Article holding device, article carrier and blank thereof

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article holding device, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles, and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate. The first plate has at least one first article holding device defined therein. The second plate has at least one second article holding device defined therein. The at least one second article holding device is aligned with the at least one first article holding device in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article holding device includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article holding device includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second article receiving aperture. One of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article holding device, an article carrier, and a blank for forming the article carrier. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a top-clamping type carrier having one or more apertures for receiving and holding articles therein. Background Art

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cardboard boxes for carrying multiple articles. Cardboard boxes are well known in the art and are beneficial in enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a set of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cardboard boxes or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little waste of the material from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the cardboard box and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy articles. It is desirable that the contents of the cardboard box be fixed within the cardboard box.

[0003] It is known to provide a top-clamping type article carrier in which apertures are formed in a plate of the carrier and tabs are punched out from the plate and arranged around the apertures. When an article is received in the aperture, the tabs are moved out of the plane of the plate, where the tabs engage the article generally around a flange or lip of the article. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cardboard boxes typically formed from cardboard or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate. The first plate has at least one first article holding device defined therein. The second plate has at least one second article holding device defined therein. The at least one second article holding device is aligned vertically with the at least one first article holding device. The at least one first article holding device includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article holding device includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. One of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

[0005] Optionally, the one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a marginal side portion of each of the adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

[0006] Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from its adjacent tooth by a "T"-shaped cut line that defines the corner of each of a pair of adjacent ones of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein the one of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact the corner of each of a pair of adjacent ones of the second plurality of teeth.

[0007] Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth includes an engaging free edge.

[0008] Optionally, a first width dimension W1 is defined between the ends of an adjacent pair of "T"-shaped cut lines, and a second width dimension W2 is defined between the ends of the engaging free edge, the first width dimension W1 being equal to or greater than the second width dimension W2.

[0009] Optionally, the engaging free edge is non-linear.

[0010] Optionally, the engaging free edge includes a first linear segment and a second linear segment arranged to diverge relative to the first linear segment.

[0011] Optionally, the engaging free edge is a load-bearing edge for supporting an article.

[0012] Optionally, the engaging free edge is a load-bearing edge from which an article is suspended.

[0013] Optionally, each of the first plurality of teeth includes a free edge opposite to the hinged connection to the first plate.

[0014] Optionally, the free edge is a load-bearing edge for supporting an article.

[0015] Optionally, the free edge is a load-bearing edge from which an article is suspended.

[0016] Optionally, the one of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact a portion of each of a pair of adjacent ones of the second plurality of teeth.

[0017] Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth is arranged to contact at least three of the first plurality of teeth.

[0018] Optionally, each of the first plurality of teeth includes a first angular width θ1, and each of the second plurality of teeth includes a second angular width θ2, the first angular width θ1 being greater than the second angular width θ2.

[0019] Optionally, the first plate forms an upper engaging plate, and the second plate forms a lower engaging plate, the first plurality of teeth form upper engaging teeth, and the second plurality of teeth form lower engaging teeth.

[0020] Optionally, the "T"-shaped cut line includes a first portion that extends radially from the second article receiving aperture and a second portion that extends transverse to the first portion.

[0021] Optionally, the second part is linear. Optionally, the second part is non-linear. Optionally, the second part is arcuate.

[0022] Optionally, the second part includes a plurality of linear segments arranged divergently relative to each other.

[0023] Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth includes a proximal end defined by a hinged connection to the second plate, the proximal end being spaced apart from the article received in the first and second article holding devices.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate. The first plate has at least one first article holding device defined therein. The second plate has at least one second article holding device defined therein. The at least one second article holding device is aligned with the at least one first article holding device in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article holding device includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article holding device includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. A first one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a first portion of a first one of the second plurality of teeth. A second one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a second portion of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

[0025] Optionally, each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from its adjacent tooth by a "T" shaped cut line, a first "T" shaped cut line defining a first corner of a first one of the second plurality of teeth, a second "T" shaped cut line defining a second corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein the first one of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact the first corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth, and the second one of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact the second corner of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

[0026] Optionally, a third one of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact an intermediate portion of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

[0027] A third aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a first plate and a second plate, the second plate being arranged to be disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate. The first plate has at least one first article holding means defined therein. The second plate has at least one second article holding means defined therein. The at least one second article holding means is configured to be disposed in a vertically aligned manner with the at least one first article holding means. The at least one first article holding means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article holding means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. In the installed state, one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

[0028] Optionally, the first plate is hingedly connected to the second plate.

[0029] Optionally, the first plate is hingedly connected to the second plate by a hinge connection. Optionally, the hinge connection is frangible.

[0030] Optionally, the first plate is hingedly connected to the second plate by a pair of connecting plates.

[0031] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a first plate and a second plate, the second plate being arranged to be disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate. The first plate has at least one first article holding means defined therein. The second plate has at least one second article holding means defined therein. The at least one second article holding means is configured to be disposed in a vertically aligned manner with the at least one first article holding means. The at least one first article holding means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article holding means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. In the installed state, the first of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a first portion of the first of the second plurality of teeth, and the second of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a second portion of the first of the second plurality of teeth.

[0032] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned with the at least one first article retaining means in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlap with the at least one second tooth, and the at least one second tooth includes a radially extending broken line configured to contact a surface of the at least one first tooth.

[0033] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned with the at least one first article retaining means in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. At least a portion of one of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with one of the plurality of second teeth, and the second tooth includes a radially extending broken line configured to contact a surface of the first tooth.

[0034] Optionally, the first panel forms an upper joining panel, and the second panel forms a lower joining panel. The first teeth form upper joining teeth, and the second teeth form lower joining teeth. The radially extending broken line is disposed to contact a lower surface of the first teeth.

[0035] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The at least one first tooth is partially defined by a pair of radially extending cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. The at least one second tooth includes a radially extending broken line. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlap with the at least one second tooth such that the radially extending cut lines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending broken line.

[0036] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth are partially defined by radially extending cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. The at least one second tooth includes a radially extending broken line. The at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlap with the at least one second tooth such that each radially extending broken line is vertically aligned with one of the radially extending cut lines.

[0037] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned with the at least one first article retaining means in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth are partially defined by radial cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. The second teeth include radially extending broken lines. Each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth such that the radial cut lines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending broken lines.

[0038] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel. The first panel has at least one first article retaining means defined therein. The second panel has at least one second article retaining means defined therein. The at least one second article retaining means is aligned with the at least one first article retaining means in a vertically aligned manner. The at least one first article retaining means includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The plurality of first teeth are partially defined by radial cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture. The at least one second article retaining means includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture. The second teeth include radially extending broken lines. Each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth such that each radially extending broken line is vertically aligned with one of the radial cut lines.

[0039] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides an article holding device for hanging an article therefrom. The article holding device includes a first article holding structure defined in a first plate and a second article holding structure defined in a second plate. The second article holding structure is arranged in a vertically aligned manner with the first article holding structure. The first article holding structure includes a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture. The second article holding structure includes a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture.

[0040] One of the first plurality of teeth of the first article holding structure may be disposed in an overlapping relationship with a part of each tooth of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth of the second article holding structure.

[0041] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and discussed below.

[0042] Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or adopted independently or in any combination thereof.

[0043] Features or elements described in connection with or relating to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is a feature incompatibility. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein, or the features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included outside or in place of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0044] Features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of the embodiment. Alternatively, a feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from the embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2 is by Figure 1 a top perspective view of a part of a carrier formed from the blank of;

[0048] Figure 2B is Figure 2Top perspective view of a portion of a carrier, where for purposes of illustration, the upper or outer tabs have been displaced outwardly;

[0049] Figure 3 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0050] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment;

[0051] Figure 5 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment; and

[0052] Figures 6A to 8 illustrates article joining or holding structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, article holding devices, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be practiced and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be practiced. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. In fact, it will be understood that the packages, article holding devices, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily drawn 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 to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to practice the invention in different ways.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 shows a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a cardboard box or carrier 90 as shown in Figure 2 for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as article B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0055] Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310 are shown in Figure 3 , 4 and 5 for forming a cardboard box or carrier (not shown) for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as article B.

