WO2017031052A1

WO2017031052A1 - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2017031052A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/047021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle; Linh L. Kooc; Gregory P. HAYTER
Original assignee: Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2015-08-17
Filing date: 2016-08-15
Publication date: 2017-02-23
Also published as: TW201708072A

Abstract

An article carrier has a carrying handle (H) formed within a medial partition structure (128a, 128b). The carrying handle includes a handle opening extending through the medial partition structure and a plurality of handle panels (144a, 144b, 146a, 146b) erectable into a tubular structure. The tubular structure is disposed along an edge of the handle opening.

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carrier and to a blank for forming the carrier. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the basket-style wherein a central partition divides the carrier into at least two cells, wherein a carrying handle is provided which facilitates the transportation of the basket-style carrier.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide basket style article carriers for carrying multiple articles. Basket style article carriers are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. These carriers typically have a handle on top, such that the carrier mimics a conventional basket, and typically include a riser or central partition from which the handle is fashioned. Although consumers may appreciate basket-style article carriers for their convenience of carrying, their carrying comfort is not fully ergonomic and could be improved. 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 carrier; its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles; and the aesthetic appeal of the carrier which, if eye-catching and appealing to a consumer, may promote increased sales.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of basket-style article carriers, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles. The carrier comprises a medial partition structure having a carrying handle. The carrying handle comprises a handle opening extending through the medial partition structure and a plurality of handle panels. The plurality of handle panels may be erectable into a tubular structure. The tubular structure may be disposed along an edge of the handle opening. Optionally, the tubular structure defines said edge of the carrying handle. Optionally, said edge of the handle opening defines a load bearing edge of the carrying handle.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises at least one panel disposed within the tubular structure and wherein the said at least one panel defines an end stop for limiting the range of movement of the plurality of handle panels forming the tubular structure.

In some embodiments, the carrying handle comprises a first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection and a second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, the second pair of plies being disposed between the first pair of plies such that the first hinged connection is disposed in alignment with the second hinged connection.

Optionally, the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to form at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies.

Optionally, each of the first bridging connections is arranged to be offset with respect to each of the second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies together form a single ply about the first and second hinged connections.

In some embodiments, the first bridging connections are arranged in alternation with the second bridging connections.

Optionally, one of the bridging connections between one of the first and second plies is disposed between a pair of bridging connections between the other one of the first and second bridging connections. In some embodiments, the carrying handle comprises a third pair of plies hingedly connected to one another wherein the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies are disposed within the third pair of plies, the third pair of plies forming an outermost pair of plies, the second pair of plies forming an innermost pair of plies and the first pair of plies forming an intermediate pair of plies. In some embodiments, the carrying handle comprises a first tubular structure formed by the plurality of handle panels and a second tubular structure disposed within the first tubular structure, the second tubular structure formed by the plurality of inner handle panels. Optionally, a first one of the plurality of handle panels is hinged to a second one of the plurality of panels by a first hinged connection, the first hinged connection being interrupted by at least one first cutaway and wherein the plurality of inner handle panels comprises a first inner handle panel hingedly connected to a second inner handle panel by second hinged connection, the second hinged connection being aligned with the first hinged connection and wherein the second connection is interrupted by at least one second cutaway.

Optionally, the at least one first cutaway is aligned with the at least one second cutaway. Optionally, the at least one first cutaway is offset with respect to the at least one second cutaway.

In some embodiments, the at least one first cutaway is selected from the group consisting of a slot, slit, aperture, recess and cutline.

In some embodiments, the at least one second cutaway is selected from the group consisting of a slot, slit, aperture, recess and cutline.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises at least one cushioning flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of handle panels.

Optionally, the carrying handle comprises at least one cushioning flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of inner handle panels. Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a base wall and first and second side walls coupled to opposing sides of the base wall.

Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a first end wall coupled to opposing ends of the first side wall and a second end wall coupled to opposing ends of the second side wall.

Optionally, the medial partition structure is arranged to divide the interior volume into at least two cells. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the carrier comprising a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through the medial partition structure and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the tubular structure being disposed above the handle opening when said carrying handle is in use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the carrier comprising a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection and a second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, the second pair of plies being disposed between the first pair of plies, and wherein the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies and wherein each of the at least one first bridging connections is offset from each of the at least one second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and second pair of plies together define a single ply in the region of the first and second hinged connections.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure which in a set-up condition defines an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the blank comprising at least one panel for forming a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through said at least one panel and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the plurality of handle panels being arranged such that the tubular structure is disposed along an edge of the handle opening in an erected carrier.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure which in a set-up condition defines an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the blank comprising at least one panel for forming a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through the at least one panel and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the tubular structure being disposed above the handle opening when said carrying handle is in use in an erected carrier. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure which in a set-up condition defines an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the blank comprising at least one panel for forming a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the blank comprising handle panels for forming a first pair of plies of the carrying handle and a second pair of plies of the carrying handle, the first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection, the second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, wherein the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies and wherein the handle panels are arranged such that in a set-up carrier the second pair of plies is disposed between the first pair of plies, and each of the at least one first bridging connections is offset from each of the at least one second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies together define a single ply in the region of the first and second hinged connections.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

Figures 2 to 7 are plan views from above of the blank during sequential stages of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carrier;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure

1 ; Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of the carrier of Figure 8 showing the carrying handle in use;

Figure 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of

Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view from above of the carrier of Figure 1 1 showing the carrying handle in use;

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the carrier of Figure 1 1 in which a section of the carrying handle has been cut away for illustrative purposes;

Figure 14 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment;

Figure 15 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 15A is an enlarged view of portion of the blank of Figure 15;

Figure 16 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth embodiment; and

Figure 17 is an enlarged view of portion of the blank of Figure 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. 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 cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90 having a carrying handle H, as shown in Figure 8, for primary products 'B' such as, but not limited to, cans or bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles 'B'. In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging , carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical . Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles) , cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. The blank 1 0 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.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array and the articles (not shown) are bottles. Alternatively, the blank 1 0 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 1 0 comprises a plurality of main panels 14, 16a, 16b, 18, 20a, 20b and 22 for forming external walls of a basket-style article carrier 90 (see Figure 7), the external walls defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles. The blank 10 comprises a securing panel 12 hinged to a first side panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13. The blank 1 0 comprises a base panel 22 hinged to a second side panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19. The first side panel 14 is hinged at a first end to a first end panel 16a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 5a. The first side panel 14 is hinged at a second end to a second end panel 16b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15b. The second side panel 18 is hinged at a first end to a third end panel 20a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17a. The second side panel 18 is hinged at a second end to a fourth end panel 20b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17b. Portions of a handle structure are interposed between the first and second side panels 14, 18 in the blank 10. The first end panel 16a and the third end panel 20a together form a first end wall of the carrier 90. The second end panel 16b and the fourth end panel 20b together form a second end wall of the carrier 90. The blank 10 comprises a first riser panel 24a hinged to the second end panel 16b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23a. The blank 10 comprises a second riser panel 24b hinged to the fourth end panel 20b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23b. The first riser panel 24a is hinged to the second riser panel 24b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 53.

