CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,646, filed November 23, 2021 , the entire contents of each are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packaging system and an apparatus for constructing a package, more specifically to an apparatus for attaching one or more carriers or top gripping clips to a group of articles. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an applicator device attaching a top gripping clip having an article retention structure comprising engaging teeth separated by recesses or slots to an article.

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.

It is desirable to simplify construction of the blank into a carrier, it is an object of the present disclosure to enable a plurality of connected blanks to be simultaneously assembled into packages.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of packages comprising carriers of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for forming a package comprising a carrier of the top-gripping type and to preventer inhibit tearing and/or undesired distortion or creasing of the carrier. 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 applicator device for application of a blank to a group of articles to form a carrier of the top engaging type. The applicator device comprises a plate having at least one receiver for receiving a portion of an article. The receiver comprises an orifice defined in the plate, a bore having an internal wall, and at least one lug, wherein the lug projects radially inward from the internal wall.

Optionally, the at least one lug comprises a leading end and trailing end, and wherein the at least one lug is tapered to be narrower at the leading end than the trailing end.

Optionally, the at least one lug comprises a rounded leading end.

Optionally, an alignment guide extends from a lower surface of the plate for aligning the blank with respect thereto.

Optionally, the alignment guide comprises a post extending from the plate.

A second aspect of the invention provides a packaging system comprising a packaging apparatus and at least one blank for forming a top engaging carrier for packaging one or more articles. The at least one blank comprises a main panel including at least one retention structure comprising article engaging tabs arranged as annular series about an aperture. At least one of the article engaging tabs is defined at least in part by a cutaway or recess spacing said tab apart from an adjacent tab in the annular series. The packaging apparatus comprises an applicator device for application of the blank to a group of articles to form the carrier. The applicator device comprises a plate having at least one receiver for receiving a portion of an article. The receiver comprises an orifice defined in the plate, a bore having an internal wall, and at least one lug. The lug projects radially inward from the internal wall and is located about the circumference of the orifice so as to be in vertical registry with one of the cutaways or recesses of the blank.

Optionally, the cutaway comprises a slot or recess.

Optionally, the at least one lug comprises a leading end and trailing end, and wherein the at least one lug is tapered to be narrower at the leading end than the trailing end.

Optionally, the at least one lug comprises a rounded leading end.

Optionally, the at least one lug is shaped to be received within the cutaway.

Optionally, the at least one lug is shaped complementary to the cutaway such that the at least one lug is receivable in a respective cutaway when the article engaging tabs fold out of the plane of the main panel.

Optionally, an alignment guide extends from a lower surface of the plate for aligning the at least one blank with respect thereto.

Optionally, the at least one blank comprises a plurality of frangibly connected blanks for application to a plurality of groups of articles simultaneously. Optionally, the alignment guide comprises a post extending from the plate and arranged to be received in an aperture defined in part by a first blank and in part by a second blank.

A third aspect of the invention provides a packaging apparatus for packaging articles comprising the applicator device of the foregoing paragraphs.

Optionally, the lugs are integral with the internal wall forming the bore of the receiver.

Optionally, the lugs are integral with the plate in which the receivers are provided.

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

Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a plurality of connected blanks for forming cartons according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 1 B is an enlarged view of a portion of one of the blanks of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 B;

Figure 3 is a plan view from below of an applicator device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in a packaging machine for forming the plurality of connected blanks into cartons;

Figure 4A is a side view of the applicator device of Figure 3;

Figure 4B is a sectional view of the applicator device taken along the line C-C in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the applicator device of Figure 3;

Figure 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the applicator device of Figure 3; Figure 6B is a sectional view of the applicator device taken along the line B-B in Figure

6A;

Figure 7 is a plan view from below of the applicator device of Figure 3 showing the plurality of connected blanks of Figure 1 applied thereto;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a portion of the applicator device of Figure 7 and a blank;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a packaging machine incorporating the applicator device of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figure 11 is a plan view from above of an applicator device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows the applicator device applied to the blank of Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packaging systems, apparatus, applicator device, packages, 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 packaging systems, apparatus, applicator device, 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 plurality of connected blanks 1 , each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F 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, as shown in Figure 2. The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. An alternative blank 1010 is shown in Figure 10.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the nonlimiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10, 1010 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 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 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 10,1010 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 1 B, the arrangement is a 2 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment, three rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10, 1010 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Referring to Figure 1 , the plurality of connected blanks 1 each comprise a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F is frangibly connected to at least one adjacent blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F. In the illustrated embodiment, each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F is frangibly connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F by a frangible connection 7, 9. The illustrated embodiment comprises six connected blanks arranged in a 3 x 2 matrix or array. Each of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F is substantially the same in construction and will be described in further detail with reference to a first blank 10A shown in Figure 1 B.

