Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier includes an outer shell and an inner member. The outer shell includes an outer shell floor and a pair of outer shell side panels hingedly connected to the outer shell floor such that the outer shell floor and the outer shell side panels collectively provide an outer channel structure defining an outer channel axis (y). The inner member includes at least one inner inverted channel structure defining an inner channel axis (x). The at least one inner channel structure extends between the outer shell side panels such that the inner channel axis (x) is generally perpendicular to the outer channel axis (y). The outer shell floor includes at least one first top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an article carrier and a blank for forming the article carrier. More specifically, but not limited thereto, this invention relates to a top-clamping carrier, and includes a housing and internal support members. Background Technology

[0002] In the packaging industry, it is known to provide containers or cartons for carrying multiple items. Cartons are well-known in the prior art and can be used to enable consumers to transport, store, and access a set of items for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such cartons or containers need to be formed with as little material as possible and with minimal waste of the materials used to form them. Further considerations include the strength of the cartons and their suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. It is also desirable that the contents of the cartons remain secure within the cartons.

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of transporting two or more items; particularly for large or heavy items.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide improvements in the field of cardboard boxes (typically formed from cardboard or the like). Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging multiple articles. The article carrier includes a housing and internal components. The housing includes a housing base plate and a pair of housing side plates hinged to the housing base plate, such that the housing base plate and housing side plates together provide an external channel structure defining an external channel axis. The internal components include at least one internal inverted channel structure defining an internal channel axis. The at least one internal channel structure extends between the housing side plates such that the internal channel axis is substantially perpendicular to the external channel axis. The housing base plate includes at least one first top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article.

[0006] Optionally, the at least one first top receiving feature includes a top receiving opening defined in the bottom plate of the housing and at least one article-bearing tab connected to the periphery of the top receiving opening.

[0007] Optionally, the at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate and a pair of internal channel side plates extending from the internal channel top plate to the housing bottom plate, each internal channel side plate including at least one article support edge for engaging at least one article.

[0008] Optionally, the housing further includes at least one housing top plate hinged to one of the housing side plates, the at least one housing top plate being fixed to the at least one internal channel structure.

[0009] Optionally, the at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate, the internal channel top plate including at least one second top receiving feature perpendicularly aligned with at least one first top receiving feature on the housing bottom plate.

[0010] Optionally, the housing further includes at least one housing top plate hinged to one of the housing side plates, and the at least one housing top plate includes at least one third top receiving feature perpendicularly aligned with at least one second top receiving feature on the internal channel top plate.

[0011] Optionally, the internal components further include an internal base plate that extends outward from the at least one internal channel structure and is arranged in a manner that contacts the surface of the outer casing base plate.

[0012] Optionally, the at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate and a pair of internal channel side plates extending from the internal channel top plate to the housing bottom plate, the internal bottom plate being hinged to one of the internal channel side plates and extending in a direction away from the other internal channel side plate.

[0013] Alternatively, the outer shell and internal components may be formed from two separate blanks.

[0014] Alternatively, the outer shell and internal components are each formed from a single blank and are hinged together with each other.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging multiple articles. The article carrier includes a housing and internal components. The housing includes a housing base plate. The internal components include a pair of channel structures arranged in a parallel and spaced-apart configuration on the housing base plate. The housing further includes at least one bridging pipe-like structure, at least partially formed by the housing base plate. The at least one bridging pipe-like structure extends between the channel structures.

[0016] Optionally, the at least one bridge pipe structure includes at least one pair of bridge pipe structures, each bridge pipe structure extending between the channel structures, such that these bridge pipe structures are arranged in parallel at intervals.

[0017] Optionally, the housing base plate includes a handle opening disposed between the channel structures.

[0018] Optionally, the housing base plate includes a handle opening disposed between the bridge pipe structures, such that the bridge pipe structures and the channel structures together form a frame surrounding the handle opening.

[0019] Optionally, the tubular axis of at least one bridging pipe structure is substantially perpendicular to the channel axis of each channel structure.

[0020] Optionally, the housing base plate includes at least one first article top receiving feature disposed at a location along each channel structure.

[0021] Optionally, the housing also includes: The shell side plate is hinged to the shell bottom plate. The top plate of the shell is hinged to the side plates of the shell, and The spaced flaps are hinged to the top plate of the housing, and at least one of the bridge-like structures includes: Part of the shell bottom plate, Part of the shell side plate, part of the shell top plate, and Interval folding wings.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging multiple articles. The article carrier includes an outer shell and internal components fixed together. The outer shell includes a shell base plate. The internal components include a pair of first and second channel structures arranged in a parallel, spaced-apart configuration on the shell base plate. The internal components also include an internal component separation line, by means of which a first portion of the internal component containing the first channel structure is detachably connected to a second portion of the internal component containing the second channel structure. The outer shell also includes an outer shell separation line comprising a shell base plate segment extending within the shell base plate. The shell base plate segment is at least partially substantially collinear with at least a portion of the internal component separation line, such that the first and second channel structures can be separated from each other when both the internal component separation line and the outer shell separation line are broken.

[0023] Optionally, the base plate segment of the housing extends parallel to the channel axis of each of the first and second channel structures.

[0024] Optionally, the bottom plate section of the housing is interrupted by a handle opening defined in the bottom plate of the housing.