The blank 10 comprises a first medial partition panel 28a hinged to the first end panel 16a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25a. The blank 10 comprises a second medial partition panel 28b hinged to the third end panel 20a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25b. The first medial partition panel 28a is hinged to the second medial partition panel 28b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 53.

The first riser panel 24a comprises a first recess R1 which is configured to form a hook-like projection on a side edge thereof. The second riser panel 24b comprises a second recess R2 which is configured to form a hook-like projection on a side edge thereof.

The base panel 22 comprises a hinged connection such as a fold line 21 which extends longitudinally thereacross so as to bisect the base panel 22. The base panel 22 comprises a third recess R3 struck from a first end edge thereof; the fold line 21 extends from the third recess R3. The third recess R3 is configured to form a notch for interlocking with the hook- like projections formed in the first riser panel 24a and the second riser panel 24b.

Together the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b assist in coupling the second end panel 16b to the fourth end panel 20b to form a second composite end wall 16b/20b when the blank 10 is assembled. Together the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b couple the first end panel 16a to the third end panel 20a to form a first composite end wall 16a/20a, when the blank 10 is assembled.

The first medial partition panel 28a and second medial partition panel 28b each comprise a part of a carrying handle structure. In the illustrated arrangement, the carrying handle structure optionally comprises a first handle aperture A1 struck from the first medial partition panel 28a and a second handle aperture A2 struck from the second medial partition panel 28b. The blank 10 further comprises a plurality of partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4. The partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4 are provided to divide the interior of the basket carrier 90 into separate cells. The cells may or may not be of uniform size and, optionally in the present arrangement, the partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4, together with the first medial partition panel 28a and second medial partition panel 28b, divide the interior of the basket carrier 90 into 6 cells arranged in two rows of three cells each.

A first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition panel 32a struck from material that would otherwise form the first medial partition panel 28a and is hingedly connected thereto by fold line 39a. The first partition panel 32a is configured to extend between the first medial partition panel 28a and the first side panel 14 (in the set up carrier 90). The first partition structure P1 comprises a securing flap 36a that is hinged to the first partition panel 32a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 35a.

A second partition structure P2 comprises a second partition panel 34a struck at least in part from material that would otherwise form the first medial partition panel 28a and is hingedly connected thereto by fold line 41 a. The second partition panel 34a is configured to extend between the first medial partition panel 28a and the first side panel 14 (in the set up carrier 90). The second partition structure P2 comprises a securing flap 38a that is hinged to the second partition panel 34a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 37a.

A third partition structure P3 comprises a third partition panel 32b struck from material that would otherwise form the second medial partition panel 28b and is hingedly connected thereto by fold line 39b. The third partition panel 32b is configured to extend between the second medial partition panel 28b and the second side panel 18 (in the set up carrier 90). The third partition structure P3 comprises a securing flap 36b that is hinged to the third partition panel 32b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 35b. A fourth partition structure P4 comprises a fourth partition panel 34b struck at least in part from material that would otherwise form the second medial partition panel 28b and is hingedly connected thereto by fold line 41 b. The fourth partition panel 34b is configured to extend between the second medial partition panel 28b and the second side panel 18 (in the set up carrier 90). The fourth partition structure P4 comprises a securing flap 38b that is hinged to the fourth partition panel 34b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 37b. A bridging panel 40 is hinged by hinged connections such as fold line 43 to a bottom edge of the first medial partition panel 28a. The bridging panel 40 is severably coupled to each of the first and second partition panels 32a, 34a by severance lines 31 a, 30a respectively. The bridging panel 40 facilitates coupling of the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b to the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b in a set up carrier 90.

An upper portion 26a of the first medial partition panel 28a forms part of the carrying handle structure and is provided with the first handle aperture A1. An upper portion 26b of the second medial partition panel 28b forms part of the carrying handle structure and is provided with the second handle aperture A2.

The carrying handle structure comprises a grip portion having an outer tubular structure and an optional inner reinforcing structure.

The carrying handle structure comprises a first outer handle panel 42a and a second outer handle panel 42b.

The first outer handle panel 42a is coupled to the second outer handle panel 42b by a plurality of panels 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b for forming the outer tubular structure of the grip portion. A first grip panel 44a is hingedly connected to the first outer handle panel 42a by a hinged connection such as fold line 49a. A second grip panel 46a is hingedly connected to the first grip panel 44a by a hinged connection such as fold line 51a. A third grip panel 46b is hingedly connected to the second grip panel 46a by a hinged connection such as fold line 45. A fourth grip panel 44b is hingedly connected to the third grip panel 46b by a hinged connection such as fold line 51 b. The fourth grip panel 44b is hingedly connected to the second outer handle panel 42b by a hinged connection such as fold line 49b.

The first outer handle panel 42a comprises a third handle aperture defined in part by an aperture A5 and an optional cushioning flap FA defined by a severance line 47a. The cushioning flap FA is struck from the first outer handle panel 42a and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection such as fold line 49a.

The second outer handle panel 42b comprises a fourth handle aperture defined in part by an aperture A6 and an optional cushioning flap FB defined by a severance line 47b. The cushioning flap FB is struck from the second outer handle panel 42b and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection such as fold line 49b. The inner reinforcing structure comprises a plurality of brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5. A first brace structure B1 hingedly couples the first riser panel 24a to the second riser panel 24b and forms a hinged connection or bridge therebetween. A second brace structure B2 and a third brace structure B3 hingedly couple a first handle reinforcing panel 48a to a second handle reinforcing panel 48b and form hinged connections or bridges therebetween. A fourth brace structure B4 and a fifth brace structure B5 hingedly couple the first medial partition panel 28a to the second medial partition panel 28b and form hinged connections or bridges therebetween.

The first handle reinforcing panel 48a is hingedly connected to the first riser panel 24a by a hinged connection such as fold line 61 a. The second handle reinforcing panel 48b is hingedly connected to the second riser panel 24b by a hinged connection such as fold line 61 b.

Optionally, the first handle reinforcing panel 48a is severably connected to the first outer handle panel 42a by a severance line.

Optionally, the second handle reinforcing panel 48b is severably connected to the second outer handle panel 42b by a severance line.

Each of the plurality of brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 comprises four brace panels 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b. A first brace panel 50a is hingedly connected to a second brace panel 52a by a hinged connection such as fold line 57a. The second brace panel 52a is hingedly connected to a third brace panel 52b by a hinged connection such as fold line 53. The third brace panel 52b is hingedly connected to a fourth brace panel 50b by a hinged connection such as fold line 57b.