Referring to Figure 1 B, the blank 10A comprises a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2).

The main panel 12 includes at least one article retention structure RT. In the embodiment of Figure 1 B the main panel 12 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT, specifically four article retention structures RT arranged in 2 x 2 matrix or array.

Each of the article retention structures RT is substantially similar in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to a first one of the article retention structures RT.

The first article retention structure RT comprises an aperture A1 . The first aperture A1 is a generally shaped as an eleven-sided polygon or hendecagon. In other embodiments, other polygonal shapes may be employed.

A plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 are arranged about the periphery of the aperture A1 . Each tab 16, 18, 20 is hinged to the main panel 12. Each tab 16, 18, 20 comprises a free end edge E1 opposing a hinged edge. The free end edges E1 form engaging edges for retaining an article B, or at least a portion thereof, within the aperture A1 . The free end edges E1 each define a side of the polygonal shape of the first aperture A1 .

The plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 comprises a series or set of first article engaging tabs 16, a series or set of second article engaging tabs 18, and a series or set of third article engaging tabs 20.

The set of first article engaging tabs 16 are located on the main panel 12 in a region in which the article engaging tabs are subject to the greatest stress or deformation when an article B is received in the first article retention structure RT.

Each first tab 16 is separated from its adjacent neighbours, a first tab 16 or second tab 18, by a linear cutline 11 . In this way each first tab 16 comprises a first side edge and a second side edge. The side edges of each first tab 16 abut a side edge of its adjacent neighbours.

Each second tab 18 is separated from one of its adjacent neighbours, a first tab 16, by a linear cutline 11 ; the cutline defines a first side edge of the second tab 18.

Each of the linear cutlines 11 , which define the side edges of the first tabs 16 and the first side edges of the second tabs 18, extend from a vertex or corner of the polygonal shape of the first aperture A1 . The linear cutlines 11 may be substantially radially arranged with respect to a notional circle NC that passes through each of the vertices of the polygonal shape of the first aperture A1 . The linear cutlines 11 comprise a first proximal end that intersects with a vertex or corner of the polygonal shape of the first aperture A1 . The linear cutlines 11 comprise a second distal end. A first arcuate cutline 26 is disposed proximate each of the linear cut lines 11 defining the side edges of the first article engaging tabs 16. Each first arcuate cutline 26 is spaced apart from the second distal end of the linear cutlines 11 so as to define a connecting portion 28 or “nick” between a pair of adjacent first article engaging tabs 16.

The set of third article engaging tabs 20 are located on the main panel 12 in a region in which the article engaging tabs are subject to the least stress or deformation when an article B is received in the first article retention structure RT.

The set of second article engaging tabs 18 are located on the main panel 12 so as to provide a transition between one of the first article engaging tabs 16 and one of the third article engaging tabs 20.

A second arcuate cutline 22 is disposed proximate a cut line 11 separating each of the second article engaging tabs 18 from an adjacent first article engaging tab 16.

Each second arcuate cutline 22 is spaced apart from the second distal end of the linear cutlines 11 so as to define a connecting portion or “nick” between a respective one of the second article engaging tabs 18 and the first article engaging tab 18 adjacent to it.

Each of the first arcuate cutlines 26 is arranged symmetrically about the linear cutline 11 with which it is associated. Each of the second arcuate cutlines 22 is asymmetrically arranged about its respective one of the linear cutlines 11 .

The first and second arcuate cutlines 26, 22 provide stress relief in the main panel 12 when the first, second and third article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 are displaced out of the plane of the main panel 12.

