Apparatus for forming an article carrier

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an apparatus (1010; 1110) for applying at least one carrier blank or article carrier (90A, 90B) to a group of articles and a method of applying at least one article carrier (90A, 90B). The apparatus (1010; 1110) comprising a top wall (1016; 1116) and a pair of side walls (1006, 1008; 1106, 1108) depending from the top wall (1016; 1116) to form a channel. The apparatus (1010; 1110) is adapted for application of at least one carrier blank or article carrier (90A, 90B) to a first one of a plurality of rows of articles (B). Each of the side walls (1006, 1008; 1106, 1108) comprises a spreading device for expanding a space between the first row of articles (B) and a second adjacent one of the plurality of rows of articles (B) when applying the at least one carrier blank or article carrier (90A, 90B) to the first row of articles (B).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR FORMING AN ARTICLE CARRIER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to apparatus for applying one or more carrier blanks or article carriers to a group of articles and to methods of applying one or more carrier blanks or article carriers to a group of articles to form one or more packages. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an apparatus for forming article carriers of the top engaging style.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide article carriers or 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 add more subdesirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for application of article carriers to primary product containers that is simple, efficient, and safe.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for applying at least one carrier blank or article carrier to a row of articles. The apparatus comprises a top wall and a pair of side walls depending from the top wall to form a channel. The apparatus is adapted for application of at least one carrier blank or article carrier to a first row of articles which may optionally include one or more subsets of articles. The first row may optionally be one of a plurality of rows of articles. The articles of the plurality of rows may optionally be arranged in rows and columns to form a group of articles closely positioned one next to another. Each of the side walls comprises a spreading device for expanding a space between the first row of articles and a second adjacent row, if any, of the plurality of rows of articles in the same group.

[0010] The channel may optionally be closed at a first end thereof by a first end wall. The channel may be open at a second end thereof. The channel may optionally comprise a second end wall at a second opposing end thereof. The second end wall may have an opening therein for insertion of at least one carrier into the apparatus. Optionally, the spreading device comprises a wedge formed in one of the side walls.

[0011] Optionally, the spreading device comprises at least one spreading surface arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to an application direction.

[0012] Optionally, the application direction is generally perpendicular to the top wall.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one spreading surface is arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to the top wall.

[0014] Optionally, the spreading device is configured to push articles, at least upper ends thereof, in the second adjacent row away from the articles in the first row.

[0015] Optionally, the lower ends of the articles in the group are disposed in a grouping device such that the upper ends of the articles in the first row and the upper ends of the articles in the second adjacent row may be splayed apart by the application movement of the apparatus.

[0016] Optionally, the grouping device is a packaging tray for transportation of articles arranged in a group or in a plurality of rows.

[0017] Optionally, the spreading device comprises at least one outer recess in the outer surface of the at least one of the side walls for receiving a respective article in the second adjacent row.

[0018] Optionally, the spreading device comprises at least one outer recess in the spreading surface for receiving a respective article in the second adjacent row.

[0019] A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for applying at least one carrier blank or article carrier to a group of articles. The apparatus comprises a top wall and a pair of side walls depending from the top wall to form a channel. Each of the side walls comprises an abutment ledge for supporting opposed sides of at least one carrier blank or article carrier and a first guide surface disposed between the ledge and the top wall. The first guide surface is inclined, or obliquely oriented, with respect to the top wall. Each of the side walls comprises at least one inner recess defined by an inner recess wall which at least partially interrupts the first guide surface of that side wall and extends from the top wall toward the ledge of that side wall.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one inner recess of one of the side walls and the at least one inner recess of the other side walls are disposed in an opposed arrangement to define a receptacle for receiving a portion of an article.

[0021] Optionally, each of the side walls further comprises a second guide surface extending between the ledge of that side wall and the first guide surface of that side wall, the second guide surface being inclined with respect to the first guide surface such that an obtuse angle is defined between the first and second guide surfaces.

[0022] Optionally, the second guide surface is interrupted, at least in part, by the at least one inner recess such that the recess wall extends between the second guide surface and the top wall. Optionally, the apparatus comprises at least one detent for inhibiting movement of at least one carrier blank or article carrier in one direction along the ledges.

[0023] Optionally, the at least one detent comprises a ramp extending from a support surface of the ledge of at least one of the side walls, the ramp providing a ramp surface inclined with respect to the support surface.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one detent comprises an end wall extending from the support surface to provide an end stop for engaging an edge of at least one carrier blank or article carrier to limit travel of the at least one carrier blank or article carrier.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 2 and a plurality of articles;

[0034] Figure 4A is a plan view from above of a pair of connected blanks for forming a pair of connected carriers as shown in Figures 2 and 4B; Figure 4B is a plan view from above of a connected pair of partially formed flat article carriers formed from the pair of connected blanks shown in Figure 4A;

[0035] Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5;

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 6 and a plurality of articles;

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus for application of at least one article carrier to primary product containers according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9A is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 8;

[0040] Figure 9B is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 8 loaded with partially formed flat article carriers;

[0041] Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 8;

[0042] Figure 11 is a perspective view from above showing the apparatus of Figure 8 in a stage of application of a pair of article carriers to primary product containers;

[0043] Figure 12 is a perspective view from an end showing the apparatus of Figure 8 in a stage of application of a pair of article carriers to primary product containers;

[0044] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for application of at least one article carrier to primary product containers according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 13;

[0046] Figure 15A is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 13 along the line l-l of Figure 13;

[0047] Figure 15B is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 13 along the line ll-ll; and

[0048] Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 13.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of apparatus, methods, 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 apparatus, methods, 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 minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a carrier blank 10 capable of forming a carton or article carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, glass jars, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package of the top-engaging style for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0052] An alternative blank 110 is illustrated in Figure 5 and forms a carrier as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190 for engaging and carrying articles B, 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. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0054] The blanks 10; 110 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0055] The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190 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.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2); one row of two articles is provided, and the articles are 35oz (approx. 992 gram) glass jars. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having one rows (m=1) and two columns (n=3); one row of three articles is provided, and the articles are 24oz (approx. 680 gram) jars. The jars may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminum, or PET (polyester - polyethylene terephthalate).