The first brace panel 50a of the first brace structure B1 is hingedly connected to the first riser panel 24a by a hinged connection such as fold line 55a. The fourth brace panel 50b of the first brace structure B1 is hingedly connected to the second riser panel 24b by a hinged connection such as fold line 55b.

The first brace panel 50a of the second brace structure B2 is hingedly connected to the first handle reinforcing panel 48a by a hinged connection such as fold line 55a. The fourth brace panel 50b of the second brace structure B2 is hingedly connected to the second handle reinforcing panel 48b by a hinged connection such as fold line 55b. The first brace panel 50a of the third brace structure B3 is hingedly connected to the first handle reinforcing panel 48a by a hinged connection such as fold line 55a. The fourth brace panel 50b of the third brace structure B3 is hingedly connected to the second handle reinforcing panel 48b by a hinged connection such as fold line 55b.

The first brace panel 50a of the fourth brace structure B4 is hingedly connected to the first medial partition panel 28a by a hinged connection such as fold line 55a. The fourth brace panel 50b of the fourth brace structure B4 is hingedly connected to the second medial partition panel 28b by a hinged connection such as fold line 55b.

The first brace panel 50a of the fifth brace structure B5 is hingedly connected to the first medial partition panel 28a by a hinged connection such as fold line 55a. The fourth brace panel 50b of the fifth brace structure B5 is hingedly connected to the second medial partition panel 28b by a hinged connection such as fold line 55b.

The first brace structure B1 is separated, or spaced apart from, the second brace structure B2 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A1 1. The second brace structure B2 is separated, or spaced apart from, the third brace structure B3 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A8. The fourth brace structure B4 is separated, or spaced apart from the fifth brace structure B5 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A3.

A cutaway in the form of an aperture A4 separates, or spaces apart, the fourth brace structure B4 from the plurality of panels 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b forming the outer tubular structure of the grip portion. A cutaway in the form of an aperture A7 separates, or spaces apart, the third brace structure B3 from the plurality of panels 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b forming the outer tubular structure of the grip portion.

The plurality of brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 are configured or arranged such that in an assembled state they do not overlap with each other, best illustrated in Figure 5.

The cutaways define bridging connections in the form of the plurality of brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 between the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b, the first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b and the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 to 7, the carrier 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carrier 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to two regions of each of the first and second side panels 14, 18 with which the securing flaps 36a, 38a, 36b, 38b of the first, second, third and fourth partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4 are brought into contact when the blank 10 is folded about fold lines 25a, 25b. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the first and second outer handle panels 42a, 42b.

The blank 10 is folded, as shown in Figure 2 by direction arrow D1 , about fold lines 25a and 25b such that the first medial partition panel 28a and the second medial partition panel 28b are brought into face contacting relationship with the first end panel 16a and first side panel 14 and with the third end panel 20a and second side panel 18 respectively. The first and second partition panels 32a, 34a are brought into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 14 such that the securing panels 36a, 38a are affixed to an inside surface of the first side panel 14. Similarly, the third and fourth partition panels 32b, 34b are brought into face contacting relationship with the second side panel 18 such that the securing panels 36b, 38b are affixed to an inside surface of the second side panel 18.

The first outer handle panel 42a is affixed to the first medial partition panel 28a and the second outer handle panel 42b is affixed to the second medial partition panel 28b.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to two regions of the first medial partition panel 28a about both sides of the first partition panel 32a and proximate to the fold line 43 between the bridging panel 40 and the first medial partition panel 28a. The bridging panel 40 is then folded about fold line 43 as indicated by direction arrow D2 (see Figure 3) such that it overlaps the first partition panel 32a and is affixed to the first medial partition panel 28a. The bridging panel 40 is arranged such that upon severance of the severance lines 30a, 31 a it is free of connection with the first partition panel 32a and the second partition panel 34a.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to regions of the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b proximate the first brace structure B1. The first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b (along with the second and third brace structures B2, B3) are folded about fold lines 61a, 61 b respectively, as indicated by direction arrow D3 in Figure 4. The first handle reinforcing panel 48a is affixed to the first riser panel 24a. The second handle reinforcing panel 48b is affixed to the second riser panel 24b.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to a region of the bridging panel 40 and to upper regions 26a, 26b of each of the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b as shown in Figure 4. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the first and second outer handle panels 42a, 42b as shown in Figure 4.

The blank 10 is folded as indicated by direction arrow D4 in Figure 5 about fold lines 15a, 17b, such that the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b are brought into face contacting relationship with, and are affixed to, an inside surface of the first and second outer handle panels 42a, 42b respectively. The first riser panel 24a is secured to the bridging panel 40. The first handle reinforcing panel 48a is affixed to the first medial partition panel 28a. The second handle reinforcing panel 48b is affixed to the second medial partition panel 28b.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second medial partition panel 28b. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is also applied to the second riser panel 24b and to the second handle reinforcing panel 48b.

The blank 10 is then folded, as indicated by direction arrow D5 in Figure 6, about fold lines 45 and 53 such that the second end panel 16b is brought into face contacting relationship with the fourth end panel 20b, and such that the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b are affixed to one another. Additionally, the first handle reinforcing panel 48a is affixed to the second handle reinforcing panel 48b. The first riser panel 24a is affixed to the second riser panel 24b. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is then applied to the securing panel 12 as shown in Figure 6. The base panel 22 is folded in direction D6 about fold line 21 such that part of an inside surface of base panel 22 is affixed to the securing panel 12. This is shown in Figure 7.

A flat collapsed carrier is formed as shown in Figure 7. The flat collapsed carrier may be shipped or distributed in this flat collapsed form. The flat collapsed carrier may be erected such that the external walls of the carrier form a tubular structure by separating the first side panel 14 from the second side panel 18. In this way a carrier 90 is formed as illustrated in Figure 8, the carrier 90 having a plurality of cells each for receiving an article B. The illustrated carrier 90 has 6 cells, three cells on each side of a medial partition.

In the erected condition the third recess R3 is received in the first and second recesses R1 , R2 so as to interlock the base panel 22 with the first and second riser panels 24a, 24b. In this way the carrier 90 is locked in an erected condition.

The partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4 are automatically erected within the carrier 90 when the flat collapsed carrier is erected. The partition structures P1 , P2, P3, P4 are automatically formed within the carrier 90 in response to unfolding the flat collapsed folded blank, shown in Figure 7, when the carrier 90 is erected. There is no requirement to provide specialist or complex tools to erect the partition structures. The erection of the flat collapsed folded blank can be readily automated.

The carrier 90, in its erected form, may be loaded with articles through the open top end of the carrier 90.

