TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks 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 upper end of an article.

BACKGROUND

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

It is 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

A first aspect of the invention provides an article engagement feature in a carton having a first wall disposed at least in part over an article. The article engagement feature comprise an opening defined at least in part in the first wall of the carton and at least one tear buffer comprising a tab located on the perimeter of the opening. The opening is configured to receive a portion of an upper end of an article. The tab may be formed in the first wall proximate a region where the first wall transitions from an elevation above an upper end of the article to an elevation below the upper end.

Optionally, the tab is displaceable out of the plane of the first wall. Optionally, displacement of the tab out of the plane of the first wall creates a non-linear crease line.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to the first wall by non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the non-linear fold line is arcuate or curvilinear.

Optionally, the non-linear fold line comprises at least two divergently arranged linear sections.

Optionally, the article engagement feature comprises a pair of tear buffers each tear buffer may comprise a tab, the tear buffers may be located on opposing sides of the opening.

Optionally, the first wall comprises a top panel and a bevel panel, the top panel is disposed over the article and the bevel panel is disposed at an elevation below the upper end of the article, the tab may be located at a connection between the top panel and the bevel panel.

Optionally, the tab is coupled to the top panel and to the bevel panel.

Optionally, a hinged connection between the top panel and the bevel panel extends at least partially across the tab.

Optionally, the tab is folded or bent around an upper end of the article.

Optionally, the tab is folded about a top and side of a rim or chime of the article.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a carton and at least one article. The carton comprises plurality of walls including a top wall. The carton comprises an article engagement feature comprising an opening defined at least in part in the top wall of the carton; and at least one tear buffer comprising a displaceable tab. The opening is configured to receive a portion of an upper end of an article. The displaceable tab may be located on the perimeter of the opening proximate a region where the top wall transitions from an elevation above an upper end of the article to an elevation below the upper end. A third aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a carton and at least one article. The carton comprises plurality of panels including a top panel and a first side panel. The carton comprises an article engagement feature having an opening defined in part in the top panel and in part in the first side panel and at least one tear buffer comprising a tab. The opening is configured to receive a portion of an upper end of an article. The tab may be located on the perimeter of the opening proximate a hinged connection between the top panel and the first side panel.

Optionally, the tab engages an upper end of the article received in the opening.

Optionally, the tab engages a rim or chime of the article.

Optionally, at least a portion of the tab is displaced outwardly to form a non-linear crease. Optionally, the tab is displaced outwardly to form a non-linear crease.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to at least one of the top panel and first side panel by a non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to the top panel and the first side panel by a non-linear fold line.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a carton and at least one article. The carton comprises plurality of panels including a top panel, a first bevel panel and a first side panel. The carton comprises an article engagement feature having an opening defined at least in part in the top panel and at least in part in the first bevel panel and at least one tear buffer comprising a displaceable tab. The opening is configured to receive a portion of an upper end of an article. The displaceable tab may be located on the perimeter of the opening proximate a hinged connection between the top panel and the first bevel panel.

Optionally, the tab engages an upper end of the article received in the opening.

Optionally, the tab engages a rim or chime of the article. Optionally, the tab is displaced outwardly to form a non-linear crease.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to at least one of the top panel, first side panel and first bevel panel by a non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to at least two of the top panel, first side panel and first bevel panel by a non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected to the top panel and the first bevel panel by a non-linear fold line.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises plurality of panels including a top panel, a first bevel panel and a first side panel. The blank comprises an article engagement feature having an opening defined at least in part in the top panel and at least in part in the first bevel panel. The blank comprises at least one tear buffer comprising a displaceable tab. The opening is configured to receive a portion of an upper end of an article. The displaceable tab may be located on the perimeter of the opening proximate a hinged connection between the top panel and the first bevel panel.

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 a carton according to a first embodiment;

Figure 1 A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 ;

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

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the carton of Figure 2;

Figure 4A is an end view of the carton of Figure 3;

Figure 4B is an enlarged end view of a portion of the carton of Figure 4A;

Figure 5 is a top view of the carton of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side view of the carton of Figure 2

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

Figure 7A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 7;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the carton of Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a carton according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word“exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well- known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, 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 7 shows a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, 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. The blank 110 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Figure 10 shows a carton or carrier 290 for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The carton 290 forms 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 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term“suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 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 embodiment, the blanks 10; 1 10 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190 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 12 US fl. oz. (355ml) beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 1 10 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 a carton 90 (see Figure 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first comer or bevel panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second corner or bevel panel 18, a top panel 20, a third corner or bevel panel 22, a second side panel 24, a fourth corner or bevel panel 26 and a second base panel 28. The plurality of panels

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23, 25, 27.