[0057] The blanks 10; 110 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 for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots, or cans.

[0058] Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figures 2 and 3) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23, respectively.

[0059] The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 form a top engaging clip. The bank 10 comprises a plurality of outer panels 16, 18, 20 including a first outer side or shoulder panel 16. A top panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second outer side panel 20 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 along a second, opposing, side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0060] The bank 10 comprises a plurality of inner or reinforcing panels 12, 14, 22, 24 including a first inner side panel 14 hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A first inner top panel 12 is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A second inner side panel 22 hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21. A second inner top panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.

[0061] The blank 10 comprises article engaging structures, the article engaging structures comprise at least one outer article receiving opening A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 and at least one inner article receiving opening A1 in each of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of outer article receiving openings A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 and a pair of inner article receiving openings A1 in each of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. Each outer article receiving opening A2 takes the form of an aperture A2 struck from or defined in at least a respective one of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20. In alternative embodiments, the aperture A2 may be struck in part from the top panel 18.

[0062] The inner article receiving opening A1 takes the form of an aperture A1 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 and as shown in the illustrated embodiment may also be defined in or struck from the respective one of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 hingedly connected to said one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22.

[0063] The outer article receiving openings A2 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines 17, 19 between the top panel 18 and first or second outer side panels 16, 20. The top panel 18 comprises at least one tab 33 extending outwardly from side edges of the top panel 18 defined by the hinged connections or fold lines 17, 19. The illustrated embodiment comprises four tabs 33. The tabs 33 are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20.

[0064] The inner article receiving openings A1 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines 13, 23 between one of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 to which it is hingedly connected.

[0065] Each of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 comprises at least one tab 32 extending outwardly from a side edges of the inner top panel 12, 24, the side edge being defined by the hinged connection or fold line 13, 23 between the inner top panel 12, 24 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 to which the inner top panel is hingedly connected. In the illustrated embodiment, each inner top panel 12, 24 comprises two tabs 32, 32. The tabs 32 are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22.

[0066] Each of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 comprises at least one engaging member 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 each comprise two engaging members 26. Each engaging member 26 is defined in part by one of the outer article receiving openings A2; the outer article receiving opening A2 defines a first or upper engaging edge E1 of the engaging member 26. The first or upper engaging edge E1 may be linear in shape. Each engaging member 26 is defined in part by a pair of fold lines 29, 31 defined in the first or second outer side panel 16, 20. The pair of fold lines 29, 31 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may be arranged to diverge towards the outer article receiving openings A2. The engaging member 26 is defined in part by a cutline 25, the cutline 25 interrupts the respective fold line 15, 21 between an inner side panel 14, 22 and an outer side panel 16, 20. The cutline 25 defines a lower edge E2 of the engaging member 26, the lower edge E2 substantially opposes the first or upper engaging edge E1. The lower edge E2 may form a second engaging edge. The cutline 25 may be non-linear, and may comprise at least two linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutline 25 comprises three contiguous linear portions each divergently arranged with respect to its adjacent neighbor. In other embodiments, the cutline 25 may comprise one or more curved elements.

[0067] The cutline 25 defines a lower free edge of one of the inner side panels 14, 22. The lower free edge and one of the inner article receiving opening A1 define a second engaging member 28 therebetween which second engaging member 28 may reinforce or strengthen one of the engaging members 26 to form a two-ply structure therewith. The second engaging member 28 comprises a third or inner upper engaging edge E3 defined by a portion of the inner article receiving opening A1. The second engaging member 28 may engage with the article B at a different location to that which the first engaging member 26 engages the article B. For example, but not limited to, the first engaging member 26 may engage a cap or closure C of the article B, the cap or closure C defines a projection or flange below which the first engaging member 26 engages the cap C to support or suspend the article B therefrom. The second engaging member 28 may engage a neck portion of the article B, the neck portion may comprise a second projection or flange. The article B may be suspended or supported by the third or inner upper engaging edge E3. The third or inner upper engaging edge E3 may be curved or non-linear in shape.

[0068] The second flange provided by the article B may be disposed radially inward of the flange provided by the cap C. The second flange may be disposed at an elevation below that of the flange provided by the cap C.

[0069] The engaging member 26 may comprise a relief cut 27 extending upwardly from the cutline 25 or extending toward the first engaging edge E1.

[0070] The blank 10 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises two pairs of handle tabs 40A, 40B disposed on opposing sides of the top panel 18. A first pair of tabs 40A, 40B are struck from, or defined in the first inner and outer side panels 14, 16. A second pair of tabs 40A, 40B are struck from, or defined in, the second inner and outer side panels 20, 22.

[0071] A first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the first inner side panel 14. A second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the first outer side panel 16. The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41. The fold line 41 is collinear with the fold line 15 hinging the first inner side panel 14 to the first outer side panel 16. The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43A. The second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43B.

[0072] The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45A, 47A defined in the first inner side panel 14 and each extending between the fold line 43A and the fold line 41 . The pair of cutlines 45A, 47A may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may diverge towards the fold line 41 .

[0073] The second tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45B, 47B defined in the first outer side panel 16 and each extending between the fold line 43B and the fold line 41. The pair of cutlines 45B, 47B may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may diverge towards the fold line 41 . The first and second tabs 40A, 40B may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 40B is a mirror image of the first tab 40A about the fold line 41. When the first inner side panel 14 is folded into face contacting relationship with first outer side panel 16 the fold line 43A is in registry with the fold line 43B.

