ARTICLE CARRIER, BLANK THEREFOR AND METHOD OF PACKAGING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article carriers, blanks and to methods for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having an article retention structure including an engagement device for securing an end of an article.

BACKGROUND

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

It is desirable that the articles held within a carton are securely held and protected during transportation.

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

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess, projection or upstand. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article. The article carrier comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess, projection or upstand of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. Said one of the plurality of panels may comprise at least one recessed end edge to which the article retention device is hingedly connected.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a top panel. Optionally, the flap is hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line.

Optionally, the article retention device is located in a recess defined in an end of said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the top panel comprises at least one recessed end edge to which article retention device is hingedly connected.

Optionally, the flap partially defines the at least one recessed end edge of the top panel in an unfolded condition.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a pair of article retention devices at an end of said one of the plurality of panels, and wherein the pair of article retention devices are spaced apart from each other by a recess struck from, or defined in, an end edge of the top panel.

Optionally, the pair of article retention devices are hingedly connected to the top panel by a respective fold line, said fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, the flap is folded inwardly about a hinged connection to said one of the plurality of panels more than 90 degrees so as to be substantially in face to face relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second fold line defined in the flap and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article within the article carrier.

Optionally, the second fold line defines in part a wing tab, the wing tab coupled to the top panel only through its hinged connection to the flap.

Optionally, the second fold line is arranged to converge at an end of the first fold line to form a vertex, and wherein a cutaway separates the wing tab from the said one of the plurality of panels, the cutaway intersects with the vertex between the first and second fold lines.

Optionally, the second fold line is arranged to converge at an end of the first fold line to form a vertex, and wherein a cut line separates the wing tab from the said one of the plurality of panels, the cut line intersects with the vertex between the first and second fold lines. Optionally, the article carrier is of the wrap-around type, comprising a composite wall formed from two panels secured together. Optionally, the article carrier comprises a tubular structure open at both ends, wherein an opening at each end extends between the top wall and the bottom wall of the carrier and between opposed side walls of the article carrier.

Optionally, the composite wall is a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the flaps of each of the pair of article retention devices are fully formed from material of the blank located within the area between first and second notional lines and each extending between the adjacent respective ends of fold lines or hinged connections to first and second adjacent or side panels.

Optionally, the hinged connection or fold line coupling the flap to said one of the plurality of panels is spaced apart from a first notional line L1 extending between the first ends of fold lines or hinged connections to first and second adjacent or side panels.

Optionally, the flap is partially defined by at least one cut which separates the flap from said one of the plurality of panels which may be a top panel.

Optionally, the at least one cut is disposed between the flap and an adjacent fold line hinging said one of the plurality of panels to an adjacent panel.

Optionally, the end edge of the said one of the plurality of panels extending between the fold lines of the pair of article retention devices is non-linear such that it defines a portion of the said one of the plurality of panels protruding into the recess.

Optionally, at least part of the end edge of said one of the plurality of panels which extends between the flaps of the pair of article retention devices is disposed at a position closer to the first notional line than inner ends of the hinged connection or fold lines coupling the flaps of the pair of article retention devices to said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the hinged connection or fold line of the flap does not intersect with a notional line arranged tangentially to each of a pair of handle openings forming a handle structure.

Optionally, a flap of an article retention device is contained entirely within the footprint of one of the plurality of panels to which it is hinged. Optionally, each flap of a pair of article retention devices is contained entirely within the footprint of a top panel of a carrier.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess or projection providing an abutment face. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article. The article carrier comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess or projection of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. The article retention device may comprise a fold line defined in the flap and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article within the article carrier.

Optionally, the fold line defines in part a wing tab, the wing tab coupled to the said one of the plurality of panels only through its hinged connection to the flap.

Optionally, the fold line is arranged to converge at an end of a fold line hinging the flap to said one of the plurality of panels so as to form a vertex, a cut line separates the wing tab from said one of the plurality of panels, the cut line intersects with the vertex.

Another aspect of the invention provides a package comprising the combination of an article carrier and at least one article having an abutment face. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure surrounding the at least one article. The article retention device comprises an article retention engaging an abutment face of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection. The flap is folded inwardly about the hinged connection more than 90 degrees so as to be substantially in face to face relationship with said one of the plurality of panels. Said one of the plurality of panels may comprise at least one recessed end edge to which the article retention device is hingedly connected.

Optionally, the flap is defined within the recessed end edge.

Optionally, the flap defines a part of the recessed end edge.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article having a recess or projection. The blank comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess or projection of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a setup article carrier. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. Said one of the plurality of panels may comprise at least one recessed end edge to which the flap is hingedly connected.

Optionally, the flap is defined within a recess defined in part by the recessed end edge. Optionally, the flap defines a part of the recessed end edge.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article having a recess or abutment face. The blank comprises an article retention device for engaging a recess or abutment face of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a setup article carrier. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. The article retention device may comprise a fold line defined in the flap and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article within the article carrier.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the one or more articles. The article carrier may comprise an article securing device securable to one of said one or more articles to inhibit unintentional egress of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article securing device comprises at least one tab hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a base panel.

Optionally, the at least one tab is arranged to engage an endmost article in the tubular structure, so as to inhibit movement in a longitudinal direction, along the tubular axis of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the at least one tab is arranged to engage an inner portion of the article, the article being disposed substantially between the at least one tab and a side panel so as to inhibit movement transversely of the tubular axis of the tubular structure. Optionally, the article securing device comprises a pair of tabs disposed adjacently to each other and separated each other by a cutaway.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a single unitary panel.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a composite panel comprising a pair of partially overlapping panels.

Optionally, the at least one tab is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a first hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

Optionally, the first hinged connection extends from an end edge of said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the first hinged connection is obliquely oriented with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the article securing device comprises major tab hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels by a first hinged connection and a minor tab hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels by a second hinged connection.

Optionally, the minor tab is struck from the major tab.

Optionally, the second hinged connection takes the form of a fold line and extends from an end edge of said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the second hinged connection is obliquely oriented with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the at least one tab is folded internally of the tubular structure so as to be secured to an upstanding wall of the article.

Optionally, the at least one tab is adhered to the upstanding wall of the article and/or to a base wall of the article.

Optionally, the at least one tab is defined in part by a cut or severance line. Optionally, the cut line extends from a hinged connection between at least one tab and the one of the plurality of panels to a free end or side edge of said panel.

Optionally, the at least one tab is secured to at least one article.

Optionally, the at least one tab is secured to one of the articles packaged within the article carrier.

Optionally, the at least one tab is secured to two adjacently disposed articles packaged within the article carrier.

Optionally, the one of the plurality of panels is a composite panel formed from a pair of overlapping panels, a first, inner, lap panel comprising the at least one tab and a second, outer, lap panel comprising at least one cutaway arranged to be in vertical registry with at least one tab.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the one or more articles. The article carrier may comprise an article securing device securable to one of said one or more articles to inhibit unintentional egress of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article securing device may comprise a pair of tabs disposed adjacent to each other. The pair of tabs are hinged to a composite panel provided by a pair of overlapping panels. The pair of tabs are arranged in non overlapping arrangement with each other. A first one of the pair of tabs is hinged to a first one of the pair of overlapping panels and a second one of the pair of tabs is hinged to the other one of the pair of overlapping panels.

Optionally, each of the pair of tabs is hinged to non-overlapping regions of the composite panel.

