Goods carrier and blank for the same

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an upper-engaging article carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for forming the carrier. The upper-engaging article carrier comprises an engagement panel having an upper panel (12A) and a lower panel (12B) arranged in a facing, contacting relationship. The article carrier comprises an upper engagement device (RT) comprising a first article receiving opening (A1) in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening (A2) in the upper panel. The first article receiving opening has a first diameter (d1). The second article receiving opening has a second diameter (d2). The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The article comprises an upper end having an end diameter (Cd), a main body having a body diameter (Bd), and a neck disposed between the upper end and the main body and having a neck diameter (Nd). The first diameter is equal to or greater than the end diameter (d1≧Cd).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article top engaging device, an article carrier, and a blank for forming the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an article top gripping type carrier having one or more apertures for receiving and holding an article therein. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for transporting multiple items. Cartons are well known in this art and are useful in enabling consumers to transport, store, and access groups of items for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible, and waste in the materials from which they are formed should be kept to a minimum. Further considerations include the strength of the carton, as well as its suitability for holding and transporting large quantities of items. It is desirable that the contents of the carton remain safe within the carton.

[0003] It is well known to provide upper gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier and a tab is punched out (strike) from the aperture. The tab is displaced from the plane of the panel when an article is received into the aperture and the tab generally engages with the article around its flange or lip. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This invention aims to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising an upper engaging article carrier and one or more articles. The article carrier comprises engaging panels having an upper panel and a lower panel arranged in a relationship of contact with each other. The article carrier comprises an upper engaging device comprising a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel. The first article receiving opening has a first diameter. The second article receiving opening has a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The article comprises an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter, and a neck portion disposed between the upper end and the main body and having a neck diameter. The first diameter is greater than or equal to the end diameter. The end diameter is greater than the neck diameter, and the neck diameter is greater than the second diameter.

[0006] Optionally, the body diameter is larger than the first diameter. Optionally, the body diameter is larger than the end diameter.

[0007] A further aspect of the present invention provides an upper-engaging type article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an upper panel and a lower panel arranged in a relationship where they face each other and are in contact. The article carrier comprises an upper-engaging device comprising a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel. The first article receiving opening comprises a first diameter. The second article receiving opening comprises a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first article receiving opening comprises a first article receiving aperture. The second article receiving opening comprises a second article receiving aperture.

[0008] Optionally, the upper panel is hinged to the lower panel via a hinged connection.

[0009] Optionally, the upper panel is fixed to the lower panel, for example, with adhesive.

[0010] Optionally, the lower panel comprises a pair of lower panel portions, each hinged to the upper panel by their respective hinged connections.

[0011] Optionally, one of the pair of lower panel sections overlaps with the other lower panel section.

[0012] Optionally, the second article receiving opening is provided with one or more teeth having engaging edges for engaging with an article.

[0013] Optionally, the article carrier comprises a handle structure having a handle opening and a tab that is hinged to one of the upper and lower panels by a hinged connection, wherein the base material forms the upper and lower panels including the papermaking direction, and the hinged connection is oriented perpendicular to the papermaking direction.

[0014] Optionally, the article carrier comprises a handle structure having a handle opening and a tab that is hinged to one of the upper and lower panels by a hinged connection, wherein the base material forms the upper and lower panels including the papermaking direction, and the hinged connection is oriented parallel to the papermaking direction.

[0015] Optionally, the second article receiving opening comprises one or more teeth provided in the peripheral region of the upper panel around the second article receiving aperture, such that a toothed region is defined in the first portion around the second article receiving aperture.

[0016] Optionally, the second article receiving opening includes an engaging edge that defines a toothless region around at least a portion of the second article receiving aperture.

[0017] Optionally, the article carrier includes a handle structure comprising a recess in a first panel portion, a projection extending from a second panel portion, and a handle opening defined in at least part of the projection, wherein the projection is arranged to overlap with the first panel portion such that the handle opening is aligned perpendicularly to the recess.

[0018] Optionally, the handle structure includes finger-shaped tabs that are hinged to either the upper or lower panel.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a package formed from the article carrier and article of the preceding paragraph, wherein the article comprises an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter, and a neck portion positioned between the upper end and the main body and having a neck diameter, the first diameter being greater than or equal to the end diameter.

[0020] Optionally, the main body diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0021] Optionally, the neck diameter is greater than the second diameter. Optionally, the body diameter is greater than the end diameter. Optionally, the end diameter is greater than the neck diameter.

[0022] Optionally, the second article receiving opening is provided with an engaging edge that defines a toothless region around at least a portion of the second article receiving aperture, and the surrounding region of the upper panel is displaced outward from the plane of the upper panel along the engaging edge so that it is tilted upward toward the article.

[0023] A further aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an upper-engaged article carrier. The blank comprises an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be positioned opposite each other and in contact. The blank comprises an upper-engaged device comprising a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel. The first article receiving opening comprises a first diameter. The second article receiving opening comprises a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first article receiving opening comprises a first article receiving aperture. The second article receiving opening comprises a second article receiving aperture.

[0024] Optionally, a cold seal adhesive layer is provided on the inner surface of the upper panel and the inner surface of the lower panel, and these inner surfaces are arranged to face each other and be in contact.

[0025] Further aspects of the present invention provide a blank for forming an article carrier comprising an engaging aperture having at least one engaging edge. The engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, and the engaging edge is curved. The bottom of each notch is curved. The radius of curvature R of each notch C The radius of curvature R of the engaging edge. CT It's considerably smaller than that.

[0026] Optionally, the blank comprises an upper layer provided by a first main panel and a lower layer provided by a second main panel, with an engaging aperture provided in the upper layer, and the upper layer having a conceptual circular shape concentric with the engaging aperture N CR It has multiple notches that define a conceptual circle N CR It is in tangential contact with each of the multiple notches.

[0027] Optionally, the lower layer is a conceptual circle N that is in tangential contact with each of the multiple notches. CR Radius of curvature R CR It has an opening with a radius of curvature that is generally equal to that of the other.

[0028] Optionally, a conceptual circular N that is tangentially in contact with each of the plurality of notches CR has a radius of curvature R CR that is smaller than the radius of curvature R of the engaging edge CT .

[0029] Optionally, the radius of curvature of the opening in the lower layer is smaller than the radius of curvature R of the engaging edge CT .

[0030] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of a conceptual circular N that is tangentially in contact with each of the plurality of notches CR and the radius of curvature of the opening in the lower layer can be smaller than the radius of curvature R of the engaging edge CR . CT

[0031] Optionally, the engaging edge is defined by teeth.

[0032] Optionally, the engaging edge is by non - tooth engaging elements.

[0033] Optionally, the engaging edge is a tooth edge.

[0034] Optionally, the engaging edge is a non - toothed engaging edge.

[0035] A further alternative aspect of the present invention is a blank for forming an article carrier including an engaging aperture having at least two engaging elements, wherein the at least two engaging elements are spaced apart from each other by notches, the engaging edge of each engaging element is curved, the bottom of each notch is curved, and the radius of curvature R C of each notch is significantly smaller than the radius of curvature R CT of the engaging edge, provides the blank.

[0036] Optionally, the at least two engaging elements include at least two teeth.

[0037] ​Optionally, at least two engaging elements include at least two non-toothed engaging elements.

[0038] Optionally, at least two engaging elements include at least one toothed and at least one non-toothed engaging element.

[0039] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of the engagement edge. CT The diameter is greater than half the diameter of the article to be engaged in the setup carrier.

[0040] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of each relief element. C It is approximately 2.38 mm (3 / 32") in length.

[0041] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of each relief element. C The range is from 1.59 mm (1 / 16") to 4.76 mm (3 / 16").

