TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein.

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 well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said panel and are arranged about the aperture. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabs engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engaging panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, and a securing panel hingedly connected to each corner panel. A flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.

Advantageously, the rounded free upper edge of flap facilitates the construction process, and may be brought into contact with an inside surface of an adjacent one of the pair of side panels during the process of folding the pair of side panels downwards. The rounded edge allows flap to slide along the inside surface of said one of the pair of side panels to arrive at the correct operative location next to the handle instead and thus avoids or mitigates against the flap being crushed or improperly folded by said one of the pair of side panels.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engaging panel and a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel. At least one of pair of side panels comprises a handle structure including a handle opening. A plurality of end panels is hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel and comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges. A corner panel is hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges. A securing panel is hingedly connected to each corner panel and a flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a cutaway, in the form of an aperture or recess, the cutaway is disposed in registry with at least a portion of the handle opening, such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the handle structure.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels, by first and second hinged connections respectively, and at least one end panel. The engaging panel comprises at least two article receiving devices and a panel portion disposed therebetween. The panel portion is hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels by third and fourth hinged connections respectively. The panel portion is indented such that a medial region thereof is disposed at an elevation below marginal regions of the panel portion.

Optionally, the panel portion may be automatically configured in the indented condition upon assembly of the carrier.

Optionally, the first and second hinged connections are disposed a first distance apart, the third and fourth hinged connections are disposed a second distance apart, the second distance may be greater than the first distance.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a pair of engaging panels hingedly connected to each other along a fold line to form a ridge. The carrier comprises at least a pair of top-receiving devices struck in part from each of the pair of engaging panels so as to be disposed along the ridge. At least one end panel is coupled to the engaging panels.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a pair of side panels hingedly connected to each other along a fold line to form a ridge. The csme; comprises si ieosi s pair oi iop-reoervmg cfemces struck m psc from each of the poir of side panels so as to be disposed along the ridge. An end panel is coupled to both of the pair of side panels.

Optionally, the end panel is coupled to each of the engaging panels by a respective connecting panel.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a multi-ply engaging panel having at least one article retention structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom. The multi-ply engaging panel comprises a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engaging panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges and a securing panel hingedly connected to each corner panel. A flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.

Optionally, the flap extends between the securing panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels. Optionally, the flap is separated from the side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a outline line.

Optionally, the flap is separated from the side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

Optionally, the free upper edge forms an inner edge facing towards a portion of the first end panel and is separated therefrom by an aperture.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engaging panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, and a securing panel hingedly connected to each corner panel. A flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.

Optionally, the flap extends between the securing panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels.

Optionally, the flap is separated from the side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a cutline line.

Optionally, the flap is separated from the side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

Optionally, the free side edge forms an inner edge facing towards a portion of the first end panel and is separated therefrom by an aperture.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engaging panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, and a securing panel hingedly connected to each corner panel. A flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.

A tenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engaging panel and a pair of side panels hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel. At least one of pair of side panels comprises a handle structure including a handle opening. A plurality of end panels is hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, and a securing panel hingedly connected to each corner panel. A flap is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel. The flap comprises a cutaway, in the form of an aperture or recess. The cutaway is configured to be disposed in registry with at least a portion of the handle opening in a setup condition, such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the handle structure.

An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels by first and second hinged connections respectively and at least one end panel. The engaging panel comprises at least two article receiving devices and a panel portion disposed therebetween. The panel portion is hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels by third and fourth hinged connections respectively. The panel portion is indented such that a medial region thereof is disposed at an elevation below marginal regions of the panel portion.

A twelfth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a pair of engaging panels hingedly connected to each other along a fold line to form a ridge. The blank comprises at least a pair of top-receiving devices struck in part from each of the pair of engaging panels so as to be disposed along the ridge. At least one end panel is coupled to the engaging panels.

A thirteenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a pair of side panels hingedly connected to each other along a fold line to form a ridge. The blank comprises at least a pair of top-receiving devices struck in part from each of the pair of side panels so as to be disposed along the ridge. An end panel is coupled to both of the pair of side panels.

A fourteenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a multi-ply engaging panel having at least one article retention structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom. The multi-ply engaging panel comprises a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

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 carrier according to a first embodiment;

Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

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

Figure 4B is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 4;

Figures 5 and B are perspective views from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 6B is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 6;

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 6 forming a package with a plurality of articles;

Figure 7B is a perspective view of an interior portion of the carrier of Figure 7 in which the articles have been omitted for illustrative purposes;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth embodiment;

Figure 8B is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 8;

Figure 9 illustrates a stage of construction of the blank of Figure 8 into a carrier; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and carriers 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 carriers 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, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310; 410 are shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 8 for forming a carton or carrier 290; 390; 490, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 10, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B.

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; 410 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 90; 290; 390; 490 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; 410 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array; two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml PET bottles (not shown).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array; two rows of two articles B are provided, and the articles B are 1.75 liter PET bottles (not shown).

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 10, the arrangement is a 1 x 2 matrix or array; one row of two articles B is provided, and the articles B are 2 liter PET bottles.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 can be configured to form a carrier 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, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, including a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90 (see Figures 2A and 2B).

A first upper end panel 14A is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13A. A first lower end panel 14B is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 14A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13B.

A second upper end panel 16A is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15A. A second lower end panel 16B is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 16A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15B.

A first upper side panel 18A is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17A. A first lower side panel 18B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17B. A second upper side panel 20A is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19A. A second lower side panel 20B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 20A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19B.

A first corner panel 24A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first lower side panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A. A second corner panel 24B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second lower side panel 20B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B.

A first securing panel 22A/30A is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 24A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The first securing panel 22A/30A comprises a first lower securing panel portion 22A and a first upper securing panel portion 30A, the first lower securing panel portion 22A is hingedly connected to a first upper securing panel portion 30A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 A. The first upper securing panel portion 30A is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 14A, 14B by a cut line 33A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the first corner panel 24A from the first upper end panel 14A; the aperture A3 also separates first upper securing panel portion 30A from the first upper side panel 18A and a portion of the first lower end panel 14B.

A second securing panel 22B/30B is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 24B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. The second securing panel 22B/30B comprises a second lower securing panel portion 22B and a second upper securing panel portion 30B, the second lower securing panel portion 22B is hingedly connected to a second upper securing panel portion 30B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 B. The second upper securing panel portion 30B is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 14A, 14B by a cut line 33B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the second corner panel 24B from the first upper end panel 14A; the aperture A3 also separates second upper securing panel portion 30B from the second upper side panel 20A and a portion of the first lower end panel 14B.

A third corner panel 28A is hingedly connected to a second end of the first lower side panel 18A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A. A fourth corner panel 28B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second lower side panel 20A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B.

A third securing panel 26A/32A is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The third securing panel 26A/32A comprises a third lower securing panel portion 26A and a third upper securing panel portion 32A, the third lower securing panel portion 26A is hingedly connected to a third upper securing panel portion32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A. The third upper securing panel portion 32A is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 16A, 16B by a cut line 35A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the third corner panel 28A from the second upper end panel 16A; the aperture A3 also separates third upper securing panel portion 32A from the first upper side panel 18A and a portion of the second lower end panel 16B.

A fourth securing panel 26B/32B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 28B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The fourth securing panel 26B/32B comprises a fourth lower securing panel portion 26B and a fourth upper securing panel portion 32B, the fourth lower securing panel portion 26B is hingedly connected to a fourth upper securing panel portion 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B. The fourth upper securing panel portion 32B is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 16A, 16B by a cut line 35B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the fourth corner panel 28B from the second upper end panel 16A; the aperture A3 also separates fourth upper securing panel portion 32B from the second upper side panel 20A and a portion of the second lower end panel 16B.

The main panel 12 comprises at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The main panel 12 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically six article retention structures RT1 , RT2, arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.

The article retention structures RT1 , RT2comprise a pair of opposed tabs 40, 42, 70, 72. A first tab 40, 70 extends from one of the first or second side panels 18A, 20A and is integral therewith. A second tab 42, 72 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43. A portion of the first tab 40, 70 is struck from the second tab 42, 72, that is to say it is formed from material which would otherwise form the second tab 42, 72. A pair of apertures A4, A5, A6, A7 define at least part of opposed side edges of the first and second tabs 40, 42, 70, 72. The endmost or corner retention structures RT 1 may comprise an outer or endmost aperture A5 configured to interrupt the fold line 13A, 15A between a respective upper end panel 14A, 16A and the main panel 12. The endmost aperture A5 may comprises a cutaway or recess defining an edge portion of the endmost aperture A5 arranged to be collinear with said fold line 13A, 15A.