Another aspect of the invention provides a package comprising the combination of an article carrier and one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure surrounding the one or more articles. The article carrier may comprise an article securing device comprising at least one tab hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels and secured to one of said one or more articles to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of packaging an article in an article carrier, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure surrounding the one or more articles and an article securing device comprising at least one securing tab hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, wherein the method comprises:

folding the at least one securing tab outwardly of the tubular structure to expose an inner surface thereof;

applying adhesive treatment to the inner surface of the at least one securing tab; folding the securing tab inwardly to a position at least coplanar with the panel to which it is hinged;

securing the securing tab in contact with an article in the carrier.

Optionally, folding the securing tab inwardly comprises folding the securing tab internally of the tubular structure to secure the securing tab to an upstanding wall of the article.

Optionally, folding the securing tab outwardly comprises folding the securing tab outwardly about a first fold line and folding the securing tab inwardly comprises folding a minor portion of the securing tab internally of the tubular structure about a second fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article each having a recess. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article. The article carrier may comprise an article retention device for engaging a recess of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a top panel.

Optionally, the flap is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line to define a hinged edge.

Optionally, the flap is asymmetric about a notional centre line bisecting the first fold line.

Optionally, the flap is fan shaped.

Optionally, the hinged edge defined by the first fold line is linear. Optionally, the flap comprises a pair of side edges extending from the hinged edge and a curved edge extending between the pair of side edges.

Optionally, the pair of side edges are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, each of the pair of side edges is divergently arranged with respect to hinged edge and defines a respective angle therebetween.

Optionally, an angle between one of the side edges and the hinged edge is different to, greater than, an angle defined between the other one of the side edges and the hinged edge.

Optionally, the side edges are substantially linear.

Optionally, the flap partially defines a recessed end edge of the top panel.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second fold line defined in the flap and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article within the article carrier.

Optionally, the second fold line defines in part a wing tab, and the wing tab is coupled to the top panel only through its hinged connection to the flap.

Optionally, the article carrier is of the wrap-around type, comprising a composite wall formed from two panels secured together.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the at least one article. The plurality of panels comprising a pair of opposed side panels. At least one of the pair of opposed side panels may comprise a pair of opposed free end edges. The at least one of the pair of opposed side panels may comprise a cutaway struck from at least one of the opposed free end edges and defining a reduced width area. The at least one side panel may comprise a minimum width dimension which is less than the maximum diameter of an article disposed adjacent to the reduced width area.

Optionally, the reduced width area of the at least one side panel comprises a maximum width dimension which is less than the maximum diameter of the article disposed adjacent to the reduced width area. Optionally, the at least one of the pair of opposed side panels comprises a cutaway struck from each of the opposed free end edges.

Optionally, the reduced width area of the at least one of the pair of opposed side panels is centrally or medially disposed.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the one or more articles. The blank may comprise an article securing device securable to one of said one or more articles to inhibit unintentional egress of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in set-up condition. The article securing device comprises at least one tab hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for surrounding the one or more articles. The blank may comprise an article securing device securable to one of said one or more articles to inhibit unintentional egress of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in a set-up condition. The article securing device may comprise a pair of tabs disposed adjacent to each other. A first one of the pair of tabs may be hinged to a first one of a pair of lap panels and a second one of the pair of tabs may be hinged to the other one of the pair of lap panels. The pair of lap panels form a composite panel in set-up condition. The pair of tabs are arranged to be in non-overlapping arrangement with each other.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article having a recess. The blank may comprise an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of said at least one article to inhibit dislodgement of the article from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure in set-up condition. The article retention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the at least one article. The plurality of panels comprise a pair of opposed side panels. At least one of the pair of opposed side panels comprises a pair of opposed free end edges. A cutaway may be struck from at least one of the opposed free end edges to define a reduced width area. The at least one side panel may comprise a minimum width dimension which is less than the maximum diameter of an article disposed adjacent to the reduced width area. Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

Figure 3A is a perspective view of a portion of the article carrier of Figure 2;

Figures 3B and 3C are a perspective views of a portions of the article carriers according to an alternative embodiments of the disclosure;

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

Figure 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 4; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the article carrier of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to further embodiments of the disclosure;

Figures 7 and 8 are a perspective views of a portion of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment;

Figure 9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 9;

Figure 10 illustrates a stage of construction of the blank of Figure 9 into an article carrier; Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 9; and Figure 12 is an end view of a portion of the carton of Figure 1 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a plan view of a blank 310 capable of forming a carton or carrier 390, as shown in Figure 11 , for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 11. The blank 310 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms“carton” and“carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 390 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 310 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term“suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or carton 390 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 310 is configured to form a carton or carrier 390 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 350ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 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 for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to Figure 9, there is illustrated a blank 310 for forming an article carrier 390 (see Figure 1 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 310 comprises a plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 comprises: a first base panel 312, a first corner or bevel panel 314, a first side panel 316, a second corner or bevel panel 318, a top panel 320, a third corner or bevel panel 322, a second side panel 324, a fourth corner or bevel panel 326 and a second base panel 328. The plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 313, 315, 317, 319, 321 , 323, 325, 327.

In alternative embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth corner panels 314, 318, 322, 326 may be omitted. Fold line 313 and fold line 327 optionally comprise cut lines or severance lines (not shown) which are collinear with the respective one of fold line 313 and fold line 327 so as to interrupt said fold line 313, 327 or be coincident therewith. Severance lines may provide shock absorbing or damping devices proximate the base of the carton 390.

The first and fourth corner panels 314, 326 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 316, 324, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels 312, 328, to which they are hingedly connected.

The second and third corner panels 318, 322 may be considered to form upper portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 316, 324, or alternatively form part of the top panel 320.

The blank 310 is foldable to form a package 390 as illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12. The first and second base panels 312, 328 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 312/328 of the carton 390. The blank 310 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 328 to the first base panel 312. The second base panel 328 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 312 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 328 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 328. The first base panel 312 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the second base panel 328 are configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 328 to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and second base panels 312, 328 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 312, 328 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 312, 328 comprises two first apertures A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels 312, 328 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 312, 328 comprises one second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 390. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1 , A2 to enable the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 312, 328 with respect to each other or to align the first part F of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 310 comprises at least one article retention device or article engagement structure T1 , T2, T3, T4 for engaging an upper end of the articles B. The blank 310 illustrated in Figure 9 comprises four article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a flap 370 hingedly connected to the top panel 320. First and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 each comprise a flap 370 hingedly connected to the top panel 320 to a first end of the top panel 320. Third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 each comprise a flap 370 hingedly connected to the top panel 320 to a second end of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 are inset from a first outer edge of the blank 310.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset with respect to a first end edge of the first or second side panels 314, 324.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset from a first free end edge of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 are inset from a second outer edge of the blank 310.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with respect to a second end edge of the first or second side panels 314, 324.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 320. The flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset from a second free end edge of the top panel 320.

Figure 9B illustrates a first notional line L1 extending between a first end of fold line 319 and a first end of fold line 321. A second notional line L2 extends between a second end of fold line 319 and a second end of fold line 321. The flaps 370 are fully formed from the material of the blank 310 located within the area between the first and second notional lines L1 and L2.

First ends of marginal portions of the top panel 320 may be substantially collinear with the first notional line L1 , as illustrated. Second ends of the marginal portions of the top panel 320 may be substantially collinear with the second notional line L2, as illustrated.

Fold line 319 and fold line 321 define, at least in part, the footprint of the top panel 320, that is to say the area occupied by the top panel 320.

