WO2025217541A1

WO2025217541A1 - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2025217541A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/024311
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adriano A. Da Costa Kohler
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2025-04-11
Publication date: 2025-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-12

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier a pair of spaced apart panels including an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture. The lower panel comprises a lower article receiving opening. The upper article receiving opening and the lower article receiving opening being disposed in vertical alignment and having respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article (B) at two vertically spaced elevations.

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for engaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises an end closure panel hinged at a first end thereof to one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure and a friction flap hinged to a second opposing end of the end closure panel. The friction flap is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the tubular structure and is exposed to view at said one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the second end of the end closure panel is positioned inset from said one end of the tubular structure and wherein the friction flap extends from the second end toward said one end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the plurality of primary panels comprises a first panel and a second opposing panel, wherein the first panel has a first length dimension parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure, the second panel has a second length dimension parallel to the tubular axis, the first length dimension being greater than the second length dimension, wherein the end closure panel is hinged to an end of the second panel and wherein the friction flap is in face contacting arrangement with the first panel.

Optionally, the plurality of primary panels comprises a first panel and a second opposing panel, wherein the second panel comprises at least one article receiving device for receiving part of an article, and wherein the at least one article receiving device comprises an opening defined in the second panel. A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including an upper panel and a lower panel. A handle access opening is defined in the upper panel for accessing a handle opening in the lower panel. The article carrier further comprises a handle cavity open to the handle access opening. The handle cavity comprises a bottom provided by part of the lower panel. The part of the lower panel includes the handle opening. The handle cavity further comprises an inside surface which is provided by at least two interior panels each extending at least partially between the upper and lower panels. The at least two interior panels comprise a first panel and a second panel each extending entirely between the upper and lower panels and disposed transversely with respect to each other.

Optionally, the at least two interior panels further comprise a third panel extending at least partially between the upper and lower panels, the third panel being disposed spaced apart from and in opposition to the first panel.

Optionally, the at least two interior panels further comprise a fourth panel extending entirely between the upper and lower panels, the fourth panel being disposed spaced apart from and in opposition to the second panel.

Optionally, the inside surface of the handle cavity extends circumferentially along the perimeter of the handle access opening.

Optionally, the article carrier further comprises an inner upper panel disposed below an outer upper panel, wherein the first and third panels of the at least two interior panels are provided by a keel structure hingedly connected to the inner upper panel.

Optionally, the second and fourth panels of the at least two interior panels comprise opposingly disposed tabs hingedly connected to the outer upper panel.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a first end closure flap and second end closure flap hinged respectively to first and second opposing panels of the tubular structure. The first end closure flap is folded into the tubular structure and the second end closure flap is folded to bring a free end portion into engagement with an engaging element of the first end closure flap.

Optionally, the engaging element of the first end closure flap comprises an orifice defined in the first end closure flap.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and a keel structure disposed inside the tubular structure and extending parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure. The plurality of primary panels comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including an upper panel and a lower panel. The keel structure includes a first partition panel extending between the upper and lower panels and a base panel hinged to the first partition panel and disposed in face contacting arrangement with the lower panel. A spacer tab is foldably connected to the upper panel by a first hinged connection. The spacer tab extends from the upper panel to the base panel. The spacer tab has a first maximum width dimension parallel to the upper panel and extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The base panel has a second width dimension extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The first width dimension is greater than the second width dimension such that the spacer tab is in contact with the first partition panel.

Optionally, the spacer tab comprises a pair of wing flaps hingedly connected to a main body of the spacer tab along a pair of second fold lines respectively, the second fold lines extending from the area near the free end of the spacer tab divergently toward the first hinged connection.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises an end closure panel hinged at a first end thereof to one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure and a friction flap hinged to a second opposing end of the end closure panel. The friction flap is configured to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the tubular structure and is exposed to view at said one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure in a set-up article carrier.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including an upper panel and a lower panel wherein a handle access opening is defined in the upper panel for accessing a handle opening in the lower panel. The blank is configured to form a handle cavity open to the handle access opening. The handle cavity comprises a bottom provided by part of the lower panel. The part of the lower panel includes the handle opening. The handle cavity further comprises an inside surface which is provided by at least two interior panels each extending at least partially between the upper and lower panels. The at least two interior panels comprise a first panel and a second panel, each arranged to extend entirely between the upper and lower panels and be disposed transversely with respect to each other in a set-up article carrier.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a first end closure flap and second end closure flap hinged respectively to first and second opposing panels of the tubular structure. The first end closure flap is configured to be folded into the tubular structure and comprises an engaging element. The second end closure flap comprises a free end portion for being brought into engagement with the engaging element in a set-up article carrier.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and keel structure panels for forming a keel structure disposed inside the tubular structure and extending parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure. The plurality of primary panels comprises a pair of spaced apart panels including an upper panel and a lower panel. The keel structure panels include a first partition panel configured to extend between the upper and lower panels and a base panel hinged to the first partition panel and configured to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with the lower panel in the set-up article carrier. A spacer tab is foldably connected to the upper panel by a first hinged connection. The spacer tab is configured to extend from the upper panel to the base panel. The spacer tab has a first maximum width dimension parallel to the upper panel and extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The base panel has a second width dimension extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The first width dimension is greater than the second width dimension such that the spacer tab is disposed in contact with the first partition panel in the setup article carrier.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a handle panel for providing at least part of a top-engaging structure. The handle panel includes a carrying handle having a first handle tab formed from the handle panel to define at least part of a handle opening in the handle panel. The carrying handle comprises a second handle tab formed from the handle panel and hinged thereto to define at least part of a recess along the perimeter of the handle panel. The first and second handle tabs extend in opposite directions from their respective hinged connections to the handle panel.

Optionally, the article carrier further comprises a reinforcing panel disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the handle panel, the reinforcing panel comprises a third handle tab formed from the reinforcing panel, and wherein the third handle tab is disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the second handle tab.

Optionally, the article carrier further comprises a main panel disposed below the handle panel and an end panel hingedly connected to the main panel, the reinforcing panel being hingedly connected to the end panel.

Optionally, the length of the hinged connection of the first handle tab is greater than the length of the hinged connection of the second handle tab.

Optionally, the handle panel defines a notional center axis and includes a pair of top-engaging openings each for receiving part of an article, the pair of top-engaging openings being disposed on the opposite sides of the center axis at a first distance from each other, and wherein the first handle tab has a first width extending perpendicularly to the center axis, the first width being greater than the first distance.

A tenth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a top-engaging structure. The plurality of primary panels includes a main panel and a beam panel disposed in face-contacting arrangement with the main panel. The beam panel defines a longitudinal axis and has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The main panel comprises a handle opening disposed under the beam panel. The opening has a third width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The third width is greater than the second width of the beam panel.

Optionally, the handle opening in the main panel is defined, at least in part, by a tab struck from the main panel.

Optionally, the second width is measured as a dimension extending between a hinged connection between the beam panel and a first beam side panel and a hinged connection between the beam panel and a second beam side panel.

