Blank for forming article carrier

Abstract

A blank (10) for forming an article carrier (90) has a main panel (12) including at least one article retention structure R1 having an aperture A1 defined in the main panel and one or more protrusions formed around a periphery of the aperture in the main panel. The one or more tabs are connected to the main panel such that when an article is received in the aperture, the tabs bend outwardly from a plane of the main panel to abut against the article. The primary panel includes a paperboard substrate and at least one polymer layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application number 201780041330.7. The present invention relates to an article carrier and a blank for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a top-clamping type carrier having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein. Background Art

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide article carriers or cartons for carrying multiple articles. Carriers are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little waste as possible of the material from which they are formed. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. It is desirable that the contents of the carrier be secure within the carrier.

[0003] It is known to provide a top-hold article carrier in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier and a protrusion is punched out of the aperture. When an article is received in the aperture, the protrusion moves outwardly from the plane of the panel, wherein the protrusion engages the article generally around a flange or lip of the article.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of article carriers typically formed from cardboard or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a blank for forming an article carrier is provided. The blank includes a main panel including at least one article-retaining structure having an aperture defined therein. The blank also includes one or more protrusions formed around a perimeter of the aperture in the main panel. The one or more protrusions are connected to the main panel such that, when an article is received in the aperture, the protrusions flex outwardly from the plane of the main panel to abut against the article. The main panel includes a paperboard substrate and at least one polymer layer.

[0006] Optionally, the paperboard substrate is formed from a foldable sheet selected from the group consisting of paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, and combinations thereof.

[0007] Optionally, the at least one polymer layer comprises an n-axially oriented film, wherein "n" is a positive integer.

[0008] Optionally, the n-axis oriented film is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and high-density polyolefin.

[0009] Optionally, the at least one polymer layer is tear resistant due to the chemical nature of the material from which it is formed.

[0010] Alternatively, the material is extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene.

[0011] Optionally, the primary panel is defined by a perimeter to which no other part of the carrier is connected.

[0012] Optionally, the main panel is defined by a perimeter comprising a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, wherein the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge.

[0013] Optionally, the carrier is arranged to package articles having a maximum diameter D1 in an array having a first integer number of rows Y, and wherein the primary panel, when applied to an article, has a maximum length equal to or less than Y×D1.

[0014] Optionally, the array has a second integer number of columns Z, and wherein, when the joining panel is applied to the article, the primary panel has a maximum width equal to or less than Z x D1.

[0015] Optionally, the main panel has an opposing surface having different properties from the other surface.

[0016] Optionally, one of the opposing surfaces has a surface treatment to provide good printability.

[0017] Optionally, the polymer layer is provided on another surface of the main panel.

[0018] Optionally, the polymer layer is a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard substrate.

[0019] Optionally, the main panel includes a handle structure.

[0020] Optionally, the handle structure comprises at least one handle hole formed in the main panel at a position spaced apart from the hole.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising at least one article retention structure, the article retention structure having an aperture defined in the main panel, the main panel further comprising one or more tabs formed around a periphery of the aperture in the main panel, the one or more tabs being connected to the main panel such that when an article is received in the aperture, the tabs flex outwardly from the plane of the main panel to bear against the article, wherein the one or more tabs comprise a paperboard base and at least one polymer layer secured to the base.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising at least one article retaining structure, the article retaining structure having a hole defined in the main panel, the main panel further comprising one or more protrusions formed around a periphery of the hole in the main panel, the one or more protrusions being connected to the main panel so that when an article is received in the hole, the protrusions are displaced outwardly from the plane of the main panel to abut against the article, wherein the main panel comprises a cardboard base, wherein the carrier is arranged to package articles having a maximum diameter D1 in the form of an array having a first integer number of rows Y, and wherein, when the main panel is applied to an article, the main panel has a maximum length equal to or less than Y×D1.

[0023] Optionally, the array has a second integer number of columns Z, and wherein, when the joining panel is applied to the article, the primary panel has a maximum width equal to or less than Z x D1.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a combination comprising two or more connected blanks, each of which is used to form an article carrier, each of the blanks comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising at least one article retaining structure, the article retaining structure having a hole defined in the main panel, wherein each of the main panels is defined by a perimeter comprising a convex curved edge and a concave curved edge, and wherein the two or more connected blanks are connected together at their convex curved edges.

[0025] Optionally, each of the two or more connected blanks is frangibly connected to a next adjacent blank of the two or more connected blanks by at least one frangible connection.