The first and second notional lines L1 , L2 define in part the footprint of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 320. The flaps 370 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are contained entirely within the footprint of the top panel 320.

The first notional line L1 may be collinear with a first end edge of each of the first and second side panels 316, 324. The second notional line L2 may be collinear with a second end edge of each of the first and second side panels 316, 324.

The flaps 370 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 do not extend beyond the first notional line L1.

The flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 do not extend beyond the second notional line L2.

The flaps 370 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond edges of the blank 310 defined, at least in part, by the first and second side panels 316, 324. Marginal portions of the top panel 320 hingedly connected to each of the first and second side panels 316, 324, or second and third bevel panels 318, 322 when present, are equal in length to the first and second side panel 316, 324 (or second and third bevel panels 318, 322) and to the bottom panels 312, 328 or at least portions of the bottom panels 312, 328; said at least portions of the bottom panels 312, 328 may be marginal portions each being hingedly to one of the first and second side panels 316, 324, or first and fourth bevel panels 314, 326 when present.

A first recess R1 is provided in the first end of the top panel 320, the flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 can be considered to be located in the first recess R1. The flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 define in part the first recess R1 and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 320 increase the size of the first recess R1.

The first recess R1 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 370 and wing tabs 70b when present.

The first recess R1 defined only in the top panel 320 and does not extend into the first and second side panel 316, 324 or second and third bevel panels 318, 322.

The flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 is hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 371 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 319 hinging the top panel 320 to the second corner panel 318. The fold line 371 is spaced apart from the first notional line L1.

The flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 is hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 371 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 321 hinging the top panel 320 to the third corner panel 322. The fold line 371 is spaced apart from the first notional line L1.

The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 320 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 320. The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 320 and the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 320 define an angle therebetween the angle may be less than 1320° and in some embodiments may be around 1310°. The angle may be greater than 380° and may be greater than 390°. The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 320 and the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 320 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 320.

The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 320 and the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 320 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 320.

In this way the flap 370 of the first article engagement structure T1 and the flap 370 of the second article engagement structure T2 fold away from each other, see Figure 10.

A second recess R2 is provided in the second end of the top panel 320, the flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R2. The flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 define in part the second recess R2 and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 320 increase the size of the second recess R2.

The second recess R2 defined only in the top panel 320 and does not extend into the first and second side panel 316, 324 or second and third bevel panels 318, 322.

The second recess R2 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 370 and wing tabs 70b when present.

The flap 370 of the third article engagement structure T3 is hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 371 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 319 hinging the top panel 320 to the second corner panel 318. The fold line 371 is spaced apart from the second notional line L2.

The flap 370 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 is hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 371 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 321 hinging the top panel 320 to the third corner panel 322. The fold line 371 is spaced apart from the second notional line L2.

The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 320 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 320. The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 320 and the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 320 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 320.

The fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 320 and the fold line 371 hinging the flap 370 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 320 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 320.

In the blank form the flaps 370 defined in part free end edges of the top panel 320. The edge portions of the top panel 320 defined by the flaps 370 are arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

The fold lines 371 of each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not intersect with a third notional line L3. The third notional line L3 forms a common tangential line with each of the pair of openings of the handle structure H.

The flap 370 of each of the first, second, third and fourth article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 is partially defined by at least one cut 375, 377 which separates that flap 370 from the top panel 320.

A first cut 375 extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 371 to the respective one of the first and second recesses R1 , R2.

A second cut 377 is disposed between the flap 370 and a respective one of the adjacently disposed fold lines 319, 321 hinging the top panel 320 to the first or second side panel 316, 324 (or second or third bevel panel 318, 322 when present).

The first and second cut lines 375, 377 are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

A first end edge E1/375 of the top panel 320 which extends between the fold lines 371 of the flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge E1/375 is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 320 protruding into the first recess R1. At least part of the first end edge E1 of the top panel 320 extending between the flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 is disposed at a position closer to the first notional line L1 than the inner ends 71 a of the fold lines 371 of those flaps 370.

A second end edge E2/375 of the top panel 320 which extends between the fold lines 371 of the flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge E2/375 is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 320 protruding into the second recess R2.

At least part of the second end edge E2 of the top panel 320 extending between the flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 is disposed at a position closer to the second notional line L2 than the inner ends 71a of the fold lines 371 of those flaps 370.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a wing tab 70b hingedly connected to the flap 370 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 373.

The fold line 373 may form a keel when the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are in use engaging an article B. The keel may form a ridge to increase stability or rigidity of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4. The flap 370 and the wing tab 70b may adopt a non-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to, when an article moves outwardly through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier B. The wing tab 70b may fold with respect to the flap 370.

The fold line 373 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 371 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 70b are connected only to the flaps 370 and are free from connection to the top panel 320 other than the indirect connection by virtue of being coupled to the flaps 370, that is to say there is no direct connection of the wing tabs 70b to the top panel 320. The flaps 370 interconnect the wing tabs 70b and the top panel 320.

In the unfolded condition in the blank 310 the fold lines 373 are oriented substantially parallel with the fold lines 319, 321 hinging the side or upper corner panels 314, 324; 318, 322 to the top panel 320. When the flaps 370 are folded about their respective fold line 371 into face to face relationship with the top panel 320, as shown in Figure 10, the fold lines 373 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold lines 319, 321.

Optionally, the top panel 320 comprises at least one severable line or tear line 51 a, 51 b. In the illustrated embodiment the top panel 320 comprises a pair of tear lines 51a, 51 b each defined in part by a plurality of nonlinear perforations or cuts. The pair of tear lines 51 a, 51 b extend substantially from the first end of the top panel 320 to the second end of the top panel 320. The pair of tear lines 51 a, 51 b define at least in part a tear strip 20a extending longitudinally across the top panel 320.

The blank 310 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 310 illustrated in Figure 9 comprises six heel engagement structures R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 each for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 is substantially similar in construction and will be described only by reference to a first heel engagement structure R1 provided in part in the first side panel 316 as shown in Figure 9.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab 340. The heel tab 340 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 312 by fold line 341. The heel tab 340 is struck, at least in part, from the first corner panel 314.

The fold line 341 interrupts the fold line 313 hingedly connecting the first base panel 312 to the first corner panel 314. The fold line 341 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 341 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other.

The heel tab 340 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 43a, 43b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 340.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise a pair of cut lines 45a, 45a disposed on opposing sides of the heel aperture A3. Each of the cut lines 45a, 45a is spaced apart from the heel aperture A3. The cut lines 45a, 45a may be oriented perpendicularly with respect the fold line 315. The cut lines 45a, 45a may cross or intersect with the fold line 315. The cut lines 45a, 45a may be bisected by the fold line 315. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 310 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 390. The heel tabs 340 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. This may be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 312, 328 outwardly such that the heel tabs 340 extend inwardly, the heel tabs 340 being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second side panels 316, 324 are folded about an article group. The first and second base panels 312, 328 are then subsequently folded about the base of the article group, and in doing so the heel tabs 340 engage with said respective article B and are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second base panels 312, 328 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 341.

The heel tabs 340 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of an article B in position.

The top panel 320 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a pair of openings. The openings may be defined at least in part by a tab 362. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tabs 362 spaced apart from each other. The tabs 362 are hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by fold lines 361 and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line. A first one of the tabs 362 is hingedly connected to the top panel 320 in opposition to a second one of the tabs 362.

