Article carrier and blank thereof

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank for forming an article carrier. The article carrier may package at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of plates for forming a tubular structure surrounding one or more articles. The article carrier comprises article holding means (RT1, RT2) for engaging the recess of the at least one article. The article holding device comprises a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line (51, 53). The tab is foldable about a first fold line into an engaged position. The tab includes a body defined in part by a first free edge (61, 62a) opposite the first fold line. The first free edge includes a curved section having a radius of curvature (Rc1, Rc2). The curved section defines a center (Cr1, Cr2) of a radius of curvature. The tab further comprises at least one retaining projection (L1, L2) extending outwardly from the body. The at least one retaining projection has a second free edge (71, 72) connected to the first free edge. The at least one retaining projection includes a farthest point (Fp1, Fp2) along the second free edge. The farthest point is provided at a maximum convex distance (Ld1, Ld2) from the center of the radius of curvature. The maximum convex distance is greater than the radius of curvature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming the same. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an article holding structure including engagement means for securing an end of an article. Background Art

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cardboard boxes or article carriers for carrying multiple items. Cardboard boxes are well known in the art and are used to enable consumers to transport, store, and access a group of items for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such cardboard boxes or carriers need to be made of as little material as possible and waste as little material as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the cardboard box and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. It is desirable that the cardboard box include carrying handles that are strong enough to withstand the load of the cardboard box and its contents.

[0003] It is desirable that during transport, the items held within the carton are securely held and protected. It is also desirable that the items within the carton be easily accessible.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the art of cartons typically formed from paperboard or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each article having a recess. The blank comprises: a plurality of panels defining an interior of the carrier for receiving at least a portion of at least one article; and an article retaining device for engaging the recess of the at least one article. The article retaining device comprises a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engaged position. The tab comprises a body partially defined by a first free edge opposite the first fold line. The first free edge comprises a curved segment having a radius of curvature. The curved segment defines a center of the radius of curvature. The tab further comprises at least one retaining protrusion extending outwardly from the body. The at least one retaining protrusion has a second free edge connected to the first free edge. The at least one retaining protrusion comprises a farthest point along the second free edge. The farthest point is located at a maximum protrusion distance from the center of the radius of curvature. The maximum protrusion distance is greater than the radius of curvature.

[0006] Optionally, the second free edge may be arranged closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

[0007] Optionally, the second free edge may extend between the first fold line and the first free edge.

[0008] Optionally, the body may include a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge. The at least one retaining protrusion may include a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge. The second maximum linear dimension may be smaller than the first maximum linear dimension.

[0009] Optionally, the second largest linear dimension may be less than half the first largest linear dimension.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one retaining protrusion may be disposed proximate to at least one end of the first fold line.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one retaining protrusion comprises a pair of retaining protrusions respectively provided at opposite ends of the first fold line.

[0012] Optionally, the length of the first fold line may be less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved section of the first free edge.

[0013] Optionally, the tab may have a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line, and the length of the first fold line may be less than the maximum width of the tab.

[0014] Optionally, the maximum width of the tab may be less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved section of the first free edge.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure around one or more articles. The article carrier includes an article retaining device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles. The article retaining device prevents the article from being removed from at least one opposite end of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retaining device includes a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engaged position, in which the tab is folded about the first fold line at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The tab includes a body that provides an edge for engaging an article surface provided by the recess therein. The tab includes a retaining protrusion extending from the body to engage a feature of the article, thereby preventing the tab from detaching from the article, the retaining protrusion preventing the tab from unfolding from the engaged position.

[0016] Optionally, the tab comprises a pair of retaining projections extending from opposite sides of the body.

[0017] Optionally, the or each retention projection is located adjacent the first fold line.

[0018] In a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article having a recess, a retaining projection may be provided between the first of the plurality of panels and a base feature on which the article rests.

[0019] Optionally, the body of the tab includes a first linear or height maximum dimension measured between the hinge edge and an opposite free edge, and the retaining protrusion includes a second linear or height maximum dimension measured between a first free edge co-linear with the hinge edge of the body and a second free edge opposite the first free edge, and wherein the second linear or height maximum dimension is less than the first linear or height maximum dimension.