[0042] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of the engagement edge. CT It is approximately 50 mm (63 / 32") in length.

[0043] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of the engagement edge. CT It ranges from 30 mm (1.181") to 75 mm (189 / 64").

[0044] Optionally, the radius of curvature R of the engagement edge. CT Radius of curvature of the notch (R C ) ratio (R C / R CT ) is in the range of 0.02 to 0.16 (0.02 <R C / R CT <0.16).

[0045] Optionally, the corners of each engaging element are rounded, and the radius of curvature of the rounded corners (R TC ) is the radius of curvature R of the notch C It is possible that they are generally equal.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention is a blank for forming an article carrier including an engaging aperture, wherein the engaging aperture has at least one notch along its circumference, the engaging aperture includes a conceptual circle, the conceptual circle is concentric with the engaging aperture and is in tangential contact with at least one notch, and the conceptual circle has a diameter (2xR CR The present invention provides a blank having a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the upper can chime and smaller than the diameter of the can body, the diameter of the engaging aperture being smaller than the upper can chime, and the area of ​​the blank around the engaging aperture being displaced upward relative to the rest of the blank when the upper can chime is received into the engaging aperture, thereby engaging the area around the engaging aperture with the lower side of the upper can chime.

[0047] Optionally, the diameter of the conceptual circle (2xR CR ) is roughly equal to the diameter of the upper can chime.

[0048] Within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings are intended to be considered or interpreted independently or in any combination thereof.

[0049] Features or elements described in relation to or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that no incompatibility of features exists. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and such features or elements extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

[0050] Features, or combinations of features, of the embodiments disclosed herein may be isolated and extracted from other features of those embodiments. Alternatively, features, or combinations of features, of the embodiments may be omitted from those embodiments.

[0051] Herein, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] [Figure 1] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of one of the blanks in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a top-down perspective view of the carrier formed from the blank. [Figure 4] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 8A] This figure shows the stages of building a career from the blank shown in Figure 7. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the stages of building a career from the blank shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the blanks in Figure 7, which are connected in a nested configuration. [Figure 10] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 2. [Figure 12] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of exemplary article B in the form of a beverage can. [Figure 13] This figure is a top view of multiple connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure 13 is a top view of a portion of the multiple connected blanks. [Figure 14B] This is an enlarged plan view of one portion of the blank in Figure 14A, showing the article holding structure. [Figure 14C] This is an enlarged plan view of another portion of the blank in Figure 14A, showing an optional arrangement of article holding structures. [Figure 14D] Figure 14A is an enlarged plan view of the blank item receiving aperture. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is an overhead perspective view illustrating the deformation of the carrier around an object, showing a portion of a carrier formed from one of the blanks. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0053] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented, and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. Where used herein, the term “exemplary” is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. In practice, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1, a plan view of multiple connected blanks 10 is shown. An individual blank 10 is shown in Figure 2, which can form a carton or carrier 90 (as shown in Figure 3) for containing and transporting a group of primary products, such as bottles or cans (hereinafter referred to as articles B), as shown in Figure 3, but not limited to the blank 10. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10.

[0055] In embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer to containers for engaging with and transporting articles, such as primary product containers, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention. The teachings of the present invention may be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical in shape. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal bottles, glass bottles, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, and packets.

[0056] Blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. When used herein, the term “suitable substrate” should be understood to include all forms of bendable sheet materials, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should be recognized that one or more blanks may be used to provide, where appropriate, carrier structures, for example, as described in more detail below.

[0057] The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as paperboard, which may be made from or coated with materials to increase their strength. An example of such sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials may be provided by two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of a sheet material may have different properties from other surfaces. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from a finished package may, among other things, be smooth and may have a coating or other surface treatment such as a clay coating to provide good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or one or more of other desired functional properties.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary article B. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 10, the arrangement is a 2x2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments, two articles are provided in two columns, and article B is a beverage can. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, the arrangement is a 3x2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments, two articles are provided in three columns, and article B is a beverage can. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 75 and 6, the arrangement is a 4x2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments, two articles are provided in four columns, and article B is a beverage can. Alternatively, blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be configured to form carriers for packaging articles of other types, numbers, and sizes, and / or articles of different arrangements or configurations.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1, multiple connected blanks 10 are shown, specifically, there are six blanks 10 arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array. Each blank 10 contains a pair of main panels 12A, 12B for forming the upper wall or engagement panel of the carrier 90 (see Figure 3). Each blank 10 is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10 by a frangible connection 16.

[0060] The pair of main panels 12A, 12B comprises a first main panel 12A for forming an upper layer and a second main panel 12B for forming a lower layer or ply of the carrier 90. Each first main panel 12A is hinged to each second main panel 12B by a hinged connection in the formation of a fold line 14.

[0061] The pair of main panels 12A and 12B, as seen in Figure 2, comprises at least one article holding structure RT. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the engaging panels 12A / 12B comprises multiple article holding structures RT, specifically four article holding structures RT arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT comprises an aperture A1.

[0062] The article holding structure RT includes an article receiving opening defined in the first main panel 12A or partially defined by a first aperture A1 punched out from the first main panel 12A.

[0063] The article receiving opening is defined by the second main panel 12B or partially defined by the second aperture A2 punched out from the second main panel 12B.

[0064] The second aperture A2 is substantially circular in shape and has a first diameter d1. The first aperture A1 has or defines a rim E1 in the first main panel 12A, the rim E1 defines a conceptual circle NC having a second diameter d2. The second diameter d2 is smaller than the first diameter d1.

[0065] The first aperture A1 comprises one or more cutouts C in the form of recesses or notches. The cutouts C are substantially U-shaped, and in other embodiments, the cutouts C may be shaped alternatively, for example, a V-shape, or the latter. The cutouts C extend radially outward from a conceptual circle.

[0066] The first aperture A1 and the second aperture A2 are positioned so that they are essentially concentric with each other. In other words, the conceptual circular NC of the first aperture A1 is concentric with the second aperture A2.

[0067] The cut-out portion C may be positioned to extend radially outward for a distance of (d1-d2) / 2 which is substantially half the difference between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2.

[0068] The second article holding structure RT may include a first segment S1 and a second segment S2, as shown in Figure 2. The first segment S1 defines a first arc, and the second segment S2 defines a second arc.

[0069] The first segment S1 may be "toothed," and the second segment S2 may be "toothless." That is, the first aperture A1 includes a plurality of teeth arranged around the first arc in the periphery of the first aperture A1 defined by the first segment S1. The periphery of the first aperture A1 defined by the second segment S2 (the second arc) is toothless. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the second segment S2 defines a continuous arc-shaped edge.

[0070] The "toothed" region includes a plurality of teeth 22 formed within the first main panel 12A around the first aperture A1.

[0071] Each tooth 22 includes an engagement edge or tooth edge 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Each tooth edge 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may have a linear shape or an arc shape. The tooth edges 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may be defined by an arc or a portion of a circle. The first aperture A1 includes a perimeter which can approximate or define a conceptual circle NC. The tooth edges 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may be defined by an arc or a portion of a circle which approximates a linear edge.

[0072] The "toothed" region of the main panel 12 surrounding the first aperture A1 may include a cutout C in the form of a recess or notch.

[0073] Each tooth 22 is at least partially defined by a pair of cutouts C, which form relief elements that extend radially away from the center of the conceptual circle.

[0074] The toothless or toothless regions of the first main panel 12A surrounding the first aperture A1 include engaging edges or free edges 37a, 37b, 37c. The engaging edges 37a, 37b, 37c are curved or arc-shaped.

