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Title:
ARTICLE CARRIER, BLANK AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING THE SAME
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/067121
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, to a carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles (B), to a blank (10) for forming the carrier (90) and a method of constructing a carrier (90). The package comprises an article carrier (90) and one or more articles (B). The article carrier (90) comprises a main panel (12, 18) including a handle (14, 16). A lateral partition panel (30, 32, 34, 36) is hinged to main panel (12, 18), the lateral partition panel (30, 32, 34, 36) is bonded to at least one article (B).

Inventors:
HAYTER GREGORY (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2020/052607
Publication Date:
April 08, 2021
Filing Date:
September 25, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC (US)
International Classes:
B65D71/00; B65D71/44; B65D73/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2013185898A12013-12-19
WO1995025046A11995-09-21
WO2016040159A12016-03-17
WO2016054166A12016-04-07
Foreign References:
DE102018201405A12019-08-01
EP0622300A11994-11-02
US3543472A1970-12-01
US5645162A1997-07-08
US4413729A1983-11-08
DE102011107265A12013-01-10
EP0060504A21982-09-22
DE4429253A11996-02-22
GB2136760A1984-09-26
US4050579A1977-09-27
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
COHEN, Neil, G. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A package comprising an article carrier and one or more articles, the article carrier having a main panel including a handle, the carrier comprising a lateral partition panel hinged to main panel, the lateral partition panel being bonded to at least one article.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the at least one article is bonded to the main panel.

3. A package comprising an article carrier and one or more articles, the article carrier consisting of a plurality of panels forming upright walls, the plurality of panels including a main panel including a handle and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to main panel, the at least one lateral partition panel being glued to at least one article.

4. A package according to claim 3, wherein the at least one article is glued to the main panel.

5. An article carrier consisting of a plurality of panels forming upright walls, the plurality of panels including a pair of main panels including a handle, and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to one of the pair of main panels, the pair of main panels secured in face to face relationship with each other, the other of the pair of main panels comprising a construction opening providing access to an inner face of the at least one lateral partition panel.

6. An article carrier consisting of a plurality of panels forming upright walls, the plurality of panels including a pair of main panels including a handle, and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to each of the pair of main panels, the pair of main panels secured in face to face relationship with each other, each of the pair of main panels comprising a construction opening providing access to an inner face of the at least one lateral partition panel hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of main panels.

7. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hinged in opposition to the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels.

8. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a first hinged connection and the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a second hinged connection, wherein the first hinged connection is vertically offset with respect to the second hinged connection.

9. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein a first lateral partition panel is hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels and a second lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels, wherein the first lateral partition panel is disposed in closer proximity to the handle than the second lateral partition panel.

10. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein a lower edge of first lateral partition panel is complementary to an upper edge of the second lateral partition panel.

11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the lower edge of first lateral partition panel is in registry with the upper edge of the second lateral partition panel when the first and second partition panels are disposed in coplanar relationship with the respective one of the pair of main panels to which they are hinged.

12. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a first hinged connection disposed at a first elevation and the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a second hinged connection disposed at a second elevation.

13. A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier having a primary wall formed from a pair of main panels and comprising a handle, the pair of main panels being disposed in face to face relationship with each other, the carrier includes a lateral partition panel hinged to one of the pair of main panels, the lateral partition panel being foldable from a first condition, in which the lateral partition panel is substantially coplanar with the main panel to which it is hinged and is parallel with other main panel, to a second condition, in which the lateral partition panel is substantially perpendicular with the primary wall, said other main panel comprises a construction opening providing access to a side of the lateral partition panel disposed in face to face relationship with said other main panel when the lateral partition is disposed in the first condition.

14. A carrier according to claim 13, wherein glue is applied to said side of the lateral partition panel.

15. A carrier according to claim 14, wherein glue is applied to another opposing side of the lateral partition panel.

16. A carrier according to claim 13, wherein glue is applied to the primary wall.

17. A carrier according to claim 13, wherein the pair of main panels are hingedly connected to each other.

18. A carrier according to claim 14, wherein at least one article is bonded to the lateral partition panel.

19. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the at least one article is bonded to the primary wall.

20. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a primary wall and a hinged panel, the primary wall comprising a first panel and a second panel secured together with their respective inside surfaces in a face-contacting arrangement, the hinged panel being formed from part of the first panel and being hingedly connected to the first panel along a first fold line, wherein the hinged panel is disposed at a folded position to define a first angle with respect to the second panel, wherein the second panel comprises an access opening on one side of the first fold line, the access opening being located at a first distance from the first fold line, and wherein the hinged panel has a designated glue application area on an inside surface thereof, the designated glue application area being located at a second distance from the first fold line, the second distance being generally equal to the first distance.

21. A method of constructing an article carrier comprising: providing an article carrier having a first panel and second panel, the first panel comprising a subsidiary panel struck at least in part therefrom and hingedly connected thereto, the second panel comprising a construction opening; placing first panel in face contacting relationship with the second panel such that the construction opening is disposed in alignment with the subsidiary panel; applying adhesive treatment through the construction opening to a side of the subsidiary panel disposed adjacent to the second panel; folding the subsidiary panel out of the plane of the first panel.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein placing first panel in face contacting relationship with the second panel comprises folding the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinged connection therebetween.

23. A method according to claim 21, further comprising bonding an article to the subsidiary panel.

24. A method according to claim 21 , further comprising applying adhesive treatment to one of the first and second panels.

25. A method according to claim 24, further comprising bonding an article to the subsidiary panel and to said one of the first and second panels.

26. A blank for forming a carrier, the blank comprising plurality of panels including a first main panel comprising a first handle opening and a second main panel comprising a second handle opening, the first main panel being hingedly connected to the second main panel by a first hinged connection, the first main panel comprising at least one lateral partition panel hingedly connected thereto, the second main panel comprising a construction opening configured to be in vertical alignment with the at least one lateral partition panel when the first main panel is folded about the first hinged connection into face to face relationship with the second main panel.

27. A blank according to claim 26, wherein the second main panel comprising at least one second lateral partition panel hingedly connected thereto, the first main panel comprising a second construction opening configured to be in vertical alignment with the at least one second lateral partition panel.

Description:
ARTICLE CARRIER, BLANK AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packages, to carriers for packaging articles, to blanks for forming the carrier and a method of constructing the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier having a carrying handle and a partition structure to which articles are bonded.

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 to produce a carrier with a carrying handle structure which is strong and robust enough to carry the load of the articles being packaged.

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 package comprising an article carrier and one or more articles. The article carrier has a main panel including a handle. The carrier comprises a lateral partition panel hinged to main panel. The lateral partition panel is bonded to at least one article.

Optionally, the at least one article is bonded to the main panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and one or more articles. The article carrier consists of a plurality of panels forming upright walls. The plurality of panels include a main panel including a handle and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to main panel. The at least one lateral partition panel is glued to at least one article. Optionally, the at least one article is glued to the main panel.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier consisting of a plurality of panels forming upright walls. The plurality of panels includes a pair of main panels including a handle and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to one of the pair of main panels. The pair of main panels are secured in face to face relationship with each other. The other of the pair of main panels comprises a construction opening providing access to an inner face of the at least one lateral partition panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier consisting of a plurality of panels forming upright walls. The plurality of panels includes a pair of main panels including a handle and at least one lateral partition panel hinged to each of the pair of main panels. The pair of main panels are secured in face to face relationship with each other. Each of the pair of main panels comprises a construction opening providing access to an inner face of the at least one lateral partition panel hingedly connected to the other one of the pair of main panels.

Optionally, the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hinged in opposition to the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels.

Optionally, the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a first hinged connection and the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a second hinged connection, wherein the first hinged connection is vertically offset with respect to the second hinged connection.

Optionally, a first lateral partition panel is hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels and a second lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels, wherein the first lateral partition panel is disposed in closer proximity to the handle than the second lateral partition panel.

Optionally, a lower edge of first lateral partition panel is complementary to an upper edge of the second lateral partition panel.

Optionally, the lower edge of first lateral partition panel is in registry with the upper edge of the second lateral partition panel when the first and second partition panels are disposed in coplanar relationship with the respective one of the pair of main panels to which they are hinged.