The tabs 362 may comprises a pair of fold or score line 63a, 63b. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may be arranged divergently with respect to each other. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may diverge towards the fold line 361. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may converge with each other at a free edge of the tab 362 opposing the fold line 361 , in this way the pair of fold lines 63a, 63b and the fold line 361 may define a triangle.

Turning to the construction of the carton 390 as illustrated in Figure 10, the carton 390 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 390 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 six articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel 320 of the blank 310 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 320 of the carton 390. The flaps 370 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 320, as indicated by direction arrows D1 in Figure 10. A first pair of flaps 370 at a first one of the first and second ends of the top panel 320 may be folded prior to folding a second pair of flaps 370 at the other one of the first and second ends of the top panel 320.

The flaps 370 may be folded by a part of a packaging machine such as but not limited to a passive device such as a static guide or an active device such as a folding wheel or by a combination of active and passive devices.

In one example the blank 310 is oriented transversely with respect to a conveyor, such that the flaps 370 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 lead (are downstream of) the flaps 370 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4.

The leading flaps 370 may be folded by a static guide which retards movement of the flaps 370 with respect to the blank 310 to effect folding of the flaps 370.

The trailing (upstream) flaps 370 may be folded by an active which accelerates movement of the flaps 370 with respect to the blank 310 to effect folding of the flaps 370.

Once the flaps 370 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 320 is moved relative to the group of articles B so as to be disposed over upper ends of the articles B.

The flaps 370 may be received in a recess or void in the upper end of the articles B.

The flaps 370 may be arranged to abut a portion of the articles B providing an abutment face or be located in close proximity to the abutment face so as to inhibit movement of the articles B with respect to the article carrier 390.

The second and third bevel panels 318, 322 (when present) are folded, with respect to the top panel 320 about fold lines 319, 321 respectively, about shoulders of the group of articles B.

The first and second side panels 316, 324 are folded, with respect to the second and third bevel panels 318, 322 to which they are hinged about fold lines 317, 323 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls 316, 324 of the carton 390. The first and fourth corner panels 314, 326 (when present) are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 316, 324 about fold lines 315, 325 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 340 may folded out of the plane of the first and fourth corner panels 314, 326, about fold lines 341 , prior to folding the first and fourth corner panels 314, 326 the respective one of the first and second side panels 316, 324.

In some embodiments this is achieved by folding the first and second base panels 312, 328 outwardly such that the heel tabs 340 extend inwardly below the article group to engage one of the articles B, the first and second base panels 312, 328 are then folded in the opposite direction below the base of the article group.

The second base panel 328 is folded about the fold line 327 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B. The first base panel 312 is then folded about the fold line 313 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 328; in doing so each of the heel tabs 342 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 312, 328 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 328. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 312. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 312, 328 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 390 is shown in Figures 11 and 12.

The flaps 370 engage a rim, chime or upstanding wall L or other projection of the article B. When the articles B are cans the top wall of the can may be countersunk, disposed below the upper end of the side wall or end seam of the article B. The top wall of the can is connected to the side walls by a can chime or end seam.

The flaps 370 engage an internal surface or abutment face of the rim L. The flaps 370 may be disposed in the recess or void provided by a countersunk top wall of the article B, as illustrated in Figure 12. The flaps 370 remain in engagement with the articles B when the carrying handle H is in use, the flaps 370 may unfold, due to the inherent resilience or elasticity of the carrier substrate, upon upward displacement of the top panel 320 with respect to the group of articles B.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B each having a recess. The article carrier 390 comprising a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B and an article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 for engaging a recess of one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or unintentional egress of the article B from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprising a flap 370 hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, said one of the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 may be a top panel 320.

The flap 370 is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line 371.

The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 may be located in a recess defined in, or struck from, an end of one of the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328. In this way the retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 does not increase the footprint of the top panel 320 or blank 310.

The top panel 320 comprises at least one recessed end edge to which article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 is hingedly connected.

In some embodiments the flap 370 partially defines the at least one recessed end edge of the top panel 320. That is to say the flap 370 does not fill or complete the recessed end edge in an unfolded condition.

In some embodiments the article carrier 390 comprises a pair of article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 at each end of the one of the plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 or top panel 320. The pair of article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 are spaced apart from each other by a recess R1 , R2 struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel 320. The pair of article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 may be hingedly connected to the top panel 320 by a respective fold line, said fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The flap 370 is folded inwardly about a hinged connection to the top panel 320 more than 90 degrees so as to be substantially in face to face relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 may comprises a second fold line 373 defined in the flap 370 and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article B within the article carrier 390.

The second fold line 373 may define in part a wing tab 70b, the wing tab 70b coupled to the top panel 320 only through its hinged connection to the flap 370.

The second fold line 373 may be arranged to converge at an end of the first fold line 371 to form a vertex. A cutaway 375 in the form of a cut line or severance line may separate the wing tab 70b from the article carrier 390. The cut line intersects with the vertex between the first and second fold lines 371 , 373. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the cutaway 375 may be a slot or slit or other recess spacing the wing tab 70b from the top panel 320 of article carrier 390.

The article carrier 390 may be of the wrap-around type, comprising a composite wall formed from two panels secured together. The composite wall may be a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

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

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 5, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 1 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Figure 6 shows a plan view of a blank 210 capable of forming a carton or carrier 290, as shown in Figure 7, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 210 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms“carton” and“carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

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

The packaging structures or carton 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 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 330ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 1 10; 210 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 90 (see Figure 2) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first corner or bevel panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner or bevel panel 22 and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted.

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

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels 12, 24, to which they are hingedly connected.

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

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises two first apertures A1. The first apertures A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first aperture A1 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first apertures A1 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 24 with respect to each other or to align the first part F of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 comprises at least one article retention device or article engagement structure T1 , T2, T3, T4 for engaging an upper end of the articles B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises four article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 18. First and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 each comprise a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 18, to a first end of the top panel 18. Third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 each comprise a flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 18, to a second end of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 are inset from a first outer edge of the blank 10.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset with respect to a first end edge of the first or second side panels 16, 20.

The first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 may be inset from a first free end edge of the top panel 18. The flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 are inset from a second outer edge of the blank 10.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with respect to a second end edge of the first or second side panels 16, 20.

The third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 may be inset from a second free end edge of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 18. The flaps 70 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are contained entirely within the footprint of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond edges of the blank 10 defined, at least in part, by the first and second side panels 16, 20.

Marginal portions of the top panel 18 hingedly connected to each of the first and second side panels 16, 20, are equal in length to the first and second side panel 16, 20 (or first and second bevel panels 14, 22) and to the bottom panels 12, 24 or at least portions of the bottom panels 12, 24; said at least portions of the bottom panels 12, 24 may be marginal portions each being hingedly to one of the first and second side panels 16, 20, or first and second bevel panels 14, 22 when present.

A first recess R7 is provided in the first end of the top panel 18, the flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 can be considered to be located in the first recess R7. The flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 define in part the first recess R7 and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 18 increase the size of the first recess R7.

The first recess R7 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 70 and wing tabs 70b when present. The first recess R7 defined only in the top panel 18 and does not extend into the first and second side panel 16, 20.

The flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T1 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 17 hinging the top panel 18 to the first side panel 16. The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a first end edge of one of the marginal portions of the top panel 18.

The flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 19 hinging the top panel 18 to the second side panel 20. The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a first end edge of the other one of the marginal portions of the top panel 18.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 18 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 18. The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 18 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 18 define an angle therebetween, the angle may be less than 120° and in some embodiments may be around 1 10°. The angle may be greater than 80° and may be greater than 90°.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 18 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 18 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 18.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 18 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 18 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 18.