In alternative embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth comer panels 14, 18, 22, 26 may be omitted.

Fold line 13 and fold line 27 optionally comprise cut lines or severance lines (not shown) which are collinear with the respective one of fold line 13 and fold line 27 so as to interrupt said fold line

13, 27. Severance lines may provide shock absorbing or damping devices proximate the base of the carton 90. The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels 12, 28, to which they are hingedly connected.

The second and third comer panels 18, 22 may be considered to form upper portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively form part of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figure 2. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the first base panel 12. The second base panel 28 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 28 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 28. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the second base panel 28 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 28 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, 28 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, 28 may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 28 comprises two first apertures A1 . Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 28 comprises one second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1 , A2 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 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 12, 28 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 engagement structure M1 , M2 for engaging with an upper portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six article engagement structures M1 , M2 each for engaging a respective article B.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises an opening. The opening is defined by an article receiving aperture A4, A5. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 is struck from, or defined in, the top panel 20 and in one of the first and second side panels 16, 24. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 is struck from, or defined in, a respective one of the second and third bevel panels 18, 22 when present. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 19, 21 coupling said one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 to the top panel 20. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 19, 21 hinging the second and third bevel panels 18, 22 to the top panel 20 when present.

The article receiving aperture A4, A5 may be substantially oval or egg-shaped. The portion of the article receiving aperture A4, A5 in the side panel 16, 24 may be narrower in dimension than he portion of the article receiving aperture A4, A5 in the top panel 20.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises at least one tab 30, in the illustrated embodiment the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprise a pair of tabs 30. The tabs 30 provide a tear buffer or tear resistant device.

The tabs 30 are provided at an edge of the article receiving apertures A4, A5, the tabs 30 are connected to at least one of the top panel 20, the second or third bevel panels 18, 22 and the first or second side panels 16, 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, each tab 30 is connected to the top panel 20 and to one of the second and third bevel panels 18, 22. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the tabs 30 may be connected to the top panel 20 and to one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 or to one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 and to the respective one of the second and third bevel panels 18, 22. Alternatively, the tabs 30 may be connected to a single panel only, to the top panel 20, one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 or one of the second and third bevel panels 18, 22.

The tabs 30 can be considered to project inwardly from an edge of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

In the illustrated embodiment a pair of opposed tabs 30 extend into the article receiving apertures A4, A5 from substantially opposite edges of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

Each tab 30 may be defined in part by a fold line 31 , the fold line 31 may be non-linear in the embodiment of Figure 1 the fold line 31 is arcuate or curvilinear. Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a second embodiment in which the fold line 31 is non-linear, and is defined by a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 131 a, 131 b; the tabs 130 are hinged to a respective one of the second and third bevel panels 1 18, 122 by a first fold line 131 a and to the top panel 120 by a second fold line 131 b. The first and second fold lines 131 a, 131 b may converge at the fold line 1 19, 121 between the second or third bevel panel 118, 122 and the top panel 120.

The tab 30 may be elliptical in shape; it may be lens shaped -two arcs joined to each other at their endpoints. In other embodiments other shapes may be employed, for example, but not limited to, a quadrilateral, a rhombus, a kite, a parallelogram. In still other embodiments the tab 30 may take the form of a sector of a circle or ellipse (see Figure 7A); that is to say a first, arcuate, section coupled to a second,‘V’ shaped, section (either of the first or second sections may be a fold line the other being a free edge defined by a cut line).

The tabs 30 may be located at a transition between the top panel 20 and the first or second side panel 16, 24

The tabs 30 may be located at a transition between the top panel 20 and the second or third bevel panel 18, 22.

The tabs 30 may be located at a transition region of the top panel 20 where the top panel 20 transitions from being located at an elevation above the upper end of the article B to an elevation below the upper end of the article B. An upper portion of the tabs 30 may be located at an elevation above the upper end of the article B a lower portion of the tabs 30 may be located at an elevation below the upper end of the article B. The upper end of the article B may be defined by a chime or rim R at an upper end of the article B, when the article B is a can this may be provided by the canner’s end seam.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 30 are located astride or across the fold line 19, 21 between the second or third bevel panel 18, 22 and the top panel 20.

In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 19 terminates at the fold line 31 (see Figure 1A), in alternative embodiments the fold line 19 may extend across the fold line 31 into the tab 30.

