THERFOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/964,467 filed January 22, 2020, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article top engaging devices, 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 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 top engaging device for an article carrier. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having at least one top-receiving opening. The article top engaging device comprises at least four engaging members. The at least four engaging members comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposed engaging members. At least one of the at least four engaging members is hingedly connected to the article carrier by a linear fold line. At least two of the at least four engaging members are hingedly connected to the article carrier by a respective nonlinear fold line.

Optionally, said at least one of the at least four engaging members is provided by a marginal band portion of the engaging panel.

Optionally, said at least one of the at least four engaging members comprises a first engaging member hinged to the carrier by a first linear fold line and second engaging member hinged to the carrier by a second linear fold line.

Optionally, the second linear fold line is oriented perpendicularly to the first fold line.

Optionally, the at least two of the at least four engaging members comprises a third engaging member hinged to the carrier by a first nonlinear fold line and a fourth engaging member hinged to the carrier by a second nonlinear fold line.

Optionally, the first nonlinear fold line comprises a first linear segment and the second nonlinear fold line comprises a second linear segment.

Optionally, the first linear segment is oriented perpendicularly to the second linear segment.

Optionally, the at least two of the at least four engaging members comprises three engaging members each hingedly connected to the carrier by a respective nonlinear fold line.

Optionally, each of the nonlinear fold lines comprises a linear segment. Optionally, a first one of the linear segments is oriented perpendicularly to a second one of the linear segments, and a third one of the linear segments is oriented perpendicularly to the second one of the linear segments.

Optionally, the at least one top-receiving opening comprises at least two diametrically opposed linear edges.

Optionally, the at least one top-receiving opening comprises at least one pair of diametrically opposed linear edges.

Optionally, the at least one top-receiving opening comprises at least two pairs of diametrically opposed linear edges.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a top panel including at least one a top engaging device having at least one top-receiving opening. The article top engaging device comprises at least four engaging members. The at least four engaging members comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposed engaging members. At least one of the at least four engaging members is hingedly connected to the article carrier by a linear fold line. At least two of the at least four engaging members are hingedly connected to the article carrier by a nonlinear fold line.

Optionally, a pair of opposed sides walls hinged to marginal side portions of the top panel by a hinged connection.

Optionally, said at least one of the at least four engaging members is provided by one of the marginal side portions of the top panel.

Optionally, a pair of opposed end walls hinged to marginal end portions of the top panel by a hinged connection.

Optionally, said at least one of the at least four engaging members is provided by one of the marginal end portions of the top panel. A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a main panel including at least one a top engaging device having at least one top receiving opening. The article top engaging device comprises at least four engaging members. The at least four engaging members comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposed engaging members. At least one of the at least four engaging members is hingedly connected to the article carrier by a linear fold line. At least two of the at least four engaging members are hingedly connected to the article carrier by a nonlinear fold line.

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.

As used throughout this specification, the term “nonlinear” is defined to include curved lines, a series of two or more straight lines angled with respect to each other, or a series of one or more curved lines and one or more straight lines angled with respect to each other. 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 IB is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure l; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a portion of carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5.

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 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, are shown in Figures 3 and 5 for forming cartons or carriers 190; 290, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

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

The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the arrangement is a 4 x 2 matrix or array; in the embodiments four rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array; in the embodiment three rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110, 210 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.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment and shows a blank 10 for forming a carrier 90 shown in Figure 2. The carrier 90 takes the form of a top-gripping clip or carrier. The blank 10 comprises a main panel 12 forming a top panel of the carrier 90.

The top panel 12 comprises a pair of marginal portions 18, 20 extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the top panel 12. A first marginal portion 18 is defined in part by a first longitudinal fold line 17. A second marginal portion 20 is defined in part by a second longitudinal fold line 19. A first side panel 22 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21. A second side panel 24 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.

The first side panel 22 is hingedly connected to the first marginal portion 18 of the main panel 12. The second side panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second marginal portion 20 of the main panel 12.