In this way the flap 70 of the first article engagement structure T 1 and the flap 70 of the second article engagement structure T2 fold away from each other.

A second recess R8 is provided in the second end of the top panel 18, the flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R8. The flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 define in part the second recess R8 and when folded out of the plane of the top panel 18 increase the size of the second recess R8.

The second recess R8 defined only in the top panel 18 and does not extend into the first and second side panel 16, 20.

The second recess R2 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps 70 and wing tabs 70b when present.

The flap 70 of the third article engagement structure T3 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 17 hinging the top panel 18 to the first side panel 16. The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a second end edge of said one of the marginal portions of the top panel 18.

The flap 70 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 19 hinging the top panel 18 to the second side panel 20. The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a second end edge of said other one of the marginal portions of the top panel 18.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 18 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 18.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 18 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 18 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 18.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 18 and the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 18 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 18.

In the blank form the flaps 70 defined in part free end edges of the top panel 18. The edge portions of the top panel 18 defined by the flaps 70 are arcuate or curvilinear in shape. The flap 70 of each of the first, second, third and fourth article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 is partially defined by at least one cut 75, 77 which separates that flap 70 from the top panel 18.

A first cut 75 extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 71 to the respective one of the first and second recesses R7, R8.

A second cut 77 is disposed between the flap 70 and a respective one of the adjacently disposed fold lines 17, 19 hinging the top panel 18 to the first or second side panel 16, 20.

The first and second cut lines 75, 77 are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

A first end edge of the top panel 18 which extends between the fold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 18 protruding into the first recess R7.

At least part of the first end edge of the top panel 18 extending between the flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 is disposed at a position further from the centre or middle of the top panel 18 than inner ends of the fold lines 71 of those flaps 70.

A second end edge of the top panel 18 which extends between the fold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 is non-linear. It may be arcuate or curvilinear. The end edge is convex such that it can be considered to define a portion of the top panel 18 protruding into the second recess R8.

At least part of the second end edge of the top panel 18 extending between the flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 is disposed at a position further from the centre or middle of the top panel 18 than inner ends of the fold lines 71 of those flaps 70.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a wing tab 70b hingedly connected to the flap 70 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 73.

The fold line 73 may form a keel when the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are in use engaging an article B. The keel may form a ridge to increase stability or rigidity of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4. The flap 70 and the wing tab 70b may adopt a non-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to, when an article B moves outwardly through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier 90. The wing tab 70b may fold with respect to the flap 70.

The fold line 73 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 71 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 70b are connected only to the flaps 70 and are free from connection to the top panel 18 other than the indirect connection by virtue of being coupled to the flaps 70, that is to say there is no direct connection of the wing tabs 70b to the top panel 18. The flaps 70 interconnect the wing tabs 70b and the top panel 18.

In the unfolded condition in the blank 10 the fold lines 73 are oriented substantially parallel with the fold lines 17, 19 hinging the side panels 16, 20 to the top panel 18.

When the flaps 70 are folded about their respective fold line 71 into face to face relationship with the top panel 18, the fold lines 73 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold lines 17, 19.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six heel engagement structures R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 each for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures R1 , R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 is substantially similar in construction and will be described only by reference to a first heel engagement structure R1 provided in part in the first side panel 16 as shown in Figure 1.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab 40. The heel tab 40 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12 by fold line 41. The heel tab 40 is struck, at least in part, from the first corner panel 14.

The fold line 41 interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the first base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold line 41 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 41 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other. The heel tab 40 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 43a, 43b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 40.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise a pair of cut lines 45a, 45a disposed on opposing sides of the heel aperture A3. Each of the cut lines 45a, 45a is spaced apart from the heel aperture A3. The cut lines 45a, 45a may be oriented perpendicularly with respect the fold line 15. The cut lines 45a, 45a may cross or intersect with the fold line 15. The cut lines 45a, 45a may be bisected by the fold line 15.

During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 90. The heel tabs 40 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. This may be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 24 outwardly such that the heel tabs 40 extend inwardly, the heel tabs 40 being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded about an article group. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are then subsequently folded about the base of the article group, and in doing so the heel tabs 40 engage with said respective article B and are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second base panels 12, 24 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 41.

The heel tabs 40 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of an article B in position.

The top panel 18 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a pair of openings. The openings may be defined at least in part by a tab 62. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tabs 62 spaced apart from each other. The tabs 62 are hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by fold lines 61 and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line. A first one of the tabs 62 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 in opposition to a second one of the tabs 62.

The tabs 62 may comprises a pair of fold or score line 63a, 63b. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may be arranged divergently with respect to each other. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may diverge towards the fold line 61. The pair of fold lines 63a, 63b may converge with each other at a free edge of the tab 62 opposing the fold line 61 , in this way the pair of fold lines 63a, 63b and the fold line 61 may define a triangle.

The first base panel 12 comprises a first fold line 51 a which defines in part a first tab 50a (also referred to herein as an article securing tab). The first fold line 51a is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 13. The first tab 50a is substantially triangular in shape. The first fold line 51a extends substantially from a first end edge of the first base panel 12 to a free side edge of the first base panel 12. The free side edge of the first base panel 12 opposes a hinged side edge defined by the fold line 13.

The first base panel 12 comprises a second fold line 51c which defines in part a second tab 50c (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The second fold line 51c is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 13. The second tab 50c is substantially triangular in shape. The second fold line 51c extends substantially from a second end edge of the first base panel 12 to the free side edge of the first base panel 12.

Optionally, the first base panel 12 comprises a third fold line 53a which defines in part a third tab 52a (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The third fold line 53a may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 13. The third tab 52a may be substantially triangular in shape. The third fold line 53a may extend substantially from the first end edge of the first base panel 12 to the free side edge of the first base panel 12.

Optionally, the first base panel 12 comprises a fourth fold line 51c which defines in part a fourth tab 52c (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The fourth fold line 53c may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 13. The fourth tab 52c may be substantially triangular in shape. The fourth fold line 53c may extend substantially from the second end edge of the first base panel 12 to the free side edge of the first base panel 12.

The first tab 50a may be struck from or defined within the third tab 52a.

The second tab 50c may be struck from or defined within the fourth tab 52c.

The second base panel 24 comprises a fifth fold line 51 b which defines in part a fifth tab 50b (also referred to herein as an article securing tab). The fifth fold line 51 b is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 23. The fifth tab 50b is substantially triangular in shape. The fifth fold line 51 b extends substantially from a first end edge of the second base panel 24 to a free side edge of the second base panel 24. The free side edge of the second base panel 24 opposes a hinged side edge defined by the fold line 23.

The second base panel 24 comprises a sixth fold line 51 d which defines in part a sixth tab 50d (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The sixth fold line 51 d is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 23. The sixth tab 50d is substantially triangular in shape. The sixth fold line 51 d extends substantially from a second end edge of the second base panel 24 to the free side edge of the second base panel 24.

Optionally, the second base panel 24 comprises a seventh fold line 53b which defines in part a seventh tab 52b (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The seventh fold line 53b may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 23. The seventh tab 52b may be substantially triangular in shape. The seventh fold line 53b may extend substantially from the first end edge of the second base panel 24 to the free side edge of the second base panel 24.

Optionally, the second base panel 24 comprises an eighth fold line 51 d which defines in part an eighth tab 50d (also referred to herein as an article securing tab).

