WO2023064551A1

WO2023064551A1 - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2023064551A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/046702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Garnier
Original assignee: Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2021-10-14
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2023-04-20
Also published as: AU2022366857A1; TW202327949A

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90; 290; 490) for packaging one or more articles and to a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a main panel (12; 112; 212, 222; 312, 322A, 322B; 412, 422A, 422B) including an article retention structure (RT; RT1, RT2) having an article receiving opening defined in part by at least a pair of opposing engaging tabs (40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242, 246, 248; 340, 342, 346, 348; 440, 442, 446, 448) each having a length (L1, L2) greater than a half of the distance (L3) between their hinged connections (13A, 41; 213, 215, 241, 247, 249; 313, 315, 341, 347, 349; 413, 415, 441, 447, 449) to the main panel (12; 112; 212, 222; 312, 322A, 322B; 412, 422A, 422B).

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application serial number 63/255,488 filed on October 14, 2021 , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein.

BACKGROUND

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

It is well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said panel and are arranged about the aperture. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabs engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article.

It is desirable to provide a restraining band to retain the articles in a tightly formed group. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a carrying handle for transportation of the package.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging, of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like, and apparatus for assembly of said cartons.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier comprises an engaging wall having an article retention structures for engaging respective ones of the one or more articles. The carrier comprises a restraining band disposed about the articles and connected to the engaging wall by at least one shoulder panel. Portions of the restraining band provide a carrying handle, said portions may be two ply in structure and comprise an inner panel and an outer panel hingedly connected to the inner panel. A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes: a first side a wall having a securing portion at each end thereof; a second side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof; a first end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a respective first gusset panel; and a second end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a respective second gusset panel.

Optionally, the tubular structure forms a restraining band about a plurality of articles.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises an article engaging structure coupled to at least one of the first and second side walls. The article engaging structure may be coupled to both of the first and second side walls.

Optionally, the article engaging structure comprises at least one engaging panel having at least one article retention structure.

Optionally, the article engaging structure comprises a first engaging panel coupled to the first side wall and a second engaging panel coupled to the second side wall, the second engaging panel is secured to the first engaging panel in overlapping relationship therewith.

Optionally, the second engaging panel is secured to the first engaging panel in overlapping relationship by one or more handle flaps of a handle structure, the handle flaps being struck from one of the first and second engaging panels.

Optionally, the at least one engaging panel is coupled to one of the first and second side walls by a shoulder panel.

Optionally, each of the first and second side walls comprises at least one corner panel coupling the securing portion to a medial portion thereof.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a tubular structure including: a first side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof, a second side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof, a first outer end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a gusset panel, and a first inner end wall hingedly connected to the first outer end wall and secured thereto to provide a carrying handle.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a second outer end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a gusset panel, and a second inner end wall hingedly connected to the second outer end wall and secured to the second outer end wall to provide a carrying handle.

Optionally, a securing portion of each of the first and second side walls is secured between the first inner end panel and the first outer end panel.

Optionally, a second securing portion of each of the first and second side walls is secured between the second inner end panel and the second outer end panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end wall. The gusset panel is hinged to the first outer end panel by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blank.

Optionally, the hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel.

Optionally, the gusset panel is hinged to one of the first and second side panels by a second hinged connection oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blank.

Optionally, the second hinged connection is oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof. The blank comprises a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end wall. The gusset panel is hinged to the first outer end panel by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel.

Optionally, the gusset panel is hinged to one of the first and second side panels by a second hinged connection oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end panel. The first inner end panel is frangibly connected to at least one of the first and second side panels so as to be detachable therefrom.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes: a first side a panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a second side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a first end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panel by a respective first gusset panel, and a second end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panel by a respective second gusset panel.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a second side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end panel and secured thereto to provide a carrying handle in a set-up condition. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

Figures 1B to 1 D illustrate stages of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carrier;

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

Figure 3 is an alternative perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or 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 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The articles B may be generally cylindrical; the articles B may comprise a circular cross-sectional shape, at least about a region of engagement with the carrier 90. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110; 210 are shown in Figures 4 and 5 for forming alternative cartons or carriers 190; 290, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton” and "carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 110; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

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

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array -two rows of three articles B are provided- and the articles B are bottles, the illustrated bottles are formed from plastic and have a petaloid base. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array -two rows of two articles B are provided- and the articles B are bottles, the illustrated bottles are formed from plastic and have a petaloid base. In other embodiments other suitable materials may be utilised such as, but not limited to, glass or metal (e.g., aluminium) and alternative base designs may be employed such as, but not limited to, flat or champagne bottoms. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Figure 1 shows a blank 10 comprising a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26 including a first top panel 12 for forming a lower or inner top wall or engaging panel 12 of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2). The blank 10 comprises a first shoulder or upper side panel 14 hingedly connected to the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A first lower side panel 16 is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15.

