FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming the carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton which is capable of protecting a rigid closure disposed upon a semi-rigid article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. 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. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is known to provide brick-shaped packages such as those made by Tetra Pak™. Such packages may include an access means which may be in the form of a re-useable closure. Such closures protrude from a surface of the package and are vulnerable to damage or tampering . It is an object of the present invention to provide a carton which protects the closure and additionally may improve the security of the package. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention , there is provided a package comprising at least one primary product container having a plurality of walls including a top wall and a container closure projecting from the top wall; and a secondary carton, the secondary carton comprising first and second side panels coupled to a top panel, the top panel forming part of a covering structure, the covering structure having a void within which the container closure is disposed, wherein the void is defined, at least in part, by the top panel disposed above the container closure, the top panel being greater in surface area than the top of the container closure. The void is further defined, at least in part, by two or more end panels supporting the top panel above the top wall of the at least one primary product container. The secondary carton and/or the covering structure further comprises one or more stabilizer panels hinged to at least one of the end panels for stabilizing the end panels. The stabilizer panels are in contacting relationship at least in part with the top wall of the at least one primary product container so as to maintain the end panels in a supporting configuration.

Optionally, the stabilizer panels are folded externally of the carton so as to be disposed beneath the top panel.

Alternatively, the stabilizer panels are folded internally of the carton so as to be disposed beneath the top panel.

In some embodiments, at least one primary product container has a semi-rigid form whereas the container closure has a rigid form and wherein the container closure has a cross- sectional area that is substantially smaller than the surface area of said one of the plurality of walls from which it projects.

Preferably, the first and second side panels are hinged to the top panel.

In some embodiments, one or more bottom panels interconnect the first and second side panels such that the secondary carton is wrapped about the at least one primary product container, the first and second side panels providing support to the top panel to support the top panel above the top wall of the at least one primary product container.

Optionally, the package comprises four primary product containers and the top covering structure comprises two stabilizer panels and wherein each stabilizer panel is in contacting relationship with a pair of adjacent primary product containers.

Optionally, the package comprises four primary product containers and the top covering structure comprises four stabilizer panels wherein two of the stabilizer panels are in contacting relationship with a pair of adjacent primary product containers.

In some embodiments, a pair of stabilizer panels is hinged to each end panel, a first one of the pair of stabilizer panels being hinged by a first fold line and a second one of the pair of stabilizer panels being hinged by a second fold line, the first and second fold lines being arranged convergently. Optionally, the first fold line is arranged substantially parallel to a hinge line between the respective end panel and the top panel .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel , a first side wall panel, second side wall panel, first end wall panel, second end wall panel and a bottom panel , the first side wall panel being hinged to the top panel, the second side wall panel being hinged to the top panel , the first end wall panel being hinged to the top panel, and the second end wall panel being hinged to the top panel , the first and second end wall panels each comprising one or more rim panels hinged along a lower edge thereof, the or each rim panel being folded outwardly to form a ledge like projection for being disposed upon a top wall of an article.

In some embodiments, the carton comprises an anchor panel hinged to each end of the first and second side wall panels, each anchor panel is coupled to an end of one of the first or second end wall panels by one or more gusset panels, such that folding the anchor panels automatically folds the end panels.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for forming a carton comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel, a first side wall panel, second side wall panel, first end wall panel, second end wall panel and a bottom panel , the first side wall panel being hinged to the top panel , the second side wall panel being hinged to the top panel, the first end wall panel being hinged to the top panel , and the second end wall panel being hinged to the top panel, the first and second end wall panels each comprising one or more rim panels hinged along a lower edge thereof, wherein the or each rim panel is arranged to be foldable in a setup carton either inwardly, to form an inner top panel for being disposed upon a top wall of an article, or outwardly to form a ledge like projection for being disposed upon a top wall of an article. Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features. 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 carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2A is a perspective view from above of a first exemplary article for use with the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2B is a perspective view from above of a first exemplary article for use with the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3A is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blank of Figure 1 and the first exemplary article of Figure 2A;

Figure 3B is another perspective view from above of a package formed from the blank of Figure 1 and the first exemplary article of Figure 2A;

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

Figure 5A is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blank of Figure 4 and the first exemplary article of Figure 2B;

Figure 5B is another perspective view from above of a package formed from the blank of Figure 4 and the first exemplary article of Figure 2B; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of an alternative carton constructed from the blank of Figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODI MENTS

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

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton for packaging primary products such as, but not limited to, a brick package 80, as shown in Figure 2A, hereinafter referred to as articles 80. In other embodiments the primary product containers may be bottles or cans.