Optionally, the main panel comprises at least a pair of adjacent article-engaging devices each for engaging part of an article. The pair of adjacent article-engaging devices are disposed on the opposite sides of the beam panel at a second distance from each other. The second distance is less than the third width of the handle opening.

An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of hingedly connected panels including a main panel, an end panel hingedly connected to the main panel, and a flange panel hingedly connected to the end panel. The main panel includes a carrying handle which comprises a handle opening defined in the main panel and a handle recess defined in the flange panel. Optionally, the handle opening in the main panel is defined, at least in part, by a tab struck from the main panel.

Optionally, the flange panel comprises a handle tab formed therefrom, the handle tab defining the handle recess, at least in part.

Optionally, the handle tab is hingedly connected to the end panel.

Optionally, the main panel comprises at least a pair of article-engaging devices each for engaging part of an article, wherein the main panel comprises a planar area disposed between the pair of article-engaging devices, and wherein the handle opening and the handle recess are disposed on the opposite sides of the planar area.

Optionally, the main panel comprises at least a pair of article-engaging devices each for engaging part of an article, wherein the main panel comprises a plain, featureless, uninterrupted area disposed between the pair of article-engaging devices, and wherein the handle opening and the handle recess are disposed on the opposite sides of the plain, featureless, uninterrupted area.

Optionally, the flange panel is hingedly connected to the end panel by a hinged connection, the hinged connection may be interrupted by a T-shaped cut.

Optionally, the T-shaped cut is centrally aligned with an adjacent article-engaging devices.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a stage of construction of a carrier from the blank of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an end of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is an alternative perspective view from above of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

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

Alternative blanks 110; 210; 320 are shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8 for forming carton or carrier 190; 290, as shown in Figures 5, 9, and 10, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B.

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

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 8 to 10, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, two rows of three articles B are provided and the articles B are 500ml (16.9 fl. oz.) or 591 ml (20US fl. oz.) bottles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, two rows of three articles B are provided and the articles B are 1 .25LI (42.2US fl. oz.) bottles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the blank 210 is arranged to accommodate four articles in a 2 x 4 matrix or array arrangement, that is to say, two rows of four articles B and is configured to receive articles in the form of 500ml (16.9 fl. oz.) or 591ml (20US fl. oz.) bottles.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number, and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, including a main panel 12 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2).

A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A first top or cover panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

A second side panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A second top or cover panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

The first top panel 18, second top panel 20, first and second side panels 14, 16, and main panel 12 form a tubular structure. Each end of the tubular structure is closed by an end closure structure. A first end closure structure comprises a first end panel 22A hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 A.

A first anchor flap 28A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F2. The first anchor flap 28A is hingedly connected to a second anchor flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A. The second anchor flap 26A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1.

A first connecting panel 24A is hingedly connected to the second anchor flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A. The first connecting panel 24A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The first side panel 14 is separated from the first connecting panel 24A by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the first connecting panel 24A and the second anchor flap 26A from the main panel 12.

A third anchor flap 34A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6. The third anchor flap 34A is hingedly connected to a fourth anchor flap 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A. The fourth anchor flap 32A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5.

A second connecting panel 30A is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor flap 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A. The second connecting panel 30A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A.

The second side panel 16 is separated from the second connecting panel 30A by an aperture A1 . The aperture A1 separates each of the second connecting panel 30A and the fourth anchor flap 32A from the main panel 12.

A second end closure structure comprises a second end panel 22B hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 B.

A fifth anchor flap 28B is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F4. The fifth anchor flap 28B is hingedly connected to a sixth anchor flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B. The sixth anchor flap 26B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F3.

A third connecting panel 24B is hingedly connected to the sixth anchor flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B. The third connecting panel 24B is hingedly connected to the second end panel 22B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B.

The first side panel 14 is separated from the third connecting panel 24B by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the third connecting panel 24B and the sixth anchor flap 26B from the main panel 12.

A seventh anchor flap 34B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F8. The seventh anchor flap 34B is hingedly connected to an eighth anchor flap 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B. The eighth anchor flap 32B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7.

A fourth connecting panel 30B is hingedly connected to the eighth anchor flap 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B. The fourth connecting panel 30B is hingedly connected to the first end panel 22B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B.

The second side panel 16 is separated from the fourth connecting panel 30B by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates each of the fourth connecting panel 30B and the eighth anchor flap 32B from the main panel 12.

The first and second top panels 18, 20 are configured to be disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship. A portion of the first top panel 18 is configured to be brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the second top panel 20 to form a composite top panel 18/20.

The blank 10 comprises a first reinforcing panel 36A, also referred to herein as a friction flap, hingedly connected to the first end panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A. The blank 10 comprises a second reinforcing panel 36B, also referred to herein as a friction flap, hingedly connected to the second end panel 22B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B.

The first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B are each configured to be folded to be substantially perpendicular to the first or second end panel 22A, 22B to which they are hinged. The first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B are brought into face-to-face relationship with the composite top panel 18/20, and optionally may be adhesively secured to the composite top panel 18/20.

The first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B may be folded outwardly of the first or second end panel 22A, 22B to which they are hinged so to project outwardly therefrom. The composite top panel 18/20 may be dimensioned so as to be greater in length than the main panel 12 to at least cover or conceal the first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B and may be dimensioned to extend beyond the outer edges of the first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B. The first and second side panels 14, 16 may be trapezoidal in shape to extend between the main panel 12 and the top panels 18, 20.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 18B, 18C, 18D for forming a brace or keel structure for increasing the rigidity of the carrier 90. The brace or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally of the carrier 90.

The plurality of panels 18B, 18C, 18D are hingedly connected to the first top panel 18. A first beam panel 18B is hingedly connected to the first top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17B. A second beam panel 18C, also referred to herein as floor panel 18C, is hingedly connected to the first beam panel 18B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17C. A third beam panel 18D is hingedly connected to the second beam panel 18C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17D.

The main panel 12 of the blank 10 includes at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The main panel 12 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically six article retention structures RT1 , RT2 arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 comprises an article receiving opening defined, at least in part, by engaging tabs or teeth 40, 42, 44. The article retention structures RT1 , RT2 comprise four first or endmost article retention structures RT 1 and a pair of second or intermediate article retention structures RT2 disposed between the endmost article retention structures RT 1 .

The first article retention structures RT1 comprise a first engaging tab 40 struck from the main panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 41. A second engaging tab 42 is struck from the main panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 43. A third engaging tab 44 is struck from the main panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto. The second engaging tab 42 is hinged in opposition to the third engaging tab 44. The second and third engaging tabs 42 are disposed adjacent to the first engaging tab 40. The fold line 41 may be substantially perpendicular to the fold line 43 and to the hinged connection between the third engaging tab 44 and the main panel 12. The second engaging tab 42 is separated, in part, from the third engaging tab 44 by an aperture A4, the aperture A4 defining in part the article receiving opening.