[0020] Optionally, the second linear or height maximum dimension is less than half the first linear or height maximum dimension.

[0021] Optionally, the retaining projection is connected to the body of the tab by a connection in the form of a bridge portion that is narrow enough to allow deformation between the body of the tab and the retaining projection.

[0022] In a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article having a recess, when in a folded state, a body of the tab protrudes beyond a first panel of the plurality of panels while the retaining projection can remain in contact with, and optionally in surface contacting relationship with, a portion of the base panel.

[0023] In the package, the body of the tab may project into a recess in the base of the article to provide an end stop to limit its movement.

[0024] Optionally, the first fold line extends at an acute angle relative to the tubular axis of the tubular structure. Optionally, the angle is an acute angle. Optionally, the angle does not exceed 50 degrees.

[0025] Optionally, the first fold line extends parallel to the tubular axis of the tubular structure.

[0026] Optionally, the tab is hingedly connected such that the tab is foldable inwardly of the article carrier towards a second panel of the plurality of panels, the second panel being hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

[0027] Optionally, the article carrier includes a machine pull opening for receiving the machine element, the tab defining at least a portion of the machine pull opening when folded about the first fold line.

[0028] Optionally, the machine pull opening includes a recess along a periphery of the machine pull opening, the recess extending from the body of the tab.

[0029] Optionally, the article carrier comprises an end closure structure comprising at least one end plate for partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each article having a recess. The blank includes a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure around one or more articles. The blank includes an article retaining device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles. The article retaining device prevents the article from being removed from at least one opposite end of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retaining device includes a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engaged position, in which the tab is folded about the first fold line at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The tab includes a body that provides an edge for engaging an article surface provided by the recess therein. The tab includes a retaining protrusion for preventing the tab from unfolding from the engaged position. The retaining protrusion extends from the body to engage a feature of the article, thereby preventing the tab from detaching from the article or the retaining protrusion.

[0031] 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 employed independently or in any combination thereof within the scope of the present application.

[0032] Features or elements described in conjunction with or relating to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there are incompatibilities. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into any other embodiment disclosed herein, or combined with these embodiments, and the features or elements extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or replace one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

[0033] The features or feature combinations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of the embodiment. Alternatively, the features or feature combinations of an embodiment may be omitted from the embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of an article carrier formed from a blank; Figure 3 is Figure 1 A perspective view of another portion of an article carrier formed from a blank; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of a portion thereof from above; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the outline of the product container; and Figure 6 is Figure 1 Schematic illustration of a carton base formed from a blank showing the location of base features for the items being packaged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Disclosed herein are detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packaging, blanks, and article carriers. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the present invention may be implemented. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is broadly used to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. In fact, it will be understood that the packaging, blanks, and carriers described herein may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate the details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention in different ways.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , showing that it is possible to form Figure 2 and 3 A plan view of a blank 10 of a carton or carrier 90 is shown for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as items B. Figure 2 The blanks 10 may be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0037] In the embodiments detailed herein, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container 90 for engaging and carrying an article B, such as a primary product container B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to a variety of product containers B, which may or may not be conical and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tinware, cups, jugs, bags, packages, etc. The article may include a recess or notch in its upper and / or lower end. In some embodiments, the article may include a protrusion or flange extending outward, upward, or downward to provide a wall or engaging surface.

[0038] The blank 10 is 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 materials, 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 the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0039] The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein can be formed by a sheet material such as cardboard, which can be made of or coated with a material that increases its strength. The example of this sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material can be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of packaging. Typically, a surface of the sheet material can have a characteristic different from another surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished product packaging 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 inwardly facing surface of the sheet material can be provided with a coating, layer, process or otherwise prepared to provide one or more properties such as tear resistance, good gluing, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 330 ml beverage cans.

[0041] Optionally, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of items B, which may be bottles or cans, and / or for packaging items B in a different arrangement or configuration, such as, but not limited to, a fully enclosed carton or basket carrier.