[0056] In the embodiments detailed herein, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to containers for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, bags, packages, etc.

[0057] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all forms of foldable sheet material, such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, plastics, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that, where appropriate, one or other number of blanks may be employed, e.g., to provide the carrier structures described in more detail below.

[0058] The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as cardboard, which may be made of or coated with a material that increases its strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant cardboard manufactured by Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the packaging. Generally, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics from the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good gluing ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary article B in an exemplary arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×3 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three articles B each are provided, and the article B is a 500 ml PET bottle.

[0060] Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of articles and / or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1 , a blank 10 is shown that includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, including a main panel 18 for forming a first joining panel for forming a carrier 90 (see Figure 2 ).

[0062] The first connecting or shoulder plate 16 is hingedly connected to the first side of the main plate 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 17.

[0063] The second connecting or shoulder plate 20 is hingedly connected to the second side of the main plate 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 19.

[0064] The third connecting or shoulder plate 14 is hingedly connected to the first connecting plate 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 15.

[0065] The fourth connecting or shoulder plate 22 is hingedly connected to the second connecting or shoulder plate 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 21.

[0066] The first reinforcing plate 12 is hingedly connected to the third connecting plate 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 13.

[0067] The second reinforcing plate 24 is hingedly connected to the fourth connecting plate 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 23.

[0068] The blank 10 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2. Each of the first and second reinforcing plates 12, 24 includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2. The first and second reinforcing plates 12, 24 may include at least one first article holding structure RT1 and at least one second article holding structure RT2. In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second reinforcing plates 12, 24 includes a pair of first article holding structures RT1 and one second article holding structure RT2 disposed therebetween. The main plate 18 includes at least one article holding structure RT2. The main plate 18 includes at least one second article holding structure RT2. In the illustrated embodiment, the main plate 18 includes six second article holding structures RT2 arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT1, RT2 includes an opening or aperture A3, A4.

[0069] Figure 1 The article holding structures RT1, RT2 of the illustrated embodiment are in the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 40, 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 as shown in Figure 6A and 7A shown, which are arranged around the apertures A3, A4 to form part of an article receiving opening.

[0070] The blank 10 includes four first article holding structures RT1, each of which includes a first opening or aperture A3. The blank 10 includes eight second article holding structures RT2, each of which includes a second opening or aperture A4.

[0071] Each first article holding structure RT1 includes an article receiving opening that is partially defined by a first aperture A3, which is defined in or punched out from one of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24.

[0072] As Figure 6A shown, the first article holding structure RT1 includes four teeth or tabs 40 disposed around the first aperture A3.

[0073] Each tooth 40 is hingedly connected to the main board 18 by a respective hinge connection 41. Each hinge connection can be defined by a plurality of cut lines. Each hinge connection is arranged to be non-linear. In an alternative embodiment, the hinge connection can be arranged to be linear.

[0074] Each tooth 40 is separated from its adjacent tooth by a cut line 45. The cut line 45 can extend radially outward from the first aperture A3. In the illustrated embodiment, pairs of cut lines 45 are disposed opposite to each other.

[0075] Each cut line 45 can terminate at a notch 47, which can be linear and can be perpendicularly oriented with respect to the respective cut line 45.

[0076] Each tooth 40 includes an intermediate hinge or fold line that extends radially outward from the first aperture A3, and the intermediate hinge or fold line can be partially defined by a cut line 43. Thus, each tooth 40 can be folded about the radial hinge 43.

[0077] Each tooth 40 includes an engaging or bearing edge E1, which can be non-linear and can include a first linear portion that is divergently arranged with respect to a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions intersect at a vertex located on the intermediate hinge 43. When the carrier 90 is transported by the handle structure H (described below), due to gravity, the load is transferred to the carrier 90 through the bearing edge E1.

[0078] Each second article holding structure RT2 includes an article receiving opening that is partially defined by a second aperture A4, which is defined in or punched out from one of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 or the main board 18.

[0079] Each tooth 40 includes a first height dimension L1 measured along the intermediate fold line 43.

[0080] Each tooth 40 includes a first width dimension W1 measured between the ends of an adjacent pair of incisions 47. Each tooth 40 includes a second width dimension W2 measured between the ends of the engagement or bearing edge E1. The first width dimension W1 is equal to or greater than the second width dimension W2 (W1 ≥ W2). In embodiments having a linear hinge connection (see Figure 6B , the broken line 441), the first width dimension W1 is the length of the hinge connection.

[0081] Each tooth 40 includes a first angular dimension θ1 measured between a pair of cutting lines 45 that define the side edges of the tooth 40. The first angle θ1 can be 90°.

[0082] As Figure 7A shown, the second article holding structure RT2 includes eight teeth or tabs 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 disposed around the second orifice A4.

[0083] The second article holding structure RT2 includes seven teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and one tab 52 disposed around the second orifice A4. In Figure 7A the second article holding structure RT2 shown, each tooth 50a, 50b, 50c is hingedly connected to the blank by a respective hinge connection 53, 57. Each hinge connection can be defined by a cutting line. Each hinge connection can be arranged to be non-linear; the first tooth 50a is partially defined by a non-linear cutting line 53, which can be generally "V"-shaped, that is, formed by two or more linearly arranged segments that diverge. The second and third teeth 50b, 50c can be partially defined by linear cutting lines 57.

[0084] The first and third teeth 50a, 50c are partially defined by a pair of radially spaced cutting lines 51. The second article holding structure RT2 includes four first teeth 50a. The second article holding structure RT2 includes one third tooth 50c. The third tooth 50c is disposed opposite the tab 52.

[0085] The second tooth 50b is partially defined by a first radial cutting line 51 and partially by a second radial cutting line 59, which is longer than the first radial cutting line 51. The second article holding structure RT2 includes a pair of second teeth 50b disposed on opposite sides of the tab 52.

[0086] The second article holding structure RT2 includes a single tab 52 extending from and integral with one of the connecting plates 14, 16, 20, 22, in Figure 7AIn the illustrated embodiment, a third connection plate 14 is shown. The tab 52 is partially defined by a pair of second radial cut lines 59 spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of second radial cut lines 59 extends from the orifice A4 to the hinge connection 13 between the first reinforcement plate 12 and the third connection plate 14.

[0087] Each of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and the tab 52 includes an engaging or bearing edge E2, which may be linear and defines a part of the orifice A4. When the carrier 90 is transported by the handle structure H (described below), due to gravity, the load is transmitted to the carrier 90 through the bearing edge E2.

[0088] Each of the teeth 50a, 50c includes a second height dimension L2, which is measured between the free or engaging edge E1 and the hinge connections 53, 57 to the main board 12. The second height dimension L2 is less than the first height dimension L1 (L2 < L1).

[0089] Each of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c includes a second angular dimension θ2 measured between a pair of cut lines 51 / 51, 51 / 59, 59 / 59 that define the side edges of the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c. The second angular dimension θ2 is less than the first angular dimension θ1 (θ2 < θ1). The second angle θ2 may be 45°.

[0090] The blank 10 may include a handle structure H, which may include at least one finger opening. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be at least partially defined by one or more handle tabs 60 punched out from or defined in the main board 18. Each handle tab 60 is hingedly connected to the main board 18 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 61. In the illustrated embodiment, each finger opening includes a pair of handle tabs 60, and the fold line 61 of one of the pair of handle tabs 60 is arranged divergently with respect to the fold line 61 of the other of the pair of handle tabs 60. The pair of finger openings may be arranged opposite to each other.