The blank 10 comprises a second top panel 26 for forming an upper or outer top wall or engaging panel 26 of the carrier 90. A second shoulder or upper side panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second top panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. A second lower side panel 22 is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 .

The first lower side panel 16 is coupled to the second lower side panel 22 by at least one end structure. The blank 10 comprises a first end structure. The first end structure comprises a first securing panel 28C, the first securing panel 28C is connected or coupled to a first end of the first lower side panel 16. The first securing panel 28C may be coupled to the first end of the first lower side panel 16 by at least one corner panel 28A, 28B, in the illustrated embodiment, the first securing panel 28C is coupled to the first end of the first lower side panel 16 by two corner panels 28A, 28B. A first corner panel 28A is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A. A second corner panel 28B is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B. The first securing panel 28C is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 28B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27C. In other embodiments, the first securing panel 28C may be coupled directly to the first end of the first lower side panel 16. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the fold lines 27A, 27B and 27C are disposed substantially parallel to each other, and each of them is disposed perpendicularly to the fold line 15. However, such an arrangement of the fold lines 27A, 27B, 27C is optional; for example, any one of the fold lines 27A, 27B, 27C may define an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 15 while any two of the fold lines 27A, 27B, 27C may define an acute angle therebetween depending on the configuration of the packaged articles. The panels 16, 28A, 28B, 28C are adjoined by a first end panel 18B (Figure 1) via a cut or frangible line 38A. Stated differently, they are substantially separated from, or frangibly connected to, the first end panel 18B by the cut or the frangible line 38A.

The first end structure comprises a second securing panel 30C, the second securing panel 30C is connected or coupled to a first end of the second lower side panel 22. The second securing panel 30C may be coupled to the first end of the second lower side panel 22 by at least one corner panel 30A, 30B, in the illustrated embodiment the second securing panel 30C is coupled to the first end of the second lower side panel 22 by two corner panels 30A, 30B. A third corner panel 30A is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. A fourth corner panel 30B is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 30A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The second securing panel 30C is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 30B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29C. In other embodiments, the second securing panel 30C may be coupled directly to the first end of the second lower side panel 22. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the fold lines 29A, 29B and 29C are disposed substantially parallel to each other, and each of them is disposed perpendicularly to the fold line 21 . However, such an arrangement of the fold lines 29A, 29B, 29C is optional; for example, any one of the fold lines 29A, 29B, 29C may define an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 21 while any two of the fold lines 29A, 29B, 29C may define an acute angle therebetween depending on the configuration of the packaged articles. The panels 22, 30A, 30B, 30C are adjoined by the first end panel 18B via a cut or frangible line 39A. Stated differently, they are substantially separated from, or frangibly connected to, the first end panel 18B by the cut or frangible line 39A.

The first end structure comprises at least one first end panel 18A, 18B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first end panels 18A, 18B, including an outer first end panel 18A and an inner first end panel 18B hingedly connected to the outer first end panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The fold line 17 is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 15 and to the fold line 21.

The outer first end panel 18A is coupled to the first securing panel 28C by a first web panel 32A. The first web panel 32A is hingedly connected to the first securing panel 28C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A. The first web panel 32A is hingedly connected to the outer first end panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A. The fold line 33A defines an obtuse angle 0 with respect to the fold line 27C. Such an obtuse angle may facilitate application of glue either to the outer first end panel 18A or to the first securing panel 28C. The fold lines 31 A and 33A may define therebetween an acute angle which may be generally equal to the angle between the fold lines 33A and 17.

The outer first end panel 18A is coupled to the second securing panel 30C by a second web panel 34A. The second web panel 34A is hingedly connected to the second securing panel 30C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A. The second web panel 34A is hingedly connected to the outer first end panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A. The fold line 35A defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 29C. Such an obtuse angle may facilitate application of glue either to the outer first end panel 18A or to the second securing panel 30C. The fold lines 37A and 35A may define therebetween an acute angle which may be generally equal to the angle between the fold lines 35A and 17.

The blank 10 comprises a second end structure. The second end structure comprises a third securing panel 28F, the third securing panel 28F is connected or coupled to a second end of the first lower side panel 16. The third securing panel 28F may be coupled to the second end of the first lower side panel 16 by at least one corner panel 28D, 28E. In the illustrated embodiment, the third securing panel 28F is coupled to the second end of the first lower side panel 16 by two corner panels 28D, 28E. A fifth corner panel 28D is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27D. A sixth corner panel 28E is hingedly connected to the fifth corner panel 28D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27E. The third securing panel 28F is hingedly connected to the sixth corner panel 28E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27F. In other embodiments, the third securing panel 28F may be coupled directly to the second end of the first lower side panel 16. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the fold lines 27D, 27E and 27F are disposed substantially parallel to each other, and each of them is disposed perpendicularly to the fold line 15. However, such an arrangement of the fold lines 27D, 27E, 27F is optional; for example, any one of the fold lines 27D, 27E, 27F may define an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 15 while any two of the fold lines 27D, 27E, 27F may define an acute angle therebetween depending on the configuration of the packaged articles. The panels 16, 28D, 28E, 28F are adjoined by a second end panel 20B (Figure 1) via a cut or frangible line 38B. Stated differently, they are substantially separated from, or frangibly connected to, the second end panel 20B by the cut or frangible line 38B.