[0026] Optionally, the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a top-jointed carrier for packaging one or more articles is provided. The carrier includes a main panel including first and second adjacent apertures arranged side by side, each of the first and second apertures being configured to receive a portion of an article. The main panel further includes an annular series of protrusions formed around each of the first and second apertures. Each annular series of protrusions is hingedly connected to the main panel such that, when an article is received in the corresponding aperture, the protrusions bend outwardly from the plane of the main panel to abut against the article, wherein the protrusions in each annular series are separated from each other by a notch provided between each protrusion and the next adjacent protrusion. Each notch includes a curved end at a position farthest from the center of the corresponding aperture. The protrusions in each annular series define a corresponding imaginary circle, with the curved end of the notch provided within the imaginary circle being internal to and tangentially contacting the imaginary circle. The imaginary circles of the two annular series of protrusions are separated from each other by a first distance, and the distance between the curved end of any one of the notches of the first aperture and the curved end of any one of the notches of the second aperture is greater than the first distance.

[0028] Optionally, none of the protrusions has a radial dimension greater than a radius of the corresponding imaginary circle.

[0029] Optionally, all of the protrusions have a radial dimension that is smaller than the radius of the corresponding imaginary circle.

[0030] Optionally, the primary panel is defined by a perimeter to which no other part of the carrier is connected.

[0031] Optionally, the primary panel is defined by a perimeter that is not connected to other panels.

[0032] Optionally, the main panel is defined by a perimeter defined throughout the entirety thereof by cut edges.

[0033] Optionally, the main panel is defined by a perimeter comprising a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, wherein the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge.

[0034] Optionally, each tab is hinged to the main panel by a straight fold line which tangentially contacts or intersects the curved end of an adjacent cutout.

[0035] Optionally, the diameter of the imaginary circle is smaller than the maximum diameter of the article and larger than the diameter of the upper end of the article.

[0036] Optionally, the upper end of the article is defined by a feature selected from the group consisting of: a chime, a cap or a flange.

[0037] Optionally, each tab is hinged to the main panel by a straight fold line which tangentially contacts or intersects the curved end of an adjacent cutout.

[0038] Optionally, the diameter of the imaginary circle is smaller than the maximum diameter of the article and larger than the diameter of the upper end of the article.

[0039] Optionally, the upper end of the article is defined by a feature selected from the group consisting of: a chime, a cap or a flange.

[0040] Optionally, the carrier is arranged to pack articles having a maximum diameter D1 in an array having a first integer number Y of rows and a second integer number Z of columns.

[0041] Optionally, when the primary panel is applied to an article, the primary panel has a maximum length equal to or less than Y x D1.

[0042] Optionally, when the joining panel is applied to the article, the main panel has a maximum width equal to or less than Z x D1.

[0043] Optionally, the curved end portion of each cutout includes a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 1 / 16 inch (1.6 mm).

[0044] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a blank for forming an article carrier is provided. The blank includes a main panel including first and second adjacent apertures arranged side by side, each of the first and second apertures being configured to receive a portion of an article. The main panel further includes an annular series of protrusions formed around each of the first and second apertures. Each protrusion in the annular series is hingedly connected to the main panel so as to bend outward from the plane of the main panel when an article is received in the corresponding aperture, thereby being configured to abut the received article. The protrusions in each annular series are separated from each other by a cutout provided between each protrusion and the next adjacent protrusion; each cutout includes a curved end at a position farthest from the center of the corresponding aperture. The protrusions in each annular series define a corresponding imaginary circle, with the curved end of the cutout provided within the imaginary circle being internal to and tangentially contacting the imaginary circle. The imaginary circles of the protrusions in the two annular series are separated from each other by a first distance. The distance between the curved end of any one of the cutouts in the first aperture and the curved end of any one of the cutouts in the second aperture is greater than the first distance.

[0045] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a main panel comprising at least one article holding structure having a hole defined in the main panel. The main panel further comprises an annular series of protrusions formed around the hole, the annular series of protrusions being hingedly connected to the main panel so that when an article is received in the hole, the protrusions bend outwardly from the plane of the main panel so as to abut against the article. The annular series of protrusions are separated from each other by cuts provided between each protrusion and the next adjacent protrusion, each cut being defined by a pair of opposing side edges and by curved end edges extending between the side edges. The curved end portions are provided at positions farthest from the center of the corresponding hole, wherein the opposing side edges are arranged divergently relative to each other.

