TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates methods of packaging, packages, article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to package comprising a carrier having two or more apertures for receiving a first end of a respective article and a binding device for securing opposing ends of the articles.

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 an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier for substantially cylindrical articles having a minimalistic appearance and to retain or hold a group of those articles in a matrix or array arrangement.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a plurality of articles arranged in a group and a top-engaging device or carrier in engagement with tops or upper portions of the articles such that the uppermost ends of the articles are connected and held together by the topengaging device. The package comprises a binding device spaced apart from the top-engaging device. The binding device is in engagement with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the binding device.

Optionally, the binding device is configured to tie together lowermost ends of the articles. Optionally, the binding device comprises a base plate secured to the articles.

Optionally, the base plate is adhesively secured to each of the lowermost ends of the articles in the group.

Optionally, the base plate is adhesively secured to peripheral articles of the group.

Optionally, the base plate comprises bonding tab hingedly connected to the base panel to provide a relief structure.

Optionally, the bonding tab is hingedly connected to the base plate by a bridging panel, the bridging panel being hingedly connected to the base plate.

Optionally, the binding device comprises a band.

Optionally, the band is disposed between the top-engaging device and lowermost ends of the articles.

Optionally, the band is formed from one of the materials selected from the following group of materials; paper, paperboard and plastic.

Optionally, the binding device comprises a plurality of adhesive connector elements, each of the plurality of adhesive connector elements secures a pair of articles together.

Optionally, each of the plurality of adhesive connector elements is disposed between the topengaging device and lowermost ends of the articles.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a plurality of articles arranged in a group and a top-engaging carrier in engagement with tops of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging carrier. The package comprises a binding device spaced apart from the top-engaging device. The binding device is in engagement with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions are held together by the binding device, wherein the binding device comprises a base plate secured to the articles.

A third aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a plurality of articles arranged in a group and a top-engaging carrier in engagement with tops of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging carrier. The package comprises a binding device spaced apart from the top-engaging carrier and in engagement with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the binding device. The binding device comprises a set of adhesive connector elements. Each of the plurality of adhesive connector elements secures a pair of articles together. The set of adhesive connector elements is disposed at a location between the top-engaging carrier and bases of the articles.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a package comprising: forming a group of cylindrical articles in a nested configuration; forming strap into a continuous loop; encircling the nested group of cylindrical articles with the strap; squaring the group of cylindrical articles to form a matrix configuration so as to tighten the strap about the group of cylindrical articles.

Optionally, the method comprises applying a top-engaging carrier is applied to the squared-up group of cylindrical articles.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a package formed from the method described herein. The package comprises a plurality of articles arranged in a group having a matrix configuration and a top-engaging carrier in engagement with tops of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging carrier. The package comprises a binding device spaced apart from the top-engaging carrier and in engagement with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the binding device. The binding device comprises a strap forming a continuous loop about the plurality of articles.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a binding device comprising a main panel having at least one bonding tab struck therefrom. The bonding tab is hingedly connected to the main panel by a bridging panel to form a relief structure. The bridging panel is hingedly connected to the main panel.

Optionally, the blank comprises a plurality of bonding tabs each hingedly connected to the main panel by a bridging panel.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of bonding tabs is hinged in opposition to at least one other of the plurality of bonding tabs.

Optionally, a first one of the plurality of bonding tabs is hinged to the main panel by a first hinged connection, and a second one of the plurality of bonding tabs is hinged to the main panel by a second hinged connection, the second hinged connection being oriented perpendicularly to the first hinged connection.

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 first blank for forming a first carrier according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a second carrier according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views from above of a package formed from the first and second blanks of Figure 1 and Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a second carrier according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from a first carrier and a bundling device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 7A and 7B show stages of application of the bundling device of Figure 6 to a group of articles;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a package formed from a first carrier according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate various embodiments of bonding patterns for use in the package of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a first blank 10 which is capable of forming a first carton or carrier 92, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 8, 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 part of a secondary package 90; 390; 490 for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

A plan view of a second blank 110 is shown in Figure 2 which is capable of forming a second carton or carrier 94, also refer to herein as a binding device. The blank 110 forms a part of the secondary package 90 shown in Figures 3 and 4. An alternative second blank 210 is shown in Figure 5, for forming an alternative second carton or carrier (not shown).