The second end structure comprises a fourth securing panel 30F, the fourth securing panel 30F is connected or coupled to a second end of the second lower side panel 22. The fourth securing panel 30F may be coupled to the second end of the second lower side panel 22 by at least one corner panel 30D, 30E, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth securing panel 30F is coupled to the second end of the second lower side panel 22 by two corner panels 30D, 30E. A seventh corner panel 30D is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29D. An eighth corner panel 30E is hingedly connected to the seventh corner panel 30D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29E. The fourth securing panel 30F is hingedly connected to the eighth corner panel 30E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29F. In other embodiments, the fourth securing panel 30F may be coupled directly to the second end of the second lower side panel 22. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the fold lines 29D, 29E and 29F are disposed substantially parallel to each other, and each of them is disposed perpendicularly to the fold line 21. However, such an arrangement of the fold lines 29D, 29D, 29F is optional; for example, any one of the fold lines 29D, 29E, 29F may define an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 21 while any two of the fold lines 29D, 29E, 29F may define an acute angle therebetween depending on the configuration of the packaged articles. The panels 22, 30D, 30E, 30F are adjoined by the second end panel 20B via a cut or frangible line 39B. Stated differently, they are substantially separated from, or frangibly connected to, the second end panel 20B by the cut or frangible line 39B.The second end structure comprises at least one second end panel. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of second end panels 20A, 20B, including an outer second end panel 20A and an inner second end panel 20B hingedly connected to the outer second end panel 20A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. The fold line 19 is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the fold line 15 and to the fold line 21.

The outer second end panel 20A is coupled to the third securing panel 28F by a third web panel 32B. The third web panel 32B is hingedly connected to the third securing panel 28F by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B. The third web panel 32B is hingedly connected to the outer second end panel 20A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B. The fold line 33B defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 27F. Such an obtuse angle may facilitate application of glue either to the outer second end panel 20A or to the third securing panel 28F. The fold lines 31 B and 33B may define therebetween an acute angle which may be generally equal to the angle between the fold lines 33B and 19.

The outer second end panel 20A is coupled to the fourth securing panel 30F by a fourth web panel 34B. The fourth web panel 34B is hingedly connected to the fourth securing panel 30F by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37B. The fourth web panel 34B is hingedly connected to the outer second end panel 20A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B. The fold line 35B defines an obtuse angle with respect to the fold line 29F. Such an obtuse angle may facilitate application of glue either to the outer second end panel 20A or to the fourth securing panel 30F. The fold lines 37B and 35B may define therebetween an acute angle which may be generally equal to the angle between the fold lines 35B and 19.

The first top panel 12 and the second top panel 26, in a setup carrier 90, form a composite top panel 12/26 extending between the first and second shoulder panels 14, 24. The composite top panel 12/26 comprises at least one article retention structure RT. The composite top panel 12/26 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT, specifically six article retention structures RT arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT forms an opening for receiving a portion of an article B.

The first top panel 12 comprises three article retention structures RT and the second top panel 26 comprises three article retention structures RT.

The article retention structures RT each comprise an opening for receiving an article B. The opening is defined at least in part by pair of major tabs 40, 42 which engage an article B received in the article retention structure RT. Each of the article retention structures RT is substantially similar in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to an article retention structure RT located in the first top panel 12.

A first major tab 40 is struck from the first top panel 12 and a second major tab 42 is struck from the first top panel 12. The first major tab 40 is hingedly connected to the first shoulder panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41, fold line 41 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In other embodiments, the first major tab 40 may be integral or unitary with the first shoulder panel 14, the fold line 41 may be omitted, in this way the first major tab 40 may extend from the first shoulder panel 14 and remain generally coplanar therewith in a set-up condition. The second major tab 42 is hingedly connected to the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43 defining a hinged edge, fold line 43 may be linear.

First side edges of the first and second major tabs 40, 42 may be defined, at least in part, by a first aperture A1 struck from the first top panel 12. Second side edges of the first and second major tabs 40, 42 may be defined, at least in part, by a second aperture A2 struck from the first top panel 12. The first major tab 40 is struck, in part, from the second major tab 42, that is to say a portion of the first major tab 40 is formed from material which would otherwise form part of the second major tab 42.

The second major tab 42 is diagonally or diametrically opposite to the first major tab 40.

The first major tab 40 comprises a first engaging edge E1 for engaging an article B.

The second major tab 42 comprises second engaging edge E2 for engaging an article B. The second engaging edge E2 opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 41. The hinged edge defines a base or proximal end of the second major tab 42.

The first major tab 40 comprises a first, height or length, dimension defined between the first engaging edge E1 and the fold line 41 . The fold line 41 defines a base or proximal end of the first major tab 40.