The eighth fold line 53d may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 13. The eighth tab 52d may be substantially triangular in shape. The eighth fold line 53d may extend substantially from the second end edge of the second base panel 24 to the free side edge of the second base panel 24.

The fifth tab 50b may be struck from or defined within the seventh tab 52b.

The sixth tab 50d may be struck from or defined within the eighth tab 52d.

Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth tabs 50a, 50c, 52a, 52c, 50b, 50d, 52b, 52d may provide a securing tab or panel. The first and second base panels 12, 24 comprise cutaways or recesses K struck from end edges thereof, in this way the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises filleted, chamfered or rebated corners. The cutaways K are arranged such that when the first and second base panels 12, 24 are disposed in overlapping relationship with each other minor tabs 50a, 50c and/or major tabs 52a, 52c of the first base panel do not overlap with minor tabs 50b, 50d and/or major tabs 52b, 52d of the second base panel 24, or the degree of overlap is reduced so as to facilitate folding of the minor and/or major tabs.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 six articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90.

The flaps 70 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 18. A first pair of flaps 70 at a first one of the first and second ends of the top panel 18 may be folded prior to folding a second pair of flaps 70 at the other one of the first and second ends of the top panel 18.

The flaps 70 may be folded by a part of a packaging machine such as but not limited to a passive device such as a static guide or an active device such as a folding wheel or by a combination of active and passive devices.

In one example the blank 10 is oriented transversely with respect to a conveyor, such that the flaps 70 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 lead (are downstream of) the flaps 70 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4.

The leading flaps 70 may be folded by a static guide which retards movement of the flaps 70 with respect to the blank 10 to effect folding of the flaps 70.

The trailing (upstream) flaps 70 may be folded by an active which accelerates movement of the flaps 70 with respect to the blank 10 to effect folding of the flaps 70. Once the flaps 70 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 18 is moved relative to the group of articles B so as to be disposed over upper ends of the articles B.

The flaps 70 may be received in a recess or void in the upper end of the articles B.

The flaps 70 may be arranged to abut a portion of the articles B providing an abutment face or be located in close proximity to the abutment face so as to inhibit movement of the articles B with respect to the article carrier 90.

The first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded, with respect to the top panel 18, about fold lines 17, 19 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls 16, 20 of the carton 90.

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 (when present) are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 about fold lines 15, 21 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 40 may folded out of the plane of the first and second corner panels 14, 22, about fold lines 41 , prior to folding the first and second corner panels 14, 22 with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20.

In some embodiments this is achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 24 outwardly such that the heel tabs 40 extend inwardly below the article group to engage one of the articles B, the first and second base panels 12, 24 are then folded in the opposite direction below the base of the article group.

The second base panel 24 is folded about the fold line 23 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B. The first base panel 12 is then folded about the fold line 13 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 24; in doing so each of the heel tabs 40 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 24. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 24 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 are folded about the first, second, fifth and sixth fold lines 51a, 51 c, 51 b, 51 d.

The first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d may be folded outwardly, or downwardly, with respect to the tubular structure. Glue G or other adhesive treatment may applied to the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d.

The first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d are folded inwardly, or upwardly, with respect to the tubular structure. An inner surface of each of the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d is secured to a lower end of an adjacently disposed article B as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

In Figure 3A the first and fifth tabs 50a, 50b are secured to an upstanding wall, a heel or lower shoulder portion C, of the article B, the main body of the article B is necked down at its bottom to form the lower shoulder portion, which is operatively connected to base or bottom wall BW of the article B, see Figure 3B.

In alternative embodiments the blank 10 is folded about third, fourth, seventh and eighth fold lines 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, as shown in Figure 3B. The third, fourth, seventh and eighth tabs 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d are folded outwardly, or downwardly, with respect to the tubular structure so that glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface or portion thereof.

The third, fourth, seventh and eighth tabs 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d may be unfolded, so as to be returned to a substantially planar arrangement with respect to the first or second base panel 12, 24 to which they are hinged. The inner surface of each of the may be secured to the bottom wall BW of an adjacently disposed article B as shown in Figure 3C.

In other embodiments the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d may be folded inwardly, or upwardly, with respect to the tubular structure subsequent to returning the third, fourth, seventh and eighth tabs 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d to a planar arrangement with respect to the base panels 12, 24. An inner surface of each of the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d is secured to the lower shoulder portion C of an adjacently disposed article B as shown in Figure 3A. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise only the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d also referred to herein as minor tabs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise only the third, fourth, seventh and eighth tabs 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d also referred to herein as major tabs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise both the first, second, fifth and sixth tabs 50a, 50c, 50b, 50d (minor tabs) and the third, fourth, seventh and eighth tabs 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d (major tabs).

The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figures 3 and 3C. The article securing tabs do not overlap with each other in the erected carton 90, best shown in Figure 3C.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 have respective areas which do not overlap with each other and the article securing tabs are hinged to non-overlapping areas of the first and second base panels 12, 24.

The flaps 70 engage a rim, chime or upstanding wall or other projection of the article B. When the articles B are cans the top wall of the can may be countersunk, disposed below the upper end of the side wall or end seam of the article B. The top wall of the can is connected to the side walls by a can chime or end seam.

The flaps 70 engage an internal surface or abutment face of the rim. The flaps 70 may be disposed in the recess or void provided by a countersunk top wall of the article B, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The flaps 70 remain in engagement with the articles B when the carrying handle H is in use, the flaps 70 may unfold, due to the inherent resilience or elasticity of the carrier substrate, upon upward displacement of the top panel 18 with respect to the group of articles B.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 5, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the additional illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“100” to indicate that these features belong to the additional embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3C will be described in detail. The blank 110 shown in Figure 4 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 1 14, 116, 1 18, 120, 122, 124 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 1 12, 1 14, 116, 1 18, 120, 122, 124 comprises: a first base panel 1 12, a first corner or bevel panel 1 14, a first side panel 1 16, a top panel 118, a second side panel 120, a second corner or bevel panel 122 and a second base panel 124. The plurality of panels 1 12, 1 14, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 1 13, 115, 117, 1 19, 121 , 123.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the major tabs have been omitted.

Each of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120 is contoured in shape. A cutaway or recess Q may be struck from each free end edge of the first and second side panels 116, 120. In this way a waist may be defined in the first and second side panels 1 16, 120.

Referring to Figure 4B, at least one of the side panels 1 16, 120, the second side panel 120 is illustrated, has a minimum width W2. The minimum width W2 is less than the maximum diameter D of the adjacent article B, the position and diameter of the articles B is illustrated by phantom or dashed lines with respect to the top panel 120.

One or both of the side panels 1 16, 120, the second side panel 120 is illustrated in Figure 4B, has a narrowed, or reduced width area 120a. The reduced width area 1 16a, 120a has said minimum width dimension W2 and the narrowed width area 120a has a maximum width dimension W1 which is less that the maximum diameter D of the adjacent article B, (W 2 < W 1 < D ).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the recesses R7, R8 of the embodiment of Figure 1 have been omitted.

The top panel 1 18 comprises opposed end edges which may be linear.

The top panel 118 comprises opposed end edges which may be collinear with end edges of the base panels 112, 124 (or at least portions thereof).

The top panel 1 18 comprises opposed end edges which may be collinear with portions of the end edges of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120. The top panel 118 comprises opposed end edges which may be collinear with marginal portions of the end edges of the first and second side panels 1 16, 120. The marginal portions being disposed proximate hinged connections to the top panel 1 18 or to one of the first and second base panels 112, 124.