[0025] Optionally, the first part of the internal component includes at least one first connecting plate, and the second part of the internal component includes at least one second connecting plate, wherein the at least one first connecting plate is detachably connected to the at least one second connecting plate via a connecting plate segment of the internal component separation line, the connecting plate segment being at least partially substantially collinear with at least a portion of the housing separation line.

[0026] Optionally, at least one first connecting plate and at least one second connecting plate are respectively hinged to the first and second channel structures.

[0027] Optionally, the first part of the internal component further includes a first internal base plate hinged to the first channel structure, and the second part of the internal component further includes a second internal base plate hinged to the second channel structure, wherein the first and second internal base plates are respectively hinged to at least one first connecting plate and at least one second connecting plate.

[0028] Optionally, the first and second inner base plates are hinged together by an inner base plate segment of the inner component separation line, and the inner base plate segment is at least partially collinear with the shell base plate segment.

[0029] Optionally, at least one first connecting plate includes a pair of opposing first connecting plates, and at least one second connecting plate includes a pair of opposing second connecting plates, wherein the housing further includes a pair of opposing housing side plates hinged to the housing base plate, one of the pair of opposing housing side plates being fixed to one of the pair of opposing first connecting plates and one of the pair of opposing second connecting plates in a face-contact arrangement, and the other of the pair of opposing housing side plates being fixed to the other of the pair of opposing first connecting plates and the other of the pair of opposing second connecting plates in a face-contact arrangement.

[0030] Optionally, the housing base plate includes at least one first article top receiving feature at each location along the first and second channel structures.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention provides an insert blank for placement within a housing to form an article holder. The insert blank includes a pair of first and second opposing end edges. The insert blank includes a pair of first and second opposing connecting panels extending respectively along the first and second end edges. The insert blank also includes a first channel forming section and a second channel forming section, each channel forming section extending between the first and second connecting panels, such that the first and second channel forming sections are arranged side-by-side. Each channel forming section includes a channel top panel hinged at its opposite ends to the first and second connecting panels, and a pair of channel side panels hinged to opposite side edges of the channel top panel. Each channel forming section includes at least one article receiving feature.

[0032] Optionally, the insert blank further includes a pair of first and second insert bottom panels respectively hinged to the first and second channel forming sections.

[0033] Optionally, the first and second connecting panels each include a connecting cut line and can be divided along the connecting cut line.

[0034] Optionally, the first and second channel forming sections are not directly connected to each other.

[0035] Optionally, the first and second channel forming sections are separated by a cut, the cut being formed by one of the following feature groups: a cutting line, a narrow groove, a slit, and an orifice. Optionally, the first and second channel forming sections are detachably connected along a zigzag line.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention provides an insert blank for placement in a housing to form an article holder. The insert blank includes a first channel forming section and a second channel forming section arranged side-by-side, wherein at least one insert base panel extends between them. The at least one insert base panel is hinged to the first and second channel forming sections along its opposite side edges, respectively.

[0037] Optionally, the insert blank further includes first and second connecting panels, respectively hinged to opposite end edges of the at least one insert bottom panel.

[0038] Optionally, the at least one insert bottom panel includes a connecting cut line and can be divided along the connecting cut line.

[0039] Optionally, each of the first and second channel forming sections includes at least one item receiving feature.

[0040] Optionally, each of the first and second channel forming sections includes a channel top panel and a pair of channel side panels hinged to opposite side edges of the channel top panel, wherein the at least one insertion bottom panel is hinged along its opposite side edges to one of the channel side panels of the first channel forming section and one of the channel side panels of the second channel forming section, respectively.

[0041] Optionally, each of the first and second connecting panels has a width greater than the width of the at least one inserted bottom panel, such that when the first and second channel forming sections are erected into a channel-shaped structure, the first and second connecting panels at least partially close the opposite ends of each of the channel-shaped structures.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention provides an item holder for packaging multiple items. The item holder includes a housing and an internal component. The housing includes a bottom panel having at least one first top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one item. The internal component includes at least one internal channel structure disposed on the bottom panel. The item holder also includes a connecting device for facilitating positioning of the internal component on the bottom panel. The connecting device includes at least one first connecting element provided by the internal component and at least one second connecting element provided by the housing. The first and second connecting elements are configured and positioned such that one of the first and second connecting elements can be received in the other of the first and second connecting elements.

[0043] Optionally, the at least one first top receiving feature includes a top receiving opening defined in the bottom panel of the housing.

[0044] Optionally, the housing further includes: a pair of housing side panels hinged to the housing bottom panel; and at least one housing top panel hinged to one of the housing side panels, the at least one housing top panel being fixed to the at least one internal channel structure.

[0045] Optionally, the at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top panel, which includes at least one second top receiving feature that is vertically aligned with the at least one first top receiving feature of the bottom panel of the housing.

[0046] Optionally, the housing further includes: a pair of housing side plates hinged to a housing bottom plate; and at least one housing top plate hinged to one of the housing side plates, wherein the at least one housing top plate includes at least one third top receiving feature that is perpendicularly aligned with at least one second top receiving feature of the inner channel top plate.