[0091] Each finger opening is centered between a set of four article holding structures RT1, RT2.

[0092] Each of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 includes at least one finger orifice A1; in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 includes two finger orifices A1. Each finger orifice A1 is configured and arranged to be vertically aligned with the finger opening in the main board 18.

[0093] The blank 10 can be folded into a flat form by folding the first reinforcement plate 12 and the third connecting plate 14 around the fold line 15 so that the third connecting plate 14 is in a face-to-face relationship with the first connecting plate 16, and the first reinforcement plate 12 is in a face-to-face relationship with a part of the main board 18. The second reinforcement plate 24 and the fourth connecting plate 22 are folded around the fold line 21 so that the fourth connecting plate 22 is in a face-to-face relationship with the second connecting plate 20, and the second reinforcement plate 24 is in a face-to-face relationship with a second part of the main board 18. A part of the second reinforcement plate 24 can overlap or cover a part of the first reinforcement plate 12.

[0094] As Figure 2 shown, the main board 18 can form the upper joining plate in the article carrier 90, and the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 form the lower joining plate.

[0095] The carrier 90 in its flat folded form can be applied to a set of articles B in a flat form.

[0096] The main board 18 together with the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 can be lowered relative to a set of articles B

[0097] Each article holding structure RT1, RT2 in the upper and lower joining plates 18, 12 / 24 of the blank 10 is aligned with the corresponding article B in the set. A part of the article B passes through a corresponding one of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 and through the main board 18. The toothed areas of the first and second reinforcement plates 12, 24 and the main board 18 provided around each article holding structure RT1, RT2 can be folded out of their respective planes.

[0098] The engaging edges of the teeth or tabs 40, 50a, 50b, 50c, 52 engage under the protrusion. The protrusion can be positioned around the neck of the article B. When the article B is a bottle, the protrusion can be provided by an end cap or lid. In this way, the engaging edges clamp or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from accidentally separating from the upper joining plate 18 and the lower joining plate 12 / 24.

[0099] The first and second connecting plates 16, 20 can be automatically folded due to receiving the article B in the upper joining plate 18. When the article B is received in the article holding structure RT2, the tab 52 of the second article holding structure RT2 in the upper joining plate 18 is moved out of the plane of the upper joining plate 18 by the article B.

[0100] The third and fourth connecting plates 14, 22 can be automatically folded due to receiving the article B in the lower joining plate 12 / 24. When the article B is received in the article holding structure RT2, the tab 52 of the second article holding structure RT2 in the lower joining plate 12 / 24 is moved out of the plane of the lower joining plate 12 / 24 by the article B.

[0101] When the connecting plates 14, 16, 20, 22 are folded relative to the upper joining plate 18 and the lower joining plates 12 / 24, the tabs 52 of the second article retaining structure RT2 in the lower joining plates 12 / 24 can assist in aligning the article retaining structures RT1, RT2 in the lower joining plates 12 / 24 with the article retaining structure RT2 in the upper joining plate 18.

[0102] Figure 2 A package including an article carrier 90 and a set of articles B is shown. Figure 2B A carrier is illustrated in which the teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tabs 52 provided by the upper joining plate 18 are folded outwards for illustrative purposes to show the teeth 40 provided by the lower joining plate 12 / 24. The teeth 40 are folded about the fold line 43 to partially surround the article B.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper or outer teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tabs 52 are circumferentially offset relative to the lower or inner teeth 40. The radial cut lines 45 between the lower or inner teeth 40 are arranged to be below or behind the upper teeth or tabs 50a, 50c, 52, rather than being aligned with the cut lines 51, 59 that separate the upper teeth or tabs 50a, 50c, 52 from each other. Thus, each inner tooth 40 overlaps at least two outer teeth or tabs 50a, 50c, 52.

[0104] Each inner tooth 40 can overlap or contact three or more of the outer teeth 50a, 50c or tabs 52.

[0105] The intermediate hinge connection 43 can form a ridge in the inner teeth 40. The intermediate hinge connection 43 or ridge can contact the inner surface of one of the outer teeth 50a, 50b, 50c and tabs 52.

[0106] The intermediate hinge connection 43 is arranged to be circumferentially or angularly offset relative to the cut lines 51, 59 that separate the upper teeth or tabs 50a, 50c, 52 from each other.

[0107] Now referring to Figures 3 to 5 , an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second, third and fourth embodiments shown, although prefixes "100"; "200"; "300" are added to indicate that these features belong to the second, third and fourth embodiments respectively, the same numbers are used to denote the same parts where possible. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the Figure 1 and Figure 2 embodiments, and thus only the differences from the Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrated embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0108] Figure 3Shown is a blank 110 including a plurality of upper or outer plates 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, which includes a main plate 112 for forming an upper or outer top wall or a joint plate of a carrier (not shown).

[0109] The first upper end plate 122 is hingedly connected to the first end of the main plate 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 121. The first lower end plate 124 is hingedly connected to the first upper end plate 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 123.

[0110] The second upper end plate 126 is hingedly connected to the second end of the main plate 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 125. The second lower end plate 128 is hingedly connected to the second upper end plate 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 127.

[0111] The first upper side plate 114 is hingedly connected to the first side of the main plate 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 113. The first lower side plate 116 is hingedly connected to the first upper side plate 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 115.

[0112] The second upper side plate 118 is hingedly connected to the second side of the main plate 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 117. The second lower side plate 120 is hingedly connected to the second upper side plate 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 119.

[0113] The first corner plate 130a is hingedly connected to the first end of the first lower side plate 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 129a. The second corner plate 134a is hingedly connected to the first end of the second lower side plate 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 135a.

[0114] The first fixing plate 132a / 138a is hingedly connected to the first corner plate 130a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 131a. The first fixing plate 132a / 138a includes a first lower fixing plate portion 132a and a first upper fixing plate portion 138a. The first lower fixing plate portion 132a is hingedly connected to the first upper fixing plate portion 138a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 133a. The first upper fixing plate portion 138a is separated from the first upper end plate 122 and the lower end plate 124. The first upper fixing plate portion 138a is separated from the first lower end plate 124 by a cutting line or a breakable line or a dividable line. The orifice A5 separates the first corner plate 130a from the first upper end plate 122; the orifice A5 also separates the first upper fixing plate portion 138a from the first upper side plate 114 and separates a part of the first lower end plate 124 from the first lower fixing plate portion 132a.

[0115] The second fixing plate 136a / 138c is hingedly connected to the second gusset plate 134a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 137a. The second fixing plate 136a / 138c includes a second lower fixing plate portion 136a and a second upper fixing plate portion 138c, and the second lower fixing plate portion 136a is hingedly connected to the second upper fixing plate portion 138c by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 133c. The second upper fixing plate portion 138c is separated from the first lower end plate 124 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a divisible line. The orifice A5 separates the second gusset plate 134a from the first upper end plate 122; the orifice A5 also separates the second upper fixing plate portion 138c from the second upper side plate 118 and separates a part of the first lower end plate 124 from the second lower fixing plate portion 136a.

[0116] The third gusset plate 130b is hingedly connected to the second end of the first lower side plate 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 129b. The fourth gusset plate 134b is hingedly connected to the second end of the second lower side plate 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 135b.

[0117] The third fixing plate 132b / 138b is hingedly connected to the third gusset plate 130b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 137b. The third fixing plate 132b / 138b includes a third lower fixing plate portion 132b and a third upper fixing plate portion 138b, and the third lower fixing plate portion 132b is hingedly connected to the third upper fixing plate portion 138b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 133b. The third upper fixing plate portion 138b is separated from the second lower end plate 128 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a divisible line. The orifice A5 separates the third gusset plate 130b from the second upper end plate 126; the orifice A5 also separates the third upper fixing plate portion 138b from the first upper side plate 114 and separates a part of the second lower end plate 128 from the third lower fixing plate portion 132b.