The first marginal portion 18 provides at least one engaging member Tl, T5 (see Figure IB) and may take a form of a bevel panel or sloping panel when the carrier blank is applied to the group of articles. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first marginal portion 18 provides four engaging members Tl, T5. When the blank of Figure 1 is applied to the group of articles, the first marginal portion 18 slopes downwards to the fold line 21 so that the engaging edges El, E5 become upper edges of the engaging members Tl, T5 for engaging, for example, the underside of the top chimes of cans.

The second marginal portion 20 provides at least one engaging member and may take the form of a form of a bevel panel. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the second marginal portion 20 provides four engaging members.

The blank comprises a first end strap 28A/26a/14/26B/28B. The first end strap 28A/26a/14/26B/28B comprises a first end panel 14. A first corner panel 26A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first end panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 A. A first securing panel 28A is hingedly connected to an end of the first corner panel 26 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27 A.

A second corner panel 26B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first end panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B. A second securing panel 28B is hingedly connected to an end of the second corner panel 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B.

The first end panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The first end panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first marginal end portion of the top panel 12 extending transversely across the top panel 12. The first marginal end portion extends between the pair of side marginal portions 18, 20. The first marginal end portion provides two engaging members T2.

The first corner panel 26A is separated from the main panel 12, specifically the first marginal portion 18 by a cutaway or recess.

The second comer panel 26B is separated from the main panel 12, specifically the second marginal portion 20 by a cutaway or recess.

The first end strap 28A/26a/14/26B/28B forms a first end wall of the carrier 90.

The blank comprises a second end strap 32A/30A/16/30B/32B. The second end strap 32A/30A/16/30B/32B comprises a second end panel 16. A third corner panel 30A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second end panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. A third securing panel 32A is hingedly connected to an end of the third comer panel 30 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 A.

A fourth comer panel 30B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second end panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. A fourth securing panel 32B is hingedly connected to an end of the fourth comer panel 30B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3 IB.

The second end panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The second end panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second marginal end portion of the top panel 12 extending transversely across the top panel 12. The second marginal end portion extends between the pair of side marginal portions 18, 20. The second marginal end portion provides two engaging members.

The third comer panel 30A is separated from the main panel 12, specifically the first marginal portion 18 by a cutaway or recess.

The fourth corner panel 30B is separated from the main panel 12, specifically the second marginal portion 20 by a cutaway or recess. The second end strap 32A/30A/16/30B/32B forms a second end wall of the carrier 90.

The main panel 12 comprises a plurality of apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. The apertures form part of article retention structures RT1, RT2 which include regions of the main panel 12 surrounding each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

The article retention structures RT1, RT2 include a first pair of end article retention structures and a second pair of end article retention structures. The first pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 12 proximate the first end strap 28A/26a/14/26B/28B. The first marginal end portion of the top panel 12 is disposed between the fold line 13 and the first pair of end article retention structures. The second pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 12 proximate the second end strap 32A/30A/16/30B/32B. The second marginal end portion of the top panel 12 is disposed between the fold line 15 and the second pair of end article retention structures.

Four intermediate article retention structures are struck from the main panel 12 and are disposed between the first pair of end article retention structures and the second pair of end article retention structures.

Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2 comprise four engaging members T1/T2/T3/T4, T5/T6/T7/T8.

Each of the end article retention structures are substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to a first end retention structure RT1 shown in Figure IB.

The first end retention structure RT1 comprises a first engaging member T1 provided by a part of the first marginal portion 18 of the main panel 12. The first engaging member T1 comprises a first engaging edge El for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture Al. The first engaging member T1 is hingedly connected to the blank 10 by a linear fold line provided by a section of the fold line 21. The first end retention structure RT1 comprises a second engaging member T2 provided by a part of the first marginal end portion of the main panel 12. The second engaging member T2 comprises a second engaging edge E2 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture Al. The second engaging member T2 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 46a/46b. The fold line 46a/46b is nonlinear. The fold line 46a/46b may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 46a, 46b. The second engaging member T2 may be defined in part by a portion of the fold line 13; the fold line 46a/13/46b is nonlinear.

