Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to: packages; article carriers; flat collapsed carriers; blanks for forming article carriers; and combinations including at least two article carriers or at least two blanks. The combination may comprise a first blank (10A) and a second blank (10B). The second blank being detachably connected to the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel (18) and a side panel (16) hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line (17). Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening (A2) formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening is defined in part by a load-bearing edge (E1) for supporting an article. The load-bearing edge of each opening has a lengthwise midpoint along that load-bearing edge. The first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold line. A distance defined between the midpoints of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks is generally equal to a distance defined between the midpoint of an end opening of the first blank, and the midpoint of the adjacent end opening of the second blank.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to combinations, to article carriers, in flat and assembled conditions, and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top engaging style having a top panel and side or shoulder panels hinged thereto and article receiving devices defined therein. BACKGROUND 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 desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton. It is an object of the present invention to provide a robust or strong article carrier having a comfortable carrying handle suitable for transport of articles such as but not limited to glass jars. It is desirable that the blank from which the carrier is formed can be readily assembled into a carrier in a simple and efficient manner. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like. SUMMARY A first aspect of the invention provides a combination including a first blank and a second blank each for forming an article carrier. The second blank is detachably connected to the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening is defined in part by a loadbearing edge for supporting an article. The load-bearing edge of each opening has a lengthwise midpoint therealong. The first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold line. A first distance is defined between the midpoints of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks. A second distance is defined between the midpoint of an end opening of the first blank and the midpoint of the adjacent end opening of the second blank. The first distance is generally equal to the second distance. A second aspect of the invention provides a combination including a first blank and a second blank each for forming an article carrier. The second blank is detachably connected to the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening defines a notional center line extending perpendicularly to the fold line. The first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold line. A third distance, defined between the center lines of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks, is generally equal to a fourth distance, defined between the center line of an endmost opening of the first blank and the center line of an adjacent opening of the second blank. A third aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first blank and a second blank. The second blank is detachably connected to the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. The first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row. A fifth distance, defined between adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks, is generally equal to a sixth distance, defined between an endmost opening of the first blank and an adjacent endmost opening of the second blank. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first blank and a second blank. The second blank is detachably connected to the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. The first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold lines at locations interrupting the respective fold lines. An intermediate fold line segment extending between adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks has a first length. A bridging fold line segment extending between an endmost opening of the first blank and an adjacent endmost opening of the second blank has a second length. The first length is generally equal to the second length. A fifth aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first blank and a second blank. Each of the first and second blanks has a pair of opposed ends including a first end and a second end. The first end of the second blank is detachably connected to the second end of the first blank. Each of the first and second blanks comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second blanks further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening has a first end that is closer to the first end of the respective blank than the second end of said blank. The first and second blanks are inter-connected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row. A seventh distance, defined between first ends of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks, is generally equal to an eighth distance, defined between the first end of an end opening of the first blank and the first end of the adjacent end opening of the second blank. Optionally, the detachable connection between the first and second blanks is provided by a severance line that extends perpendicularly to the fold line between the top panel and the side panel of each blank. Optionally, the side panels of the first and second blanks are spaced apart from each other, at least partially, by a cutout, and wherein the severance line extends from the cutout. Optionally, the severance line comprises a cut line interrupted by a plurality of connecting nicks. Optionally, the top panels of the first and second blanks are detachably interconnected by the connecting nicks. Optionally, the side panels of the first and second blanks are detachably interconnected by at least one of the connecting nicks. A sixth aspect of the invention provides a combination including a first flat collapsed article carrier and a second flat collapsed article carrier each for packaging at least one article. The second flat collapsed article carrier is detachably connected to the first flat collapsed article carrier. Each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening is defined in part by a load-bearing edge for supporting an article. The load-bearing edge of each opening has a lengthwise midpoint along that load-bearing edge. The first and second flat collapsed article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold line. A first distance is defined between the midpoints of adjacent openings within each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers. A second distance is defined between the midpoint of an end opening of the first flat collapsed article carrier and the midpoint of the adjacent end opening of the second flat collapsed article carrier. The first distance is generally equal to the second distance. A seventh aspect of the invention provides a combination including a first flat collapsed article carrier and a second flat collapsed article carrier each for packaging at least one article. The second flat collapsed article carrier is detachably connected to the first flat collapsed article carrier. Each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening defines a notional center line extending perpendicularly to the fold line. The first and second flat collapsed article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold line. A third distance, defined between the center lines of adjacent openings within each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers, is generally equal to a fourth distance, defined between the center line of an endmost opening of the first flat collapsed article carrier and the center line of an adjacent opening of the second flat collapsed article carrier. An eighth aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form. The