[0042] Go to Figure 1 , illustrates a method for forming an article carrier 90 (see Figure 2 and 3 ) blank 10. Blank 10 includes a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 include a first base panel 12, a first angled or beveled panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second angled or beveled panel 22, and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 can be arranged in a linear series, hinged one after the other by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23.

[0043] In alternative embodiments, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted. In further embodiments, additional corner panels may be provided that are hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the first side panel 16. Additional corner panels may be provided that are hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. Additional corner panels may be provided that are hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and each of the first and second side panels 16, 20.

[0044] The fold lines 13, 23 and / or the fold lines 15, 21 optionally include a cut or separation line (not shown) that is co-linear with a respective one of the fold lines 13, 15, 21, 23 so as to interrupt or coincide with the fold lines 13, 15, 21, 23. The separation line can provide a shock absorbing or damping device near the base of the carton 90.

[0045] The first and second corner panels 14, 22 are optional and may be considered to form a lower portion of a respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, or alternatively, to form a portion of the first or second base panels 12, 24 to which they are hingedly connected. In some embodiments, the first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be omitted, in which case the fold lines 15, 23 may be omitted.

[0046] The blank 10 includes end closure structures for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 .

[0047] The first end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a first end structure comprising a first top end flap 26A hingedly connected to a first end of the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A.

[0048] The first connecting panel 32A is hingedly connected to a first side of the first top end flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A.

[0049] The first anchor panel 28A is hingedly connected to the first side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27A.

[0050] The first web 30A hingedly connects the first anchor plate 28A to the first connector plate 32A. The first web 30A hingedly connects the first anchor plate 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The first web 30A hingedly connects the first connector plate 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31A.

[0051] The second connecting panel 34A is hingedly connected to the second side of the first top end flap 26A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A.

[0052] The second anchor panel 38A is hingedly connected to the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41A.

[0053] The second web 36A hingedly connects the second anchor plate 38A to the second connector plate 34A. The second web 36A is hingedly connected to the second anchor plate 38A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39A. The second web 36A is hingedly connected to the second connector plate 34A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A.

[0054] The second end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a second end structure comprising a second top end flap 26B hingedly connected to the second end of the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25B.

[0055] The third connecting panel 32B is hingedly connected to a first side of the second top end flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B.

[0056] The third anchor panel 28B is hingedly connected to the first side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27B.

[0057] The third web 30B hingedly connects the third anchor plate 28B to the third connecting plate 32B. The third web 30B is hingedly connected to the third anchor plate 28B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The third web 30B is hingedly connected to the third connecting plate 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31B.

[0058] The fourth connecting panel 34B is hingedly connected to the second side of the second top end flap 26B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B.

[0059] The fourth anchor panel 38B is hingedly connected to the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41B.

[0060] The fourth web 36B hingedly connects the fourth anchor plate 38B to the fourth connecting plate 34B. The fourth web 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor plate 38B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39B. The fourth web 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth connecting plate 34B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37B.

[0061] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the blank 10 can be folded to form a package 90. The first and second panels 12, 24 can be joined to each other in an overlapping relationship to form the composite base wall 12 / 24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 can include complementary locking mechanisms M / F for securing the second panel 24 to the first panel 12. The first panel 12 can include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism M / F. The second panel 24 can include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism M / F. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 12 includes a plurality of female tabs F defining an opening in the second panel 28. The second panel 28 includes a plurality of male tabs M; and the opening in the first panel 12 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the male tabs M. Each female tab F is arranged to move out of the first panel 12 to form the opening and bear against the male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanisms M / F can be omitted, and the first and second panels 12, 24 can be secured to each other by other means, such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

[0062] The complementary locking mechanism M / F shown and described is entirely optional.

[0063] The blank 10 includes at least one article retaining device or article engaging structure (also referred to herein as a lower end article retaining device or article engaging structure) RT1, RT2 for engaging a lower end of an article B. Figure 1 The blank 10 shown includes six second article-engaging formations RT1 , RT2 .

[0064] The blank 10 includes four first article engaging structures RT1 and two second article engaging structures RT2. Each base plate 12, 24 may include a pair of first article engaging structures RT1 and second article engaging structures RT2. The article retaining device will be described in further detail with reference to the first and second article engaging structures RT1, RT2 provided in the first base plate 12.