As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, a basket-style article carrier 90 is formed that comprises a tubular structure, generally defined by a plurality of outer walls including the first and second side panels 14, 18 and first and second composite end walls 16a/20a, 16b/20b. The outer walls, optionally also including the base panel 22, define an interior (also referred to as interior volume) that has an upper open end. The base panel 22 is connected to the tubular structure of the carrier 90 and encloses a lower end of the tubular structure of the carrier 90.

The first and second outer handle panels 42a, 42b, first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b, first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b, first and second riser panels 24a, 24b and bridging panel 40 form a central partition or divider that is connected to the tubular structure of the carrier 90 and that is configured to segregate the interior volume of the carrier 90 into at least two compartments.

A carrying handle is formed in the central partition, as can be best seen in Figure 9. The carrying handle comprises a handle opening extending through the central partition. The carrying handle comprises a tubular structure along an upper edge of the central partition. The tubular structure comprises a first stowed position in which the tubular structure is in a flat collapsed condition and second deployed position in which the tubular structure is in an erected condition. In the erected condition the fold line is brought into closer proximity with the fold lines 49a, 49b; the fold line 51 a is displaced away from fold line 51 b.

A portion of the tubular structure is disposed above the handle opening. A user U can deploy the tubular structure by inserting one or more fingers through handle opening and grasping said portion, as shown in Figure 9.

The optional internal reinforcing structure is automatically erected from a flat collapsed condition when the tubular structure is erected. Upper edges of the first medial partition panel 28a, second medial partition panel 28b, first handle reinforcing panel 48a and second handle reinforcing panel 48b form an end stop which limits the travel of the plurality of grip panels 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b. The upper edges of the first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b and the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b restrict the range of movement of the tubular structure towards the base panel 22 which in normal use is a generally downward direction.

The first, second, third, fourth and fifth brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 each form a respective inner tubular structure. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 increase the resilience of the carrying handle, and encourage the outer tubular structure away from the end stop formed by the first medial partition panel 28a, second medial partition panel 28b, first handle reinforcing panel 48a and second handle reinforcing panel 48b. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth brace structures B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5 bias the second and third grip panels 46a, 46b away from the end stop. In the illustrated embodiment each brace structure is spaced apart from its nearest neighbour. The first, second and third brace structures B1 , B2, B3 form bridging portions or connections between the first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b. The first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b together form a pair of innermost load bearing plies of the carrying handle.

The fourth and fifth brace structures B4, B5 form bridging portions or connections between the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b. The first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b together form a pair of intermediate load bearing plies of the carrying handle.

The first and second outer handle panels 42a, 42b together form a pair of outermost load bearing plies of the carrying handle.

The first, second and third brace structures B1 , B2, B3 are arranged so as to alternate with the fourth and fifth brace structures B4, B5. This alternating structure allows the first and second handle reinforcing panels 48a, 48b to extend across the carrying handle structure and limits the carrying handle to a limit of two overlapping plies of material in the region of the hinged connection between the first and second medial partition panels 28a, 28b. This facilitates assembly of the carrier 90 since only two overlapping plies need to be folded simultaneously; see direction arrow D5 in Figure 6. The cushioning flaps FA, FB that are foldably connected to the carrying handle along an engaging edge defined by fold lines 49a, 49b provide a cushion against which a user's fingers more comfortably contact the carrying handle Ή'.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 13, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 will be described in detail.

In Figure 10 there is shown a blank 1 10 for forming the basket-style article carrier 190 shown in Figure 11. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 1 14, 1 16a, 116b, 1 18, 120a, 120b for forming outer walls of a basket-style carrier 190 (see Figure 1 1). The blank 110 comprises a first side panel 1 14. The first side panel 1 14 is hinged at a first end to a first end panel 116a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 15a. The first side panel 1 14 is hinged at a second end to a second end panel 1 16b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 15b. A securing panel 1 12 is hinged to the first side panel 1 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 13.

The blank 110 comprises a base panel 122 hinged to a second side panel 1 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 119. The second side panel 1 18 is hinged at a first end to a third end panel 120a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 17a. The second side panel 1 18 is hinged at a second end to a fourth end panel 120b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 117b. The first end panel 1 16a and the third end panel 120a together form a first end wall of the carrier 190. The second end panel 1 16b and the fourth end panel 120b together form a second end wall of the carrier 190.

The blank 110 comprises a first riser panel 124a hinged to the second end panel 1 16b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 123a. The blank 1 10 comprises a second riser panel 124b hinged to the fourth end panel 120b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 123b. The first riser panel 124a is hinged to the second riser panel 124b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 153. Together the first and second riser panels 124a, 124b assist in coupling the second end panel 1 16b to the fourth end panel 120b to form the first composite end wall 1 16b/120b when the blank 1 10 is assembled.

The base panel 122 comprises a hinged connection such as a fold line 121 which extends longitudinally thereacross so as to bisect the base panel 122. The base panel 122 comprises a recess R3 struck from a first end edge thereof; the fold line 121 extends from the recess R3. The further recess R3 is configured to form a notch for interlocking with hook-like projections defined in part by recesses R1 , R2 in the first riser panel 124a and the second riser panel 124b respectively.

The blank 1 10 comprises a first medial partition panel 128a hinged to the first end panel 1 16a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 125a. The blank 110 comprises a second medial partition panel 128b hinged to the third end panel 120a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 125b. The first medial partition panel 128a is hinged to the second medial partition panel 128b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 153. The hinged connection between the first medial partition panel 128a and the second medial partition panel 128b is interrupted by apertures A7, A8.

An upper portion 126a of the first medial partition panel 128a forms part of the carrying handle structure. An upper portion 126b of the second medial partition panel 128b forms part of the carrying handle structure. The carrying handle structure comprises a grip portion having an outer tubular structure and an optional inner reinforcing structure.

The carrying handle structure comprises a first outer handle panel 142a and a second outer handle panel 142b.

The first outer handle panel 142a is coupled to the second outer handle panel 142b by fold line 153. The carrying handle structure comprises a plurality of handle or grip panels 144a, 144b, 146a, 146b for forming the outer tubular structure of the grip portion. A first grip panel 144a is struck from or defined in the first outer handle panel 142a. The first grip panel 144a is hingedly connected to a second grip panel 146a by a hinged connection such as fold line 151 a. Optionally, the fold line 151 a is interrupted by a cutaway in the form of a slit or outline S1 . The second grip panel 146a is struck from the first outer handle panel 142a and is hingedly connected to the first outer handle panel 142a by a hinged connection such as fold line 145a. A third grip panel 146b is struck from the second outer handle panel 142b and is hingedly connected to the second outer handle panel 142b by a hinged connection such as fold line 145b. The third grip panel 146b is hingedly connected to a fourth grip panel 144b by a hinged connection such as fold line 151 b. Optionally, the fold line 151 b is interrupted by a cutaway in the form of a slit or outline S2. The fourth grip panel 144b is struck from or defined in the second outer handle panel 142b.

