CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application Nos. 1200952.8 and 1212391 .5 filed January 20, 2012 and July 12, 2012 respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to cartons for packaging articles and blanks for forming the same. In particular, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to cartons comprising a window panel through which the carton contents are accessible though not removable, which window panel engages a lower portion of the article, and a blank for forming the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is desirable to provide a package, comprising one or more articles, one or more of the articles being visible from the exterior of the package. This promotes awareness of the contents of the package and reduces the need for additional promotional advertising on the packaging itself. However, it is desirable that the article(s) contained in the packaging be securely retained therein until it is desired that it or they be removed. To this end it is advantageous that the article(s) that are visible from the exterior of the package also be securely retained within the package.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a carton for packaging one or more articles that allow an article to be visible exterior of the carton yet retained within the carton until it is desired that an article be removed.

It may also be desirable secure the article on display in a particular orientation. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles which carton comprises a series of main panels for forming a tubular structure, the main panels being hinged one to the next and comprising a top panel, first and second side panels and a base panel, the carton comprising an article securing structure for securing the orientation of an article, the article securing structure comprising an engagement tab struck in part from and hinged to a first one of the mains panels and struck in part from and hinged to a second panel adjacent to the first panel, the engagement tab being folded inwardly of the tubular structure and having at least one engaging edge for engaging with an article.

This has the advantage of improving retention of the article within the carton.

Another advantage is that the orientation of the article remains fixed is predefined configuration.

Preferably, the carton comprises at least one article receiving aperture each for receiving a portion of an article, and wherein the engagement tab is disposed adjacent to one of said at least one article receiving apertures.

Preferably, the carton comprises a second engagement tab is disposed adjacent to said one of said at least one article receiving apertures, the second engagement tab being disposed on an opposing side of said one of said at least one article receiving apertures Preferably, the carton comprises at least two article receiving aperture each for receiving a portion of an article, and wherein the engagement tab extends between a pair of said at least two article receiving apertures.

Preferably, the engagement tab comprises a fold about which the engagement tab is folded and which divides the engagement tab into first and second portions.

Preferably, the tubular structure comprises at least one display window struck from at least one of the side panels and substantially extending from the top panel to the base panel.

Preferably, the display window is interrupted by one or more retention straps. Preferably, the engagement tab is hinged to the retention strap. Preferably, the engagement tab is hinged to the retention strap.

Preferably, the display window comprises one or more window panels hinged to the side wall from which the display window is struck.

Preferably, the retention strap engages with a flange or protrusion of the article being displayed in the display window.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising one or more articles and carton packaging said one or more articles which carton comprises a series of main panels hinged one to the next forming a tubular structure comprising a top panel, first and second side panels and a base panel, the carton comprising an article securing structure securing the orientation of one of said one or more articles, the article securing structure comprising an engagement tab struck in part from and hinged to a first one of the mains panels and struck in part from a second panel adjacent to the first panel, the engagement tab being folded inwardly of the tubular structure and having at least one engaging edge which engages with the one of said one or more articles.

Preferably, the first portion is substantially upright for engaging with a radially extending protrusion of the one of said one or more articles, which protrusion extends at least in part along the article in a direction parallel to a tubular axis of the carton.

Preferably, the second portion is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first portion and is disposed beneath a flange or protrusion of the one of said one or more articles.

Preferably, the engagement tab is hingedly connected to the top panel by a first fold line which is disposed at a first distance from a fold line between the top panel and one of the first or second side panels, and the article has an upper portion having a width or diameter dimension, which width or diameter dimension is greater than the first distance.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton of the wraparound type, the blank comprising a plurality of main panels for forming a tubular structure the plurality of panels comprising: a first bottom panel, a first side panel, a top panel, a second side panel and a second bottom panel hinged one to the next in series, the blank comprising an article securing structure for securing the orientation of an article disposed in the tubular structure, the article securing structure comprising an engagement tab struck in part from and hinged to a first one of the mains panels and struck in part from a second panel adjacent to the first panel, the engagement tab being foldable inwardly of the tubular structure and having at least one engaging edge for engaging with an article.

Preferably, the engagement tab is defined by an alternating series of half-depth cuts and creases. Preferably, the blank comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of an article.

Preferably, the blank comprises a display window extending from a bottom panel to the top panel.