The blank 10 may comprise a handle structure H, the handle structure H may comprise at least one finger opening. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle tab 60 struck from, or defined in, the main panel 12. Each handle tab 60 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 , the handle tabs 60 may be hinged in opposition to each other.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a carrier 90 formed from the blank 10 of Figure 1. The blank 10 may be preassembled into a carrier 90 as shown in Figure 2A. In Figure 2A, the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are substantially planar and extend between a lower side panel 18A, 20A and a lower end panel 14A, 16A. More specifically, the preassembled article carrier 90 of Figure 2A may provide a skirt structure formed of the side panels 18A/18B, 20A/20B, the end panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B and the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B. Each pair of opposing upper panels (i.e., the opposing upper side panels 18A, 20A and the opposing upper end panels 14A, 16A) are inclined with respect to the main panel 12 such that the respective pair of opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend downwards from the main panel 12. The opposing lower side panels 18B, 20B extend from the lower edges of the upper side panels 18A, 20A, respectively. The lower side panels 18B, 20B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 12. The opposing lower end panels 14B, 16B extend from the lower edges of the upper end panels 14A, 16A, respectively. The lower end panels 14B, 16B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 12. Each corner panel 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B interconnects the adjacent lower side and end panels to provide the respective corner panel of the skirt structure. The corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 12.

Figure 2B shows the carrier 90 after application to a group of articles, the articles B have been omitted from Figure 2B for illustrative purposes. The corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are deformed from their initial planar shape and may adopt a generally convex shape (when viewed from an external viewpoint); in doing so the length or area of a region of the corner panels 24A, 24B 28A, 28B in contact with the article B may increase. The maximum distance between a pair of diagonally opposing corner panels 24A/28B, 24B/28A increases. Portions of the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are displaced outwardly.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 10 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third, fourth, and fifth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100”; "200”; "300”; "400” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2B, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 2B will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 3 shows a blank 110, according to a second embodiment, comprising a plurality of panels 112, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, including a main panel 112 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 290 as shown in Figure 5.

The blank 110 of Figure 3 is similar in construction to the blank of Figure 1 , the blank 110 comprises alternative article retention structures RT3. The main panel 112 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT3, specifically four article retention structures RT3, arranged in 2 x 2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT3 comprises a pair of opposed tabs 140, 142. A first tab 140 is hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141. A second tab 142 is hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143. The fold lines 141 , 143 are parallel to the fold lines 113A, 115A hinging the upper end panels 114A, 116A to the main panel 112 (in the embodiment of Figure 1 the second tab 42 is hinged to the main panel 12 by a fold line 43 that is perpendicular to the fold lines 13A, 15A hinging the upper end panels 14A, 16A to the main panel 12). The first tab 140 is separated from the second tab by a cutline or severable line. A pair of apertures A4, A5 define at least part of opposed side edges of the first and second tabs 140, 142. The endmost or corner retention structures RT3 may comprise an outer or endmost aperture A5 configured to interrupt the fold line 117A, 119A between a respective upper side panel 118A, 120A and the main panel 112. The endmost aperture A5 may comprises a cutaway or recess defining an edge portion of the endmost aperture A5 arranged to be collinear with said fold line 117A, 119A.

The blank 410 comprises a handle structure H in each of the upper end panels 114A, 116A. Each handle structure H is substantially the same in construction, and comprise a handle opening defined, at least in part, by at least one handle tab 160A, 160B, 160B, the illustrated embodiment comprises three handle tabs 160A, 160B, 160C disposed about a region of the handle opening providing an upper edge in normal use. Each handle tab 160A, 160B, 160C is hingedly connected to a respective one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161 A, 161 B, 161C.

Each of the upper securing panel portions 130A, 130B, 132A, 132B comprises a respective recess R1 , R2, R3, R4. The recess R1 , R2, R3, R4 are each configured and arranged to be complimentary to at least a portion of a handle opening in one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A, in this way when the upper securing panel portions 130A, 130B, 132A, 132B are disposed and/or secured in face-to-face relationship with the one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A an opening is provide to allow the handle tabs 160A, 160B, 160B to be folded internally of the carrier; the opening also allows a user to insert one or more finger into the carrier to engage the handle structure H.

