KR20070099546A - Article carrier and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A carton for containing bottles (B) arranged in rows having a keel structure disposed intermediate the rows of bottles. The keel structure is formed within a main panel of the carton and comprises a locking mechanism having two complementary parts (54, 56; 154, 156) such that engaging the complementary parts together forms the keel structure intermediate the rows of bottles, thereby restricting the inward movement of the bottles contained in each row.

Description

ITEMS CARRIER AND BLANK {ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR}

The present invention relates to a carton for packaging a number of similar articles such as bottles. In particular, the invention relates to a top gripping form of carton that is attached to the top of a bottle.

Top gripping article carriers are known which comprise an apparatus for receiving an article. The device is a sunburst aperture with a series of circumferentially arranged tabs facing the top of the bottle or the bottom of the crown cork to prevent removal of the bottle from the device. The problem with this device is that the position of the tabs against the bottle may cause instability in the carton, and the tabs become vulnerable due to the unstable nature of the bottles in the carton. Therefore, it is desirable to have an upper gripping carton that limits the movement of the bottle in the carton. It is also preferred that the top panel has a carton that protects the top of the article with a penetrating top, such as, for example, a yogurt bottle.

This type of carton, for example US Pat. No. 5,984,086 to Posh, discloses a carton having a keel structure suitable for holding and separating articles received in two rows. The problem with the carton is that the top of the article in one row can be leaned towards the top of the article in another row. This can lead to difficulties in transport and weaken the carton. This problem is partially solved by having side panels proportional to the height of the article, but this requires additional material and is not economical. Therefore, it is desirable to have a top gripping carton that supports an article that is strong, rigid and held within the carton. It is also desirable to have an article carrier that limits the movement of the article held in the carton, is simple to configure and requires minimal material.

The present invention at least alleviates the foregoing and other problems of the prior art. Supports are provided to hold the top and bottom panels in a spaced arrangement while limiting the movement of the bottles.

A first aspect of the invention is a carton containing a plurality of similar articles, such as bottles arranged in a row, wherein the carton has a plurality of main panels and includes a keel structure to limit movement of the bottles contained within the row. . The keel structure is formed in one of the main panels and is arranged in the middle of the row. The keel structure includes a first side panel, a top panel, a second side panel and a locking mechanism and a series of main panels, one hinged to the next one. The locking mechanism includes two complementary members, one formed in the first side panel and hinged to the main panel, and the other formed in the second side panel. The first and second members engage with each other to secure the first and second side panels together to form a rigid keel structure in the middle of a row of bottles, in which each of the first and second side panels is The keel structure is oriented to transmit and / or absorb both horizontal and vertical components of the force imparted to the bottle to limit the medial movement of the bottle contained in each row.

Preferably, the keel structure is substantially triangular in cross section, and the first and second panels of the keel structure further comprise openings respectively for engaging a portion of the bottle to limit the vertical movement of the bottle.

Additionally, one member of the locking mechanism hinged to the main panel is a tab, and the other member of the locking mechanism can be an opening for receiving the tab.

Preferably, the main panel is a bottom panel, the carton may further comprise a pair of side wall panels and a top wall panel, wherein the top panel of the keel structure is secured to the top wall panel of the carton.

Preferably, the opening is formed by a displaceable tab that facilitates locking of the main panel tab in the opening.

Optionally, the main panel is angled to form an inverted V shape.

Optionally, the displaceable tab includes an indentation, wherein the angled tab can be fitted into the indentation to facilitate engagement of the first and second engagement members.

In addition, the opening is formed by two displaceable tabs, wherein the main panel tab is sandwiched between the two displaceable tabs to keep the main panel tab in the engaged and locking position.