[0046] Optionally, each annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary circle. The curved end of the cutout disposed within the imaginary circle is internally and tangentially in contact with the imaginary circle. The hinged connection of the annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary polygon having an integer number of sides N; and the opposing side edges of the cutout define an angle θ between the opposing side edges, the angle θ being greater than zero and less than a maximum angle θ. m ,in

[0047] Optionally, each annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary circle, wherein the curved end of the cutout disposed within the imaginary circle internally and tangentially contacts the imaginary circle, wherein the opposing side edges define an angle θ therebetween, wherein the angle θ is within one of a range selected from the group consisting of: angle θ greater than 0° and less than 45°; angle θ greater than 0° and less than 30°; angle θ between 5° and 25°; angle θ between 10° and 20°; angle θ between 14° and 17°; and angle θ between 15° and 16°.

[0048] Optionally, each annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary circle, the curved end of the cutout disposed within the imaginary circle internally and tangentially contacting the imaginary circle, and wherein the opposing side edges define an angle θ between the opposing side edges, wherein the angle θ is approximately 15.5°.

[0049] Optionally, each annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary circle, and the curved end of the cutout disposed within the imaginary circle is internally and tangentially in contact with the imaginary circle. The hinged connection of the annular series of protrusions defines an imaginary polygon having an integer number of sides N, and wherein the opposing side edges of the cutout define an angle θ therebetween, the angle θ being greater than zero and less than a maximum angle θ.m , where θ m =(180(N-2)) / 2N.

[0050] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises a main panel comprising at least one article holding structure having a hole defined in the main panel. The main panel further comprises an annular series of projections formed around the hole, the annular series of projections being hingedly connected to the main panel so as to bend outwardly from the plane of the main panel when an article is received in the hole and configured to abut against the article. The annular series of projections are separated from one another by cuts provided between each projection and the next adjacent projection, each cut being defined by a pair of opposing side edges and by curved end edges extending between the side edges. The curved end portions are provided at positions furthest from the centre of the respective holes, wherein the opposing side edges are arranged divergently relative to one another.

[0051] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel comprising at least one article retaining structure having a hole defined in the main panel. The blank further comprises an annular series of protrusions formed around the hole in the main panel. The annular series of protrusions are hingedly connected to the main panel so that when an article is received in the hole, the protrusions bend outwardly from the plane of the main panel so as to abut against the article. The annular series of protrusions are separated from each other by cuts provided between each protrusion and the next adjacent protrusion. Each cut comprises a curved end at a position farthest from the center of the hole. The main panel comprises a cardboard base and at least one polymer tear resistant layer laminated together.

[0052] Alternatively, the paperboard substrate may be formed from a foldable sheet selected from the group consisting of paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, and combinations thereof.

[0053] Optionally, the at least one polymeric tear resistant layer comprises an n-axis oriented film, wherein "n" is a positive integer.

[0054] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising at least one article retention structure, the article retention structure having an aperture defined in the main panel, the blank further comprising a plurality of protrusions formed around a periphery of the aperture in the main panel, the plurality of protrusions being connected to the main panel such that when an article is received in the aperture, the protrusions bend outwardly from the plane of the main panel to abut against the article, wherein the main panel comprises a paperboard base and at least one polymer layer.

[0055] Optionally, the plurality of projections are formed as an annular series around the periphery of the aperture in the primary panel.

[0056] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a blank is provided, comprising two or more main panels, each of which is used to form an article carrier, each of the main panels comprising at least one article retaining structure having a hole defined in the main panel, wherein each of the main panels is defined by a periphery comprising a convex curved edge and a concave curved edge, and wherein the main panels are frangibly connected together so that the blank can be used for multiple groups of articles at the same time.

[0057] Alternatively, the blank may be attached as a single unit to a grouped arrangement of articles comprising two or more groups of articles.

[0058] Optionally, the main panels each include a matrix or array of article holding apertures in a Y x Z arrangement, where Y represents the number of rows of articles and Z represents the number of columns of articles.

[0059] Optionally, the width of the main panel is equal to Z times the maximum width of the article.

[0060] Optionally, the length of the main panel is equal to Y times the maximum width of the article.