Optionally, each of the first and second lower end panels 114B, 116B may comprise a pair of fold lines F1/F2, F3/F4 defining end or marginal regions thereof and facilitate folding of the end or marginal portions about the ends of the articles B.

Figure 4 shows a blank 210, according to a third embodiment, comprising a plurality of panels 212, 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, including a main panel 212 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown).

The blank 210 of Figure 4 is similar in construction to the blanks 10, 110 of Figures 1 and 3 albeit adapted to accommodate a pair of articles B in a 1 x 2 arrangement; the blank 210 also comprises alternative article retention structures RT4 and handle structures H.

Figure 4B shows a portion of the blank 210 of Figure 4, the blank 210 comprises a first top panel portion 212A and a second top panel portion 212B. The first top panel portion 212A is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 214A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213A. The second top panel portion 212B is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 216A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215A. The second top panel portion 212B is hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 212A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215C.

The main panel 212 comprises a pair of article retention structures RT4 arranged in 1 x 2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT4 comprises a pair of opposed tabs 240 extending from and integral with a respective one of the first and second upper end panels 214A, 216A. The article retention structures RT4 comprise an engaging tab 242 extending from and integral with a respective one of the first and second upper side panels 218A, 220A. The article retention structures RT4 comprise a pair of adjacently disposed hinged engaging tabs 246 a first one of which is hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 212A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 245 and the other one of which is hingedly connected to the second top panel portion 212B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 245, the first and second hinged engaging tabs 246 are hingedly connected to each other by a fold line 249. The tabs 240, 242, 246 surround an aperture A1 which defines engaging edges of each tab 240, 242, 246.

An aperture A2 is struck in part from the first top panel portion 212A and in part from the second top panel portion 212B so as to interrupt the fold line 213C therebetween, and separates portions of each hinged engaging tab 246 from the first or second top panel portion 212A, 212B to which it is hinged.

The hinged tabs 246 may each comprise a fold line 247 extending from the aperture A2 to a cutline separating that tab 246 from the adjacent one of the pair of opposed tabs 240.

A respective cutline separates the engaging tab 242 from each of the pair of opposed tabs 240, said cutline terminates with a cut extending orthogonally thereto. The cut extends substantially between an upper end panel 214A, 216A and an upper side panel 218A, 220A and defines, in part, a triangular top panel portion coupling the upper end panel 214A, 216A to the upper side panel 218A, 220A. The triangular top panel portions are hinged to one of the first and second upper end panels 214A, 216A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213D, 215D.

The fold line 213D hinging triangular top panel portions to the first upper end panel 214A is spaced apart from the fold line 215D hinging triangular top panel portions to the second upper end panel 216A by a first distance D1.

The first distance D1 defines the width of the top panel 212A/212B in the assembled carrier 290.

The fold line 213A hinging the first top panel portion 212A to the first upper end panel 214A is spaced apart from the fold line 215A hinging the second top panel portion 212B to the second upper end panel 216A by a second distance D2.

The second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 , as a consequence the top panel 212A/212B adopts a nonplanar configuration in a setup carrier 290. The divergent relationship between the fold lines 245 of the pair of hinged tabs 246 may encourage the top panel 212A/212B to adopt in indented or recessed shape when viewed from an external viewpoint. That is to say the fold line 213C adopts a lower elevation than the fold lines 213A, 215A.

In other embodiments, the top panel 212A/212B adopts a nonplanar configuration in which the fold line 213C defines ridge or peak and the fold line 213C adopts a higher elevation than the fold lines 213A, 215A.

Figures 5 and 5B show a carrier 290 constructed from the blank 210 of Figure 4, the upper end panels 214A, 216A are configured to taper or bend inwardly towards an upper edge thereof. The first and second top panel portion 212A, 212B are indented to form a trough or valley at an upper end of the carrier 290. The tabs 240, 242, 246 fold outwardly of the carrier 290 and engage an article B below a flange or protrusion provided on the article B. The upper side panels 218A, 220A are configured to taper or bend inwardly towards an upper edge thereof.

The lower side and end panels 214B, 216B, 218B, 220B and the corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B together form a strap or binding member about a main body of the articles B.

The blank 210 comprises a handle structure H in each of the upper end panels 214A, 216A, the handle structure H comprises a handle opening defined, at least in part, by a handle tab 260 struck from, or defined in, one of the upper end panels 214A, 216A. Each handle tab 260 is hingedly connected to said upper end panel 214A, 216A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261 , the handle tabs 60 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines.

