TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article retention devices, 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 one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. One of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, said one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a marginal side portion of each of the adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, the each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbour by a “T” shaped cutline, the “T” shaped cutline defines a corner of each of the adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein said one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed contact with the corner of each of the adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth comprises an engaging free edge. Optionally, a first width dimension W1 defined between terminal ends of an adjacent pair of “T” shaped outline, and a second width dimension W2 defined between terminal ends of the engaging free edge, the first width dimension W1 being equal to or greater than the second width dimension W2.

Optionally, the engaging free edge is nonlinear.

Optionally, the engaging free edge comprises a first linear section and a second linear section divergently arranged with respect to the first linear section.

Optionally, the engaging free edge is a load bearing edge for supporting an article.

Optionally, the engaging free edge is a load bearing edge for suspending an article therefrom.

Optionally, each of the first plurality of teeth comprises a free edge opposing a hinged connection to the first panel.

Optionally, the free edge is a load bearing edge for supporting an article.

Optionally, the free edge is a load bearing edge for suspending an article therefrom.

Optionally, said one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in contact with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth is disposed in contact with at least three of the first plurality of teeth.

Optionally, each of the first plurality of teeth comprises a first angular width 91 and each of the second plurality of teeth comprises a second angular width 02, the first angular width 91 being greater than the second angular width 92.

Optionally, the first panel forms an upper engaging panel, and the second panel forms a lower engaging panel, the first plurality of teeth form upper engaging teeth and the second plurality of teeth form lower engaging teeth.

Optionally, the “T” shaped cutline comprises a first portion radially extending from the second article receiving aperture and a second portion extending transversely to the first portion.

Optionally, the second portion is linear. Optionally, the second portion is nonlinear. Optionally, the second portion is arcuate.

Optionally, the second portion comprises a plurality of linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth comprises a proximal end, defined by a hinged connection to the second panel, the proximal end is spaced apart from an article received in the first and second article retention devices.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. A first one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a first portion of a first one of the second plurality of teeth. A second one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a second portion of said first one of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, the each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbour by a “T” shaped cutline, a first “T” shaped cutline defines a first corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth, a second “T” shaped cutline defines a second corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth and wherein said first one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed contact with the first corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth and said second one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed contact with the second corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, a third one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed contact with a medial portion of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel arranged to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. In a setup condition, one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Optionally, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel.

Optionally, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by hinged connection. Optionally, the hinged connection is frangible.

Optionally, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a pair of connecting panels.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel arranged to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. In a setup condition, a first one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a first portion of a first one of the second plurality of teeth and a second one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a second portion of said first one of the second plurality of teeth.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the at least one second tooth, said at least one second tooth comprising a radially extending fold line disposed in contact with a surface of said at least one first tooth.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. One of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth, said second tooth comprising a radially extending fold line disposed in contact with a surface of said first tooth.

Optionally, the first panel forms an upper engaging panel, and the second panel forms a lower engaging panel, the first tooth forms an upper engaging tooth, and the second tooth forms a lower engaging tooth, the radially extending fold line being disposed in contact with a lower surface of said first tooth.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one first tooth is defined in part by a pair of radial cutlines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. The at least one second tooth comprises a radially extending fold line. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the at least one second tooth, such that the radial cutlines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending fold line.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth is defined in part by radial cutlines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. The at least one second tooth comprises a radially extending fold line. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the at least one second tooth, such that each radially extending fold line is in vertical alignment with one of the radial cutlines.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth is defined in part by radial cutlines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. The second teeth comprise a radially extending fold line. Each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth, such that the radial cutlines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending fold line.

A tenth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retention device defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retention device defined therein. The at least one second article retention device is aligned in vertical registry with the least one first article retention device. The at least one first article retention device comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth is defined in part by radial cutlines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retention device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. The second teeth comprise a radially extending fold line. Each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth, such that each radially extending fold line is in vertical alignment with one of the radial cutlines.

An eleventh aspect of the invention provides an article retention device for suspending an article therefrom. The article retention device comprises a first article retention structure defined in a first panel and a second article retention structure defined in a second panel. The second article retention structure is disposed vertical registry with the first article retention structure. The first article retention structure comprises a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The second article retention structure device comprises a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture.

One of the first plurality of teeth of the first article retention structure may be disposed in overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth of the second article retention structure.

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;

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

Figure 2B is a perspective view from above of the portion of the carrier of Figure 2 in which upper or outer tabs have been displaced outwardly for illustrative purposes; 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 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment; and Figures 6A to 8 illustrate article engaging or retention structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, article retention devices, 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, article retention devices, 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 Figure 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310 are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 for forming a carton or carrier (not shown), 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 aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90 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 distinct characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml PET bottles.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, including a main panel 18 for forming a first engaging panel, for forming a carrier 90 (see Figure 2).

A first joint or shoulder panel 16 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

A second joint or shoulder panel 20 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

A third joint or shoulder panel 14 is hingedly connected to the first joint panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15.

A fourth joint or shoulder panel 22 is hingedly connected to the second joint or shoulder panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 .

A first reinforcing panel 12 is hingedly connected to the third joint panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13.

A second reinforcing panel 24 is hingedly connected to the fourth joint panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2. The first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 each comprise at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one first article retention structure RT 1 and at least one second article retention structure RT2. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 each comprise a pair of first article retention structure RT 1 and one second article retention structure RT2 disposed therebetween. The main panel 18 comprises at least one article retention structure RT2. The main panel 18 comprises at least one second article retention structure RT2. In the illustrated embodiment the main panel 18 comprises six second article retention structures RT2 arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 comprises an opening or aperture A3, A4. The article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 40, 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 as shown in Figures 6A and 7A, arranged in about an aperture A3, A4 to form part of an article receiving opening.