[0047] Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure includes an inner channel top plate and a pair of inner channel side plates extending from the inner channel top plate to the housing bottom plate, and wherein the at least one first connecting element includes a protrusion extending from at least one inner channel side plate of the at least one inner channel structure.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention provides an assembly of two or more blanks for forming an article carrier; the article carrier includes a shell and an internal component. The internal component is formed from a first blank, and the shell is formed from a second blank. The second blank includes a shell base plate having at least one first top receiving feature for receiving at least a portion of at least one article. The first blank includes at least one section for forming at least one internal channel structure disposed on the shell base plate. The blank assembly also includes a connecting device for facilitating the positioning of the internal component on the shell base plate during the assembly of the blank assembly into an article carrier. The connecting device includes at least one first connecting element provided by the first blank and at least one second connecting element provided by the second blank. The first and second connecting elements are configured and positioned such that one of the first and second connecting elements can be received in the other of the first and second connecting elements.

[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the specific embodiments discussed below.

[0050] Within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives contemplated or intended to be set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings may be considered or employed independently, or in any combination thereof.

[0051] The features or elements described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein, and the features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included as an addition or substitution to one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0052] The features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be extracted in isolation from other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, the features or combinations of features of the embodiments may be omitted from the embodiments.

[0053] Brief description of the attached figures Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a top-down view of the blank for forming an internal support member of an article carrier according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 This is a top-down view of the blank for forming the outer shell of an article carrier according to the first embodiment; Figures 3 to 7 It is by Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the stages of constructing the blank, the carrier, and the packaging of the item; Figure 8 It includes by Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top-down perspective view of the carrier formed by the blank and the packaging of multiple items; Figure 9 This is a top-down view of the blank for forming an internal support member of an article carrier according to the second embodiment; Figure 10 This is a top-down view of the blank used to form the outer shell of the article carrier according to the second embodiment; Figure 11 It is by Figure 9 and Figure 10 A perspective view of the stages of constructing the blank, the carrier, and the packaging of the item; Figure 12 It includes by Figure 9 and Figure 10 A top-down perspective view of the carrier formed by the blank and the packaging of multiple items; Figure 13 This is a top-down view of the blank for forming an internal support member of an article carrier according to the third embodiment; Figure 14 This is a top-down view of the blank for forming the outer shell of an article carrier according to the third embodiment; Figure 15 It is by Figure 13 and Figure 14 A perspective view of the stages of constructing the blank, the carrier, and the packaging of the item; Figure 16 It includes by Figure 13 and Figure 14 A top-down perspective view of the carrier formed by the blank and the packaging of a group of items; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the package from above, showing the carrier divided into two parts, each comprising a subset of the items. Figure 18 This is a plan view from above of the blank used to form the outer shell of the article carrier according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 19 This is a plan view from above of the blank used to form the internal support member, which is related to... Figure 18 The outer shell is used together to form a carrier of goods; Figure 20 This is a plan view from above of the blank used to form the alternative internal support member, which is related to... Figure 18 The outer shell is used together to form a carrier of goods; Figure 21 This is a plan view from above of the blank used to form another alternative internal support member, which is similar to... Figure 18 The outer shell is used together to form a carrier of goods; Figure 22 It is a perspective view from above of a package including the carrier and a set of items, the carrier being composed of... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The blank is formed;\n\n Figure 23 This is a plan view from above of the blank for forming the internal support member of the article carrier according to the fifth embodiment; Figure 24 This is a plan view from above of the blank used to form the outer shell of the article carrier according to the fifth embodiment; Figure 25 and Figure 26 It is by Figure 23 and Figure 24 Perspective views of the various stages of the construction of the blank, the transport vehicle, and the packaging; Figure 27 This is a perspective view from above of a package including the carrier and multiple items, the carrier being composed of... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The blank is formed;\n\n Figure 28 This is a plan view from above of the blank for forming the internal support member of the article carrier according to the sixth embodiment; Figure 29 This is a plan view from above of the blank for forming the outer shell of an article carrier according to the sixth embodiment; and\n\n Figure 30 and Figure 31This is a perspective view of a package including a carrier and multiple items, the carrier being constructed from... Figure 28 and Figure 29 The blank is formed. Detailed Description of Embodiments This document discloses a detailed description of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary ways of implementing certain aspects of the invention and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways that can embody the invention. The term "exemplary" as used herein is broadly used to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or styles. In fact, it should be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or reduced to show detail of particular parts. To avoid obscuring this disclosure, well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply the invention in various ways. Reference Figure 1 A plan view of a first blank 10 capable of forming an internal support 90 for a cardboard box or carrier 90 / 190 is shown, as follows. Figures 3 to 8 China together with Figure 2 The second blank 110 forms the outer casing 190, which is shown together with the outer casing 190. This carton or carrier 90 / 190 is configured to carry a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as article B. The first and second blanks 10, 110 form a secondary package P for packaging at least one container or package of primary products. Alternative blanks 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3210, 3310, 3110; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 are shown in... Figure 9 As shown in 10, 13, 14, 18, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 28 and 29, the alternative packaging P'; P''; P''' (see Figure 12 (16, 22, 27, and 30). In the embodiments described in detail herein, the terms "carrier" and "carrier" refer to containers 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for the purpose of illustrating various features of the invention, for engaging and carrying articles such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be conical and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal bottles, glass bottles, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, bags, boxes, etc.