[0075] The toothless or toothless region of the first main panel 12A surrounding the first aperture A1 may be defined within or occupy within an arc with respect to an angle, the angle having its vertex at the center of the conceptual circle. In some embodiments, the angle may be substantially 180°, and in other embodiments, the angle may be less than 180°, for example, 170°, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] Thus, substantially half of the area surrounding the first aperture A1 includes the tooth 22.

[0077] The article holding structure RT comprises two adjacent relief elements C, with continuous support edges or engagement edges 37a, 37b, and 37c defined between them.

[0078] Two adjacent relief elements C with continuous support edges 37a, 37b, and 37c are in tangential contact by a conceptual tangent. The conceptual tangent passes through the respective tangential contact points on the two adjacent relief elements C with continuous support edges 37a, 37b, and 37c. The conceptual tangent is in contact with or intersects the conceptual circle.

[0079] The article holding structure RT is arranged to house article B. Figure 12 shows an example of article B in the form of a beverage can. Article B has an upper end defined by a chime or canner's end seam, at which point the top or closure is fixed to the wall of the can. The upper end has a diameter Cd. Article B has a neck below the chime, the neck has a diameter Nd. The neck diameter Nd is smaller than the chime diameter Cd (Cd > Nd). Article B has a main body having a diameter Bd, the body diameter Bd is larger than the chime diameter Cd and the neck diameter Nd (Bd > Cd > Nd). In some embodiments, the body diameter Bd may be substantially equal to the chime diameter Cd (Bd ≈ Cd).

[0080] The chime and neck define an undercut into which the article carrier 90 can engage with article B. The undercut has a radial or transverse dimension equal to half the difference between the chime diameter Cd and the neck diameter Nd.

[0081] The first diameter d1 (the diameter of the second aperture A2) is greater than or equal to the chime diameter Cd (the diameter of the upper end of item B) (d1≧Cd).

[0082] The second diameter d2 (the diameter of the first aperture A1, or the conceptual circular NC defined by the first aperture A1) is less than the neck diameter Nd (Nd > d2).

[0083] The first diameter d1 (the diameter of the second aperture A2) is less than the main body diameter Bd (the diameter of the main body of item B) (Bd > d1).

[0084] In this method, the following relationship exists between the diameter of the first aperture A1, the diameter of the second aperture A2, and the diameter of item B (Bd>d1≧Cd>Nd>d2).

[0085] The blank 10 may optionally include handles H1 / H2. The first main panel 12A may include a first handle structure H1. The second main panel 12B may include a second handle structure H2. The first handle structure H1 includes a first handle opening. The first handle opening is defined in or punched out from the first main panel 12A and positioned in a central area between a first pair of first apertures A1 and a second pair of first apertures A1. The first handle opening may be defined at least in part by a first cushioning tab 60A that is hinged to the first main panel 12A by a first fold line 61A.

[0086] The second handle structure H2 includes a second handle opening. The second handle opening is defined in or punched out from the second main panel 12B and positioned in a centrally located area between the first pair of second apertures A2 and the second pair of second apertures A2. The second handle opening may be defined at least in part by a second cushioning tab 60B which is hinged to the second main panel 12B by a second fold line 61B.

[0087] The second handle opening is positioned so as to be perpendicular to the first handle opening. The second handle opening may be larger than the first handle opening.

[0088] The second cushioning tab 60B may be larger than the first cushioning tab 60A. The second cushioning tab 60B is prevented or blocked from folding upward so as to pass through or extend through the first handle opening in the first main panel 12A. This further blocks or restricts access to the first cushioning tab 60A so as to deter or make upward folding of the first cushioning tab 60A difficult, while the first cushioning tab 60A and the second cushioning tab 60B are easily folded downward so as to pass through or extend through the second handle opening in the second main panel 12B.

[0089] The first cushioning tab 60A may be fixed to the second cushioning tab 60B to form a composite cushioning tab 60A / 60B. In this manner, the composite cushioning tab 60A / 60B is configured to bend downwards so that the first cushioning tab 60A passes through or extends through a second handle opening in the second main panel 12B. The composite cushioning tab 60A / 60B is prevented or blocked from bending upwards so that the second cushioning tab 60B passes through or extends through the first handle opening in the first main panel 12A. Either or both of the first cushioning tab 60A and the second cushioning tab 60B are optional, but if at least one cushioning tab is employed, the associated handle opening can be closed as a whole (when the carrier is in a blank form) or partially closed. The shape of the handle opening and / or the shape of at least one cushioning tab may vary. Various fold lines and arrangements of fold lines may be used in at least one cushioning tab.

[0090] The second fold line 61B may be offset from the first fold line 61A.

[0091] The hinged connections 61A and 61B of the handle structures H1 / H2 (in the form of fold lines) are positioned so that the papermaking direction is substantially perpendicular to the papermaking direction (or machine direction) of the blank 10 material (e.g., paperboard, cardboard, etc.) indicated by arrow GD in Figure 2. The papermaking direction GD is substantially parallel to the fold line 14.

[0092] Optionally, the side edges of the main panel 12 may be arranged in a curved or undulating shape. In this way, the first blank 10 may be arranged in a nested configuration with the second blank 10. The undulating shape provides that the first and second blanks 10 together define a width less than twice the maximum width of the individual blanks 10. This can have economic and environmental benefits by reducing the amount of material required to produce a given number of blanks 10.

[0093] The main panel 12 includes at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate can be selected from any conventional paperboard (for example, in the range of about 10 pt. upwards in terms of weight, preferably in the range of about 16 pt. to about 28 pt. (0.028" / about 0.7 mm)). Examples of such substrates are 28-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - unbleached kraft paperboard with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate can be bleached or unbleached. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally on the opposite side of the lamination, with a conventional coating selected in terms of compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0094] The main panel 12 may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. Optionally, it may include an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be disposed across the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate, formed from a polymer material, and fixed to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials, though not limited to, may include tear-resistant laminated sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of n-axially oriented film, such as MYLAR®, which is biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation of these materials and the cross-laminated structure contribute to the tear-resistant properties. Furthermore, tear resistance may be due to the chemical properties of tear-resistant materials such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0095] Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer can 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 with a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0096] The adhesive layer may be formed from a polyolefin material such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer is placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer, allowing the tear-resistant layer to be fixed to the substrate.

[0097] The first main panel 12A and the second main panel 12B are configured to form an engaging panel 12A / 12B having two layers or plies of paperboard substrate. The first or upper layer of the engaging panel 12A / 12B is provided by the first main panel 12A, and the second or lower layer of the engaging panel 12A / 12B is provided by the second main panel 12B. The second main panel 12B may be bonded or adhered to the first main panel 12A.

[0098] A suitable bonding site G is shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, different sites may be selected, or only some of the bonding sites shown in Figure 1 may be employed.

[0099] In some embodiments, a cold seal adhesive layer or a self-sealing adhesive layer is coated, formed, or provided on the inner surface of the blank 10. The inner surface of the blank 10 comprises the inner surface of a first main panel 12A and the inner surface of a second main panel 12B. The inner surface of the first main panel 12A is made to be in a relationship to face and contact the inner surface of the second main panel 12B in order to form an engaging panel 12A / 12B. The cold seal adhesive seals or bonds only to itself. Thereafter, when the inner surface of the first main panel 12A coated with the cold seal adhesive comes into contact with the inner surface of the second main panel 12B, which is also coated with the same cold seal adhesive, bonding occurs with only some pressure applied. (Unlike heat-seal adhesives, which require adhesive on only one substrate, cold-seal adhesives must have a source of heat and pressure to perform bonding. Cold-seal adhesives also differ from pressure-sensitive adhesives, which must be permanently tacky and have a release liner to prevent them from sticking to anything until final use.) Cold-seal adhesives useful in the article carriers of the present invention typically include natural rubber latex. Other components, such as synthetic polymers (e.g., antioxidants), may be added to the rubber latex.