Endmost article retention structures RT1 disposed adjacent to the first or second end panels 22A, 22B may interrupt the fold line 21 A, 21 B between the main panel 12 and a respective one of the first and second end panels 22A, 22B. The fold line 43 hinging the second engaging tab 42 to the main panel 12 may interrupt or be collinear or coincident with the respective one of the first and second end panels 22A, 22B.

The second article retention structures RT2 comprise a first engaging tab 40 struck from the main panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 41. A pair of third engaging tabs 44 are struck from the main panel 12 and are hingedly connected thereto. The pair of third engaging tabs 44 are hinged in opposition to each other. The pair of third engaging tabs 44 are disposed adjacent to the first engaging tab 40. The fold line 41 may be substantially perpendicular to the hinged connections between the pair of third engaging tabs 44 and the main panel 12. A first one of the pair of third engaging tabs 44 is separated, in part, from a second one of the pair of third engaging tabs 44 by an aperture A4, the aperture A4 defining in part the article receiving opening.

The first top panel 18 comprises at least one article receiving opening A5, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving openings A5 each receiving a respective one of the articles B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 14. The article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 18B and may be generally oval or egg shaped. Each article receiving opening A5 may comprise at least one engaging tooth 46 struck from the first beam panel 18B and extending from the first beam panel 18B to the receiving opening A5. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of engaging teeth 46 defined in part and separated from each other by a cutline 47 extending generally radially outward from the article receiving opening A5.

The second top panel 20 comprises at least one second article receiving opening defined by an aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 20 comprises six second article receiving openings arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array; each second article receiving opening is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 in the main panel 12. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutline SE which may define a scalloped or serrated engaging edge in the second top panel 20.

The apertures A2 in the first and second top panels 18, 20 are smaller in dimension, diameter, or width than the openings in the main panel 12 provided by the article retention structures RT1 , RT2.

The blank 10 comprises a panel securing device, the panel securing device comprises at least one first locking element L1 in the second beam panel 18C, at least one second locking element L2 in the second top panel 20, and at least one third locking element RC in the main panel 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 18 comprises a pair of first locking elements L1 , the second top panel 20 comprises a pair of second locking elements L2 and the main panel 12 comprises a pair of third locking element RC. Each of the pair of the third locking element RC is disposed centrally between a group of four article retention structures RT1 , RT2.

The second beam panel 18C comprises at least one first locking element L1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises two first locking elements L1. The first locking elements L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 80 struck from, or defined within, the second beam panel 18C and hingedly connected thereto. The first locking tab 80 comprises a head or distal portion, the head or distal portion is wider than a proximal or intermediate portion of the first locking tab 80. In this way, the locking tab receiving opening comprises a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or restriction. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 80 are substantially equal to, or may be greater in, width than the second beam panel 18C. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 80, or at least portions thereof, interrupt the hinged connections between the second beam panel 18C and each of the first and third beam panels 18B, 18D.

The second top panel 20 comprises at least one second locking element L2, the illustrated embodiment comprises two second locking elements L2. The second locking elements L2 take the form of a second locking tab 84 struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 20 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 83. The second locking tab 84 comprises a head 88, the head 88 may be wider than a main body of the second locking tab 84 so as to define shoulders or barbs for engaging with the main panel 12. The second locking tab 84 comprises a pair of wing portions 86 hingedly connected to opposed sides of the main body, or proximal portion, of the second locking tab 84 by hinged connection in the form of fold lines 85. The wing portions 86 are separated from the head 88 by cutlines 87 which define the shoulders or barbs.

Each second locking tab 84 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the locking tab receiving opening of one of the first locking elements L1 . Each second locking tab 84 is configured to be hinged in opposition to the first locking tab 80 of the first locking element L1 with which it is in vertical registry. The term "in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between each second locking tab 84 and the associating first locking tab 80 refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 84 and 80 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends.

The main panel 12 comprises at least one third locking element RC, the illustrated embodiment comprises two third locking elements RC. The third locking elements RC take the form of an opening in the main panel 12, the opening may be defined by a respective receiving tab 70 struck from the main panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto. Each receiving tab 70 is hinged in opposition to the associated second locking tab 84. The term "in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between each receiving tab 70 and the associated second locking tab 84 is similar to the above illustrated relationship between each first locking tab 80 and its associated second locking tab 84. More specifically, it refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 84 and 70 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2.

The blank 10 is applied to a group of articles B. The blank 10 is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 of the blank 10 is aligned with a respective article B in the group. Portions of the articles B pass through the main panel 12. The engaging tabs 40, 42, 44 of each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 fold out of the plane of the main panel 12.

The blank 10 is folded about fold lines 13, 15 to fold the first side panel 14 and first top panel 18 with respect to the main panel 12 and to fold the second end panel 16 and the second top panel 20 with respect to the main panel 12. In doing so, the first and second end panels 22A, 22B are also folded upwardly with respect to the main panel 12; the first and second end panels 22A, 22B may be folded to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the main panel 12. In some embodiments, the first and second end panels 22A, 22B may be folded through an angle greater than 90°, so as to be inclined with respect to the main panel 12.

The first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B are folded with respect to the end panel 22A, 22B to which they are hinged; the reinforcing panels 36A, 36B may provide a support for the first and second top panels 18, 20. The first and second reinforcing panels 36A, 36B have the effect of increasing the rigidity of the end panels 22A, 22B preventing or inhibiting deformation of the end panels 22A, 22B and provide a beam extending across the carrier 90 between the side panels 14, 16.

The first and fifth anchor flaps 28A, 28B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the first top panel 18, the second and sixth anchor flaps 26A, 26B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the first side panel 14.

The fold line 27A hinging the first and fifth anchor flaps 28A, 28B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14. The fold line 27B hinging the second and sixth anchor flaps 26A, 26B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14.

The first connecting panel 24A is folded into face-to-face relationship with the second anchor flap 26A. The third connecting panel 24B is folded into face-to-face relationship with the sixth anchor flap 26B.

The first side panel 14 is brought into a substantially perpendicular arrangement with respect to the main panel 12.

The third and seventh anchor flaps 34A, 34B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 20, the fourth and eighth anchor flaps 32A, 32B are folded into face-to-face relationship with the second side panel 16.

The fold line 33A hinging the third and seventh anchor flaps 34A, 34B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16. The fold line 33B hinging the fourth and eighth anchor flaps 32A, 32B to each other is brought into registry and alignment with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16.

The second connecting panel 30A is folded into face-to-face relationship with the fourth anchor flap 32A. The fourth connecting panel 30B is folded into face-to-face relationship with the eighth anchor flap 32B.

The second side panel 16 is brought into a substantially perpendicular arrangement with respect to the main panel 12.

The first top panel 18 is then folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 17, to be disposed over the main panel 12. In doing so, the first anchor flap 28A is folded with respect to the second anchor flap 26B and the fifth anchor flap 28B is folded with respect to the sixth anchor flap 26B.