[0054] Blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 are formed from a suitable substrate. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes various foldable sheets, such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, hardboard, plastics, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that, where appropriate, one or more blanks may be used, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cartons described herein (90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190, 3210 / 3110, 3310 / 3110; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190) can be formed from sheets (e.g., cardboard) that may be made of or coated with a material that increases its strength. An example of such a sheet is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock. It should be noted that tear-resistant material can be provided in more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the packaging. Typically, one surface of the sheet can have different characteristics than another surface. For example, the sheet surface facing outwards from the finished packaging can be particularly smooth and may have coatings such as clay coatings or other surface treatments to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inward-facing sheet surface may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide one or more of the following properties: tear resistance, good adhesiveness, heat sealability, or other desired functional characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 are configured to form cartons or carriers 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary article B. In the illustrated embodiment, this arrangement is a matrix or array having three rows and two columns; in the illustrated embodiment, articles B are provided in three rows and two columns, or in two columns and three rows, and article B is a 1.5-liter bottle. Alternatively, blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 can be configured to form carriers 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of articles B and / or for packaging articles B in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wraparound carriers, where article B can be a cup, bag, can, or aluminum can. Figure 1The internal support 90 for forming a carton 90 / 190 according to the first embodiment is shown (see Figures 3 to 8 The first blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, which are arranged in a linear sequence and hinged sequentially by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 form an internal support structure having at least one channel. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple channels, specifically, but not limited to, three channels. Each channel includes a top plate 16, 24, 32 and a pair of side plates 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 extending downward therefrom. Multiple main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 include multiple substrates (or base plates) 12, 20, 28, and 36. The multiple substrates (or base plates) 12, 20, 28, and 36 include a first end substrate 12 and a second end substrate 36, a first intermediate substrate 20, and a second intermediate substrate 28. The first and second intermediate substrates 20 and 28 couple or connect one of the multiple channels to an adjacent channel among the multiple channels. The first blank 10 includes a plurality of end-sealing plates 38A, 40A, 42A, 44A, 46A, 38B, 40B, 42B, 44B, and 46B; the plurality of end-sealing plates 38A, 40A, 42A, 44A, 46A, 38B, 40B, 42B, 44B, and 46B include a plurality of end plates 40A, 44A, 40B, and 44B and a plurality of channel end-sealing plates 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, and 46B. A plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 include a first end base plate 12 hinged to a first side plate 14 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The first side plate 14 is hinged to a first top plate 16 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The first top plate 16 is hinged to the second side plate 18 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 17. The second side plate 18 is hinged to the first intermediate substrate 20 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0055] The first intermediate base plate 20 is hinged to the third side plate 22 via a zigzag line 21. The third side plate 22 is hinged to the second top plate 24 via a zigzag line 23. The second top plate 24 is hinged to the fourth side plate 26 via a zigzag line 25. The fourth side plate 24 is hinged to the second intermediate base plate 28 via a zigzag line 27.

[0056] The second intermediate base plate 28 is hinged to the fifth side plate 30 via a zigzag line 29. The fifth side plate 30 is hinged to the third top plate 32 via a zigzag line 31. The third top plate 32 is hinged to the sixth side plate 34 via a zigzag line 33. The sixth side plate 34 is hinged to the second end base plate 36 via a zigzag line 35.

[0057] The first end sealing plate 38A of the first channel is connected to the first end of the first top plate 16 via a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 37A. The second end sealing plate 38B of the first channel is connected to the second end of the first top plate 16 via a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 37B.

[0058] The first end sealing plate 42A of the second channel is connected to the first end of the second top plate 24 by a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 41A. The second end sealing plate 42B of the second channel is connected to the second end of the second top plate 24 by a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 41B.

[0059] The first end sealing plate 46A of the third channel is connected to the first end of the third top plate 32 via a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 45A. The second end sealing plate 46B of the third channel is connected to the second end of the third top plate 32 via a hinge in the form of a zigzag line 45B.

[0060] The first end plate 40A is hinged to the first end of the first intermediate base plate 20 via a zigzag 39A. The first end plate 40A is detachable from the second side plate 18 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The first end plate 40A is also detachable from the third side plate 22 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The cutout can take the form of a cutting line CL1A, CL2A, a slot, a slit, a hole, or a notch, and the detachable connection can take the form of a tear line, a perforated line, or other suitable easily breakable connection.

[0061] The second end plate 40B is hinged to the second end of the first intermediate base plate 20 via a zigzag 39B. The second end plate 40B is detachable from the second side plate 18 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The second end plate 40B is also detachable from the third side plate 22 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The cutout can take the form of a cutting line CL1B, CL2B, a slot, a slit, a hole, or a notch, and the detachable connection can take the form of a tear line, a perforated line, or other suitable easily breakable connection.

[0062] The third end plate 44A is hinged to the first end of the second intermediate base plate 28 via a zigzag joint 43A. The third end plate 44A is detachable from the fourth side plate 26 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The third end plate 44A is also detachable from the fifth side plate 30 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The cutout can take the form of a cutting line CL3A, CL4A, a slot, a slit, a hole, or a notch, and the detachable connection can take the form of a tear line, a perforated line, or other suitable easily breakable connection.

[0063] The fourth end plate 44B is hinged to the second end of the second intermediate base plate 28 via a zigzag line 43B. The fourth end plate 44B is detachable from the fourth side plate 26 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The fourth end plate 44B is also detachable from the fifth side plate 30 via a cutout or a detachable connection. The cutout can take the form of a cutting line CL3B, CL4B, a slot, a slit, a hole, or a notch, and the detachable connection can take the form of a tear line, a perforated line, or other suitable easily breakable connection.