Each of the second cutlines 22 is arranged asymmetrically about the respective linear cutline 11 with which it is associated. The second cutlines 22 comprise a first portion and a second portion contiguously arranged with each other. The first portion is disposed proximate the second article engaging tab 18 and the second portion is disposed proximate a first article engaging tab 16. The first portion of each of the second cutlines 22 comprises a first radius of curvature, the second portion of each of the second cutlines 22 comprises a second radius of curvature; the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

The second cutlines 22 may be considered to comprise one half of a first arcuate cutline 26 and one half of a second arcuate cutline 22 contiguously arranged with each other. That is to say the second portion of the second cutlines 22 may have the same radius of curvature as the first arcuate cutlines 26.

The second cutlines 22 form asymmetrical ‘C’-shaped cuts, whereas the first cutlines 26 form symmetrical ‘C’-shaped cuts. The second cutlines 22 are employed at the boundary between a first area of the main panel 12 that is subject to higher stress upon displacement of the first article engaging tabs 16 and a second area of the main panel 12 that is subject to lower stress upon displacement of the third article engaging tabs 20. The higher stress area of the main panel 12 occurs where the first tabs 16 are located as these first tabs 16 undergo higher bending stress, when an article B is inserted into the respective aperture A1 , than the third tabs 20 disposed in the lower stress area of the main panel 12.

Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 is spaced apart from its adjacent neighbours, a third tab 20 or second tab 20, by a cutaway or recess R1 , R2. In this way, each of the third article engaging tabs 20 comprises a first side edge and a second side edge defined by a recess R1 , R2. Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 comprises a free end edge E1 opposing a hinged end edge defined in part by a second linear cutline 17. The free end edges form engaging edges for retaining an article B, or at least a portion thereof, within the aperture A1.

Each of the recesses R1 , R2 comprises a curvilinear portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses R1 , R2 comprise a rounded end. That is to say the curvilinear portion can be defined by a portion of the circumference of a circle. A portion of the recesses R1 , R2 may be defined by a segment of a circle. A further portion of the recesses R1 , R2 may be defined by a trapezoid; the trapezoid may be an isosceles trapezoid. The trapezoid has convergent side edges. Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 may be hinged to the main panel 12 by a straight fold line defined in part by, or interrupted by, the second linear cutlines 17 which straight fold line is in tangential contact, or intersects, with the rounded end of the adjacent recess R1 , R2.

The curvilinear portion or rounded end of the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 may reduce the likelihood of tears propagating in the main panel 12 from the cutaway.

The curvilinear end of each cutaway R1 , R2 may be defined in part by a circle having a radius of curvature. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the rounded end of each cutaway R1 , R2 may be equal to or more than about 1/16" (1 ,6mm).

Each of the second article engaging tabs 18 is spaced apart from its adjacent neighbouring third article engaging tab 20 by a cutaway or recess R2. Each of the second article engaging tabs 18 is spaced apart from its adjacent neighbouring first article engaging tab 16 by a linear cutline 11 ; a second arcuate cutline 22 is provided proximate the linear cutline 11 . The second arcuate cutline 22 is spaced apart from the linear cutline 11 so as to define, at least in part, a connecting portion or ‘nick’ between each second article engaging tab 18 and said adjacent neighbouring first article engaging tab 16.

Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 is defined in part by a second linear cutline 17 provided in the main panel 12. Each second linear cutline 17 is disposed between a pair of adjacent cutaways R1 , R2 in a spaced apart relationship with each of the pair of adjacent cutaways R1 , R2. Each of the second article engaging tabs 18 may comprise a second linear cutline 17 disposed between a second arcuate cutlines 22 and a cutaway R2 in a spaced apart relationship with respect to both the second arcuate cutlines 22 and the cutaway R2.

The second linear cutline 17 facilitates folding of each of the third article engaging tabs 20 and each of the second article engaging tabs 18 with respect to the main panel 12The second linear cutline 17 defines at least in part a straight or linear fold line 17 by which each of the third article engaging tabs 20 and second article engaging tabs 18 is hinged to the main panel 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the article retention structures RT comprises eleven tabs 16, 18, 20 arranged about the periphery of the aperture A1 .