Optionally, each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises at least one relief cut 32, 34, 36, 38. The outer or endmost article engagement structures M1 comprise three relief cuts. The inner or centre article engagement structures M2 comprise four relief cuts. The relief cuts are provided in the first or second side panel 16, 24 spaced apart from each other about a lower periphery of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

The relief cuts 32, 34, 36, 38 may facilitate deformation of the first and second side panels 16, 24 about the articles B, so as to increase the security of the articles B within the respective article engagement structures M1 , M2.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure N for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six heel engagement structures N each for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures N is substantially similar in construction and will be described only by reference to a heel engagement structure N provided in the second side panel 24 as shown in Figure 1.

The heel engagement structure N may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab 42. The heel tab 42 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 28 by fold line 43. The heel tab 42 is struck from the fourth corner panel 26.

The fold line 43 interrupts the fold line 27 hingedly connecting the second base panel 28 to the fourth corner panel 26. The fold line 43 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 43 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 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45a, 45b which may define foldable comer portions of the heel tab 42.

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 42 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. This may be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 28 outwardly such that the heel tabs 42 extend inwardly, the heel tabs 42 being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded about an article group. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are then subsequently folded about the base of the article group, and in doing so the heel tabs 42 engage with said respective article B and are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second base panels 12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected by fold line 43.

The heel tabs 42 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of an article B in position.

The top panel 20 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a pair of finger openings. The finger opening may be defined at least in part by a cutaway or aperture A6. Each finger opening may be defined at least in part a foldable finger tab 50. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger tabs 50 spaced apart from each other. The finger tabs 50 are hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by fold lines 51 and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line. A first one of the finger tabs 50 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 in opposition to a second one of the finger tabs 50.

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 20 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 20 of the carton 90. The second and third bevel panels 18, 22 are folded, with respect to the top panel 20 about fold lines 19, 21 respectively, about shoulders of the group of articles B. An outer portion of an upper end of each article B is received in a respective one of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

The first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded, with respect to the second and third bevel panels 18, 22 to which they are hinged about fold lines 17, 23 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, 24 of the carton 90.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 about fold lines 15, 25 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 42 may folded out of the plane of the first and fourth corner panels 14, 26, about fold lines 43, prior to folding the first and fourth comer panels 14, 26 the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24.

In some embodiments this is achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 28 outwardly such that the heel tabs 42 extend inwardly below the article group to engage one of the articles B, the first and second base panels 12, 28 are then folded in the opposite direction below the base of the article group.

The second base panel 28 is folded about the fold line 27 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 28; in doing so each of the heel tabs 42 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 28. 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, 28 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B. The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 2, an enlarged view of one of the article engagement structures M2 is shown in Figure 3. The tabs 30 engage a rim or chime of the article B. The tabs 30 may be displaced outwardly of the top panel 20. The tabs 30 may be displaced outwardly of the second or third bevel panel 18, 22, best illustrated in Figure 4B and Figure 6. The tabs 30 provide reinforcement in a transition region between the top panel 20 (which is disposed over the articles B) and the second or third bevel panel 18, 22 which are disposed about the shoulders of the articles B. The tabs 30 may relieve, redirect or redistribute pressure or load forces in this transition region exerted by the articles B as they engage edges of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 9 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the alternative illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“100”, to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 5 illustrates a blank 1 10 according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 comprises: a first base panel 1 12, a first corner or bevel panel 114, a first side panel 116, a second corner or bevel panel 1 18, a top panel 120, a third corner or bevel panel 122, a second side panel 124, a fourth corner or bevel panel 126 and a second base panel 128. The plurality of panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 1 13, 115, 117, 119, 121 , 123, 125, 127.

The blank 110 comprises at least one article engagement structure M1 , M2 for engaging with an upper portion of an article B. The blank 110 illustrated in Figure 7 comprises six article engagement structures M1 , M2 each for engaging a respective article B.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises an opening. The opening is defined by an article receiving aperture A4, A5. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 is struck from, or defined in, the top panel 120 and in one of the first and second side panels 116, 124. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 is struck from, or defined in, a respective one of the second and third bevel panels 1 18, 122 when present. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 1 19, 121 coupling said one of the first and second side panels 1 16, 124 to the top panel 120. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 1 19, 121 hinging the second and third bevel panels 1 18, 122 to the top panel 120 when present.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises at least one tab 130, in the illustrated embodiment the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprise a pair of tabs 130. The tabs 130 provide a tear buffer or tear resistant device.

The tabs 130 are provided at an edge of the article receiving apertures A4, A5, the tabs 130 are connected to at least one of the top panel 120, the second or third bevel panels 1 18, 122 and the first or second side panels 116, 124.

In the illustrated embodiment, each tab 130 is connected to the top panel 120 and to one of the second and third bevel panels 1 18, 122.

