hingedly connected to a first one 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along a first fold line 51 , 53. The tab 50, 52 being foldable about the first fold line 51 , 53 into an engagement position. To reach the engagement position, the tab 50, 52 may be folded from its initial position about the first fold line 51 , 53 through an angle greater than 90 degrees. The tabs 50, 52 in their engagement positions are best shown in Figure 6 where the shaded regions indicate the tabs 50, 52 in folded condition. The tab 50, 52, once folded over 90 degrees to its engagement position, may define an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the adjacent inside surface of the respective base panel 12, 24. The tab 50, 52 comprises a main body providing an edge for engaging a surface of the article provided by the recess R. The tab 50, 52 comprises a retention lobe L1, L2 extending from the main body to engage a feature of the article B to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the tab 50, 52 from the article B. The retention lobe L1 , L2 may prevent or inhibit unfolding of the tab 50, 52 from the engagement position. In a setup carton 90, the retention lobe L1, L2 may be disposed or pinched between said first one 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and a base feature (such as the rim C) upon which the respective article B rests or stands.

The main body of the tab 50, 52 comprises a first maximum linear, or height, dimension hi measured between a hinged edge 51 , 53 and an opposing first free edge 61 , 62. The retention lobe L1 , L2 comprises a second maximum linear, or height, dimension h2 measured between the hinged edge 51 , 53 of the main body and a farthest segment of the second free edge 71 , 72. The second maximum linear, or height, dimension h2 is less than the first maximum linear, or height, dimension hi and may be less than half the first maximum linear, or height, dimension hi . A relatively narrow connection may be provided between the main body of the tab 50, 52 and the retention lobe L1 , L2, which may facilitate deformation or twisting of the main body of the tab 50, 52 with respect to, or between, the retention lobe L1 , L2. In this way, the main body of the tab 50, 52 may stand proud of the base panel 12, 24 in the folded condition whilst the retention lobe L1 , L2 is held in face contacting relationship with a portion of the base panel 12, 24. The main body of the tab 50, 52 projects into the recess R in the base of the article B to provide an end stop to limit movement thereof.

The first fold line 51 , 53 may extend at an acute angle with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure. The angle may be acute and may be no more than 50 degrees.

The tab 50, 52 may be hingedly connected such that the tab 50, 52 is foldable inwardly of the article carrier 90 toward a second one 14, 16, 20, 22 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 which is hingedly connected to the first one 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along a second fold line 13, 15, 21 , 23.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 having a machine pull opening and a blank 10 for forming the same. The article carrier 90 and/or blank 10 comprises an article retention device RT 1 , RT2 for engaging a recess of one of at least one article B. The article retention device RT 1 , RT2 may inhibit dislodgement of the article B from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retention device RT1 , RT2 comprises a tab 50, 52 struck from only a first one 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and hingedly connected to the first one 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along a first fold line 51 , 53. The tab 50, 52 when folded about the first fold line 51 , 53, defines at least part of the machine pull opening. A machine element may engage the machine pull opening to tighten the blank 10 around the at least one article B. The tab 50, 52 may be a single or unitary member formed from the material removed out from the machine pull opening.

The machine pull opening may include a recess A1 , A2 along a perimeter of the machine pull opening, the recess A1 , A2 being located at a position substantially opposing the first fold line 51 , 53.

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

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. The illustrated embodiments show cartons or blanks for forming an article carrier of the wraparound style; in other embodiments, the article carrier may take an alternative format or styles and may employ one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

The end closure structures may be omitted, additional article retention devices RT1 , RT2 may be provided in one or more additional panels of the blank 10 or carton 90, for example, but not limited to, the top panel 18. In such embodiments, assembly device, cutaways A1 , A2, may also be provided in said additional panels, or may be omitted in still other embodiments.

It will be recognised 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 halfcut, 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, 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 d panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

1. A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carrier for receiving at least part of at least one article; and an article retention device for engaging a recess of the at least one article, the article retention device comprising a tab hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line, the tab being foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position, wherein the tab comprises a main body which is defined in part by a first free edge opposing the first fold line, the first free edge including a curved segment having a radius of curvature, the curved segment defining a center of the radius of curvature, wherein the tab further comprises at least one retention lobe extending outwards from the main body, the at least one retention lobe having a second free edge continuous with the first free edge, and wherein the at least one retention lobe includes a farthest point along the second free edge, the farthest point being disposed at a maximum lobe distance from the center of the radius of curvature, the maximum lobe distance being greater than the radius of curvature.

2. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the second free edge is disposed closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

3. A blank according to claim 2 wherein the second free edge extends between the first fold line and the first free edge.

4. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the main body comprises a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge, the at least one retention lobe comprises a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge, and wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than the first maximum linear dimension.

5. A blank according to claim 4 wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than half the first maximum linear dimension.

6. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the at least one retention lobe is disposed next to at least one end of the first fold line.

7. A blank according to claim 6 wherein the at least one retention lobe comprises a pair of retention lobes disposed at opposite ends of the first fold line, respectively.

8. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the first fold line is less in length than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

9. A blank according to claim 1 wherein the tab has a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line and wherein the first fold line is less in length than the maximum width of the tab.

10. A blank according to claim 9 wherein the maximum width of the tab is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

11. An article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article; and an article retention device for engaging a recess of the at least one article; the article retention device inhibiting dislodgement of the at least one article from the tubular structure, the article retention device comprising a tab hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of panels along a first fold line, the tab being foldable about the first fold line into an engagement position in which the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than ninety degrees, wherein the tab comprises a main body for engaging a surface of the at least one article provided by the recess therein, the tab further comprises at least one retention lobe extending from the main body to engage a feature of the at least one article to inhibit disengagement of the tab from the at least one article, the at least one retention lobe inhibits unfolding of the tab from the engagement position.

12. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the main body of the tab comprises a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and an first free edge opposing the first fold line, the at least one retention lobe comprises a second free edge continuous with the first free edge and a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge, and wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than the first maximum linear dimension,

13. An article carrier according to claim 12 wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than half the first maximum linear dimension.

14. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the at least one retention lobe takes a form of a protrusion projecting from the first free edge of the tab to allow deformation between main body of the tab and the at least one retention lobe.

15. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the first fold line extends at an acute angle with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

16. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the first fold line extends parallel with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

17. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the tab is hingedly connected such that the tab is foldable inwardly of the article carrier toward a second one of the plurality of panels which is hingedly connected to the first one of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

18. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the article carrier comprises a machine pull opening for receiving a machine element, the tab when folded about the first fold line, defines at least part of the machine pull opening and the machine pull opening includes a recess along a perimeter of the machine pull opening, the recess extending from the main body of the tab.

19. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the article carrier comprises an end closure structure comprising at least one end panel for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

20. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the tab comprises a pair of retention lobes extending from opposed sides of the main body.

21. A package comprising the article carrier of claim 11 and at least one article having a recess and a base feature upon which the at least one article rests, wherein the at least one retention lobe is disposed between said first one of the plurality of panels and the base feature.

22. A package according to claim 21 wherein the main body of the tab protrudes from the first one of the plurality of panels when in the engagement position whilst the at least one retention lobe is held in contact with a portion of the base panel.

3. A package according to claim 21 wherein the main body of the tab projects into the recess in the base of the at least one article to provide an end stop to limit movement of the at least one article.