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 , carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as 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 blank 1 0 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard , corrugated board , cardboard , plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The blank 1 0 comprises a first side and a second side opposing the first side, the first side may be coated or otherwise treated to provide a suitable surface for receiving printed graphics or other information, hereinafter referred to as the printed side. The second side may be uncoated, and is referred to hereinafter as the back side.

In the exemplary embodiments, the blank 1 0 is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles 80. In a first illustrated exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array and the articles are brick packages. The blank 10 can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12a, 14a, 14, 16, 18, 1 8a, 12b hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank 1 0 comprises a first panel for forming a first bottom panel 12a hinged by a hinged connection such as a fold line 20 to a second panel for forming a first lower side panel 14a. The second panel is hinged to a third panel by a hinged connection such as a fold line 22, for forming a first upper side panel 14. A fourth panel for forming a top panel 16 is hinged to the third panel by a hinged connection such as a fold line 24. A fifth panel for forming a second upper side panel 18 is hinged to the fourth panel by a hinged connection such as a fold line 26. A sixth panel for forming a second lower side panel 18a is hinged to the fifth panel by a hinged connection such as a fold line 28. A seventh panel for forming a second bottom panel 12b is hinged to the sixth panel by a hinged connection such as a fold line 30.

The first and second bottom panels 12a, 12b together form a composite bottom panel 12a/12b.

The first and second bottom panels 12a, 12b are optionally provided with complementary parts 32, 34 of a mechanical locking mechanism for affixing the first and second bottom panels 12a, 12b together to form the composite bottom wall 12a/12b. Such mechanisms are known in the art and are typical of wraparound style carriers, where the mechanical locking mechanism provides for some adjustability to enable the carrier to be tightly wrapped about a group of articles B for securing the articles B within the carrier. However, it is envisaged that aspects of the present invention may be applied advantageously in other styles of carrier and therefore the mechanical locking mechanism 32, 34 is entirely optional. In a wraparound style of carrier or in another style of carrier, the mechanical locking mechanism may be replaced by other types of affixing means for example, adhesive, tuck flaps and/or staples.

First and second end panels 46a, 46b are hinged to either end of the top panel 16 along hinged connections such as fold lines 66a and 66b respectively. A first rim panel 42a is hinged to the first end panel 46a along a hinged connection such as a fold line 72a. Similarly, a second rim panel 42b is hinged to the second end panel 46b along a hinged connection such as a fold line 72b. Each of the rim panels 42a, 42b are sized, shaped and positioned for being located onto the top of an article 80 (see Figures 3A and 3B) as will be discussed further below. First and second rim panels 42a, 42b are also referred to as first and second stabilizer panels 42a, 42b.

A first anchor panel 54a is hinged to a portion of an edge of the first upper side panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 64a. A first gusset panel 44a couples or links the first anchor panel 54a to the first end panel 46a. This link is in part formed by a hinged connection such as an angled fold line 70a which optionally, in a rectangular carton, may be about 45° relative to the fold line 64a, and may be about 45° relative to a hinged connection such as a fold line 24a between the first gusset panel 44a and the first end panel 46a. Similarly, second , third and fourth anchor panels 54b, 58a, 58b (also referred to herein as second, third and fourth anchor panels 54b, 58a, 58b) and second, third and fourth gusset panels 44b, 48a, 48b are provided. The second , third and fourth anchor panels 54b, 58a, 58b are hinged by hinged connections such as fold lines 64b, 68a, 68b respectively to a respective one of the first and second side panels 14, 18. The second, third and fourth gusset panels 44b, 48a, 48b couple or link the second, third and fourth anchor panels 54b, 58a, 58b to the first or second end panels 14, 18 respectively, again by means of a hinged connection such as an angled fold line 70b, 74a, 74b (which optionally in a rectangular carton may be about 45° relative to the fold line 64b, 68a, 68b respectively). The anchor and gusset panels 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b, 44a, 44b, 48a, 48b provide a mechanism for assisting the automated set-up or folding of the first and second end panels 46a, 46b and provide a degree of structural rigidity to a top covering part of the completed carton that is formed about, optionally connected to, and protects a container closure C.

The top panel 16, first and second end panels 46a, 46b and first and second rim panels 42a, 42b, form a top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b for at least partially covering the top of a group of articles 80. Figure 2A illustrates a first exemplary package 80 for use with the blank 10 of Figure 1 . Package 80 is a brick-shaped package, a rectangular cuboid or a square cuboid.