Optionally, the plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 may vary in dimension according to their location on the main panel 12. The first article engaging tabs 16 may have a first width, the second article engaging tabs 18 may have a second width and the third article engaging tabs 20 may have a third width. The third width may be greater than the second width which in turn may be greater than the first width. In this way the free end edge E1 , which forms an engaging edge E1 , of the first tabs 16 is smaller in dimension than the free end edge E1 or engaging edge E1 of the second or third tabs 18, 20.

The main panel 12 may optionally comprise a handle structure. The handle structure may comprise a first handle opening. The first opening is struck from the main panel 12 and is located in a region disposed centrally between a first pair of article retention structures RT and a second pair of article retention structures RT. The first handle opening may be defined in part by a cushioning tab 14 hinged to the main panel 12 by fold line 15. The first handle opening may be defined in part by a first handle aperture A2. The first handle aperture A2 may be substantially crescent or “C” shaped.

Optionally, the side edges of the main panel 12 may be arranged in a curvilinear or undulating shape. In this way, blanks be arranged in a nested arrangement with each other. The undulating shape provides that the two blanks together may occupy a space having a width which is less than twice the maximum width of an individual blank. This may have economic and environmental benefit by reducing the amount of substrate required to produce a given number of blanks.

Turning to the construction of the plurality of connected blanks 1 into article carriers 90, the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F may be applied simultaneously to a plurality of groups of articles B.

Figure 9 illustrates a packaging machine 200 for application of the plurality of connected blanks 1 to a plurality of groups of articles B. The apparatus 200 facilitates attachment of a set of plurality of connected blanks 1 to a plurality of discrete groups of articles B. The apparatus 200 comprises an applicator plate 100 (see Figures 3 to 8) which is described in further detail below.

The apparatus 200 comprises a grouping or metering component 230 structured and arranged for receiving a plurality of articles B and may be configured to divide the plurality of articles B into a plurality of discrete groups. The grouping or metering component 230 retains the articles B in a grouped arrangement.

The apparatus 200 comprises a mould or die in the form of an applicator 100 which forms the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F into top gripping clips 90 each retaining one of the plurality of groups of articles B.

The apparatus 200 also comprises a reciprocating element and a base plate 209. The reciprocating element is optionally coupled to the applicator 100. The reciprocating element is operable to move the applicator 100 downward towards the base plate 209 and upward away from the base plate 209.

As shown in Figure 9 the metering component 230 comprises a plurality of external walls including opposed sidewalls 214 and opposed end walls 216 and a base which define a tray having an interior. The metering component 230 comprises an open top. The metering component 230 may comprise a at least one internal wall for dividing the interior of metering component 230 into a plurality of chambers.

A plurality of articles B can be loaded into the interior of the metering component 230 onto the base.

When the apparatus 200 is in operation the applicator 100 is lowered down onto the tops of the articles B and is located thereon, the articles B are prevented or inhibited from moving, and their relative locations are not disturbed, the set of connected blanks 1 is fixed in position with respect to the metering component 230 and the articles B disposed therein, thus enabling the applicator 100 to locate or align correctly with the articles B and the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F. In this way the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F form a set of top gripping clips or carriers 90.

The applicator 100 is structured and arranged to locate and mount the set of frangibly joined blanks 1 with respect to the plurality of groups of articles B. The applicator 100 may be structured and arranged to break the frangible connections 7, 9 between blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F of the set of connected blanks 1 in order to form a plurality of discrete packages. In the illustrated embodiment, six discrete groups of articles, the groups in a 2 x 3 arrangement, each group comprising four articles clipped together by an article carrier 90 in a 2 x 2 arrangement.

The reciprocating element comprises a handle 204, a lever arm 206 and a spring 207 (for example but not limited to a coil spring -the spring 207 provides a resilient biasing device-), coupled together such that movement of the handle 204 causes the spring 207 to contract or extend which causes the top or pressure plate 202 and applicator 100 (coupled thereto) to be lifted up away from or moved down towards the base plate 209. The handle 204 may be coupled by via one or more handle limbs to a lower end of the spring 207. An upper end of the spring 207 may be coupled to a first end of the lever arm 206. The lever arm 206 may pivot about a central fulcrum. A second end of the lever arm 206 may be coupled to the pressure plate 202 by a rod; the rod may be slidably mounted to frame element 208.