The blank 110 comprises at least one article retention device or article engagement structure T1 , T2, T3, T4 for engaging an upper end of the articles B. The blank 110 illustrated in Figure 4 comprises four article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a flap 180 hingedly connected to the top panel 118. First and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 each comprise a flap 180 hingedly connected to the top panel 1 18. The flaps 180 of the first and second article engagement structures T1 , T2 are struck from, or defined within, the top panel 1 18, the flaps 180 are offset, inset, with respect to a first end of the top panel 18. Third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 each comprise a flap 180 hingedly connected to the top panel 118. The flaps 180 of the third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4 are struck from, or defined within, the top panel 118, the flaps 180 are offset, inset, with respect to a second end of the top panel 18.

The flaps 180 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 118. The flaps 180 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are contained entirely within the top panel 1 18.

The flaps 180 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 118.

The flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 is hingedly connected to the top panel 1 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 117 hinging the top panel 118 to the first side panel 116. The fold line 181 is spaced apart from a first end edge of the top panel 118.

The flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 is hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 119 hinging the top panel 1 18 to the second side panel 120. The fold line 181 is spaced apart from a first end edge of the top panel 118.

The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 1 18 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 118. The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 1 18 and the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 118 define an angle therebetween, the angle may be less than 120° and in some embodiments may be around 110°. The angle may be greater than 80° and may be greater than 90°.

The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 118 and the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 1 18 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 1 18.

The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 to the top panel 118 and the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 to the top panel 118 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 1 18.

In this way the flap 180 of the first article engagement structure T1 and the flap 180 of the second article engagement structure T2 fold away from each other.

The flap 180 of the third article engagement structure T3 is hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 117 hinging the top panel 118 to the first side panel 116. The fold line 181 is spaced apart from a second end edge of the top panel 118.

The flap 180 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 is hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 181 which is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 119 hinging the top panel 1 18 to the second side panel 120. The fold line 181 is spaced apart from a second end edge of the top panel 1 18.

The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 1 18 is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 118.

The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 118 and the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 1 18 are arranged to diverge towards the first end of the top panel 1 18. The fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the third article engagement structure T3 to the top panel 118 and the fold line 181 hinging the flap 180 of the fourth article engagement structure T4 to the top panel 118 are arranged to converge towards the centre or middle of the top panel 1 18.

The flap 180 of each of the first, second, third and fourth article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 is partially defined by at least one cut or severance line which separates that flap 180 from the top panel 118.

The cut line extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 181 to a second or outer end of the fold line 181.

Each of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprise a wing tab 180b hingedly connected to the flap 180 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 183.

The fold line 183 may form a keel when the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 are in use engaging an article B. The keel may form a ridge to increase stability or rigidity of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4. The flap 180 and the wing tab 180b may adopt a non-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to, when an article B moves outwardly through the open end of the tubular structure forming the article carrier190. The wing tab 180b may fold with respect to the flap 180.

The fold line 183 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 181 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 180b may be connected only to the flaps 180 and may free from connection to the top panel 118 (at least in use) other than the indirect connection by virtue of being coupled to the flaps 180, that is to say there may be no direct connection of the wing tabs 180b to the top panel 118. The flaps 180 interconnect the wing tabs 180b and the top panel 118.

In the unfolded condition in the blank 110 the fold lines 183 are oriented substantially parallel with the fold lines 117, 119 hinging the side panels 1 16, 120 to the top panel 118.

When the flaps 180 are folded about their respective fold line 181 into face to face relationship with the top panel 1 18, the fold lines 183 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold lines 1 17, 1 19. The top panel 118 comprises a medial longitudinal axis A, bisecting the top panel 118 between fold lines 1 17, 119.

The blank 1 10 comprises a handle structure H comprising handle opening which may be defined by handle tabs 162. The handle openings lie upon the medial longitudinal axis A and may be bisected by the medial longitudinal axis A.

The flaps 180 are shaped and arranged similarly to the flaps 70 of the previous embodiment, albeit the recess R7, R8 have been omitted.

The flap 180 of first article engagement structure T1 and the flap 180 of second article engagement structure T2 are disposed on opposing side of the medial longitudinal axis A.

The flap 180 of first article engagement structure T1 is a mirror image or reflection of the flap 180 of second article engagement structure T2 about the medial longitudinal axis A.

The flaps 180 are each asymmetric in shape. The flaps 180 are each asymmetric about a notional line N perpendicular to the hinged connection, fold line 181. The notional line N (also referred to herein as notional centre line) bisects the fold line 181.

The flaps 180 of the article engagement structures T1 , T2, T3, T4 may be substantially fan shaped, comprising a hinged edge defined by the fold line 181 , which hinged edge may be linear, a pair of side or diverging edges 185, 187 extending from the hinged edge and a curved or arcuate edge 189 extending between the pair of diverging edges. The diverging edges 185, 187 may be substantially linear.

The side edges 185, 187 extend divergently away from the hinged edge defined by the fold line 181.

A first side edge 185 and the fold line 181 define a first angle therebetween. A second side edge 187 and the fold line 181 define a second angle therebetween. The first angle is not equal to the second angle. The first angle may be smaller than the second angle.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, there is shown a further embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8 like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“200” to indicate that these features belong to the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8. The embodiment of Figures 6 to 8 shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

The blank 210 shown in Figure 6 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 comprises: a first base panel 212, a first corner or bevel panel 214, a first side panel 216, a top panel 218, a second side panel 220, a second corner or bevel panel 222 and a second base panel 224. The plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 , 223.

The first base panel 212 comprises a cutaway or recess K2 struck from each end edge thereof. In this way the first base panel 212 comprises filleted, chamfered or rebated corners. The cutaways K2 are arranged such that when the first and second base panels 212, 224 are disposed in overlapping relationship securing tabs 254a, 254b, hingedly connected to the second base panel 224, are not obstructed by the first base panel 212.

The securing tabs 254a, 254b are hingedly connected to the second base panel 224 by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 257a, 257b.

The hinged connections extend from a free edge of the second base panel 224. In the illustrated embodiment the free edge is a free side edge. The free side edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 223 hinging the second base panel 224 to the second corner panel 222. In other embodiments, the free edge may be a free end edge of the second base panel 224. The hinged connections extend substantially transversely of the tubular structure. The hinged connections may be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the free edge of the second base panel 224 or with respect to the tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224.

The securing tabs 254a, 254b are arranged to expose a portion of a base wall BW of a pair of adjacently disposed articles B when folded outwardly of the tubular structure, as shown in Figure 8. The adjacently disposed articles B are disposed at an end of the tubular structure and may extend partially through an open end of the tubular structure.

The securing tab 254a is foldable from a first or initial position substantially coplanar with the plane of the second base panel 224, as shown in Figure 7, to a second position. In the second position the securing tab 254a extends outwardly, optionally downwardly, from the second base panel 224, as shown in Figure 8. The securing tab 254a passes through or extends through the cutaway K2 in the first base panel 212.

In the folded position an inner surface of the securing tab 254a is exposed or accessible. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner surface of the securing tab 254a when in the folded position.

The securing tab 254a is then returned to the first position by folding or pivoting the securing tab 254a inwardly towards the base walls BW of the pair of adjacently disposed articles B. The securing tab 254a is secured to the base wall of each of the pair of adjacently disposed articles B.