[0061] It is contemplated and 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 in the accompanying drawings may be employed independently or in any combination thereof within the scope of the present application. For example, features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless incompatible features exist. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged plan view of the blank; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a holding structure of a blank; Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the items to be packaged; Figure 6 is Figure 1 a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from a blank of Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks according to a first embodiment showing a nested arrangement for cutting the blanks from a substrate sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it should be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various forms 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 need not be described in great detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 which can be formed into a carton or carrier 90, such as Figure 6 As shown, it is used to accommodate and carry a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as item B, as shown Figure 5 The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0065] Reference Figure 4 , shows a plan view of a blank 110 capable of being formed into a carton or carrier for housing and carrying a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as article B (e.g. Figure 5 ). The blank 110 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0066] In the embodiments described herein, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to containers for engaging and carrying articles (e.g., primary product containers). It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be conical and / or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tubes, bags, packages, and the like.

[0067] The blanks 10, 110 are formed from a sheet of a suitable substrate. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all forms of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be appreciated that one or more blanks may be employed, where appropriate, for example, to provide a carrier structure as described in more detail below.

[0068] The packaging structures or carriers described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of a material or coated with a material to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant sheet material manufactured by WestRock Corporation. Paperboard. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material can be provided in more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet can have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet facing outward from the finished package can be particularly smooth and can have a coating, such as a clay coating, or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inward-facing surface of the sheet can be provided with a coating, layer, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide one or more properties such as tear resistance, good adhesiveness, heat sealing, or other desired functional properties.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10, 110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the arrangement is a 3×2 matrix or array; in the embodiment shown, three rows of two items are provided, and item B is a beverage can. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 6×4 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment, six rows of four articles are provided, with article B being beverage cans. In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 110 may be four blanks 10 in a 2×2 matrix or array, each frangibly connected to at least two other blanks 10. Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of articles and / or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 The blank 10 includes a main panel 12 for forming the top wall or joining panel of the carrier 90 (see Figure 6 ).

[0071] The main panel 12 includes at least one article holding structure R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the main panel includes a plurality of article holding structures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, specifically, six article holding structures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array.

[0072] Each of the article retention structures R1 , R2 , R3 , R4 , R5 , R6 are substantially similar in structure and will therefore be described in detail with reference to the first and fifth article retention structures R1 , R5 .

[0073] The first article retention structure R1 includes an aperture A1. A plurality of article engagement tabs 16 are arranged around the periphery of the aperture A1. Each tab 16 is hinged to the main panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17. Each tab 16 is separated from its adjacent neighbor by an opening or notch 18. In this manner, each tab 16 includes a first side edge 19 and a second side edge 21. Each tab 16 includes a free end edge 23 opposite the hinged end edge 17. The free end edge 23 forms an engagement edge for retaining the article B or at least a portion thereof within the aperture A1. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, each free end edge 23 may be straight. However, each end edge 23 may alternatively be convexly curved or concavely curved when viewed from the center of the corresponding aperture A1 , A2, A3, A4, A5 or A6.

[0074] Each notch 18 includes a curved portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 18 include rounded ends. That is, the curved portion 20 may be defined by a portion of the circumference of a circle. A portion of the notch 18 may be defined by a segment of a circle. Another portion of the notch 18 may be defined by a trapezoid; the trapezoid may be an isosceles trapezoid. The trapezoid has converging side edges 19, 21. Each tab 16 may be hinged to the main panel 12 via a straight fold line 17 that tangentially contacts or intersects the rounded end 20 of the adjacent notch 18.

[0075] The curved portion 20 or rounded ends of the opening 18 may reduce the likelihood of a tear propagating from the opening 18 in the main panel 12 .

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the first article retention structure R1 includes ten protrusions 16 arranged around the periphery of the aperture A1. The article retention structure R1 defines an imaginary circle C1. The circle C1 is defined by the vertices of the first polygon P1, see Figure 3The polygon P1 is defined by the fold line 17 of the protrusion 16, see Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first polygon P1 is a decagon or a ten-sided polygon; in other embodiments, other polygons with more or fewer sides may be used. Each side of the first polygon P1 has an equal length.

[0077] The imaginary circle C1 has a diameter Dn and a radius Dn / 2.

[0078] The free end edge 23 of the protrusion 16 defines a second polygon P2. The protrusion 16 has a height x defined between the free end edge 23 and the hinge edge 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the first polygon P1 is a decagon or a ten-sided polygon; other polygons with more or fewer sides may be used in other embodiments. The second polygon P2 includes the same number of sides as the first polygon P1. Each side of the second polygon P2 has an equal length.

[0079] The first side edge 19 of the first protrusion 16c and the second side edge 21 of the second protrusion 16b define an angle θ therebetween; that is, the converging side edges 19, 21 of the trapezoidal portion of the opening 18 define an angle θ, see Figure 2 The angle θ is greater than zero and less than the maximum angle θm. When the angle θ is equal to the angle θm, the protrusion 16 has a substantially triangular shape, thereby reducing the engagement edge to a point.