Preferably, the blank comprising a securing strip interrupting the display window, the securing strip being defined by two spaced cut lines.

Preferably, the two spaced cut lines are both substantially arcuate in shape.

Preferably, the two-spaced cut-lines are similarly shaped, are not similarly shaped, are linear-shaped are curved or are curvilinear shaped.

Preferably, the engagement tab is hinged to the securing strip.

Preferably, an engagement tab is disposed on opposing sides of the display window or aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an erected carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

FIGURES 3 to 5 are enlarged perspective views of a portion of the carton of Figure 2; FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGURES 7 and 8 are perspective views the side and end, respectively, of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT

INVENTION

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. 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 minimized to show details of particular components. Well-know 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.

The present invention relates generally to a carton for packaging articles B which carton comprises an article engaging arrangement for engaging an article B. The preferred embodiments described herein further comprise a viewing window arrangement or display window 59 struck from a wall of the carton, which window presents for view a substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton, adjacent to that side wall. The present invention is particularly suited to engaging articles formed with a crown cork or cap, having radially extending protrusions. It is envisages that the invention could be employed with other articles B having substantially radially extending protrusions such as articles B with a petaloid lower portion (that is to say, a lower portion that takes the form or shape of a petal of a flower) such as is common amongst drinks bottles, the aforementioned recess being formed, in which case, between adjacent 'petals' thereof, however use of the carton with other types of article B is envisaged.

Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 1 1 for forming a carton according to a first embodiment. The blank 1 1 comprises a linear series of panels consisting of a first bottom panel 2, a first bevel panel 4, a first side panel 6, a top panel 8, a second side panel 10, a second bevel panel 12 and a second bottom panel 14 hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26.

The blank 1 1 is foldable to form a package P as illustrated in Figure 2. The first and second bottom panels 2, 14 are engageable with one another in at least partially overlapping relationship to form a composite bottom wall 2, 14 of the carton. Preferably, the bottom panels 2, 14 comprise a lock system formed of complementary tabs and apertures to maintain them in engagement. To this end, a series of female flaps 55 are defined in the second bottom panel 14 and a corresponding series of male tabs 54 defined in the first bottom panel 2. When the first and second bottom panels 2, 14 are brought into superposition, the male tabs 54 are displaceable from the plane of the first bottom panel 2 and folded inwardly to extend through apertures defined by a resultant inward folding of the female flaps 55 out of the plane of the second bottom panel 14. Protrusions extending laterally of the male tabs 54 engage these apertures thereby to prevent removal thereof. The first and second bottom panels 2, 14 are thus maintained in engagement.

The first bottom panel 2 further comprises portions of three article heel engagement structures 80.

The article heel engagement structures 80 extend from the first bottom panel 2 across the first bevel panel 4 and into the first side panel 6, in-so-doing interrupting the fold lines 16, 18 which hinge the first bottom panel 2, first bevel panel 4 and first side panel 6 one to the next. Each article heel engagement structure 80 comprises a first aperture 56 defined in the first bottom panel 2 and a second aperture 86 defined in the first side panel 6. An arrangement of panels comprising a pair of gusset panels 82a, 82b and a pair of stopper panels 84a, 84b extend between the first and second apertures 56, 86. The pair of gusset panels 82a, 82b each comprise a first gusset panel 82a and a second gusset panel 82b that are separated from one another by a cut line 81 . The pair of stopper panels 84a, 84b comprises a first stopper panel 84a and a second stopper panel 84b that are separated from one another by the cut line 81 . A first edge of each of the gusset panels 82a, 82b is defined by the first aperture 56 and is disposed adjacent thereto whilst an opposing second edge, which is angled with respect to the first edge, is hinged to a respective one of the stopper panels 84a, 84b by a fold line. Each of the gusset panels 82a, 82b are hinged to the first bottom panel 2 via a fold line. An edge of each stopper panel 84a, 84b, disposed opposite the respective gusset panel 82a, 82b, is defined by and is adjacent to the second aperture 86. Each of the stopper panels 84a, 84b are hinged to the first bevel panel 4 by a respective fold line. The first aperture 56 comprises an edge which is substantially equal in dimension to the combined width of the first and second gusset panels 82a, 82b. First aperture 56 comprises a V shaped recess that extends away from the gusset panels 82a, 82b into the first bottom panel 2. This V shaped recess may be engaged by a finger or other machine tool during construction of the carton. The second aperture 86 comprise a substantially rounded edge, disposed proximate edges of the stopper panels 84a, 84b and consequently said edges are curved inwardly of the respective stopper panel 84a, 84b. The second bottom panel 14 further comprises portions of three article heel engagement structures 80.

