TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packages, carrier components and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a package comprising tray for receiving bases of a plurality of articles and a separate cover for covering tops of the plurality of articles.

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 an object of the present invention to provide a package comprising tray in which a plurality of articles is received and a cover, formed from a separate blank, for covering tops of the plurality of articles.

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 a combination of a tray blank and a covering blank for forming package. The covering blank comprises a pair of foldable flaps hingedly connected to respective ones of opposed edges of a top panel. Each of the foldable flaps extending to a free end. A free end of a first one of pair of foldable flaps is disposed a first distance from a free end of a second one of pair of foldable flaps when the covering blank is erected form to create a cover. The first distance is equal to or less than a linear dimension of a tray formed from the tray blank.

Optionally, the pair of foldable flaps are arranged at least partially enclose opposed ends or sides of the package and wherein the linear dimension of a tray is defined between a pair of opposing panels hinged to a base panel said pair of opposing panels partially enclosing said opposed ends or sides of the package enclosed by the pair of foldable flaps.

Optionally, the linear dimension extends parallel to the first distance.

Optionally, the linear dimension and the first distance each extend transversely of the package.

Optionally, the linear dimension and the first distance each extend longitudinally of the package.

Optionally, each of the foldable flaps comprises a corner-forming panel for forming a rounded corner and wherein the first distance is defined between a first corner-forming panel forming part of the first one of pair of foldable flaps and a second corner-forming panel forming part of the second one of pair of foldable flaps.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package formed from a combination of a tray and a covering and a group of articles. The covering comprises a pair of foldable flaps hingedly connected to respective ones of opposed edges of a top panel for partially enclosing either of the opposed ends and the opposed sides of the article group. Each of the foldable flaps extends to a free end. A free end of a first one of pair of foldable flaps is disposed a first distance from a free end of a second one of pair of foldable flaps. The first distance is equal to or less than a linear dimension of a tray one of the first length dimension and the first width dimension.

The group of articles has a first length dimension defined between opposed ends thereof and a first width dimension defined between opposed sides thereof. Optionally, the first distance is equal to or less than one of the first length dimension and the first width dimension.

Optionally, a linear dimension of a tray, formed from the tray blank and defined between said opposed ends or sides of the article group, may be greater than said one of the first length dimension and the first width dimension.

Optionally, a linear dimension of a tray, formed from the tray blank and defined between said opposed ends or sides of the article group, may be equal to said one of the first length dimension and the first width dimension. A third aspect of the invention provides a package formed from a combination of a tray blank and a covering blank and a group of articles. The group of articles has a first width dimension defined between opposed sides thereof. The covering blank comprises a pair of foldable flaps hingedly connected to respective ones of opposed edges of a top panel for partially enclosing the opposed sides of the article group. Each of the foldable flaps extends to a free end. A free end of a first one of pair of foldable flaps is disposed a first distance from a free end of a second one of pair of foldable flaps. The first distance is equal to or less than the first width dimension. A linear dimension of a tray, defined between said opposed sides of the article group, is equal to or greater than the first width dimension.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a package formed from a combination of a tray blank and a covering blank and a group of articles. The group of articles has a first length dimension defined between opposed ends thereof. The covering blank comprises a pair of foldable flaps hingedly connected to respective ones of opposed edges of a top panel for partially enclosing the opposed ends of the article group. Each of the foldable flaps extends to a free end. A free end of a first one of pair of foldable flaps is disposed a first distance from a free end of a second one of pair of foldable flaps. The first distance is equal to or less than the first length dimension. A linear dimension of a tray, defined between said opposed ends of the article group, is equal to or greater than the first length dimension.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a tray according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

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

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blanks of Figures 1 and 3;

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

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blanks of Figures 1 and 5;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cover according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blanks of Figures 1 and 7;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

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

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a plan view of a blank 1 10 which is capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 4. The carrier 190 is configured to receive a group of primary products or articles B. The carrier 190 takes the form of a cover or shroud.

Referring to Figures 5 and 7, there are shown a plan views of further alternative blanks 210; 310 which are capable of forming alternative cartons or carriers 290; 390, as shown in Figures 6 and 8. The carriers 290; 390 are configured to engage a group of primary products or articles B. The carriers 290; 390 take the form of a top-engaging cartons or cover panels.