Optionally, the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a first one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a first hinged connection disposed at a first elevation and the at least one lateral partition panel hinged to a second one of the pair of main panels is hingedly connected thereto by a second hinged connection disposed at a second elevation.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier has a primary wall formed from a pair of main panels and comprising a handle. The pair of main panels are disposed in face to face relationship with each other. The carrier includes a lateral partition panel hinged to one of the pair of main panels. The lateral partition panel is foldable from a first condition, in which the lateral partition panel is substantially coplanar with the main panel to which it is hinged and is parallel with other main panel, to a second condition, in which the lateral partition panel is substantially perpendicular with the primary wall. Said other main panel comprises a construction opening providing access to a side of the lateral partition panel disposed in face to face relationship with said other main panel when the lateral partition is disposed in the first condition.

Optionally, glue is applied to said side of the lateral partition panel.

Optionally, glue is applied to another opposing side of the lateral partition panel.

Optionally, glue is applied to the primary wall.

Optionally, the pair of main panels are hingedly connected to each other.

Optionally, at least one article is bonded to the lateral partition panel.

Optionally, the at least one article is bonded to the primary wall.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a primary wall and a hinged panel. The primary wall comprises a first panel and a second panel secured together with their respective inside surfaces in a face-contacting arrangement. The hinged panel is formed from part of the first panel and is hingedly connected to the first panel along a first fold line. The hinged panel is disposed at a folded position to define a first angle with respect to the second panel. The second panel comprises an access opening on one side of the first fold line. The access opening is located at a first distance from the first fold line. The hinged panel has a designated glue application area on an inside surface thereof. The designated glue application area is located at a second distance from the first fold line. The second distance is generally equal to the first distance.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of constructing an article carrier. The method comprises providing an article carrier having a first panel and second panel. The first panel comprises a subsidiary panel struck at least in part therefrom and hingedly connected thereto. The second panel comprises a construction opening. The first panel is placed in face contacting relationship with the second panel such that the construction opening is disposed in alignment with the subsidiary panel. Adhesive treatment is applied through the construction opening to a side of the subsidiary panel disposed adjacent to the second panel. The subsidiary panel is folded out of the plane of the first panel.

Optionally, placing first panel in face contacting relationship with the second panel comprises folding the first panel with respect to the second panel about a hinged connection therebetween.

Optionally, the method further comprises bonding an article to the subsidiary panel.

Optionally, the method further comprises applying adhesive treatment to one of the first and second panels.

Optionally, the method further comprises bonding an article to the subsidiary panel and to said one of the first and second panels.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises plurality of panels including a first main panel comprising a first handle opening and a second main panel comprising a second handle opening. The first main panel is hingedly connected to the second main panel by a first hinged connection. The first main panel comprises at least one lateral partition panel hingedly connected thereto. The second main panel comprises a construction opening configured to be in vertical alignment with the at least one lateral partition panel when the first main panel is folded about the first hinged connection into face to face relationship with the second main panel. Optionally, the second main panel comprising at least one second lateral partition panel hingedly connected thereto, the first main panel comprising a second construction opening configured to be in vertical alignment with the at least one second lateral partition 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 carrier according to a first embodiment;

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

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 2 and a plurality of articles;

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 5A shows a first side of a partially assembled carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 5B shows a second side of a partially assembled carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6B is an alternative perspective view of the carrier of Figure 6;

Figure 6C is a perspective view of an opposite side of the carrier of Figure 6; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 6 and a plurality of articles;

Figure 7B is an alternative perspective view of the package of Figure 7; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 6 showing a carrying handle in stowed condition.

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

Referring to Figure 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 carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 3. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 5A, for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 6. The blank 110 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 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 structure or carrier 90; 190 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; 110 are configured to form a 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; 110 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 carrier 90 (see Figure 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 for forming a handle structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, comprises: a first main panel 12, a first handle panel 14, a second handle panel 16, and a second main panel 18. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17.

The first main panel 12 may form a first intermediate or divider panel 12. The second main panel 18 may form a second intermediate or divider panel 18.

The first and second main panels 12, 18 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second handle panels 14, 16 to which they are hingedly connected.

The first handle panel 14 and second handle panel 16 comprise a carrying handle H. The carrying handle H comprises a first opening in the first handle panel 14 and a second opening in the second handle panel 16.