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 92; 94 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated, the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles are provided, and the articles B are bottles. 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 blank 10 for forming a first carrier 92 shown in Figure 3. The first carrier 92 takes the form of a top gripping clip. The first carrier 92 comprises openings configured to receive the articles B, the openings are arranged to accommodate a neck or upper portion of the articles B above a main body and/or shoulders of the articles B.

The first blank 10 comprises an engaging panel 12. The engaging panel 12 comprises a plurality of retention structures RT1 , each retention structure RT1 provides an opening for receiving a respective article B. The retention structures RT1 comprise an article receiving aperture AP1 about which a plurality of teeth or tabs 14 are disposed. Each of the teeth 14 is struck from the engaging panel 12 and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth 14 is defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines 13, 15. The cut lines 13, 15 extend radially outward from the article receiving aperture AP1. The cut lines 13, 15 may be terminated by a transverse cut 17, a hinged connection is defined between pairs of cuts 17. The transverse cut 17 may be spaced apart from the radial cut lines 13, 15 so as to form a connecting bridge or nick N between a pair of adjacently disposed tabs 14.

Optionally, the first blank 10 comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H may comprise a pair of finger openings spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment the finger openings are defined by a foldable tab 60 struck from the engaging panel 12 and hingedly connected thereto by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 61. A first of the foldable tabs 60 is hinged in opposition to a second one of the foldable tabs 60.

The first blank 10 forms a first carrier 92, the first blank 10 is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each opening of the retention structures RT1 receives one of the articles B forming the group. An end closure or upper end of the articles B passes through the openings. The tabs 14 fold out of the plane of the engaging panel 12. The tabs 14 fold upwardly, the tabs 14 engage an article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward from the neck of the article B. The tabs 14 support the article B and inhibit movement or withdrawal of the article B from the opening.

The openings of the retention structures RT1 are dimensioned to be smaller than the main body and/or shoulders of the articles B so as to prevent the first carrier 92 moving downward about the main body of the articles B.

Figure 2 illustrates a second blank 110 for forming a second carrier 94 shown in Figure 3. The second carrier 94 takes the form of a base. The second carrier 94 may comprises at least one securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of securing flaps RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4, optionally six securing flaps RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4. Each securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4 is configured to be secured to a base of the articles B.

The second blank 110 comprises a main panel 114, the main panel 114 comprises at least one bonding region, the illustrated embodiments comprises six bonding regions. Each bonding region is located so as to be securable to the base of an article B.

The bonding regions may be provided by a portion of the securing flaps RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4.

Each securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4 may comprise a bonding tab 118. The bonding tab 118 is defined in part by a portion of a cutline or severable line 113. The cut line 113 may be substantially “II” shaped. The bonding tab 118 may be defined in part by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. The bonding tab 118 may be hingedly connected to a bridging panel 116 by the fold line 117. The bridging panel 116, when provided, is hingedly connected to the main panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115.

The main panel 114 comprises a first securing flap RB1 which extends substantially transversely of the main panel 114. The first securing flap RB1 is hinged to the main panel 114 by a fold line 115 that is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main panel 114.

The main panel 114 comprises a third securing flap RB3 which extends substantially transversely of the main panel 114. The third securing flap RB3 is hinged to the main panel 114 by a fold line 115 that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main panel 114. The third securing flap RB3 is hinged in opposition to the first securing flap RB1. The main panel 114 comprises a pair of second securing flaps RB2 which extend substantially longitudinally of the main panel 114. Each of the pair of second securing flaps RB2 is hinged to the main panel 114 by a fold line 115 that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main panel 114.

The main panel 114 comprises a pair of fourth securing flaps RB4 which extend substantially longitudinally of the main panel 114. Each of the pair of fourth securing flaps RB4 is hinged to the main panel 114 by a fold line 115 that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main panel 114. The fourth securing flaps RB4 are hinged in opposition to the second securing flaps RB2.