The blank 10 comprises four first article retention structures RT 1 each comprising a first opening or aperture A3. The blank 10 comprises eight second article retention structures RT2 each comprising a second opening or aperture A4.

Each first article retention structure RT1 comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by the first aperture A3 which is defined in, or struck from, one of the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24.

The first article retention structure RT 1 , shown in Figure 6A, comprises four teeth or tabs 40 disposed about the first aperture A3.

Each of the teeth 40 is hingedly connected to the main panel 18, by a respective hinged connection 41 . Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines. Each hinged connection is arranged to be nonlinear. In alternative embodiments the hinged connection may be arranged to be linear.

Each of the teeth 40 is separated from its adjacent neighbours by a cut line 45. The cut line 45 may extend radially outward from the first aperture A3. In the illustrated embodiment, pairs of cutlines 45 are disposed opposite each other.

Each of the cut lines 45 may terminate at a cut 47, the cut 47 may be linear and may be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the respective cut lines 45.

Each of the teeth 40 comprises a medial hinge or fold line extending radially outward from the first aperture A3, the medial hinge or fold line may be defined, in part by a cutline 43. In this way, each tooth 40 may fold about the radial hinge 43.

Each of the teeth 40 comprises an engaging or load-bearing edge E1 , the engaging edge E1 may be nonlinear, and may comprises a first linear portion divergently arranged with respect to a second linear portion. The first and second linear portion intersect at a vertex which may lie upon the medial hinge 43. When the carrier 90 is transported, by the handle structure H (described below), a load is transferred to the carrier 90 through the loadbearing edge E1 due to the force of gravity.

Each second article retention structure RT2 comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by the second aperture A4 which is defined in, or struck from, one of the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 or the main panel 18.

Each of the teeth 40 comprises a first height dimension L1 measured along the medial fold line 43.

Each of the teeth 40 comprises a first width dimension W1 measured between terminal ends of an adjacent pair of cuts 47. Each of the teeth 40 comprises a second width dimension W2 measured between terminal ends of the engaging or load-bearing edge E1. The first width dimension W1 equal to or great than the second width dimension W2 (W1 >W2). In embodiments having a linear hinged connection (see Figure 6B, fold line 441), the first width dimension W1 is the length of the hinged connection.

Each of the teeth 40 comprises a first angular dimension 01 measured between a pair of cutlines 45 defining side edges of the tooth 40. The first angular dimension 02 may be 90°. The second article retention structure RT2, shown in Figure 7A, comprises eight teeth or tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 disposed about the second aperture A4.

The second article retention structure RT2 comprises seven teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and one tab 52 disposed about the second aperture A4. In the second article retention structure RT2 illustrated in Figure 7A, each of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c is hingedly connected to the blank, by a respective hinged connection 53, 57. Each hinged connection may be defined by a cut line. Each hinged connection may be arranged to be nonlinear; first teeth 50a are defined, in part, by nonlinear cutlines 53, the nonlinear cutlines may be generally "V” shaped, that is to say formed from two, or more linear sections divergently arranged. Second and third teeth 50b, 50c may be defined, in part, by linear cutlines 57.

The first and third teeth 50a, 50c are defined, in part by pairs of radial cutlines 51 spaced apart from each other. The second article retention structure RT2 comprises four first teeth 50a. The second article retention structure RT2 comprises one third tooth 50c. The third tooth 50c is disposed opposite the tab 52.

The second teeth 50b are defined, in part a first radial cutlines 51 and in part by a second radial cutline 59, the second radial cutline 59 is longer than the first radial cutline 51. The second article retention structure RT2 comprises a pair of second teeth 50b disposed on opposing sides of the tab 52.

The second article retention structure RT2 comprises a single tab 52 extending from and integral with the one of the joint panels 14, 16,20, 22, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7A the third joint panel 14 is shown. The tab 52 is defined, in part by a pair of second radial cutlines 59 spaced apart from each other. The pair of second radial cutlines 59 each extend from the aperture A4 to a hinged connection 13 between the first reinforcing panel 12 and the third joint panel 14.

Each of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tabs 52 comprises an engaging or load-bearing edge E2, the engaging edge E2 may be linear and defines a portion of the aperture A4. When the carrier 90 is transported, by the handle structure H (described below), a load is transferred to the carrier 90 through the load-bearing edge E2 due to the force of gravity.

Each of the teeth 50a, 50c comprises a second height dimension L2 measured between a free or engaging edge E1 and the hinged connection 53, 57 to the main panel 12. The second height dimension L2 is less than the first height dimension L1 (L2<L1).

Each of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c comprises a second angular dimension 02 measured between a pair of cutlines 51/51 , 51/59, 59/59 defining side edges of the tooth 50a, 50b, 50c. The second angular dimension 02 is less than the first angular dimension 01 (02<01). The second angular dimension 02 may be 45°.

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 one or more handle tabs 60 struck from, or defined in, the main panel 18. Each handle tab 60 is hingedly connected to the main panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61. In the illustrated embodiment each finger opening comprises a pair of handle tabs 60, the fold line 61 of one of said pair of handle tabs 60 being divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 61 of the other one of said pair of handle tabs 60. The pair of finger openings may be arranged in opposition to each other. Each finger opening is disposed centrally between a group of four article retention structures RT1 , RT2.