An article B is received in each of the article receiving openings A5 and a portion of the article B passes through the first top panel 18 and through the first beam panel 18B. The first beam panel 18B is folded with respect to the first top panel 18 to be inclined thereto, so as to extend substantially between the first top panel 18 and the main panel 12. The second beam panel 18C is folded with respect to the first beam panel 18B. The second beam panel 18C is disposed between adjacent pairs of articles B and/or article retention structures RT1 , RT2. The second beam panel 18C may be in face contacting relationship with the main panel 12. The third beam panel 18D is folded with respect to the second beam panel 18C to be inclined thereto. A free end edge of the third beam panel 18D is configured to engage below a projection or flange of the articles B in the row adjacent to the row of articles B received in the first top panel 18 and first beam panel 18B.

The second top panel 20 is then folded with respect to the second side panel 16, about fold line 19, to be disposed over the main panel 12 and in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first top panel 18. In doing so, the fourth anchor flap 34A is folded with respect to the fourth anchor flap 32B and the seventh anchor flap 34B is folded with respect to the eighth anchor flap 32B.

The upper ends of articles B are received in the apertures A2 in the second top panel 20.

The blank 10, in this partially assembled condition, may be further lowered with respect to the articles B such that engaging edges of the tabs 40, 42, 44 engage beneath a projection or flange of the articles B. The projection may be provided by a ridge or undercut shaping of the article B or by an end closure of the article B, for example, but not limited to, a crown cork, tamper evident screw cap or other closure. In this way, the engaging edges grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12.

The second locking tabs 84 are then folded inwardly of the carrier 90, a distal portion or head 88 of the second locking tabs 84 passes through the first beam panel 18B (the first locking tabs 80 when present are folded downwardly as consequence). The head 88 of the second locking tabs 84 passes through the opening of the third locking elements RC in the main panel 12, the receiving tabs 70 are displaced downwardly, outwardly of the interior of the carrier 90. The shoulders of the head 88 engage with a lower or outer surface of the main panel 12 to prevent or at least inhibit withdrawal of the second locking tabs 84 from the receiving opening. The first locking tabs 80 when provided also pass though the main panel 12. The second locking tabs 84 are received in respective openings in the first beam panel 18B and a located in the wider portion at an end thereof; the waist or restriction prevents or at least inhibits withdrawal of the second locking tabs 84.

The receiving tabs 70 and the first locking tabs 80 (when present) may interact with the second locking tabs 84, a free end edge of one or both of the receiving tab 70 and the first locking tab 80 may engage or contact a second locking tab 84 so as to prevent or inhibit its unfolding.

The openings created in the composite top panel 18/20, by deployment or activation of the pair of panel securing devices, may form a carrying handle for transportation of the package.

Advantageously, the carrier 90 may be assembled or constructed without use of glue or adhesive to secure the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 in an erected condition.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 10 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third and fourth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100”; "200”; "300” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, and fourth embodiment, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and described above, will be described in any greater detail.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a blank 110 comprising a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, including a main panel 112 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 190 (see Figure 4). The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 , albeit the end closure structures are configured to interlock with an inner top panel flap 138A, 138B.

A first end closure structure comprises a first end panel 122A hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first end panel 122A comprises a locking tab T1 extending from a free end edge, the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection to the main panel 112. The locking tab T1 may be defined by a pair of cutaways in the form of recesses R1 struck from or defined in the free end edge of the first end panel 122A. The locking tab T 1 forms part of a complementary locking structure.

A first anchor flap 128A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first anchor flap 128A is hingedly connected to a second anchor flap 126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second anchor flap 126A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

A first connecting panel 124A is hingedly connected to the second anchor flap 126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first connecting panel 124A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 122A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

The first side panel 114 is separated from the first connecting panel 124A by an aperture. The aperture separates each of the first connecting panel 124A and the second anchor flap 126A from the main panel 112.

A first inner top panel flap 138A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137A. The first inner top panel flap 138A is hingedly connected to a fourth anchor flap 132A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth anchor flap 132A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first inner top panel flap 138A extends substantially across the first end of the second top panel 120. The first inner top panel flap 138A comprises a pair of cutaways, in the form of recesses R3. Each of the recesses R3 is configured to be disposed in registry with a respective one of the pair of apertures A2 in the second top panel 120 disposed proximate or adjacent to the first end of the second top panel 120. The first inner top panel flap 138A comprises a tab receiving aperture A6 forming part of the complementary locking structure.

A second connecting panel 130A is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor flap 132A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second connecting panel 130A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 122A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

The second side panel 116 is separated from the second connecting panel 130A by an aperture. The aperture separates each of the second connecting panel 130A and the fourth anchor flap 132A from the main panel 112.

A second end closure structure comprises a second end panel 122B hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second end panel 122B comprises a locking tab T2 extending from a free end edge, the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection to the main panel 112. The locking tab T2 may be defined by a pair of cutaways in the form of recesses R2 struck from or defined in the free end edge of the second end panel 122B. The locking tab T2 forms part of a complementary locking structure. A fifth anchor flap 128B is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fifth anchor flap 128B is hingedly connected to a sixth anchor flap 126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The sixth anchor flap 126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

A third connecting panel 124B is hingedly connected to the sixth anchor flap 126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The third connecting panel 124B is hingedly connected to the second end panel 122B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

The first side panel 114 is separated from the third connecting panel 124B by an aperture. The aperture separates each of the third connecting panel 124B and the sixth anchor flap 126B from the main panel 112.

A second inner top panel flap 138B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137B. The second inner top panel flap 138B is hingedly connected to an eighth anchor flap 132B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The eighth anchor flap 132B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second inner top panel flap 138B extends substantially across the second end of the second top panel 120. The second inner top panel flap 138B comprises a pair of cutaways, in the form of recesses R4. Each of the recesses R4 is configured to be disposed in registry with a respective one of the pair of apertures A2 in the second top panel 120 disposed proximate or adjacent to the first end of the second top panel 120. The second inner top panel flap 138B comprises a tab receiving aperture A6 forming part of the complementary locking structure.

A fourth connecting panel 130B is hingedly connected to the eighth anchor flap 132B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth connecting panel 130B is hingedly connected to the first end panel 122B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

The second side panel 116 is separated from the fourth connecting panel 130B by an aperture. The aperture separates each of the fourth connecting panel 130B and the eighth anchor flap 132B from the main panel 112.

Figure 6 shows the second end panel 122B secured in position, tab T2 is received in the tab receiving aperture A6 in the second inner top panel flap 138B. The second inner top panel flap 138B is folded into face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 120. The second inner top panel flap 138B and the second top panel 120 are disposed in at least partial overlapping or overlying relationship with the first top panel 118. A portion of the second inner top panel flap 138B is disposed between the second top panel 120 and the first top panel 118.

The main panel 112 of the blank 110 includes at least one article retention structure RT. The main panel 112 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 comprises an article receiving opening defined, at least in part, by engaging tabs or teeth 140A, 140B.