[0080] The angle θm is defined by the following equation: in, N = number of sides of polygon P1 d = half the length of one side of polygon P1 x = height of protrusion 16 as well as Arctan represents the reciprocal of the trigonometric function tangent Reference Figure 3 : θ max =2×angle1 Angle 1=Angle 4-Angle 2 The diameter Dn of the imaginary circles C1, C2 must be at least equal to the diameter D2 of the concave edge, cap or flange 30 of the article B, see Figure 5 , so that the upper end of the article B can pass through the main panel 12. Therefore, the diameter of the flange 30 defines the minimum dimension of the diameter Dn of the imaginary circle C1.

[0081] The diameter Dn of the imaginary circles C1 and C2 must be less than or equal to the maximum diameter D1 of the article B so that the entire article B cannot pass through the main panel 12. Therefore, the maximum diameter D1 of the article B (see Figure 5 , wherein the maximum diameter D1 is defined by the body 34 of the article B) defines the maximum dimension of the diameter Dn of the imaginary circle C1. The body 34 of the article B is connected to the chime 30 by a tapered or reduced diameter shoulder 32.

[0082] In some embodiments, the diameter Dn of the imaginary circle C1 can be substantially equal to the diameter of the concave edge, cap, or flange 30 of the article B, see Figure 5 .

[0083] The main panel 12 includes a matrix or array of articles B arranged in a Y×Z arrangement, where Y represents the number of rows of articles B and Z represents the number of columns of articles B. The width W of the main panel 12 can be equal to Z times the maximum width D1 of the articles B; W=Z×D1. The length L of the main panel 12 can be equal to Y times the maximum width D1 of the articles B; L=Y×D1.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the articles B are arranged in a 3×2 matrix. The width W of the main panel 12 may be equal to twice the maximum width D1 of the articles B. The length L of the main panel 12 may be equal to three times the maximum width D1 of the articles B.

[0085] The diameter Dn of the imaginary circle C1 may be smaller than the maximum diameter D1 of the article B and larger than the diameter D2 of the concave edge, cap, or flange of the article B.

[0086] In one example, article B may have a maximum diameter D1 of 2.6 inches (66 mm), the concave edge or flange 30 may have a diameter of 2.1 inches (53.3 mm), and the imaginary circles C1, C2 may have a diameter of 2.3 inches (58.4 mm). The protrusion 16 may have a height x of 3 / 16 inches (4.76 mm). The width W of the main panel 12 may be 5.3 inches (134.6 mm) and the length L may be 7.8 inches (198.1 mm).

[0087] In another embodiment, the angle θ is greater than 0° and less than 45°, and in yet another embodiment, the angle θ is greater than 0° and less than 30°. The angle θ may be between 5° and 25°, or between 10° and 20°, or between 14° and 17°, or between 15° and 16°. In one embodiment, the angle θ may be approximately 15.5°. In yet another embodiment, the angle θ is greater than 0° and less than (where N = the number of sides of polygon P1).

[0088] See also Figure 3, it can be seen that the hinge edge 17 and the first side edge 19 of the protrusion 16 define an angle α therebetween, and the hinge edge 17 and the second side edge 21 of the protrusion 16 define an angle β therebetween. Angle α may be less than or equal to (where N = the number of sides of polygon P1). Angle β can be less than or equal to (where N = the number of sides of polygon P1).

[0089] In some embodiments, when primary panel 12 is applied to article B, maximum length L is equal to or less than Y×D1, and when primary panel 12 is applied to article B, maximum width W is equal to or less than Z×D1.

[0090] Each tab 16 is hinged to the main panel 12 by a straight or linear fold line 17 which tangentially contacts or intersects the rounded end of the adjacent opening 18 .

[0091] The curved end portion 20 of each opening 18 may be partially defined by a circle having a radius of curvature. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the rounded end portion 20 of each opening 18 may be equal to or greater than 1 / 16 inch (1.6 mm).