[0065] refer to Figure 4, the first article joining structure RT1 comprises a first joining tab 50 that is stamped out of the first base plate 12, that is, provided by the material that will originally form the first base plate 12. The first joining tab 50 is hingedly connected to the first base plate 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The fold line 51 can be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 13, which provides the hinged connection between the first base plate 12 and the first corner panel or bevel panel 14. The fold line 51 can be arranged obliquely relative to the fold line 13. In an embodiment with two first article joining structures RT1, the fold line 51 of the first of the two first article joining structures RT1 can be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 51 of the second of the two first article joining structures RT1; the fold lines 51 can be arranged so as to separate from each other as they approach the fold line 13, which provides the hinged connection between the first base plate 12 and the first corner panel or bevel panel 14.

[0066] The first engagement tab 50 includes a main body portion and a protrusion, the main body portion being configured to be received in the recess R of the base of the article B (see FIG. Figure 5 ), the protrusion forms a retaining protrusion L1. The retaining protrusion L1 extends from the first inner side of the main body portion.

[0067] The holding projection L1 is configured to be folded so as to be disposed between the first base plate 12 and the base of the article B. Exemplary article B is Figure 5 , the article B includes a cylindrical wall W that is closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE includes a recess R in the form of a dome. The article B rests on a base that can take the form of an annular ridge or rim C extending outward or downward from the lower end. The annular ridge or rim C surrounds the recess R. The retaining projection L1 in the assembled carton 90 can be provided between the first base plate 12 and the annular ridge or rim C, as shown. Figure 6 As best shown, the weight of the article B provides friction that prevents or resists the deployment of the first engagement tab 50. The main portion of the first engagement tab 50 extends into the recess R and provides an edge that bears against the surface of the article B to prevent or resist movement of the article B relative to the carton 90.

[0068] In some applications, the retention projection L1 can be configured to engage a marginal area of ​​the recess R adjacent the annular ridge or rim C. The upwardly facing surface of the retention projection L1, that is, the surface facing the recess R in the article, can be placed in close proximity or contact with the marginal area of ​​the recess R to prevent or inhibit deployment of the first engagement tab 50.

[0069] The retaining protrusion L1 may not be directly hingedly connected to the first substrate 12 and may be coupled to the first substrate 12 via a main portion of the first engagement tab 50. The retaining protrusion L1 may be at least partially defined by a "U" or "C" shaped cut line. The cut line defining the retaining protrusion L1 may extend from the fold line 51 that hinges the main portion to the first substrate 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the retaining protrusion L1 may not be directly hingedly connected to the first substrate 12, and the cut line defining the retaining protrusion L1 separates the portion of the retaining protrusion L1 from the first substrate 12.

[0070] The body of the engagement tab 50 is partially defined by a first free edge 61, which is located opposite the first fold line 51. The first free edge 61 includes a curved segment 61a defined by a radius of curvature Rc1. The curved segment 61a defines a center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rc1. A retaining projection L1 extends radially outward from the body, away from the center Cr1. The retaining projection L1 includes a second free edge 71 that extends continuously from the first free edge 61. The retaining projection L1 includes a farthest point Fp1 along the second free edge 71. The farthest point Fp1 is located at a maximum projection distance Ld1 from the center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rc1. The maximum projection distance Ld1 is greater than the radius of curvature Rc1. The second free edge 71 is closer to the fold line 51 than the first free edge 61. The second free edge 71 extends between the fold line 51 and the first free edge 61. The retaining projection L1 is located proximate to one of the opposing ends of the fold line 51. The length of the fold line 51 is less than twice the radius of curvature Rc1 of the curved section 61 a of the first free edge 61 .

[0071] Figure 4 A second article-engaging structure RT2 is shown, comprising a second engagement tab 52 that is stamped from the first base panel 12, that is, provided by the material that would otherwise form the first base panel 12. The second engagement tab 52 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53. The fold line 53 may be arranged parallel to the fold line 13, thereby providing a hinged connection between the first base panel 12 and the first or beveled panel 14.