Preferably, the second tab of the displaceable tab includes a complementary protrusion, the protrusion and the indentation being operable together to facilitate locking of the main panel tab between them.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a carton having a keel structure for receiving a plurality of similar articles, such as bottles arranged in rows, and for limiting the movement of the bottles contained in each row. The blank comprises a main panel, the main panel comprising a series of first side panels, a top panel and a second side panel, one hinged to the next one to form the keel structure. The keel structure further comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising two complementary members, one of which is formed in the first side panel and hinged to the main panel, the other of which is formed in the second side panel, the carton In the construction of the first members engaging the second member are engaged with each other to lock the first and second side panels together to form a rigid keel structure in the middle of a row of bottles, and upon assembly of the carton, the first member And each of the second side panels is oriented to transmit and / or absorb both horizontal and vertical components of the force imparted to the bottle relative to the keel structure to limit the medial movement of the bottle contained in each row.

Preferably, the keel structure has a substantially triangular cross section during carton assembly, and more preferably the first and second panels of the keel structure further comprise respective openings for engaging a portion of the bottle. To limit the vertical movement of the bottle.

Optionally, one member of the locking mechanism hinged to the main panel is a tab and the other member of the locking mechanism can be an opening for receiving the tab.

Optionally, said main panel is a bottom panel, said blank further comprises a pair of side wall panels and a top wall panel, wherein the top panel of said keel structure is secured to said top wall panel during carton assembly.

Preferably, the bottom panel has a series of openings formed in the bottom panel for receiving the bottles, respectively.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in a carton containing similar articles such as bottles arranged in a row, the carton comprises an upper wall panel, a first side wall panel, a lower panel and a second side wall panel and is keel One has a series of a plurality of main panels hinged to the next one to form a tubular structure comprising the structure, the keel structure being formed in the lower panel and disposed in the middle of the bottle row, the keel structure being a first A side panel, an upper panel, a second side panel, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is one formed in the first side panel and hinged to the lower panel, and the other formed in the second side panel. Two complementary members, the first and second members being engaged with each other to secure the first and second side panels together so that the rigid keel is in the middle of a row of bottles. Forming the crude product, and limits the inward movement of the bottles contained in each column.

Preferably, the top panel of the keel structure is secured to the top wall panel of the carton to provide rigidity to the carton.

Optionally, the first and second side walls of the keel structure and the first and second side wall panels of the carton each include openings to receive portions of the bottles to limit vertical movement of each bottle.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in an article carrier, said carrier comprises a pair of opposed first and second panels upstanding from a pair of first and second wing panels, said wing panel comprising said first and second panels. Two uprights extending away from each other from a lower end of the two upright panels, formed in the first upright panel and including a male tab coupled to the first wing panel, the second upright to form a locking opening for receiving the male tab; A female tab formed in the panel, the female tab is hinged to the second upright panel to retain the male tab locked in the locking opening.

Preferably, each vane panel comprises an article receiving opening.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in a method of manufacturing a carton containing similar articles such as bottles arranged in a row, the carton is formed from a planar blank, the blank being a top wall panel, a first side wall panel, an article A bottom panel and a second side wall panel, each of which has openings for receiving a plurality of main panels, one of which is hinged to the next one to form a tubular structure, the carton comprising a keel structure, The keel structure is formed in the lower panel and is disposed in the middle of the row of bottles, the keel structure comprising a first side panel, an upper panel, a second side panel and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being one of the first It is formed in one side panel and hinged to the lower panel, the other includes two complementary members formed in the second side panel, The carton manufacturing method

(Iii) loading rows of bottles into openings formed in the lower panel of the blank;

(Ii) raising the lower panel towards the top of the bottle;

(Iii) moving the rows of bottles towards each other such that the first and second side panels of the keel structure are displaced from the plane of the lower panel, and

(Iii) engaging the first member and the second member of the locking mechanism, thereby forming the keel structure in the middle of the row of bottles, thereby limiting the inward movement of the bottles received in each row.

Two exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton containing a bottle,

2 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 1 arranged surrounding a group of bottles in the manufacture of a carton, FIG.

2A is a perspective view showing a portion of a keel structure formed in a carton of an embodiment of the present invention showing the interlocking of two complementary locking means;

3 is a front, side and top perspective view of the step of constructing the carton from the blank of FIG. 1, FIG.

4 is a front, side and top perspective view of a second step of constructing a carton from the blank of FIG.