[0118] The fourth fixing plate 136b / 138d is hingedly connected to the fourth gusset plate 134b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 137b. The fourth fixing plate 136b / 138d includes a fourth lower fixing plate portion 136b and a fourth upper fixing plate portion 138d, and the fourth lower fixing plate portion 136b is hingedly connected to the fourth upper fixing plate portion 138d by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 133d. The fourth upper fixing plate portion 138d is separated from the second lower end plate 128 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a divisible line. The orifice A5 separates the fourth gusset plate 134b from the second upper end plate 126; the orifice A5 also separates the fourth upper fixing plate portion 138d from the second upper side plate 118 and separates a part of the second lower end plate 128 from the fourth lower fixing plate portion 136b.

[0119] The main board 112 includes at least one article holding structure RT2, RT2'. The main board 112 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT2, RT2', specifically six article holding structures RT2, RT2', which are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT2, RT2' includes an opening or orifice A4.

[0120] The main board 112 includes four first article holding structures RT2. The first article holding structures RT2 are positioned adjacent to the ends of the main board 112. The main board 112 includes two second article holding structures RT2'. The second article holding structures RT2' are positioned between a first pair of first article holding structures RT2 disposed near the first end of the main board 112 and a second pair of first article holding structures RT2 disposed near the second end of the main board 112. The second article holding structures RT2' are also referred to herein as intermediate article holding structures RT2'. The first article holding structures RT2 are also referred to herein as end article holding structures RT2.

[0121] Each second article holding structure RT2' is substantially similar in construction to Figure 1 the second article holding structure RT2 shown and described above, and will therefore not be described in detail. Each first article holding structure RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the second article holding structure RT2', although in addition to a first tab 152 extending from and integral with one of the first and second upper side plates 114, 118, it includes a second tab 154 extending from and integral with one of the first and second upper end plates 122, 126. Each of the tabs 152, 154 is partially defined by a pair of second radial cut lines spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of second radial cut lines extends from the orifice A4 to the hinge connections 113, 117, 121, 125 between the main board 112 and the respective upper side or end plate 114, 118, 122, 126 from which they extend.

[0122] The blank 110 includes a plurality of lower or inner plates 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L, which include a second main board 112L for forming the lower or inner top wall or mating plate of a carrier (not shown).

[0123] The first inner end plate 122L is hingedly connected to the first end of the second main board 112L by a hinge connection in the form of a broken line F5.

[0124] The second inner end plate 126L is hingedly connected to the second end of the second main board 112L by a hinge connection in the form of a broken line F6.

[0125] The first inner upper side plate 114L is hingedly connected to the first side of the second main board 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F3. The first inner lower side plate 116L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side plate 114L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F4.

[0126] The second inner upper side plate 118L is hingedly connected to the second side of the second main board 112L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F1. The second inner lower side plate 120L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side plate 118L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F2.

[0127] A plurality of lower plates or inner plates 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L are hingedly or frangibly connected to a plurality of upper plates or outer plates 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. The second inner lower side plate 120L may be hingedly connected to the second lower side plate 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F7. In some embodiments, the second inner lower side plate 120L may be frangibly connected to the second lower side plate 120.

[0128] The second main board 112L includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2. The second main board 112L includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2, specifically six article holding structures RT1, RT2, which are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT1, RT2 includes an opening or orifice A3, A4. The second main board 112L includes four first article holding structures RT1, and each first article holding structure RT1 includes a first opening or orifice A3. The second main board 112L includes two second article holding structures RT2, and each second article holding structure RT2 includes a second opening or orifice A4. Each of the first and second article holding structures RT1, RT2 is substantially similar in construction to Figure 1 the first and second article holding structures RT1, RT2 shown and described above, and will not be described in detail herein.

[0129] A plurality of lower plates or inner plates 112L, 114L, 116L, 118L, 120L, 122L, 126L can be folded about the broken line F7 so that the second main board 112L is in a face-to-face relationship with the main board 112. When the second main board 122L is in a face-to-face relationship with the main board 112, the article holding structures RT1, RT2 therein are vertically aligned with one of the article holding structures RT2, RT2' in the main board 112. In this way, a double-layer structure is formed, and the articles are held or retained by the inner and outer series of teeth or tabs.

[0130] The blank 110 may include a handle structure H, and the handle structure H may include at least one finger opening in the main board 112 and a corresponding handle opening in the second main board 112L. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be at least partially defined by at least one handle tab punched out from or defined in the main board 112. Each handle tab is hingedly connected to the main board 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line. Each handle opening includes an orifice A1, which is shaped and configured to be complementary to the associated finger opening.

[0131] Figure 4 The blank 210 is shown, which includes a plurality of upper or outer plates 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, including the main board 212 for forming the upper or outer top wall or the engaging plate of a carrier (not shown).

[0132] The first upper end plate 222 is hingedly connected to the first end of the main board 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 221. The first lower end plate 224 is hingedly connected to the first upper end plate 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 223.

[0133] The second upper end plate 226 is hingedly connected to the second end of the main board 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 225. The second lower end plate 228 is hingedly connected to the second upper end plate 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 227.

[0134] The first upper side plate 214 is hingedly connected to the first side of the main board 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 213. The first lower side plate 216 is hingedly connected to the first upper side plate 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 215.

[0135] The second upper side plate 218 is hingedly connected to the second side of the main board 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 217. The second lower side plate 220 is hingedly connected to the second upper side plate 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 219.

[0136] The first corner plate 230a is hingedly connected to the first end of the first lower side plate 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 229a. The second corner plate 234a is hingedly connected to the first end of the second lower side plate 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 235a.

[0137] The first fixing plate 232a / 238a is hingedly connected to the first corner plate 230a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 231a. The first fixing plate 232a / 238a includes a first lower fixing plate portion 232a and a first upper fixing plate portion 238a, and the first lower fixing plate portion 232a is hingedly connected to the first upper fixing plate portion 238a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 233a. The first upper fixing plate portion 238a is separated from the first upper end plate 222 and the first lower end plate 224. The first upper fixing plate portion 238a is separated from the first lower end plate 224 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a dividable line. The orifice A5 separates the first corner plate 230a from the first upper end plate 222; the orifice A5 also separates the first upper fixing plate portion 238a from the first upper side plate 214 and separates a part of the first lower end plate 224 from the first lower fixing plate portion 232a.

[0138] The second fixing plate 236a / 238c is hingedly connected to the second corner plate 234a by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 237a. The second fixing plate 236a / 238c includes a second lower fixing plate portion 236a and a second upper fixing plate portion 238c, and the second lower fixing plate portion 236a is hingedly connected to the second upper fixing plate portion 238c by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 233c. The second upper fixing plate portion 238c is separated from the first lower end plate 224 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a dividable line. The orifice A5 separates the second corner plate 234a from the first upper end plate 222; the orifice A5 also separates the second upper fixing plate portion 238c from the second upper side plate 218 and separates a part of the first lower end plate 224 from the second lower fixing plate portion 236a.

[0139] The third corner plate 230b is hingedly connected to the second end of the first lower side plate 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 229b. The fourth corner plate 234b is hingedly connected to the second end of the second lower side plate 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 235b.

[0140] The third fixing plate 232b / 238b is hingedly connected to the third corner plate 230b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 237b. The third fixing plate 232b / 238b includes a third lower fixing plate portion 232b and a third upper fixing plate portion 238b, and the third lower fixing plate portion 232b is hingedly connected to the third upper fixing plate portion 238b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 233b. The third upper fixing plate portion 238b is separated from the second lower end plate 228 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a dividable line. The orifice A5 separates the third corner plate 230b from the second upper end plate 226; the orifice A5 also separates the third upper fixing plate portion 238b from the first upper side plate 214 and separates a part of the second lower end plate 228 from the third lower fixing plate portion 232b.