The first opening may be defined, at least in part, by a first handle aperture A1. The first opening may be defined, at least in part, by a first cushioning flap 50. The first cushioning flap 50 is struck from or defined within the first handle panel 14 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51.

The second opening may be defined, at least in part, by a second handle aperture A2. The second opening may be defined, at least in part, by a second cushioning flap 52. The second cushioning flap 52 is struck from or defined within the second handle panel 16 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53.

The first main panel 12 comprises at least one partition panel 30, 32. The illustrated embodiment comprises two partition panels 30, 32; in other embodiments more or less partition panels may be provided.

A first partition panel 30 is struck from or defined within the first main panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31.

A second partition panel 32 is struck from or defined within the first main panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33.

The first and second partition panels 30, 32 are arranged to be folded out of the plane of the first main panel 12 to be substantially perpendicular thereto, as shown in Figure 2. The second main panel 18 comprises at least one partition panel 34, 36. The illustrated embodiment comprises two partition panels 34, 36; in other embodiments more or less partition panels may be provided.

A third partition panel 34 is struck from or defined within the second main panel 18 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35.

A fourth partition panel 36 is struck from or defined within the second main panel 18 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37.

The third and fourth partition panels 34, 36 are arranged to be folded out of the plane of the second main panel 18 to be substantially perpendicular thereto, as shown in Figure 2.

The first, second, third and fourth partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 create laterally extending wings extending outwardly from a central wall formed from the first and second main panel 12, 18.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the carrier 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carrier 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.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to regions of a first or inner surface of one of the first and second main panels 12, 18 and to regions of a first or inner surface of one of the first and second handle panels 14, 16.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 15 to bring the first handle panel 14 into face contacting relationship with the second handle panel 16 and the first main panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship with the second main panel 18.

The first handle panel 14 is secured to the second handle panel 16. The first main panel 12 is secured to the second main panel 18.

The first, second, third and fourth partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 are folded out of the plane of the respective one of the first and second main panels 12, 18 so as to be substantially perpendicular thereto. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to regions G of a second or outer surface of each of the first and second main panels 12, 18.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to regions G of opposing surfaces of each of the first, second, third and fourth partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36, that is to say the glue is applied to both sides of the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36.

A plurality or group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 six articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array.

Each article is secured to one of the first and second main panels 12, 18 and to at least one on the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36.

The endmost articles B are secured to the carrier 90 in two locations, in a first location to one of the first and second main panels 12, 18 and in a second location to one side of an adjacently disposed partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36.

The inner or central article B may be secured to the carrier 90 in two or three locations; in a first location to one of the first and second main panels 12, 18 and in a second location to a first side of a first adjacently disposed partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36, and in an optional third location to a second side of a second adjacently disposed partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36.

In this way each of the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 may be secured or adhered to two adjacently disposed articles disposed on opposing side thereof.

In this way the articles B act or serve as a brace maintaining the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 in a folded or deployed condition so as to prevent or inhibit the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 fold out of their laterally extending position.

Each article B is secured to the carrier at a first location and at a second location, the first location engages the article B at a first elevation or height with respect to the article B. The second location engages the article B at a second, different, elevation or height with respect to the article B. This may prevent or inhibit rotation of the article B, in particular but not limited to, pitch and roll rotation of the article B. Securing each article B at two locations about the circumference or perimeter of the article B -employing a main panel 12, 18 to secure a first location on the perimeter and employing a partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36 to secure a second, different, location on the perimeter- may prevent or inhibit rotation of the article B, in particular but not limited to, yaw rotation of the article B. The articles B ay comprise a substantially tubular or cylindrical structure having a tubular or cylindrical axis, and yaw rotation, rotation about the tubular or cylindrical axis may be prevented or inhibited.

The assembled carrier 90 is shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier 90 and a group of articles B.

The partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 can be considered to be subsidiary panels of the main panels 12, 18. Each of the partition panels 30, 32, 34, 36 is hingedly connected to one of the main panels 12, 18 and is formed, at least in part, from material which would otherwise form the main panel 12, 18 to which it is hinged.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 7 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 second embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 4 illustrates a blank 110 for forming a carton 190 according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118 for forming a handle structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118 comprises a first main panel 112, a first handle panel 114, a second handle panel 116, and a second main panel 118. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117.