The article retention structures RT comprise a first engaging tab 140A struck from the main panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 141 A. A second engaging tab 140A is struck from the main panel 112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 141 B. The second engaging tab 140B is hinged in opposition to the first engaging tab 140A. The second engaging tab 140B is separated from the first engaging tab 140A by a cutline. The first top panel 118 comprises at least one article receiving opening A5, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving openings A5 each receiving a respective one of the articles B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 114. The article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 118B and may be generally oval or egg shaped. Each article receiving opening A5 may comprise at least one engaging tooth 146 struck from the first beam panel 118B and extending from the first beam panel 118B into the receiving opening A5. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of engaging teeth 146 defined in part and separated from each other by a cutline 147 extending generally radially outward from the article receiving opening A5. Each of the pair of engaging teeth 146 is hingedly connected to the first beam panel 118B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 149.

The second beam panel 118C comprises at least one first locking element L1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises two first locking elements L1. The first locking elements L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 180 struck from, or defined within, the second beam panel 118C and hingedly connected thereto. The first locking tab 180 comprises a head or distal portion, the head or distal portion is wider than a proximal or intermediate portion of the first locking tab 180. In this way, the locking tab receiving opening comprises a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or restriction. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 180 are generally greater in width than the second beam panel 118C. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 180, or at least portions thereof, interrupt the hinged connections between the second beam panel 118C and each of the first and third beam panels 118B, 118D. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 180 comprises a pair of opposed arcuate cutline sections extending into a respective one of the third beam panel 118D and first beam panel 118B. The third locking elements RC take the form of an opening in the main panel 112, the opening may be defined by a respective receiving tab 170 struck from the main panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto. The opening in the main panel 112 and/or receiving tab 170 is shaped similarly to the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 180. The receiving tabs 170 are hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171.

The hinged connection, fold line 117, between the first side panel 114 and the first top panel 118 may be interrupted by a cut line CT, cut line CT may be substantially “U” shaped so as to define a tab Ts struck from the first top panel 118. The tab Ts is integral with the first side panel 114 and extends therefrom. The blank 110 may comprise a pair of cut lines CT each defining a tab Ts. A first tab Ts may be disposed proximate a first end of the fold line 117 a second tab Ts may be disposed proximate a second, opposing, end of the fold line 117. The tabs Ts may form an abutment against which an edge of the second top panel 120 engages to align the second top panel 120 and/or prevent or inhibit relative movement of the second top panel 120 with respect to the first top panel 118.

In some embodiments, a tab may hingedly connected to the second top panel 120, the tab may be inserted into a slot or opening in the first top panel 118 defined in part by the cutline CT and created when the first top panel 118 is folded with respect to the first side panel 114. The blank 110 may comprise a pair of second locking tabs 150, the pair of second locking tabs 150 are spaced apart from each other, longitudinally, by a handle aperture A7. Each of the pair of second locking tabs 150 is struck from, or defined in, the second top panel 120 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151. A first one of the pair of second tabs 150 is hinged in opposition to the second one of the pair of second tabs 150; the hinged connections, fold lines 151 , defining opposed ends of a handle opening.

The second locking tabs 150 are configured for securing the second top panel 120 to the main panel 112 and/or the second beam panel 118C. The second locking tabs 150 comprise a pair of cuts 153. The pair of cuts 153 extend inwardly of the tabs 150 from opposed side edges thereof. Each of the pair of cuts may be non-linear or curvilinear in shape. The cuts 153 define barbs or shoulders of the locking tab 150 for engaging with portions the main panel 112 and/or the second beam panel 118C surrounding openings therein. A fold line 155 may extend from an inner end of each cut 153 towards the side edge of the tab 150 from which that cut 153 extends. In this way, a pair of opposed wing portions 154 is defined in each second locking tab 150. The fold lines 155 may be arranged to facilitate folding of the wing portions 154 into face-to-face relationship with one of the inclined beam panels 118B, 118D, first and third beam panels 118B, 118D, best shown in Figure 5. The second locking tabs 150 and handle aperture A7 create a handle opening exposing to view openings in the main panel 112 and/or making those openings more accessible for a user to engage with. In this way, the user can grasp the main panel 112 to carry the carrier 190.

Optionally, the first top panel 118 may be secured to the second top panel 120 by glue G or other adhesive treatment, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a blank 210 comprising a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, including a main panel 212 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). The blank 210 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 110 of Figure 3 albeit the blank 210 is configured to accommodate eight articles arranged in a 2 x 4 matrix or array. The second top panel 220 comprises eight second article receiving openings, in the form of apertures A2, arranged in 2 x 4 matrix or array; each second article receiving opening is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of eight article retention structures RT3 provided in the main panel 212.

The first top panel 218 comprises four article receiving openings A5 each receiving a respective one of the articles disposed adjacent to the first side panel 214. The article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 218B and may be generally oval or egg shaped.

Each of the article retention structures RT3 of the embodiment of Figure 7 take the form of a pair of teeth or tabs 240A, 240B arranged in opposition to each other and separated from each other by an aperture A8, the tabs 240A, 240B and aperture A8 together form an article receiving opening.

The blank 210 comprises a panel securing device, the panel securing device comprises: at least one first locking element L1 in the second beam panel 218C, at least one second locking element in the second top panel 220, and at least one third locking element RC in the main panel 212.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 218 comprises a pair of first locking elements L1. The second top panel 220 comprises a pair of second locking elements and the main panel 212 comprises a pair of third locking element RC. A first one of the pair of the third locking elements RC is disposed centrally between a first group of four article retention structures RT3, a second one of the pair of the third locking elements RC is disposed centrally between a second group of four article retention structures RT3. The second group of four article retention structures RT3 is disposed adjacent to the first group of four article retention structures RT3.

The second top panel 220 comprises a pair of second locking elements, each takes the form of a second locking tab 250, the pair of second locking tabs 250 are spaced apart, longitudinally, by a handle aperture A9. Each of the pair of second locking tabs 150 is struck from, or defined in, the second top panel 220 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 251 . A first one of the pair of foldable tabs 250 is hinged in opposition to the second one of the pair of foldable tabs 250; the hinged connections, fold lines 251 , defining opposed ends of a handle opening.

The second locking tabs 250 are configured for securing the second top panel 220 to the main panel 212 and/or the second beam panel 218C.

The handle aperture A9 extends between a free end of a first one of the second locking tabs 150 and a free end of a second one of the second locking tabs 150. The handle aperture A9 is generally longitudinal of the second top panel 220 and comprises opposed side edges each having a wavy or undulating shape. In this way, the handle aperture A9 is spaced apart from pairs of article receiving apertures A2 which are disposed on the opposite sides of the handle aperture A9.

The first one of the pair of foldable tabs 250 is disposed centrally between a first group of four article receiving apertures A2. The second one of the pair of foldable tabs 250 is disposed centrally between a second group of four article receiving apertures A2. The second group of four article receiving apertures A2 is disposed adjacent to the first group of four article receiving apertures A2.