In order to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figure 3, glue or other adhesive treatment, is applied to an upper surface of the main panel 114, specifically the glue may be applied to the bonding tabs 118.

Optionally, a fugitive glue may be employed to secure the main panel 114 directly to the articles B. An example of a specific glue is Swift 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 second carrier 94 when the articles B are disengaged from the second carrier 94 (this may be more desirable than having the glue remain attached to the articles B). In alternative embodiments other adhesives maybe employed such as, but not limited to, hot-melt glue.

It will be appreciated that the first blank 10 may be applied to the articles B before, after, or simultaneously with the mounting of the articles B to the second blank 110.

Together the first and second carriers 92, 94 and the articles B form the package 90. The first and second carriers 92, 94 are separate from each other or that is to say they are independent of one another.

Figure 4 illustrates the package 90 in use, a user U is shown engaging the carrying handle H. The load of the articles B has the effect of distorting or deforming the engaging panel 12 from a substantially planar arrangement, as shown in Figure 3. In particular a pair of intermediately disposed articles B which are located between the pair of finger openings are elevated with respect to endmost pairs of articles B.

The bridging panel 116 and the associated bonding tab 118 which is secured to respective ones of the pair of intermediately disposed articles B are displaced, upwardly, out of the plane of the main panel 114. In this way the articles B remains secured to the second carrier 94 when the package 90 is carried by the engaging panel 12.

Referring now to Figure 5, the example shown shares many common features with the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, and therefore only the differences from the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 will be described in detail. In addition, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200”.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a second blank 210 for forming a first carrier (not shown). The second blank 210 is employed with the first blank 10 of Figure 1 to form a package (not shown).

The second blank 210 comprises a main panel 214, the main panel 214 comprises at least one bonding region, the illustrated embodiments comprises six bonding regions. Each bonding region is located so as to be securable to the base of an article B.

The second blank 210 comprises at least one securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of securing flaps RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4, optionally six securing flaps RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4. Each securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4 is configured to be secured to a base of the articles B. Each securing flap RB1 , RB2, RB3, RB4 is substantially the same in construction as those of the embodiment of Figure 2 and will not be described in further detail.

The main panel 214 of the second blank 210 comprises contoured edges or perimeter. The periphery of the main panel 214 has an undulating or wave like shape. The side and end edges of the main panel 214 comprises recesses, the recesses are arranged to located in alignment with voids or gaps between adjacently disposed articles B.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 7B, the illustrated example shares many common features with the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, and therefore only the differences from the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in detail. In addition, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “300”.

Figure 6 illustrates a package 390 and shows a first carrier 92 formed from a blank 10 as shown in Figure 1 employed with a band or binding device 318.

The binding device 318 takes the form of a continuous loop and is mounted to a lower region of a group of articles B to which the first carrier 92 is secured.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate stage of construction of the package 390 and show a plan view from above of application of the binding device 318 to the group of articles B.

The binding device 318 is formed into a loop and then applied to the group of articles B. In order to allow the binding device 318 to receive the articles B at least one row or column of articles B is displaced with respect to at least one adjacently disposed row or column of articles B.

Since the articles B are substantially cylindrical in shape the articles in one row or column can be moved towards the articles B in the adjacent row (as indicated by direction arrow D1), so as to nest or tesselate in voids between pairs of articles in the same row. This has the effect of reducing the distance about the group of articles B. In this way the binding device 318 can be manufactured to have a loop length which is approximately equal to the distance about the group of articles B when in the unnested or squared configuration shown in Figure 7B. The binding device 318 can be readily applied to the group of articles B when they are in the nested configuration shown in Figure 7A since the distance thereabout is smaller. Upon application of the binding device 318 the group of articles B can be squared-up (as shown in Figure 7B by moving the articles in the direction D2) to be returned to the unnested configuration whereby tightening the binding device 318 about the group of articles B.

Referring now to Figure 8 to 9C, the illustrated examples share many common features with the illustrated examples in Figures 1 to 7B, and therefore only the differences from the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 7B will be described in detail. In addition, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “400”. Figure 8 illustrates a package 490 and shows a first carrier 92 formed from a blank 10 as shown in Figure 1 employed with an adhesive connector element or a bonding agent G.