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

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the arrangement is a 3 x 4 matrix or array; three rows of four articles B are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the arrangement is a 4 x 6 matrix or array; four rows of six articles B are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, number, and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, including a main panel 12 for forming base wall of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2). The blank 10 comprises a first end panel 14a hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13a. The blank 10 comprises a second end panel 14b hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13b.

The blank 10 comprises a first side panel 16a hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15a. The blank 10 comprises a second side panel 16b hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15b. A first securing flap 18a is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 16a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17a. A second securing flap 18b is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel 16a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17b.

A third securing flap 20a is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 16b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19a. A fourth securing flap 20b is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel 20a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19b.

The blank 10 is formed into a carrier 90 by folding the first and second side panels 16a, 16b about fold lines 15a, 15b respectively. First and second securing flaps 18a, 18b are folded with respect to the first side panel 16a, about fold lines 17a, 17b, to be substantially perpendicular to the first side panel 16a.

Third and fourth securing flaps 20a, 20b are folded with respect to the second side panel 16b, about fold lines 19a, 19b, to be substantially perpendicular to the second side panel 16b.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first, second, third and fourth securing flaps 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b or to corresponding regions of the first and second end panels 14a, 14b.

The first end panel 14a is folded with respect to the main panel 12 about fold line 13a to be substantially perpendicular to thereto. The first end panel 14a is brought into face contacting relationship with the first and third securing flaps 18a, 20a. The first end panel 14a is secured to the first and third securing flaps 18a, 20a.

The second end panel 14b is folded with respect to the main panel 12 about fold line 13b to be substantially perpendicular to thereto. The second end panel 14b is brought into face contacting relationship with the second and fourth securing flaps 18b, 20b. The second end panel 14b is secured to the second and fourth securing flaps 18b, 20b.

Figure 2 illustrates the carrier 90 formed from the blank 10. The carrier 90 is loaded with a plurality or group of articles B, a cover 190 is applied to the articles B as shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a blank 110 for forming the cover 190, the blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 1 12, 114, 116. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116 comprises a first main or top panel 114. A first side panel 112 is hingedly connected to a first side of the top panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A second side panel 112 is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the top panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115.

The corners of the top panel 114 may be rounded, beveled, chamfered, or filleted.

The blank 1 10 comprises an end closure structure for partially closing each end of a tubular structure defined in part by the cover 190.

A first end closure structure comprises a first end panel 118 hingedly connected to a first end of the top panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A first corner panel 122A is hingedly connected to a first side of the first end panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121 A. A second corner panel 126A is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the first end panel 1 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125A. A first securing or anchor panel 124A is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 122A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123A. A second securing or anchor panel 128A is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127A.

A first web panel 130A is hingedly connected between the first anchor panel 124A and the first side panel 112, by fold lines 129A, 131 A respectively. A second web panel 132A is hingedly connected between the second anchor panel 128A and the second side panel 116, by fold lines 133A, 135A respectively.

Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a reinforcing structure including a first reinforcing panel 140 hingedly connected to the first end panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141 . A second reinforcing panel 142 is hingedly connected to a first side of the first reinforcing panel 140 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines F1 . The second reinforcing panel 142 is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 122A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137A. A third reinforcing panel 144 is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the first reinforcing panel 140 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines F2. The third reinforcing panel 144 is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139A.

The reinforcing panels 140, 142, 144 forming the first end closure structure may be hingedly connected to a recessed edge defined in the first end panel 118 and in the first and second corner panels 122A, 126A. The reinforcing panels 140, 142, 144 can be considered to be struck, at least in part, from (or provided at least in part) by material which would otherwise form the first end panel 118, the first corner panel 122A, and the second corner panel 126A.

The first end closure structure may provide a handle structure, the handle structure may be struck in part, or defined in part in the first end panel 118. The handle structure may be struck in part or defined in part in the first reinforcing panel 140. The handle structure may comprise a cutaway or opening in the first end panel 118 defined at least in part by a handle flap 160 hingedly connected to the first end panel 118. The cutaway or opening extends into the first reinforcing panel 140 and is defined by a handle aperture A2. The opening interrupts the hinged connection between the first end panel 118 and the first reinforcing panel 140. In an assembled condition the cutaway or opening defines a recess in lower edges of each of the first end panel 118 and the first reinforcing panel 140, said recesses being disposed in registry with each other.

The first corner panel 122A is separated from the top panel 1 14 by an aperture A1 . The aperture A1 separates the first web panel 130A from the top panel 114. The aperture A1 may separate a portion of the first anchor panel 124A from the first side panel 1 12. The aperture A1 defines a first rounded or filleted corner of the top panel 1 14.