The applicator 100 comprises a main body or plate 112, best shown in Figure 3, which is generally rectangular, optionally the corners are rounded, chamfered or bevelled. The applicator 100 comprises a plurality of peripheral walls 114, 116, 118, 120 depending from, or surrounding, the plate 112. The plurality of peripheral walls 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a first and second opposed end walls 114, 116 and first and second opposed sidewalls 118, 120. Interior surfaces of the peripheral walls 114, 116, 118, 120 may be shaped complementary, at least in part, to the connected blanks 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interior surfaces of the peripheral walls 114, 116, 118, 120 have an undulating or wave like shape, and may serve to align or locate the connected blanks 1 with respect to the plate 112. The interior surfaces of the peripheral walls 114, 116, 118, 120 may serve to group, align, retain the articles B in position so as to prevent or inhibit movement of the articles B- with respect to the plate 112 and/or connected blanks 1 during application of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F to the articles B. The plate 112 comprises a plurality of cavities or receivers. In the illustrated embodiment, the receivers take the form of an orifice or aperture A3 in a lower surface of the plate 112. The orifice A3 may extend through the plate 112 to the upper surface. In alternative embodiments, the orifice A3 may be a blind hole or may be partially closed by a reduction in the lateral dimension of the aperture A3. In such embodiments, the receiver comprises an end stop which limits or inhibits the passage of an article B through the orifice.

The receivers are arranged in groups. Each group comprising four receivers, in the illustrated embodiment, arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix or array. The illustrated embodiment comprises six groups, the groups are arranged in a 3 x 2 matrix or array.

The groups may be separated or defined, at least in part, by a post 122 mounted to, or integral with the plate 112 and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The post 122 may form an alignment guide for aligning the set of connected blanks 1 with the applicator 100 ensuring the receivers are correctly aligned with respect to the article retention structures RT.

The orifice A3 may be substantially circular in shape, in other embodiments the orifice may be polygonal in shape for example, but not limited to, eleven-sided polygon or hendecagon. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice A3 is generally circular and the receiver comprises a bore defining an interior wall W. The wall W may comprise at least one lug P extending or projecting radially inward therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, each receiver comprises a plurality of lugs P, specifically, but not limited to, four lugs P. The lugs P are arranged to be in vertical alignment with a respective one of the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 provided in the main panel 12 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, best shown in Figure 7 and 8.

The lugs P may have a tapered shape, best shown in Figures 4B and 6B. A lower or leading end of the lug P may be rounded or pointed in shape. Pairs of lugs P may define a gap or void V therebetween. The gap V may be shaped complementary to the shape of the engaging tabs 18, 20 of the article retention structures RT. In this way, during application of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F to the articles B an engaging tab 18, 20 may be received in one of the gaps V. This may ensure the correct alignment of the engaging tab 18, 20, and consistency in the folding of the engaging tabs 18, 20 when applying blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F to articles B.

The lugs P may also prevent or inhibit tear initiation or propagation in the main panel 12 when the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F are applied to articles B.

The applicator 100 may comprise at least one separator device. The applicator 100 may comprise a separator device for severing each one of the frangible connections 7, 9 between pairs of adjacent blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F of the plurality of connected blanks 1 .

The applicator 100 may also be referred to as an “applicator mould” since it is a component that is structured and arranged to mould and form the top gripping clip onto the group of articles B.

The apparatus 200 may comprise a drive means for moving the reciprocating element 202 up and down, thus avoiding manual articulation using a handle (which would not be required). Such an arrangement may incorporate a motor, a piston and/or other suitable electromechanical components to facilitate automated lifting and lowering of the applicator plate 100. However, in the present operation, the apparatus is manually operated.

In alternative embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be adapted to accommodate two or more bases 230 and applicators 100 simultaneously, the top plate 202 and base plate 209 sized accordingly.

The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F are lowered with respect to the group of articles B and pressed thereon by the applicator 100. Each of the article retention structures RT of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F are aligned with a respective articles B in the groups. Portions of the articles B pass through the main panel 12. The tabs 16, 18, 20 of each of the article retention structures RT are folded out of the plane of the main panel 12 and engage beneath a chime (which may provide a flange) of an article B. In this way, the tabs 16, 18, 20 grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12. The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 2.