5 is a front, side and top perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1, FIG.

6 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton for containing a bottle according to a second embodiment of the present invention and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the keel structure formed in the carton of the second embodiment showing the interlocking of two complementary locking means. FIG.

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar features of the present invention. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention, while similar reference numerals have been given to similar parts in the second embodiment, but in the reference numerals to distinguish the differences between the first and second embodiments. "100" was added.

FIG. 1 shows a blank 12 forming the carton 10 of FIG. 5. The blank 12 extends vertically as shown in FIG. 1 and is formed of cardboard in this embodiment. However, the blank 12 may be formed from a collapsible material, such as a plastic sheet. Bottles B are arranged in a 2 × 3 array as shown in FIGS. 2-5 to aid in understanding the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the blank 12 is a series of main panels for forming a carton wall, namely a first top panel 60, a first side panel 62, a first bottom panel 64, a first intermediate Panel 66, adhesive panel 68, second intermediate panel 70, second lower panel 72, second side panel 74, and second top wall panel 76. The main panel is hinged one after the other in series along the interleaved fold lines 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94.

Each of the first and second lower panels 64 and 72 is provided with three article accommodating openings 50 in the shape of accommodating the bottles B, respectively. The carton 10 of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in bottles B, which are formed wider at the top than at the bottom. Therefore, each opening 50 receives a lower portion of the bottle B and is sized to fit under the flange top of the bottle B. This is shown in FIG.

The first and second side panels 62 and 74 and the first and second intermediate panels 66 and 70 are provided with a series of openings 52 for receiving portions of the upper part of the flange of the bottle B, respectively. . The first and second intermediate panels 66, 70 also include one or more male tabs 54 that are configured to be housed in a female aperture 56 suitably configured in this embodiment. Complementary locking or securing mechanisms are installed. In this embodiment, the male tab 54 is partly formed in the second complementary panel 70, and part of the male tab 54 is formed in the second lower panel 70, and the engaging portion of each male tab 54 is formed in the incision line. Each male tab 54 is hinged to the second lower panel 72 and held therein. Similarly, complementary arm openings 56 are formed in the first intermediate panel 66 and are formed by tabs 56 hinged to the first intermediate panel along a fold or weakened line 57. . The tab 56 is displaceable from the plane of the first intermediate panel 66 such that an opening is formed in the first intermediate panel to accommodate the male tab 54. The male tab 54 and the female opening 56 are shaped such that the male tab is interlockable with the female opening 56 and lockable in the female opening 56.

In the second embodiment, shown with the blank of FIG. 6 and the partially formed carton of FIG. 7, the complementary locking mechanism is formed differently. The male tab 154 has a shape such that the tab 154 can be angled with respect to the weak line 143 disposed at the center. The male tab 154 is held and hinged to the second lower panel 172 by angled fold lines 158 and 159. Additionally, the arm opening 146 is partially displaceable from the plane of the first intermediate panel 166 and partially by displacing the first complementary tab 156 held hinged to the first intermediate panel along the fold line 157. Is formed. In a second embodiment, the first tab 156 is a radial indent formed by a semicircular line 145 positioned on an angled male tab 154 to hold the male tab 154 in the opening 146. indent) In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the arm opening 146 is formed by a single displaceable tab 156, but is formed in the first intermediate panel 166 but hinged to the carton along the fold line 184. It can be envisaged to install the second displaceable tab 146 which is kept intact. In this further example, the two displaceable tabs 156, 146 are combined together to keep the male tabs 154 in the locked position.

The locking mechanism of the first and second embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the configuration of the keel structure formed in the upper gripping clip 10 of the present invention. Although the keel structure and locking mechanism of the present invention are described with respect to a carton in the form of an upper gripping clip, those skilled in the art will understand that the keel structure and locking mechanism can be applied in different forms of carton, respectively, after understanding the foregoing techniques. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the application of the above-described carton used only as one application.