In some embodiments the fold line hinging the second engaging member T2 to the blank 10 is formed by two or more linear elements divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line may be concave when viewed from the second engaging edge E2. In some embodiments the fold line may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line may comprise a plurality of linear elements which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line when folded may adopt a curved shape, as indicated by the phantom or notional (dot-dash) line in Figure 1.

The first end retention structure RT1 comprises a third engaging element T3 provided by a part of a medial portion of the main panel 12. The third engaging element T3 comprises a third engaging edge E3 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture Al. The third engaging element T3 is disposed opposite the first engaging member Tl.

The third engaging element T3 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 42a/42b/42c. The fold line 42a/42b/42c is nonlinear. The fold line 42a/42b/42c may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 42a, 42b, 42c. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 42a/42b/42c comprises three linear fold lines elements 42a, 42b, 42c. One of the linear fold lines elements 42c may be defined by a portion of a longitudinally extending fold line 40a/40b.

The linear fold lines elements 42a, 42b, 42c of the third engaging element T3 are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line 42a/42b/42c may be concave when viewed from the third engaging edge E3. In some embodiments the fold line 42a/42b/42c may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line 42a/42b/42c may comprise a plurality of linear elements 42a, 42b, 42c which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line 42a/42b/42c when folded may adopt a curved shape. The first end retention structure RT1 comprises a fourth engaging element T4 provided by a portion of the main panel 12 disposed between a pair of article receiving apertures Al, A3. The fourth engaging element T4 comprises a fourth engaging edge E4 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture Al. The fourth engaging element T4 is disposed opposite the second engaging member T2.

The fourth engaging element T4 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 48a/48b/48c. The fold line 48a/48b/48c is nonlinear. The fold line 48a/48b/48c may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 48a, 48b, 48c. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 48a/48b/48c comprises three linear fold lines elements 48a, 48b, 48c. One of the linear fold lines elements 48c may be defined by a portion of a transversely extending fold line 54a/54b.

The linear fold lines elements 48a, 48b, 48c of the fourth engaging element T4 are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line 48a/48b/48c may be concave when viewed from the fourth engaging edge E4. In some embodiments the fold line 48a/48b/48c may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line 48a/48b/48c may comprise a plurality of linear elements 48a, 48b, 48c which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line 48a/48b/48c when folded may adopt a curved shape.

Each of the intermediate article retention structures are substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to a first intermediate retention structure RT2 shown in Figure IB.

The first intermediate retention structure RT2 comprises a first engaging member T5 provided by a part of the first marginal portion 18 of the main panel 12. The first engaging member T1 comprises a first engaging edge E5 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture A3. The first engaging member T5 is hingedly connected to the blank 10 by a linear fold line provided by a section of the fold line 21.

The first intermediate retention structure RT2 comprises a second engaging member T6 provided by a portion of the main panel 12 disposed between a pair of article receiving apertures Al, A3. The second engaging member T6 comprises a second engaging edge E6 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture A3. The second engaging member T6 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 50a/50b. The fold line 50a/50b is nonlinear. The fold line 50a/50b may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 50a, 50b. The second engaging member T6 may be defined in part by the fold line element 48c hinging the fourth engaging element T4 of the first end retention structure RT1 to the blank 10. The fold line 50a/48c/50b is nonlinear. The second engaging member T6 of the first intermediate retention structure RT2 and the fourth engaging element T4 of the first end retention structure RT1 may share a common fold line 48c. This has the effect of hinging intermediate or medial portions of the second engaging member T6 of the first intermediate retention structure RT2 and the fourth engaging element T4 of the first end retention structure RT1 to each other. In other embodiments second engaging member T6 of the first intermediate retention structure RT2 and the fourth engaging element T4 of the first end retention structure RT1 may be spaced apart from each other.