[0100] Figure 11 shows a cold seal adhesive layer 70A on the upper panel or first main panel 12A, which is in contact with a cold seal adhesive layer 70B on the lower panel or second main panel 12B. These cold seal adhesive layers 70A and 70B may be brought into contact with each other, for example, in the process of carrier application to article B, so as to be activated to fix the upper panel 12A and the lower panel 12B together.

[0101] In one example, only bonding locations adjacent to the frangible connection portion 16 may be used.

[0102] The first main panel 12A and the second main panel 12B may be formed from a paperboard substrate having a coating on one side. The uncoated side of the first main panel 12A may be bonded to the uncoated side of the second main panel 12B by an adhesive treatment or glue. In one example, the first main panel 12A and the second main panel 12B are formed from 28pt CBS or CNK board, and in alternative embodiments, different thicknesses or calipers or paperboard may be employed. This creates engaging panels 12A / 12B having a thickness of approximately 0.056" with a coating on opposing surfaces, approximately 1.4mm. The advantage of such substrates is increased strength without the inclusion of polymer or plastic materials, and such substrates can offer environmental benefits and be more easily recycled.

[0103] The second main panel 12B is folded around the fold line 14 relative to the first main panel 12A to which it is hinged. Each second main panel 12B is positioned to face the first main panel 12A to which it is hinged. Each second main panel 12B can be fixed to the first main panel 12A to which it is hinged.

[0104] Therefore, the multiple blanks 10 in Figure 1 can be formed into multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B, each having two plies. Each of the multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B is brittlely connected to at least two other engagement panels 12A / 12B.

[0105] In some embodiments, at least one tear-resistant layer may be disposed between a first layer and a second layer of the substrate, and such a substrate may be formed by bonding sheets of two materials, at least one of which includes a laminated tear-resistant layer. This may have the advantage of increasing the strength of the substrate.

[0106] Looking at the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 can be applied to a group of articles B. The blank 10 is lowered relative to the group of articles B. Each of the article holding structures RT of the blank 10 is aligned with each article B in the group. A portion of the article B passes through the engaging panels 12A / 12B. The toothed area of ​​the first main panel 12A around each of the article holding structures RT can be bent from the plane of the first main panel 12A.

[0107] Each toothed area of ​​the main panel 12 can be bent around one of the articles to be received in each of the article holding structures RT. The blank 10 is deformable around an article B (for example, but not limited to, a shoulder portion of an article), where article B is a can whose shoulder portion may be provided by a neck-in.

[0108] The engaging edges 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 of the teeth 22, and the engaging edges 37a, 37b, 37c of the toothless areas of the first main panel 12A engage under a projection of article B. The projection may be located around the neck or chime of article B (it is possible that it provides a flange). When article B is a can, the projection may be provided by the canner's end seam. In other embodiments, it may be provided by a ridge or undercut molding of article B, or by an end closure of article B (e.g., a crown cork or closure, but not limited to one). Thus, the engaging edges 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 grip or hold article B and prevent or prevent article B from unintentionally separating from the engaging panel 12A / 12B. The assembled carrier 90 is shown in Figure 3.

[0109] In some embodiments, toothless regions along the engagement edges 37a, 37b, 37c of the first main panel 12A adjacent to the first aperture A1 bend outward or displace from the plane of the first main panel 12A when the engagement panel 12A / 12B is applied to the article B. The toothless regions of the first main panel 12A along the engagement edges 37a, 37b, 37c are tilted upward toward the respective article B.

[0110] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter to which other parts of the carrier 90 are not connected. That is, the carrier 90 is not connected to other panels (for example, but not limited to, side panels or end wall panels extending around the sides of a group of articles). Thus, the perimeter of the main panel 12A / 12B is defined as a free, cut, or unhinged edge.

[0111] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panels 12A / 12B are defined by a perimeter that includes a convex curved edge and a concave curved edge, the radius of curvature of the convex curved edge being substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concave curved edge, thus allowing two similar blanks 10 to be installed in a nested or tessellated arrangement.

[0112] In some embodiments, multiple blanks 10 or multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B are applied simultaneously to a first group of articles B. The first group of articles B can be divided into multiple second groups of articles B. Thus, each second group of articles B is formed from a subset of the first group of articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the first group of articles B includes 24 articles arranged in a 4x6 matrix or array, and each individual blank 10 accommodates 4 articles in a 2x2 matrix or array. In this method, multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B form six article carriers 90 or packages.

[0113] The frangible connectors 14 between the first main panels 12A can be separated in the application of multiple connected engaging panels 12A / 12B to the first group of articles B. Alternatively, the frangible connectors 14 can remain intact, and individual carriers 90 may be separated from other carriers at the time of sale or distribution.

[0114] Referring here to Figures 4 through 10, additional embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth illustrated embodiments, similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts where possible, but with the addition of the prefixes "100", "200", "300", "400", and "500" to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 3 will be described in detail.

[0115] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment, which shows a plurality of connected blanks 110, specifically four blanks 110 arranged in a matrix or array. Each blank 110 comprises a pair of main panels 112A, 112B for forming the upper wall or engaging panel 112A / 112B of a carrier (not shown). The plurality of connected blanks 110 comprises four first main panels 112A arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array to form a group of first main panels 112A, and four second main panels 112B arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array to form a group of second main panels 112B. Each first main panel 112A is connected to at least two adjacent first main panels 112A by a frangable connector 116. Each second main panel 112B is connected to at least two adjacent second main panels 112B by a frangable connector 116. A group of second main panels 112B is hinged to a group of first main panels 112A by a hinged connection in the formation of a fold line 114. The group of first main panels 112A is arranged to be folded around the fold line 114 so that it is positioned opposite the group of first main panels 112A, such that each of the first main panels 112A is positioned perpendicularly to each of the second main panels 112B. In this manner, a plurality of connected article carriers are formed, having a plurality of connected engagement panels 112A / 112B or article carriers in a 2x2 matrix or array arrangement. Each of the plurality of connected article carriers is brittlely connected to at least one adjacent article carrier.

[0116] Each pair of main panels 112A and 112B comprises at least one article holding structure. Each pair of main panels 112A and 112B comprises multiple article holding structures, specifically, six article holding structures arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array.

[0117] Each blank 110's first main panel 112A is provided with four article receiving openings in the form of a first aperture A1 configured and arranged substantially as previously described in relation to the first aperture A1 of the embodiment in Figure 1. The article receiving openings are located adjacent to the corners of the first main panel 112A and are referred to as the outermost or corner article receiving openings.

[0118] Each blank 110 has a first main panel 112A which includes two additional article receiving openings located in the center or middle of the first main panel 112A, referred to as inner or middle article receiving openings.

[0119] Each intermediate item receiving opening is positioned between the pair of outermost item receiving openings.

[0120] The intermediate article receiving opening comprises three teeth 122, each tooth 122 being partially defined by a pair of relief elements C. Each tooth 122 has an engaging edge. The engaging edge of the teeth occupies a portion of the perimeter of the aperture A1, the portion defining a conceptual circular arc with a center, the angle included by the arc can be less than 120° and greater than 60°, and may be about 90°. The intermediate article receiving opening comprises a toothless or toothless portion. The toothless region comprises an engaging edge defined between the pair of relief elements C. The engaging edge of the toothless region may comprise one or more cutouts or relief elements, the illustrated embodiment comprises three cutouts.

[0121] The second main panel 112B of each blank 110 is provided with six article receiving openings in the form of a second aperture A2 configured and arranged substantially as previously described in relation to the second aperture A2 of the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0122] Each of the second apertures A2 is substantially circular in shape and has a first diameter. Each of the first apertures A1 has a free edge, which defines a conceptual circle having a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter.