The blank 210 comprises a handle opening in the engaging panel 212, the handle opening may be defined by a one or more tabs 272, 274. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of handle tabs 272, 274 struck from the main panel 212 and hinged thereto by respective fold lines 273, 275. The handle opening together with one of the openings in the engaging panel 212, defined by the third locking elements RC, may be engaged by a user to carry the carton. The second beam panel 218C comprises a second handle opening configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the handle opening in the engaging panel 212. The second handle opening may be defined by one or more tabs 282, 284. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of handle tabs 282, 284 struck from at least the second beam panel 218C and hinged thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of handle tabs 282, 284 are struck in part from each of the first and third beam panels 218B, 218D. The first and second handle openings are disposed in vertical registry with the handle aperture A9 and are not configured to engage a locking tab provided by the second top panel 220.

The first handle opening is disposed between the openings in the main panel 212 defined by the third locking elements RC and is located centrally between a central or medial group of four article retention structures RT3.

The second handle opening is disposed between the pair of first locking elements L1.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a blank 310 comprising a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, including a main panel 312 for forming a lower wall or engaging panel of a carrier 390 (see Figure 9). A first side panel 314 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313. A first top or cover panel 318 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317.

A second side panel 316 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315. A second top or cover panel 320 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319.

The first top panel 318, second top panel 320, first and second side panels 314, 316, and main panel 312 form a tubular structure. Each end of the tubular structure is closed by an end closure structure. The end closure structures are substantially similar to the end closure structures of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and described herein, albeit at least one of the friction flaps 336A, 336B has been modified to include a handle tab receiver.

The second top panel 320 comprises a handle tab T4 struck therefrom or defined therein. The handle tab T4 is struck from a first end edge of the second top panel 320 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line F10. A pair of cut lines CT define respective side edges of the handle tab T4. A first one of the pair of cut lines CT extends from a first end of fold line F10 to the first end edge of the second top panel 320. A second one of the pair of cut lines CT extends from a second, opposing, end of fold line F10 to the first end edge of the second top panel 320. The pair of cut lines CT may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The handle tab T4 may be recessed or inset from the first end edge of the second top panel 320. A free end edge of the handle tab T4 may be inset with respect to the free end edge of the second top panel 320.

The handle tab receiver may take the form of a second handle tab T3 struck from, or defined in, the first reinforcing panel 336A. The second handle tab T3 is hingedly connected to the blank 310 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line F9. Fold line F9 may be collinear or coextensive with the hinged connection, fold line 335A between the first reinforcing panel 336A and the first end panel 322A. The second handle tab T3 is struck from a first end edge of the first reinforcing panel 336A. A pair of frangible lines or cut lines FR define respective side edges of the second handle tab T3. A first one of the pair of frangible lines FR extends from a first end of fold line F9 to the first end edge of the first reinforcing panel 336A. A second one of the pair of frangible lines FR extends from a second, opposing, end of fold line F9 to the first end edge of the first reinforcing panel 336A. The pair of frangible lines FR may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The second handle tab T3 may be recessed or inset from the first end edge of the first reinforcing panel 336A. A free end edge of the second handle tab T3 may be inset with respect to the free end edge of the first reinforcing panel 336A.

The hinged connection, fold line 335A, between the first reinforcing panel 336A and the first end panel 322A may be interrupted by, or comprise, a “T” shaped cutline CT2. A first portion of the cutline CT2 is collinear or coextensive with the fold line 335A, a second portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion and may lie on a notional line extending longitudinally of the main panel 312 and passing through the center of the opening of an adjacently disposed article receiving device RT1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 335A is interrupted by a pair of “T” shaped cutlines CT2. The hinged connection, fold line 335B, between second reinforcing panel 336B and second end panel 322A may be similarly interrupted by, or comprise, a “T” shaped cutline. The main panel 312 of the blank 310 includes at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The main panel 312 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically six article retention structures RT1 , RT2 arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 is substantially similar to the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 albeit the aperture A4 has been omitted and a fourth engaging tab 346 is provided. The fourth engaging tab 346 is struck from the main panel 312 and is hingedly connected to the main panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 347.

The blank 310 comprises a plurality of panels 318B, 318C, 318D for forming a brace or keel structure for increasing the rigidity of the carrier 390. The brace or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally of the carrier 390. The brace or keel structure comprises first, second, and third beam panels 318B, 318C, 318D.

The second beam panel 318C comprises at least one first locking element L1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises one first locking element L1. The first locking element L1 takes the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 380 struck from, or defined within, the second beam panel 318C and hingedly connected thereto. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 380 are substantially equal in width to the second beam panel 318C. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 380, or at least portions thereof, interrupt the hinged connections between the second beam panel 318C and each of the first and third beam panels 318B, 318D.

The second top panel 320 comprises at least one second locking element L2, the illustrated embodiment comprises one second locking element L2. The second locking element L2 forms at least part of a carrying handle for transportation of the carrier 390. The second locking element L2 takes the form of a second locking tab 350 struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 320 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 351. The second locking tab 350 comprises a head, the head may be wider than an adjacent main body portion of the second locking tab 350 so as to define shoulders or barbs for engaging with the main panel 312. The second locking tab 350 comprises a pair of wing portions along opposed sides of the main body, or proximal portion. The wing portions are separated from the head by cutlines 353 which define the shoulders or barbs.

The second top panel 320 comprises at least one wing tab 356. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of wing tabs 356 disposed along opposed side edge of the second locking tab 350. Each of the wing tabs 356 is struck from, or defined within, the second top panel 320 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 357. Each of the wing tabs 356 is separated from the second locking tab 350 by a cutline or frangible line 359. In use, the wing tabs 356 may be folded with respect to the second top panel 320, internally of the interior of the carrier 390; the wing tabs 36 may form cushioning tabs protecting a user's hand when engaging the carrying handle formed in the carrier 390.

The second locking tab 350 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the locking tab receiving opening of one of the first locking elements L1 . The second locking tab 350 is configured to be hinged in opposition to the first locking tab 380 of the first locking element L1 with which it is in vertical registry. The term "in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between each second locking tab 350 and the associating first locking tab 380 refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 350 and 380 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends.

The main panel 312 comprises at least one third locking element RC, the illustrated embodiment comprises one third locking element RC. The third locking element RC takes the form of an opening in the main panel 312, the opening may be defined by a respective receiving tab 370 struck from the main panel 312 and hingedly connected thereto. The receiving tab 370 is hinged in opposition to the second locking tab 350. The term "in opposition to” used herein to describe the relationship between the receiving tab 370 and the second locking tab 350 is similar to the above illustrated relationship between the first locking tab 380 and the second locking tab 350. More specifically, it refers to the relationship between those two spaced, vertically aligned tabs 350 and 370 which extend, when in their initial unfolded positions, in the opposite directions from their respective proximal ends.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190 for engaging at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190 comprises a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 including an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 and a lower panel 12; 112; 212.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 comprising a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises an end closure panel 22A, 22B hinged at a first end thereof to one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure and a friction flap 36A, 36B hinged to a second opposing end of the end closure panel 22A, 22B. The friction flap 36A, 36B is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the tubular structure and is exposed to view at said one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure.