The first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 each comprise at least one finger aperture A1; in the illustrated embodiment the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 each comprise two finger apertures A1. Each finger aperture A1 is configured and arranged to be disposed vertical registry with a finger opening in the main panel 18.

The blank 10 can be folded into a flat form by folding the first reinforcing panel 12 and the third joint panel 14 about fold line 15 to bring the third joint panel 14 into face-to-face relationship with the first joint panel 16 and the first reinforcing panel 12 into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the main panel 18. The second reinforcing panel 24 and the fourth joint panel 22 is folded about fold line 21 to bring the fourth joint panel 22 into face-to-face relationship with the second joint panel 20 and the second reinforcing panel 24 into face-to-face relationship with a second portion of the main panel 18. A portion of the second reinforcing panel 24 may overlap or overlie a portion of the first reinforcing panel 12.

The main panel 18 may form an upper engaging panel in an article carrier 90, shown in Figure 2, the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 form lower engaging panels

The carrier 90 in its flat collapsed form may be applied to a group of articles B in a flat form.

The main panel 18 along with first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 may be lowered with respect to a group of articles B.

Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 in the upper and lower engaging panels 18, 12/24 of the blank 10 is aligned with a respective article B in the group. Portions of the articles B pass through a respective one of the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 and through the main panel 18. The toothed regions of the first and second reinforcing panels 12, 24 and the main panel 18 disposed about each of the article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 may be folded out of their respective planes.

Engaging edges of the teeth or tabs 40, 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 engage beneath a projection. The projection may be located about the neck the article B of an article B. When the article B is a bottle, the projection may be provided by an end closure or cap. In this way, the engaging edges grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the upper and lower engaging panels 18, 12/24.

The first and second joint panels 16, 20 may be folded automatically as a consequence of receiving articles B in the upper engaging panel 18. The tabs 52 of the second article retention structures RT2 in the upper engaging panel 18 are displaced out of the plane of the upper engaging panel 18 by the article B as it is received in the article retention structures RT2.

The third and fourth joint panels 14, 22 may be folded automatically as a consequence of receiving articles B in the lower engaging panel 12/24. The tabs 52 of the second article retention structures RT2 in the lower engaging panel 12/24 are displaced out of the plane of the lower engaging panel 12/24 by the article B as it is received in the article retention structures RT2.

The tabs 52 of the second article retention structures RT2 in the lower engaging panel 12/24 may facilitate alignment of the article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 in in the lower engaging panel 12/24 with the article retention structures RT2 in in the upper engaging panel 18 when the joint panels 14, 16, 20, 22 are folded with respect to the upper and lower engaging panels 18, 12/24. A package comprising the article carrier 90 and the group of articles B is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2B illustrates a carrier in which the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tab 52 provided by the upper engaging panel 18 are folded outwardly for illustrative purposes to show the teeth 40 provided by the lower engaging panel 12/24. The teeth 40 folds about the fold line 43 to partially surround the article B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper or outer teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tab 52 are circumferentially offset with respect to the lower or inner teeth 40. The radial cutlines 45 between the lower or inner teeth 40 are arranged to lie below or behind an upper tooth or tab 50a, 50c, 52 rather than be in registry with a cutline 51 , 59 separating the upper teeth or tab 50a, 50c, 52 from each other. In this way each inner tooth 40 overlaps with at least two outer teeth or tab 50a, 50c, 52.

Each inner tooth 40 may overlap or contact with three or more of the outer teeth 50a, 50c or tab 52.

The medial hinged connection 43 may form a ridge in the inner teeth 40. The medial hinged connection 43 or ridge may be in contact with an inner surface of one of the outer teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tab 52.

The medial hinged connection 43 is arranged to be circumferentially or angularly offset with respect to the cutlines 51 , 59 separating the upper teeth or tab 50a, 50c, 52 from each other.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 5 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third, and fourth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100”; "200”; "300” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, and fourth embodiment, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 3 shows a blank 110 comprising a plurality of upper or outer panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 including a main panel 112 for forming an upper or outer top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown).

A first upper end panel 122 is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121. A first lower end panel 124 is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123.

A second upper end panel 126 is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125. A second lower end panel 128 is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127.

A first upper side panel 114 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A first lower side panel 116 is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115.

A second upper side panel 118 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second lower side panel 120 is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119. A first corner panel 130a is hingedly connected to a first end of the first lower side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129a. A second corner panel 134a is hingedly connected to a first end of the second lower side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135a.

A first securing panel 132a/138a is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 130a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 a. The first securing panel 132a/138a comprises a first lower securing panel portion 132a and a first upper securing panel portion 138a, the first lower securing panel portion 132a is hingedly connected to a first upper securing panel portion 138a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133a. The first upper securing panel portion 138a is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 122, 124. The first upper securing panel portion 138a is separated from the first lower end panel 124 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the first corner panel 130a from the first upper end panel 122; the aperture A5 also separates first upper securing panel portion 138a from the first upper side panel 114 and a portion of the first lower end panel 124 from the first lower securing panel portion 132a.

A second securing panel 136a/138c is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 134a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137a. The second securing panel 136a/138c comprises a second lower securing panel portion 136a and a second upper securing panel portion 138c, the second lower securing panel portion 136a is hingedly connected to a second upper securing panel portion 138c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133c. The second upper securing panel portion 138c is separated from the first lower end panel 124 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the second corner panel 134a from the first upper end panel 122; the aperture A5 also separates second upper securing panel portion 138c from the second upper side panel 118 and a portion of the first lower end panel 124 from the second lower securing panel portion 136a.