[0141] The fourth fixing plate 236b / 238d is hingedly connected to the fourth corner plate 234b by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 237b. The fourth fixing plate 236b / 238d includes a fourth lower fixing plate portion 236b and a fourth upper fixing plate portion 238d, and the fourth lower fixing plate portion 236b is hingedly connected to the fourth upper fixing plate portion 238d by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line 233d. The fourth upper fixing plate portion 238d is separated from the second lower end plate 228 by a cutting line or a frangible line or a dividable line. The orifice A5 separates the fourth corner plate 234b from the second upper end plate 226; the orifice A5 also separates the fourth upper fixing plate portion 238d from the second upper side plate 218 and separates a part of the second lower end plate 228 from the fourth lower fixing plate portion 236b.

[0142] The main board 212 includes at least one article holding structure RT2, RT2'. The main board 212 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT2, RT2', specifically six article holding structures RT2, RT2', which are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT2, RT2' includes an opening or orifice A4.

[0143] The main board 212 includes four first article holding structures RT2. The first article holding structures RT2 are positioned adjacent to the ends of the main board 212. The main board 212 includes two second article holding structures RT2'. The second article holding structures RT2' are positioned between a first pair of the first article holding structures RT2 provided near the first end of the main board 212 and a second pair of the first article holding structures RT2 provided near the second end of the main board 212. The second article holding structures RT2' are also referred to herein as intermediate article holding structures RT2'. The first article holding structures RT2 are also referred to herein as end article holding structures RT2.

[0144] Each second article holding structure RT2' is substantially similar in construction to Figure 1 the second article holding structure RT2 shown and described above, and thus will not be described in detail. Each first article holding structure RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the second article holding structure RT2', although in addition to a first tab 252 extending from and integral with one of the first and second upper side plates 214, 218, it also includes a second tab 254 extending from and integral with one of the first and second upper end plates 222, 226. Each of the tabs 252, 254 is partially defined by a pair of second radial cutting lines spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of second radial cutting lines extends from the orifice A4 to the hinged connections 213, 217, 221, 225 between the main board 212 and the respective upper side or end plates 214, 218, 222, 226 from which they extend.

[0145] The blank 210 includes a plurality of lower or inner plates 212L, 214L, 216L, 218L, 220L, 222L, 226L, including a second main plate 212La forming a first part of a lower or inner top wall or joint plate for forming a carrier (not shown) and a third plate 212Lb forming a second part of the lower or inner top wall or joint plate of the carrier.

[0146] The first inner end plate 222La is hingedly connected to the first end of the second main plate 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F5a.

[0147] The second inner end plate 226La is hingedly connected to the second end of the second main plate 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F6a.

[0148] The first inner upper side plate 214L is hingedly connected to the first side of the second main plate 212La by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F3. The first inner lower side plate 216L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side plate 214L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F4.

[0149] The third inner end plate 222Lb is hingedly connected to the first end of the third main plate 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F5b.

[0150] The fourth inner end plate 226Lb is hingedly connected to the second end of the third main plate 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F6b.

[0151] The second inner upper side plate 218L is hingedly connected to the first side of the third main plate 212Lb by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F1. The second inner lower side plate 220L is hingedly connected to the first inner upper side plate 218L by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F2.

[0152] The plurality of lower or inner plates 212La, 212Lb, 214L, 216L, 218L, 220L, 222La, 222Lb, 226La, 226Lb are hingedly or frangibly connected to the plurality of upper or outer plates 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228. The first inner lower side plate 216L can be hingedly connected to the first lower side plate 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F7a. In some embodiments, the first inner lower side plate 216L can be frangibly connected to the first lower side plate 216. The second inner lower side plate 220L can be hingedly connected to the second lower side plate 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a broken line F7b. In some embodiments, the second inner lower side plate 220L can be frangibly connected to the second lower side plate 220.

[0153] The second main board 212La includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2. The second main board 212La includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2, specifically three article holding structures RT1, RT2, which are arranged in a 1×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT1, RT2 includes an opening or orifice A3, A4. The second main board 212La includes two first article holding structures RT1, and each first article holding structure RT1 includes a first opening or orifice A3. The second main board 212La includes a single second article holding structure RT2, and each second article holding structure RT2 includes a second opening or orifice A4.

[0154] The third main board 212Lb includes at least one article holding structure RT1, RT2. The third main board 212Lb includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2, specifically three article holding structures RT1, RT2, which are arranged in a 1×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT1, RT2 includes an opening or orifice A3, A4. The third main board 212Lb includes two first article holding structures RT1, and each first article holding structure RT1 includes a first opening or orifice A3. The third main board 212Lb includes a single second article holding structure RT2, and each second article holding structure RT2 includes a second opening or orifice A4.

[0155] Each of the first and second article holding structures RT1, RT2 is substantially similar in construction to Figure 1 the first and second article holding structures RT1, RT2 shown and described above, and will not be described in detail herein.

[0156] The second main board 212La together with the first inner end plate 222La, the second inner end plate 226La, the first internal upper side plate 214L and the first internal lower side plate 216L can be folded about the fold line F7a so that the second main board 212La is in a face-to-face relationship with a part of the main board 212. When the second main board 212La is in a face-to-face relationship with the main board 212, one of the article holding structures RT1, RT2 therein is vertically aligned with one of the article holding structures RT2, RT2' in the main board 212. In this way, a double-layer structure is formed, and the articles are held or fixed by the internal and external series of teeth or tabs.

[0157] The third main board 212Lb, together with the third inner end board 222Lb, the fourth inner end board 226Lb, the second inner upper side board 218L, and the second inner lower side board 220L, can be folded around the fold line F7b so that the third main board 212Lb is in a face-to-face relationship with a part of the main board 212. When the third main board 212Lb is in a face-to-face relationship with the main board 212, the article holding structures RT1, RT2 therein are vertically aligned with one of the article holding structures RT2, RT2' in the main board 212. In this way, a double-layer structure is formed, and the articles are held or retained by an internal and an external series of teeth or tabs.

[0158] At least a part of the third main board 212Lb can be arranged in a face-to-face relationship with the second main board 212La. In the illustrated embodiment, the second and third main boards 212La, 212Lb form a three-layer structure in the area of the handle structure. The handle structure H can include at least one finger opening in the main board 212 and corresponding handle openings in each of the second main board 212La and the third main board 212Lb. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening can be at least partially defined by at least one handle tab punched out from or defined in the main board 212. Each handle tab is hingedly connected to the main board 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. Each handle opening includes an aperture A1, which is shaped and configured to be complementary to the associated finger opening.

[0159] Figure 5 A blank 310 is shown, which includes a main board 312 for forming an upper or outer top wall or joining plate of a carrier (not shown) and a second main board 312L for forming a lower or inner top wall or joining plate of the carrier. The second main board 312L is hingedly connected to the main board 312 by a hinged connection F7, and in some embodiments, the hinged connection can be frangible.

[0160] The second main board 312L includes at least one article holding structure RT1'. The second main board 312L includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1', specifically six article holding structures RT1', which are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT1' includes an opening or aperture A3. Each article holding structure RT1' is substantially similar in construction to Figure 1 and 6AThe first article holding structure RT1 shown, although the hinge connection 341 between the teeth 340 and the main board 312 is provided by scored or embossed lines rather than multiple cut lines. Each hinge connection can be defined by multiple cut lines. Each hinge connection is arranged to be non-linear. In an alternative embodiment, the hinge connection can be arranged to be linear. Similarly, the intermediate hinge or fold line extending radially outward from the first aperture A3 is defined by a scored or embossed line 343 rather than a cut line. Thus, each tooth 340 can be folded about the radial hinge 343.