In alternative embodiments the base wall of the article carrier 290 may be a unitary panel, the securing tabs 254a, 254b may be struck from, or defined within, the base wall. In such embodiments the securing tabs 254a, 254b may be hingedly connected to the base wall by a fold line. A cutaway, in the form of a outline or severance line may extend from each end of the fold line to a respective end edge of the base wall. In such embodiments the cutaways K2 may be omitted since there is no overlapping region.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging one or more articles B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B and an article securing device securable to one of said one or more articles B to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or unintentional egress of the article B from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article securing device comprising at least one tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d; 254a, 254b hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 116, 1 18, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 may be a base panel 12, 24; 112, 124; 212, 224.

The at least one tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d is arranged to engage or secure an endmost article B in the tubular structure, so as to prevent or inhibit movement in a longitudinal direction, along the tubular axis of the tubular structure. The at least one tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d is arranged to engage an inner portion of a side wall, shoulder or base wall of the article B so as to prevent or inhibit movement transversely of the tubular axis of the tubular structure.

The at least one tab 254a, 254b is defined in part by a cut or severance line 255a, 255b. The cut line extends from a hinged connection between at least one tab 254a, 254b and the one of the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 to a free end or side edge of said panel.

The at least one tab 254a, 254b is secured to at least one article B. The at least one tab 254a, 254b may be secured to one of the articles packaged within the article carrier. The at least one tab 254a, 254b may be secured to two adjacently disposed articles packaged within the article carrier.

The one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 may be a composite panel formed from a pair of overlapping panels 12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214. A first, inner, lap panel 224 may comprise the at least one tab 254a, 254b and a second, outer, lap panel 212 may comprise at least one cutaway K2 arranged to be in vertical registry with at least one tab 254a, 254b. The at least one cutaway K2 facilitating folding the at least one tab 254a, 254b outwardly of the tubular structure.

The at least one tab 254a, 254b is provided in or located in a region of the second base panel 224 which absent the at least one cutaway K2 would overlap with a region of the first base panel 212.

The article securing device may comprise a pair of tabs 50a/50b, 50c/50d, 52a5/2b, 52c/52d; 150a/150b, 150c/150d disposed adjacently to each other and separated or separable from each other by a cut line of line of severance or other cutaway. The pair of tabs 50a/50b, 50c/50d, 52a5/2b, 52c/52d; 150a/150b, 150c/150d may be provided in a single unitary panel or in a composite panel comprising a pair of partially overlapping panels.

The tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 1 12, 1 14, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 by a first hinged connection in the form of a first fold line 51a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d; 151 a, 151 b, 151 c, 151 d. The first hinged connection may extend from an end edge of said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124. The first hinged connection may be obliquely oriented with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure or with respect to the end edge of said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124.

The article securing device may comprise a major tab 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 by a first hinged connection and a minor tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 by a second hinged connection. The minor tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d may be struck from or defined within the major tab 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d.

The second hinged connection may take the form of a fold line 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d and extend from an end edge of said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124. The second hinged connection may be obliquely oriented with respect to a tubular axis of the tubular structure or with respect to the end edge of said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124.

The article securing device may be folded internally of the tubular structure so as to be secured to an upstanding wall, a side wall or shoulder of the article B.

The at least one tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d may be adhered, glued or otherwise bonded to a side wall or shoulder of the article B and/or to a base wall of the article B.

The article carrier 90; 190 may comprises a pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d disposed adjacent to each other. The pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d may be hinged to a composite panel provided by a pair of overlapping panels 12/24; 1 12/124. The pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d may be arranged in non-overlapping arrangement. A first one of the pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d is hinged to a first one of the pair of overlapping panels 12/24; 112/124 and a second one of the pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d is hinged to the other one of the pair of overlapping panels 12/24; 1 12/124. Each of the pair of tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d may be hinged to non-overlapping regions of the composite panel. The composite panel may be a base panel. The present disclosure discloses a method of packaging an article B in an article carrier 90; 190; 290 in which a securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d; 254a, 254b is folded outwardly of a tubular structure formed by plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 to expose an inner surface for application of glue or adhesive treatment to the inner surface of the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d. The method includes folding the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d to at least coplanar arrangement with a panel to which it is hinged so as to bring the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d; 254a, 254b into securing contact with an article in the carrier 90; 190; 290. In some embodiments the method includes folding the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d internally of the tubular structure to secure the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d to a side wall or shoulder of the article B.

The method may comprise folding the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d outwardly about a first fold line and folding a minor portion of the securing tab 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d; 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d inwardly of the tubular structure about a second fold line.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging at least one article B each having a recess. The article carrier 90; 190 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B and an article retention device T 1 , T2, T3, T4 for engaging a recess of one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgement or unintentional egress of the article B from at least one of opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 comprising a flap 70; 180; 280 hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 1 14, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 may be a top panel 18; 118; 218.

The flap 70; 180; 280 is hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 112, 114, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line 71 ; 181 to define a hinged edge.

The flap 70; 180; 280 may be asymmetric about a notional centre line bisecting the first fold line 71 ; 181. The flap 70; 180; 280 may be fan shaped. The hinged edge defined by the fold line 181 may be linear. The flap 70; 180; 280 comprises a pair of side edges 185, 187 extending from the hinged edge and a curved or arcuate edge 189 extending between the pair of side edges. The pair of side edges 185, 187 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. Each of the pair of side edges 185, 187 may be divergently arranged with respect to hinged edge and may define a respective angle therebetween. An angle between one of the side edges and the hinged edge being different (non-equal in magnitude) to an angle defined between the other one of the side edges and the hinged edge. The diverging edges 185, 187 may be substantially linear.

The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 may be located in a recess R7, R8 defined in, or struck from, an end of one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. In this way the retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 does not increase the footprint of the top panel 18 or blank 10.

The top panel 18 may comprise at least one recessed end edge to which article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 is hingedly connected.

In some embodiments the flap 70 partially defines the at least one recessed end edge of the top panel 18. That is to say the flap 70 does not fill or complete the recessed end edge in an unfolded condition.

The article retention device T1 , T2, T3, T4 may comprises a second fold line 73 defined in the flap 70 and forming a keel for increasing the security of the article B within the article carrier 90.

The second fold line 73 may define in part a wing tab 70b, the wing tab 70b coupled to the top panel 18 only through its hinged connection to the flap 70.

The second fold line 73 may be arranged to converge at an end of the first fold line 71 to form a vertex. A cutaway 75 in the form of a cut line or severance line may separate the wing tab 70b from the article carrier 90. The cut line intersects with the vertex between the first and second fold lines 71 , 73. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the cutaway 75 may be a slot or slit or other recess spacing the wing tab 70b from the top panel 18 of article carrier 90. The article carrier 90 may be of the wrap-around type, comprising a composite wall formed from two panels secured together. The composite wall may be a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an article carrier 190 for packaging at least one article B each having a recess. The article carrier 190 comprising a plurality of panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124 forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B. The plurality of panels 112, 1 14, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 comprising a pair of opposed side panels 1 16, 120 at least one of which comprises a pair of opposed free end edges comprising cutaways Q defining waist or reduced width area 116a, 120a. The at least one side panel 1 16, 120 may comprise a minimum width dimension which is less than the maximum diameter D of an article disposed adjacent to the reduced width area 116a, 120a. The reduced width area 1 16a, 120a of the at least one side panel 116, 120 may comprise a maximum width dimension W1 which is less than the maximum diameter D of an article disposed adjacent to the reduced width area 116a, 120a.

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

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom",“base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

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

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