A third corner panel 130b is hingedly connected to a second end of the first lower side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129b. A fourth corner panel 134b is hingedly connected to a second end of the second lower side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135b.

A third securing panel 132b/138b is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 130b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137b. The third securing panel 132b/138b comprises a third lower securing panel portion 132b and a third upper securing panel portion 138b, the third lower securing panel portion 132b is hingedly connected to a third upper securing panel portion 138b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133b. The third upper securing panel portion 138b is separated from the second lower end panel 128 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the third corner panel 130b from the second upper end panel 126; the aperture A5 also separates third upper securing panel portion 138b from the first upper side panel 114 and a portion of the second lower end panel 128 from the third lower securing panel portion 132b.

A fourth securing panel 136b/138d is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 134b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137b. The fourth securing panel 136b/138d comprises a fourth lower securing panel portion 136b and a fourth upper securing panel portion 138d, the fourth lower securing panel portion 136b is hingedly connected to a fourth upper securing panel portion 138d by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133d. The fourth upper securing panel portion 138d is separated from the second lower end panel 128 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the fourth corner panel 134b from the second upper end panel 126; the aperture A5 also separates fourth upper securing panel portion 138d from the second upper side panel 118 and a portion of the second lower end panel 128 from the fourth lower securing panel portion 136b.

The main panel 112 comprises at least one article retention structure RT2, RT2'. The main panel 112 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT2, RT2', specifically six article retention structures RT2, RT2', arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT2, RT2' comprises an opening or aperture A4.

The main panel 112 comprises four first article retention structures RT2. The first article retention structures RT2 are located adjacent to ends of the main panel 112. The main panel 112 comprises two second article retention structures RT2'. The second article retention structures RT2' are located between a first pair of first article retention structures RT2 disposed proximate a first end of the main panel 112 and a second pair of first article retention structures RT2 disposed proximate a second end of the main panel 112. The second article retention structures RT2' are also referred to herein as intermediate article retention structures RT2'. The first article retention structures RT2 are also referred to herein as end article retention structures RT2.

Each of the second article retention structures RT2' is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structure RT2 shown in Figure 1 and described above and therefore will not be described in further detail. Each first article retention structures RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structure RT2' albeit with the inclusion of a second tab 154 extending from and integral with the one of the first and second upper end panels 122, 126 in addition to a first tab 152 extending from and integral with the one of the first and second upper side panels 114, 118. The tabs 152, 154 are each defined, in part by a pair of second radial cutlines spaced apart from each other. The pair of second radial cutlines each extend from the aperture A4 to a hinged connection 113, 117, 121 , 125 between the main panel 112 and the respective upper side or end panel 114, 118, 122, 126 from which they extend.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of lower or inner panels 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L including a second main panel 112L for forming a lower or inner top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown).

A first inner end panel 122L is hingedly connected to a first end of the second main panel 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5.

A second inner end panel 126L is hingedly connected to a second end of the second main panel 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6.

A first inner upper side panel 114L is hingedly connected to a first side of the second main panel 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F3. A first inner lower side panel 116L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side panel 114L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F4.

A second inner upper side panel 118L is hingedly connected to a second side of the second main panel 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1. A second inner lower side panel 120L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side panel 118L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F2. The plurality of lower or inner panels 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L are hingedly or frangibly connected to the plurality of upper or outer panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. The second inner lower side panel 120L may be hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7. In some embodiments, the second inner lower side panel 120L may be frangibly connected to the second lower side panel 120.

The second main panel 112L comprises at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The second main panel 112L comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically six article retention structures RT1 , RT2, arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 comprises an opening or aperture A3, A4. The second main panel 112L comprises four first article retention structures RT 1 each comprising a first opening or aperture A3. The second main panel 112L comprises two second article retention structures RT2 each comprising a second opening or aperture A4. Each of the first and second article retention structures RT1 , RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the first and second article retention structures RT1 , RT2 shown in Figure 1 and described above and therefore will not be described in further detail.

The plurality of lower or inner panels 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L is foldable about fold line F7 to bring the second main panel 112L into face-to-face relationship with the main panel 112. When the second main panel 122L is brought into face-to-face relationship with the main panel 112 the article retention structures RT1, RT2 therein are brought into vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT2, RT2' in the main panel 112. In this way, a two-ply structure is formed, and the articles are held or retained by inner and outer series of teeth or tabs.

The blank 110 may comprise a handle structure H, the handle structure H may comprise at least one finger opening in the main panel 112 and a corresponding handle opening in the second main panel 112L. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one handle tab struck from, or defined in, the main panel 112. Each handle tab is hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. Each handle opening comprises an aperture A1 shaped and configured complementary to the finger opening with which it is associated.

Figure 4 shows a blank 210 comprising a plurality of upper or outer panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 including a main panel 212 for forming an upper or outer top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown).

A first upper end panel 222 is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221 . A first lower end panel 224 is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223.

A second upper end panel 226 is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 225. A second lower end panel 228 is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 227.

A first upper side panel 214 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213. A first lower side panel 216 is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215. A second upper side panel 218 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. A second lower side panel 220 is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219.

A first corner panel 230a is hingedly connected to a first end of the first lower side panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229a. A second corner panel 234a is hingedly connected to a first end of the second lower side panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 235a.