In some embodiments the fold line hinging the second engaging member T6 to the blank 10 is formed by two or more linear elements divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line may be concave when viewed from the second engaging edge E6. In some embodiments the fold line may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line may comprise a plurality of linear elements which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line when folded may adopt a curved shape.

The first intermediate retention structure RT2 comprises a third engaging element T7 provided by a part of a medial portion of the main panel 12. The third engaging element T7 comprises a third engaging edge E7 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture A3. The third engaging element T7 is disposed opposite the first engaging member T5.

The third engaging element T7 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 44a/44b/44c. The fold line 44a/44b/44c is nonlinear. The fold line 44a/44b/44c may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 44a, 44b, 44c. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 44a/44b/44c comprises three linear fold lines elements 44a, 44b, 44c. One of the linear fold lines elements 44c may be defined by a portion of a longitudinally extending fold line 40c/40d.

The linear fold lines elements 44a, 44b, 44c of the third engaging element T7 are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line 44a/44b/44c may be concave when viewed from the third engaging edge E7. In some embodiments the fold line 44a/44b/44c may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line 44a/44b/44c may comprise a plurality of linear elements 44a, 44b, 44c which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line 44a/44b/44c when folded may adopt a curved shape.

The first intermediate retention structure RT2 comprises a fourth engaging element T8 provided by a portion of the main panel 12 disposed between a pair of article receiving apertures A3, A5. The fourth engaging element T8 comprises a fourth engaging edge E8 for engaging with an article B when received in the aperture A3. The fourth engaging element T8 is disposed opposite the second engaging member T6.

The fourth engaging element T8 may be defined at least in part by a fold line 52a/52b/52c. The fold line 52a/52b/52c is nonlinear. The fold line 52a/52b/52c may be defined in part by two or more linear fold lines elements 52a, 52b, 52c. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 52a/52b/52c comprises three linear fold lines elements 52a, 52b, 52c. One of the linear fold lines elements 52c may be defined by a portion of a transversely extending fold line 56a/56b.

The linear fold lines elements 52a, 52b, 52c of the fourth engaging element T8 are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fold line 52a/52b/52c may be concave when viewed from the fourth engaging edge E8. In some embodiments the fold line 52a/52b/52c may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line 52a/52b/52c may comprise a plurality of linear elements 52a, 52b, 52c which approximate a curve or arc, the fold line 52a/52b/52c when folded may adopt a curved shape.

The third engaging member T3 of the first end retention structure RT1 may be arranged in back to back relationship with an engaging member of an end retention structure in an adjacent column of retention structures. The third engaging member T3 is defined in part by the fold line element 42c. The engaging member of the end retention in the adjacent column is defined by a fold line and may share a common fold line element 42c. In other embodiments engaging members may be spaced apart from each other and defined by separate fold line elements. The common fold line element 42c may be medially located between the apertures Al, A2.

An optional longitudinal fold line 40a, 40b may extend longitudinally between the first end retention structure RT1 and the adjacent end retention structure in the adjacent column. The fold line 40a, 40b may be collinear with the common fold line element 42c. The fold line 40a, 40b may bisect the region of the blank between the apertures Al, A2; that is to say it is medially located between the apertures Al, A2.

The third engaging member T7 of the first intermediate retention structure RT2 may be arranged in back to back relationship with an engaging member of an adjacent end retention structure in an adjacently disposed column of retention structures. The third engaging member T7 is defined in part by the fold line element 44c. The engaging member of the end retention in the adjacent column is defined by a fold line and may share a common fold line element 44c. In other embodiments engaging members may be spaced apart from each other and defined by separate fold line elements. The common fold line element 44c may be medially located between the apertures A3, A4.

An optional longitudinal fold line 40c, 40c may extend longitudinally between the first intermediate retention structure RT2 and the adjacent intermediate retention structure in the adjacent column. The fold line 40c, 40c may be collinear with the common fold line element 44c. The fold line 40c, 40d may bisect the region of the blank between the apertures A3, A4; that is to say, it is medially located between the apertures A3, A4.