[0064] The first blank 10 includes at least one article receiving opening A1. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple article receiving openings A1, specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1. The first, second, and third top plates 16, 24, and 32 each include at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third top plates 16, 24, and 32 each include two article receiving openings A1.

[0065] Each item receiving opening A1 is partially punched out from or partially defined therein from one of the top plates 16, 24, 32. The portion of each item receiving opening A1 defined in the top plates 16, 24, 32 is configured to receive the upper portion of an item B and may be generally circular in shape. The end of the item B received in the item receiving opening A1 may be at least a portion of an end closure, screw cap, or crown cap of the item B. Each item receiving opening A1 may extend to one or both of the side plates 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34, which extend from or are hinged to the top plate 16, 24, 32 where the item receiving opening A1 is formed. The portion or each portion of the item receiving opening A1 punched out from or defined therein from one of the side plates 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 may be generally trapezoidal in shape. In this way, the item receiving opening A1 may be generally "bow-tie" shaped. The edges E1, E2 of the article receiving opening A1, provided by a portion defined in one of the side plates 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34, can provide engagement or support edges for engaging or suspending the article B, and these edges E1, E2 can be arranged to engage the article B below a flange, protrusion, or undercut feature of the article B. Each of the first and second intermediate base plates 20, 28 can include an opening, which can be for receiving a locking flap 150 provided by the housing 190 (see...). Figure 2 The receiver is part of the first and second intermediate base plates 20, 28. Each opening may be partially defined by a hole A2 punched out or defined therein from one of the first and second intermediate base plates 20, 28. The opening may be defined at least partially by at least one flap 50. The opening in the illustrated embodiment is partially defined by two flaps 50. Each flap 50 is punched out or defined therein from one of the first and second intermediate base plates 20, 28 and is hinged to it by a hinged connection in the form of a crease 51. The pair of flaps 50 are hinged relative to each other, and the hinged connection defines opposite ends of the opening. Each flap 50 is defined by a pair of opposing cuts 53A, 53B extending from the crease 51 to the hole A2. The shape of the pair of cuts 53A, 53B is adapted to define a waist in the opening near the crease 51. Figure 2 The illustration shows a method for forming a carton 90 / 190 according to the first embodiment (see figure). Figures 3 to 8The second blank 110 of the outer shell or cover 190 is a plurality of main plates 118, 114, 112, 116, 120 arranged in a linear series, which are hinged one to the next by respective creases 117, 113, 115, 119. The plurality of main plates 118, 114, 112, 116, 120 includes a first main plate 112 for forming a base plate 112 of the outer shell 190. A first side plate 114 is hinged to a first side of the base plate 112 by a hinge connection in the form of a crease 113. A second side plate 116 is hinged to a second side of the base plate 112, opposite to the first side, by a hinge connection in the form of a crease 115. A first top plate 118 is hinged to the first side plate 114 by a hinge connection in the form of a crease 117. A second top plate 120 is hinged to the second side plate 116 by a hinge connection in the form of a crease 119. The second blank 110 includes a first end plate 122 hinged to a first end of the base plate 112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 121. A second end plate 124 is hinged to a second end of the base plate 112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 123, the second end being opposite the first end. The second blank 110 includes a first anchor plate 126A hinged to a first end of the first top plate 118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 127A. A second anchor plate 126B is hinged to a second end of the first top plate 118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 127B. The second blank 110 includes a third anchor plate 126C hinged to a first end of the second top plate 120 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 127C. A fourth anchor plate 126D is hinged to a second end of the second top plate 120 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold 127D.

[0066] The first anchor panel 126A is connected to the first end panel 122; in the illustrated embodiment, it is connected via at least one connecting panel 128A, 130A. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 128A, 130A, which include a first web panel 128A and a first gusset panel 130A. The first web panel 128A is hinged to the first anchor panel 126A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 131A. The first gusset panel 130A is hinged to the first web panel 128A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 135A. The first gusset panel 130A is hinged to the first end panel 122 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 133A. The first web panel 128A is hinged to the first side panel 114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 129A. The first gusset panel 130A can be separated from the first side panel 114 via a notch in the form of a hole A4. The second anchor panel 126B is connected to the second end panel 124; in the illustrated embodiment, this connection is achieved via at least one connecting panel 128B, 130B. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 128B, 130B, comprising a second web panel 128B and a second gusset panel 130B. The second web panel 128B is hinged to the second anchor panel 126B via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 131B. The second gusset panel 130B is hinged to the second web panel 128B via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 135B. The second gusset panel 130B is hinged to the second end panel 124 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 133B. The second web panel 128B is hinged to the first side panel 114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 129B. The second gusset panel 130B can be separated from the first side panel 114 via a notch in the form of a hole A4. The third anchor panel 126C is connected to the first end panel 122; in the illustrated embodiment, it is connected via at least one connecting panel 128C, 130C. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 128C, 130C, which includes a third web panel 128C and a third gusset panel 130C. The third web panel 128C is hinged to the third anchor panel 126C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 131C. The third gusset panel 130C is hinged to the third web panel 128C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 135C. The third gusset panel 130C is hinged to the first end panel 122 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 133C. The third web panel 128C is hinged to the second side panel 116 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 129C. The third gusset panel 130C can be separated from the second side panel 116 via a notch in the form of a hole A4. The fourth anchor panel 126D is connected to the second end panel 124; in the illustrated embodiment, the connection is made via at least one connecting panel 128D, 130D.The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 128D and 130D, comprising a fourth web panel 128D and a fourth gusset panel 130D. The fourth web panel 128D is hinged to a fourth anchor panel 126D via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 131D. The fourth gusset panel 130D is hinged to the fourth web panel 128D via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 135D. The fourth gusset panel 130D is hinged to a second end panel 124 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 133D. The fourth web panel 128D is hinged to a second side panel 114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 129D. The fourth gusset panel 130D can be separated from the second side panel 116 by a notch in the form of a hole A4. The first main panel 112 includes at least one item holding device RT, also referred to herein as a top engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple item holding devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six item holding devices RT. The item holding devices RT are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each article holding device RT includes a plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 that at least partially define an article receiving opening. Each of the plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 is stamped out of or defined therein from a base panel 112 and is hinged to the base panel by hinge connections in the form of fold lines 141, 143, 145, 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 includes a pair of opposing primary tabs 140, 142 and a pair of opposing secondary tabs 146, 148. At least the primary tabs 140, 142 may be load-bearing to suspend or support an article B therefrom.