Figure 6 shows a blank 310, according to a fourth embodiment, comprising a plurality of panels 314A, 314B, 316A, 316B, 318A, 318B, 320A, 320B, the blank 310 of Figure 6 is similar in construction to the blanks 10, 110, 210 of Figures 1 , 3, and 4 albeit a substantial portion of the main panel 12; 112; 212 that forms the top wall is omitted, instead a portion of the first upper end panel 314A is hingedly connected directly to the second upper end panel 316A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313C.

The main panel 312 comprises a pair of alternative article retention structures RT5 arranged in 1 x 2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT5 comprises a pair of generally opposed tabs 340A, 340B disposed on opposing side of an article receiving aperture A1. Each of the pair of generally opposed tabs 340A, 340B is hingedly connected to one of the first and second upper end panels 314A, 316A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 341 A, 341 B. The fold lines 341 A, 341 B may be non-linear in shape. A first fold line 341 A hinging a first tab 340A to the first upper end panel 314A is divergently arranged with respect to a second fold line 341 B hinging a second tab 340B to the second upper end panel 316A. The first fold line 341 A is separated from the second fold line 341 B by a portion of the article receiving aperture A1 .

The first upper end panel 314A is coupled to the first upper side panel 318A by a top panel portion 312A. The first upper end panel 314A is coupled to the second upper side panel 320A by a top panel portion 312A. The second upper end panel 316A is coupled to the first upper side panel 318A by a top panel portion 312A. The second upper end panel 316A is coupled to the second upper side panel 320A by a top panel portion 312A.

The article retention structures RT5 comprise a pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B, best shown in Figure 6B; each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B is hingedly connected, in part, to one of the first and second side panels 318A, 320A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 343A, 343B respectively. The fold lines 343A, 343B may be non-linear in shape. Each of each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B is hingedly connected, in part, to one of the top panel portions 312A, 312B. A first one pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B is separated from the other one of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B by a cutline 343C. Each of each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 343B may comprise a fold line 349 for facilitating folding of the tab 342A, 342B about an article B.

Figure 7 shows a carrier 390 constructed from the blank 310 of Figure 6, the upper end panels 314A, 316A are configured to taper or bend inwardly towards an upper edge thereof to define a ridge line or peak. The lower side and end panels 314B, 316B, 318B, 320B and the corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B together form a strap or binding member about a main body of the articles B.

Figure 7B shows an interior portion of the carrier 390, the first securing panel 322A/330A is disposed in face- to-face relationship with the first upper and first lower end panels 314A, 314B. The first lower securing panel portion 322A is secured to the first lower end panel 314B. The first upper securing panel portion 330A is disposed in face contacting relationship with first upper end panel 314A and may be secured thereto.

The second securing panel 322B/330B is disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first upper and first lower end panels 314A, 314B. The second lower securing panel portion 322B is secured to the first lower end panel 314B. The second upper securing panel portion 330B is disposed in face contacting relationship with first upper end panel 314A and may be secured thereto. The handle structure H in the first upper end panel 314A is disposed in registry with the recesses R1 , R2 in the first and second upper securing panel portions 330A, 330B. In this way the handle flap 360 may be folded internally of the carrier 390, passing through an opening defined in the first and second upper securing panel portions 330A, 330B by the recesses R1 , R2.

Figure 8 shows a blank 410, according to a fifth embodiment, comprising a plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F, 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, the blank 410 of Figure 8 is similar in construction to the blanks 10, 110, 210, 310 of Figures 1 , 3, 4 and 6 albeit it comprises a plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F for forming a multiply top panel or engaging panel T, see Figure 10.

The blank 410 comprises a first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B, a first one of which is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 414A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 413A. A second one of the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B is hingedly connected to the first by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5.

The blank 410 comprises a second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D, a first one of which is hingedly connected to the second one of first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6. A second one of the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D is hingedly connected to the first by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7.

The blank 410 comprises a third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F, a first one of which is hingedly connected to the second one of second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F8. A second one of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F is hingedly connected to the first by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F9. The second one of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 416A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 415A.

The blank 410 comprises plurality of panels for forming a multi-ply side wall. A first upper side panel 418A is hingedly connected to the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417A. A first lower side panel 418B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 418A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417B.