The second major tab 42 comprises a second, height or length, dimension defined between the second engaging edge E2 and the fold line 43. The second dimension may be greater than the first dimension.

The fold line 43 is disposed a third linear dimension from the fold line 41. Each of the first and second dimensions is greater than one half of the third dimension.

The first engaging edge E1 is disposed between the second engaging edge E2 and the hinged edge, fold line 43, of the second major tab 42.

The second engaging edge E2 is disposed between the first engaging edge E1 and the hinged edge, fold line 41 , of the first major tab 40.

The first major tab 40 interrupts the second engaging edge E2 and defines a recess or notch in the second major tab 42. In this way the second engaging edge E2 is disposed about opposing side edges of the first major tab 40.

The recess in the second major tab 42 may be configured to receive a portion of the article B, specifically, but not limited to, a neck portion. The recess in the second major tab 42 comprises a pair of opposed side edges which may engage with the article B, this may improve stability of the article B in the carrier 90.

At least a portion of the first major tab 40 is narrower in width than the second major tab 42, the first major tab 40 may be tapered in shape so as to reduce in width towards the first engaging edge E1 .

It will be appreciated that the outer first end panel 18A, the first and second corner panels 28A, 28B, first securing panel 28CA, third and fourth corner panels 30A, 30B, and the second securing panel 30C, form a first strap 28A/28B/28C/18A/30CB/30B/30A. The outer second end panel 20A, the fifth and sixth corner panels 28D, 28E, third securing panel 30F, seventh and eighth corner panels 30D, 30E, and the fourth securing panel 30F form a second strap 20D/28E/28F/20A/30F/30E/30D along a second end of the main panel 12.

In a setup carrier 90 the first strap 28A/28B/28C/18A/30CB/30B/30A, second strap 20D/28E/28F/20A/- 30F/30E/30D, first lower side panel 16, second lower side panel 22 form a restraining band about the group of articles B for retaining the group in a closely packed configuration to inhibit separation, flaring or spreading of the articles B.

The blank 10 may comprise a handle structure, the handle structure may comprise a first part H1 defined in the first top panel 12. The first part H1 comprises at least one finger opening. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle tab 60 struck from, or defined in, the first top panel 12. Each handle tab 60 is hingedly connected to the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61, the handle tabs 60 may be hinged in opposition to each other.

The handle structure may comprise a second part H2 defined in the second top panel 26. The second part H2 comprises at least one second finger opening. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of second finger openings. Each second finger opening is defined, at least in part, by a second handle tab 62 struck from, or defined in, the second top panel 26. Each second handle tab 62 is hingedly connected to the second top panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 63, the second handle tabs 62 may be hinged in opposition to each other.

The second handle tabs 62 may form at least part of a locking structure for securing the first and second top panels 12, 26 together. The second handle tabs 62 may comprise shoulders forming abutment edges for engaging with portion of the first top panel 12 adjacent to the finger openings provided therein.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one tab 44 struck from one or both of the first and second top panels 12, 26. The at least one tab 44 is hingedly connected to one of the first and second top panels 12, 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45. The illustrated embodiment comprises three tabs 44 struck from, or defined in, each of the first and second top panels 12, 26. The tabs 44 may form part of a reinforcing structure to provide additional support to an article B. The tabs 44 may also provide part of the locking structure securing the first and second top panels 12, 26 together when folded out of the plane of the first and second top panels 12, 26 to which it is hinged. The tabs 44 may be disposed along a free side edge of the one of the first and second top panels 12, 26 so as to form a recess therein when folded out of the plane of said one of the first and second top panels 12, 26. In other embodiments, the tabs 44 may define at least a part of an aperture or opening in said one of the first and second top panels 12, 26. Optionally, the blank 10 may comprise a recess R1 defining at least a portion of a side edge of the tabs 44. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of recesses R1 define opposed side edges of each tab 44.

The end panels 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B may be adapted to provide a carrying handle. Each of the outer end panels 18A, 20A may comprise a pair of first flaps 70 hingedly connected thereto by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 71. The fold lines 71 may be curved or arcuate in shape. The pair of first flaps 70 are hinged to opposing edges of the outer end panels 18A, 20A.

Each of the inner end panels 18B, 20B may comprise a pair of second flaps 72 hingedly connected thereto by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 73. The fold lines 73 may be curved or arcuate in shape. The pair of second flaps 72 are hinged to opposing edges of the inner end panels 18B, 20B.