[0067] The first top plate 118 includes at least one article receiving hole A3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top plate 118 includes three article receiving holes A3, each article receiving hole A3 configured to be vertically aligned with one of a plurality of article holding devices RT in the bottom plate 112. The second top plate 120 includes at least one article receiving hole A3. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top plate 120 includes three article receiving holes A3, each article receiving hole A3 configured to be vertically aligned with one of a plurality of article holding devices RT in the bottom plate 112. Each article receiving hole A3 may be circular in shape and may be configured to form a tight fit or friction fit around the upper part of the article B (e.g., an end cap or cap C). Each of the first, second, third, and fourth anchoring plates 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D may include a notch R, each notch R configured to be aligned with an adjacent article receiving hole A3 in one of the first and second top plates 118, 120. The second blank 110 includes a locking structure for securing the first and second top plates 118, 120 in a folded or assembled state. The base plate 112 includes at least one receiving member for receiving at least a portion of at least one locking flap 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 112 includes a pair of receiving holes A5, each receiving hole A5 arranged to receive a pair of locking flaps 150, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the first and second top plates 118, 120. In other embodiments, a separate receiving hole may be provided to receive a corresponding one of the pair of locking flaps 150. In other embodiments, the at least one receiving member may be constructed similarly to the openings in the first and second intermediate base plates 20, 28 of the first blank 10. Each opening may be partially defined by a hole punched out of or defined in the base plate 112 and at least one tab; for example, but not limited to, a tab, each tab punched out of or defined in the base plate 112 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a folded line. The tabs may be hinged opposite each other; the hinged connection defines opposite ends of the openings. Each tab is defined by a pair of opposing cuts extending from its respective fold line to the hole. The pair of cuts may be shaped to define a narrow waist in an opening near the fold line. A first top plate 118 includes at least one locking tab 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top plate 118 includes a pair of locking tabs 150. Each locking tab 150 is at least partially stamped out of or at least partially defined in the first top plate 118 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151. A second top plate 120 includes at least one locking tab 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top plate 120 includes a pair of locking tabs 150. Each locking tab 150 is at least partially stamped out of or at least partially defined in the second top plate 120 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151.Each locking tab 150 includes a tongue or tab T1 projecting from its end edge, which faces a hinge edge defined by a hinged connection between the locking tab 150 and a corresponding one of the first and second top plates 118, 120. The tab T1 includes a narrow waist defining an engagement edge or shoulder S, forming a snap-fit ​​for engagement with a portion of the base plate 112 adjacent to a receiving hole A5 that receives the tongue or tab T1. Each receiving hole A5 may include at least one narrow waist to define a wider tab receiving portion near the side edge of the receiving hole A5 closest to one of the first and second side plates 114, 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving hole A5 includes a pair of tab receiving portions, a first tab receiving portion disposed along a first side edge of the receiving hole A5 closest to the first side plate 114, and a second tab receiving portion disposed along a second side edge of the receiving hole A5 closest to the second side plate 116. Each locking flap 150 may include a pair of fold lines 153 that at least partially define a wing portion of the locking flap 150. The pair of fold lines 153 may be arranged diverging relative to each other and may diverge toward the hinged edge of the locking flap 150. Each of the pair of fold lines 153 may be tilted relative to fold line 151.

[0068] Steering Figures 3 to 8 The construction of the paper box 90 / 190 shown can be formed by a series of continuous folding operations on a linear machine, so that the paper box 90 / 190 does not need to be rotated or flipped when its construction is completed. The folding process is not limited to the process described below and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

[0069] The second blank 110 is brought above and lowered relative to a group of articles B, with each article holding device RT positioned to align or be aligned with the corresponding article B in the group. The upper part of each article B is received in the article receiving opening of the corresponding article holding device RT. Multiple tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 are folded upward to expose the plane of the base plate 112. Each of a pair of main tabs 140, 142 engages the corresponding article B below a flange or other suitable protrusion, allowing the article B to be suspended on the base plate 112.

[0070] The first blank 10 is brought above the group of articles B and the second blank 110, and the first blank 10 is lowered relative to the group of articles B and the second blank 110. The article receiving opening A1 provided in the second top plate 24 is arranged to be aligned or aligned with a pair of articles B provided in the group of articles B. The article receiving opening A1 in the second top plate 24 is aligned with the article B in the second or middle row of articles B in the group of articles B.