[0072] The second engagement tab 52 includes a main body portion configured to be received in a recessed portion of the base of the article B, and a pair of second protrusions forming second retaining projections L2. A first of the pair of second retaining projections L2 extends from a first side of the main body portion, and a second of the pair of second retaining projections L2 extends from a second, opposite side of the main body portion.

[0073] The holding projection L2 is configured to be folded so as to be disposed between the first base plate 12 and the base of the article B. Figure 5, the article B includes a cylindrical wall W that is closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE includes a recess R in the shape of a dome. The article B rests on a base, which may take the form of an annular ridge or rim C extending outward or downward from the lower end. The annular ridge or rim C surrounds the recess R. Each retaining projection L2 in the assembled carton 90 is disposed between the first base plate 12 and a portion of the annular ridge or rim C, as shown. Figure 6 As best shown. The weight of item B provides a friction force that prevents or inhibits the second engagement tab 52 from unfolding. The main body portion of the second engagement tab 52 extends into the recess R and provides an edge that bears against the surface of item B to prevent or inhibit movement of item B relative to the carton 90. The main body of the engagement tab 52 is defined in part by a first free edge 62 opposite the fold line 53. The first free edge 62 includes a curved segment 62a having a radius of curvature Rc2. The curved segment 62a defines a center Cr2 of the radius of curvature Rc2. The engagement tab 52 also includes a pair of retaining protrusions L2, L2, each of which extends radially outward from the main body in a direction away from the center Cr2. The at least one retaining protrusion has a second free edge connected to the first free edge. Each retaining protrusion L2, L2 includes a farthest point Fp2 ( Figure 4 Only one of them is shown in FIG. 1 . Each farthest point Fp2 is located at a maximum convex distance Ld2 from the center Cr2 of the curvature radius Rc2. The maximum convex distance Ld2 of each farthest point Fp2 is greater than the curvature radius Rc2.

[0074] Each second free edge 72 is closer to the fold line 53 than the first free edge 62. Each second free edge 72 extends between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. The body of the engagement tab 52 has a first maximum linear dimension h1 measured between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. Each retaining projection L2 has a second maximum linear dimension h2 measured between the fold line 53 and the second free edge 72. The second maximum linear dimension h2 is smaller than the first maximum linear dimension h1. The second maximum linear dimension h2 can be less than half the first maximum linear dimension h1. The retaining projections L2, L2 are located at opposite ends of the fold line 53.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 , the length W1 of the fold line 53 of the engagement tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved section 62a of the first free edge 62. The engagement tab 52 may have a maximum width W2 extending in a direction along the fold line 53, and the length W1 of the fold line 53 may be less than the maximum width W2 of the engagement tab 52. The maximum width W2 of the engagement tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved section 62a of the first free edge 62.

[0076] In some applications, the retaining projections L2 can be configured to engage a corresponding marginal area adjacent the annular ridge or rim C of the recess R. The upwardly facing surface of each retaining projection L2, that is, the surface facing the recess R in the article, can be placed in close proximity or contact with the marginal area to prevent or inhibit deployment of the second engagement tab 52.

[0077] Each of the pair of second retaining protrusions L2 may not be directly hingedly connected to the first substrate 12, and may be coupled to the first substrate 12 via the main portion of the second engagement tab 52. Each of the pair of second retaining protrusions L2 may be at least partially defined by a "U" or "C" shaped cut line. The cut line defining the second retaining protrusion L2 may extend from the fold line 53 that hinges the main portion to the first substrate 12.

[0078] The blank 10 may include an assembly device. The assembly device facilitates securing the blank 10 around the group of articles B. The assembly device may include an alignment feature. The assembly device may take the form of an opening in the first and / or second substrates 12, 24. The opening (also referred to herein as a machine pull opening) may be at least partially defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2. The alignment feature may take the form of a cutout A1, A2. The cutout A1, A2 may take the form of an aperture that may be adjacent to and abut the engagement tabs 50, 52.

[0079] In an operative state, the cutouts A1, A2 form a recess or notch extending from an opening formed in the first or second substrate 12, 24, which is formed when the respective engagement tabs 50, 52 are folded inwardly of the carrier 90. In this manner, the opening formed in the first or second substrate 12, 24 by the engagement tabs 50, 52 and the cutouts A1, A2 are integral or combined to form a single aperture.