A first securing panel 232a/238a is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 230a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 231 a. The first securing panel 232a/238a comprises a first lower securing panel portion 232a and a first upper securing panel portion 238a, the first lower securing panel portion 232a is hingedly connected to a first upper securing panel portion 238a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233a. The first upper securing panel portion 238a is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 222, 224. The first upper securing panel portion 238a is separated from the first lower end panel 224 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the first corner panel 230a from the first upper end panel 222; the aperture A5 also separates first upper securing panel portion 238a from the first upper side panel 214 and a portion of the first lower end panel 224 from the first lower securing panel portion 232a.

A second securing panel 236a/238c is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 234a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 237a. The second securing panel 236a/238c comprises a second lower securing panel portion 236a and a second upper securing panel portion 238c, the second lower securing panel portion 236a is hingedly connected to a second upper securing panel portion 238c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233c. The second upper securing panel portion 238c is separated from the first lower end panel 224 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the second corner panel 234a from the first upper end panel 222; the aperture A5 also separates second upper securing panel portion 238c from the second upper side panel 218 and a portion of the first lower end panel 224 from the second lower securing panel portion 236a.

A third corner panel 230b is hingedly connected to a second end of the first lower side panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229b. A fourth corner panel 234b is hingedly connected to a second end of the second lower side panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 235b.

A third securing panel 232b/238b is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 230b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 237b. The third securing panel 232b/238b comprises a third lower securing panel portion 232b and a third upper securing panel portion 238b, the third lower securing panel portion 232b is hingedly connected to a third upper securing panel portion 238b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233b. The third upper securing panel portion 238b is separated from the second lower end panel 228 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the third corner panel 230b from the second upper end panel 226; the aperture A5 also separates third upper securing panel portion 238b from the first upper side panel 214 and a portion of the second lower end panel 228 from the third lower securing panel portion 232b.

A fourth securing panel 236b/238d is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 234b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 237b. The fourth securing panel 236b/238d comprises a fourth lower securing panel portion 236b and a fourth upper securing panel portion 238d, the fourth lower securing panel portion 236b is hingedly connected to a fourth upper securing panel portion 238d by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233d. The fourth upper securing panel portion 238d is separated from the second lower end panel 228 by a cut line or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A5 separates the fourth corner panel 234b from the second upper end panel 226; the aperture A5 also separates fourth upper securing panel portion 238d from the second upper side panel 218 and a portion of the second lower end panel 228 from the fourth lower securing panel portion 236b.

The main panel 212 comprises at least one article retention structure RT2, RT2'. The main panel 212 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT2, RT2', specifically six article retention structures RT2, RT2', arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT2, RT2' comprises an opening or aperture A4.

The main panel 212 comprises four first article retention structures RT2. The first article retention structures RT2 are located adjacent to ends of the main panel 212. The main panel 212 comprises two second article retention structures RT2'. The second article retention structures RT2' are located between a first pair of first article retention structures RT2 disposed proximate a first end of the main panel 212 and a second pair of first article retention structures RT2 disposed proximate a second end of the main panel 212. The second article retention structures RT2' are also referred to herein as intermediate article retention structures RT2'. The first article retention structures RT2 are also referred to herein as end article retention structures RT2.

Each of the second article retention structures RT2' is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structure RT2 shown in Figure 1 and described above and therefore will not be described in further detail. Each first article retention structures RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structure RT2' albeit with the inclusion of a second tab 254 extending from and integral with the one of the first and second upper end panels 222, 226 in addition to a first tab 252 extending from and integral with the one of the first and second upper side panels 214, 218. The tabs 252, 254 are each defined, in part by a pair of second radial cutlines spaced apart from each other. The pair of second radial cutlines each extend from the aperture A4 to a hinged connection 213, 217, 221 , 225 between the main panel 212 and the respective upper side or end panel 214, 218, 222, 226 from which they extend.

The blank 210 comprises a plurality of lower or inner panels 212L, 214L, 216L, 218L, 220L, 222L, 226L including a second main panel 212La for forming a first portion of a lower or inner top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown) and a third panel 212Lb for forming a second portion of a lower or inner top wall or engaging panel of said carrier.

A first inner end panel 222La is hingedly connected to a first end of the second main panel 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5a.

A second inner end panel 226La is hingedly connected to a second end of the second main panel 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6a. A first inner upper side panel 214L is hingedly connected to a first side of the second main panel 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F3. A first inner lower side panel 216L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side panel 214L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F4.

A third inner end panel 222Lb is hingedly connected to a first end of the third main panel 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F5b.

A fourth inner end panel 226Lb is hingedly connected to a second end of the third main panel 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F6b.

A second inner upper side panel 218L is hingedly connected to a first side of the third main panel 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1 . A second inner lower side panel 220L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side panel 218L by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F2.

The plurality of lower or inner panels 212La, 212Lb, 214L, 216L, 218L, 220L, 222La, 222Lb, 226La, 226Lb are hingedly or frangibly connected to the plurality of upper or outer panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228. The first inner lower side panel 216L may be hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7a. In some embodiments, the first inner lower side panel 216L may be frangibly connected to the first lower side panel 216. The second inner lower side panel 220L may be hingedly connected to the second lower side panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F7b. In some embodiments, the second inner lower side panel 220L may be frangibly connected to the second lower side panel 220.

The second main panel 212La comprises at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The second main panel 212La comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically three article retention structures RT 1 , RT2, arranged in 1 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 comprises an opening or aperture A3, A4. The second main panel 212La comprises two first article retention structures RT1 each comprising a first opening or aperture A3. The second main panel 212La comprises a single second article retention structure RT2 each comprising a second opening or aperture A4.