[0161] An imaginary line collinear with the radial hinge 343 passes through a corner of the second main board 312L, which can be defined by the vertex or intersection of the imaginary extensions of the side edge and the end edge of the second main board 312L, as Figure 5 shown.

[0162] The main board 312 includes at least one additional article holding structure RT5, RT6. The main board 312 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT5, RT6, specifically six article holding structures RT5, RT6, which are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each additional article holding structure RT5, RT6 includes an opening or aperture A7, A8.

[0163] The main board 312 includes four second article holding structures RT5. The second article holding structures RT5 are positioned adjacent to the ends of the main board 312. The main board 312 includes two third article holding structures RT6. The third article holding structures RT6 are positioned between a first pair of second article holding structures RT5 disposed near the first end of the main board 312 and a second pair of second article holding structures RT2 disposed near the second end of the main board 312. The third article holding structures RT6 are also referred to herein as intermediate article holding structures RT6. The second article holding structures RT5 are also referred to herein as end article holding structures RT5.

[0164] The second and third article holding structures RT5, RT6 of the illustrated embodiment take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c - specifically, but not limited to, four teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c - which are arranged around the apertures A7, A8 to form part of an article receiving opening.

[0165] Each second or outermost article holding structure RT5 includes a first opening or aperture A7. Each third or intermediate article holding structure RT6 includes a second opening or aperture A8.

[0166] The outermost article holding structure RT5 includes an article receiving opening partially defined by the first aperture A7, which is defined in or punched out from the main board 312.

[0167] The intermediate article holding structure RT6 includes an article receiving opening that is partially defined by a second aperture A8, which is defined in or punched out from the main board 312.

[0168] The most distal article holding structure RT5 includes a first plurality of teeth or tabs 350 disposed around a first aperture A7, and each intermediate article holding structure RT6 includes a second plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c disposed around a second aperture A8.

[0169] The first plurality of teeth 350 are provided by the main board 312. Each tooth 350 is pivotally connected to the main board 312 by a respective hinge connection 357. Each hinge connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines, score lines, embossed lines, or other suitable fold line features. Each hinge connection may be arranged linearly.

[0170] Each of the first plurality of teeth 350 is separated from its adjacent tooth by cut lines 351, 351'. The cut lines 351, 351' may extend radially outward from the first aperture A7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 351 is disposed opposite the third cut line 351 (the first and third cut lines 351 are collinear), and the second cut line 351' is disposed opposite the fourth cut line 351' (the second and fourth cut lines 351' are collinear).

[0171] At least one of the cut lines 351, 351' may terminate at a notch 355, which may be linear and may be oriented perpendicular to at least one of the cut lines 351, 351'. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cut lines 351, 351' may terminate at a transverse notch 355. Each of the second cut line 351' and the fourth cut line 351' may terminate at a respective notch 355. An imaginary line collinear with the second cut line 351' and the fourth cut line 351' passes through a corner of the main board 312, which may be defined by the vertex or intersection of the imaginary extensions of the side edge and the end edge of the main board 312, as Figure 5 shown.

[0172] The notches 355 that terminate the second and fourth cut lines 350 may extend between a pair of adjacent fold lines 357 and between adjacent hinge edges of a pair of adjacent teeth 350.

[0173] The shape of each tooth 350 is pentagonal and, in the illustrated embodiment, is an irregular pentagon.

[0174] The second plurality of teeth or tabs 350, 350b, 350c are provided by the main board 312. Each tooth 350, 350b, 350c is pivotally connected to the main board 312 via a respective pivotal connection 357. Each pivotal connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines, score lines, embossed lines, or other suitable fold line features. Each pivotal connection may be arranged linearly.

[0175] Each of the second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c is separated from its adjacent tooth by a cut line 351, 351'. The cut lines 351, 351' may extend radially outward from the second aperture A8. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 351 is disposed opposite the third cut line 351' (the first and third cut lines 351, 351' are collinear), and the second cut line 350 is disposed opposite the fourth cut line 351' (the second and fourth cut lines 351, 351' are collinear). The second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c includes a pair of first teeth 350, a second tooth 350b, and a third tooth 350c.

[0176] At least one of the cut lines 351' may terminate at a notch 355, which may be linear and may be oriented perpendicular to the at least one of the cut lines 351'. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cut lines 351' may terminate at a transverse notch 355. Each of the third cut line 351' and the fourth cut line 351' may terminate at a respective notch 355.

[0177] The third cut line 351' and the fourth cut line 351' partially define the opposing edges of the third tooth 350c, and the shape of the third tooth 350c may be hexagonal and is an irregular hexagon in the illustrated embodiment. The second tooth 350b is disposed opposite the third tooth 350c and is generally trapezoidal in shape. The pair of first teeth 350 is pentagonal in shape and is an irregular pentagon in the illustrated embodiment, and the pair of first teeth 350 extends between the second tooth 350b and the third tooth 350c.

[0178] The intermediate article holding structure RT6 includes a pair of transverse notches 355 disposed at its adjacent corners, while the outermost article holding structure RT5 includes a pair of transverse notches 355 disposed opposite each other.

[0179] The notch 355 may extend between a pair of adjacent pivotal connections 357 of the second plurality of teeth 350, 350b, 350c.

[0180] The shapes of the first and second apertures A7, A8 may be generally square, and the cut lines 351, 351' extend radially outward from the respective corners.

[0181] The second main board 312L can be folded into a face-to-face relationship with the main board 312, such that each of the second and third article holding structures RT5, RT6 is vertically aligned with a corresponding one of the first article holding structures RT1'.

[0182] Now referring Figures 6B to 6D to FIGS. 7A and 7B to 8, alternative embodiments of the article holding device are shown.

[0183] Figure 7B An article holding structure RT5' is shown, which is generally similar in construction to Figure 5 the second article holding structure RT5 shown, although adapted for use in a blank having a second board 314 which is hingedly connected to a side edge or end edge of the main board 312 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 313; the blank may take a form generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 FIGS. 3 7A and 4. In the article holding structure RT5', one of the teeth 352 is punched out from the main board 312, that is to say provided from the material which would otherwise form the main board 312, and the tooth 352 is integral with the second board 314. The hinge connection between the tooth 352 and the main board 312 has been omitted. The hinge connection 313 between the second board 314 and the main board 312 is interrupted. The hinge connections between the other teeth 350 and the main board 312 include a combination of at least one cut line 357b and at least one score or emboss line 357a. In the embodiment shown, each hinge connection includes a pair of cut lines 357b and three score or emboss lines 357a.

[0184] In Figures 6B to 6D the Figure 8 embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, although prefixes "400"; "500"; "600"; "700" are added to indicate that these features pertain to the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments, the same numerals are used to denote the same parts where possible. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the Figures 1 to 6A embodiments of FIGS.

[0185] Figure 6B 7A and 7B, and will therefore only be described in more detail with respect to the differences from those embodiments. Figure 6A An article holding structure RT7 is shown, which is generally similar in construction to Figure 6Ais non-linear in the embodiment. Each tooth 440 is hinged to the main board by a hinge connection 441 provided by a score or embossed line rather than multiple cutting lines. Each score or embossed line extends between a pair of incisions 447 that terminate the corresponding radial cutting line 445 that separates one tooth 440 from another tooth 440.

[0186] Each tooth 440 includes an intermediate hinge or fold line that extends radially outward from a first aperture A9. The intermediate hinge or fold line can be partially defined by a cutting line 443b and partially defined by a score or embossed line 443a. In this way, each tooth 440 can be folded about the radial hinge 443a / 443b.