[0074] The cutlines 45A, 47A may be interrupted by a connecting nick portion, the connecting nick portion maintains the first tab in the plane of the first inner side panel 14 during assembly and transportation for example, and may be broken or severed when the handle is deployed.

[0075] A first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the second inner side panel 22. A second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the second outer side panel 20. The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41. The fold line 41 is collinear with the fold line 21 hinging the second inner side panel 22 to the second outer side panel 20. The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

[0076] The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines defined in the second inner side panel 22 arranged similarly to those of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B.

[0077] The second tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45B, 47B defined in the first outer side panel 16 arranged similarly to those of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B. The tabs 40A, 40B may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 40B is a mirror image of the first tab 40A about the fold line 41 .

[0078] Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40A, 40B is displaceable inwardly, into a gap or void between two adjacently disposed articles B. Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40A, 40B provides a handle edge, defined by fold lines 43A, 43B with which a user can engage. The two- ply construction of the handle tabs 40A, 40B may improve the strength of the handle structure, the comfort of the handle structure or both the strength and comfort.

[0079] Turning to the construction of the article carrier 90 from the blank 10, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first inner side panel 14 and to the second inner side panel 22. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20.

[0080] The first inner side panel 14, along with the first inner top panel 12, is folded about fold line 15 to bring the first inner side panel 14 into face connecting relationship with the first outer side panel 16. The first inner side panel 14 may be secured to the first outer side panel 16. The first inner top panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the top panel 18.

[0081] The second inner side panel 22, along with the second inner top panel 24, is folded about fold line 21 to bring the second inner side panel 22 into face connecting relationship with the second outer side panel 20. The second inner side panel 22 may be secured to the second outer side panel 20. The second inner top panel 24 is brought into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the top panel 18.

[0082] An article carrier 90 is thus formed in a flat collapsed form and can be shipped or otherwise distributed. The carrier 90 can be erected by lowering the top panel 18 along with the first and second inner top panel 12, 24 with respect to a group of articles B. The first inner and outer side panels 14, 16 are folded about a first side of the group of articles B, about fold lines 13, 17 to engage the articles B. A portion of each article B is received in one of the article receiving openings A1 / A2 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0083] The second inner and outer side panels 22, 20 are folded about a second, opposing, side of the group of articles B, about fold lines 23, 19 to engage the articles B. A portion of each article B is received in one of the article receiving openings A1 / A2.

[0084] Figure 4A shows a pair of connected blanks 1, a first blank 10A is frangibly or severably connected to a second blank 10B by a frangible or weakened line F1 . The frangible line F1 severably connects the top panel 18 of the first blank 10A to the top panel 18 of the second blank 10B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the first inner top panel 12 of the first blank 10A to the first inner top panel 12 of the second blank 10B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the first inner side panel 14 of the first blank 10A to the first inner side panel 14 of the second blank 10B.

[0085] The frangible line F1 severably connects the second inner top panel 24 of the first blank 10A to the second inner top panel 24 of the second blank 10B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the second inner side panel 22 of the first blank 10A to the second inner side panel 22 of the second blank 10B. The frangible line F1 is interrupted by a pair of apertures A5, A6. A first aperture A5 separates, at least in part, the first inner side panel 14 of the first blank 10A from the first inner side panel 14 of the second blank 10B; the first aperture A5 separates, at least in part, the first outer side panel 16 of the first blank 10A from the first outer side panel 16 of the second blank 10B. A second aperture A6 separates, at least in part, the second inner side panel 22 of the first blank 10A from the second inner side panel 22 of the second blank 10B; the second aperture A6 separates, at least in part, the second outer side panel 20 of the first blank 10A from the second outer side panel 20 of the second blank 10B.

[0086] Each blank 10A, 10B is substantially the same as the blank shown in Figure 1 and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0087] The connected blanks 1 are pre-folded and pre-glued before they are applied to a row of articles B. The pre-folding and pre-gluing process may be achieved in the following manner. The inner top panels 12 and the inner side panels 14 are folded about the fold line 15 into a facecontacting arrangement with the top panels 18. The inner top panels 24 and the inner side panels 22 are folded about the fold line 21 into a face- contacting arrangement with the top panels 18. The inner top panels 12, 24 may be adhesively secured to the top panel 18. Alternatively, or optionally, the inner side panels 14, 22 are adhesively secured to the respective outer side panels 16, 20. This pre-folding process results in a connected pair 2 of partially assembled flat article carriers 90A, 90B, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, there is shown a further additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a blank 110 for forming a carton or carrier 190 (see Figures 6 and 7) according to a second embodiment. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 will be described in any greater detail.

[0089] The blank 110 comprises a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, respectively. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 form a top engaging clip. The bank 110 comprises a plurality of outer panels 116, 118, 120 including a first outer side or shoulder panel 116. A top panel 118 is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 116 along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second outer side panel 120 is hingedly connected to the top panel 118 along a second, opposing, side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

[0090] The bank 110 comprises a plurality of inner or reinforcing panels 112, 114, 122, 124 including a first inner side panel 114 hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115. A first inner top panel 112 is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A second inner side panel 122 hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121. A second inner top panel 124 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123.

[0091] The blank 110 comprises article engaging structures, the article engaging structures comprise at least one outer article receiving opening A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels

[0092] 116, 120 and at least one inner article receiving opening A1 , A3 in each of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122. The illustrated embodiment comprises three outer article receiving openings A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120 and three inner article receiving openings A1, A3 in each of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122. Each outer article receiving opening A2 takes the form of an aperture A2 struck from or defined in at least a respective one of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120. In alternative embodiments, the aperture A2 may be struck in part from the top panel 118.