The second end of the end closure panel 22A, 22B is positioned inset from said one end of the tubular structure and wherein the friction flap 36A, 36B extends from the second end toward said one end of the tubular structure.

The plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a first panel 20 and a second opposing panel 12. The first panel 20 has a first length dimension D1 parallel to the tubular axis of the tubular structure. The second panel 12 has a second length dimension D2 parallel to the tubular axis. The first length dimension D1 is greater than the second length dimension D2. The end closure panel 22A, 22B is hinged to an end of the second panel 12 and the friction flap 36A, 36B is in face contacting arrangement with the first panel 20.

The second panel 12 comprises at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2; RT; RT3 for receiving part of an article B. The at least one article receiving device comprises an opening defined in the second panel 12.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190 comprising a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 including an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 and a lower panel 12; 112; 212. A handle access opening HAO is defined in the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 for accessing a handle opening HO in the lower panel 12; 112; 212. The article carrier 90; 190 further comprises a handle cavity HO open to the handle access opening HAO. The handle cavity HO comprises a bottom provided by part of the lower panel 12; 112; 212. The part of the lower panel 12; 112; 212 includes the handle opening HO. The handle cavity HO further comprises an inside surface which is provided by at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250. Each of the at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 extends at least partially between the upper and lower panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220. The at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 comprise a first panel 18B; 118B; 218B and a second panel 84; 150; 250 each extending entirely between the upper and lower panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 and disposed transversely with respect to each other.

The at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 further comprises a third beam panel 18D; 118D; 218D extending at least partially between the upper and lower panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220. The third beam panel 18D; 118D; 218D is disposed spaced apart from and in opposition to the first beam panel 18B; 118B; 218B.

The at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 further comprises a fourth panel 84; 150; 250 extending entirely between the upper and lower panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220. The fourth panel 84; 150; 250 is disposed spaced apart from and in opposition to the second panel 84; 150; 250.

The inside surface of the handle cavity HC extends circumferentially along the perimeter of the handle access opening HAO.

An article carrier 90; 190 further comprises an inner upper panel 18; 118; 218 disposed below an outer upper panel 20; 120; 220. The first and third beam panels 18B, 18D; 118B, 118D; 218B, 218D of the at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 are provided by a keel structure 18B/18C/18D; 118B/118C/118D; 218B/2180/218D hingedly connected to the inner upper panel 18; 118; 218.

The second and fourth panels 84; 150; 250 of the at least two interior panels 18B, 18D, 84; 118B, 118D, 150; 218B, 218D, 250 comprise opposingly disposed tabs 84; 150; 250 hingedly connected to the outer upper panel 20; 120; 220.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 190 comprising a plurality of primary panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a first end closure flap 138A, 138B and second end closure flap 122A, 122B hinged respectively to first and second opposing panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 of the tubular structure. The first end closure flap 138A, 138B is folded into the tubular structure. The second end closure flap 122A, 122B is folded to bring a free end portion T1 , T2 into engagement with an engaging element A6 provided by the first end closure flap 138A, 138B.

The engaging element A6 of the first end closure flap 138A, 138B comprises an orifice defined in the first end closure flap 138A, 138B.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190 comprising a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 or forming a tubular structure and a keel structure 18B, 18C, 18D; 118B, 118C, 118D; 218B, 218C, 218D. The keel structure 18B/18C/18D; 118B/118C/118D; 218B/218C/218D is disposed inside the tubular structure and extends parallel to the tubular axis of the tubular structure. The plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 includes a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 including an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 and a lower panel 12; 112; 212. The keel structure 18B/18C/18D; 118B/118C/118D; 218B/218C/218D includes a first partition panel (or first beam panel) 18B; 118B; 218B extending between the upper and lower panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220 and a base panel (or second beam panel) 18C; 118C; 218C hinged to the first partition panel 18B; 118B; 218B. The base panel 18C; 118C; 218C is disposed in face contacting arrangement with the lower panel 12; 112; 212. A spacer tab 84; 150; 250 is foldably connected to the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 by a first hinged connection 151 ; 251. The spacer tab 84; 150; 250 extends from the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 to the base panel 18C; 118C; 218C. The spacer tab 84; 150; 250 has a first maximum width dimension W1 parallel to the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220 and extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The base panel 18C; 118C; 218C has a second width dimension W2 extending perpendicularly to the tubular axis. The first width dimension W1 is greater than the second width dimension W2 such that the spacer tab 84; 150; 250 is in contact with the first partition panel 18B; 118B; 218B.

The spacer tab 150; 250 comprises a pair of wing flaps 154; 254 hingedly connected to a main body of the spacer tab 150; 250 along a pair of second fold lines 155; 255, respectively. The second fold lines 155; 255 extend from the area near the free end of the spacer tab 150; 250 divergently toward the first hinged connection 151 ; 251.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B and a blank 310 for forming the same. The article carrier 390 or blank 310 comprises a handle panel 320 (also referred herein as second top panel 320) for providing at least part of a top-engaging structure. The handle panel 320 includes a carrying handle which comprises a first handle tab 350 formed from the handle panel 320 to define at least part of a handle opening HO (see Figure 10) in the handle panel 320. The carrying handle comprises a second handle tab T4 formed from the handle panel 320 and hinged thereto to define at least part of a recess HR along the perimeter of the handle panel 320. The first and second handle tabs 350, T4 extend in opposite directions from their respective hinged connections 351 , F10.

The article carrier may further comprise a reinforcing panel 336A disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the handle panel 320. The reinforcing panel 336A comprises a third handle tab T3 formed from the reinforcing panel 336A. The third handle tab T3 is disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the second handle tab T4.

The article carrier may further comprise a main panel 312 disposed below the handle panel 320, and an end panel 322A hingedly connected to the main panel 312. The reinforcing panel 336A is hingedly connected to the end panel 322A.

The length 11 of the hinged connection 351 of the first handle tab 350 may be greater than the length I2 of the hinged connection F10 of the second handle tab T4.

The handle panel 320 may define a notional center axis x-x and include a pair of top-engaging openings A2 each for receiving part of an article B. The pair of engaging openings A2 being disposed on the opposite sides of the center axis x-x at a first distance D3 from each other. The first handle tab 350 has a first width W1 extending perpendicularly to the center axis x-x. The first width W1 is greater than the first distance D3.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 390 for packaging at least one article B and a blank 10; 110; 210; 310 for forming the same. The article carrier 90; 190; 390 or blank 10; 110; 210; 310 comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a top-engaging structure. The plurality of primary panels includes a main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 and a beam panel 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C disposed in face-contacting arrangement with the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312. The beam panel 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C defines a longitudinal axis and has a second width W2 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 comprises a handle opening disposed under the beam panel 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C. The opening has a third width W3 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The third width W3 is greater than the second width W2 of the beam panel 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C. The handle opening in the main panel 12; 112; 212; 312 may be defined, at least in part by tab 70; 170; 270; 370.