Package 80 comprises a top panel 19 to which a closure C is coupled . Closure C protrudes outwardly from top panel 1 9.

Package 80 comprises a pair of wing portions 17 disposed on opposing sides of the package 80. In normal use, wing portions are folded about hinged connections such as fold lines 1 3 and secured to respective end panels 1 1 . The package 80 may be formed from a laminate sheet material comprising a metallic foil layer sandwiched between a paper layer and a layer of a plastics material such as polyethylene. The sheet material may comprise additional layers.

Figure 2B illustrates a second exemplary package 180 for use with the blank 1 1 0 of Figure 4. Package 1 80 is a brick-shaped package, a rectangular cuboid or a square cuboid . The top panel 1 19 is arranged to be inclined or sloping at least in part, whereas the top panel 19 of the first exemplary embodiment was arranged to be substantially horizontal , that is to say the top panel 19 was disposed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the end panel 1 1 and to a side panel 15. The container closure C is disposed upon the sloping section of the top panel 1 19.

The top panel 16 comprises an optional aperture A. Preferably the aperture A is substantially triangular in shape or fan-shaped (that is to say, a sector of a circle). Aperture A is arranged to be disposed above the container closure C of one of the articles 80 being packaged.

Turning to the construction of the carton as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. Before the blank 10 is wrapped around an article 80 group, it is first necessary to at least partially set-up the top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b. Optionally, this may be done by folding the first, second, third and fourth anchor panels 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b about the respective one of the fold lines 64a, 64b, 68a, 68b connecting the first, second, third and fourth anchor panels 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b to the respective first or second upper side panels 14, 18. The first, second, third and fourth anchor panels 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b are folded until they are disposed in flat, face contacting relationship with an underside face of the first or second side panel 14, 18 respectively. Folding of the anchor panels 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b, automatically causes the folding of the first and second end panels 46a, 46b. This is due to the provision of the gusset panels 44a, 44b, 48a, 48b. The first and second rim panels 42a, 42b are folded relative to the first and second end panels 46a, 46b and about the fold lines 72a, 72b. Each of the first and second rim panels 42a, 42b are folded until they are brought into a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective one of first and second end panels 46a, 46b to which they are hinged . The first and second rim panels 42a, 42b are folded such that the printed side of the first and second rim panels 42a, 42b faces the same direction as the printed side of the top panel 16, that is to say the printed side faces outwardly and is presented to a consumer. The first and second rim panels 42a, 42b are disposed outside the top panel 16 and first and second end panels 46a, 46b.

The first and second upper side panels 14, 18 are folded relative to the top panel 16 by folding them about the fold lines 24 and 26 respectively. This brings the first and second end panels 46a, 46b into a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the top panel 16. Assembly of the top covering structure is then nearly completed. Once the blank 10 has been folded such that the top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b has been formed, the partially formed wraparound-style carton is located on top of the group of articles 80.

Optionally, in the arrangement of articles 80 shown, the articles 80 are disposed front to back in a 2 x 2 matrix or array. The articles 80 each have an off-center positioned container closure C which is positioned closer to a front edge of the article's 80 top than it is to the rear edge of the article's 80 top; see Figure 3, wherein, the rear face 15 of the article 80 is disposed towards the front of the illustration.

Returning to the construction of the carton about the article group 80, once the first and second upper side panels 14, 18 have been folded alongside the sides of the articles 80 and the first and second lower side panels 14a, 18a have been folded alongside the sides of the articles 80, the first and second bottom panels 12a, 12b are secured together by engaging the complementary parts 32, 34 of a mechanical locking mechanism with one another. This completes the construction of the carton and therefore the package.