[0071] Treat the glue or other adhesive (glue area G, e.g.) Figure 1(As shown) applied to the end plates 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the first blank 10, or in an alternative embodiment, applied to the corresponding areas of the first and second side plates 114, 116 of the second blank 110.

[0072] The first blank 10 is folded around fold lines 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29.

[0073] The third and fourth side plates 22 and 26 are folded relative to the second top plate 24 around fold lines 23 and 25. The first intermediate bottom plate 20 is folded relative to the third side plate 22 around fold line 21, and the second intermediate bottom plate 28 is folded relative to the third side plate 22 around fold line 27.

[0074] The second side plate 18, together with the first top plate 16, the first side plate 14 and the first end bottom plate 12, are folded around the fold line 19 relative to the first intermediate bottom plate 20.

[0075] The fifth side plate 30, together with the third top plate 32, the sixth side plate 34, and the second end bottom plate 36, are folded around the fold line 29 relative to the second intermediate bottom plate 28.

[0076] Lower the first blank 10 so that the first intermediate base plate 20 and the second intermediate base plate 28 are in surface contact with the base plate 112 of the second blank 110. Item B in the second or intermediate row of items B in this group of items B is accommodated in the item receiving opening A1 in the second top plate 24, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The first and third end plates 40A and 44A are in surface contact with the second side plate 116 and are fixed thereon. The second and fourth end plates 40B and 44B are in surface contact with the first side plate 114 and are fixed thereon.

[0077] The first top plate 16 is folded relative to the second side plate 18 around fold line 17. During this process, item B in the first row or end row of items B in the group of items B is received in the item receiving opening A1 in the first top plate 16. The first side plate 14 is folded relative to the first top plate 16 around fold line 15, and the first end bottom plate 12 is folded relative to the first side plate 14 around fold line 13, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0078] The third top plate 32 is folded relative to the fifth side plate 30 around fold line 31. During this process, item B in the third row or end row of items B in this group of items B is received in the item receiving opening A1 in the third top plate 32. The sixth side plate 34 is folded relative to the third top plate 32 around fold line 33, and the second end bottom plate 36 is folded relative to the sixth side plate 34 around fold line 35, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0079] The end-sealing plates 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B of each channel are folded relative to the first, second, or third top plates 16, 24, 32 to which they are hinged, around fold lines 37A, 41A, 45A, 37B, 41B, 45B to close the ends of the first, second, and third channel structures, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0080] Each channel end closure panel 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B can be at least partially accommodated in the channel formed by the respective top panels 16, 24, 32 and a pair of side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 32, 34 hinged thereto. In this way, the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B can form a mandrel, bracket, or support to reinforce the channel structure. As shown in Figure 6, the edge portions of the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B can be held or engaged by at least one end panel 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the first blank 10. In this manner, the end panels 40A, 40B, 44A, and 44B of the first blank 10 prevent the channel end closing panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, and 46B from unfolding, at least during the assembly of the carrier 90 / 190. The first end panel 122 of the second blank 110 is folded relative to the bottom panel 112 around the fold line 121, and the first and third anchoring panels 126A and 126C are folded so that they are face-to-face with one of the first and second top panels 118 and 120 to which they are hinged. The second end panel 124 of the second blank 110 is folded relative to the bottom panel 112 around the fold line 123, and the second and fourth anchoring panels 126B and 126D are folded so that they are face-to-face with one of the first and second top panels 118 and 120 to which they are hinged. In performing this operation, as shown in FIG7, the first side panel 114 (together with the first top panel 118) and the second side panel 116 (together with the second top panel 120) are at least partially folded relative to the bottom panel 112 around fold lines 113, 115, respectively. Adhesive or other adhesive treatment (adhesive area G shown in FIG1) is applied to the first, second, and third top panels 16, 24, 32 of the first blank 10, or, in an alternative embodiment, to corresponding areas of the first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110. The first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110 are folded relative to the first and second side panels 114, 116, which are hinged thereto, around fold lines 117, 119, respectively. The first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110 are brought into surface contact with and fixed to the first, second, and third top panels 16, 24, 32 of the first blank 10. The assembled carrier 90 / 190, as shown in FIG8, forms package P together with article group B. Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 31, additional embodiments of this disclosure are shown.In the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth illustrated embodiments, similar reference numerals are used where possible to denote similar parts, although the prefixes “1000,” “2000,” “3000,” “4000,” and “5000” are added to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, respectively. These additional embodiments share many features with the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 will be described in detail. Turning to Figure 9, a first blank 1010 is shown for forming the internal support 1090 of a carton 1090 / 1190 (see Figures 11 and 12) according to the second embodiment. The first blank 1010 includes a plurality of panels 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1025, 1027, 1029, 1031, 1033, arranged in a linear series and hinged sequentially, to each other via corresponding fold lines 1015, 1017, 1019, 1021, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034. The plurality of main panels 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034 include a first side panel 1014 hinged to the first top panel 1016 via a hinged connection in the form of fold line 1015. The first top panel 1016 is hinged to the second side panel 1018 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1017. The second side panel 1018 is hinged to the first intermediate bottom panel portion 1020A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1019. The second intermediate bottom panel portion 1020B is hinged to the third side panel 1022 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1021. The second intermediate bottom panel portion 1020B is separated from the first intermediate bottom panel portion 1020A by a cutting line or easy-break line 1019B. The third side panel 1022 is hinged to the second top panel 1024 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1023. The second top panel 1024 is hinged to the fourth side panel 1026 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1025. The fourth side panel 1024 is hinged to the third intermediate bottom panel portion 1028A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1027.