The first outer handle panel 142a comprises a first handle opening defined in part by a pair of apertures A11 , A12 and an optional first cushioning flap FA. The first cushioning flap FA is struck from the first outer handle panel 142a and is hingedly connected to the first grip panel 144a by a hinged connection such as fold line 149a. The fold line 149a is interrupted by an aperture A9.

The second outer handle panel 142b comprises a second handle opening defined in part by a pair of apertures A13, A14 and an optional second cushioning flap FB. The second cushioning flap FB is struck from the second outer handle panel 142b and is hingedly connected to the fourth grip panel 144b by a hinged connection such as fold line 149b. The fold line 149b is interrupted by an aperture A10.

The first medial partition panel 128a and second medial partition panel 128b each comprise a part of a carrying handle structure. In the illustrated arrangement, the carrying handle structure comprises a third handle opening defined in the first medial partition panel 128a and a fourth handle opening defined in the second medial partition panel 128b. Optionally, the third handle opening is defined in part by a first aperture A1 and a second aperture A2 and a first handle reinforcing structure RF1 struck from an upper portion 126a of the first medial partition panel 128a.

Optionally, the fourth handle opening is defined in part by a third aperture A3 and a fourth aperture A4 and a second handle reinforcing structure RF2 struck from an upper portion 126b of the second medial partition panel 128b. The carrying handle structure comprises a plurality of inner handle panels 170a, 172a, 170b, 172b for forming an inner tubular structure of the grip portion. A first grip reinforcing panel 170a is struck from or defined in the first medial partition panel 128a. The first grip reinforcing panel 170a is hingedly connected to a second grip reinforcing panel 172a by a hinged connection such as fold line 171 a. Optionally, fold line 171 a is interrupted by an aperture A5. The aperture A5 is arranged to be disposed in alignment with the slit S1 so as to reduce the folding resistance. The second grip panel 172a is struck from the first medial partition panel 128a and is hingedly connected to the first medial partition panel 128a by a hinged connection such as fold line 173a. A third grip reinforcing panel 172b is struck from the second medial partition panel 128b and is hingedly connected to the second medial partition panel 128b by a hinged connection such as fold line 173b. The third grip reinforcing panel 172b is hingedly connected to a fourth grip reinforcing panel 170b by a hinged connection such as fold line 171 b. Optionally, fold line 171 b is interrupted by an aperture A6. The aperture A6 is arranged to be disposed in alignment with the slit S2 so as to reduce the folding resistance. The fourth grip reinforcing panel 170b is struck from or defined in the second medial partition panel 128b.

The first handle reinforcing structure RF1 comprises a first reinforcing flap RFA hingedly connected to the first grip reinforcing panel 170a by a fold line 175a. The fold line 175a extends between a first recess struck from a first side of the first handle reinforcing structure RF1 and a second recess struck from a second side of the first handle reinforcing structure RF1 , the second side opposing the first side.

The first and second recesses are arranged so as to be in registry with the fold line 149a in an assembled state. The aperture A9 is arranged so as to be in registry with the fold line 175a in an assembled state. In this way the hinged connection between the first reinforcing flap RFA and the first grip reinforcing panel 170a is offset from the hinged connection between first cushioning flap FA and the first grip panel 144a. The second handle reinforcing structure RF2 comprises a second reinforcing flap RFB hingedly connected to the fourth grip reinforcing panel 170b by a fold line 175b. The fold line 175b extends between a third recess struck from a first side of the second handle reinforcing structure RF2 and a fourth recess struck from a second side of the second handle reinforcing structure RF2, the second side opposing the first side.

The third and fourth recesses are arranged so as to be in registry with the fold line 149b in an assembled state. The aperture A10 is arranged so as to be in registry with the fold line 175b in an assembled state. In this way the hinged connection between the second reinforcing flap RFB and the fourth grip reinforcing panel 170b is offset from the hinged connection between the second cushioning flap FB and the fourth grip panel 144b.

The blank 110 comprises a first handle beam panel 148a which handle beam panel 148a is hinged to a second handle beam panel 148b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 153. The hinged connection between the first handle beam panel 148a and the second handle beam panel 148b is interrupted by an aperture A17. The first handle beam panel 148a is hinged to first riser panel 124a by a hinged connection such as fold line 161 a. The second handle beam panel 148b is hinged to second riser panel 124b by a hinged connection such as fold line 161 b.

Optionally, the first beam panel 148a is severably connected to the first outer handle panel 142a by a severance line. Optionally, the second beam panel 148b is severably connected to the second outer handle panel 142b by a severance line.

The blank 110 is constructed into a carrier 190 as shown in Figure 1 1 by employing a method substantially similar to that described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9.

Figure 12 illustrates the carrying handle of the carrier 190 in use. The carrying handle comprises a tubular structure formed by grip panels 144a, 146a, 144b, 146b. The tubular structure of the carrying handle is disposed along an upper edge of a handle opening provided in a central partition. The tubular structure of the carrying handle is hingedly connected to the central partition. The tubular structure of the carrying handle is reinforced by the first, second, third and fourth grip reinforcing panels 170a, 172a, 172b, 170b which form an inner reinforcing tubular structure, best illustrated in Figure 13 in which a portion of the carrying handle has been cut away or removed for illustrative purposes.

The first and second handle beam panels 148a, 148b define an end stop limiting travel of the grip panels 144a, 146a, 144b, 146b and the first, second, third and fourth grip reinforcing panels 170a, 172a, 172b, 170b. A lower edge of each of the first and second handle beam panels 148a, 148b restricts the range of movement of the tubular structure of the carrying handle towards the fold line 153 as indicated by direction arrow D8 which in normal use is a generally upward direction.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the third and fourth illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "200", "300" to indicate that these features belong to the third and fourth embodiment respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first and second embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 13 will be described in detail.

In Figure 14 there is shown a blank 210 for forming the basket-style article carrier according a further embodiment. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 214, 216a, 216b, 218, 220a, 220b for forming outer walls of a basket-style carrier. In the blank 210 of Figure 14 the apertures A1 1 , A12, A13 and A14 (which are struck from respective ones of the first and second outer handle panels 142a, 142b and which apertures A1 1 , A12, A13 and A14 define in part the handle opening) present in the embodiment of Figure 10 have been omitted. The first and second beam panels 248a, 248b each comprise a linear lower edge; whereas in the embodiment of Figure 10 the lower edge of the first and second beam panels 148a, 148b is non-linear. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 10, the lower edge of the first and second beam panels 148a, 148b is arcuate or curvilinear. In the blank 210 of Figure 14 the apertures A9, A10, present in the embodiment of Figure 10, which interrupt the fold lines 149a, 149b respectively have been omitted. The blank 210 comprises a hinged connection between a first handle reinforcing flap RFA and a first grip reinforcing panel 270a in the form of a fold line 275a; the fold line 275a is interrupted by an aperture A2. The recesses which are present in the embodiment of Figure 10 and interrupt the fold line 175a have been omitted. The blank 210 comprises a hinged connection between a second handle reinforcing flap RFB and a fourth grip reinforcing panel 270b in the form of a fold line 275b; the fold line 275b is interrupted by an aperture A4. The recesses which are present in the embodiment of Figure 10 and interrupt the fold line 175b have been omitted. The blank 210 comprises a hinged connection between the first grip reinforcing panel 270a and a second grip reinforcing panel 272a in the form of a fold line 271 a; the fold line 271 a is interrupted by an aperture A5.