[0080] In other embodiments, the cut-outs A1 , A2 may be defined by apertures that are separate and spaced apart from the engagement tabs 50 , 52 of the article engaging structures RT1 , RT2 .

[0081] The cutouts A1, A2 are defined by a portion of an imaginary triangle, another portion of which is received within the engagement tabs 50, 52. One vertex of the triangle is disposed outside the footprint of the engagement tabs 50, 52, so that the cutouts A1 are formed.

[0082] Each engagement tab 50 , 52 is defined by a cut line 55 , 57 ; the cut line 55 , 57 is interrupted by a cutout A1 , A2 to form two cut line portions on either side thereof.

[0083] The cutouts A1, A2 extend from a main portion of a respective one of the engagement tabs 50, 52. Each of the cutouts A1, A2 includes a pair of converging side edges that converge toward a free end edge of the first panel 12 that is opposite the hinge edge of the first panel 12 defined by the fold line 13.

[0084] Each engagement tab 50 , 52 may be spaced apart from the fold line 13 by a minimum distance d1 .

[0085] Each cutout A1 , A2 may be spaced apart from a free end edge of the first substrate 12 by a minimum distance d2 .

[0086] The opening in the first panel 12 formed or defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2 and the cutouts A1, A2 of the assembly device is defined within a middle region of the first panel 12. The middle region is disposed a first distance d1 from a hinge edge of the first panel 12 defined by the fold line 13 and a second distance d2 from a free end edge of the first panel 12.

[0087] In this way, the opening in the first or second base plate 12, 24 formed or defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2 and the cutouts A1, A2 of the assembly device is spaced from the male or female tabs M, F of the complementary locking mechanism M / F. This can improve the integrity of the carton or at least prevent or minimize any degradation of the integrity of the carton due to the provision of the opening in the base plate 12, 24.

[0088] Optionally, the blank 10 includes a handle structure H, which may take the form of at least one handle opening in the top panel 18. The handle opening may be defined by a handle tab stamped from the top panel 18 and hingedly connected to the top panel 18. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of handle openings, each opening defined by a handle tab that is hingedly connected to each other in opposing relation.

[0089] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier. The article carrier 90 and the blank 10 include at least one article retaining device RT1, RT2 for engaging a recess, flange, protrusion or other suitable engaging surface provided by the article B. When the packaged article B is a can, the engaging surface may be provided by a seam or a chime.

[0090] An article carrier 90 can package at least one article B having a recess R. The article carrier 90 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 that form a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles B. The article carrier 90 includes an article retaining device for engaging the recess R of one of the one or more articles B. The article retaining devices RT1, RT2 prevent the article B from being removed from the opposite open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retaining devices RT1, RT2 include tabs 50, 52 hingedly connected to a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along first fold lines 51, 53. The tabs 50, 52 are foldable about the first fold lines 51, 53 into an engaged position. To achieve the engaged position, the tabs 50, 52 can be folded about the first fold lines 51, 53 from their initial position by an angle greater than 90 degrees. Figure 6 The tabs 50, 52 are best shown in their engaged position, with the shaded areas indicating the tabs 50, 52 are in a folded state. Once folded beyond 90 degrees to their engaged position, the tabs 50, 52 may define an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the adjacent inner surface of the respective base panels 12, 24. The tabs 50, 52 include a body that provides an edge for engaging the surface of the item provided by the recess R. The tabs 50, 52 include retaining projections L1, L2 that extend from the body to engage a feature of the item B, thereby preventing or inhibiting the tabs 50, 52 from being disengaged from the item B. The retaining projections L1, L2 may prevent or inhibit the tabs 50, 52 from unfolding from the engaged position. In the assembled carton 90, the retaining projections L1, L2 may be disposed or sandwiched between the first of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and a base feature (such as a rim C) on which the respective item B rests or stands.