In some embodiments the fold line elements or segments 46a, 46b, 42a, 42b, 48a, 48b, 44a, 44b, 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b may be nonlinear in shape. The fold line elements or segments 46a, 46b, 42a, 42b, 48a, 48b, 44a, 44b, 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b may be curvilinear or arcuate. The fold line elements or segments 46a, 46b, 42a, 42b, 48a, 48b, 44a, 44b, 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b may be formed from two or linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other. In such embodiments the nonlinear fold lines 46a/13/46b, 42a/42c/42b, 48a/48c/48b, 50a/48c/48b, 44a/44c/44b, 52a/52c/52b each comprise a straight or linear segment 13, 42c, 48c, 44c, 52c.

The nonlinear fold lines 46a/13/46b, 42a/42c/42b, 48a/48c/48b, 50a/48c/48b, 44a/44c/44b, 52a/52c/52b hinging the engaging members to the main panel 12 are continuous or uninterrupted.

The fold line elements 42b, 48b, 50b, 44a defined part of a star shaped region disposed between a group of four apertures Al, A2, A3, A4 which are arranged to form a 2 x 2 matrix or array. The star shaped region is disposed centrally between the four apertures Al, A2, A3, A4. The optional fold lines 40a/40b, 54a/54b, 40c/40d may pass through a respective one of the vertices of the points of the star shape. Portions 40a, 54a, 40d of the fold lines 40a/40b, 54a/54b, 40c/40d may be disposed internally of the star region. Portions 40b, 54a, 40c of the fold lines 40a/40b, 54a/54b, 40c/40d may be disposed externally of the star region.

The apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 may be polygonal in shape. The apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 may be quadrilateral, square or rectangular. The apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 may be hexagonal or octagonal.

In the illustrate embodiment the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 are substantially square in shape. The comers of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 are rounded or filleted, in other embodiments the corners may be chamfered. In some embodiments, the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 may take the form of a squircle. In other embodiments the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 take the form of a truncated circle.

Each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 comprise a first pair of opposing linear edges and a second pair of opposing linear edges. The second pair of edges may be oriented perpendicularly to the first pair of edges.

Each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 of the blank comprises at least two engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 which are arranged back to back with an engaging element of an adjacently disposed aperture Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

The intermediate retention structures RT2 comprise three engaging elements T6, T7, T8 each of which is arranged back to back with an engaging element of an adjacently disposed aperture Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

The end retention structures RT1 comprise two engaging elements T3, T4 each of which is arranged back to back with an engaging element of an adjacently disposed aperture Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 comprises at least two engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 which are defined, at least in part, by a nonlinear fold line 46a/13/46b, 42a/42c/42b, 48a/48c/48b, 50a/48c/48b, 44a/44c/44b, 52a/52c/52b. The nonlinear fold lines 46a/13/46b, 42a/42c/42b, 48a/48c/48b, 50a/48c/48b, 44a/44c/44b, 52a/52c/52b each comprise a straight or linear segment 13, 42c, 48c, 44c, 52c. A first one of the at least two engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 comprises a first linear segment 13, 42c, 48c, 44c, 52c and a second one of the at least two engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 comprises a second linear segment 13, 42c, 48c, 44c, 52c; the second linear segment is arranged generally perpendicularly to the first linear segment 13, 42c, 48c, 44c, 52c.

The intermediate retention structures RT2 comprise three linear segments 48c, 44c, 52c each arranged generally perpendicularly to the adjacent one of the three linear segments 48c, 44c, 52c.

The end retention structures RT1 comprise two linear segments 13, 42c arranged generally perpendicularly to each other.