Referring in particular to Figure 1 , the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F form a top engaging carrier 90 comprising a main panel 12 which comprises apertures A1 for receiving a portion of an article B. The main panel 12 further comprises an annular series of tabs 16, 18, 20 formed around each of the first and second apertures A. The tabs 16, 18, 20 of each annular series are connected to the main panel 12 such that the tabs 16, 18, 20 yield out of the plane of the main panel 12, about fold lines, when an article B is received in the respective aperture A1 so as to bear against the article B.

Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter to which no other part of the carrier 90 is connected. That is to say, the carrier 90 is free of connection to other panels for example, but not limited to, side or end wall panels which extend about the sides of the article group. The perimeter of the main panel 12 is therefore defined in its entirety by free, cut or unhinged edges.

Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter including convexly curved edges and concavely curved edges, wherein the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edges is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edges, thus allowing two similar blanks 10 to be placed in a nested or tessellated arrangement.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 , there is shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the additional embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “1000” to indicate that these features belong to the second blank embodiment and with the prefix “300” to indicate that these features belong to the second apparatus embodiment. The additional embodiments share many common features with the foregoing embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 will be described in detail.

Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a blank 1010 comprising a main panel 1012 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown).

The main panel 1012 includes at least one article retention structure RT1 , RT2. In the illustrated embodiment, the main panel 1012 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1 , RT2 specifically six article retention structures RT1 , RT2 arranged in 3 x 2 matrix or array. The main panel 1012 comprises two columns of article retention structures RT 1 , RT2, each column comprises three article retention structures RT 1 , RT2. The main panel 12 comprises three rows of article retention structures RT1 , RT2, each row comprises two article retention structures RT1 , RT2. Each of the article retention structures RT1 , RT2 may comprise an aperture A1 , A4. The blank 1010 comprises four first article retention structures RT1. The first article retention structures RT 1 are located adjacent to ends of the main panel 1012. The blank 1010 comprises two second article retention structures RT2. The second article retention structures RT2 are located between a first pair of first article retention structures RT1 disposed proximate a first end of the main panel 1012 and a second pair of first article retention structures RT1 disposed proximate a second end of the main panel 1012. The second article retention structures RT2 are also referred to herein as intermediate article retention structures RT2. The first article retention structures RT1 are also referred to herein as end article retention structures RT1 .

Each of the first article retention structures RT1 is substantially similar in construction and will therefore to the article retention structures RT of the blank 10 shown in Figure 1 and will not be described in further detail.

Each of the second article retention structures RT2 is substantially similar in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to a first one of the second article retention structures RT2.

The second article retention structures RT2 comprises an aperture A4. The first aperture A4 is a generally shaped as a twelve-sided polygon or dodecagon. In other embodiments, other polygonal shapes may be employed. Whereas the first article retention structures RT1 comprise six first tabs 1016, two second tabs 1018, and three third tabs 1020, the second article retention structures RT2 comprise nine first tabs 1016, two second tabs 1018, and one third tab 1020. The first, second, and third tabs 1016, 1018, 1020 are substantially the same in construction as the first, second, and third tabs 16, 18, 20 of the previous embodiment. The third tab 1020 is disposed proximate a side edge of the main panel 1012 and folds generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main panel 1012. The nine first tabs 1016 substantially surround the aperture A4 and one of the first tabs 1016 is disposed substantially in opposition to the third tab 1020.

The third tab 1020 is separated from each of the pair of second tabs 1018 by a cutaway or recess R2.

Figure 11 illustrates an alternative applicator 300 for applying the blank 1010 to a group of articles (not shown). The applicator 300 comprises a plate 312 from which opposed side and end walls (not shown) depend. The plate 312 comprises a plurality of cavities or receivers. In the illustrated embodiment, the receivers take the form of an orifices or apertures A3, A5 in a lower surface of the plate 312. The orifices A3, A5 may extend through the plate to the upper surface. In alternative embodiments, the orifices A3, A5 may be a blind hole or may be partially closed by a reduction in the lateral dimension of the apertures A3, A5. In such embodiments, the receiver comprises an end stop which limits or inhibits the passage of an article B through the orifice. The receivers are arranged in a 3 x 2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifices A3, A5 are generally circular and the receivers comprises a bore defining an interior wall W. The wall W may comprise at least one lug P extending or projecting radially inward therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11 , the plate 312 comprises first receivers for applying the first article retention structures RT1 to a respective article and second receivers for applying the second article retention structures RT2 to a respective article. Each first receiver comprises a plurality of lugs P, specifically, but not limited to, four lugs P. The lugs P are arranged to be in vertical alignment with a respective one of the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 provided in the main panel 1012 of the blank 1010. Each second receiver comprises a plurality of lugs P, specifically, but not limited to, two lugs P. The lugs P are arranged to be in vertical alignment with a respective one of the cutaways or recesses R2 provided in the main panel 1012 of the blank 1010.