[0092] The main panel 12 may optionally include a handle structure. The handle structure may include a first handle aperture A7 and a second handle aperture A8. The first handle aperture A7 is punched from the main panel 12 and is located in a region centrally disposed between the first pair of article retaining structures R1, R2 and the second pair of article retaining structures R3, R4. The second handle aperture A8 is punched from the main panel 12 and is located in a region centrally disposed between the second pair of article retaining structures R3, R4 and the third pair of article retaining structures R5, R6. The first handle aperture A7 may be partially defined by a support tab 14 hinged to the main panel 12 by a hinged connection (e.g., a fold line 15). The second handle aperture A8 may be partially defined by a support tab 14 hinged to the main panel 12 by a fold line 15. Each of the first and second handle apertures A7, A8 may be substantially crescent-shaped or "C"-shaped.

[0093] The main panel 12 may optionally include one or more pull tabs T1, T2, T3, T4. The pull tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 may be located substantially at the corners of the main panel 12. The pull tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 may be generally triangular in shape. The pull tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 may be arranged so that the main panel 12 extends beyond the footprint of the packaged group of items B; in this manner, a user may more easily detach the carrier 90 from the items B.

[0094] Alternatively, the side edges 13a, 13b of the main panel 12 may be arranged in a curved or wavy shape. In this way, the first blank 10 may be arranged in a nested arrangement with the second blank 10, see Figure 7 The undulating shape is such that the first and second blanks 10 together define a width that is less than twice the maximum width of a single blank 10. This can have economic and environmental benefits by reducing the amount of substrate required to produce a given number of blanks 10.

[0095] The main panel 12 comprises at least a paperboard base and a tear-resistant layer laminated together. It may optionally include an adhesive layer between the paperboard base and the tear-resistant layer. The material of the paperboard base may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, with a weight range of about 10 pounds, preferably about 11 pounds, up to about 14 pounds. An example of such a base is a 12-point SBS board or CNK board manufactured by WestRock. Figure 1 The example substrate of the article carrier 10 shown in FIG has a weight of between about 24 lb and about 32 lb, optionally about 28 lb. The paperboard substrate can be a bleached or unbleached board. The board can be coated on at least one side, optionally on the side opposite to the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0096] The tear resistant layer may be provided on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear resistant laminate sheets such as NATRALOCK, which may include a layer of n-axis oriented film, such as It can be 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 resistance. Moreover, the tear resistance can be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0097] Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer can be a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, an adhesive layer need not be incorporated. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0098] The adhesive layer may be formed of a polyolefin material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to secure the tear-resistant layer to the substrate.

[0099] Turning to constructing the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 can be applied to a group of articles B. The blank 10 is lowered relative to the group of articles B. Each article retaining structure R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 of the blank 10 is aligned with a corresponding article B in the group. A portion of the article B extends through the main panel 12. The tab 16 of each article retaining structure R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 is folded out of the plane of the main panel 12 and engaged under the concave edge or flange 30 of the article B. In this way, the tab 16 captures or holds the article B and prevents or inhibits the article B from being accidentally separated from the main panel 12. The assembled carrier 90 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0100] Special reference Figure 4 and Figure 1 The blank 10 forms a top-engaging carrier 90 comprising a main panel 12 including first and second adjacent apertures A1, A3 arranged side by side, each aperture being adapted to receive a portion of an article B. The main panel 12 further comprises an annular series of protrusions 16 formed around each of the first and second apertures A1, A3. Each annular series of protrusions 16 is connected to the main panel 12 such that, when the article B is received in the corresponding aperture A1, A3, the protrusions 16 bend out of the plane of the main panel 12 to abut against the article B. The protrusions 16 in each annular series are separated from one another by cutouts 18 disposed between each protrusion 16 and the next adjacent protrusion 16. Each cutout 18 has a rounded end 20 at a location farthest from the center of the corresponding aperture A1, A3. The protrusions 16 in each annular series define an imaginary circle C1, C2, which is tangentially contacted internally by the rounded ends 20 of at least some of the cutouts 18, or alternatively, the rounded ends 20 of all corresponding cutouts 18. The imaginary circles C1, C2 of the two annular series of projections 16 are spaced apart by a first distance d2. The distance d1 between the circular ends 20 of any one of the cutouts 18 of the first aperture A1 and any one of the cutouts 18 of the second aperture A3 is greater than the first distance d2.

[0101] Optionally, the radial dimension x of no protrusion 16 is greater than the radius Dn / 2 of the corresponding imaginary circle C1, C2. In other words, the radial dimension "x" of all protrusions 16 is less than the radius Dn / 2 of the corresponding imaginary circle C1, C2.

[0102] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the primary panel 12 is defined by a perimeter to which no other portion of the carrier 90 is connected. That is, the carrier 90 is not connected to other panels, such as, but not limited to, side or end wall panels that extend around the sides of the array of articles. Thus, the perimeter of the primary panel 12 is entirely defined by a free, cut, or unhinged edge.