As illustrated in Figure 1, glue or other adhesive treatment G may be applied to the first side panel 22, to the second side panel 24, to first securing panel 28A, to second securing panel 28B, to third securing panel 32A, and to fourth securing panel 32B. The glue or adhesive treatment G1 may comprise a fugitive glue or the like, and the glue or other adhesive treatment G2 may comprise a hot-melt glue or the like. The glue or adhesive treatment G1 may be applied to the longitudinally inner portion of the first side panel 22 and to the longitudinally inner portion of the second side panel 24, while the glue or adhesive treatment G2 may be applied to the longitudinally outer portion of the first side panel 22 and to the longitudinally outer portion of the second side panel 24. The glue or adhesive treatment G1 may also be applied to first securing panel 28A, to second securing panel 28B, to third securing panel 32A, and to fourth securing panel 32B.

The glue G1 may serve to secure the side panels and securing panels to the articles B. An example of a specific fugitive glue is Swift®melt 7044 manufactured by HB Fuller. Use of a fugitive glue is optional. An advantage of a fugitive glue is its tendency to remain attached to the carrier when the articles are disengaged from the carrier, which may be more desirable than having the glue remain attached to the articles. In alternative embodiments, other adhesives may be employed such as, but not limited to, hot-melt glue. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 2 will be described in detail.

Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank 110 for forming a carrier 190 as shown in Figure 4. The carrier 190 takes the form of a top-gripping clip or carrier. The blank 110 comprises a main panel 112 forming a top panel of the carrier 190.

The top panel 112 comprises a pair of marginal portions 118, 120 extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the top panel 112. A first marginal portion 118 is defined in part by a first longitudinal fold line 117. A second marginal portion 120 is defined in part by a second longitudinal fold line 119.

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

The first side panel 122 is hingedly connected to the first marginal portion 118 of the main panel 112. The second side panel 124 is hingedly connected to the second marginal portion 120 of the main panel 112.

The main panel 112 comprises a plurality of apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. The apertures form part of article retention structures which include regions of the main panel 112 surrounding each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. The article retention structures include a first pair of end article retention structures and a second pair of end article retention structures. The first pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 112 proximate a first end strap 128A/126a/114/126B/128B. A first marginal end portion of the top panel 112 is disposed between the fold line 113 and the first pair of end article retention structures. The second pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 112 proximate the second end strap 132A/130A/116/130B/132B. A second marginal end portion of the top panel 112 is disposed between the fold line 115 and the second pair of end article retention structures.

Four intermediate article retention structures are struck from the main panel 112 and are disposed between the first pair of end article retention structures and the second pair of end article retention structures.

In the embodiment of Figure 3 each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 comprises a pair of opposed linear edges El, E3 and a pair of opposed recessed edges E2, E4; the recessed edges E2, E4 being generally perpendicular to the linear edges El, E3. The linear edges El, E3 extend substantially longitudinally along the blank 110. The recessed edges E2, E4 extend generally transversely across the blank 110.

The end retention structures each comprise four engaging elements each having an engaging edge El, E2, E3, E4. The end retention structures each comprise a pair of opposed linear engaging edges El, E3. The end retention structures each comprise a pair of opposed recessed engaging edges E2, E4.

In the embodiment of Figure 3 the fold line segments 46a, 46b have been omitted from the end retention structures. The second engaging element is hinged to the carrier 190 by a linear fold line 115 and is provided by a part of the first marginal end portion of the main panel 12.

The embodiment of Figure 3 comprises retention structures having two engaging elements which are hingedly connected to the carrier 190 or blank 110 by linear fold lines.

In the embodiment of Figure 3 the longitudinally extending fold lines 40a/40b, 40c/40d have been omitted.

In the embodiment of Figure 3 the transversely extending fold lines 50a/50b, 54c/54d, 56a/56b have been omitted.

The top engaging panel 112 (also referred herein as top or main panel 112) includes a primary portion and a marginal portion surrounding or circumscribing the primary portion. The marginal portion includes a pair of side marginal strips or bands 118, 120 and a pair of end marginal strips or bands 106, 108. The top panel 112 has a plurality of top-receiving openings Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 each for receiving an upper portion of a generally cylindrical article B. Each opening Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 has a plurality of engaging edges El, E2, E3, E4; E5, E6, E7, E8 disposed along the perimeter of that opening Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. Each engaging edge El, E2, E3, E4; E5, E6, E7, E8 is adopted to bear at least part of the load of the respective article B. The plurality of engaging edges El, E2, E3, E4; E5, E6, E7, E8 include at least first and second pairs of diametrically opposing edges E2/E4, E6/E8; E1/E3, E5/E7.