[0093] The outer article receiving openings A2 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines

[0094] 117, 119 between the top panel 118 and first or second outer side panels 116, 120. The top panel 118 comprises at least one tab extending outwardly from side edges of the top panel 118 defined by the hinged connections or fold lines 117, 119. The illustrated embodiment comprises six tabs. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120. The tabs are defined by a portion of the aperture A2 of the outer article receiving openings A2.

[0095] The inner article receiving openings A1, A3 comprise a pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 and a medial or intermediate inner article receiving opening A1 . The medial or intermediate inner article receiving opening A1 takes the form of an aperture A1 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 and as shown in the illustrated embodiment may also be defined in or struck from the respective one of the first and second inner top panels 112, 124 hingedly connected to said one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122.

[0096] Each of the pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 takes the form of an aperture A3 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122.

[0097] The inner article receiving openings A1 , A3 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines 113,1 23 between one of the first and second inner top panels 112, 124 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 to which it is hingedly connected.

[0098] Each of the first and second inner top panels 112, 124 comprises a tab extending outwardly from a side edges of the inner top panel 112, 124, the side edge being defined by the hinged connection or fold line 117, 119 between the inner top panel 112, 124 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 to which it is hingedly connected. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. The tab is defined by a portion of the aperture A1 of the intermediate inner article receiving opening A1. The aperture A3 of each of the pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 comprises a linear edge adjacent or interrupting one of the fold lines 113, 123, and do not define a tab extending from the respective inner top panel 112, 124.

[0099] The blank 110 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises four pairs of handle tabs 140A, 140B disposed on opposing sides of the top panel 118. Each pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is substantially the same in construction and will be described with reference to a pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B in the first inner and outer side panel 114, 116.

[0100] The pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is struck from, or defined in the first inner and outer side panels 114, 116. A first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is struck from, or defined in, the first inner side panel 114. A second tab 140B of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is struck from, or defined in, the first outer side panel 116. The first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is hingedly connected to the second tab 140B of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141. The fold line 141 is collinear with the fold line 115 hinging the first inner side panel 114 to the first outer side panel 116. The first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143A. The fold line 143A extends from and is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 115, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the fold line 43A is parallel to and spaced apart from the fold line 15. The second tab 140B of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143B. The fold line 143B extends from and is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 115, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the fold line 43B is parallel to and spaced apart from the fold line 15.

[0101] The first tab 40A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is defined in part by a cutline 145A defined in the first inner side panel 114 and extending between the fold line 143A and the fold line 141.

[0102] The second tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is defined in part by a cutline 145B defined in the first outer side panel 116 and extending between the fold line 143B and the fold line 141.

[0103] The first and second tabs 140A, 140B may be substantially triangular in shape. The second tab 140B is a mirror image of the first tab 140A about the fold line 141. When the first inner side panel 114 is folded into face contacting relationship with first outer side panel 116 the fold line 143A is in registry with the fold line 143B.

[0104] The cutline 145A may be interrupted by a connecting nick portion, the connecting nick portion maintains the first tab 140A in the plane of the first inner side panel 114 during assembly and transportation, for example, and may be broken or severed when the handle is deployed.

[0105] The first inner and outer side panels 114, 116 comprises a second pair of handle tabs, the second pair of handle tabs is disposed on an opposing side of intermediate article receiving openings A1 , A2, the second pair of handle tabs is a mirror image of the first pair of handle tabs 140A, 1406 about a notional line transversely bisecting the blank 110.

[0106] The first pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is configured to fold in opposition to the second pair of handle tabs.

[0107] The first pair of handle tabs 140A, 1406 is configured to fold towards a first end of the carrier 190 or blank 110, the second pair of handle tabs is configured to fold towards a second, opposing, end of the carrier 190 or blank 110.

[0108] The blank 110 is pre-folded and pre-glued before it is applied to a row of articles B. The prefolding and pre-gluing process may be achieved in the following manner. The inner top panel 112 and the inner side panel 114 are folded about the fold line 115 into a face-contacting arrangement with the top panel 118. The inner top panel 124 and the inner side panel 122 are folded about the fold line 121 into a face-contacting arrangement with the top panel 118. The inner top panels 112, 124 may be adhesively secured to the top panel 18. Alternatively, or optionally, the inner side panels 114, 122 are adhesively secured to the respective outer side panels 116, 120. This pre-folding process results in a partially assembled flat article carrier which is not illustrated in the accompanying figures but takes a flat collapsed form from which the fully assembled carrier of Figure 6 is erected.

[0109] Figure 8 shows an apparatus or jig 1010 for applying flat article carriers to a group of articles B. Examples of such article carriers include the connected flat carriers 90A, 90B and the flat carrier formed from the blank 110. The apparatus 1010 shown in Figure 8 is configured for applying, for example, a connected pair of article carriers 90A, 90B of Figure 4B to a row of four articles B when a removable separation device CB is attached to the apparatus 1010 while it may be used to apply the flat carrier formed from the blank 110 to a row of three articles B when the separation device CB is removed therefrom. It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1010 can be readily modified for applying one or more flat article carriers according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 and described herein.

[0110] In particular the apparatus 1010 shown in Figure 8 is configured for application of a pair of connected article carriers 2 formed from the connected blanks 1 shown in Figure 4A. The apparatus 1010 may comprise a separation device or cutting blade CB for separating the connected article carriers 90A, 90B. In other embodiments, the separation device CB may be omitted and the apparatus 1010 may be employed to apply a pair of separate article carriers, or the connected article carriers 90A, 90B may remain coupled to each other and may be separated at a subsequent stage of the packages processing or handling.