A second upper side panel 420A is hingedly connected to the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419A. A second lower side panel 420B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 420A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419B.

A third upper side panel 418C is hingedly connected to the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417C. A third lower side panel 418D is hingedly connected to the third upper side panel 418C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417D.

A fourth upper side panel 420C is hingedly connected to the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419C. A fourth lower side panel 420D is hingedly connected to the fourth upper side panel 420C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419D.

A fifth upper side panel 418E is hingedly connected to the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417E. A fifth lower side panel 418F is hingedly connected to the fifth upper side panel 418E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417F.

A sixth upper side panel 420E is hingedly connected to the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419E. A sixth lower side panel 420F is hingedly connected to the sixth upper side panel 420E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419F.

The first lower side panel 418B is hingedly connected to a first corner panel 424A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 425A.

The third lower side panel 418D is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 418B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 425C.

The fifth lower side panel 418F is hingedly connected to the third lower side panel 418D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 431 C. The fifth lower side panel 418F is hingedly connected to a third corner panel 428A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 431 A.

The second lower side panel 420B is hingedly connected to a second corner panel 424B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 425B.

The fourth lower side panel 420D is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 420B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 425E.

The sixth lower side panel 420F is hingedly connected to the fourth lower side panel 420D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 431 E.

The sixth lower side panel 420F is hingedly connected to a fourth corner panel 428B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 431 B.

The third upper side panel 418C is separated from the third upper side panel 418A by a cut line or severable line 425D.

The third upper side panel 418C is separated from the fifth upper side panel 418E by a cut line or severable line 431 D.

The fourth upper side panel 420C is separated from the second upper side panel 420A by a cut line or severable line 425F.

The fourth upper side panel 420C is separated from the sixth upper side panel 420E by a cut line or severable line 431 F.

Optionally, the first lower side panel 418B may be longer or taller in dimension than the third and fifth lower side panels 418D, 418F.

Optionally, the second lower side panel 420B may be longer or taller in dimension than the fourth and sixth lower side panels 420D, 420F.

The plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 4120, 412D, 412E, 412F for forming a multiply top panel comprises structures for forming article retention structures. The first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B comprise article receiving openings in the form of apertures A6.

The second and third pair of top panel portions 4120, 412D, 412E, 412F comprise further article receiving openings, also referred to herein as top-receiving devices RT6, arranged in registry with a respective one of the article receiving openings in the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B. Each further article receiving opening in the second pair of top panel portions 4120, 412D is arranged in registry with a respective one of the article receiving openings in the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F. Each of the further article receiving openings in the second and third pair of top panel portions 4120, 412D, 412E, 412F is substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the further article receiving openings, also referred to herein as an article retention device RT6, disposed in the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F, as shown in Figure 8B. The further article receiving opening comprises an aperture A1 and a plurality of engaging tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 disposed thereabout. The plurality of engaging tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 comprises a pair of opposed tabs 440 hingedly connected to a respective one of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F by a fold line. The plurality of engaging tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 comprises pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B; each of which is hingedly connected, in part, to one of the fifth and sixth upper side panels 418E, 420E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 443A, 443B respectively. The fold lines 443A, 443B may be non-linear in shape. Each of each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B is hingedly connected, in part, to one of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F. A first one pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B is separated from the other one of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B by a cutline. Each of each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B may comprise a fold line for facilitating folding of the tab 442A, 442B about an article B.

The further article receiving opening comprises a pair of adjacently disposed hinged engaging tabs 446 a first one of which is hingedly connected to the fifth top panel portion 412E by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line and the other one of which is hingedly connected to the sixth top panel portion 412F by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line, the first and second hinged engaging tabs 446 are hingedly connected to each other by a fold line.

An aperture A2 is struck in part from the fifth top panel portion 412E and in part from the sixth top panel portion 412F so as to interrupt the fold line F9 therebetween, and separates portions of each hinged engaging tab 446 from the fifth or sixth top panel portion 412E, 412F to which it is hinged.

Optionally, at least one fold line 451 A, 453A may extend from the aperture A2 to the edge of the fifth top panel portion 412E, defined by fold line F8. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of fold lines 451 A, 453A extend from the aperture A2 to the edge of the fifth top panel portion 412E, the pair of fold lines 451 A, 453A are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, at least one fold line 451 B, 453B may extend from the aperture A2 to the edge of the sixth top panel portion 412F, defined by fold line 415A. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of fold lines 451 B, 453B extend from the aperture A2 to the edge of the sixth top panel portion 412F, the pair of fold lines 451 B, 453B are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The pairs of fold lines 451 A, 453A; 451 B, 453B may facilitate folding of medial regions of the fifth and sixth top panel portions 412E, 412F to adopt a non-planar relationship with respect to each other and or an indented (or peaked, in other embodiments) configuration at an upper end of the carrier 490.