The second corner panel 126A is separated from the top panel 1 14 by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 separates the second web panel 132A from the top panel 1 14. The aperture A1 may separate a portion of the second anchor panel 128A from the second side panel 116. The aperture A1 defines a second rounded or filleted corner of the top panel 114.

A second end closure structure comprises a second end panel 120 hingedly connected to a second end of the top panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1 19. A third corner panel 122B is hingedly connected to a first side of the second end panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121 B. A fourth corner panel 126B is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the second end panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125B. A third securing or anchor panel 124B is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 122B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123B. A fourth securing or anchor panel 128B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127B.

A third web panel 130B is hingedly connected between the third anchor panel 124B and the first side panel 112, by fold lines 129B, 131 B respectively. A fourth web panel 132B is hingedly connected between the fourth anchor panel 128B and the second side panel 116, by fold lines 133B, 135B respectively.

Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a reinforcing structure including a fourth reinforcing panel 146 hingedly connected to the second end panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143. A fifth reinforcing panel 148 is hingedly connected to a first side of the fourth reinforcing panel 146 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines F3. The fifth reinforcing panel 148 is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 122B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137B. A sixth reinforcing panel 150 is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, side of the fourth reinforcing panel 146 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines F4. The sixth reinforcing panel 150 is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139B.

The reinforcing panels 146, 148, 150 forming the second end closure structure may be hingedly connected to a recessed edge defined in the second end panel 120 and in the third and fourth corner panels 122B, 126B. The reinforcing panels 146, 148, 150 can be considered to be struck, at least in part, from (or provided at least in part) by material which would otherwise form the second end panel 120, the third corner panel 122B, and the fourth corner panel 126B.

The second end closure structure may provide a handle structure, the handle structure may be struck in part, or defined in part in the second end panel 120. The handle structure may be struck in part or defined in part in the fourth reinforcing panel 146. The handle structure may comprise a cutaway or opening in the second end panel 120 defined at least in part by a handle flap 160 hingedly connected to the second end panel 120. The cutaway or opening extends into the fourth reinforcing panel 146 and is defined by a handle aperture A2. The opening interrupts the hinged connection between the second end panel 120 and the fourth reinforcing panel 146. In an assembled condition the cutaway or opening defines a recess in lower edges of each of the second end panel 120 and the fourth reinforcing panel 146, said recesses being disposed in registry with each other.

The third corner panel 122B is separated from the top panel 114 by an aperture A1 . The aperture A1 separates the third web panel 130B from the top panel 114. The aperture A1 may separate a portion of the third anchor panel 124B from the first side panel 112. The aperture A1 defines a third rounded or filleted corner of the top panel 1 14.

The fourth corner panel 126B is separated from the top panel 114 by an aperture A1 . The aperture A1 separates the fourth web panel 132B from the top panel 114. The aperture A1 may separate a portion of the fourth anchor panel 128B from the second side panel 116. The aperture A1 defines a fourth rounded or filleted corner of the top panel 114.

Optionally, the blank 110 comprises an access device for providing an opening to access an interior of the package P. The access device comprises a removable portion 114R defined in part in the top panel 1 14 by a weakened line of severance or tear line 134. A removable portion 116R may be defined in part in at least one of the first and second side panel 112, 116. The weakened line of severance or tear line 134 may extend into said at least one of the first and second side panel 112, 1 16. The weakened line of severance or tear line 134 may provide a continuous loop defining removable sections 114R, 116R in each of the top panel 114 and the second side panel 1 16. The access device may be provided with a tear initiation device Ti in the form of a flap 136 hingedly connected to the removable portion 1 14R by a fold line F5. The tear initiation device Ti is defined in part by a second tear line 138, the second tear line 138 has a lower or reduced tear resistance compared to the weakened line of severance or tear line 134 defining the removable portion 1 14R.

Figure 4 illustrates a package P formed from the tray carrier 90, a group of article B loaded into the tray carrier 90, and a cover panel 190 mounted about the articles B and secured to the tray carrier 90. Figure 3 shows a plurality of first glue locations G1 for securing the first and second side panel 112, 116 of the cover 190 to the first and second side panels 16a, 16b of the tray carrier 90. The anchor panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B may be adhesively secured to a respective one of the first and second side panel 112, 116 of the cover 190 as indicated by second glue location G2 in Figure 3.