The article heel engagement structures 80 extend from the second bottom panel 14 across the second bevel panel 12 and into the second side panel 10, in-so-doing interrupting the fold lines 24, 26 which hinge the second bottom panel 14, second bevel panel 12 and second side panel 10 one to the next. Each article heel engagement structure 80 comprises a first aperture 56 defined in the second bottom panel 14 and a second aperture 86 defined in the second side panel 10. An arrangement of panels comprising a pair of gusset panels 82a, 82b and a pair of stopper panels 84a, 84b extend between the first and second apertures 56, 86. The pair of gusset panels 82a, 82b each comprise a first gusset panel 82a and a second gusset panel 82b that are separated from one another by a cut line 81 . The pair of stopper panels 84a, 84b comprises a first stopper panel 84a and a second stopper panel 84b that are separated from one another by the cut line 81 . A first edge of each of the gusset panels 82a, 82b is defined by the first aperture 56 and is disposed adjacent thereto whilst an opposing second edge, which is angled with respect to the first edge, is hinged to a respective one of the stopper panels 84a, 84b by a fold line. Each of the gusset panels 82a, 82b are hinged to the first bottom panel 2 via a fold line. An edge of each stopper panel 84a, 84b, disposed opposite the respective gusset panel 82a, 82b, is defined by and is adjacent to the second aperture 86. Each of the stopper panels 84a, 84b are hinged to the second bevel panel 12 by a respective fold line. The first aperture 56 comprises an edge which is substantially equal in dimension to the combined width of the first and second gusset panels 82a, 82b. First aperture 56 comprises a V shaped recess that extends away from the gusset panels 82a, 82b into the second bottom panel 14. This V shaped recess may be engaged by a finger or other machine tool during construction of the carton. The second aperture 86 comprise a substantially rounded edge, disposed proximate edges of the stopper panels 84a, 84b and consequently said edges are curved inwardly of the respective stopper panel 84a, 84b. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the bevel panels 4, 12 are optional, and that the first and second side panels 6, 10 may extend to fold lines 16, 24 respectively.

The blank 1 1 comprises a display window 59 having a pair of window panels 61 a, 61 b struck from the first side panel 6 and hinged thereto, preferably by arcuate or curved fold lines. The window panels 61 a, 61 b are separated from one another by a cut line 60, and/or optionally by an aperture 58.

The cut line 60 extends substantially across the first side panel 6 from a lower article retention strap 73 disposed adjacent a second aperture 86 of an article heel engagement structures 80 to terminate at an upper article retention strap 72 disposed adjacent a crown aperture 70a described in more detail herein below. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the upper article retention strap 72 and lower article retention strap 73 each engage a portion of an article B with the carton, best illustrated in Figures 2.

Optionally, the top panel 8 comprises two optional finger apertures 74 that may be utilised by a user to carry the carton. Hinged to each end of the top panel 8 are top end closure arrangements 31 a, 31 b. These end closure arrangements 31 a, 31 b are preferably identical to one another and will be described by reference to top end closure arrangement 31 a. Top end closure arrangement 31 a comprises an end flap 30a, hinged to the top panel 8 along a fold line 28a. Perpendicular to that fold line 28a, along a first side of the end flap 30a, a first gusset flap 34a is hinged by fold line 44a. The first gusset panel 34a is also hinged to the first side panel 6, by fold line 42. Along a second side of the end flaps 30a, opposite the first, a second gusset flap 36a, is hinged via fold line 45a. The second gusset panel is hinged the second side panel 10, by fold line 46a. The blank 1 1 further comprises a plurality of crown apertures 70 which are U-shaped and which in a set up condition receive an upper portion of an article B.