At least one E4, E6, E8 of the first diametrically opposing pair E2/E4, E6/E8 is provided by a hinged element T4, T6, T8 formed from the primary portion of the top panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto by a nonlinear fold line 148a/148c/148b, 150a/148c/148b, 152a/152c/152b.

The other one E6 of the first pair E6/E8 may be provided by a hinged element T6 formed from the primary portion of the top engaging panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto by a nonlinear fold line 150a/148c/148b.

The other one E2 of the first pair E2/E4 may be provided by one of the end marginal strips 106, 108 which are hingedly connected respectively to end panels 114,116 of the carrier 190 by linear fold lines 113, 115.

One E3, E7 of the second diametrically opposing pair E1/E3, E5/E7 is provided by a hinged element T3, T7 formed from the primary portion of the top panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto by a nonlinear fold line 142a/142c/142b, 144a/144c/144b.

The other one El, E5 of the second pair E1/E3, E5/E7 is provided by one of the side marginal strips 118, 120 which are hingedly connected respectively to side panels 122, 124 by linear fold lines 121, 123.

The first pair of engaging edges E2, E4; E6, E8 may be curved whereas the second pair of engaging edges El, E3; E5, E7 may be straight. The side marginal strips 118, 120 may be hingedly connected to the primary portion by fold lines 117, 119 respectively. Each fold line 117, 119 may be interrupted by the openings Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first and second embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 will be described in detail.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a third embodiment, a blank 210 for forming a carrier 290 shown in Figure 6. The carrier 290 takes the form of a top-gripping clip or carrier. The blank 210 comprises a main panel 212 forming a top panel of the carrier 290.

The top panel 212 comprises a pair of marginal portions 218, 220 extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the top panel 212. A first marginal portion 218 is defined in part by a first longitudinal fold line 217. A second marginal portion 220 is defined in part by a second longitudinal fold line 219.

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

The first side panel 222 is hingedly connected to the first marginal portion 218 of the main panel 212. The second side panel 224 is hingedly connected to the second marginal portion 220 of the main panel 212.

The main panel 212 comprises a plurality of apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. The apertures form part of article retention structures which include regions of the main panel 212 surrounding each of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. The article retention structures include a first pair of end article retention structures and a second pair of end article retention structures. The first pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 212 proximate a first end strap 228A/226a/214/226B/228B. A first marginal end portion of the top panel 212 is disposed between the fold line 213 and the first pair of end article retention structures. The second pair of end article retention structures are provided in the main panel 212 proximate the second end strap 232A/230A/216/230B/232B. A second marginal end portion of the top panel 212 is disposed between the fold line 215 and the second pair of end article retention structures.

Two intermediate article retention structures are provided in the main panel 212 and are disposed between the first pair of end article retention structures and the second pair of end article retention structures.

In the embodiment of Figure 5 only the end retention structures comprise apertures Al, A2, A7, A8 that have recessed engaging edges E2. In the illustrated embodiment only one edge of the apertures Al, A2, A7, A8 is recessed. The recessed edge E2 is provided adjacent, or proximate, to the first or second end marginal portion of the top panel 212. The edge E4 opposing the recessed edge E2 is linear in shape.

Figures 2, 4 and 6 show the carriers 90; 190; 290 in an erected condition, the carriers 90; 190; 290 comprise a top panel 12; 112, 212 having a valley or trough portion disposed between pairs or articles B. The valley portion is formed by a pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8. At least one end of the valley portion may be closed by a portion of the top panel 12; 112; 212; the portion may be inclined. Each end of the valley portion may be closed by an inclined portion.

The pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 are coupled or connected to each other at least one end by a portion of the main panel 12; 112; 212 disposed therebetween.