The reinforcing panels 140, 142, 144 are folded about fold lines 141 , 137A, 139A into face-to- face relationship with the panel 118, 122A, 126A to which they are hingedly connected. The reinforcing panels 140, 142, 144 are disposed internally of the panel 118, 122A, 126A to which they are hingedly connected.

Similarly, the reinforcing panels 146, 148, 150 are folded about fold lines 141 , 137A, 139A into face-to-face relationship with the panel 120, 122B, 126B to which they are hingedly connected. The reinforcing panels 146, 148, 150 are disposed internally of the panel 120, 122B, 126B to which they are hingedly connected.

The corner panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B are bent or displaced to form rounded corners in the cover 190. Articles B in the corner of the group of articles B may serve as a mandrel about which the corner panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B may be shaped or rounded.

The first and second side panels 112, 116 may be dimensioned to be shorter in length than the group of articles B, and the top panel 1 14. The endmost articles B in the group of articles B may extend beyond the first and second side panels 1 12, 1 16 and be exposed to view through a window in each end of the package P. The window being defined between the tray carrier 90 and the cover 190.

The first and second side panels 16a, 16b of the tray carrier 90 are longer in dimension than the first and second side panel 112, 1 16 of the cover 190.

The tray carrier 90 comprises square corners defined between one of the first and second side panels 16a, 16b and an adjacent one of the first and second end panels 14a, 14b. The tray carrier comprises a main or base panel 12 having a first diagonal dimension L1 between opposed corners.

The top panel 114 of the cover 190 comprises a second diagonal dimension L2 between opposed corners. The first diagonal dimension L1 is greater than the second diagonal dimension L2. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the reinforcing structures may be omitted or removed. The first and second end panels 118, 120 may comprise a recessed lower edge opposing their respective hinged connection to top panel 1 14. Each of the recessed lower edges may be serrated or scalloped in shape for discouraging use of the end panel 118, 120 as a carrying handle. The end panels 118, 120 may be of a single ply structure.

In other embodiments, the first side panel 112 may comprise a first additional fold line defining a lower or distal portion of the first side panel. The first side panel 1 12 may also comprise a second additional fold line defining an upper or proximal portion of the first side panel 1 12. The second side panel 1 16 may comprise a third additional fold line defining a lower or distal portion of the second side panel 116. The second side panel 116 may also comprise a fourth fold line defining an upper or proximal portion of the second side panel 116.

The articles B have a maximum diameter and a radius r. The articles B disposed in the respective corners of the tray tangentially contact one of the first and second side panels 16a, 16b and one of the first and second end panels 14a, 14b.

The first and second side panels 112, 116 of the cover 190 extend a distance beyond the tangential contact point between the corner article B and a respective one of the first and second side panels 16a, 16b of the tray 90. End edges of the first and second side panels 112, 116 of the cover 190 are spaced apart from the first and second end panels 14a, 14b of the tray by a distance r - x. The distance % may be around half an inch or about 12.5mm, and provide a region of overlap for glue application

The corner panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B have a width dimension z. The width dimension z may be equal to a quarter of the circumference of the article

The corner of the top panel 114 of the cover 190 is inset from the corner of the tray 90 by a distance y.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, there is shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200”, “300” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiment, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 will be described in detail.

Figure 5 shows a blank 210 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the blank 210 comprises a top or cover panel 212 and a pair of hinged panels 214, 216 hinged to opposed sides of the cover panel 212. Each of the pair of hinged panels 214, 216 forms a side or shoulder panel.

A first side or shoulder panel 214 is hingedly connected to the cover panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 213A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 213B. The first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 213A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 213B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 213A, 213B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

A second side or shoulder panel 216 is hingedly connected to the cover panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 215A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 215B. The first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 215A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 215B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 215A, 215B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

The cutlines CT form part of an article engagement device RT for securing the cover 290 to upper ends of adjacently disposed articles B. The cover 290 is secured to each of the articles B in the outermost rows of articles B. The first and second side panels 214, 216 are folded about sides or shoulders of the articles B. The cutlines CT open to form an opening in the form of a slot or slit. A portion of an article B is received in the slot, said portion may be part of a chime or end seam of the article B. The portion received is protrudes to form a flange or undercut with which a section of the first or side panel 214, 216 engages; the section of the first or side panel 214, 216 which engages the article B is defined by the cut line CT.