[0123] The first main panel 112A and the second main panel 112B may optionally be provided with handle structures H1 and H2. The handle structures H1 and H2 may be provided with a pair of first openings punched out from or defined in the first main panel 112A. The handle structures H1 and H2 may be provided with a pair of second openings punched out from or defined in the second main panel 112B.

[0124] Each of the first openings may be partially defined by a first cushioning tab hinged to the first main panel 112A by a fold line. Each of the second openings may be partially defined by a second cushioning tab hinged to the second main panel 112B by a fold line.

[0125] One of the first pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the first pair of article receiving openings and the second pair of article receiving openings provided in the first main panel 112A. The other of the first pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the second pair of article receiving openings and the third pair of article holding receiving openings provided in the first main panel 112A. The first pair of openings may be positioned opposite each other so that the cushioning tabs are hinged to the first main panel 112A opposite each other.

[0126] One of the second pair of openings is located in a centrally located area between the first pair of article receiving openings and the second pair of article receiving openings provided in the second main panel 112B. The other of the second pair of openings is located in a centrally located area between the second pair of article receiving openings and the third pair of article holding receiving openings provided in the second main panel 112B. The second pair of openings may be arranged opposite each other so that the cushioning tabs are hinged to the second main panel 112B opposite each other.

[0127] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment, which shows a plurality of connected blanks 210, specifically three blanks 210 arranged in a 1x3 matrix or array. Each blank 210 comprises a pair of main panels 212A, 212B for forming the upper wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank 210 is connected to at least one adjacent blank 210 by a flangable connector 206.

[0128] Each of the pair of main panels 212A and 212B comprises a first main panel 212A that is hinged to a second main panel 212B by a hinged connection at the bend of the bend line 214.

[0129] Each pair of main panels 212A and 212B comprises at least one article holding structure. Each pair of main panels 212A and 212B comprises multiple article holding structures, specifically eight article holding structures arranged in a 4x2 matrix or array.

[0130] Each blank 210's first main panel 212A has four article receiving openings in the form of a first aperture A1, configured and arranged substantially as previously described in relation to the first aperture A1 of the embodiment in Figure 1. The article receiving openings are located adjacent to the corners of the first main panel 212A and are referred to as the outermost or corner article receiving openings. Each blank 210's first main panel 212A has four additional article receiving openings located between the outermost article receiving openings, and these intermediate article receiving openings are configured and arranged substantially as previously described in relation to the intermediate article receiving openings of the embodiment in Figure 4.

[0131] The first main panel 212A and the second main panel 212B may optionally be provided with handle structures H1 and H2. The handle structures H1 and H2 may include a pair of first openings punched out from or defined in the first main panel 212A.

[0132] Each of the first openings may be partially defined by a first cushioning tab that is hinged to the first main panel 212A by a fold line.

[0133] One of the first pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the first pair of outermost article receiving openings and the adjacent first pair of intermediate article receiving openings provided in the first main panel 212A. The other of the first pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the second pair of outermost article receiving openings and the adjacent second pair of intermediate article receiving openings provided in the first main panel 212A. The first pair of openings may be positioned opposite each other so that the cushioning tabs are hinged to the first main panel 212A opposite each other.

[0134] The handle structures H1 and H2 may include a third opening punched out of or defined in the first main panel 212A. The third opening is located in a centrally situated region between a first pair of intermediate article receiving openings and a second pair of intermediate article receiving openings. The third opening may be defined by a pair of finger-shaped tabs opposite each other and hinged to the first main panel 212A.

[0135] The handle structures H1 and H2 may comprise a pair of second openings punched out from or defined in the second main panel 212B.

[0136] Each of the second openings may be partially defined by a second cushioning tab that is hinged to the second main panel 212B by a fold line.

[0137] One of the second pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the first pair of outermost article receiving openings and the adjacent first pair of intermediate article receiving openings provided in the second main panel 212B. The other of the second pair of openings is positioned in a central area between the second pair of outermost article receiving openings and the adjacent second pair of intermediate article receiving openings provided in the second main panel 212B. The second pair of openings may be positioned opposite each other so that the cushioning tabs are hinged to the second main panel 212B opposite each other.

[0138] The handle structures H1 and H2 may have a fourth opening punched out of or defined in the second main panel 212B. The fourth opening is located in a centralized area between the first pair of intermediate article receiving openings and the second pair of intermediate article receiving openings. The fourth opening may be defined by a finger aperture A3. The fourth opening may be positioned to be perpendicular to the third opening. The fourth opening may be positioned to be larger in size than the third opening.

[0139] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment, which shows a plurality of connected blanks 310, specifically three blanks 310 arranged in a 1x3 matrix or array. Each blank 310 comprises a first main panel 312A for forming part of the upper wall or engagement panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank 310 comprises a pair of second panel portions 312C, 312D. The pair of second panel portions 312C, 312D together form a second main panel arranged opposite the first main panel 312A.

[0140] Each of the pair of second panel sections 312C and 312D is hinged to the first main panel 312A by a hinged connection in the formation of a fold line 314.

[0141] The second panel sections 312C and 312D are hinged to the opposite end of the first main panel 312A.

[0142] Each of the second panel sections 312C and 312D is provided with a cutout in the form of a recess R punched out from its free edge. The free edge is opposite to the hinged connection to the first main panel 312A.

[0143] When the pair of second panel portions 312C and 312D are folded so that they face the first main panel 312A, the recesses R of the second panel portions 312C and 312D together define a fourth opening in the second main panel. The fourth opening is positioned to align with a third opening in the first main panel that forms part of the handle structures H1 and H2.

[0144] Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment, which shows blanks 410 for forming an article carrier. The carrier takes the form of an upper gripping clip or carrier. Figure 7 shows pairs of blanks 410 arranged in a 1x2 matrix or array. The first blank is brittlely connected to the second blank by a flangable connector 416.

[0145] Each blank 410 includes an upper main panel 412A for forming part of the upper wall or engagement panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank 310 includes a pair of lower panel portions 412C, 412D. Together, the lower panel portions 412C, 412D form a lower main panel positioned opposite the upper main panel 412A. The lower panel portions 412C, 412D are hinged to the opposite side of the upper main panel 412A by hinged connections in the form of fold lines 414C, 414D, respectively.

[0146] The blank 410 comprises at least one article holding structure. The blank 410 comprises multiple article holding structures, specifically, six article holding structures arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array.

[0147] Each blank 410's upper main panel 412A has four teeth instead of the six teeth illustrated and described in relation to Figure 1, but is configured and arranged substantially as described previously in relation to the first aperture A1 of the embodiment of Figure 1, and includes six article receiving openings. The article receiving openings are located adjacent to the corners of the upper main panel 412A and are referred to as the outermost or corner article receiving openings. Each blank 410's upper main panel 412A has two additional article receiving openings located between the outermost article receiving openings, and these intermediate article receiving openings have one tooth instead of the three teeth illustrated and described in relation to Figure 4 (defined by a pair of relief elements or cutouts), but is configured and arranged substantially as described previously in relation to the intermediate article receiving openings of the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0148] Each pair of lower panel sections 412C and 412D is provided with three article receiving openings in the form of a second aperture A2, which is configured to be positioned in alignment with one of the first apertures A1 in the upper main panel 412A.

[0149] The first lower panel portion 412C includes a pair of recesses R2 defined in or punched out from its free edge opposite the hinged connection to the upper main panel 412A. The recesses R2 are configured and positioned to avoid blocking the handle opening provided in the first main panel 412A when folded into the face-to-face relationship best shown in Figure 8A.