[0111] The apparatus 1010 comprises a top wall 1016, a pair of opposed side walls 1006, 1008 depend from the top wall 1016 defining a channel with the top wall 1016. A first end wall 1022 depends from the top wall 1016 and extends between the pair of opposed side walls 1006, 1008 to close a first end of the channel. A second end E of the channel may be open or may be closed by another end wall.

[0112] An outer surface of a first side wall 1006, or at least a portion thereof, is divergently arranged with respect to an outer surface of a second side wall 1008, or at least a portion thereof. In this way, the outer surfaces or portions each define or create a wedge. Each wedge can be inserted between a pair of adjacently disposed articles B to force the pair of adjacently disposed articles B apart from each other.

[0113] Portions of each of the pair of opposed side walls 1006, 1008 proximate to the top wall 1016 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The proximal portions of the side walls 1006, 1008 are arranged to diverge away from the top wall 1016.

[0114] Distal portions of the pair of opposed side walls 1006, 1008 are convergently arranged with respect to each other. The distal portions of the pair of opposed side walls 1006, 1008 define free edges, the free edges may be scalloped or otherwise shaped to facilitate insertion of the side walls between adjacently disposed articles B.

[0115] Each of the side walls 1006, 1008 may comprise a projection H1 , H2 (see Figure 9) extending outwardly from an outer surface thereof. The projections H1 , H2 each may take the form of a rib and can be employed as handle by a user. The projections H1, H2 are disposed proximate the top wall 1016 and may be considered extensions thereof.

[0116] The first end wall 1022 may comprise a projection H3, in the form of a rib, a similar projection H4 may extend outwardly from the second end of the top wall 1016, the projection H3, H4 may be employed as a handle by a user.

[0117] The outer surface of the side walls 1006, 1008 may comprise at least one recess 1005 (also referred to herein as an outer recess 1015). In the illustrated embodiment, each side wall 1006, 1008 comprises a plurality of recess 1005, specifically, but not limited to, four recesses 1005. The recesses 1005 may be arranged to accommodate a portion of an article B when the apparatus 1010 is in use.

[0118] The top wall 1016 of the apparatus 1010 may comprise at least one aperture extending therethrough. The top wall 1016 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11 comprises a pair of apertures, although in other embodiments more or less apertures may be provided in the top wall 1016. The apertures provide a viewing window and may facilitate access to an upper end of a package formed by application of an article carrier 90 to a group of articles B and may be employed to aid separation of the apparatus 1010 from the packages.

[0119] The side walls 1006, 1008 each comprise a ledge 1019 extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof. In this way, a pair of support surfaces are provided by the ledges 1019 for supporting a blank 10 or partially assembled article carrier 90 prior to application to a group of articles B.

[0120] The ledges 1019 are spaced apart form an inner surface of the top wall 1016 so as to be at a different elevation. A cutting or leading edge of the separation edge is arranged to at an elevation between the elevation of the ledges 1019 and the elevation of the inner surface of the top wall 1016 and may be nonlinear or arcuate in shape.

[0121] Each side wall 1006, 1008 comprises an inner surface providing an outer or second guide surface 1014 extending from the ledge 1019 towards the top wall 1016. The second guide surface 1014 is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the top wall 1016.

[0122] The second guide surface 1014 is inclined with respect to the support surfaces of the ledges 1019. The inner surface of each of the side walls 1006, 1008 comprises at least one recess 1012 (also referred to herein as an inner recess 1012).

[0123] The inner surface of a first side wall 1006 comprises at least one recess 1012 and the inner surface of a second side wall 1008 comprises a respective recess 1012 disposed opposite at least one recess 1012 in the first side wall 1006. Pairs of opposed recesses 1012 provide a receptacle for receiving an upper portion of an article B.

[0124] The inner surface of each of the side walls 1006, 1008 may comprise a first guide surface 1011 extending from the second guide surface 1014 to the top wall 1016. The first guide surface 1011 is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the top wall 1016.

[0125] The second guide surface 1014 is inclined with respect to the support surfaces of the ledges 1019.

[0126] The second guide surface 1014 is inclined with respect to the first guide surface 1011. That is to say the first and second guide surfaces 1011 , 1014 are inclined at different angles with respect to the inner surface of the top wall 1016.

[0127] The recesses 1012 are defined in the first guide surface 1011 and provide an inner recess wall 1015 that extend across the first guide surface 1011 , between the top wall 1016 and the second guide surface 1014.

[0128] The inner surfaces of each side wall 1006, 1008 taper inwardly toward each other from the ledges 1019 as they extend towards their respective free edges. In this way, the apparatus 1010 traps the blank 10 or partially assembled article carriers 90 between the support surfaces of the ledges 1019 and the inner surfaces of the side wall 1006, 1008 extending therefrom, preventing the blank 10 or partially assembled article carriers 90 from falling out of the channel when inverted prior to application of the blank 10 or partially assembled article carriers 90 to the articles B.

[0129] Optionally, the second guide surface 1014 may comprise a recessed region 1013, best shown in Figure 10, disposed adjacent to each recess 1012 in the second guide surface.

[0130] Figures 11 and 12 show use of the apparatus 1010 to apply the connected pair 2 of partially assembled flat article carriers 90A, 90B, as shown in Figure 4B, to a group of articles B to form two packages.