Figure 6 illustrates a package P’ formed from the tray 90, a group of article B loaded into the tray 90 and a cover 290 formed form the blank 210 mounted to the articles B. The articles B couple the cover 290 to the tray 90; that is to say no part of the cover 290 is connected directly to the tray 90.

Figure 7 shows a blank 310 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the blank 310 comprises a top or cover panel 312A/312B, a pair of hinged panels 314, 316 hinged to opposed sides of the cover panel 312A/312B and a keel structure KS. Each of the pair of hinged panels 314, 316 forms a side or shoulder panel.

A first side or shoulder panel 314 is hingedly connected to a first portion 312A of the cover panel 312A/312B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be nonlinear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first non-linear or arcuate fold line 313A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 313B. The first non-linear or arcuate fold line 313A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 313B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 313A, 313B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

A second side or shoulder panel 316 is hingedly connected to a second portion 312B of the cover panel 312A/312B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be nonlinear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first non-linear or arcuate fold line 315A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 315B. The first non-linear or arcuate fold line 315A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 315B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 315A, 315B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

The blank 310 comprises a keel structure KS comprising a first keel panel 318 and a second keel panel 320 hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 321 . The keel structure KS is disposed medially of the cover panel 312A/312B.

The first keel panel 318 is hingedly connected to the first cover panel portion 312A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 317A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 317B. The first nonlinear or arcuate fold line 317A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 317B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 317A, 317B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

The second keel panel 320 is hingedly connected to the second cover panel portion 312B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319. The hinged connection is interrupted by at least one cut line CT. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is interrupted by a plurality of cut lines CT, specifically, but not limited to, six cut lines CT. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of fold lines. Each of the plurality of fold lines may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate. The hinged connection between adjacent pairs of cutlines CT may comprises a first non-linear or arcuate fold line 319A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 319B. The first non-linear or arcuate fold line 319A and a second non-linear or arcuate fold line 319B may be arranged to be in closer proximity to each other at each end than at medial or central portion thereof.

Each of the plurality of fold lines 319A, 319B may be defined, or comprise, one or more cut lines.

The cutlines CT form part of an article engagement device RT for securing the cover 290 to upper ends of adjacently disposed articles B. The cover 390 is secured to each of the articles B in the outermost rows of articles B.

The first and second side panels 314, 316 are folded about sides or shoulders of the articles B. The cutlines CT open to form an opening in the form of a slot or slit. A portion of an article B is received in the slot, said portion may be part of a chime or end seam of the article B. The portion received is protrudes to form a flange or undercut with which a section of the first or second side panel 314, 316 engages; the section of the first or second side panel 314, 316 which engages the article B is defined by the cut line CT.

The first and second keel panels 318, 320 are folded about sides or shoulders of the articles B in the second and third rows of articles B and form a “V” shaped structure therebetween. The cutlines CT open to form an opening in the form of a slot or slit. A portion of an article B is received in the slot, said portion may be part of a chime or end seam of the article B. The portion received is protrudes to form a flange or undercut with which a section of the first or second keel panel 318, 320 engages; the section of the first or second keel panel 318, 320 which engages the article B is defined by the cut line CT.

Figure 8 illustrates a package P” formed from the tray 90, a group of article B loaded into the tray 90 and a cover 390 formed form the blank 310 mounted to the articles B. The articles B couple the cover 390 to the tray 90; that is to say no part of the cover 390 is connected directly to the tray 90.

In embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 the cover 290 engages all of the articles B in the article group, whereas in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 the cover 290 engages only the articles B in outermost rows of the article group. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 and 8 the keel structure KS is arranged to extend longitudinally of the cover panel 312A/312B; however, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the keel structure KS may arranged to extend transversely of the cover panel 312A/312B, in such embodiments the cover panel 312A/312B may engage the articles B in the outermost columns and the articles B in the innermost or medial pair of columns.

The package P of Figure 4 comprises a tray length dimension Lt1 and a cover length dimension Lcf. The cover length dimension Lcf may optionally be represented by a distance between the first end flap 118 and the second end flap 120. Optionally, the length dimension Lcf may be defined between the lower or free ends or edges of the first and second flaps 118, 120. The cover length dimension Lcf of the cover 190 in the erected form of the cover 190 is equal to or less than the length dimension Lt1 of the tray 90 in its erected form. The tray length dimension Lt1 may optionally be the length of the tray base panel 12 extending between the fold lines 13a, 13b. The tray length dimension Lt1 may optionally be represented by the distance between the first and second end panels 14a, 14b of the tray 90 in its erected form as shown in Figure 2. The tray length dimension Lt 1 may optionally be represented by the distance between the outer surface of the first end panel 14a and that of the second end panel 14b of the erected tray 90.