The blank 210 comprises a hinged connection between a third grip reinforcing panel 272b and a fourth grip reinforcing panel 270b in the form of a fold line 271 b; the fold line 271 b is interrupted by an aperture A6.

The first handle reinforcing flap RFA is defined in part by an aperture A1 ; the aperture A1 is substantially U-shaped. The second handle reinforcing flap RFB is defined in part by an aperture A3; the aperture A3 is substantially U-shaped.

In Figure 15 there is shown a blank 310 for forming the basket-style article carrier according a further embodiment. The blank 310 comprises a plurality of main panels 314, 316a, 316b, 318, 320a, 320b for forming outer walls of a basket-style carrier.

The first and second beam panels 348a, 348b each comprise a linear lower edge; whereas in the embodiment of Figure 10 the lower edge of the first and second beam panels 148a, 148b is non-linear. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 10 the lower edge of the first and second beam panels 148a, 148b is arcuate or curvilinear. The first and second beam panels 348a, 348b are hingedly connected to each other by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is interrupted by cutaways in the form of a pair of apertures A7, A8 so as to define a pair of fold lines 353e, 353d coupling the first beam panel 348a to the second beam panel 348b. The cutaways define bridging connections in the form of fold lines 353e, 353d between the first beam panel 348a and the second beam panel 348b and in the form of fold line 353f between the first and second riser panels 324a, 324b. The carrying handle structure comprises a plurality of panels 370a, 372a, 370b, 372b for forming an inner tubular structure of the grip portion. A first grip reinforcing panel 370a is struck from or defined in the first medial partition panel 328a. The first grip reinforcing panel 370a is hingedly connected to a second grip reinforcing panel 372a by a hinged connection such as fold line 371 a. The second grip panel 372a is struck from the first medial partition panel 328a and is hingedly connected to the first medial partition panel 328a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 373a. A third grip reinforcing panel 372b is struck from the second medial partition panel 328b and is hingedly connected to the second medial partition panel 328b by a hinged connection such as a fold line 373b. The third grip reinforcing panel 372b is hingedly connected to a fourth grip reinforcing panel 370b by a hinged connection such as fold line 371 b. The fourth grip panel 370b is struck from or defined in the second medial partition panel 328b.

The carrying handle structure comprises a first handle flap RFA hingedly connected to the first grip reinforcing panel 370a by a fold line 375a and a second handle flap RFB hingedly connected to the fourth grip reinforcing panel 370b by a fold line 375b.

The carrying handle structure comprises one or more connecting portions in the form of nicks N1 , N2, N3, N4, best illustrated in Figure 15A. The connecting portions are readily severable when the carrying handle is deployed but retain the plurality of panels 370a, 372b, 370b, 372b in the respective one of the first or second medial partition panels 328a, 328b during assembly and loading.

The connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed between fold line 373a and fold line 375a. The connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed closer to fold line 373a than fold line 375a is to fold line 373a. Optionally, the connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed between fold lines 375a and fold line 371a and immediately next to fold line 375a. The connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed between fold line 373b and fold line 375b. The connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed closer to fold line 373b than fold line 375b is to fold line 373b. Optionally, the connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed between fold lines 375b and fold line 371 b and immediately next to fold line 375b. In this way when a carrier, formed from the blank 310, is oriented with the base panel 322 lowermost the connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed above the fold line 375a and the connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed above the fold line 375b. This arrangement of the connecting portions N1 , N2, N3, N4 is advantageous when a consumer accesses the handle. More specifically, it allows the first handle flap RFA and the second handle flap RFB to be initially folded about the fold lines 375a, 375b respectively. Subsequently, when the plurality of panels 370a, 372b, 370b, 372b are subjected to the load, the connecting portions N1 , N2, N3, N4 break to allow the tubular structure to be correctly expanded, for example into tubular structure having a cross sectional shape in the form of a diamond, rhombus, kite, square, or other quadrilateral. Optionally, the tubular structure comprises a quadrilateral cross sectional shape having at least one line of symmetry extending between a pair of opposed vertices.

Optionally, the carrying handle structure comprises a first outer handle panel 342a and a second outer handle panel 342b. The first outer handle panel 342a is coupled to the second outer handle panel 342b by fold line 353c.

Optionally, the carrying handle structure comprises a plurality of panels 344a, 344b, 346a, 346b for forming an outer tubular structure of a grip portion. A first grip panel 344a is struck from or defined in the first outer handle panel 342a. The first grip panel 344a is hingedly connected to a second grip panel 346a by a hinged connection such as fold line 351 a. The second grip panel 346a is struck from the first outer handle panel 342a and is hingedly connected to the first outer handle panel 342a by a hinged connection such as fold line 345a. A third grip panel 346b is struck from the second outer handle panel 342b and is hingedly connected to the second outer handle panel 342b by a hinged connection such as fold line 345b. The third grip panel 346b is hingedly connected to a fourth grip panel 344b by a hinged connection such as fold line 351 b. The fourth grip panel 344b is struck from or defined in the second outer handle panel 342b. The first grip panel 344a and the second grip panel 346a define a first handle aperture in the first outer handle panel 342a. The third grip panel 346b and the fourth grip panel 344b define a second handle aperture in the second outer handle panel 342b. As shown in Figure 15A the third grip panel 346b and the fourth grip panel 344b define a second handle aperture having a width dimension Wo. The first grip reinforcing panel 372a, second grip reinforcing panel 370a, first handle flap RFA and aperture A1 define a third handle aperture in the first medial partition panel 328b. The third grip reinforcing panel 372b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 370b, second handle flap RFB and aperture A2 define a fourth handle aperture in the second medial partition panel 328b. The fourth handle aperture has a width dimension Wi. The width dimension Wi is less than the width dimension Wo.