[0131] A group of articles B are loaded into a packaging tray PT or other suitable device for retaining the articles B in rows and columns or in a matrix or array arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, a group of twelve articles B are loaded into the packaging tray PT in a 3 x 4 arrangement. The pair 2 of connected flat carriers 90A, 90B is inserted into the apparatus 1010 through the open end of the channel (see Figure 8). Figure 9B illustrates the second one 90B of the connected flat carriers as inserted and received in the interior of the apparatus 1010. Figures 11 and 12 show application of the connected flap carriers 90A, 90B to a row of four articles B (also referred to herein as a “target row” or “first row” which is formed of two subsets of two articles B each in the embodiment of Figure 11) in the group of articles B loaded into the packaging tray PT. More specifically, Figure 11 shows the apparatus 1010 with the connected carriers 90A, 90B having been loaded therein is placed over a first or target row of articles B. In the embodiment of Figure 11 , the first row of articles B is a central one of the three rows of articles placed on the shipping tray PT. Following the positioning of the apparatus 1010 over the first row of articles B, each side wall 1006, 1008 of the apparatus 1010 are pushed between the first row and a second adjacent row of the three rows within the tray PT. In Figure 11 , the second row may be one of the outer or endmost rows of articles B in the tray PT. The apparatus 1010 has the effect of forcing the articles B in the second adjacent row away from the articles B in the first row. Each of the outer recesses 1015 of each side wall 1006, 1008 may receive portions of an article B in one of the outer or second adjacent rows.

[0132] It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1010 provides a similar effect of spreading articles in second adjacent rows apart when employed to apply the article carriers 90A, 90B to the articles B of each of the outer or second adjacent rows.

[0133] As the apparatus 1010 is pushed downwardly, the article carriers 90A, 90B are folded about the articles B of the first row and secured thereto. The separation device CB severs the frangible connection F1 between the pair of article carriers 90A, 90B.

[0134] The method of application of the article carriers 90A, 90B to the articles B comprises inserting the article carriers 90A, 90B into the apparatus 1010. This can be achieved by inserting the article carriers 90A, 90B through the open end of the channel, sliding the article carriers 90A, 90B along the support surfaces of the ledges 1019, and positioning the carriers 90A, 90B in alignment with the respective receiving sections of the apparatus 1010 as shown in Figure 9B. As best shown in Figure 10, the apparatus 1010 has two receiving sections partitioned by the separation device CB. Each receiving section is dimensioned and configured to snugly receive the respective one of the carriers 90A, 90B.

[0135] When settling in the receiving sections of the apparatus, the connected pair 2 of partially assembled flat article carriers 90A, 90B is initially supported along its opposed outer side panels 16, 20 by the ledges 1019, as shown in Figure 9B.With the connected carriers 90A, 90B received inside, the apparatus 1010 may be inverted, placed over the articles B of the first row and then lowered with respect to the articles B of the first row. When the apparatus 1010 is inverted or flipped upside down to assume the orientation of Figure 11, the connected article carriers 90A, 90B yet remain inside the apparatus 1010 close to the ledges 1019 due to the convergently arranged distal portions of the opposed side walls 1006, 1008 which catch the carriers 90A, 90B along their opposite side edges.

[0136] As the upper portions of the articles B of the first row are received in the apparatus 1010, the opposed outer side panels 16, 20 (and inner side panels 14, 22 if present) of the connected flat carriers 90A, 90B are rotated inwardly about respective hinges 17, 19 (13, 23 if present) whilst being pressed inward by outer ridges 1018 of the apparatus 1010. The outer ridges 1018 each is disposed between the respective ledge 1019 and the respective second or outer guide surface 1014. The ridges 1018, the ledges 1019 and the guide surfaces 1014 are best shown in Figures 8, 9A and 9B.

[0137] When the outer side panels 16, 20 are brought into flat-to-face contact with the respective outer guide surfaces 1014, the tops or the articles B of the first row are received in the recesses 1012 and are in contact with the recess walls 1015, respectively.

[0138] The apparatus 1010 is further lowered with respect to the articles B of the first row while the upper portion (e.g., caps) of the articles B slide along the recess walls 1015. The opposed outer side panels 16, 20 are further rotated inward about their respective hinges 17, 19 with respect to the top panel 18 while being pressed inward by inner ridges 1017. Each inner ridge 1017 is disposed between the respective outer or second guide surfaces 1014 and the respective inner or first guide surfaces 1011.

[0139] The first and second engaging members 26, 28 of the article carriers 90A, 90B are allowed to yield outwards into the space provided by the respective recesses 1012 in the inner or first guide surfaces 1011. The recesses 1012 interrupt the respective inner ridge 1017 to form spaced apart sections of that ridge 1017 which sections press in wards on the portions of the outer side panels 16, 20 of the carriers 90A, 90B.

[0140] While the first and second engaging members 26, 28 of the article carriers 90A, 90B are pressed on the articles B of the first row, the top panel 18 (12, 24 if present) of each article carrier 90A, 90B serves as a strut to maintain a constant distance between the portions of the outer side panels 16, 20 on the opposite sides of each article receiving opening A1 , A2 and to keep the first and second engaging members 26, 28 under tension.

[0141] Figure 12 shows the stage where the top panels 18 of the article carriers 90A, 90B are brought into abutment with the inner surface 1020 (shown in Figures 8, 9A and 9B) of the top wall 1016 of the apparatus 1010. At that stage, those portions of the outer side panels 16, 20 on the opposite sides of each article receiving opening A1 , A2 are brought into face-to-face contact with the respective one of the inner guide surfaces 1011. At almost the same time, the first and second engaging members 26, 28 of the article carriers 90 clear the caps or closures C of the articles B of the first row, engaging the underside of the cap or closure C.

[0142] Referring now to Figures 13 to 16, there is shown a further additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 shows an alternative apparatus 1110 for applying at least one flat article carrier to a row of articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “1100” to indicate that these features belong to the alternative embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 8 to 12, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 12 will be described in any greater detail.