second article carrier is detachably connected to the first article carrier. Each of the first and second article carriers comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second article carriers further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. The first and second article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row. A fifth distance, defined between adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers, is generally equal to a sixth distance, defined between an endmost opening of the first article carrier and an adjacent endmost opening of the second article carrier. A ninth aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form. The second article carrier is detachably connected to the first article carrier. Each of the first and second article carriers comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second article carriers further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. The first and second article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold lines at locations interrupting the respective fold lines. An intermediate fold line segment, extending between adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers, has a first length and a bridging fold line segment, extending between an endmost opening of the first article carrier and an adjacent endmost opening of the second article carrier, has a second length. The first length is generally equal to the second length. A tenth aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form. Each of the first and second article carriers has a pair of opposed ends including a first end and a second end. The first end of the second article carrier is detachably connected to the second end of the first article carrier. Each of the first and second article carriers comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line. Each of the first and second article carriers further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel. Each opening has a first end that is closer to the first end of the respective article carrier than the second end of said article carrier. The first and second article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row. A seventh distance, defined between the first ends of adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers, is generally equal to an eighth distance, defined between the first end of an end opening of the first article carrier and the first end of the adjacent end opening of the second article carrier. Optionally, the detachable connection between the first and second article carriers is provided by a severance line that extends perpendicularly to the fold line between the top panel and the side panel of each blank. Optionally, the side panels of the first and second article carriers are spaced apart from each other, at least partially, by a cutout, and wherein the severance line extends from the cutout. Optionally, the severance line comprises a cut line interrupted by a plurality of connecting nicks. Optionally, the top panels of the first and second article carriers are detachably interconnected by the connecting nicks. Optionally, the side panels of the first and second article carriers are detachably interconnected by at least one of the connecting nicks. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment. A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a pair of connected blanks for forming a pair of connected carriers according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 2A is a plan view from below of a connected pair of partially formed flat article carriers formed from the pair of connected blanks shown in Figure 1; Figure 2B 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 1; Figure 3 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 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connected pair of article carriers formed from the pair of connected blanks shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a package formed from one of the carriers of Figure 4 and a plurality of articles; Figure 6 is a plan view from above of a pair of connected blanks for forming a pair of connected carriers according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and Figure 7 is a plan view from below of a connected pair of partially formed flat article carriers formed from the pair of connected blanks shown in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers and combinations of two or more of the same are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers and combinations described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a 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. Each carrier blank 10A, 10B is capable of forming a carton or article carrier 90A, 90B, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, glass jars, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blanks 10A, 10B form secondary packages of the top-engaging style for packaging at least one primary product container or package. An alternative pair of connected blanks 101 is illustrated in Figure 6 and forms alternative carriers (not shown). In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90, 90A, 90B; 190A, 190B for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers such as, but not limited to, jars having a lid. 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. The blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cartons 90, 90A, 90B; 190A, 190B described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiments, 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 15oz (approx. 425 gram) glass jars. The jars may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminum, or PET (polyester - polyethylene terephthalate). The blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B 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. Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated a pair of blanks 10A, 10B each for forming a carton 90A, 90B (see Figures 2 to 5) according to a first embodiment. Each blank 10A, 10B 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. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 form a top engaging clip. Each blank 10A, 10B 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. Each blank 10A, 10B may comprise 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. Each blank 10A, 10B 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 may comprise at least one inner article receiving opening A1 in each of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 when provided. In the illustrated embodiment, each blank 10A, 10B 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. 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. 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 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. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20. 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. Each of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 comprises at least one tab 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. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. 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 and an adjacent one of the inner article receiving opening A1 define a second engaging member 28 therebetween which second engaging member 28 may reinforce or strengthen a respective 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 nonlinear in shape. 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. The blank 10 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises two pairs of handle tabs 40, 42 disposed on opposing sides of the top panel 18. A first pair of tabs 40, 42 are struck from, or defined in the first inner and outer side panels 14, 16. A second pair of tabs 40, 42 are struck from, or defined in, the second inner and outer side panels 20, 22. A first tab 40 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 is struck from, or defined in, the first inner side panel 14. A second tab 42 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 is struck from, or defined in, the first outer side panel 16. The first tab 40 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 is hingedly connected to the second tab 42 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 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 40 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 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 42 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43B. The first tab 40 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 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. The second tab 42 of the first pair of tabs 40, 42 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 40, 42 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 42 is a mirror image of the first tab 40 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. 