The third grip reinforcing panel 372b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 370b and second handle flap RFB are narrower in width than the second handle aperture thus allowing them to pass through the second handle aperture uninhibited. Additionally, this provides a margin of tolerance for alignment of the third grip reinforcing panel 372b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 370b and second handle flap RFB with respect to the second handle aperture. The blank 310 comprises a first medial partition panel 328a hingedly connected to a second medial partition panel 328b by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines 353a, 353b. The hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cutaways. These cutaways are formed by apertures or recesses struck from the first and/or second medial partition panels. The cutaways define bridging connections between the first medial partition panel 328a and the second medial partition panel 328b. A pair of apertures A3, A4 is struck in part from each of the first and second medial partition panels 328a, 328b. A recess is struck in part from each of the first and second medial partition panels 328a, 328b; the recess interrupts the hinged connection 353a at a first end and is struck in part from side edges of each of the first and second medial partition panels 328a, 328b.

The apertures A3, A4, A7, A8 and the recess are arranged so as to be in registry with one of the hinged connections 353a, 353b, 353d, 353e, 353f. In this way the carrying handle structure need only be folded about two overlapping fold lines during construction. The fold line 353d is arranged to be in registry with the aperture A4. The fold line 353b is arranged to be in registry with the aperture A7. The fold line 353e is arranged to be in registry with the aperture A3. The fold line 353a is arranged to be in registry with the aperture A8. In this way the hinged connection, fold lines, 353a, 353b, 353d, 353e, 353f are offset from one another and spaced apart from their neighbours. The carrying handle comprises a pair of innermost plies formed by the first and second handle beam panels 348a, 348b, a pair of intermediate plies formed by the first and second medial partition panels 328a, 328b, and a pair of outermost plies formed by the first and second outer handle panels 342a, 342b.

The pair of innermost plies are hingedly coupled to each other by hinged connections 353d, 353e, 353f. The pair of intermediate plies are hingedly coupled to each other by hinged connections 353a, 353b. The hinged connections 353d, 353e, 353f between the pair of innermost plies are arranged in alternation with the hinged connections 353a, 353b between the pair of intermediate plies. That is to say the hinged connection 353a is disposed between the hinged connection 353f and the hinged connection 353e and the hinged connection 353b is disposed between the hinged connection 353e and the hinged connection 353d. In this way the number or overlapping plies along the upper edge, defined by the fold lines 353a, 353b, 353b, 353c, 353d, 353e, 353f, of the carrying handle is reduced, in the embodiment of Figure 15, to two, whereas the carrying handle comprises six plies in the region where the tubular structure of the grip portion of the carrying handle is couple to the central partition of the carrier.

The first outer handle panel 342a comprises a first handle opening defined by the first grip panel 344a and the second grip panel 346a. The second outer handle panel 342b comprises a second handle opening defined by the third grip panel 346b and the fourth grip panel 344b.

The first cushioning flap FA is omitted from the embodiment of Figure 15. The second cushioning flap FB is omitted from the embodiment of Figure 15. This allows the first and second side panels 314, 318 and the first, second, third and fourth end panels 316a, 316b, 320a, 320b to have a height dimension which is a greater proportion or percentage of the height of the first and second medial partition panels 328a, 328b compared to the embodiments of Figures 10 and 14.

Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fifth illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "400" to indicate that these features belong to the fifth embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 will be described in detail.

In Figure 16 there is shown a blank 410 for forming the basket-style article carrier according a further embodiment. The blank 410 comprises a plurality of main panels 414, 416a, 416b, 418, 420a, 420b for forming outer walls of a basket-style carrier.

In the blank 410 of Figure 16 the first and second beam panels 448a, 448b each comprise a linear lower edge. The first and second beam panels 448a, 448b are hingedly connected to each other by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is interrupted by cutaways in the form of a pair of apertures A7, A8 so as to defined a pair of fold lines 453e, 453d coupling the first beam panel 448a to the second beam panel 448b. The cutaways define bridging connections in the form of fold lines 453e, 453d between the first beam panel 448a and the second beam panel 448b. The cutaways define bridging connections in the form of fold lines 453a, 453b between the first medial partition panel 428a and the second medial partition panel 428a and in the form of fold line 453f between the first and second riser panels 424a, 424b. The carrying handle structure comprises a plurality of panels 470a, 472a, 470b, 472b for forming an inner tubular structure of the grip portion. A first grip reinforcing panel 470a is struck from or defined in the first medial partition panel 428a. The first grip reinforcing panel 470a is hingedly connected to a second grip reinforcing panel 472a by a hinged connection such as fold line 471 a. The second grip panel 472a is struck from the first medial partition panel 428a and is hingedly connected to the first medial partition panel 428a by a hinged connection such as fold line 473a. A third grip reinforcing panel 472b is struck from the second medial partition panel 428b and is hingedly connected to the second medial partition panel 428b by a hinged connection such as fold line 473b. The third grip reinforcing panel 472b is hingedly connected to a fourth grip reinforcing panel 470b by a hinged connection such as fold line 471 b. The fourth grip panel 472b is struck from or defined in the second medial partition panel 428b. The carrying handle structure comprises a first handle flap RFA hingedly connected to the first grip reinforcing panel 470a by a fold line 475a and a second handle flap RFB hingedly connected to the fourth grip reinforcing panel 470b by a fold line 475b.

The carrying handle structure comprises one or more connecting portions in the form of nicks N1 , N2, N3, N4, best illustrated in Figure 17. The connecting portions are readily severable when the carrying handle is deployed but retain the plurality of panels 470a, 472a, 470b, 472b in the respective one of the first or second medial partition panels 428a, 428b during assembly and loading. The connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed between fold line 473a and fold line 475a. The connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed closer to fold line 473a than fold line 475a is to fold line 473a. Optionally, the connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed between fold line 475a and fold line 471 a and immediately next to fold line 475a. The connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed between fold line 473b and fold line 475b. The connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed closer to fold line 473b than fold line 475b is to folds line 473b. Optionally, the connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed between fold line 475b and fold line 471 b and immediately next to fold line 475a. In this way when a carrier, formed from the blank 410, is at rest upon the base panel 422 the connecting portions N1 , N2 are disposed above the fold line 475a and the connecting portions N3, N4 are disposed above the fold line 475b. This arrangement of the connecting portions N1 , N2, N3, N4 is advantageous when a consumer accesses the handle. More specifically, it allows the first handle flap RFA and second handle flap RFB to be initially folded about the fold lines 475a, 475b respectively. Subsequently, when the plurality of panels 470a, 472a, 470b, 472b are subjected to the load, the connecting portions N1 , N2, N3, N4 break to allow the tubular structure to be correctly expanded, for example into tubular structure having a cross sectional shape in the form of a diamond, rhombus, kite, square, or other quadrilateral. Optionally, the tubular structure comprises a quadrilateral cross sectional shape having at least one line of symmetry extending between a pair of opposed vertices.

Optionally, the carrying handle structure comprises a first outer handle panel 442a and a second outer handle panel 442b.

The first outer handle panel 442a is coupled to the second outer handle panel 442b by fold line 353c.