[0091] The body of the tabs 50, 52 includes a first maximum linear or height dimension h1 measured between the hinge edge 51, 53 and the opposing first free edge 61, 62. The retaining projections L1, L2 include a second maximum linear or height dimension h2 measured between the hinge edge 51, 53 and the distalmost portion of the second free edge 71, 72 of the body. The second maximum linear or height dimension h2 is less than the first maximum linear or height dimension h1 and may be less than half the first maximum linear or height dimension h1. A relatively narrow connection can be provided between the body of the tabs 50, 52 and the retaining projections L1, L2, which facilitates deformation or twisting of the body of the tabs 50, 52 relative to or between the retaining projections L1, L2. Thus, in the folded state, the body of the tabs 50, 52 can protrude beyond the base plate 12, 24 while the retaining projections L1, L2 maintain surface contact with a portion of the base plate 12, 24. The bodies of the tabs 50, 52 extend into recesses R in the base of the article B to provide end stops to limit their movement.

[0092] The first fold lines 51, 53 may extend at an acute angle relative to the tubular axis of the tubular structure. The angle may be acute and may not exceed 50 degrees.

[0093] The tabs 50, 52 may be hingedly connected such that the tabs 50, 52 may be folded inwardly of the article carrier 90 toward a second panel 14, 16, 20, 22 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, which is hingedly connected to a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along a second fold line 13, 15, 21, 23.

[0094] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 having a machine-pull opening and a blank 10 for forming the same. The article carrier 90 and / or the blank 10 include article retaining devices RT1, RT2 for engaging a recessed portion of one of at least one article B. The article retaining devices RT1, RT2 can prevent the article B from being removed from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retaining devices RT1, RT2 include tabs 50, 52 stamped from only the first panel 12, 24 of a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and hingedly connected to the first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along first fold lines 51, 53. When folded about the first fold lines 51, 53, the tabs 50, 52 define at least a portion of the machine-pull opening. A machine element can engage the machine-pull opening to tighten the blank 10 around the at least one article B. The tabs 50 , 52 may be unitary or unitary components formed from material removed from the machine pull opening.

[0095] The machine pull opening may include recessed portions A1 , A2 along the periphery of the machine pull opening, the recessed portions A1 , A2 being located substantially opposite the first fold lines 51 , 53 .

[0096] The article carrier 90 may be of a wraparound type, comprising a composite wall formed by two panels secured together. The composite wall may be a bottom wall of a tubular structure.

[0097] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate items of varying sizes or shapes. The illustrated embodiment shows a carton or blank for forming a wraparound article carrier; in other embodiments, the article carrier may take alternative forms or styles and may incorporate one or more features of the present disclosure.

[0098] The end closure structures may be omitted and the additional article retention means RT1, RT2 may be provided in one or more additional panels of the blank 10 or carton 90, such as, but not limited to, the top panel 18. In such embodiments, the assembly means, cut-outs A1, A2 may also be provided in the additional panels, or may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0099] 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 merely be used to distinguish the panels from one another.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define a hinge feature of a blank, facilitate folding of portions of a blank relative to each other, or otherwise indicate an optimal panel fold position for the blank. Any reference to a "hinge connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in fact, a hinge connection may be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinge connection, they may be arranged parallel to one another or slightly angled relative to one another. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinge connection, they may intersect one another to define a shaped panel within the area enclosed by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a pair of arched or bowed fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinge 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 arcuate or bow-shaped fold lines that intersect at two points such that a meniscus is defined therebetween.

[0101] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a score line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforated line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut line, an intermittent cut line, an aligned slit line, a scored line, and any combination of the foregoing options.

[0102] It should be understood that the hinged connection and fold line can each include elements formed in the base material of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, cut lines, intermittent cut lines, slits, scratches, and any combination thereof. The size and arrangement of the elements can be configured to provide the desired function. For example, the size or design of the perforation line can be configured to have a degree of weakening to define the fold line and / or the parting line. The perforation line can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, so as to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with greater force, or to facilitate breaking with less force.