The second width W2 is measured as a dimension extending between a hinged connection 17D; 117D; 217D; 317D between the beam panel (or second beam panel) 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C and a second beam side panel (or third beam panel) 18D; 118D; 218D; 318D and a hinged connection 17C; 117C; 217C; 317C between the beam panel (or second beam panel)18C; 118C; 218C; 318C and a first beam side panel (or first beam panel) 18B; 118B; 218B; 318B.

The main panel 312 comprises at least a pair of adjacent article-engaging devices RT 1 , RT2 each for engaging part of an article B. The adjacent engaging devices RT1 , RT2 being disposed on the opposite sides of the beam panel 18C; 118C; 218C; 318C at a second distance D4 from each other, the second distance D4 being less than the third width W3 of the handle opening.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B and a blank 310 for forming the same. The article carrier 390 or blank 310 comprises a plurality of hingedly connected panels, the plurality of hingedly connected panels including a main panel 312, an end panel 322A hingedly connected to the main panel 312 and a flange panel 336A hingedly connected to the end panel 322A. The main panel 312 includes a carrying handle which comprises a handle opening defined in the main panel 312 and a handle recess HR defined in the flange panel 336A. The handle opening in the main panel 312 may be defined, at least in part by tab 370.

The flange panel 336A may comprise a handle tab T3 formed therefrom, the handle tab T3 defines the handle recess HR at least in part.

The handle tab T3 may be hingedly connected to the end panel 322A.

The main panel 312 may comprise at least a pair of article-engaging devices RT1 , RT2 each for engaging part of an article B. The engaging devices RT1 , RT2 may be disposed with a planar area of the main panel 312 therebetween, and wherein the handle opening and the handle recess HR are disposed on the opposite sides of the planar area.

The main panel 312 may comprise at least a pair of article-engaging devices RT1 , RT2 each for engaging part of an article B. The main panel 312 may comprise a planar area disposed between the pair of article-engaging devices RT 1 , RT2. The handle opening and the handle recess HR are disposed on the opposite sides of the planar area.

The main panel 312 may comprise at least a pair of article-engaging devices RT1 , RT2 each for engaging part of an article B. The main panel 312 may comprise a plain, featureless, uninterrupted area disposed between the pair of article-engaging devices RT1 , RT2. The handle opening and the handle recess HR are disposed on the opposite sides of the plain, featureless, uninterrupted area. It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection” and "fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/li near or curved/curvi linear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

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

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

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

Claims

1. An article carrier for engaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising an end closure panel hinged at a first end thereof to one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure and a friction flap hinged to a second opposing end of the end closure panel, wherein the friction flap is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the tubular structure and is exposed to view at said one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the second end of the end closure panel is positioned inset from said one end of the tubular structure and wherein the friction flap extends from the second end toward said one end of the tubular structure.

3. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of primary panels comprises a first panel and a second opposing panel, wherein the first panel has a first length dimension parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure, the second panel has a second length dimension parallel to the tubular axis, the first length dimension being greater than the second length dimension, wherein the end closure panel is hinged to an end of the second panel and wherein the friction flap is in face contacting arrangement with the first panel.

4. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of primary panels comprises a first panel and a second opposing panel, wherein the second panel comprises at least one article receiving device for receiving part of an article, and wherein the at least one article receiving device comprises an opening defined in the second panel.

5. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising a first end closure flap and a second end closure flap hinged respectively to first and second opposing panels of the tubular structure, wherein the first end closure flap is folded into the tubular structure and wherein the second end closure flap is folded to bring a free end portion into engagement with an engaging element of the first end closure flap.

6. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the engaging element of the first end closure flap comprises an orifice defined in the first end closure flap.

7. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising an end closure panel hinged at a first end thereof to one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure and a friction flap hinged to a second opposing end of the end closure panel, wherein the friction flap is configured to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the tubular structure and is exposed to view at said one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure in a set-up article carrier.

8. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing at least one of opposed ends of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising a first end closure flap and second end closure flap hinged respectively to first and second opposing panels of the tubular structure, wherein the first end closure flap is configured to be folded into the tubular structure and comprises an engaging element, the second end closure flap comprises a free end portion for being brought into engagement with the engaging element in a set-up article carrier.

9. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a handle panel for providing at least part of a top-engaging structure, the handle panel including a carrying handle which comprises a first handle tab formed from the handle panel to define at least part of a handle opening in the handle panel, wherein the carrying handle comprises a second handle tab formed from the handle panel and hinged thereto to define at least part of a recess along the perimeter of the handle panel, and wherein the first and second handle tabs extend in opposite directions from their respective hinged connections to the handle panel.

10. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the article carrier further comprises a reinforcing panel disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the handle panel, the reinforcing panel comprises a third handle tab formed from the reinforcing panel, and wherein the third handle tab is disposed in a face-contacting arrangement with the second handle tab.

11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the article carrier further comprises a main panel disposed below the handle panel and an end panel hingedly connected to the main panel, the reinforcing panel being hingedly connected to the end panel.

12. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the length of the hinged connection of the first handle tab is greater than the length of the hinged connection of the second handle tab.

13. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the handle panel defines a notional center axis and includes a pair of top-engaging openings each for receiving part of an article, the pair of top-engaging openings being disposed on the opposite sides of the center axis at a first distance from each other, and wherein the first handle tab has a first width extending perpendicularly to the center axis, the first width being greater than the first distance.

14. An article carrier according to claim 9 further comprising a main panel disposed below the handle panel and a beam panel disposed in face-contacting arrangement with the main panel, the beam panel defining a longitudinal axis and having a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, wherein the main panel comprises a handle opening disposed under the beam panel, the opening has a third width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, the third width is greater than the second width of the beam panel.

15. An article carrier according to claim 14, wherein the handle opening in the main panel is defined, at least in part, by a tab struck from the main panel.

16. An article carrier according to claim 14, wherein the second width is measured as a dimension extending between a hinged connection between the beam panel and a first beam side panel and a hinged connection between the beam panel and a second beam side panel.

17. An article carrier according to claim 14, wherein the main panel comprises at least a pair of adjacent articleengaging devices each for engaging part of an article, the pair of adjacent article-engaging devices are disposed on the opposite sides of the beam panel at a second distance from each other, the second distance is less than the third width of the handle opening.

18. A blank for forming an article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the blank comprising a plurality of hingedly connected panels including a main panel, an end panel hingedly connected to the main panel, and a flange panel hingedly connected to the end panel, the main panel including a carrying handle which comprises a handle opening defined in the main panel and a handle recess defined in the flange panel.

19. A blank according to claim 18, wherein the handle opening in the main panel is defined, at least in part, by a tab struck from the main panel.

20. A blank according to claim 18, wherein the flange panel comprises a handle tab formed therefrom, the handle tab defining the handle recess, at least in part, wherein the handle tab is hingedly connected to the end panel.