In the embodiment of Figure 16, a first handle aperture A5 and a second handle aperture A6 replace the plurality of panels 344a, 344b, 346a, 346b of the embodiment of Figure 15; the outer tubular structure of the grip portion is omitted in the embodiment of Figure 16.

The first handle aperture A5 is defined in the first outer handle panel 442a. The second handle aperture A6 is defined in the second outer handle panel 442b. As shown in Figure 17 the second handle aperture A6 has a width dimension Wo. The first grip reinforcing panel 470a, second grip reinforcing panel 472a, first handle flap RFA and aperture A1 define a third handle aperture in the first medial partition panel 428b. The third grip reinforcing panel 472b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 470b, second handle flap RFB and aperture A2 define a fourth handle aperture in the second medial partition panel 428b. The fourth handle aperture has a width dimension Wi. The width dimension Wi is less than the width dimension Wo.

The third grip reinforcing panel 472b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 470b and second handle flap RFB are narrower in width than the second handle aperture A6 thus allowing them to pass through the second handle aperture A6 uninhibited. Similarly, first grip reinforcing panel 470a, second grip reinforcing panel 472a, and first handle flap RFA are narrower in width than the first handle aperture A5 thus allowing them to pass through the first handle aperture A5 uninhibited. Additionally, this provides a margin of tolerance for alignment of the third grip reinforcing panel 472b, fourth grip reinforcing panel 470b and second handle flap RFB with respect to the second handle aperture A6.

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 carrier may be configured and arranged to package a different number of articles. In such embodiments the carrier may comprise an alternative number of partition structures so as to separate adjacent articles. In the foregoing embodiments the carrying handle structure comprises carrying handle structures having a first, outer, tubular structure and a second, inner, tubular structure; in alternative embodiments the carrying handle structure may comprise a single tubular structure, either of the first or second tubular structures may be omitted.

In other embodiments, both first and second tubular structures may be omitted. The carrying handle structure may comprise a first pair of plies and a second pair of plies disposed between the first pair of plies, the first pair of plies hingedly connected by a first hinged connection comprising one or more first bridging connections, and the second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection comprising one or more second bridging connections, wherein each of the first bridging connections is offset from each of the second bridging connections such that the carrying handle structure comprises a single ply of material in the region of the first and second hinged connections. That is to say, the first bridging connections do not overlap with the second bridging connections.

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 slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, 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.

Claims

1 . An article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the carrier comprising a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through the medial partition structure and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the tubular structure being disposed along an edge of the handle opening.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the tubular structure defines said edge of the carrying handle.

3. An article carrier according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said edge of the handle opening defines a load bearing edge of the carrying handle.

4. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises at least one panel disposed within the tubular structure and wherein the said at least one panel defines an end stop for limiting the range of movement of the plurality of handle panels forming the tubular structure.

5. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises a first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection and a second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, the second pair of plies being disposed between the first pair of plies such that the first hinged connection is disposed in alignment with the second hinged connection.

6. An article carrier according to claim 3 wherein the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to form at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies.

7. An article carrier according to claim 4 wherein each of the first bridging connections is arranged to be offset with respect to each of the second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies together form a single ply about the first and second hinged connections.

8. An article carrier according to claim 5 wherein the first bridging connections are arranged in alternation with the second bridging connections.

9. An article carrier according to claim 5 wherein one of the bridging connections between one of the first and second plies is disposed between a pair of bridging connections between the other one of the first and second bridging connections.

10. An article carrier according to claim 3 wherein the carrying handle comprises a third pair of plies hingedly connected to one another wherein the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies are disposed within the third pair of plies, the third pair of plies forming an outermost pair of plies, the second pair of plies forming an innermost pair of plies and the first pair of plies forming an intermediate pair of plies.

1 1 . An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises a first tubular structure formed by the plurality of handle panels and a second tubular structure disposed within the first tubular structure, the second tubular structure formed by the plurality of inner handle panels.

12. An article carrier according to claim 1 1 wherein a first one of the plurality of handle panels is hinged to a second one of the plurality of panels by a first hinged connection, the first hinged connection being interrupted by at least one first cutaway and wherein the plurality of inner handle panels comprises a first inner handle panel hingedly connected to a second inner handle panel by second hinged connection, the second hinged connection being aligned with the first hinged connection and wherein the second connection is interrupted by at least one second cutaway.

13. An article carrier according to claim 12 wherein the at least one first cutaway is aligned with the at least one second cutaway.

14. An article carrier according to claim 12 wherein the at least one first cutaway is offset with respect to the at least one second cutaway.

15. An article carrier according to claim 12 wherein the at least one first cutaway is selected from the group consisting of a slot, slit, aperture, recess and outline.

16. An article carrier according to claim 12 wherein the at least one second cutaway is selected from the group consisting of a slot, slit, aperture, recess and outline.

17. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle comprises at least one cushioning flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of handle panels.

18. An article carrier according to claim 11 wherein the carrying handle comprises at least one cushioning flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of inner handle panels.

19. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of panels includes a base wall and first and second side walls coupled to opposing sides of the base wall.

20. An article carrier according to claim 19 wherein the plurality of panels includes a first end wall coupled to opposing ends of the first side wall and a second end wall coupled to opposing ends of the second side wall.

21 . An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the medial partition structure is arranged to divide the interior volume into at least two cells.

22. An article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the carrier comprising a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through the medial partition structure and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the tubular structure being disposed above the handle opening when said carrying handle is in use.

23. An article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure defining an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the carrier comprising a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection and a second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, the second pair of plies being disposed between the first pair of plies, and wherein the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies and wherein each of the at least one first bridging connections is offset from each of the at least one second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and second pair of plies together define a single ply in the region of the first and second hinged connections.

24. A blank for forming an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure which in a setup condition defines an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the blank comprising at least one panel for forming a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a handle opening extending through the at least one panel and a plurality of handle panels erectable into a tubular structure, the tubular structure being disposed above the handle opening when said carrying handle is in use in an erected carrier.

25. A blank for forming an article carrier comprising a plurality of walls for forming an external wall structure which in a set-up condition defines an interior volume for receiving one or more articles, the blank comprising at least one panel for forming a medial partition structure, the medial partition structure comprising a carrying handle, the blank comprising handle panels for forming a first pair of plies of the carrying handle and a second pair of plies of the carrying handle, the first pair of plies hingedly connected to one another by a first hinged connection, the second pair of plies hingedly connected by a second hinged connection, wherein the first hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one first bridging connection between the first pair of plies and the second hinged connection is interrupted by one or more cutaways so as to define at least one second bridging connection between the second pair of plies and wherein the handle panels are arranged such that in a set-up carrier the second pair of plies is disposed between the first pair of plies, and each of the at least one first bridging connections is offset from each of the at least one second bridging connections such that the first pair of plies and the second pair of plies together define a single ply in the region of the first and second hinged connections.