A cut line or weakened line of severance 75 may separate a second flap 72 of one of the inner end panels 18B, 20B from a first flap 70 of the adjacent outer end panels 18A, 20A hinged thereto. A first aperture A3 may be disposed at a first end of the cut line 75. A second aperture A4 may be disposed at a second, opposing, end of the cut line 75.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90, as shown in Figure 1 . The blank 10 is positioned over a group of articles B. The first lower side panel 16 along with the first shoulder panel 14 and the first top panel 12 are folded, as indicated by direction arrow D1 in Figure 1 B, with respect to the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A about fold line 31 A and fold line 31 B respectively. The second lower side panel 22 along with the second shoulder panel 24 and the second top panel 26 are folded, as indicated by direction arrow D1 in Figure 1 B, with respect to the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A about fold line 37A and fold line 37B respectively. The blank 10 and group of articles B are oriented such that a tubular axis of the carrier is parallel with a notional line z-z extending longitudinally of the article group, the notional line z-z is oriented to be parallel with the direction of flow or travel of the article group in a packaging machine (not shown).

The blank 10 is lowered with respect to the group of articles B, as indicated by direction arrow D3 in Figure 1 B, the first and second inner end panels 18B, 20B fold with respect to the one of the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A to which they are hinged.

The corner panels 28A, 28B, 28D, 28E, 30A, 30B, 30D, 30E fold about corners of the article group. The web panels 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B fold, about fold lines 33A, 33B, 35A, 35B, with respect to the one of the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A to which they are hinged.

The first top panel 12 is folded, about fold line 13, with respect to the first shoulder panel 14 to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the first lower side panel 16.

The second top panel 26 is folded, about fold line 23, with respect to the second shoulder panel 24 to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the second lower side panel 22.

The second top panel 26 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first top panel 12 as shown in Figure 1C. The second top panel 26 is secured the first top panel 12. The second handle tabs 62 are folded out of the plane of the second top panel 26, downwardly through a respective handle opening in the first top panel 12, the handle tabs 60 are displaced out of the plane of the first top panel 12. The second handle tabs 62 engage with the underside or inner surface of the first top panel 12. The blank 10 and group of articles B are oriented such that the tubular axis of the carrier and the notional line z-z extending longitudinally of the article group is parallel with the direction of flow or travel of the article group in a packaging machine (not shown) whilst the first and second top panels 12, 26 are folded into position and engaged with the articles B.

When the first and second top panels 12, 26 are folded the first major tabs 40 may remain generally coplanar with the first or second shoulder panel 14, 24 to which they are hinged.

The blank 10 is further lowered with respect to the group of articles B, as indicated by direction arrow D4 in Figure 1C. An upper end of each article B is received in a respective one of the article retention structures RT, as shown in Figure 1 D. The second major tabs 42 are displaced out of the plane of the first or second top panel 12, 26 to which they are hinged. The tabs 44 are also displaced out of the plane of the first or second top panel 12, 26 to which they are hinged. The first and second major tabs 40, 42 and the tabs 44 engage an article B beneath a flange or other projection, or undercut, provided by the article B.

The part formed package shown in Figure 1 D is rotated through an angle of 90° after engagement of the articles with the first and second top panels 12, 26 and prior to application of glue or other adhesive treatment to the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A. In this way the tubular axis of the carrier and the notional line z-z extending longitudinally of the article group is perpendicular with the direction of flow or travel of the article group in a packaging machine (not shown), a turntable or other rotation tool or robot may be employed to automate rotation of the part formed packages. In this way the first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A are oriented a glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied as the package passes through a glue station. The first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A may be oriented to be either a vertical or horizontal, that is to say the inner face may lie in plane that is either perpendicular or parallel with respect to a plane or surface upon which the article group in being conveyed. Figure 1 D shows the second outer end panel 20A in the horizontal or perpendicular orientation. Figure 1C shows the second outer end panel 20A in the vertical or parallel orientation.

The first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A are folded with respect to the first and second inner end panel 18B, 20B to which they are hinged, about fold line 17 and fold line 19 respectively.

The first and second outer end panels 18A, 20A are secured to the respective one of the first and second inner end panel 18B, 20B to which they are hinged.

The first securing panel 28C and the second securing panel 30C are secured between the first outer end panel 18A and the first inner end panel 18B.

The third securing panel 28F and the fourth securing panel 30F are secured between the second outer end panel 20A and the second inner end panel 20B.

The securing panels 28C, 30C, 28F, 30F may comprise a cutaway in the form of recess R2 to facilitate securing the inner end panels 18B, 20B directly to the outer end panels 18A, 20A.

The completed carrier 90 is shown in Figure 2; Figure 3 shows the carrier 90 in an orientation for a user to engage the first end panels 18A , 18B to carry the carrier 90.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 7 there is shown alternative blanks for use in the packaging system of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100”; "200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiments respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 , 2, and 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 will be described in any greater detail.