[0150] The second lower panel portion 412D includes a pair of projections P1 extending from its free edge opposite the hinged connection to the upper main panel 412A. The projections are positioned to accommodate a handle opening H. The handle opening may be defined by a cushioning flap hinged to the second lower panel portion 412D.

[0151] The hinged connection 461 (in the form of a fold line) of the handle structure H is positioned so that the papermaking direction is substantially parallel to the papermaking direction of the blank material (e.g., paperboard, cardboard, etc.) indicated by arrow GD in Figure 7. The papermaking direction GD is substantially perpendicular to the fold lines 414C, 414D.

[0152] The second lower panel portion 412D may be configured to partially overlap the first lower panel portion 412C, as shown in Figure 8B. The second lower panel portion 412D may be fixed to the first lower panel portion 412C with adhesive or other bonding treatment.

[0153] The projection P1 is positioned to overlap with the first lower panel portion 412C such that the handle opening in the second lower panel portion 412D is aligned perpendicularly to the recess R2.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first lower panel portion 412C and the second lower panel portion 412D are fixed to the first main panel 412A by adhesive or other bonding treatment.

[0155] In another embodiment, the second lower panel portion 412D is fixed to the first main panel 412A with an adhesive or other bonding treatment. The first lower panel portion 412C is positioned between the second lower panel portion 412D and the first main panel 412A so as to be held in place.

[0156] Figure 9 shows the first set of blanks 410 arranged in a nested configuration with the second set of blanks 410, separated by cut lines.

[0157] Figure 10 shows a sixth embodiment, which shows a plurality of blanks 510 for forming an article carrier (not shown). The article carrier takes the form of an upper gripping clip or carrier. Each of the blanks 510 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 410 in Figure 7 and comprises a main panel 512 that forms the upper panel of the carrier. In the sixth embodiment, the blanks 510 are arranged to accommodate four articles arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. The upper main panel 512A comprises four article receiving openings. The first and second lower panel portions 512C, 512D each comprise a pair of article receiving openings. The first lower panel portion 512C comprises one recess R2. The second lower panel portion 512D comprises one projection P1 comprising a handle opening defined by a finger aperture A3.

[0158] Further embodiments of the present disclosure are shown here with reference to Figures 13, 14A–14D, and 15. In the seventh illustrated embodiment, similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts where possible, but with the addition of the prefix "900" to indicate that these features belong to the seventh embodiment. The additional embodiments share many features in common with the first embodiment, and only the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in detail.

[0159] Figure 13 shows a plurality of connected blanks 910, specifically six blanks 910 arranged in a matrix or array. Each blank 910 comprises a pair of main panels 912A, 912B for forming the upper wall or engaging panel 912A / 912B of a carrier 990 (see Figure 15). The plurality of connected blanks 910 comprises six first or upper main panels 912A arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array to form a group of first main panels 912A, and six second or lower main panels 912B arranged in a 3x2 matrix or array to form a group of second main panels 912B. Each first main panel 912A is connected to at least two adjacent first main panels 912A by a frangable connector 916. Each second main panel 912B is connected to at least two adjacent second main panels 912B by a frangable connector 916. A group of second main panels 912B is hinged to a group of first main panels 912A by a hinged connection in the formation of a fold line 914. The group of first main panels 912A is arranged to be folded around the fold line 914 so that it is positioned opposite the group of first main panels 912A, such that each of the first main panels 912A is positioned perpendicularly to each of the second main panels 912B. In this manner, a plurality of connected article carriers are formed, having a plurality of connected engagement panels 912A / 912B or article carriers in a 3x2 matrix or array arrangement. Each of the plurality of connected article carriers is brittlely connected to at least one adjacent article carrier.

[0160] Each pair of main panels 912A and 912B comprises at least one article holding structure. Each pair of main panels 912A and 912B comprises multiple article holding structures, specifically four article holding structures arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array.

[0161] Each blank 910 has a first main panel 912A which has four article receiving openings in the form of a first aperture A1.

[0162] Each blank 910's second main panel 912B has four article receiving openings in the form of a second aperture A2.

[0163] Each of the first apertures A1 is a conceptual circle N CE It has a perimeter that can approximate or define a conceptual circle N. CE The radius R is best shown in Figure 14D. CE It is equipped with.

[0164] Each article-holding structure comprises a plurality of teeth 922 arranged around or near the aperture A1, as shown in Figures 14B, 14C, and 14D.

[0165] The tooth 922 is formed around the aperture A1 in the first main panel 912A.

[0166] Each tooth 922 includes an engagement edge or tooth margin 931. Each tooth margin 931 is arc-shaped. The tooth margin 931 is circular N CT It is defined by an arc or portion of a circle. In some embodiments, the tooth margin 931 is a circle N CTMIN It may be defined by an arc or part of a circle, circular N CTMIN radius R CTMIN , circular N CT radius R CT It is smaller than that. In other embodiments, the tooth margin 931 is circular N CTMAX It may be defined by an arc or part of a circle, circular N CTMAX radius R CTMAX , circular N CT radius R CT It is larger than that. In one example, a circle N CTIt can have a radius of 50 mm (63 / 32"). The radius of a circle can range from 30 mm (1.181") to 75 mm (189 / 64").

[0167] In the illustrated embodiment, the tooth margin 931 is circular N CT It is defined by a part of the circular N CT is radius R CT Including radius R CT This is the conceptual circular N of aperture A1. CE radius R CE It's bigger than that one.

[0168] The first main panel 12A includes cutouts C in the form of recesses or notches. The cutouts C are substantially U-shaped, and each cutout C defines a portion of a conceptual circle N (see Figure 14C). The conceptual circle N has a radius R C Includes.

[0169] The cut-off portion C is a conceptual circle N defined by teeth 922. CE It extends radially outward from the point.

[0170] Each tooth 922 is at least partially defined by a pair of cutouts C. The cutouts C are conceptually circular N CE It forms a relief element that extends radially away from the center.

[0171] In some embodiments, the main panel 912 is a conceptual circular N MAX Cut-out sections C that define parts of each section MAX Includes (see Figure 14B). Conceptual circle N MAX is radius R CMAX Includes radius R. CMAX is radius R C It is larger than that.

[0172] In some embodiments, the main panel 912 is a conceptual circular N MINCut-out sections C that define parts of each section MIN Includes (see Figure 14B). Conceptual circle N MIN is radius R CMIN Includes radius R. CMIN is radius R C It is smaller than. Figure 14C shows a conceptual circle N MIN , N, N MAX This shows a comparison.

[0173] In one embodiment, the cut-off portion C has a radius R C Defined by =2.38mm(3 / 32"), radius R C It can be in the range of 1.59 mm (1 / 16") to 4.76 mm (3 / 16"), i.e., R CMIN =1.59mm(1 / 16") and R CMAX = 4.76 mm (3 / 16")

[0174] Radius of curvature R of the engaging edge of tooth 922 CT The radius of curvature R of the cut-off portion C. C It will be recognized that it is substantially larger than the radius of curvature R of the engaging edge of tooth 922. CT Radius of curvature R of the cut-out portion C C Ratio (R C / R CT ) can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.16 (0.02 <R C / R CT <0.16).

[0175] The outermost part of the cut-out section C is a conceptual circle N. CR It defines a conceptual circle N CR This is a conceptual circle N defined by aperture A1. CE It is concentric with the circle N. CR is radius R CR Including radius R CR This is a conceptual circle N defined by aperture A1. CE radius R CE Larger than. The gap, space, or distance F1 is defined radially between them.

[0176] Optionally, a conceptual circle N defined by the cutout C CR is arranged to be substantially equal to or slightly larger than a circle defined by a rim portion, a chime, or a topmost end portion of an article B to be received therein.