The tabs 130 can be considered to project inwardly from an edge of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

In the illustrated embodiment a pair of opposed tabs 130 extend into the article receiving apertures A4, A5 from substantially opposite edges of the article receiving apertures A4, A5.

Each tab 130 is defined in part by a pair of fold lines 131 a, 131 b; each of the fold lines 131a, 131 b is linear. Together pair of fold lines 131 a, 131 b define a non-linear fold line 131 a/131 b. The pair of fold lines 131a, 131 b are divergently arranged with respect each other. The pair of fold lines 131 a, 131 b converge to define a vertex. The tabs 130 are hinged to a respective one of the second and third bevel panels 1 18, 122 by a first fold line 131 a and to the top panel 120 by a second fold line 131 b. The first and second fold lines 131 a, 131 b may converge at the fold line 1 19, 121 between the second or third bevel panel 118, 122 and the top panel 120.

The tabs 30 take the form of a sector of a circle or ellipse; that is to say a first, arcuate, section coupled to a second,‘V’ shaped, section; in the illustrated embodiment the second section form a hinged connection between the tab 130 and the blank 1 10 (in alternative embodiments the arcuate section may be a fold line and the‘V’ shaped section may define an edge portion of the article receiving aperture A4, A5).

Referring now to Figure 10 there is shown a further embodiment of the present disclosure. In the further illustrated embodiment, 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 third embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment9 of Figures 1 to 9 and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 10 illustrates a carton 290 forming a package with a plurality of articles B. The carton 290 comprises a plurality of walls 212, 214, 216, 220, 224, 226, 228 for forming a tubular sleeve. The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 220, 224, 226, 228 comprises: a first base wall 212, a first bevel wall 214, a first side wall 216, a top wall 220, a second side wall 224, a second bevel panel 226 and a second base panel 228.

The upper bevel panels 18, 22; 1 18, 122 of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 have been omitted.

The carton 290 comprises at least one article engagement structure M1 , M2 for engaging with an upper portion of an article B. The carton 290 comprises six article engagement structures M1 , M2 each for engaging a respective article B.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises an opening. The opening is defined by an article receiving aperture. The article receiving aperture is struck from, or defined in, the top panel 220 and in one of the first and second side panels 216, 224. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 interrupt a respective one of the fold lines 223 hinging said one of the first and second side panels 216, 224 to the top panel 220.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises at least one tab 230, in the illustrated embodiment the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprise a pair of tabs 230. The tabs 230 provide a tear buffer or tear resistant device. The tabs 230 are provided at an edge of the article receiving apertures, the tabs 230 are connected to the top panel 220, and the respective one of the first and second side panels 216, 224.

Each of the article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprises a pair of relief cuts 232, 234. The pair of relief cuts 232, 234 are provided in the first or second side panel 216, 224 spaced apart about a lower periphery of the article receiving apertures so as to define a displaceable region therebetween. The pair of relief cuts 232, 234 extend from article receiving apertures substantially radially into the first or second side panel 216, 224.

The relief cuts 232, 234 may facilitate deformation of the first and second side panels 216, 224 about the articles B, so as to increase the security of the articles B within the respective article engagement structures M1 , M2.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiment of Figure 10 the second and third bevel panels 18, 22; 118, 122 of the embodiments shown in Figure 1 to 9 have been omitted. The fold lines 19, 21 ; 1 19, 121 have been omitted. In other embodiments, removal of the second and third bevel panels 18, 22; 1 18, 122 may be achieved by removal of the fold line 17, 23; 117, 123.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 of the wrap-around type having an article engagement structure M1 , M2 having an article receiving aperture A4, A5. The article receiving aperture A4, A5 is configured such that only a portion of the upper end of the article B is received, that is to say the remainder of the upper end of the article B is disposed below the top panel 20; 120; 220 said portion being disposed in the interior of a tubular structure defined by the walls of the carton 90; 190; 290. By allowing outermost sides of the articles B to extend through the tubular structure, through the article receiving apertures A4, A5 the blank 10; 1 10 which form the carton 90; 190; 290 may be reduced in length when compared to a blank 10; 110 arranged to surround the entirety of the article group, that is to say a carton 90; 190; 290 in which all of the articles B are disposed within the interior of the carton90; 190; 290.

The article engagement structures M1 , M2 comprise a tear buffer in the form of tabs 30; 130; 230 for engaging with the article B. The tabs 30; 130; 230 are provided at locations where the article B passes through the article receiving apertures A4, A5. The tabs 30; 130; 230 may engage with an edge or rim of the article B, The tabs 30; 130; 230 may be folded or displaced outwardly from the outer walls of the carton 90; 190; 290.

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” referto 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 outline, an interrupted outline, 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.