[0143] Figure 13 shows an apparatus or jig 1110 for application of at least one flat article carrier (such as the connected flat article carriers 90A, 90B and the flat carrier formed from the blank 110) to a row of articles B. The apparatus 1110 comprises a second end wall in the form of a beam 1124 opposing a first end wall 1122. The first end wall 1122 fully closes the first end of the channel formed by top wall 1116 and opposed side wall 1106, 1108. The second end wall 1124 comprises an opening OP through which partially formed flat article carriers can be inserted. The opening OP may be tapered in shape so as to be larger in dimension at an outer surface than at an inner surface, best shown in Figures 14 and 16, this may help guide the blanks 10 or carriers 90 into the apparatus 1110.

[0144] The inner surface of the side walls 1106, 1108 each comprises a ledge 1119 extending inward of the interior of the channel and an outer or second guide surface 1114 extending from the ledge 1119 towards the top wall 1116. A portion FL of the ledge 1119 and the outer guide surface 1114 at an end proximate the second end wall 1124 is flared, chamfered, or otherwise shaped to facilitate insertion of the blanks 10 or carriers 90 into the apparatus 1110.

[0145] Each ledge 1119 may comprise a detent or catch DT for inhibiting or preventing removal of the blanks 10 or carriers 90 from the apparatus 1110. The detent DT comprise a ramped or inclined surface RP extending from the support surface of the ledge 1119. The ramped surface RP faces towards the second wall 1124 in which the opening OP is located. The detent DT comprises an end wall ES arranged substantially perpendicularly to the support surface of the ledge 1119. The end wall ES faces towards the first wall 1122, away from the second wall 1124, in which the opening OP is located.

[0146] Figure 4B shows a connected pair 2 of carriers 90A, 90B formed from the connected pair of blanks 1 shown in Figure 4A. The connected pair 2 of carriers 90A, 90B are referred sometimes to as the “pair of connected partially assembled carriers 90A, 90B”. The apertures A5, A6 form recesses in the opposed side edges of the pair of connected partially assembled carriers 90A, 90B.

[0147] When the first flat carrier 90A is inserted into the apparatus 1110, it slides over the ramped surface RP and passes the detent DT; the detent DT is received in the recess between the connected pair of flat carriers 90A, 90B. The end wall ES engages with an edge of the first carrier 90A inhibiting withdrawal of the connected carriers 90A, 90B from the apparatus 1110.

[0148] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the projections or handles H1, H2 in the side walls 1106, 1108 have been omitted.

[0149] Figure 15A shows a sectional view taken along the line l-l in Figure 13. Figure 15B shows a sectional view taken along the line ll-ll in Figure 13. Figures 15A and 15B show the first and second guide surfaces 1111 , 1114 and the inner and outer recesses 1112, 1105 in the side walls 1106, 1108. Figure 15A clearly shows the inner recess wall 1115 of the inner recess 1112 extending from the top wall 1116 to the outer or second guide surface 1114, the inner recess 1112 interrupting the first guide surface 1011.

[0150] The present disclosure provides an apparatus 1010; 1110 for applying at least one article carrier 90A, 90B to a row of articles B. The apparatus 1010; 1110 comprises a top wall 1016; 1116 and a pair of side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 depending from the top wall 1016; 1116 to form a channel. The apparatus 1010; 1110 may be adapted for application of at least one article carrier 90; 190 to a first row of articles, the first row comprising one or more subsets of articles B. The first row of articles may be one of a plurality of rows of articles which are closely arranged in rows and columns on a grouping device such as a shipping tray. Each of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 comprises a spreading or splaying device for temporarily expanding the space between the first row of articles B and a second adjacent row of the plurality of rows of articles B.

[0151] The spreading device may take the form of a wedge or plate formed in one of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108. In the embodiments of Figures 8-16, the spreading device comprises the distal portion of each of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108. The “distal portion” as used herein refers to a part of the respective side wall next to the free edge of that side wall. An example of the spreading device is best illustrated referring to Figure 15A wherein an imaginary line Ill-Ill indicates, for the sake of the illustration purpose only, a boundary between the distal portion of each side wall 1106, 1108 and the proximal portion of that side wall. As viewed in Figure 15A, the distal portions of the side walls 1106, 1108 are shown as wedge-shaped portions of the side walls 1106, 1108 above the Ill-Ill. As shown in Figure 15A, each of the distal orwedge- shaped portions is provided along its outer surface with at least one spreading surface S1 arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to an insertion or application direction D1 (see also Figure 12).

[0152] The insertion or application direction D1 may be generally perpendicular to the inner or ceiling surface 1020; 1120 of the top wall 1016; 1116.

[0153] The at least one spreading surface S1 is arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to the inner surface 1020; 1120 of the top wall 1016; 1116.

[0154] The spreading device is configured to push articles B, at least upper ends thereof, in the second adjacent row away from respective articles B in the first row.

[0155] Lower ends of the articles B of the plurality of rows may be disposed in a grouping device PT to form a group of clustered articles such that the upper ends of the articles B in the first row and the upper ends of the articles B in the second adjacent row are splayed apart. The grouping device PT may take the form of a packaging tray for transportation of articles of the group.

[0156] The spreading device may further comprise at least one outer recess 1005; 1105 in the outer surface of the at least one of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 for receiving a respective article B in the second adjacent row. Figure 15A shows the at least one outer recess 1105 extending from a point on the outer surface S1 of each distal portion above the respective ledge 1119 to a point on the outer surface of that distal portion below the respective ledge 119. The outer recess 1105 on each distal portion as well as that distal portion itself are located on the outer side of the respective ledge 1119 such that a flat article carrier 90A, 90B may be positioned correctly on the articles B of a target row without interfering with articles B in the second adjacent row during the application process of the article carrier 90A, 90B.