[0103] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is defined by a perimeter including a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, wherein the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge, thereby allowing two similar blanks 10 to be placed in a nested or inlaid arrangement.

[0104] Now refer to Figure 4 , showing another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment shown, like numbers are used to indicate like parts where possible, but the prefix "100" has been added to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment, so only those that are related will be described in detail. Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7 The differences between the embodiments shown in .

[0105] The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d for forming the top wall of the carrier. Figure 4 Each of the four main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d shown in FIG is frangibly connected to its two adjacent neighbors by frangible connections 22, 24.

[0106] The blank 110 can be applied to twenty-four articles arranged in a 6 x 4 matrix or array. In this way, the blank 110 can be applied simultaneously to multiple groups of articles, where each group includes six articles arranged in a 3 x 2 matrix or array.

[0107] In some embodiments, the frangible connection is severed when the blank 110 is applied to the article B. In some embodiments, the article B may be disposed within an open-top crate when the blank 110 is applied. In other embodiments, the frangible connection may remain intact after the blank 110 is applied to the article B and may be severed by an operator or end user to separate one or more of the primary panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and their associated group of articles from the remainder of the article.

[0108] Reference Figure 4, shows a plan view from above of a blank 110 forming a set of top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d that are frangibly connected by frangible connections 22, 24. The blank 110 is attached as a single unit to a grouped arrangement of articles. Each top engaging clip 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d of the set will be attached to an optional 2×3 arrangement of articles and separated from the other top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d to form four separate groups of arranged articles. Advantageously, in some arrangements, the apparatus automatically breaks the frangible connections 22, 24 between the top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d in a group of frangible adjacent top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d so that the apparatus applies a single blank 110 to a grouped arrangement of articles and forms four smaller groups of articles, each of which is connected by a top engaging clip 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 110 is configured to form a set of four clips 112a, 122b, 112c, 112d for grouping, coupling, or otherwise linking together an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items "B." Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the four clips 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d holds six items together in a grouped arrangement, arranged in three rows of two items per row. Items "B" are beverage cans having a lip or a concave upper edge. Thus, the blank 110 is configured to be formed on a large grouped arrangement of items 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 6x4 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment, four columns and six rows of items are provided for the grouped arrangement 88 of 24 cans "B." In this illustrated embodiment, the blank 110 may employ four clips 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d in a 3x2 matrix or array, each clip being frangibly connected to at least two other blanks 112b, 112c, 112d, and 112a via frangible connections 22 and 24 and a separation aperture A9. Alternatively, the blank 110 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of articles and / or for packaging articles in an arrangement or configuration different from that shown herein.

[0110] Reference Figure 4 , the blank 110 includes four top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, each having a main panel for forming a top wall or engaging panel of the clip 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d.

[0111] Each main panel includes at least one article holding structure. Figure 4In an embodiment, each main panel comprises a plurality of article holding structures, in particular six article holding structures arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array.

[0112] Each of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d includes a matrix or array of article holding apertures in a Y x Z arrangement, where Y represents the number of rows of articles "B" and Z represents the number of columns of articles "B."

[0113] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, items "B" are arranged in a 3 x 2 matrix. The width of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may be equal to twice the maximum width of the items "B." The length L of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may be equal to three times (three times) the maximum width of the items "B."

[0114] The diameter of the imaginary circle may be smaller than the largest diameter of the item "B" and larger than the (smaller) diameter of the concave rim, cap or flange of the item "B".

[0115] The main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may optionally include handle structures. The handle structures may include a first handle aperture and a second handle aperture. The first handle aperture is punched from the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and is located in an area centrally located between the four article-retaining structures. The second handle aperture is punched from the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and is located in an area centrally located between the four article-retaining structures. The first handle aperture may be partially defined by a support protrusion hinged to the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d via a fold line. The second handle aperture may have a similar structure.

[0116] The main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may optionally include one or more pull tabs T1. The pull tabs T1 may be located substantially at the corners of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d. The pull tabs T1 may be substantially triangular in shape. The pull tabs T1 may be arranged so that the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d extend beyond the footprint of the group of packaged items; in this manner, a user may more easily detach the carrier or clip 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d from the group of items.