The completed and closed package is shown in Figures 3A and 3B in two different orientations. It can be seen that the top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b is securely fitted to the article group and that the container closures C are protected. This may be particularly beneficial during distribution and shelf-stacking where the container closures C (that are adhesively attached to the tops of the articles 80) may be vulnerable to being dislodged. Furthermore, such an arrangement enables the packages to be stacked one on top of the other, whereas without a covering structure this would be difficult, particularly when the article 80 (also referred to as primary product container) is semi-rigid and the container closure C is rigid. A downward force applied to the closure C may create a localised pressure point on the semi-rigid primary product 80 which could damage or perforate the primary product 80. The top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b is at least substantially tubular in structure such that the closures C of the primary products 80 can be disposed within a void below the top panel 16 that is substantially greater in surface area than the top of the container closure C. In this way, the top panel 16 of top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b can distribute or spread a force (for example from a stacking load) applied to it, onto the upper surface of the primary product. In this way, rather than that stacking force being localized onto the closure C, the force is redistributed, via the end panels 46a, 46b and rim panels 42a, 42b onto the primary product 80 itself. In particular the end panels 46a, 46b and rim panels 42a, 42b may enable a force to be redistributed to the upper surface of the primary product 80 which the closure C is affixed to and projects from. The top covering structure 16/46a/46b/42a/42b therefore preferably comprises at least one pair of opposed sides or ends to support the top panel 16. The rim panels 42a, 42b each have an inner surface which is in contact with the upper surface of the articles 80. The rim panels 42a, 42b frictionally engage the upper surface of the articles 80. The rim panels 42a, 42b stabilise the end panels 46a, 46b such that they are maintained substantially perpendicularly with respect to the top panel 16, thereby maintaining the top panel 16 in a supported position above the tops of the articles 80. In alternative embodiments, the rim panels 42a, 42b may be adhesively secured to the top panels 19 of the articles 80. In yet other embodiments the rim panels 42a, 42b may engage with a flange or projection provided on the articles 80 so as to provide an interference fit with the rim panels 42a, 42b. Referring now to Figures 4, 5A and 5B, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention. I n 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 alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3B will be described in any greater detail.

The blank 1 10 has been adapted to accommodate the second exemplary articles 180 shown in Figure 2B. The rim panels 142a/147a, 142b/147b and the end panels 146a, 146b have been adapted to fit in close proximity to the inclined upper surface of the top panel 1 19 of the articles 180.

The end panels 146a, 146b each comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each end panel 146a, 146b is tapered in shape such that it diverges towards the respective one of the first or second anchor panels 154a, 154b, that is to say each end panel 146a, 146b is widest at the location of the respective fold line 124a or 124b where it meets the respective one of the first or second gusset panel 144a, 144b. The section of the fold line 172a, 172b in the first portion between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the respective rim panel 147a, 147b is disposed divergently with respect to the respective one of the fold lines 166a, 166b between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the top panel 1 16. The second portion of the end panels 146a, 146b is substantially rectangular in shape. The section of the fold line 172a, 172b in the second portion between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the respective rim panel 142a, 142b is disposed substantially parallel to the respective fold line 166a, 166b between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the top panel 1 16.

The rim panels 142a/147a, 142b/147b comprise two component parts. The first part 147a, 147b is hinged to the first portion of the end panels 146a, 146b along the portion of fold line 172a, 172b which is disposed divergently with respect to the respective one of fold line 166a, 166b. The second part 142a, 142b is hinged to the second portion of the end panels 146a, 146b along the portion of fold line 172a, 172b which is disposed substantially parallel to the respective one of fold lines 166a, 166b between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the top panel 1 16. The first part 147a, 147b is separated from the second part 142a, 142b by a cutline, the cut line is disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective one of fold lines 166a, 166b between the first or second end panel 146a, 146b and the top panel 1 16. In other embodiments the first part 147a, 147b is separated from the second part 142a, 142b by a severance line which is severed when the blank 1 10 is assembled into a carton.

The blank 1 1 0 is assembled about a group of the second exemplary articles 180, shown in Figure 2B by substantially the same method as described for the previous embodiment. The assembled package is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Figures 5a and 5B illustrate that each of the first parts 147a, 147b of the rim panels 142a/147a, 142b/147b have been folded , with respect to the respective end panel 146a, 146b to be in face contacting relationship with the inclined portion of the top panel 1 19 of the articles 180 disposed therebeneath. Each of the second parts 142a, 142b of the rim panels 142a/ 147a, 142b/ 147b have been folded so as to extend over a portion of the articles 180 with which the first parts 147a, 147b are in contact. The second parts 142a, 142b of the rim panels 142a/147a, 142b/147b also extend over the adjacent article 180 and the gap between the articles 180. The second parts 142a, 142b of the rim panels 142a/ 147a, 142b/147b is in face contacting relationship with a substantially horizontal portion of each of the articles 180. The second parts 142a, 142b of the rim panels 142a/147a, 142b/147b is spaced apart, above the inclined portion of the article 180 adjacent to the article 180 with which the first part 147a, 147b is in contact.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. 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 second embodiment. The further alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5B will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 6 illustrates a portion of a carton 290 formed from the blank of Figure 4. The rim panels 242a/247a, 242b/247b have been folded internally of the carton 290, beneath the top panel 216 whereas in the embodiment of Figure 5A and 5B they are folded externally. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "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. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following , a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein , the term "severance line" refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.