Referring now to Figure 4 there are shown a blank 110 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 122, 124, 126 including first and second top panels 112, 126 for forming a top wall or engaging panel 112/126 of a carrier 190 shown in Figure 6. The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the blank 110 comprises three corner panels 128A, 128B, 128G; 128D, 128E, 128H; 130A, 130B, 130G; 130D, 130E, 130H between the lower side panels 116, 122 and the securing panels 128C, 128F, 130C, 130F. A ninth corner panel 128G is hinged to the second corner panel 128B by a fold line 127G and is hinged to the first securing panel 128C by a fold line 127C. A tenth corner panel 130G is hinged to the fourth corner panel 130B by a fold line 129G and is hinged to the second securing panel 130C by a fold line 129C. An eleventh corner panel 128H is hinged to the sixth corner panel 128E by a fold line 127H and is hinged to the third securing panel 128F by a fold line 127F. A twelfth corner panel 130H is hinged to the eighth corner panel 130E by a fold line 129H and is hinged to the fourth securing panel 130F by a fold line 129F.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the first major tab 140 of the article retention structures RT is not struck from the second major tab 142.

The blank 110 is adapted to accommodate four articles B in a 2x2 matrix or array, the handle structure comprises only one finger opening in the first top panel 112 and one second finger opening in the second top panel 126. The finger opening in the first top panel 112 is defined by a first handle tab 160. The second finger opening in the second top panel 126 is defined by a second handle tab 162.

The first and second top panels 112, 126 may each comprise a cutaway in the form of a recess in an end edge to form part of the handle structure. The recess may be defined by a flap 164 hingedly connected to a respective one of the first and second top panels 112, 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 165.

Figure 4 indicates possible glue or adhesive locations G for securing the inner end panels 118B, 120B to the outer end panels 118A, 120A.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the inner end panels 118B, 120B are frangibly connected to the side panels 116, 122 and/or corner panels 128A, 128B, 128G; 128D, 128E, 128H; 130A, 130B, 130G; 130D, 130E, 130H by bridging connections or nicks N.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a blank 210 according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 222, 224, 226 including first and second top panels 212, 226 for forming a top wall or engaging panel 112/226 of a carrier 290 shown in Figure 7.

The blank 210 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 110 of Figure 4 albeit the blank 210 comprises a handle reinforcing panel 212B hingedly connected to the first top panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 209. The handle reinforcing panel 212B is arranged to be folded into face contacting relationship with the first top panel 212 in a set up carrier 290. The handle reinforcing panel 212B may comprise a pair of engaging tabs 246 hinged thereto by a fold line 247. A first one of the engaging tabs 246 is arranged to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the tabs 244 of the first top panel 212. A second one of the engaging tabs 246 is arranged to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the second major tabs 242 of the first top panel 212. An aperture A5 is struck in part from the handle reinforcing panel 212B and in part from the first top panel 212, the aperture A5 interrupts the fold line 209. The aperture A5 defines a recess in an end edge of each of the handle reinforcing panel 212B and the first top panel 212 when the handle reinforcing panel 212B is folded into face contacting relationship with the first top panel 212. The recess is in vertical registry with a flap 264 hingedly connected to an end edge of the second top panel 226 and forms part of a handle structure.

The recesses R2 of the previous embodiments have been omitted from the securing panels 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F. Figure 5 indicates possible glue or adhesive locations G for securing the inner end panels 218B, 220B to the outer end panels 218A, 220A. In the embodiment of Figure 5 glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner end panels 218B, 220B before the securing panels 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F are brought into face contacting relationship therewith. The securing panels 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F are secured to the inner end panels 218B, 220B, further glue or adhesive treatment is applied to the outer end panels 218A, 220A (or to an outer surface of the securing panels 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F) to secure the outer end panels 218A, 220A to the securing panels 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190; 290 of the top engaging type having article retention structures RT for engaging articles B and a blank 10; 110; 210 for forming the article carrier 90; 190; 290. The carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises a restraining band disposed about the articles B and connected to an engaging wall or top wall 12/26; 112/126; 212/226 by at least one shoulder panel 14, 24; 114, 124; 214, 224. Portions of the restraining band provide a carrying handle, said portion may be two ply in structure and comprise an inner panel 18B, 20B; 118B, 120B; 218B, 220B and an outer panel 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 having at least one top-engaging device RT which comprises at least a pair of opposing engaging tabs 40, 42 each having a length greater than a half of the distance between their hinged connections 41 , 43.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging one or more articles B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises a tubular structure or restraining band including a first side wall 16; 116; 216 having a securing portion 28C, 28F; 128C, 128F; 228C, 228F at each end thereof, a second side wall 22; 122; 222 having a securing portion 30C, 30F; 130C, 130F; 230C, 230F at each end thereof, a first end wall 18A; 118A, 218A coupled to each of the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a gusset or web panel 32A, 34A, and a second end wall 20A; 120A, 220A coupled to each of the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a gusset or web panel 32B, 34B.

The article carrier 90; 190; 290 also comprises an article engaging structure coupled to the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122. The article engaging structure comprises at least one engaging panel 12, 26; 112, 126; 212, 226 having at least one article retention structure RT.

The article engaging structure may comprise a first engaging panel 12; 112; 212 coupled to the first side wall 16; 116; 216 and a second engaging panel 26; 126; 226 coupled to the second side wall 22; 122; 222, the second engaging panel 26; 126; 226 is secured to the first engaging panel 12; 112; 212 in overlapping relationship therewith. The at least one engaging panel 12, 26; 112, 126; 212, 226 may be coupled to one of the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a shoulder panel 14, 24; 114, 124; 214, 224.