[0187] Figure 6C An article holding structure RT8 is shown, which is substantially similar in construction to Figure 6B the shown article holding structure RT7. The article holding structure RT8 includes four teeth 540 disposed around an aperture A3. The aperture A3 defines a mating or free edge E1 of the teeth 540; the mating or free edge E1 is non-linear and includes a pair of linear segments that are divergently arranged relative to each other to define a "V"-shaped edge E1. Each tooth 540 is hinged to the main board by a hinge connection 541a / 541b provided by a score or embossed line rather than multiple cutting lines. The hinge connection 541a / 541b includes a pair of linear segments 541, 541b that are divergently arranged relative to each other to define a "V"-shaped fold line. Each score or embossed line extends between a pair of incisions 547 that terminate the corresponding radial cutting line 545 that separates one tooth 540 from another tooth 540.

[0188] Each tooth 540 includes an intermediate hinge or fold line that extends radially outward from a first aperture A3. The intermediate hinge or fold line can be partially defined by a cutting line 543b and partially defined by a score or embossed line 543a. In this way, each tooth 540 can be folded about the radial hinge 543a / 543b. The radial hinge 543a / 543b extends between a vertex or intersection between a pair of linear segments of the mating or free edge E1 and a vertex or intersection between a pair of linear segments 541, 541b of the hinge connection 541a / 541b.

[0189] Figure 6D An article holding structure RT9 is shown, which is substantially similar in construction to Figure 6BThe article holding structure RT7 as shown. The article holding structure RT9 includes four teeth 640 disposed around the orifice A9. The shape of the orifice A9 is generally square, and the teeth 640 include a joint or free edge E1 defined by the orifice A9; the joint or free edge E1 is linear. Each tooth 640 is hinged to the main board through a hinge connection 641a / 641b / 641c provided by a scored or embossed line rather than multiple cut lines. The hinge connection 641a / 641b / 641c includes a plurality of linear segments 641a, 641b, 641c arranged divergently with respect to each other. Each scored or embossed line extends between a pair of incisions 647, and the incisions 647 terminate the corresponding radial cut line 645 that separates one tooth 640 from another tooth 640.

[0190] Each tooth 640 includes a pair of radial hinges or fold lines 643a / 643b that extend radially outward from the first orifice A9. Each hinge or fold line 643a / 643b can be partially defined by a cut line 643b and partially defined by a scored or embossed line 643a. In this way, each tooth 640 can be folded around the radial hinge 643a / 643b.

[0191] Figure 8 The article holding structure RT10 is shown, which is basically similar in construction to Figure 7B the second article holding structure RT5’ as shown, and is configured for use in a blank having a second plate 714, which is hingedly connected to the side edge or end edge of the main board 712 through a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 713; the blank can take a form basically similar to Figure 1 、 3 and that shown in FIG. 4. In the article holding structure RT10, one of the teeth 752 is punched out from the main board 712, that is, provided by the material that would originally form the main board 712, and the tooth 752 is integral with the second plate 714. The hinge connection between the tooth 752 and the main board 712 has been omitted. The hinge connection 713 between the second plate 714 and the main board 712 is interrupted. The hinge connection between the other teeth 750 and the main board 712 includes a combination of at least one cut line 757b and at least one scored or embossed line 757a. In the illustrated embodiment, each hinge connection includes a pair of cut lines 757b and three scored or embossed lines 757a. The teeth 750, 752 are separated from their adjacent teeth by cut lines 751, 751’.

[0192] The cut lines 751, 751’ can extend radially outward from the orifice A7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 751 is disposed opposite the third cut line 751 (the first and third cut lines 751 are collinear), and the second cut line 751’ is disposed opposite the fourth cut line 751’ (the second and fourth cut lines 751’ are collinear).

[0193] At least one of the cutting lines 751, 751' may terminate at the cut 755, which is non-linear and may be generally arcuate or formed by a plurality of connected linear segments. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cutting lines 751' may terminate at the transverse cut 755. The second cutting line 751' and the fourth cutting line 751' each terminate at a respective cut 755.

[0194] Figures 6A to 6D Embodiments of the article holding devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 are intended for use in the inner or lower joining plates of an article carrier. Figures 7A to 8 Embodiments of the article holding devices RT2, RT5', RT10 are intended for use in the outer or upper joining plates of an article carrier. Any one of the lower article holding devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 may be used in combination with any one of the upper article holding devices RT2, RT5', RT10. Additionally, a single blank may employ two or more different lower article holding devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 in the lower joining plate and two or more different upper article holding devices RT2, RT5', RT10 in the upper joining plate. In some embodiments, at least one holding device employed in the lower joining plate may have the same structure as at least one holding device employed in the upper joining plate, and the devices may be arranged in alignment to accommodate the same article or may be arranged to receive different articles.

[0195] It will be appreciated that depending on the combination of holding structures selected, the intermediate hinge of the teeth in the lower article holding devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 may be circumferentially or angularly offset relative to the cutting line defining the side edge of the teeth in the upper article holding devices RT2, RT5', RT10, examples of which are shown in Figure 1 blank 10. In some combinations, the intermediate hinge of the teeth in the lower article holding devices RT1, RT7, RT8, RT9 may be aligned or vertically aligned with the cutting line defining the side edge of one of the teeth in the upper article holding devices RT2, RT5', RT10, examples of which are shown in Figure 5 blank 310.

[0196] Blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 comprise at least a cardboard substrate. The material of the cardboard substrate may be selected from any conventional cardboard, e.g., in a weight range from about 10 pt. upwards, preferably from about 16 pt. to about 28 pt. (0.028" / ~0.7 mm). Examples of such substrates are: 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate board coated on one side, trade name ) or board (coated —— Unbleached kraft paperboard with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote TM ); 21 point (pt.) SBS board or board; and E flute or F flute corrugated fiberboard manufactured by the company. The paperboard substrate can be bleached or unbleached board. The board can be coated on at least one side, optionally on the side opposite to lamination, and a conventional coating compatible with the printing method and paperboard composition is selected.

[0197] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer can be disposed on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and can be formed of a polymeric material and fixed to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials can include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet materials such as which can include a layer of n-axis oriented film, such as which is biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. In addition, the tear resistance can be attributed to the chemical properties of the tear-resistant material (such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE)).

[0198] Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer can be a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In embodiments using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE, it is not necessary to add an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials with a high level of tear resistance can also be used.

[0199] The adhesive layer can be formed of a polyolefin material (such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)). The adhesive layer can be placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to fix the tear-resistant layer to the substrate.

[0200] The present disclosure provides a top-joining type carrier having an improved article holding structure or article top-joining device.

[0201] It can be appreciated that various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the board and the orifice can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes, a greater or smaller number of articles, and / or articles arranged in different array configurations.

[0202] It will be recognized that, as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "rear", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper", and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective boards to such orientations, but can merely be used to distinguish these boards from each other.

[0203] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "crease line" refer to lines in all ways that define the hinge features of the blank, facilitate the folding of parts of the blank relative to each other, or otherwise indicate the optimal panel folding positions of the blank. Any reference to a "hinge connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring only to a single crease line; in fact, a hinge connection can be formed by two or more crease lines, where the shape of each of the two or more crease lines can be straight / linear or curved / curved. When linear crease lines form a hinge connection, they can be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled relative to each other. When curved crease lines form a hinge connection, they can intersect each other to define a formed panel within the area enclosed by the curved crease lines. Typical examples of such hinge connections can include a pair of arched or bowed crease lines that intersect at two points such that they define an oval panel therebetween. A hinge connection can be formed by one or more linear crease lines and one or more curved crease lines. Typical examples of such hinge connections can include a combination of a linear crease line and an arched or bowed crease line that intersect at two points such that a crescent-shaped panel is defined therebetween.