The third main panel 212Lb comprises at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. The third main panel 212Lb comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, specifically three article retention structures RT1 , RT2, arranged in 1 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 comprises an opening or aperture A3, A4. The third main panel 212Lb comprises two first article retention structures RT1 each comprising a first opening or aperture A3. The third main panel 212Lb comprises a single second article retention structure RT2 each comprising a second opening or aperture A4.

Each of the first and second article retention structures RT 1 , RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the first and second article retention structures RT1 , RT2 shown in Figure 1 and described above and therefore will not be described in further detail.

The second main panel 212La, along with the first inner end panel 222La, the second inner end panel 226La, the first inner upper side panel 214L, and the first inner lower side panel 216L, is foldable about fold line F7a to bring the second main panel 212La into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the main panel 212. When the second main panel 212La is brought into face-to-face relationship with the main panel 212 the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 therein are brought into vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT2, RT2' in the main panel 212. In this way a two-ply structure is formed, and the articles are held or retained by inner and outer series of teeth or tabs.

The third main panel 212Lb, along with the third inner end panel 222Lb, the fourth inner end panel 226Lb, the second inner upper side panel 218L, and the second inner lower side panel 220L, is foldable about fold line F7b to bring the third main panel 212Lb into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the main panel 212. When the third main panel 212Lb is brought into face-to-face relationship with the main panel 212 the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 therein are brought into vertical registry with one of the article retention structures RT2, RT2' in the main panel 212. In this way a two-ply structure is formed, and the articles are held or retained by inner and outer series of teeth or tabs.

At least a portion of the third main panel 212Lb may be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the second main panel 212La. In the illustrated embodiment, the second and third main panels 212La, 212Lb form a three-ply structure in the region of the handle structure. The handle structure H may comprise at least one finger opening in the main panel 212 and a corresponding handle opening in each of the second main panel 212La and the third main panel 212Lb. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one handle tab struck from, or defined in, the main panel 212. Each handle tab is hingedly connected to the main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. Each handle opening comprises an aperture A1 shaped and configured complementary to the finger opening with which it is associated.

Figure 5 shows a blank 310 comprising a main panel 312 for forming an upper or outer top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown) and a second main panel 312L for forming a lower or inner top wall or engaging panel of said carrier. The second main panel 312L is hingedly connected to the main panel 312 by a hinged connection F7, the hinged connection may be frangible in some embodiments.

The second main panel 312L comprises at least one article retention structure RTT. The second main panel 312L comprises a plurality of article retention structures RTT, specifically six article retention structures RTT, arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RTT comprises an opening or aperture A3. Each of the article retention structures RTT is substantially similar in construction to the first article retention structures RT1 shown in Figure 1 and 6A, albeit the hinged connection 341 between the teeth 340 and the main panel 312 is provided by a score line or embossed line rather than a plurality of cut lines. Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines. Each hinged connection is arranged to be nonlinear. In alternative embodiments the hinged connection may be arranged to be linear. Similarly, the medial hinge or fold line extending radially outward from the first aperture A3, is defined, by a score line or embossed line 343 rather than a cut line. In this way, each tooth 340 may fold about the radial hinge 343.

A notional line collinear with the radial hinge 343 passes through a corner of the second main panel 312L, the corner may be defined by the vertex or intersection of a notional extension of the side and end edges of the second main panel 312L as shown in Figure 5.

The main panel 312 comprises at least one further article retention structure RT5, RT6. The main panel 312 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT5, RT6, specifically six article retention structures RT5, RT6, arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the further article retention structures RT5, RT6 comprises an opening or aperture A7, A8.

The main panel 312 comprises four second article retention structures RT5. The second article retention structures RT5 are located adjacent to ends of the main panel 312. The main panel 312 comprises two third article retention structures RT6. The third article retention structures RT6 are located between a first pair of second article retention structures RT5 disposed proximate a first end of the main panel 312 and a second pair of second article retention structures RT2 disposed proximate a second end of the main panel 312. The third article retention structures RT6 are also referred to herein as intermediate article retention structures RT6. The second article retention structures RT5 are also referred to herein as end article retention structures RT5.

The second and third article retention structures RT5, RT6 of the illustrated embodiment take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c -specifically, but not limited to, four teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c- arranged about an aperture A7, A8 to form part of an article receiving opening.

The second or endmost article retention structures RT5 each comprising a first opening or aperture A7. The third or intermediate article retention structures RT6 each comprising a second opening or aperture A8.

The endmost article retention structures RT5 comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by the first aperture A7 which is defined in, or struck from, the main panel 312.

The intermediate article retention structures RT6 comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by the second aperture A8 which is defined in, or struck from, the main panel 312.

The endmost article retention structures RT5 comprise a first plurality of teeth or tabs 350 disposed about the first aperture A7 and the intermediate article retention structures RT6 each comprise a second plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c disposed about the second aperture A8.

The first plurality of teeth 350 are provided by the main panel 312. Each of the teeth 350 is hingedly connected to the main panel 312, by a respective hinged connection 357. Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines, score line, embossed line or other suitable fold line feature. Each hinged connection may be arranged to be linear.

Each of the first plurality of teeth 350 is separated from its adjacent neighbours by a cut line 351 , 35T. The cut line 351 , 35T may extend radially outward from the first aperture A7. In the illustrated embodiment, a first cutline 351 is disposed opposite a third cut line 351 (the first and third cut lines 351 being collinear), a second cut line 35 T is disposed opposite a fourth cut line 35 T (the second and fourth cut lines 35 T being collinear).