Each of the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 may comprise at least one corner panel coupling the securing portion 28C, 28F, 30C, 30F; 128C, 128F, 130C, 130F; 228C, 228F, 230C, 230F to a medial portion thereof.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging one or more articles B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises a tubular structure or restraining band including a first side wall 16; 116; 216 having a securing portion 28C, 28F; 128C, 128F; 228C, 228F at each end thereof, a second side wall 22; 122; 222 having a securing portion 30C, 30F; 130C, 130F; 230C, 230F at each end thereof, a first outer end wall 18A; 118A, 218A coupled to each of the first and second side walls 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a gusset or web panel 32A, 34A, and a first inner end wall 18B; 118B; 218B hingedly connected to the first outer end wall 18A; 118A, 218A and secured thereto to provide a carrying handle.

The article carrier 90; 190; 290 may also comprise a second outer end wall 20A; 120A, 220A coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a gusset or web panel 32B, 34B, and a second inner end wall 20B; 120B; 220B hingedly connected to the second outer end wall 20A; 120A, 220A and secured to the second outer end wall 20A; 120A, 220A to provide a carrying handle.

A securing portion 28C, 30C; 128C, 130C; 228C, 230C of each of the first and second side walls may be secured between the first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B and the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A.

A securing portion 28F, 30F; 128F, 130F; 228F, 230F of each of the first and second side walls may be secured between the second inner end panel 20B; 120B; 220B and the second outer end panel 20A; 120A, 220A.

The present disclosure also provides a blank 10; 110; 210 for forming an article carrier 90; 190; 290. The blank 10; 110; 210 comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure or restraining band including: a first side panel 16; 116; 216 including a securing panel 28C, 28F; 128C, 128F; 228C, 228F coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel 22; 122; 222 having a securing panel 30C, 30F; 130C, 130F; 230C, 230F coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A coupled to each of the first and second side panels 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a gusset or web panel 32A, 34A, and a first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B hingedly connected to the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A. The gusset panel 32A, 34A is hinged to the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis x-x of the blank 10; 110; 210.

Additionally, or alternatively, the hinged connection may be oriented obliquely with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A and the first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B.

The gusset panel 32A, 34A may be hinged to one of the first and second side panels 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a second hinged connection oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis x-x of the blank 10; 110; 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the second hinged connection may be oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A and the first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B.

The present disclosure also provides a blank 10; 110; 210 for forming an article carrier 90; 190; 290. The blank 10; 110; 210 comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure or restraining band including: a first side panel 16; 116; 216 including a securing panel 28C, 28F; 128C, 128F; 228C, 228F coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel 22; 122; 222 having a securing panel 30C, 30F; 130C, 130F; 230C, 230F coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A coupled to each of the first and second side panels 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 by a gusset or web panel 32A, 34A, and a first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B hingedly connected to the first outer end panel 18A; 118A, 218A. The first inner end panel 18B; 118B; 218B may be frangibly connected to at least one of the first and second side panels 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 122 so as to be detachable therefrom.

The present disclosure also provides a method of applying a blank 10; 110; 210 to a group of articles to form a package. The method comprises placing a blank 10; 110; 210 over a group of articles B and folding side and top panels 16, 22, 12, 26; 116, 122, 112, 126; 216, 222, 212, 226 with respect to end panels 18A, 20A, 18B, 20B; 118A, 120A, 118B, 120B; 218A, 220A .218B, 220B.

The blank 10; 110; 210 is lowered with respect to the group of articles B, inner end panels 18B, 20B; 118B, 120B; 218B, 220B abut an upper end of the article group. The blank 10; 110; 210 is further lowered with respect to the group of articles B so as to fold the inner end panels 18B, 20B; 118B, 120B; 218B, 220B with respect to an outer end panel 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A to which they are hinged. A first top panel 12; 112; 212 is folded about the upper end of the article group. A second top panel 26; 126; 226 is folded about the upper end of the article group into face contacting relationship with the first top panel 12; 112; 212. The second top panel 26; 126; 226 is secured to the first top panel 12; 112; 212 to form an engaging panel 12/26; 112/126; 212/226. The blank 10; 110; 210 is lowered with respect to the group of articles B. Portion of the articles are received in a respective article retention structure in the engaging panel 12/26; 112/126; 212/226. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A. The outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A are folded with respect to the inner end panel 18B, 20B; 118B, 120B; 218B, 220B to which they are hinged to be disposed in face- to-face relationship therewith.

The method may comprise rotating the part formed package after engagement of the engaging panel 12/26; 112/126; 212/226 with the articles B but before application glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A.

The method may comprise orienting the inner surface of the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A to be generally vertical for the application glue or other adhesive treatment thereto.