Each crown aperture 70, 70a is struck in part from a respective side panel 6, 10 and in part from top panel 8, so as to define an arcuate shaped tab which extends over an uppermost portion of a respective article B which it receives. The endmost crown apertures 70 in first side panel 6 and each of the crown apertures 70 in second side panel 10 comprise a plurality of cut lines 77, 78, 79 defining in part a pair of tabs 75, 76. Tabs 75, 76 are substantially triangular in shape and are separated by cutline 78. Cutline 77 defines a fold line about which tab 75 folds when an article B is received in the crown aperture 70. Cutline 79 defines a fold line about which tab 76 folds when an article B is received in the crown aperture 70.

Crown aperture 70a forms part of an article securing structure 71 which also comprises a pair of engagement tabs 68a, 68b disposed on opposing sides thereof. Each tab 68a, 68b is struck in part from top panel 8 and in part from first side panel 6. Each tab 68a, 68b is defined in part by an arcuate cut line 65, in part by crown aperture 70a, in part by a pair of fold lines 67, 69, in part by crown aperture 70a and in part by a linear cut line 66. A first fold line 67 extends from a first end of cut line 67 disposed in first side panel 6 and extends to crown aperture 70a. Linear cut line 66 is disposed in top panel 8 and extends from crown aperture 70a substantially perpendicularly with respect to fold line 20 which hinges the first side panel 6 to the top panel 8. A first end of linear cut line 66 preferably intersects a vertex defined by fold line 20 and a cut line defining the crown aperture 70a. A second fold line 69 extends between a second end of arcuate cut line 65 and a second end of linear cut line 66. Preferably, fold line 20 bisects each engagement tab 68a, 68b.

Optionally, first base panel 2 comprise a pair of apertures 52, preferably each aperture 52 is rhombus shaped. Turning to the construction of the carton as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 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 preferred embodiment 6 articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel of the blank 1 1 is disposed over the group of articles B to provide a top wall 8 of the carton. Preferably, the following operations of folding to construct the article heel engagement structures 80 are performed prior to folding the first and second side panels 6, 10 down around the group of articles B to provide side walls 6, 10 of the carton.

The folding of the article heel engagement structures 80 and of the window panels 61 a, 61 b will now be described. The gusset panels 82a, 82b of article heel engagement structures 80 are folded into substantially flat face contacting relation with the respective one of first or second bottom panel 2, 14. This causes the stopper panels 84a, 84b, of the article heel engagement structures 80 to be folded relative to the respective one of the first and second bevel panels 4, 12, thereby to extend away therefrom at an angle thereto. This angle is created by the angle between the fold line hinging to the bottom panel 2, 14 the gusset panel 82a, 82b and fold line hinging the stopper panel 84a, 84b to the bevel panel 2, 12. This folding operation causes apertures to be formed where the gusset panels 82a, 82b have been displaced from panel of material of the first and second bottom panels 2, 14, first and second bevel panels 4, 12 and first and second side panels 6, 10. The stopper panels 82a, 82b curve away from the respective adjacent one of the first and second side panels 6, 10 either side of these apertures, to provide a curved receiving area into which a lower portion of an article B may be received.

The window panels 61 a, 61 b are folded inwardly of the carton as shown in Figure 2 to 5 such that they are interposed between a pair of adjacent articles B. Folding the window panels 61 a, 61 b in this manner warps the corresponding one of the first 6 to which the window panels 61 a, 61 b are attached, this is due to the curved nature of the fold lines 58a, 58b connecting the window panels 61 a, 61 b to first side panels 6. The warping of the first side panel 6 urges the window panels 61 a, 61 b against the article B. The first and second side panels 6, 10 are folded down about their respective fold lines 20, 22 into abutment with side portions of adjacent ones of those articles B to form respectively, first and second side walls 6, 10 of the carton. This brings the article heel engagement structures 80 of each side wall 6, 10 around proximate lower portions of the articles B and brings the window panels 61 a, 61 b into interposition between a central article B on an adjacent side of the group of articles B, and its neighbouring articles B on that side.

Upper article retention strap 72 engages an article B in the aperture created by displacement of the window panels 61 a, 61 b. The article retention strap 72 engages an upper portion of the article B beneath a flange or protrusion, the flange or protrusion may be provided by an article closure means C such as a crown cork. Lower article retention strap 73 engages an article B in the aperture created by displacement of the window panels 61 a, 61 b. Upper and lower article retention straps 72, 73 interrupt an aperture in the carton which extends from the composite base panel 2, 14 through the first bevel panel 4, through the first side wall6 and up to the top panel 8. This has the advantage of exposing the substantial entirety of the outermost side of the article B disposed within the display window 59 whilst at the simultaneously retaining the article B within the carton.