[0103] As used herein, the phrase "alignment" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of 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 an aperture in a first panel is "aligned" with a second aperture in a second panel, the second panel is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture can extend along at least a portion of an 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. A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each article having a recess, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for defining an interior of a carrier for receiving at least a portion of at least one article; and an article retaining device for engaging the recess of at least one article, the article retaining device comprising a tab hingedly connected to a first plate of the plurality of plates along a first fold line, the tab being capable of being folded into an engaged position about the first fold line, wherein the tab comprises a body defined in part by a first free edge opposite the first fold line, the first free edge comprising a curved segment having a radius of curvature, the curved segment defining a center of the radius of curvature, wherein the tab further comprises at least one retaining protrusion extending outwardly from the body, the at least one retaining protrusion having a second free edge connected to the first free edge, and wherein the at least one retaining protrusion comprises a farthest point along the second free edge, the farthest point being located at a maximum protrusion distance from the center of the radius of curvature, the maximum protrusion distance being greater than the radius of curvature.

2. The blank according to claim 1, wherein The second free edge is disposed closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

3. The blank according to claim 2, wherein The second free edge extends between the first fold line and the first free edge.

4. The blank according to claim 1, wherein The body includes a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge, and the at least one retaining protrusion includes a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge, and wherein the second maximum linear dimension is smaller than the first maximum linear dimension.

5. The blank of claim 4, wherein the second largest linear dimension is less than half the first largest linear dimension.

6. The blank according to claim 1, wherein The at least one retaining protrusion is disposed proximate to at least one end portion of the first fold line.

7. The blank according to claim 6, wherein The at least one holding protrusion includes a pair of holding protrusions respectively provided at opposite ends of the first fold line.

8. The blank according to claim 1, wherein The length of the first fold line is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved section of the first free edge.

9. The blank according to claim 1, wherein The tab has a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line, and wherein the length of the first fold line is less than the maximum width of the tab.

10. The blank according to claim 9, wherein The maximum width of the tab is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved section of the first free edge.

11. An article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess, the article carrier comprising: a plurality of plates for forming a tubular structure around at least one article; and an article retaining device for engaging a recess of at least one article; the article retaining device prevents the at least one article from being removed from the tubular structure, the article retaining device comprising a tab hingedly connected to a first plate of the plurality of plates along a first fold line, the tab being capable of folding about the first fold line into an engaged position, in which the tab is folded about the first fold line at an angle greater than 90 degrees, wherein the tab comprises a main body for engaging a surface of the at least one article provided by the recess therein, the tab further comprising at least one retaining protrusion extending from the main body to engage a feature of the at least one article, thereby preventing the tab from detaching from the at least one article, the at least one retaining protrusion preventing the tab from unfolding from the engaged position.

12. The article carrier according to claim 11, wherein The body of the tab includes a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and a first free edge opposite the first fold line, and the at least one retaining protrusion includes a second free edge connected to the first free edge and a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge, and wherein the second maximum linear dimension is smaller than the first maximum linear dimension.

13. The article carrier according to claim 12, wherein: The second maximum linear dimension is less than half the first maximum linear dimension.

14. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The at least one retaining projection is in the form of a protrusion projecting from the first free edge of the tab to allow deformation between the body of the tab and the at least one retaining projection.

15. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The first fold line extends at an acute angle relative to a tubular axis of the tubular structure.

16. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The first fold line extends parallel to the tubular axis of the tubular structure.

17. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The tab is hingedly connected such that the tab can be folded inwardly of the article carrier toward a second panel of the plurality of panels, the second panel being hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

18. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The article carrier includes a machine pull opening for receiving a machine element, the tab defining at least a portion of the machine pull opening when folded about a first fold line, and the machine pull opening including a recess along a periphery of the machine pull opening, the recess extending from a body of the tab.

19. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The article carrier includes an end closure structure including at least one end plate for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

20. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein: The tab includes a pair of retaining projections extending from opposite sides of the body.

21. A package comprising the article carrier of claim 11 and at least one article having a recess and a base feature, the at least one article resting on the base feature, wherein: The at least one retaining tab is disposed between the first of the plurality of plates and the base feature.

22. The package of claim 21, wherein When in the engaged position, a body of the tab protrudes from the first of the plurality of plates while the at least one retaining projection remains in contact with a portion of the base plate.

23. The package of claim 21, wherein The body of the tab extends into the recess of the base of the at least one article to provide an end stop to limit movement of the at least one article.

Images