A first end of one of the pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 is coupled or connected to a first, adjacent, end of the other of the pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 by a portion of the main panel 12; 112; 212; said portion be substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

A second end of one of the pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 is coupled or connected to a second, adjacent, end of the other of the pair of back to back engaging elements T3, T4, T6, T7, T8 by a portion of the main panel 12; 112; 212; said portion is substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape. Said portion of the main panel 12; 112; 212 may be provided by a portion of one of the star shaped regions of the main panel 12; 112; 212. The common fold lines 48c, 52c; 148c, 152c; 248c, 252c hinging the one of the engaging elements T4, T6, T8 to another one of the engaging elements extend parallel to the grain direction of the material as indicated by direction arrow GR in Figure 3. The common fold lines 42c, 44c; 142c, 122c; 242c, 244c extend perpendicularly to the grain direction GR.

The coupling portions of the main panel 12; 112; 212 may be defined in part by a pair of divergently arranged fold line segments. The pair of divergently arranged fold line segments may be provided by portions of the nonlinear fold lines 46a/13/46b, 42a/42c/42b, 48a/48c/48b, 50a/48c/48b, 44a/44c/44b, 52a/52c/52b; 142a/142c/142b, 148a/148c/148b, 150a/148c/148b, 144a/144c/144b, 152a/152c/152b; 242a/242c/242b, 248a/248c/248b, 250a/248c/248b,

244a/244c/244b, 252a/252c/252b.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90; 190; 290 of the top engaging type having improved article retention structures or article top engaging devices RT1, RT2.

The article top engaging device comprises an engaging panel 12; 112; 212 having at least one top-receiving opening Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

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

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

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single 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.

Referring to Figures 1 and IB, the top engaging panel 12 includes a primary portion and a marginal portion surrounding or circumscribing the primary portion. The marginal portion include a pair of side marginal strips 18, 20 and a pair of end marginal strips 101, 102. The top engaging panel has a plurality of top-receiving openings A1-A8 each for receiving an upper portion of a generally cylindrical article such as a can. Each opening has a plurality of engaging edges disposed along the perimeter of that opening. Each engaging edge is adopted to bear at least part of the load of the respective article. The plurality of engaging edges include at least first and second pairs of diametrically opposing edges E1-E4; or E5-E8.

At least one E4, E8 of the first diametrically opposing pair E2 and E4; or E6 and E8 is provided by a hinged element T4, T8 formed from the primary portion of the top panel 12 and hingedly connected the primary portion by a non-linear fold line 48a, 48b, 48c; 52a, 52b, 52c. The other one E2, E6 of the first pair E2 and E4; E6 and E8 may be provided by a hinged element T6 formed from the primary portion of the top engaging panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by a non-linear fold line 50a, 50b, 48c. Otherwise, the other one E2, E6 of the first pair E2 and E4; E6 and E8 may be provided by one 101 of the end marginal strips 101, 102 which are hingedly connected respectively to the end panels 14, 16 of the carrier by linear fold lines 13, 15 respectively.

One E3 or E7 of the second diametrically opposing pair El, E3; or E5, E7 is provided by a hinged element T1 or T7 formed from the primary portion of the top engaging panel 12 and hingedly connected to the primary portion by a non-linear fold line 42a, 42b, 42c; or 44a, 44b, 44c. The other one El or E5 of the second pair El, E3; or E5, E7 is provided by one of the side marginal strips 18, 20 which are hingedly connected respectively to the side panels 22, 24 by linear fold lines 21, 23, respectively.

The first pair of diametrically opposing engaging edges E2, E4 or E6, E8 may be curved or straight whereas the second pair of engaging edges El, E3; or E5, E7 may be straight. The side marginal strips 18, 20 may be hingedly connected to the primary portion by fold lines 17, 19 respectively. Each of the fold lines 17, 19 may be interrupted by the adjacent openings Al, A3, A5, A7; or A2, A4, A6, A8.