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. A first tab 40 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 is struck from, or defined in, the second inner side panel 22. A second tab 42 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 is struck from, or defined in, the second outer side panel 20. The first tab 40 of the second pair of tabs 40,42 is hingedly connected to the second tab 42 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 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 40 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 42 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 is hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first tab 40 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 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 40, 42. The second tab 42 of the second pair of tabs 40, 42 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 40, 42. The tabs 40, 42 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 40B is a mirror image of the first tab 40A about the fold line 41. Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40, 42 is displaceable inwardly, into a gap or void between two adjacently disposed articles B. Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40, 42 provides a handle edge, defined by fold lines 43A, 43B with which a user can engage. The two-ply construction of the handle tabs 40, 42 may improve the strength of the handle structure, the comfort of the handle structure or both the strength and comfort. 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. 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 as shown in Figure 2A. The first inner top panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the top panel 18. 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. An article carrier 90 is thus formed in a flat collapsed form, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, 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 Figure 5. 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. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a further additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 shows a pair of connected blanks 101 for forming a cartons or carriers 190A. 190B (see Figure 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 5, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in any greater detail. Figure 6 shows a pair of connected blanks 101, a first blank 110A is frangibly or severably connected to a second blank 11 OB by a frangible or weakened line F1. The frangible line F1 severably connects the top panel 118 of the first blank 110A to the top panel 118 of the second blank 110B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the first inner top panel 112 of the first blank 110A to the first inner top panel 112 of the second blank 110B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the first inner side panel 114 of the first blank 110A to the first inner side panel 114 of the second blank 110B. The frangible line F1 severably connects the second inner top panel 124 of the first blank 110A to the second inner top panel 124 of the second blank 11 OB. The frangible line F1 severably connects the second inner side panel 122 of the first blank 110A to the second inner side panel 122 of the second blank 110B. 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 114 of the first blank 110A from the first inner side panel 114 of the second blank 110B; the first aperture A5 separates, at least in part, the first outer side panel 116 of the first blank 110A from the first outer side panel 116 of the second blank 110B. A second aperture A6 separates, at least in part, the second inner side panel 122 of the first blank 110A from the second inner side panel 122 of the second blank 110B; the second aperture A6 separates, at least in part, the second outer side panel 120 of the first blank 110A from the second outer side panel 120 of the second blank 110B. The connected blanks 101 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 112 and the inner side panels 114 are folded about the fold line 115 into a facecontacting arrangement with the top panels 118. The inner top panels 124 and the inner side panels 122 are folded about the fold line 121 into a face-contacting arrangement with the top panels 118. The inner top panels 112, 124 may be adhesively secured to the top panel 118. 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 connected pair 102 of partially assembled flat article carriers 190A, 190B, as shown in Figure 7. Each of the first and second outer side panels 116,120 comprises at least one engaging member 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second outer side panels 116, 120 each comprise two engaging members 126. Each engaging member 126 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 126. The first or upper engaging edge E1 may be linear in shape. Each engaging member 126 is defined in part by a pair of fold lines 129, 131 defined in the first or second outer side panel 116, 120. The pair of fold lines 129, 131 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 126 is defined in part by a cutline 125, the cutline 125 interrupts the respective fold line 115,121 between an inner side panel 114, 122 and an outer side panel 116, 120. The cutline 125 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 125 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 125 comprises three contiguous linear portions each divergently arranged with respect to its adjacent neighbor. In other embodiments, the cutline 125 may comprise one or more curved elements. The cutline 125 defines a lower free edge of one of the inner side panels 114, 122. The lower free edge and one of the inner article receiving opening A1 define a second engaging member 128 therebetween which second engaging member 128 may reinforce or strengthen one of the engaging members 126 to form a two-ply structure therewith. The second engaging member 128 comprises a third or inner upper engaging edge E3 defined by a portion of the inner article receiving opening A1. The second engaging member 128 may engage with the article B at a different location to that which the first engaging member 126 engages the article B. For example, but not limited to, the first engaging member 126 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 126 engages the cap C to support or suspend the article B therefrom. The second engaging member 128 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. 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. The engaging member 126 may comprise a relief cut 127 extending upwardly from the cutline 125 or extending toward the first engaging edge E1. The present disclosure provides a combination including a first blank 10A; 110A and a second blank 10B; 110B, the second blank 10B; 110B being detachably connected to the first blank 10A; 110A. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel 18; 118; a side panel 16, 20; 116, 120 hingedly connected to the top panel 18; 118 along a fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening A2 formed at least in part in the side panel 16, 20; 116, 120. Each opening A2 is defined in part by a load-bearing edge E1 for supporting an article B. The load-bearing edge E1 of each opening A2 has a lengthwise midpoint P1, P2, P3, P4 (see Figure 3) along that load-bearing edge E1. The first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are interconnected such that the openings A2 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are arranged in a row along the respective fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. A first distance D1, defined between the midpoints P1, P2; P3, P4 of adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11OA, 110B, is generally equal to a second distance D2; the second distance D2 being defined between the midpoint P2 of an end opening A2 of the first blank 10A; 110A, and the midpoint P3 of the adjacent end opening A2 of the second blank 10B; 110B. The present disclosure also provides a combination including a first article carrier 90A; 190A in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier 90B; 190B in a flat collapsed form in which the distance D1 between the midpoints P1, P2; P3, P4 of adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second article carriers 90A, 90B; 190A, 190B is generally equal to the distance D2 between the midpoint P2 of an end opening A2 of the first article carrier 90A; 190A, and the midpoint P3 of the adjacent end opening A2 of the second article carrier 90B; 190B. The present disclosure provides a combination including a first blank 10A; 110A and a second blank 10B; 110B, the second blank 10B; 110B being detachably connected to the first blank 10A; 110A. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11 OA, 110B comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel 18; 118; a side panel 16, 20; 116, 120 hingedly connected to the top panel 18; 118 along a fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening A2 formed at least in part in the side panel 16, 20; 116, 120. Each opening A2 defines a notional center line X1, X2, X3, X4 extending perpendicularly to the fold line 17, 19; 117,119. The first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are interconnected such that the openings A2 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are arranged in a row along the respective fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. A third distance D3, defined between the center lines X1, X2; X3, X4 of adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11 OA, 110B, is generally equal to a fourth distance D4; the fourth distance D4 being defined between the center line X2 of an end opening A2 of the first blank 10A; 110A and the center line X3 of the adjacent end opening A2 of the second blank 10B; 110B. The present disclosure provides a combination comprising a first blank 10A; 110A (or first article carrier 90A; 190A in a flat collapsed form) and a second blank 10B; 110B (or second article carrier 90B; 190B). The second blank 10B; 11 OB (or second flat collapsed article carrier 90B; 190B) being detachably connected to the first blank 10A; 110A (or first flat collapsed article carrier 90A; 190A). Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel 18; 118; a side panel 16, 20; 116, 120 hingedly connected to the top panel 18; 118 along a fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening A2 formed at least in part in the side panel 16, 20; 116, 120. The first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are interconnected such that the openings A2 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are arranged in a row. A distance D5, defined between adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11OA, 110B, is generally equal to a sixth distance D6; the sixth distance D6 being defined between an end opening A2 of the first blank 10A; 110A and the adjacent end opening A2 of the second blank 10B; 110B. The present disclosure provides a combination comprising a first blank 10A; 110A (or first article carrier 90A; 190A in a flat collapsed form) and a second blank 10B; 110B (or second article carrier 90B; 190B). The second blank 10B; 11 OB (or second flat collapsed article carrier 90B; 190B) being detachably connected to the first blank 10A; 110A (or first flat collapsed article carrier 90A; 190A). Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel 18; 118; a side panel 16, 20; 116, 120 hingedly connected to the top panel 18; 118 along a fold line 17, 19; 117, 119. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening A2 formed at least in part in the side panel 16, 20; 116, 120. The first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are interconnected such that the openings A2 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are arranged in a row along the respective fold lines 17, 19; 117, 119 at locations interrupting the respective fold lines 17, 19; 117, 119. An intermediate fold line segment F2 extending between adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B has a length L1 that is generally equal to the length L2 of a bridging fold line segment F3, the bridging fold line segment F3 extending between an end opening A2 of the first blank 10A; 110A and the adjacent end opening A2 of the second blank 10B; 110B. The present disclosure provides a combination comprising a first blank 10A; 110A (or first article carrier 90A; 190A in a flat collapsed form) and a second blank 10B; 110B (or second article carrier 90B; 190B). Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB has a pair of opposed ends including a first end Ed1 and a second end Ed2. The first end Ed1 of the second blank 10B; 11 OB is detachably connected to the second end Ed2 of the first blank 10A; 110A. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11OA, 110B comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel 18; 118; a side panel 16, 20; 116, 120 hingedly connected to the top panel 18; 118 along a fold line 17,19; 117, 119. Each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 11 OA, 110B further comprises at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening A2 formed at least in part in the side panel 16, 20; 116, 120. Each opening A2 has a first end En1, En2, En3, En4 that is closer to the first end Ed1 of the respective blank 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B than the second end Ed2 of said blank 10A, 10B; 11 OA, 110B. The first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are interconnected such that the openings A2 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are arranged in a row. A seventh distance D7, defined between the first ends En1, En2; En3, En4 of adjacent openings A2 within each of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B, is generally equal to an eighth distance D8, the eighth distance D8 being defined between the first end En2 of an end opening A2 of the first blank 10A; 110A and the first end En3 of the adjacent end opening A2 of the second blank 10B; 110B. The detachable connection F1 between the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B is provided by a severance line F1 that extends perpendicularly to the fold line 17, 19; 117, 119 between the top panel 18; 118 and the side panel 16, 20; 116,120 of each blank 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B. The side panels 16, 20; 116, 120 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB are spaced apart from each other, at least partially, by a cutout, and wherein the severance line F1 extends from the cutout. The severance line F1 comprises a cut line interrupted by a plurality of connecting nicks. The top panels 18; 118 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 110B are detachably interconnected by the connecting nicks. The side panels 16, 20; 116, 120 of the first and second blanks 10A, 10B; 110A, 11 OB are detachably interconnected by at least one of the connecting nicks. 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. 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 118 and a pair of first and second side panels 116, 120 for forming a single-ply top engaging article carrier. Such a single-ply carrier does not require either pre-folding or pre-gluing before application to the articles B. 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. 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. 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. 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 de-5 sired 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. The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in 10 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 15 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