[0117] Another optional feature of the top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d is that each of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d is defined by a perimeter to which no other portion of the top engaging clip 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d is connected. That is, the top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d are not connected to other panels, such as, but not limited to, sidewall panels or endwall panels that extend around the sides of the array of items in other carriers. Thus, the perimeter of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d is entirely defined by a free, cut, or unhinged edge. The perimeter of the main panels 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d can fold at an angle relative to the rest of the main panels due to the folding of the polygonal arrangement of the protrusions of the item retention structure and their engagement beneath the concave edge or flange of the item "B." Thus, the frangible connections 22, 24 are broken and the group 110 of frangibly abutting top engaging clips automatically separates into four individual top engaging clips 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, thereby forming four individual groups of items.

[0118] It will be appreciated that as used herein, directional references such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inside," "outside," "upper," and "lower" do not necessarily limit the corresponding panels to such orientations, but may be used merely to distinguish such panels from one another.

[0119] As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define a hinge feature of a blank that facilitates folding portions of the blank relative to each other, or that otherwise indicate an optimal panel fold position for the blank. Any reference to a "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in fact, a hinged connection may be formed by two or more fold lines, each of which may be straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or slightly inclined relative to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or bowed fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define an elliptical panel between them. A hinged connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a combination of linear fold lines and arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0120] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a score line, an embossed line, a recessed line, a perforated line, a short groove line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, a cut line, an intermittent cut line, a row of aligned grooves, a series of scores, and any combination of the above options.

[0121] It should be understood that the hinged connection and fold line can each include an element formed in the substrate of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short groove lines, half cut lines, single half cuts, cut lines, discontinuous cut lines, grooves, notches, any combination thereof, or the like. The element can be sized and arranged to provide the desired function. For example, the perforation line can be sized or designed to have a degree of weakening to limit the fold line and / or cut line. The perforation line can be designed to facilitate folding and anti-destruction, so as to help folding and help to break with greater effort, or help to break with very little effort.

[0122] As used herein, the phrase "aligned with" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in a built-up carrier, such as a hole formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second hole formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. Elements that are aligned with each other can be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when a hole in a first panel is "aligned with" a second hole in a second panel, wherein the second panel is positioned in an arrangement overlapping the first panel, an edge of the hole can extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second hole and can be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims

1. A blank (10) for forming an article carrier (90), the blank (10) comprising a main panel (12), the main panel (12) including at least one article retaining structure (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6), the article retaining structure having an aperture (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) defined in the main panel (12), the blank (10) further comprising one or more protrusions (16) formed around a periphery of the aperture (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) in the main panel (12), the one or more protrusions (16) being connected to the main panel (12) such that when an article (B) is received in the aperture (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), the protrusions flex outwardly from the plane of the main panel (12) so as to abut against the article (B), wherein The main panel (12) comprises a paperboard base and at least one polymer layer; wherein the paperboard base and the at least one polymer layer include the aperture for receiving a portion of an article, wherein the blanks are arranged to package articles having a maximum diameter D1 in an array having a first integer number of rows Y, and wherein when the main panel is applied to an article, the main panel has a maximum length L that is equal to or less than Yx D1.

2. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The paperboard substrate is formed from a foldable sheet selected from the group consisting of paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, and combinations thereof.

3. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The polymer layer is a tear resistant layer and is applied to the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate.

4. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one polymer layer comprises an n-axis oriented film, where "n" is a positive integer.

5. The blank according to claim 4, characterized in that The n-axis oriented film is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and high-density polyolefin.

6. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one polymer layer is tear resistant due to the chemical nature of the material from which it is formed.

7. The blank according to claim 6, characterized in that The material is extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene.

8. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The primary panel is defined by a perimeter to which no other portion of the carrier is connected.

9. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The main panel is defined by a perimeter comprising a convexly curved edge and a concavely curved edge, wherein the radius of curvature of the convexly curved edge is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concavely curved edge.

10. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The array has a second integer number of columns Z, and wherein, when the joining panel is applied to the article, the primary panel has a maximum width equal to or less than Z x D1.

11. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The main panel has an opposing surface having different properties than the other surface.

12. The blank according to claim 11, characterized in that One of the opposing surfaces has a surface treatment to provide good printability.

13. The blank according to claim 12, characterized in that The polymer layer is provided on the other surface of the main panel.

14. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The polymer layer is a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard substrate.

15. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The main panel includes a handle structure.

16. The blank according to claim 15, characterized in that The handle structure includes at least one handle hole formed in the main panel at a position spaced apart from the hole.

17. The blank according to claim 1, characterized in that The main panel includes one or more protrusions formed around a perimeter of the aperture in the main panel.

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