[0177] FIG. 14D shows a conceptual circle N AC (also referred to herein as the application circle), and when the article B is engaged by the main panel 912, the main panel 912 is found to deform in proximity to the application circle N AC (see FIG. 15), and a fold line H can be formed in the main panel 912 outside or below the outermost (lowermost) edge of the cutout C. The application circle N AC is a circle having a radius that is larger than the radius of the conceptual circle N CR defined by the cutout C by a radial distance F2.

[0178] The aperture A1 and the cutout C can be arranged such that a conceptual circle N defined by the cutout C CR has a radius (diameter) that is substantially equal to the radius of a second aperture A2 provided in a second main panel 912B. The conceptual circle N defined by the cutout C CR and the second aperture A2 are configured to be aligned with each other when the first main panel 912A and the second main panel 912B face each other and come into contact.

[0179] The radius of the second aperture A2 provided in the second main panel 912B can be smaller than the radius R CT of a circle N CT defined by the serrated edge portion 93;

[0180] The radius R CR of the conceptual circle N defined by the cutout C CR is the radius R CT of a circle N defined by the serrated edge portion 931.CT It can become even smaller.

[0181] This disclosure provides an improved article holding structure or an article upper engagement type carrier having an article upper engagement device.

[0182] The carrier may be provided by a blank including an engagement aperture having at least one engagement edge. The engagement edge may be defined by a toothed engagement element or a non-toothed engagement element. The engagement edge can be a toothed edge or a toothless engagement edge. The engagement edge is defined between a pair of adjacent relief elements or notches. The engagement edge is curved. The bottom or outer edge of each relief element, recess, or notch is curved. The radius of curvature R of each relief element or notch C The radius of curvature R of the engaging edge. CT It's considerably smaller than that.

[0183] The carrier or blank may comprise an upper layer provided by a first main panel and a lower layer provided by a second main panel. The engagement aperture is provided in the upper layer. The upper layer is a conceptual circle N concentric with the engagement aperture. CR It has multiple notches that define the boundary, and is in contact with each of the multiple notches in the tangential direction.

[0184] The lower layer is a conceptual circle N that is in tangential contact with each of the multiple notches. CR Radius of curvature R CR It may have an opening with a radius of curvature that is generally equal to that of the other.

[0185] A conceptual circle N in contact with each of the multiple notches in the tangential direction. CR Radius of curvature R CR , and / or, the radius of curvature of the opening in the lower layer is the radius of curvature R of the engaging edge. CT It can become even smaller.

[0186] The carrier may be provided by a blank including an engagement aperture having at least two engagement elements. The engagement elements include toothed or non-toothed engagement elements, or a combination thereof. At least two engagement elements are spaced apart from each other by relief elements, recesses, or notches. The engagement edge of each engagement element is curved. The bottom or outer edge of each relief element, recess, or notch is curved. The radius of curvature R of each relief element, recess, or notch C The radius of curvature R of the engaging edge. CT It's considerably smaller than that.

[0187] Radius of curvature R of the engaging edge CT It is possible for the upper can chime diameter to be larger than half the diameter of the upper can chime.

[0188] Radius of curvature R of each relief element C This can be approximately 2.38 mm (3 / 32") for a US standard can with an end or lid diameter of approximately 54 mm (34 / 16").

[0189] Radius of curvature R of the engaging edge CT This can be approximately 50 mm (63 / 32") for a US standard can with an end or lid diameter of approximately 54 mm (34 / 16").

[0190] In some embodiments, the corners of each toothed or non-toothed element can be rounded. The radius of curvature R of the rounded corner. TC The radius of curvature R of the relief element C It is possible that they are generally equal.

[0191] The carrier may be provided by a blank including an engaging aperture, the engaging aperture having at least one notch along its circumference. The engaging aperture includes a conceptual circle, the conceptual circle concentric with the engaging aperture and in tangential contact with at least one notch. The conceptual circle has a diameter (2xR CR The engagement aperture has a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the upper can chime, but smaller than the diameter of the can body. The diameter of the engagement aperture is smaller than that of the upper can chime, and when the upper can chime is received into the engagement aperture, the area of ​​the blank around the engagement aperture is displaced upward relative to the rest of the blank, engaging the periphery of the engagement aperture with the underside of the upper can chime.

[0192] Conceptual diameter of a circle (2xR) CR ) can be approximately equal to the diameter of the upper can chime.

[0193] The upper engaging article carrier comprises an upper panel and a lower panel arranged in a relationship where they face each other and are in contact. The upper engaging article carrier comprises an upper engaging device comprising a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel. The first article receiving opening has a first diameter. The second article receiving opening has a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first article receiving opening may consist of a first article receiving aperture. The second article receiving opening may comprise a second article receiving aperture. The second article receiving opening may comprise one or more teeth having engaging edges for engaging with an article.

[0194] The upper engaging article carrier forms a package with an article, the article comprising an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter, and a neck portion positioned between the upper end and the main body and having a neck diameter. The first diameter is greater than or equal to the end diameter. The body diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The neck diameter may be greater than the second diameter.

[0195] The main body diameter is larger than the end diameter. The end diameter is larger than the neck diameter.

[0196] The upper engaging article carrier can accommodate the upper end of an article within the upper engaging device without bending or deformation of the area of ​​the lower panel. In other words, the upper end of the article can pass freely through the lower panel or be received by the first article receiving aperture. The first article receiving aperture is greater than or equal to the diameter of the article as measured at the engagement position with the lower panel.

[0197] When used herein, directional references such as “top,” “bottom,” “base,” “front,” “back,” “edge,” “side,” “inside,” “outside,” “upper side,” and “lower side” should be recognized as not necessarily limiting each panel to such orientation, but merely serving to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0198] As used herein, the terms “hinge connection” and “fold line” refer to all forms of lines that define a hinge feature of a blank, facilitating the folding of portions of the blank toward each other, or otherwise indicating the optimal panel folding location for the blank. References to “hinge connection” should not necessarily be interpreted as referring only to a single fold line. In fact, a hinge connection can be formed from two or more fold lines, where each of the two or more fold lines can be either straight / linear or curved / curved. When linear fold lines form a hinge connection, they can be arranged parallel to each other or at a slight angle to each other. When curved fold lines form a hinge connection, they can intersect each other and define a molded panel within the area enclosed by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or arc-shaped folds that intersect at two points, defining an elliptical panel between them. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear folds and one or more curved folds. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of linear folds and arched or arc-shaped folds that intersect at two points, defining a crescent-shaped panel between them.

[0199] As used herein, the term “fold line” can refer to any of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforated line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, a broken cut line, a aligned slit line, a scored line, and any combination of the above options.

[0200] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements formed within the blank substrate, such as perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, and any combination thereof. The elements can be dimensioned and positioned to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines can be dimensioned or designed with a certain degree of weakness to define fold lines and / or cut lines. Perforation lines can be designed to facilitate bending and resist breakage, to facilitate bending and facilitate breakage with greater effort, or to facilitate breakage with little effort.