1. A combination including a first blank and a second blank each for forming an article carrier, the second blank being detachably connected to the first blank, each of the first and second blanks comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second blanks further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, each opening being defined in part by a load-bearing edge for supporting an article, the load-bearing edge of each opening having a lengthwise midpoint along that load-bearing edge, wherein the first and second blanks are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold line, a first distance is defined between the midpoints of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks, a second distance is defined between the midpoint of an end opening of the first blank and the midpoint of the adjacent end opening of the second blank, and wherein the first distance is generally equal to the second distance.

2. A combination including a first blank and a second blank each for forming an article carrier, the second blank being detachably connected to the first blank, each of the first and second blanks comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second blanks further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, each opening defining a notional center line extending perpendicularly to the fold line, the first and second blanks being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold line, wherein a third distance defined between the center lines of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks is generally equal to a fourth distance defined between the center line of an endmost opening of the first blank and the center line of an adjacent opening of the second blank.

3. A combination comprising a first blank and a second blank, the second blank being detachably connected to the first blank, each of the first and second blanks comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second blanks further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, the first and second blanks being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row, wherein a fifth distance defined between adjacent openings within each of thefirst and second blanks is generally equal to a sixth distance defined between an endmost opening of the first blank and an adjacent endmost opening of the second blank.