Figure 9 illustrates a sage of construction of the blank 410 into a carrier 490. The plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F are formed into a multiply top panel T by folding the second and third top panel portions 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F into overlying or overlapping relationship with each other and with the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B.

The blank 410 is folded about fold lines F6, 425C, 425E to bring the third top panel portion 412C into face to face relationship with the second top panel portion 412B, the third upper side panel 418C into face to face relationship with the first upper side panel 418A, the third lower side panel 418D into face to face relationship with the first lower side panel 418B, the fourth upper side panel 420C into face to face relationship with the second upper side panel 420A, and the fourth lower side panel 420D into face to face relationship with the second lower side panel 420B. The blank 410 is folded about fold lines F8, 431 C, 431 E to bring the fifth top panel portion 412E into face to face relationship with the fourth top panel portion 412D, the fifth upper side panel 418E into face to face relationship with the third upper side panel 418C, the fifth lower side panel 418F into face to face relationship with the third lower side panel 418D, the sixth upper side panel 420E into face to face relationship with the fourth upper side panel 420C, and the sixth lower side panel 420F into face to face relationship with the fourth lower side panel 420D.

Figure 10 shows a carrier 490 constructed from the blank 410 of Figure 8, the top panel portions 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F are indented to form a trough or valley at an upper end of the carrier 490. The tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 fold outwardly of the carrier 490 and engage an article B below a flange or protrusion provided on the article B. The upper side panels 418A, 420A are configured to taper or bend inwardly towards an upper edge thereof.

The lower side and end panels 414B, 416B, 418B, 418D, 418F, 420B, 420D, 420F and the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B together form a strap or binding member about a main body of the articles B.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 include at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.0287-0.7mm). Examples of such a substrate are: 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™); 21 point (pt.) SBS board or CNK® board; and E flute or F flute corrugated fiberboard, manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and crosslaminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metal locene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate. The present disclosure provides a carrier of the top engaging type having improved article retention structures or article top engaging devices.

Embodiments provide an article retention structure RT1 , RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 in a main, top, or engaging panel/s 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F having a plurality of tabs 40, 42, 70, 72; 140, 142; 240, 242, 246; 340, 342A, 343B; 440, 442A, 442B, 446 and at least one article receiving aperture A4, A5, A6, A7; A1.

The article carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 comprises at least one top or engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F, the skirt structure comprises a plurality of panels 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 1224A, 224B, 228A, 228B; 314A, 314B, 316A, 316B, 318A, 318B, 320A, 320B, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B for surrounding a portion of at least one article B.

In some embodiments, one or both of a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension decreases after loading the carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 with articles B. In other embodiments a diagonal dimension or distance between the diagonally opposing corner panels increases after the loading. The change in dimension or shape of the skirt structure has the effect of increasing the circumferential tension in the skirt structure after application to the articles B so as to tightly bundle or restrain the articles B within the group of articles. The increase in circumferential tension, may in turn, induce an upward force on the carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 such that engaging teeth or tabs 40, 42, 70, 72; 140, 142; 240, 242, 246; 340, 342A, 343B; 440, 442A, 442B, 446 are tightly pressed against an underside of a feature of the article B such as an end closure, caps or neck flange.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 comprises at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/- 412D/412E/412F and a pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F. A plurality of end panels is hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel 18A/18B, 20A/20B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 118A/118B, 120A/- 120B; 218A/218B, 220A/220B; 318A/318B, 320A/320B; 418A/418B/418C/418D/418E/418F, 420A/420B/420C/- 420D/420E/420F having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, a securing panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B hingedly connected to each corner panel 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B, and a flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B. The flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B comprises a free upper or side edge having a rounded, arcuate or curvilinear shape.

The flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B, in blank form, may extend between the securing panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/- 226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B, and may be separated therefrom by a cutline or severable line 33A, 35A, 33A, 35B; 133A, 135A, 133A, 135B; 233A, 235A, 233A, 235B; 333A, 335A, 333A, 335B; 433A, 435A, 433A, 435B.