At least one of the cut lines 351 , 35 T may terminate at a cut 355, the cut 355 may be linear and may be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the at least one of the cut lines 351 , 35T. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the cut lines 351 , 35 T may terminate at a transverse cut 355. The second cutline 35 T and the fourth cut line 35 T each may terminate at a respective cut 355. A notional line collinear with the second cutline 35 T and the fourth cut line 35 T passes through a corner of the main panel 312, the corner may be defined by the vertex or intersection of a notional extension of the side and end edges of the main panel 312 as shown in Figure 5.

The cut 355 terminating the second and fourth cutline 350 may extend between adjacent pairs of hinged edges of an adjacent pair of the teeth 350, between a pair of adjacent fold lines 357. Each of the teeth 350 is pentagonal in shape and in the illustrated embodiment is an irregular pentagon.

The second plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c is provided by the main panel 312. Each of the teeth 350, 350b, 350c is hingedly connected to the main panel 312, by a respective hinged connection 357. Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines, score line, embossed line or other suitable fold line feature. Each hinged connection may be arranged to be linear.

Each of the second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c is separated from its adjacent neighbours by a cut line 351 , 35T. The cut line 351 , 351'may extend radially outward from the second aperture A8. In the illustrated embodiment, a first cutline 351 is disposed opposite a third cut line 35 T (the first and third cut lines 351 , 35 T being collinear), a second cut line 350 is disposed opposite a fourth cut line 35 T (the second and fourth cut lines 351 , 35 T being collinear). The second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c comprises a pair of first teeth 350, a second tooth 350b and a third tooth 350c.

At least one of the cut lines 35 T may terminate at a cut 355, the cut 355 may be linear and may be oriented perpendicularly with respect to the at least one of the cut lines 351’. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the cut lines 35 T may terminate at a transverse cut 355. The third cutline 35 T and the fourth cut line 35 T each may terminate at a respective cut 355.

The third cutline 35T and the fourth cut line 351’ define in part opposed edges of the third tooth 350c, the third tooth 350c may be hexagonal in shape and in the illustrated embodiments is an irregular hexagon. The second tooth 350b is disposed opposite the third tooth 350c and is generally trapezoidal in shape. The pair of first teeth 350 are pentagonal in shape and in the illustrated embodiment are irregular pentagons, the pair of first teeth 350 extend between the second tooth 350b and the third tooth 350c.

The intermediate article retention structures RT6 comprise a pair of transverse cut 355 disposed at adjacent corners thereof, whereas the endmost article retention structures RT5 comprise a pair of transverse cut 355 disposed at opposite each other.

The cuts 355 may extend between a pair of adjacently disposed hinged connections 357 of the second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c.

The first and second apertures A7, A8 may be generally square in shape, the cutlines 351 , 35 T extend radially outward from respective corners.

The second main panel 312L is foldable into face-to-face relationship with the main panel 312, in doing so each of the second and third article retention structures RT5, RT6 is brought into vertical registry with a respective one of the first article retention structures RTT

Referring now to Figures 6B to 6D and 7B to 8 there are shown alternative embodiments of article retention devices.

Figure 7B shows an article retention structure RT5' which is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structures RT5 shown in Figure 5 albeit adapted to be employed in a blank having a second panel 314 hingedly connected to a side or end edge of the main panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313; the blank may take form substantially similar to that shown in Figures 1 , 3, and 4. In the article retention structure RT5' one of the teeth 352 is struck from the main panel 312, that is to say provided by material which would otherwise form the main panel 312, said tooth 352 is integral with the second panel 314. The hinged connection between the tooth 352 and the main panel 312, has been omitted. The hinged connection 313 between the second panel 314 and the main panel 312 is interrupted. The hinged connections between other teeth 350 and the main panel 312 comprises a combination of at least one cutline 357b and at least one score or embossed line 357a. In the illustrated embodiment, each hinged connection comprises a pair of cutlines 357b and three score or embossed lines 357a.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6B to 6D and 8, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "400”; "500”; "600”; "700” to indicate that these features belong to the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6A, 7A, and 7B, therefore only the differences from those embodiments will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 6B shows an article retention structure RT7 which is substantially similar in construction to the article retention structure RT 1 shown in Figure 6A. The article retention structure RT7 comprises four teeth 440 disposed about an aperture A9. Aperture A9 is generally square in shape, the teeth 440 comprise an engaging or free edge E1 defined by the aperture A9; the engaging or free edge E1 is linear, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 6A it is nonlinear. Each tooth 440 is hinged to the main panel by a hinged connection 441 provided by a score line or embossed line rather than a plurality of cut lines. Each score line or embossed line extends between pairs of cuts 447, the cuts 447 terminating respective radial cutlines 445 separating one tooth 440 from another tooth 440.

Each of the teeth 440 comprises a medial hinge or fold line extending radially outward from the first aperture A9, the medial hinge or fold line may be defined, in part by a cutline 443b and in part by score lines or embossed lines 443a. In this way each tooth 440 may fold about the radial hinge 443a/443b.