[0201] As used herein, the phrase “aligned with” refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled carton (for example, an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels, and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels). Those elements that are aligned 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 “aligned with” a second aperture in a second panel that is installed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second aperture and may be aligned with the second aperture in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 10 Blank 12 Main Panel 12A First main panel, engagement panel 12B Main panel, engagement panel 14. Folded lines, flangable connections 15 Folding lines 16. Flangable connection 18 Deformed lines 22 teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Engaging edge or tooth edge 37a, 37b, 37c Engagement edges 60A First cushioning tab 60B Second cushioning tab 61A First folding line 61B Second folding line 70A Cold Seal Adhesive Layer 90 cartons, carrier 110 Blank 112 Main Panel 112A First main panel, engagement panel 112B Second main panel, engagement panel 114 Folding lines 116 Flangable connection 122 teeth 206 Flangable connection 210 Blank 212 Engagement Panel 212A First Main Panel 212B Second Main Panel 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236 tooth margin 310 Multiple connected blanks 312 Engagement Panel 312A First Main Panel 312C, 312D Second panel section 314 Folding line 410 Blank 412 Engagement Panel 412A First or upper main panel 412C First lower panel section 412D Second lower panel section 414C, 414D folding lines 416 Flangable connection 461 Hinged connection 510 Blank 512 Upper Main Panel 512C First lower panel section 512D Second lower panel section 710 Blank 910 Multiple connected blanks 912 Main Panel 912A Engaging panel, first or upper main panel 912B Engagement panel, second or lower main panel 914 Folding line 916 Flangable connection 922 teeth 931 Tooth margin 990 Carrier A1 First Aperture A2 Second Aperture A3 Finger Aperture B Goods C Relief element, center, cut-off section C Cut-off section CD Chime Diameter C MAX Cut-off section C MIN Cut-off section d1 First diameter d2 Second diameter E1 edge F1 distance F2 distance G Adhesion location GD papermaking direction H Handle opening, handle structure H fold line H1 First handle structure H2 Second Handle Structure N is a conceptual circle NC Conceptual Circle N AC Conceptual circle, Applicable circle N CE Conceptual circle N CR Conceptual circle N CT circular N CTMAX circular N CTMIN circular Nd neck diameter N MAX Conceptual circle N MIN Conceptual circle P1 protrusion R recess R2 recess R C radius R CE radius R CMAX radius R CMIN radius R CR radius R CT radius R CTMAX radius R CTMIN radius R TC radius of curvature RT article holding structure S1 First Segment S2 Second Segment

Claims

1. A blank for forming an item carrier, An engaging aperture having at least one engaging edge, A first main panel having a first area and forming the upper layer of the article carrier, A second main panel having a first panel portion and a second panel portion, forming the lower layer of the article carrier, In a blank that includes, The first main panel and the second main panel are configured to be positioned facing each other and in contact when the blank is formed as an article carrier. The engagement aperture is provided on the first main panel for forming the upper layer, An article receiving opening is provided in the second main panel for forming the lower layer, The article receiving opening of the second main panel has a first diameter, The engagement aperture of the first main panel has a second diameter, The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, A blank in which the combined area of ​​the first panel portion and the second panel portion, including the area of ​​the article receiving opening of the second main panel, is greater than or equal to the first area of ​​the first main panel, including the area of ​​the engagement aperture.

2. The blank according to claim 1, wherein each engaging edge is defined between a pair of notches, the first main panel comprises a plurality of notches, the plurality of notches define a conceptual circle that contacts each of the plurality of notches tangentially, and the conceptual circle is concentric with the engaging aperture.

3. The blank according to claim 2, wherein the second main panel for forming the lower layer has an opening having a radius of curvature generally equal to the radius of curvature of the conceptually circular shape.

4. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the engaging edge is defined by at least one of (i) a toothed engaging element and (ii) a non-toothed engaging element.

5. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the engagement edge is at least one of a toothed edge and a toothless engagement edge.

6. The blank according to claim 2, wherein the engaging aperture includes at least two engaging edges provided by at least two engaging elements, the at least two engaging elements being separated from each other by one of the plurality of notches, and a portion of each notch is curved.

7. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the at least two engaging elements include either (i) at least two toothed engaging elements, or (ii) at least two non-toothed engaging elements.

8. The blank according to claim 6, wherein the at least two engaging elements include at least one toothed engaging element and at least one non-toothed engaging element.

9. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the engaging aperture has at least one notch along its circumference, the engaging aperture includes a conceptual circle that contacts the at least one notch tangentially, the conceptual circle is concentric with the engaging aperture, the conceptual circle has a diameter which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the upper portion of the article to be held by the article carrier, and less than the diameter of the body portion of the article, the diameter of the engaging aperture is less than the diameter of the upper portion of the article, so that when the upper portion of the article is received into the engaging aperture, the region of the blank around the engaging aperture is displaced upward relative to the rest of the blank, and the periphery of the engaging aperture engages with the upper portion of the article.

10. The blank according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of the conceptual circle is generally equal to the diameter of the upper portion of the article.

11. A package comprising an article carrier and one or more articles, at least in part, which are cylindrical, wherein the article carrier comprises an engaging panel having an upper panel and a lower panel arranged in a relationship of facing each other and in contact with each other, The article carrier comprises an upper engaging device having a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel, wherein the first article receiving opening has a first diameter and the second article receiving opening has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The lower panel comprises a first panel portion and a second panel portion, and the combined area of ​​the first panel portion and the second panel portion, including the area of ​​the first article receiving opening, is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the upper panel, including the area of ​​the second article receiving opening, and the one or more articles comprise an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter, and a neck portion disposed between the upper end and the main body having a neck diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than or equal to the end diameter, the end diameter is greater than the neck diameter, and the neck diameter is greater than the second diameter, in a package.

12. The package according to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the main body is greater than at least one of (i) the first diameter and (ii) the end diameter.

13. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, comprising an upper panel and a lower panel arranged in a relationship of contact with each other facing each other, the article carrier comprising an upper engaging device comprising a first article receiving opening in the lower panel and a second article receiving opening in the upper panel, wherein the first article receiving opening has a first diameter and the second article receiving opening has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, the first article receiving opening includes a first article receiving aperture, the second article receiving opening includes a second article receiving aperture, the lower panel comprises a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the combined area of ​​the first panel portion and the second panel portion, including the area of ​​the first article receiving opening, is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the upper panel, including the area of ​​the second article receiving opening.

14. The article carrier according to claim 13, wherein the upper panel is hinged to the lower panel by a hinged connection.

15. The article carrier according to claim 13, wherein the lower panel comprises a pair of lower panel portions, each hinged to the upper panel by their respective hinged connections, and one of the pair of lower panel portions (i) at least partially overlaps the other of the pair of lower panel portions, or (ii) coincides with the other of the pair of lower panel portions such that a virtual longitudinal line of the article carrier intersects at least a portion of each of the pair of lower panel portions.

16. The article carrier according to claim 13, wherein the second article receiving opening comprises one or more teeth having engaging edges for engaging with an article, and the one or more teeth are provided in the periphery of the upper panel around the second article receiving aperture such that they define a toothed area in at least a portion of the area around the second article receiving aperture.

17. The article carrier according to claim 13, comprising a handle structure having a handle opening and a tab hinged to one of the upper panel and the lower panel by a hinged connection, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are formed from a substrate including the papermaking direction, and the hinged connection is oriented substantially perpendicular to the papermaking direction or substantially parallel to the papermaking direction.

18. The article carrier according to claim 13, comprising a handle structure having a recess in a first panel portion, a projection extending from a second panel portion, and a handle opening defined in at least a portion of the projection, wherein the projection is arranged to overlap with the first panel portion such that the handle opening is in a line perpendicular to the recess.

19. The package according to claim 11, wherein the second article receiving opening comprises an engagement edge defining an engagement area around at least a portion of the periphery of the second article receiving opening, and the periphery of the upper panel is displaced outward from the plane of the upper panel along the engagement edge such that the periphery of the upper panel is tilted upward toward the article.

20. The first main panel comprises at least two engaging portions arranged around the engaging opening, each of which comprises one of at least one engaging edge and is configured to deform from a plane shared with the first main panel when engaging with an article received in the engaging opening. The engagement portion has an end opposite to the engagement edge, The blank according to claim 1, wherein the second main panel forming the lower layer has openings having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of a virtual circle that coincides with the end of each engaging portion.

Images