[0157] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus 1010; 1110 for applying at least one article carrier 90A, 90B to a group of articles. The apparatus 1010; 1110 comprises a top wall 1016; 1116 and a pair of side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 depending from the top wall 1016; 1116 to form a channel. Each of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 comprises an abutment ledge 1019; 1119 for supporting opposed sides of at least one article carrier 90A, 90B and a first guide surface 1011; 1111 disposed between the ledge 1019; 1119 of that side wall and the top wall 1016; 1116. The first guide surface 1011 ; 1111 is inclined, or obliquely oriented, with respect to the top wall 1016; 1116. Each of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 comprises at least one inner recess 1012; 1112 defined by an inner recess wall 1015; 1115 which at least partially interrupts the first guide surface 1011 ; 1111 of that side wall and extends from the top wall 1016; 1116 toward the ledge 1019; 1119 of that side wall. The at least one inner recess 1012; 1112 of one of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 and at least one inner recess 1012; 1112 of the other side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 are disposed in an opposed arrangement to define a receptacle for receiving a portion of an article B.

[0158] Each of the side walls 1006, 1008; 1106, 1108 may further comprise a second guide surface 1014; 1114 extending between the ledge 1019; 1119 of that side wall and the adjacent first guide surface 1011 ; 1111 , the second guide surface 1014; 1114 being inclined, or obliquely oriented, with respect to the adjacent first guide surface 1011 ; 1111 such that an obtuse angle is defined between the first and second adjacent guide surfaces 1011 , 1014; 1111 , 1114.

[0159] The second guide surface 1014; 1114 is interrupted, at least in part, by the at least one inner recess 1012; 1112 such that the recess wall 1015; 1115 extends between the second guide surface 1014; 1114 and the top wall 1016; 1116.

[0160] The apparatus 1010; 1110 may comprise at least one detent DT for inhibiting movement of at least one article carrier 90A, 90B in one direction along the ledges 1019; 1119. The at least one detent DT may comprise a ramp extending from a support surface of at least one of the ledges 1019; 1119, the ramp providing a ramp surface inclined with respect to the support surface. The at least one detent DT may comprise an end wall extending from the support surface to provide an end stop for engaging an edge of at least one article carrier 90A, 90B to limit travel the at least one carrier 90A, 90B.

[0161] 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, walls and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

[0162] It can also be appreciated that, as used herein, the term “flat carrier” or “partially assembled carrier” includes an unfolded blank for forming an article carrier. For example, such an unfolded blank may be of a one-ply structure which may comprise a plurality of panels excluding panels for forming inner layers such as inner top panels or inner side panels. Referring to Figure 1 to describe it more specifically, the unfolded blank may consist of a top panel 18 and a pair of first and second side panels 16, 20 for forming a single-ply top engaging article carrier. Such a single-ply carrier does not require either pre-folding or pre-gluing before loaded into the apparatus 1010 or 1110.

[0163] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0164] 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.

[0165] As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to one of the following: a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a single cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0166] 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, 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 or a severance line or both. 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.

[0167] 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.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus for applying at least one carrier blank or article carrier to a first row of articles, the apparatus comprising a top wall and a pair of side walls depending from the top wall to form a channel, wherein each of the side walls comprises a spreading device for expanding a space between the first row and a second adjacent row of articles.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the spreading device comprises a wedge formed in at least one of the side walls.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spreading device comprises at least one spreading surface arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to an application direction.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the application direction is generally perpendicular to the top wall.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one spreading surface is arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to the top wall.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the spreading device is configured to push articles, at least upper ends thereof, in the second adjacent row away from respective articles in the first row.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower ends of the articles of the first and second rows are disposed in a grouping device such that upper ends of the articles in the first row and upper ends of the articles in the second row are splayed apart.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the grouping device is a packaging tray for transportation of the articles of the first and second rows.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spreading device comprises at least one outer recess in an outer surface of the at least one of the side walls for receiving a respective article in the second adjacent row.

10. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the spreading device comprises at least one outer recess in the at least one spreading surface for receiving a respective article in the second adjacent row.

11. An apparatus for applying at least one carrier blank or article carrier to a group of articles, the apparatus comprises a top wall and a pair of side walls depending from the top wall to form a channel, each of the side walls comprising an abutment ledge for supporting opposed sides of at least one carrier blank or article carrier and a first guide surface disposed between the ledge andthe top wall, the first guide surface being inclined with respect to the top wall, wherein each of the side walls comprises at least one inner recess defined by an inner recess wall which at least partially interrupts the first guide surface of the each of the side walls and extends from the top wall toward the ledge of the each of the side walls.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one inner recess of one of the side walls and the at least one inner recess of the other side walls are disposed in an opposed arrangement to define a receptacle for receiving a portion of an article.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of the side walls further comprises a second guide surface extending between the ledge and the first guide surface, the second guide surface being inclined with respect to the first guide surface such that an obtuse angle is defined between the first and second guide surfaces.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second guide surface is interrupted, at least in part, by the at least one inner recess such that the recess wall extends between the second guide surface and the top wall.

15. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the apparatus comprises a detent for inhibiting movement of at least one carrier blank or article carrier in one direction along the ledge.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the detent comprises a ramp extending from a support surface of the ledge, the ramp providing a ramp surface inclined with respect to the support surface.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the detent comprises an end wall extending from the support surface to provide an end stop for engaging an edge of at least one carrier blank or article carrier to limit travel of the at least one carrier blank or article carrier.

18. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the side walls further comprises a pressing ridge for abutment on at least one carrier blank or article carrier, the pressing ridge being defined between the first and second guide surfaces.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spreading device comprises a distal portion of the at least one of the side walls.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the distal portion comprises part of the at least one of the side walls next to a free edge of the at least one of the side walls.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the distal portion comprises a wedge-shaped portion of the at least one of the side walls, the wedge-shaped portion being provided along anouter surface thereof with at least one spreading surface arranged to be obliquely oriented with respect to an application direction of the apparatus.

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