The free upper or side edge, in blank form, forming an inner edge facing towards a portion of the first end panel 18A/18B, 20A/20B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 218A/218B, 220A/220B; 318A/318B, 320A/320B; 418A/418B/418C/418D/418E/418F, 420A/420B/420C/420D/420E/420F and separated therefrom by an aperture A3.

The rounded free upper or side edge of flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B is brought into contact with the inside surface of the adjacent one of the pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/- 314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B during the process of folding the pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B downwards. The rounded edge allows flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B to slide along the inside surface of said one of the pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/- 426B to arrive at the correct operative location next to the handle instead and thus avoids or mitigates against the flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B being crushed or improperly folded by said one of the pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 comprises at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/- 412D/412E/412F and a pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B hinged to opposed edges of the at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F. At least one of pair of side panels 14A/14B, 16A/16B; 114A/114B, 116A/116B; 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 314A/314B, 326A/326B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B comprises a handle structure H including a handle opening. The carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 comprises a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engaging panel 12; 112; 214A/214B; 314A/314B; 412A/412B/- 412C/412D/412E/412F comprises a first end panel 18A/18B, 20A/20B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 118A/118B, 120A/120B; 218A/218B, 220A/220B; 318A/318B, 320A/320B; 418A/418B/418C/418D/418E/418F, 420A/420B/- 420C/420D/420E/420F having a pair of opposed side edges, a corner panel 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposed side edges, and a securing panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B hingedly connected to each corner panel 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B. A flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B is hingedly connected to an upper edge of each securing panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B, the flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B comprising a cutaway, in the form of an aperture or recess. The cutaway is disposed in registry with at least a portion of the handle opening, such that the flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the handle structure H.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 290; 490 for packaging at least one article B, the carrier comprising an engaging panel 214A/214B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B by first and second hinged connections respectively and at least one end panel 218A/218B, 220A/220B; 418A/418B, 420A/420B, the engaging panel 214A/214B; 412A/- 412B/412C/412D/412E/412F comprising at least two article receiving devices RT4; RT6, and a panel portion 212A/212B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F disposed therebetween, the panel portion 212A/212B; 412A/- 412B/412C/412D/412E/412F being hingedly connected between a pair of side wall panels 214A/214B, 226A/226B; 414A/414B, 426A/426B by third and fourth hinged connections respectively, the panel portion 212A/212B; 412A/- 412B/412C/412D/412E/412F being indented such that a medial region thereof is disposed at an elevation below marginal regions of the panel portion 212A/212B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F. The panel portion 212A/- 212B; 412A/412B/412C/412D/412E/412F may be automatically configured in the indented condition upon assembly of the carrier 290; 490.

The first and second hinged connections are disposed a first distance D1 apart, the third and fourth hinged connections are disposed a second distance D2 apart, the second distance D2 may be greater than the first distance D1.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 390 comprises a pair of engaging panels 314A, 314B hingedly connected to each other along a fold line 313C to form a ridge. The carrier 390 comprises at least a pair of top-receiving devices RT5 struck in part from each of the pair of engaging panels 314A, 314B so as to be disposed along the ridge. At least one end panel 318A/318B, 320A/320B is coupled to the engaging panels 314A, 314B.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 390 comprises a pair of side panels 314A, 314B hingedly connected to each other along a fold line 313C to form a ridge. The carrier 390 comprises at least a pair of top-receiving devices RT5 struck in part from each of the pair of side panels 314A, 314B so as to be disposed along the ridge. An end panel 318A/318B, 320A/320B is coupled to both of the pair of side panels 314A, 314B. The end panel 318A/318B, 320A/320B may be coupled to each of the engaging panels 314A, 314B by a respective connecting panel 312A, 312B.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 490 comprises a multi-ply engaging panel 412A/412B, 412C/412D, 412E/412F having at least one article retention structure RT6 therein for receiving and/ or supporting an article B therefrom. The multi-ply engaging panel 412A/412B, 412C/412D, 412E/412F comprises a plurality of top panels 412A/412B, 412C/412D, 412E/412F connected to a common end panel 418B/418D/418F, 420B/420D/420F.

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, a greater or lesser number of articles and/or arranged in different array configurations.

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/li near or curved/curvi linear 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, 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.