In the construction of the carton 10 of the first embodiment, a series of folding and bonding steps preferably require the carton 10 and / or the blank 12 to be rotated and / or reversed to complete the construction. It is required to run on a straight line machine that does not. The folding process is not limited to the following description and can be changed according to specific manufacturing requirements.

In order to form an upright carton 10 from the blank 12, six bottles B arranged in three rows are respectively arranged with bottle receiving openings 50 formed in the first and second lower channels 64, 72. Are aligned and positioned. The blank 12 is then erected substantially vertically upward as shown in FIG. 2. The two rows of bottles then move towards each other and the blank 12 is folded about the fold lines 88, 86. In this manner, the first and second intermediate panels 66, 70 are moved from the planes of the first and second lower panels 64, 72 and closely move together. The adhesive panel 68 or keel structure upper panel 68 is provided with lower panels 64 and 70 until the first and second intermediate panels 66 and 70 contact each other at the edges formed by the fold lines 86 and 88. ), The adhesive panel 68 is placed in planar contact with the top of the bottle B. When the first and second intermediate panels 66, 70 are advanced together, the male tab 54 engages the corresponding tab 56, and the male tab 54 is received in the female opening 56 to allow the first and second intermediate panels 66 and 70 to move forward. It can be used to displace the tabs 56 from the plane of the first intermediate panel to lock the two intermediate panels 66 and 70 together. In this manner, the adhesive panel 68, the first intermediate panel 66 and the second intermediate panel 70 form a keel structure having a triangular cross section as shown in FIG.

Openings 52 provided in each of the intermediate panels 66 and 70 engage portions of the bottles B, respectively, which allow portions of the bottles to project into the triangular cavities of the keel structure. This allows the adhesive panel 68 to be placed on top of the bottle B. The adhesive panel 68 is secured to the first top panel 60 by sandwiching the flange edge of the bottle contained within the carton 10 adjacent the keel structure between the top panel of the carton and the bottom edge of the opening 52. Can be. In this manner, openings 52 provided in each of the first and second intermediate panels 66 and 70 can be assisted in limiting and limiting the movement of the bottle B in the finished carton 10. .

For the completion of the carton 10 surrounding the bottle B, the first and second side panels 62, 74 are respectively 90 ° upwards relative to the fold lines 82, 92 as shown in FIG. Folded Openings 52 in the first and second side panels 62, 74 abut the upper and lower edges of the flange portion of bottle B, respectively. The second top panel 76 is then folded about the fold line 94 and in planar contact with the upper edge of each adjacent bottle. Thereafter, an adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the second top panel 76 and the adhesive panel 68. Finally, the first top panel 60 is folded about the fold line 80 and in planar contact with the second top panel 76 and the adhesive panel 68. This secures the first top panel 60 to the second top panel 76 and the adhesive panel 68, thereby completing the configuration of the carton shown in FIG.

The resulting carton 10 firmly contains an array of six bottles and can limit the movement of the bottles within the carton 10. Any inward movement of the top of the bottle can be prevented by the keel structure and any outward movement can be prevented by both the complementary locking mechanism and the first and second side panels 62, 74. The lower stacking carton 10 can provide a safe and strong carrier for any arrangement of bottles B that can be easily configured for bottles in a straight machine. Pre-breaking of the fold lines 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 may facilitate the construction of the carton 10.

First side panels 66, 166, that is, first intermediate panels 66, 166, second side panels 70, 170, that is, second intermediate panels 70, 170, and top panels 68, 168, that is, adhesive panels. The keel structure comprising 68, 168 comprises primarily one or more pairs of male tabs 42, 154 and arm openings; It is held together in the carton 10 by a complementary interlockable locking mechanism provided by the arm opening provided by the displaceable tabs 56, 156.

In a second embodiment, the male tab 154 is angled with respect to the central fold line 143, with a substantially semi-circular indentation in which a peak or crest of the male tab 154 is formed in the tab 156. Or locked in a trough. Additionally, tab 156 may be installed, and if tab 146 has radial protrusions shaped similar to the radial indentation of tab 156, angled male tab 154 may be placed on top of the male tab. 145 and the locked engagement position between the tab 146 displaceable from the plane of the first side panel 166 of the keel structure to an upright position relative to the lower panels 164, 172. A second displaceable tab is unnecessary for rigid locking of the male tab 154 in the opening 146, but in another embodiment of the invention a second hinged to the first lower panel 164 along the fold line 184. It is envisioned that the displaceable tab 146 may further support the engagement of the male tab 154 in the arm member of the complementary locking mechanism.