Figure 6C shows an article retention structure RT8 which is substantially similar in construction to the article retention structure RT7 shown in Figure 6B. The article retention structure RT8 comprises four teeth 540 disposed about an aperture A3. Aperture A3 defines an engaging or free edge E1 of the teeth 540; the engaging or free edge E1 is nonlinear and comprises a pair of linear sections divergently arranged with respect to each other to define a "V” shaped edge E1. Each tooth 540 is hinged to the main panel by a hinged connection 541 a/541 b provided by a score line or embossed line rather than a plurality of cut lines. The hinged connection 541 a/541 b comprises a pair of linear sections 541 , 541 b divergently arranged with respect to each other to define a "V” shaped fold line. Each score line or embossed line extends between pairs of cuts 547, the cuts 547 terminating respective radial cutlines 545 separating one tooth 540 from another tooth 540.

Each of the teeth 540 comprises a medial hinge or fold line extending radially outward from the first aperture A3, the medial hinge or fold line may be defined, in part by a cutline 543b and in part by score lines or embossed lines 543a. In this way, each tooth 540 may fold about the radial hinge 543a/543b. The radial hinge 543a/543b extends between a vertex or intersection between pair of linear sections of the engaging or free edge E1 and the vertex or intersection between the pair of linear sections 541 , 541 b of the hinged connection 541 a/ 541b.

Figure 6D shows an article retention structure RT9 which is substantially similar in construction to the article retention structure RT7 shown in Figure 6B. The article retention structure RT9 comprises four teeth 640 disposed about an aperture A9. Aperture A9 is generally square in shape, the teeth 640 comprise an engaging or free edge E1 defined by the aperture A9; the engaging or free edge E1 is linear. Each tooth 640 is hinged to the main panel by a hinged connection 641 a/641 b/641 c provided by a score line or embossed line rather than a plurality of cut lines. The hinged connection 641 a/641 b/641 c comprises a plurality of linear sections 641 a, 641 b, 641c divergently arranged with respect to each other. Each score line or embossed line extends between pairs of cuts 647, the cuts 647 terminating respective radial cutlines 645 separating one tooth 640 from another tooth 640.

Each of the teeth 640 comprises a pair of radial hinges or fold lines 643a/643b extending radially outward from the first aperture A9, each hinge or fold line 643a/643b may be defined, in part by a cutline 643b and in part by score lines or embossed lines 643a. In this way, each tooth 640 may fold about the radial hinge 643a/643b.

Figure 8 shows an article retention structure RT10 which is substantially similar in construction to the second article retention structures RT5' shown in Figure 7B configured to be employed in a blank having a second panel 714 hingedly connected to a side or end edge of the main panel 712 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 713; the blank may take form substantially similar to that shown in Figures 1 , 3, and 4. In the article retention structure RT10 one of the teeth 752 is struck from the main panel 712, that is to say provided by material which would otherwise form the main panel 712, said tooth 752 is integral with the second panel 714. The hinged connection between the tooth 752 and the main panel 712, has been omitted. The hinged connection 713 between the second panel 3714 and the main panel 712 is interrupted. The hinged connections between other teeth 750 and the main panel 712 comprises a combination of at least one cutline 757b and at least one score or embossed line 757a. In the illustrated embodiment, each hinged connection comprises a pair of cutlines 757b and three score or embossed lines 757a. The teeth 750, 752 are separated from its adjacent neighbours by a cut line 751, 75T.

The cut line 751 , 75T may extend radially outward from aperture A7. In the illustrated embodiment, a first cutline 751 is disposed opposite a third cut line 751 (the first and third cut lines 751 being collinear), a second cut line 75T is disposed opposite a fourth cut line 75T (the second and fourth cut lines 75T being collinear).

At least one of the cut lines 751 , 75T may terminate at a cut 755, the cut 755 is nonlinear and may be generally arcuate or formed from a plurality of contiguous linear sections. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the cut lines 75T may terminate at a transverse cut 755. The second cutline 75T and the fourth cut line 75T each terminate at a respective cut 755.

The embodiments of the article retention devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 of Figures 6A to 6D are intended to be employed in an inner or lower engaging panel of an article carrier. The embodiments of the article retention devices RT2, RT5', RT10 of Figures 7A to 8 are intended to be employed in an outer or upper engaging panel of an article carrier. Any of the lower article retention devices RT1 , RT7, RT8, RT9 may be used in combination with any one of the upper article retention devices RT2, RT5', RT10. Further an individual blank may employ two or more different lower article retention devices RT 1 , RT7, RT8, RT9 in the lower engaging panel and two or more different upper article retention devices RT2, RT5', RT10 in the upper engaging panel. In some embodiments, at least one of the retention devices employed in the lower engaging panel may have the same structure as at least one of the retention devices employed in the upper engaging panel, said devices may be arranged in registry to accommodate the same article, or may be arranged to receive different articles. It will be appreciated that depending upon the combination of retention structure selected the medial hinge of the teeth in the lower article retention devices RT1 , RT7, RT8, RT9 may be circumferentially or angularly offset with respect to the cutlines defining side edges of the teeth in the upper article retention devices RT2, RT5', RT10 an example of which is shown in the blank 10 of Figure 1. In some combinations, the medial hinge of the teeth in the lower article retention devices RT1 , RT7, RT8, RT9 may be aligned or in vertical registry with a cutline defining a side edge of one of the teeth in the upper article retention devices RT2, RT5', RT10, an example of which is shown in the blank 310 of Figure 5.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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 fibreboard, 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 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 cross-laminated 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 metallocene-catalysed 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.

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. The term "fold line” used herein to refer to one or more fold lines on an erected carrier should not be limited to a pre-formed hinged connection or fold line which may be perceivable on the blank of the carrier but may refer to one or more post-formed crease lines naturally created on the erected carrier as a result of the erecting process of the carrier.

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.