The first and bottom panels 2, 14 are secured in overlapping relationship to provide a bottom wall of the carton by folding the tabs 55 of the first bottom panels 2 into the carton, thereby striking the flaps 54 of the second bottom panel 14. The tabs 55, so inserted, maintain the first and second bottom panels 2, 14 in overlapping relationship. The erected carton is best shown in Figure 5.

The ends of the carton are at least partially closable, as best shown in Figure 2 (in which one end of the carton has been closed) to prevent the articles B from being removable therethrough, by folding the gusset panels 34a, 36a of the end closure arrangements into flat face contacting relation with proximate one of the first or second side panels 6, 10. This as a result causes the end flap 30a, 30b to be pulled down to at least partially close the end of the carton.

The first and second bottom panels 6, 14 are then folded around underneath the group of articles B such that they may be secured one to the other through use of the complementary punch lock formed by the tabs 55 and flaps 54 to form a composite bottom wall 55/54 of the carton.

Crown apertures 70, 70a receive an upper portion of the article B as shown in Figure 2. The engagement tab 68a, 68b are folded inwardly of the carton on opposing sides of the closure of the article B, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. An engaging edge of each tab 68a, 68b engages a respective side of the article closure, adjacent to a radial protrusion of the closure such that the tabs 68a, 68b prevent rotation of the article B within the carton. In some embodiments the tabs 68a, 68b engage between a pair of radial protrusion extending from the article B, optionally only one tab 68a, 68b may be provided to prevent rotation of the article clockwise and counter-clockwise. The engagement tabs 68a, 68b fold about the fold line 20.

Article retention strap 72 prevents the article B displayed in the viewing window arrangement 59 from being removed, or unintentionally egressing from the carton. This is particularly useful when the article B is shaped with a tapered neck.

It can be seen that the fold line 67 which hinges the engagement tabs 68a, 68b to the top panel 8 is disposed at a distance d1 from the fold line 20 between the top panel 8 and the first side panel 6. The article closure C is dimensioned such that an inner most extremity is disposed at a distance d2 from the fold line 20. Preferably, the distance d1 is less than the distance d2. This provides that the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the top panel 8 may engage with the article closure C. Preferably; the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the top panel 8 are disposed substantially vertically. Optionally, the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the first side panel 6 are arranged so as to be disposed beneath the article closure C, the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the first side panel 6 are substantially horizontal and/ or are substantially perpendicular to the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the top panel 8. The fold line 69 which hinges the engagement tabs 68a, 68b to the first side panel 6 are disposed at a distance d3 below the fold line 20 between the top panel 8 and the first side panel 6, which distance d3 is greater than a height dimension h of the article closure C. In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the engagement tabs 68a, 68b may be arranged such that the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the first side panel 6 engage with the article closure C, in such embodiments the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the first side panel 6 may be disposed at an inclined angle, this may be achieved by arranging the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the first side panel 6 to be of a different length dimension to the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the top panel 8. In such embodiments the portions of the engagement tabs 68a, 68b which are formed from the top panel 8 may be disposed at an angle which is greater or less than 90° with respect to the top panel 8. In some embodiments the engagement tabs 68a, 68b may be arcuate or curved rather than being formed from two substantially planar portions hinged to one another along a fold line.

In those embodiment's in which an engagement tab 68a, 68b is provided on opposing sides of an article B the distance between each engaging edge of the pair of engagement tabs 68a, 68b is preferably less than the greatest width dimension of the article B. Preferably, each engaging edge is received in a recess or between a pair of protrusions.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 6 illustrates a blank 1 1 1 according to a second embodiment, wherein blank 1 1 1 comprises a linear series of panels consisting of a first bottom panel 102, first lower bevel panel 104, first side panel 106, top panel 108, second side panel 1 10, second lower bevel panel 1 12 and second bottom panel 1 14 hinged one to the next by respective fold lines 1 16, 1 18, 120, 122, 124, 126.

Each of the first and second bottom panels 102, 1 14 comprise three article heel engagement structures 180. The article heel engagement structures 180 substantially correspond to those of the first preferred embodiment described above.