The placement and configuration of the locking mechanism may be such that the female opening is moved by displacing the two tabs 156, 146 out of the plane of the first intermediate panel 166 when the male tab 154 is pushed against the tabs 156, 146. And a male tab is received in the opening 146. The male tab 154 is a locking tab 156, 146 material in which the locking tabs 156, 146 relax back to their original position, i.e., toward the plane of the first intermediate panel 166, to partially reclose the female opening. Because of its natural resilience, it cannot return back through the arm opening. The release behind the male tab 154 through the opening is limited. In the second embodiment, the second displaceable tab 146 is a natural enough for the first displaceable tab 156 to partially reclose the female opening 146 and limit the release of the male tab 154 from the opening. It provides only elasticity.

In both the second embodiment and the further envisioned embodiment, the fold line 143 is provided such that the male tab 154 is angled in a "∧" or inverse "V" shape. The male tab 156 fits into the radial indentation 145 of the first displaceable tab. If a second displaceable tab 156 is provided, then the radial projection of the tab 146 is positioned below the male tab 156 and into the inverted V-shaped male tab. By fitting the three tabs 146, 154, 145, if the male tab 154 is moved in the return direction toward its original position, the other two tabs 146, 156 are pulled to open the opening formed in the first intermediate panel. Sealing, thereby limiting any further back movement of the male tab, thus keeping the middle panel or the first and second side panels of the keel structure in their upright position. Again, if the tab 146 is not installed, the first displaceable tab and the male tab 156 are positioned together to sufficiently achieve a similar locking effect.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. For example, the size of the carton may be suitable to accommodate more or less articles that may be included in an optional configuration. The size and shape of the device may be selected to accommodate articles of optional shape, and the carrier may be suitable for a carton in the form of wraparound without openings provided in the bottom wall panel. The carrier may also be suitable for combining conveying means, such as a handle opening formed in the top panel, or in fact a handle panel extending upward from one top panel may be combined. Moreover, the carton is not limited to having one keel structure, and one or more additional keel structures and locking mechanisms may be employed if the bottles are arranged in a 3x3 array. In addition, in another embodiment of the present invention, the keel structure may have a cross section that is not triangular without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the number of locking mechanisms and the arrangement of the arm members can be changed in other embodiments of the present invention, wherein each intermediate panel is each of the complementary locking mechanisms with other intermediate panels having reciprocal members aligned with the intermediate panels. It is apparent that it may include one of the members.

The locking mechanisms and keel structures described herein can be applied to other forms of carton, and the locking keel structures and / or locking mechanisms are not limited to application to gripping forms of cartons.

Also, as used herein, terms such as "top", "bottom", "end", "side", "top" and "bottom" do not limit the orientation of each panel and distinguish these panels from each other. It should be recognized that

It should also be appreciated that references to hinged or foldable connections are not necessarily comprised of a single fold line, wherein the hinged connections are from one or more of notches, vulnerable lines or fold lines without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is obvious that it can be formed.

The following is a report of the present invention.

The carton for receiving the articles arranged in a row includes a hollow keel structure disposed between adjacent rows of the article, the keel structure comprising a series of main panels and complementary locking mechanisms, one of which is hinged to the next one, The complementary locking mechanism includes two engageable members of a first engageable member connected to one of the main panels, a second engageable member connected to the other of the main panel, the series of main panels and the complementary locking means The first member is configured to engage the second member to facilitate locking of the one main panel to the other main panel to maintain the hollow keel structure in an upright form, the rigidity of the keel structure Is reinforced by a complementary locking mechanism to be operable to limit the relative movement of the rows of articles contained in the carton.