The lugs P may have a tapered shape, rounded at lower or leading end, similar to that shown in Figures 4B and 6B.

Figure 11 shows applicator 300 applied to a blank 1010, each of the lugs P are arranged to be in vertical alignment with one of the cutaways R1 , R2 in the blank 1010, in particular the rounded end portion of said cutaway R1 , R2.

The present disclosure provides an applicator device 100; 300 for application of a blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F; 1010 to a group of articles B to form a carrier 90 of the top engaging type. The blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F; 1010 includes retention structures RT; RT1 , RT2 comprising article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 which yield upon insertion of an article B. The tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 may be arranged as annular series about an aperture A1 ; A1 , A4. The tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 engage with an article B to hold or secure the article B within a panel 12; 1012 of the carrier 90. The construction of the tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 may be dependent upon the location of the tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 within the panel 12; 1012 of the carrier 90. At least one of the article engaging tabs 1018, 1020 may be defined at least in part by a cutaway in the form of a slot or recess R1 , R2 spacing said tab 1018, 1020 apart from an adjacent tab 1018, 1020 in the annular series.

The at least one tab 1018, 1020 may be disposed in a region or regions of the main panel 12; 312 subject to the least stress, typically exterior regions of the main panel 12; 312 or regions in close proximity to a corner or edge of the main panel 12; 312. The cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 may reduce the likelihood of distortion or undesired creasing in the aforesaid region or regions of the main panel 12; 312.

The applicator device 100; 300 comprises a plate 112; 312 having receivers for receiving a portion of an article B when applying the blank 10; 101 to a group of articles B. Each receiver is defined by an orifice A3; A3, A5 in the plate 112; 312 and comprises a bore having an internal wall W. The internal wall W comprises at least one, two or more lugs or ribs P. The lugs or ribs P extend or project radially inward of the internal wall W and are located about the circumference of the orifice A3; A3, A5 so as to be in vertical registry with one of the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 of a blank 10, 1010 when in operation. The lugs or ribs P may be shaped complementary to the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 such that the lugs or ribs P are receivable in the cutaways or recesses R1 , R2 when the article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20; 1016, 1018, 1020 fold out of the plane of the main panel 12; 1012.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for packaging articles B comprising the applicator device 100; 300.

The applicator device 100; 300 may be formed as a unitary piece, the lugs or ribs P may be integral with the plate 112; 312 or at least with a portion of the plate 112; 312 comprising or defining at least one receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver may take the form of component mounted to the plate 112; 312. In some embodiments, the component may take the form of a bushing or insert mounted to with an opening in the plate 112; 312. The component or insert defines or provides the orifice A3; A3, A5 and the internal wall W of the bore. The lugs or ribs P maybe integral with the component or insert. It will be appreciated that various methods may be employed to form the applicator device 100; 300, or the component or insert, having integral lugs or ribs P extending radially inward of the internal wall W of the orifice A3; A3, A5, such methods may include, but are not limited to, injection moulding, 3D printing, drilling and milling.

The blanks 10; 1010 include at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.0287-0.7mm). An example of such a substrate is a 27-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulphate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

The blanks 10; 1010 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalysed polyethylene (mPE).

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

The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

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. The shoulder panels may be omitted. The present invention is not limited to cartons of the top-engaging type, the invention may be employed with other carton styles such as, but not limited to, open top crates, lidded or closed top crates. In various embodiments, the separator device may be readily adapted to apply blanks to groups of articles B, similarly the applicator device may be readily adapted to separate a plurality of connected article carriers.

It will be recognised 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.