The method may comprise orienting the inner surface of the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A to be generally horizontal for the application glue or other adhesive treatment thereto. The method may comprise adjusting orientation of the inner surface of the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A to facilitate the application glue or other adhesive treatment thereto.

The method may comprise folding corner panels, hinged to the side panels 16, 22; 116, 122; 216, 222, about corners of the article group and anchoring securing panels hinged to the corner panels between the inner end panel 18B, 20B; 118B, 120B; 218B, 220B and the outer end panels 18A, 20A; 118A, 120A; 218A, 220A.

The blanks 10; 110; 210 include at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt, preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028’7~0.7mm). In one example the substrate may be 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™). The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

The blanks 10; 110; 210 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, crosslaminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

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 shoulder panels may be omitted. The present invention is not limited to cartons of the top-engaging type, the invention may be employed with other carton styles such as, but not limited to, open top crates, lidded or closed top crates. 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/curvil inear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

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

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

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

Claims

CLAIMS A carrier of the top engaging type for packaging one or more articles comprising an engaging wall having an article retention structure for engaging respective ones of the one or more articles, the carrier comprising a restraining band disposed about the articles and connected to the engaging wall by at least one shoulder panel, wherein portions of the restraining band provide a carrying handle, said portions may be two ply in structure and comprise an inner panel and an outer panel hingedly connected to the inner panel. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a tubular structure including: a first side a wall having a securing portion at each end thereof; a second side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof; a first end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a respective first gusset panel; and a second end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a respective second gusset panel. An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the tubular structure forms a restraining band about a plurality of articles. An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the article carrier comprises an article engaging structure coupled to the first and second side walls. An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the article engaging structure comprises at least one engaging panel having at least one article retention structure. An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the article engaging structure comprises a first engaging panel coupled to the first side wall and a second engaging panel coupled to the second side wall, the second engaging panel is secured to the first engaging panel in overlapping relationship therewith. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the second engaging panel is secured to the first engaging panel in overlapping relationship by one or more handle flaps of a handle structure struck from one of the first and second engaging panels. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the at least one engaging panel is coupled to one of the first and second side walls by a shoulder panel. An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second side walls comprises at least one corner panel coupling the securing portion to a medial portion thereof. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a tubular structure including: a first side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof, a second side wall having a securing portion at each end thereof, a first outer end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a gusset panel, and a first inner end wall hingedly connected to the first outer end wall and secured thereto to provide a carrying handle. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the article carrier comprises a second outer end wall coupled to each of the first and second side walls by a gusset panel, and a second inner end wall hingedly connected to the second outer end wall and secured to the second outer end wall to provide a carrying handle. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein a securing portion of each of the first and second side walls is secured between the first inner end panel and the first outer end panel. An article carrier according to claim 11, wherein a securing portion of each of the first and second side walls is secured between the second inner end panel and the second outer end panel. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end wall, wherein the gusset panel is hinged to the first outer end panel by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blank. A blank according to claim 14, wherein the hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel. A blank according to claim 14, wherein the gusset panel is hinged to one of the first and second side panels by a second hinged connection oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blank. A blank according to claim 16, wherein the second hinged connection is oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end wall, wherein the gusset panel is hinged to the first outer end panel by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection is oriented obliquely with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel. A blank according to claim 18, wherein the gusset panel is hinged to one of the first and second side panels by a second hinged connection oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the hinged connection between the first outer end panel and the first inner end panel. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a second side panel comprising a securing panel coupled to each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end panel, wherein the first inner end panel is frangibly connected to at least one of the first and second side panels so as to be detachable therefrom. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side a panel having a securing panel at each end thereof; a second side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof; a first end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panel by a respective first gusset panel; and a second end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panel by a respective second gusset panel. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a first side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a second side panel having a securing panel at each end thereof, a first outer end panel coupled to each of the first and second side panels by a gusset panel, and a first inner end panel hingedly connected to the first outer end panel and secured thereto to provide a carrying handle in a set-up condition. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure including: a pair of first and second side panels disposed spaced apart from each other, the first side panel comprising a first securing panel coupled to an end thereof by a first hinged connection, the second side panel comprising a second securing panel coupled to an end thereof by a second hinged connection, the plurality of panels further including a first outer end panel extending between the first and second side panels and coupled to the first and second securing panels by first and second gusset panels respectively, wherein the first and second gusset panels are hinged to the first outer end panel by third and fourth hinged connections respectively, wherein the third hinged connection defines an obtuse angle with respect to the first hinged connection and wherein the fourth hinged connection defines an obtuse angle with respect to the second hinged connection. A blank according to claim 23, wherein the third hinged connection defines an acute angle with respect to a fifth hinged connection between the first gusset panel and the first securing panel, and the fourth hinged connection defines an acute angle with respect to a sixth hinged connection between the second gusset panel and the second securing panel. A blank according to claim 24, wherein the fifth hinged connection is generally perpendicular to the first hinged connection, and wherein the sixth hinged connection is generally perpendicular to the second hinged connection.