The first carrier 92 engages upper regions of articles B in a group of articles B. Lower regions of the articles B are held in position by the adhesive connector element or bonding agent G.

The bonding agent G may take the form of glue or other adhesive treatment, is applied to an outer surface of at least one article B, specifically the glue may be applied to a side wall region of an article B disposed in close proximity to an adjacent article B in the group of articles B.

Optionally, a fugitive glue may be employed to secure the articles B to each other. An example of a specific glue is Swift 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 one of a pair of articles B when the pair of articles B are separated (this may be more desirable than having the glue remain attached to both the articles B). In alternative embodiments other adhesives maybe employed such as, but not limited to, hot-melt glue.

Figure 9A, 9B and 9C show various patterns or configuration of bonding the group of articles B. In Figure 9A each article B is bonding to all of its adjacent neighboring articles B. Glue G is provided between adjacent pairs of articles B in each of a first and second row R1 , R2 of articles B. Glue G is also provided between each pair of articles B in each of a first, second, and third column C1 , C2, C3 of articles B.

Figure 9B shows an alternative bonding arrangement, glue G is provided between adjacent pairs of articles B in each of a first and second row R1 , R2 of articles B. The articles B in the first row R1 are free from the articles B in the second row R2, that is to say no glue is provided between each pair of articles B within each of the first, second, and third columns C1 , C2, C3.

Figure 9C shows yet another alternative bonding arrangement, glue G is also provided between each pair of articles B in each of a first, second, and third column C1 , C2, C3 of articles B. The articles B within the first row R1 are free from the adjacent articles B in that row. The articles B within the second row R2 are free from the adjacent articles B in that row. In other words, the articles B in one column C1 , C2, C3 are not bonded to an article B in an adjacent column C1 , C2, C3. In other embodiments, alternative bonding arrangements may be employed, for example but not limited to ‘H’ or ‘I’ shape patterns. Alternatively, a square, rectangular or ‘O’ shaped pattern of adhesive elements may be employed to secure each of the peripheral articles B of the group of articles B to its adjacent neighbors about the perimeter of the group.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 92 to the top-gripping type having a main panel 12 with openings for receiving at least one article B. The carrier 92 forms a package 90; 390; 490 with a group or articles B, the carrier 92 is mounted to first or upper ends of the articles B. The package 90; 390; 490 comprises binding device 94, 318, G configured to tie or fasten together second or lower ends of the articles B. The second end of an article B being disposed opposite the first end of that article B.

The binding device 94, 318, G may take the form of a base plate or panel 114 secured to the articles B. The base panel 114 may be adhesively secured to each of the second ends of the articles B in the group of articles B. It will be appreciated that the base panel 114 may be secured to some or all of the articles B in the group. For example, the base panel 114 may be secured to peripheral or outermost articles B of the group disposed about a perimeter of the base panel 114. The base panel 114 may comprises bonding tab 118 hingedly connected to the base panel 114 to provide a relief structure.

The binding device 94, 318, G may take the form of a strap or band 318. The strap 318 may be formed as a loop from paper, paperboard or plastic material. The strap 318 tightly surrounds the group of articles B at a location anywhere under the top engaging carrier 92, that is to say between the second ends of the articles B and the carrier 92.

The strap 318 is applied by forming a group of articles B, the group of articles B being substantially cylindrical in shape and arranged in a nested or tessellated configuration. The nested group of cylindrical articles B is encircled by the strap 318. The group of cylindrical articles B is squared up, to form a matrix or rectangular array. In this way the strap 318 tightens about the group of articles B. The top-engaging carrier 92 is applied to the squared-up group of articles B.

The binding device 94, 318, G may take the form of a set or plurality of adhesive connector elements G. Each of the plurality of adhesive connector elements G secures a pair of articles B together. The adhesive connector elements G may be disposed at a location anywhere under the top engaging carrier 92, that is to say between the second ends of the articles B and the carrier 92.

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/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 halfcut, 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.