The blank 110 may be formed from a material having a grain or machine direction, the grain direction, the grain direction may extend transversely of the blank 110, in a direction parallel with the fold line 115, as indicated by direction arrow GR in Figure 4.

The fold line 113 hinging the first main panel 112 to the first handle panel 114 may be interrupted by one or more cutaways. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 113 is interrupted by an elongate or oval aperture or slot A3. The fold line 113 may be interrupted by an elongate recesses R1 , R2 struck from opposed side edges of the blank 110.

Aperture A3 may be struck in part from the first main panel 112 and in part from the first handle panel 114.

Recesses R1 , R2 may be struck in part from the first main panel 112 and in part from the first handle panel 114.

The fold line 117 hinging the second main panel 118 to the second handle panel 116 may be interrupted by one or more cutaways. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 117 is interrupted by a pair of elongate or oval apertures or slots A4, A5.

Apertures A4, A5 may be struck in part from the second main panel 118 and in part from the second handle panel 116.

The cutaways interrupting the fold line 117 may be arranged so as to be offset with respect to the cutaways interrupting the fold line 113 when the blank 110 is folded, about fold line 115, to bring the first main panel 112 into face contacting relationship with the second main panel 118 and the first handle panel 114 into face contacting relationship with the second handle panel 116.

The blank 110 comprises at least one partition structure P5, P6. The embodiment of Figure 4 comprises two partition structures P5, P6. A first partition structure P5 is struck from the first main panel 112. A second partition structure P6 is struck from the second main panel 118.

The first partition structure P5 comprises a first partition panel 130 hingedly connected at a first end to the first main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131. The first partition structure P5 comprises a second partition panel 132 hingedly connected at a first end to the first main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133.

The first partition structure P5 comprises a first connecting panel 140. The first connecting panel 140 couples the first partition panel 130 to the second partition panel 132.

The first partition panel 130 is hingedly connected at a second end to the first connecting panel 140 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141. The second partition panel 132 is hingedly connected at a second end to the first connecting panel 140 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143.

The first partition panel 130 and the first connecting panel 140 are defined, at least in part by a first severance line 144a.

The first severance line 144a defines an upper edge of the first partition panel 130 and the first connecting panel 140.

The first partition panel 130, second partition panel 132 and the first connecting panel 140 are defined, at least in part by a second severance line 144b.

The second severance line 144b defines a lower edge of the first partition panel 130 and the first connecting panel 140; the second severance line 144b defines an upper edge of the second partition panel 132.

The first partition panel 130 is vertically offset with respect to the second partition panel 132. The first partition panel 130 is disposed in closer proximity to the first handle panel 114 than the second partition panel 132.

The first main panel 112 comprises at least one construction opening A6, A7. The construction openings take the form of apertures A6, A7 struck from the first main panel 112. The construction openings A6, A7 facilitate assembly of the carrier 190 and enable glue or other adhesive treatment to be applied therethrough to a panel disposed thereunder. The first main panel 112 comprises a first construction opening A6 and a second construction opening A7. The second construction opening A7 may be defined in part by a portion of the second severance line 144b. The second severance line 144b may be considered to be interrupted by the second construction opening A7 or formed in part by the second construction opening A7.

The second partition structure P6 comprises a third partition panel 136 hingedly connected at a first end to the second main panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137. The second partition structure P5 comprises a fourth partition panel 134 hingedly connected at a first end to the second main panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135. The second partition structure P6 comprises a second connecting panel 142. The second connecting panel 142 couples the third partition panel 136 to the fourth partition panel 134.

The third partition panel 136 is hingedly connected at a second end to the second connecting panel 142 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 145.

The fourth partition panel 134 is hingedly connected at a second end to the second connecting panel 142 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 147.

The third partition panel 136 and the second connecting panel 142 are defined, at least in part by a third severance line 146a.

The third severance line 146a defines an upper edge of the third partition panel 136 and the second connecting panel 142.

The third partition panel 136, fourth partition panel 134 and the second connecting panel 142 are defined, at least in part by a fourth severance line 146b.

The fourth severance line 146b defines a lower edge of the third partition panel 136 and the second connecting panel 14; the fourth severance line 146b defines an upper edge of the fourth partition panel 134.