Preferably, the one main panel and the other main panel each comprise openings, each of which receives a portion of the article contained in adjacent rows to further limit the relative movement of the rows of articles.

More preferably, the first engageable member includes an opening formed by the displaceable tab and the second engageable member includes a tab insertable into the first engageable member and lockable by the displaceable tab.

Preferably, the tabs of the second member are angled to form an inverted V shape.

Optionally, the displaceable tab may include an indentation such that the tab of the second member can be fitted into the radial indentation to facilitate engagement of the first and second engageable members.

Optionally, the first engageable member may be arranged such that the tabs of the second engageable member are sandwiched therebetween, and include two displaceable tabs for locking the two displaceable tabs together.

Optionally, the second displaceable tab includes a complementary radial indentation, the protrusion and the indentation being operable together to facilitate locking of the tab of the second engageable member therebetween.

Preferably, the tab of the second member is angled to form an inverted V-shape that can be fitted between the radial indentation and the protrusion to further facilitate engagement of the first and second engageable members.

Preferably, the keel structure is of a triangular cross section, more preferably the additional main panel of the keel structure is fixed to the carton to further increase the rigidity of the keel structure.

Claims (26)

In a carton containing a number of similar items, such as bottles arranged in rows, The carton has a plurality of main panels and includes a keel structure for limiting the movement of the bottles contained within the column, The keel structure is formed in one of the main panels and is arranged in the middle of the row, the keel structure comprising a first side panel, an upper panel, a second side panel and a locking mechanism, one of which is hinged to the next one Including the main panel, The locking mechanism comprises two complementary members, one of which is formed in the first side panel and hinged to the main panel, the other of which is formed in the second side panel, The first and second members are engaged with each other to secure the first and second side panels together to form a rigid keel structure in the middle of a row of bottles, Wherein each of the first and second side panels is oriented to transmit and / or absorb both horizontal and vertical components of the force imparted to the bottle relative to the keel structure, thereby limiting the medial movement of the bottles received in each row. Carton. The method of claim 1, Carton, characterized in that the keel structure is a triangular cross-section. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein the first and second panels of keel structure further comprise respective openings for engaging portions of the bottle to limit vertical movement of the bottle. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, One member of the locking mechanism hinged to the main panel is a tab, and the other member of the locking mechanism is an opening for receiving the tab. The method of claim 4, wherein Wherein said opening is formed by a displaceable tab that facilitates locking of said main panel tab within said opening. The method according to claim 4 or 5, The main panel is angled to form an inverted V shape. The method of claim 4, wherein The displaceable tab includes an indentation, Wherein the angled tab is fitted into the indentation to facilitate engagement of the first and second engagement members. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, Wherein said opening is formed by two displaceable tabs, said main panel tabs being sandwiched between said two displaceable tabs to hold said main panel tabs in the engaged and locking position. The method of claim 8, And the second tab of the displaceable tab comprises a complementary protrusion, the protrusion and the indentation being operable together to facilitate locking of the main panel tab between them. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The main panel is a lower panel, The carton further comprises a pair of side wall panels and a top wall panel, A top panel of the keel structure is fixed to the top wall panel of the carton. The method of claim 10, Wherein the bottom panel has a series of openings formed in the bottom panel to receive the bottles, respectively. A blank for forming a carton having a keel structure for receiving a plurality of similar articles, such as bottles arranged in rows, and for limiting movement of the bottles contained within each row, The blank comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising a series of first side panels, a top panel and a second side panel, one hinged to the next one to form the keel structure, The keel structure further includes a locking mechanism, The locking mechanism comprises two complementary members, one of which is formed in the first side panel and hinged to the main panel, the other of which is formed in the second side panel, In the construction of the carton, the first members engaging the second member engage with each other to lock the first and second side panels together to form a rigid keel structure in the middle of the row of bottles, In carton assembly, each of the first and second side panels is oriented to transmit and / or absorb both horizontal and vertical components of the force imparted to the bottle relative to the keel structure to limit the medial movement of the bottles contained in each row. Blank characterized in that the. The method of claim 12, Blanks, characterized in that the keel structure is a triangular cross section at the time of carton assembly. The method according to claim 12 or 13, The blank of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels of the keel structure further comprise respective openings for engaging portions of the bottle to limit vertical movement of the bottle during carton assembly. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, Wherein one member of the locking mechanism hinged to the main panel is a tab and the other member of the locking mechanism is an opening for receiving the tab. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, The main panel is a lower panel, The blank further comprises a pair of side wall panels and a top wall panel, And the upper panel of the keel structure is fixed to the upper wall panel during carton assembly. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, Wherein the bottom panel has a series of openings formed in the bottom panel for receiving the bottles, respectively. In a carton containing similar articles such as bottles arranged in rows, The carton has a series of main panels, one of which is hinged to the next one to form a tubular structure comprising an upper wall panel, a first side wall panel, a lower panel and a second side wall panel and comprising a keel structure. , The keel structure is formed in the lower panel and is disposed in the middle of the bottle row; The keel structure comprises a first side panel, an upper panel, a second side panel and a locking mechanism, The locking mechanism includes two complementary members, one of which is formed in the first side panel and hinged to the lower panel, the other of which is formed in the second side panel, Wherein the first and second members are engaged with each other to secure the first and second side panels together to form a rigid keel structure in the middle of the rows of bottles, limiting the movement of the bottles received in each row. The method of claim 18, And the top panel of the keel structure is secured to the top wall panel of the carton to provide rigidity to the carton. The method of claim 18 or 19, Wherein the first and second side walls of the keel structure and the first and second side wall panels of the carton each include portions of the bottles to include openings to limit vertical movement of each bottle. In the article carrier, The carrier includes a pair of opposed first and second panels upstanding from a pair of first and second wing panels, wherein the wing panels extend away from each other from the lower ends of the first and second upright panels, respectively, A male tab formed on the first upright panel and coupled to the first wing panel; A female tab formed in the second upright panel to form a locking opening for receiving the male tab, And the female tab is hinged to the second upright panel to retain the male tab locked in the locking opening. The method of claim 21, Each wing panel comprises an article receiving opening. In a carton manufacturing method for receiving similar items such as bottles arranged in rows, The carton is formed from a flat blank, The blank includes a top wall panel, a first side wall panel, a bottom panel each comprising an opening for receiving an article, and a second side wall panel, a series of multiple hinged ones next to form a tubular structure. Has a main panel, The carton comprises a keel structure, The keel structure is formed in the lower panel and is disposed in the middle of the row of bottles, the keel structure comprising a first side panel, an upper panel, a second side panel and a locking mechanism, The locking mechanism includes two complementary members, one of which is formed in the first side panel and hinged to the lower panel, the other of which is formed in the second side panel, The carton manufacturing method (Iii) loading rows of bottles into openings formed in the lower panel of the blank; (Ii) raising the lower panel towards the top of the bottle; (Iii) moving the rows of bottles towards each other such that the first and second side panels of the keel structure are displaced from the plane of the lower panel, and (Iii) engaging the first member and the second member of the locking mechanism, thereby forming the keel structure in the middle of the row of bottles, thereby limiting the inward movement of the bottles accommodated in each row. Carton manufacturing method. In a panel interlocking structure for locking two panels together, The interlocking structure includes two complementary engagements of a first engageable member comprising two opposingly disposed displaceable tabs connected to one of the panels and a second engageable member comprising a single tab connected to the other of the panels. Includes possible members, A tab of the second engageable member is insertable into the opening of the first engageable member between the two displaceable tabs to lock the two tabs together, the panel interlocking between the tabs Locking structure. The method of claim 24, The first displaceable tab includes a radial protrusion and the second displaceable tab includes a complementary radial indentation, And the protrusion and the indent are operable together to further facilitate engagement of the second engageable member between the displaceable tabs of the first engageable member. The method of claim 25, The tabs of the second member are angled to form an inverted V-shape that can be fitted between the indentations and protrusions of the displaceable tabs to facilitate engagement of the first and second engageable members. Panel interlocking structure.

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