The package P’ of Figure 6 comprises a tray length dimension Lt2 and a cover length dimension Lc2. The package P’ comprises a tray width dimension Wt2 and a cover width dimension Wc2. The cover width dimension Wc2 is measured between the lower or free ends or edges of the first and second side or shoulder panels 214, 216. The cover length dimension Lc2 is equal to or less than the tray length dimension Lt2. The cover width dimension Wc2 is equal to or less than the tray width dimension Wt2. The package P” of Figure 8 is similarly arranged. The tray length dimension Lt2 may optionally be the length of the tray base panel 12 extending between the fold lines 13a, 13b. The tray length dimension Lt2 may optionally be represented by the distance between the first and second end panels 14a, 14b of the tray 90 in its erected form as shown in Figure 2. The tray length dimension Lt2 may optionally be represented by the distance between the outer surface of the first end panel 14a and that of the second end panel 14b of the erected tray 90. The tray width dimension Wt2 may optionally be the width of the tray base panel 12 extending between the fold lines 15a, 15b. The tray width dimension Wt2 may optionally be represented by the distance between the first and second side panels 16a, 16b of the tray 90 in an erected form as shown in Figure 2. The tray width dimension Wt2 may optionally be represented by the distance between the outer surface of the first side panel 16a and that of the second side panel 16b of the erected tray 90.

The present disclosure provides a package P; P’ ; P” comprising a tray 90, a plurality of articles B received in the tray 90, and a cover 190; 290; 390. The cover 190; 290; 390 may have a first dimension or distance Lcf, Lc2, Wc2. The tray 90 may have a second or linear dimension Lt 1 ; Lt2, Wt2. The first dimension and second dimension are parallel to each other, that is to say, they lie in the same direction with respect to the package P, P’, P”. The first dimension Lcf, Lc2, Wc2 is equal to or less than the second dimension Lt1 , Lt2, Wt2.

The present disclosure provides a combination of a tray blank 10 and a covering blank 1 10; 210; 310. The covering blank 110; 210; 310 may have a first dimension or distance Lcf, Lc2, Wc2 when erected into a covering. The tray blank 10 may have a second or linear dimension Lt1 , Lt2, Wt2 when erected into a tray. The linear dimension Lt 1 , Lt2, Wr2 of the erected tray may be the length or width of the base panel 12 of the tray blank 10. The first dimension Lcf, Lc2, Wc2 of the covering is equal to or less than the second length dimension Lt1 , Lt2 of the base panel 12.

The present disclosure also provides a combination of a tray blank 10 and a covering blank 1 10; 210; 310 wherein the covering blank 1 10; 210; 310 comprises a pair of foldable flaps 118, 120; 214, 216; 314, 316 hingedly connected to respective ones of the opposed ends or sides of a top panel 114; 212, 312A/312B of the covering blank. Each of the foldable flaps 118, 120; 214, 216; 314, 316 extends to a free end. A free end of a first one of the foldable flaps 118, 120; 214, 216; 314, 316 is disposed at a first distance Wc2, Lcf from a free end of a second one of pair of foldable flaps 118, 120; 214, 216; 314, 316 when in an erected form to create a cover 190; 290; 390. The first distance Wc2, Lcf is equal to or less than a linear dimension Lt1 , Wt2 of a tray 90 formed from the tray blank 10.

This may be advantageous in preventing the foldable flaps 118, 120; 214, 216; 314, 316 from snagging or catching on an adjacently disposed package P; P’; P”.

The present disclosure provides a package P, P’, P” comprising a tray 90, a plurality of articles B received in the tray 90, and a cover 190. The tray 90 may have at least one squared corner and the cover 190 has at least one rounded or beveled corner panel 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B above the at least one squared corner. The rounded or beveled corner panel 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B is formed about a side wall of an adjacently disposed article B. The tray 90 is formed from a first blank 10 and the cover 190 is formed from a second separate blank 110.

The cover 190 comprises a top panel 1 14 and an end panel 118, 120 provided by one of the pair of foldable flaps 118, 120. The rounded or beveled corner panel 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B is hingedly connected to the end panel 118, 120.

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

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/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 halfcut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options. It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort. The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.