4. A combination comprising a first blank and a second blank, the second blank being detachably connected to the first blank, each of the first and second blanks comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second blanks further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, the first and second blanks being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row along the respective fold lines at locations interrupting the respective fold lines, wherein an intermediate fold line segment extending between adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks has a first length and a bridging fold line segment extending between an endmost opening of the first blank and an adjacent endmost opening of the second blank has a second length, the first length being generally equal to the second length.

5. A combination comprising a first blank and a second blank, each of the first and second blanks having a pair of opposed ends including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second blank being detachably connected to the second end of the first blank, each of the first and second blanks comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second blanks further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, each opening has a first end that is closer to the first end of the respective blank than the second end of said blank, the first and second blanks being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second blanks are arranged in a row, wherein a seventh distance defined between the first ends of adjacent openings within each of the first and second blanks is generally equal to an eighth distance defined between the first end of an end opening of the first blank and the first end of the adjacent end opening of the second blank.

6. A combination according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detachable connection between the first and second blanks is provided by a severance line that extends perpendicularly to the fold line between the top panel and the side panel of each blank.

7. A combination according to claim 6, wherein the side panels of the first and second blanks are spaced apart from each other, at least partially, by a cutout, and wherein the severance line extends from the cutout.

8. A combination according to claim 6, wherein the severance line comprises a cut line interrupted by a plurality of connecting nicks.

9. A combination according to claim 8, wherein the top panels of the first and second blanks are detachably interconnected by the connecting nicks.

10. A combination according to claim 8, wherein the side panels of the first and second blanks are detachably interconnected by at least one of the connecting nicks.

11. A combination including a first flat collapsed article carrier and a second flat collapsed article carrier each for packaging at least one article, the second flat collapsed article carrier being detachably connected to the first flat collapsed article carrier, each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, each opening being defined in part by a load-bearing edge for supporting an article, the load-bearing edge of each opening having a lengthwise midpoint along that load-bearing edge, wherein the first and second flat collapsed article carriers are interconnected such that the openings of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold line, a first distance is defined between the midpoints of adjacent openings within each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers, a second distance is defined between the midpoint of an end opening of the first flat collapsed article carrier and the midpoint of the adjacent end opening of the second flat collapsed article carrier, and wherein the first distance is generally equal to the second distance.

12. A combination including a first flat collapsed article carrier and a second flat collapsed article carrier each for packaging at least one article, the second flat collapsed article carrier being detachably connected to the first flat collapsed article carrier, each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an articlereceiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, each opening defining a notional center line extending perpendicularly to the fold line, the first and second flat collapsed article carriers being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold line, wherein a third distance defined between the center lines of adjacent openings within each of the first and second flat collapsed article carriers is generally equal to a fourth distance defined between the center line of an endmost opening ofthe first flat collapsed article carrier and the center line of an adjacent opening of the second flat collapsed article carrier.

13. A combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form, the second article carrier being detachably connected to the first article carrier, each of the first and second article carriers comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second article carriers further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, the first and second article carriers being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row, wherein a fifth distance defined between adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers is generally equal to a sixth distance defined between an endmost opening of the first article carrier and an adjacent endmost opening of the second article carrier.

14. A combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form, the second article carrier being detachably connected to the first article carrier, each of the first and second article carriers comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second article carriers further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at least in part in the side panel, the first and second article carriers being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row along the respective fold lines at locations interrupting the respective fold lines, wherein an intermediate fold line segment extending between adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers has a first length and a bridging fold line segment extending between an endmost opening of the first article carrier and an adjacent endmost opening of the second article carrier has a second length, the first length being generally equal to the second length.

15. A combination comprising a first article carrier in a flat collapsed form and a second article carrier in a flat collapsed form, each of the first and second article carriers having a pair of opposed ends including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second article carrier being detachably connected to the second end of the first article carrier, each of the first and second article carriers comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel and a side panel hingedly connected to the top panel along a fold line, each of the first and second article carriers further comprising at least two article engaging devices each comprising an article-receiving opening formed at leastin part in the side panel, each opening has a first end that is closer to the first end of the respective article carrier than the second end of said article carrier, the first and second article carriers being interconnected such that the openings of the first and second article carriers are arranged in a row, wherein a seventh distance defined between the first ends of adjacent openings within each of the first and second article carriers is generally equal to an eighth distance defined between the first end of an end opening of the first article carrier and the first end of the adjacent end opening of the second article carrier.

16. A combination according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the detachable connection between the first and second article carriers is provided by a severance line that extends perpendicularly to the fold line between the top panel and the side panel of each blank.

17. A combination according to claim 16, wherein the side panels of the first and second article carriers are spaced apart from each other, at least partially, by a cutout, and wherein the severance line extends from the cutout.

18. A combination according to claim 16, wherein the severance line comprises a cut line interrupted by a plurality of connecting nicks.

19. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the top panels of the first and second article carriers are detachably interconnected by the connecting nicks.

20. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the side panels of the first and second article carriers are detachably interconnected by at least one of the connecting nicks.

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