The display window arrangement 159 comprises a flap 163a, 163b hinged to a respective one of the window panels 161 a, 161 b; the flaps 163a, 163b are separated by a cutline 160 and hinged to the respective window panel 161 a, 161 b by a respective fold line 157a, 157b. The display window arrangement 159 of the second embodiment is adapted to receive a tapered article B, in particular but not exclusively an article B having a shoulder between a body portion and a neck portion. The display window arrangement 159 advantageously accommodates the wider body portion and the flaps 163a, 163b extend about the neck portion to fit in close proximity therewith; Aperture 158 which separates the window panels 161 a, 161 b may be shaped and configured to accommodate the article shape.

The second embodiment comprises an article securing structure 171 which engages with a pair of adjacent articles B. The blank 1 1 1 comprises an article securing structure 171 disposed between each pair of adjacent crown apertures 170/170a struck, in part from the first side panel 106. The blank 1 1 1 is arranged to accommodate a group of articles B arranged in a 2x3 array, the blank 1 1 1 therefore comprises two article securing structure 171 . The article B which is received in the crown aperture 170a is engaged by both article securing structures 171 on opposing sides thereof.

Each article securing structure 171 comprises an engagement tab 168a, 168b defined in part by a first fold line 167a, 167b which extends between a pair of adjacent crown apertures 170, 170a. A cutline 166b, 166c extends from crown aperture 170a on opposing side thereof, the cut lines 166b, 166c extend within top panel 108 substantially perpendicularly with respect to the fold line 120. A cutline 166a, 166d extends from a side of a respective one of each of the crown apertures 170 adjacent to the crown aperture 170a. The side of the respective one of each of the crown apertures 170 from which the respective cutline extends is the adjacent to the crown aperture 170a. A second fold line 169a, 169b extends between each of a respective pair of the cut lines 166a/166b, 166c/166d which cut lines 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d extend from the crown apertures 170, 170a.

Optionally, the cut lines 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d terminate in curved portion, preferably a U-shaped portion, this reduces the likelihood of a tear being initiated by the cut lines 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d. Preferably, a third fold line 121 a, 121 b extends across the engagement tabs 168a, 168b, in some embodiments the third fold line 121 a, 121 b is collinear with fold line 120. A carton may be set up from the blank 1 1 1 through a series of folding operations in substantially the same manner as described above except where specifically provided for below.

The article securing structures 171 are folded internally of the carton such that each article securing structure 171 engages with a pair of articles B disposed within the carton. A first edge of the article securing structure 171 engages with a first article B and a second edge of the article securing structure 171 engages with a second adjacent article B. In this way the article securing structure 171 are able to secure the orientation of the endmost article B in the carton, portions of which articles B are visible through the partially closed ends of the tubular structure formed by the main panels of the carton.

In some embodiments article securing structures 171 may be provided on both sides of the carton, that is to say article securing structures 171 may be provided which are struck in part from second side panel 1 10. Such article securing structures 171 may be provided with or without a second display window which is struck rom second side panel 1 10. In yet other embodiments the display window 59, 159 may be omitted and the article securing structures 171 may be provided to secure the orientation of the endmost articles B in a carton having a tubular structure in which the ends are at least partially open, such that the endmost articles B are visible.

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 B of differing size or shape. In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the cut line between the stopper panels and the window panels of the second bottom locking arrangement in fact be a fold line. Also the shape of the fold line connecting the window panels to the side walls may be altered, for example to match the outline of the article B to be held in the carton. Similarly, the apertures of the carton (of either embodiment) may be free altered in size and shape to accommodate differing article geometries. The number of articles B and their arrangement may be altered.

It is also contemplated that the embodiments described above do not form isolated configurations and that features from one of the embodiments may be freely combined with those of the other of the embodiment as desired. For example the crown apertures 70 may be employed in the second embodiment for one or more articles B, for example the outermost articles B only or all the articles B.

In alternative embodiments other panel interlocking means are envisaged including but not limited to adhesive.

It will be noted that the top panel 18, 108 is shorter in longitudinal dimension than the bottom panels. This is to provide close proximity of the end closure structure to the upper portion of the articles B, which articles B are tapered and have a smaller dimension towards the top than at the base.

In other embodiments when different article shapes are being packaged, including but not limited to substantially parallel sided articles B or flanged articles, the top panel may comprise a longitudinal dimension equal or greater that the base.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection or a fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.