At least a portion of the third partition panel 136 is vertically offset with respect to the fourth partition panel 134; said portion of the third partition panel 136 is disposed in closer proximity to the second handle panel 116 than the fourth partition panel 134.

The second main panel 118 comprises at least one construction opening A8, A9. The construction openings take the form of apertures A8, A9 struck from the second main panel 118. The construction openings A8, A9 facilitate assembly of the carrier 190 and enable glue or other adhesive treatment to be applied therethrough to a panel disposed thereunder. The second main panel 118 comprises a third construction opening A9 and a fourth construction opening A8. The fourth construction opening A8 may be defined in part by a portion of the third severance line 146a. The third severance line 146a may be considered to be interrupted by the fourth construction opening A8 or formed in part by the fourth construction opening A8.

The third and fourth partition panel 136, 134 may be hinged in opposition to the first and second partition panel 130, 132. The first partition panel 130 is vertically offset with respect to the fourth partition panel 134. The first partition panel 130 is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 115 than the fourth partition panel 134.

Figures 5A and 5B show a partially assembled blank 110. The blank 110 is folded, about fold line 115, to bring the first main panel 112 into face contacting relationship with the second main panel 118 and the first handle panel 114 into face contacting relationship with the second handle panel 116. Figure 5B shows a first side of the partially assembled blank 110, the first main panel 112 and the first handle panel 114 being disposed uppermost. Figure 5A shows a second side of the partially assembled blank 110, the second main panel 118 and the second handle panel 116 being disposed uppermost.

In Figure 5A the third construction opening A9 and the fourth construction opening A8 provide access to a reverse or innermost side of the first main panel 112. The third construction opening A9 provides access to a reverse or innermost side of the second partition panel 132. The fourth construction opening A8 provides access to a reverse or innermost side of the first partition panel 130.

In Figure 5B the first construction opening A6 and the second construction opening A7 provide access to a reverse or innermost side of the second main panel 118. The first construction opening A6 provides access to a reverse or innermost side of the fourth partition panel 134. The second construction opening A7 provides access to a reverse or innermost side of the third partition panel 136.

The partition panel 130, 132, 134, 136 comprise glue or other adhesive treatment applied to both sides thereof.

The first partition panel 130 is vertically offset with respect to the third partition panel 136. The first partition panel 130 is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 115 than the third partition panel 136.

The lower edge of the first partition panel 130 may be shaped substantially complementary to the upper edge of the third partition panel 136.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a first side of the partially assembled blank 110 shown in Figure 5B. Glue is applied to the first main panel 112 and to each of the first and second partition panels 130, 132. Glue is applied to a reverse side of each of the third and fourth partition panels 136, 134, through the openings A7, A6 respectively.

Glue is applied to the first main panel 112 in a plurality of locations, each corresponding to a position adjacent to an article B to be secured thereto. The illustrated embodiment comprises three glue locations on the first main panel 112.

Once glue has been applied to the first side of the partially assembled blank 110 the first and second partition panels 130, 132 are folded out of the plane of the first main panel 112 to be substantially perpendicular thereto, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a second side of the partially assembled blank 110 shown in Figure 5A. Glue is applied to the second main panel 118 and to each of the third and fourth partition panels 136, 134. Glue is applied to a reverse side of each of the first and second partition panels 130, 132, through the openings A8, A9 respectively.

Glue is applied to the second main panel 118 in a plurality of locations, each corresponding to a position adjacent to an article B to be secured thereto. The illustrated embodiment comprises three glue locations on the second main panel 118.

Once glue has been applied to the second side of the partially assembled blank 110 the third and fourth partition panels 136, 134 are folded out of the plane of the second main panel 118 to be substantially perpendicular thereto, as shown in Figure 6C.

The second construction opening A7 and the fourth construction opening A8 are arranged to be complementary to each other and together define a single opening through the first and second main panels 112, 118, as shown in Figure 6.

The carrier 190 is loaded with articles B, as shown in Figure 7.

A first article B is inserted into a tubular structure defined by the first and second partition panels 130, 132, the first connecting panel 140 and the first and second main panels 112, 118.