[0204] As used herein, the term "crease line" can refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a recessed line, a perforated line, a short slit, a half-cut line, a single half-cut line, an intermittent cut line, an alignment slit, a scratch line, and any combination of the foregoing options. The term "crease line" as used herein refers to one or more crease lines on an erected carrier and should not be limited to pre-formed hinge connections or crease lines that can be seen on the blank of the carrier, but can refer to one or more post-formed crease lines that naturally occur on the erected carrier due to the erection process of the carrier.

[0205] It should be understood that the hinge connection and the crease line can each include elements formed in the substrate of the blank, including perforations, perforated lines, short slits, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, cut lines, intermittent cut lines, slits, scratches, embossed lines, recessed lines, and any combination thereof, etc. The size and arrangement of the elements can be set to provide the desired function. For example, the size or design of the perforated line can be set to have a degree of weakening to define a crease line and / or a dividing line. The perforated line can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with a greater force, or to facilitate breaking with a very small force.

[0206] As used herein, the phrase "aligned" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an upright cardboard box, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. Those elements that are aligned with each other can be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when the aperture in the first panel is "aligned" with the second aperture in the second panel, the second panel is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the aperture can extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second aperture, and can be aligned with the second aperture in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, wherein, one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of each tooth of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

2. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein, the one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with marginal side portions of each tooth of the adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

3. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein, each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from its adjacent tooth by a "T"-shaped cut line that defines a corner of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein the one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed to contact a corner of each tooth of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

4. The article carrier according to claim 3, wherein, each of the second plurality of teeth includes an engaging free edge.

5. The article carrier according to claim 4, wherein, a first width dimension W1 is defined between ends of an adjacent pair of the "T"-shaped cut lines, and a second width dimension W2 is defined between ends of the engaging free edge, the first width dimension W1 being equal to or greater than the second width dimension W2.

6. The article carrier according to claim 4, wherein, the engaging free edge is non-linear.

7. The article carrier according to claim 6, wherein, the engaging free edge includes a first linear segment and a second linear segment disposed divergently with respect to the first linear segment.

8. The article carrier according to claim 4, wherein, the engaging free edge is a load-bearing edge for supporting an article.

9. The article carrier according to claim 4, wherein, the engaging free edge is a load-bearing edge for suspending an article therefrom.

10. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein, each of the first plurality of teeth includes a free edge opposite an articulated connection to the first panel.

11. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, the free edge is a load-bearing edge for supporting an article.

12. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, the free edge is a load-bearing edge for suspending an article therefrom.

13. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, One of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact a part of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

14. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, Each of the second plurality of teeth is arranged to contact at least three of the first plurality of teeth.

15. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, Each of the first plurality of teeth includes a first angular width θ1, and each of the second plurality of teeth includes a second angular width θ2, and the first angular width θ1 is greater than the second angular width θ2.

16. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, The first plate forms an upper engagement plate, and the second plate forms a lower engagement plate, the first plurality of teeth form upper engagement teeth, and the second plurality of teeth form lower engagement teeth.

17. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, The "T"-shaped cutting line includes a first part radially extending from the second article receiving aperture and a second part extending transversely to the first part.

18. The article carrier according to claim 17, Wherein, The second part is linear.

19. The article carrier according to claim 17, Wherein, The second part is non-linear.

20. The article carrier according to claim 19, Wherein, The second part is arcuate.

21. The article carrier according to claim 19, Wherein, The second part includes a plurality of linear segments arranged divergently relative to each other.

22. The article carrier according to claim 1, Wherein, Each of the second plurality of teeth includes a proximal end defined by a hinged connection with the second plate, and the proximal end is spaced apart from an article received in the first and second article holding devices.

23. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first plate and a second plate arranged in a face-to-face relationship with the first plate, the first plate having at least one first article holding device defined therein, the second plate having at least one second article holding device defined therein, the at least one second article holding device being aligned with the at least one first article holding device in a vertically aligned manner, the at least one first article holding device including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article holding device including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, Wherein, The first of the first plurality of teeth is arranged in an overlapping relationship with a first part of the first of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein, the second of the first plurality of teeth is arranged in an overlapping relationship with a second part of the first of the second plurality of teeth.

24. The article carrier according to claim 23, Wherein, Each of the second plurality of teeth is separated from an adjacent tooth thereof by a "T"-shaped cut line, a first "T"-shaped cut line defining a first corner of the first of the second plurality of teeth, a second "T"-shaped cut line defining a second corner of the first of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein the first of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact the first corner of the first of the second plurality of teeth, and the second of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact the second corner of the first of the second plurality of teeth.

25. The article carrier according to claim 23, wherein, the third of the first plurality of teeth is arranged to contact an intermediate portion of the first of the second plurality of teeth.

26. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being arranged to be disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article holding means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article holding means defined therein, the at least one second article holding means being configured to be disposed in a vertically aligned manner with the at least one first article holding means, the at least one first article holding means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article holding means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, wherein, in an installed state, one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of each of an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth.

27. The blank according to claim 26, wherein, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel.

28. The blank according to claim 27, wherein, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a hinge connection.

29. The blank according to claim 28, wherein, the hinge connection is frangible.

30. The blank according to claim 27, wherein, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by a pair of connecting panels.

31. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being arranged to be disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article holding means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article holding means defined therein, the at least one second article holding means being configured to be disposed in a vertically aligned manner with the at least one first article holding means, the at least one first article holding means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a first plurality of teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article holding means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a second plurality of teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, wherein, In the installed state, a first one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a first portion of a first one of the second plurality of teeth, and wherein a second one of the first plurality of teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a second portion of the first one of the second plurality of teeth.

32. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, wherein, the at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the at least one second tooth, the at least one second tooth including a radially extending broken line arranged to contact a surface of the at least one first tooth.

33. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening defined in part by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening defined in part by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, wherein, one of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth, the second teeth including a radially extending broken line arranged to contact a surface of the first teeth.

34. The article carrier according to claim 33, wherein, the first panel forms an upper engaging panel, and the second panel forms a lower engaging panel, the first teeth form upper engaging teeth, and the second teeth form lower engaging teeth, the radially extending broken line being arranged to contact a lower surface of the first teeth.

35. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the at least one first tooth being partially defined by a pair of radially extending cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, the at least one second tooth including a radially extending broken line. Wherein, the at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlap with the at least one second tooth such that the radially extending cut lines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending broken line.

36. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and at least one first tooth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the plurality of first teeth being partially defined by radially extending cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and at least one second tooth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, the at least one second tooth including a radially extending broken line. Wherein, the at least one first tooth is disposed in at least partial overlap with the at least one second tooth such that each radially extending broken line is vertically aligned with one of the radially extending cut lines.

37. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the plurality of first teeth being partially defined by radial cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, the second teeth including radially extending broken lines. Wherein, each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth such that the radial cut lines are angularly offset with respect to the radially extending broken lines.

38. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier including a first panel and a second panel disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first panel, the first panel having at least one first article retaining means defined therein, the second panel having at least one second article retaining means defined therein, the at least one second article retaining means being aligned vertically with the at least one first article retaining means, the at least one first article retaining means including a first article receiving opening partially defined by a first article receiving aperture and a plurality of first teeth disposed around the first article receiving aperture, the plurality of first teeth being partially defined by radial cut lines extending from the first article receiving aperture, the at least one second article retaining means including a second article receiving opening partially defined by a second article receiving aperture and a plurality of second teeth disposed around the second article receiving aperture, the second teeth including radially extending broken lines. Wherein, each of the plurality of first teeth is disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of one of the plurality of second teeth such that each radially extending broken line is vertically aligned with one of the radial cut lines.

Images