A second article B is inserted into a tubular structure defined by the third and fourth partition panels 136, 134, the second connecting panel 142 and the first and second main panels 112, 118. Articles B are positioned adjacent to each of the first and second articles B, on opposing sides thereof, with a partition panel 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed therebetween.

In this way the carrier 190 comprises at least two glue positions for each article B being packaged. Each article B is glued or secured to the carrier 190 in at least two positions. Each article B is secured to one of the first and second main panels 112, 118 and to one of the partition panels 130, 132, 134, 136. The partition panels 130, 132, 134, 136 can be considered to be subsidiary panels of the main panels 112, 118. Each of the partition panels 130, 132, 134, 136 is hingedly connected to one of the main panels 112, 118 and is formed, at least in part, from material which would otherwise form the main panel 112, 118 to which it is hinged.

The carrier 190 comprises a carrying handle H defined in handle portion HP. The handle portion HP is provided by the first and second handle panels 114,116. The first and second main panels 112,118 provide a divider or primary wall disposed between two rows of articles B. The handle portion HP can be considered to be an upper portion of the divider or primary wall which extends above the upper ends of the articles B. The handle portion HP may be folded with respect to the divider about a hinged connection provided by the fold lines 113, 117. The handle portion HP can be folded substantially perpendicular with respect to the divider so as to overlie one of the rows of articles B, as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 6 shows an article carrier 190 comprising a primary wall and a hinged panel, in the illustrated embodiment the hinged panel is provided by a second partition panel 132. The primary wall comprises a first panel 112/114 and a second panel 116/118 secured together with their respective inside surfaces in a face-contacting arrangement. The hinged panel 132 is formed from part of the first panel 112/114 and is hingedly connected to the first panel 112/114 along a first fold line 133. The hinged panel 132 is disposed at a folded position in which the hinged panel 132 defines a first angle Q with respect to the second panel 116/118. The second panel 116/118 has an access opening A9 on one side of the first fold line 133. The access opening A9 is located at a first distance d1 from the first fold line 133. The hinged panel 133 has a designated glue application area G on the inside surface thereof. The designated glue application area G is located at a second distance d2 from the first fold line 133. The second distance d2 is generally equal to the first distance d1.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a package comprising a carrier 90; 190 having a main panel 112, 118 comprising a handle H. The carrier 90; 190 includes a lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 hinged to main panel 112, 118. The lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 is glued or otherwise bonded to at least one article B.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190 having a primary wall formed from a pair of main panels 112, 118 and comprising a handle H. The pair of main panels 112, 118 being disposed in face to face relationship with each other. The pair of main panels 112, 118 may be secured in face to face relationship with each other. The pair of main panels 112, 118 may be hingedly connected to each other. The carrier 90; 190 includes a lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 hinged to main panel 112, 118. The lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 is glued or otherwise bonded to at least one article B. The lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 is foldable or displaceable from a first condition substantially coplanar or parallel with the primary wall and a second condition substantially perpendicular with the primary wall. At least one of the pair of main panels 112, 118 comprises a construction opening A6, A7, A8, A9 providing access to a side of the lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed in face to face relationship with said at least one of the pair of main panels 112, 118. Glue or adhesive treatment G may be applied to said side of the lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136. Glue or adhesive treatment G may be applied to another opposing side of the lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136. Glue or adhesive treatment G may be applied to the primary wall.

Advantageously, the construction opening A6, A7, A8, A9 allows or enables glue to be applied to the lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 prior to folding the lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 out of a coplanar relationship with the said at least one of the pair of main panels 112, 118.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110 for forming a carrier 90; 190. The blank 10; 110 comprises a main panel 112, 118 including a handle H. A lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 is hingedly connected to main panel 112, 118. The lateral partition panel 30, 32, 34, 36; 130, 132, 134, 136 may be struck, at least in part, from the main panel 112, 118.

The article carrier 90; 190 and blank 10; 110 are substantially bereft or devoid of outer walls or a tubular structure which surrounds a plurality or group of articles.

The article carrier 90; 190 and blank 10; 110 are also bereft or devoid of a base wall. In this way the articles B are unsupported from below. The carrier 90; 190 consists only of panels which are substantially vertical or upright, in normal use. A portion of the primary wall may be folded or foldable into a substantially horizontal orientation when the carrier 90; 190 is in stowed condition.

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.

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

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

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

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

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