[0081] The fourth intermediate base plate portion 1028B is hinged to the fifth side plate 1030 via a fold line 1029. The fourth intermediate base plate portion 1028B is separated from the third intermediate base plate portion 1028A by a cut line or fragile line 1027B. The fifth side plate 1030 is hinged to the third top plate 1032 via a fold line 1031. The third top plate 1032 is hinged to the sixth side plate 34 via a fold line 1033.

[0082] Figure 9 The multiple motherboards 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034 and in the embodiments Figure 1 The difference between the multiple plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 in the embodiment is that the first and second end base plates 12 and 36 are omitted.

[0083] The first blank 1010 includes a pair of end-closing plates 1042 and 1046. The pair of end-closing plates 1042 and 1046 include a first end-closing plate 1042 that is hinged to the first end of each of the first, second, and third top plates 1016, 1024, and 1032 via fold lines 1041A, 1041B, and 1041C. The second end-closing plate 1046 is hinged to the second end of each of the first, second, and third top plates 1016, 1024, and 1032 via fold lines 1045A, 1045B, and 1045C.

[0084] The first end sealing plate 1042 is separated from the second side plate 1018, the first and second intermediate bottom plate portions 1020A and 1020B, and the third side plate 1022 by a cutting line 1043A. The first end sealing plate 1042 is separated from the fourth side plate 1026, the third and fourth intermediate bottom plate portions 1028A and 1028B, and the fifth side plate 1030 by a cutting line 1043B.

[0085] The second end closure plate 1046 is separated from the second side plate 1018, the first and second intermediate bottom plate portions 1020A and 1020B, and the third side plate 1022 by a cutting line 1047A. The second end closure plate 1046 is separated from the fourth side plate 1026, the third and fourth intermediate bottom plate portions 1028A and 1028B, and the fifth side plate 1030 by a cutting line 1047B.

[0086] The fold line 1019 between the second side plate 1018 and the first intermediate base plate portion 1020A can be interrupted by at least one slit CT. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of slits CT that interrupt the fold line 1019. Each slit CT is generally U-shaped and defines a tab T3; the tab T3 is stamped from the material that would originally form the first intermediate base plate portion 1020A and is integral with the second side plate 1018. When the first intermediate base plate portion 1020A is folded relative to the second side plate 1018, the tab T3 remains coplanar with and extends downward therefrom the second side plate 1018. The tab T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in the second blank 1110 provided by one of the article holding devices RT. Fold lines 1021, 1027, and 1029 are similarly configured with slits CT. Each of the first and sixth side plates 1014, 1034 includes at least one tab T2 extending from its free edge, which is opposite to the hinged edge of the side plates 1014, 1034, defined by the hinged connection between the side plates 1014, 1034 and the corresponding first and third top plates 1016, 1032.

[0087] Each of the first, second, and third top plates 1016, 1024, and 1032 includes at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third top plates 1016, 1024, and 1032 includes two article receiving openings A1, and the construction of each article receiving opening A1 is similar to... Figure 1 The article receiving opening A1 shown is substantially similar to that of the previously described embodiment and will not be described in detail again.

[0088] Turning Figure 10 The illustration shows a method for forming a paper box 1090 / 1190 according to a second embodiment (see [reference]). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second blank 1110 of the outer shell or housing 1190. The second blank 1110 includes a plurality of main plates 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120 arranged in a linear series and hinged to each other by respective fold lines 1117, 1113, 1115, 1119.

[0089] Multiple motherboards 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, and 1120 include a first motherboard 1112 for forming a base plate 1112 of a housing 1190. A first side plate 1114 is hinged to a first side of the base plate 1112 via a fold line 1113. A second side plate 1116 is hinged to a second side of the base plate 1112, opposite to the first side, via a fold line 1115.

[0090] The first top plate 1118 is hinged to the first side plate 1114 via a fold line 1117. The second top plate 1120 is hinged to the second side plate 1116 via a fold line 1119.

[0091] The second blank 1110 includes a first end panel 1122, which is hinged to a first end of the base panel 1112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1121. A second end panel 1124 is hinged to a second end of the base panel 1112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1123, the second end being opposite to the first end. The second blank 1110 also includes a first anchoring panel 1126A, which is hinged to a first end of a first top panel 1118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1127A. A second anchoring panel 1126B is hinged to a second end of the first top panel 1118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1127B. The second blank 1110 further includes a third anchoring panel 1126C, which is hinged to a first end of a second top panel 1120 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 1127C. The fourth anchoring panel 1126D is hinged to the second end of the second top panel 1120 via a hinged connection in the form of fold lines 1127D. The first main panel 1112 includes at least one item holding device RT, also referred to herein as a top engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of item holding devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six item holding devices RT. The item holding devices RT are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each item holding device RT includes a pair of protrusions 1140, 1142 that partially define an item receiving opening. Each of the pair of protrusions 1140, 1142 is stamped out of or defined in the base panel 1112 and is hinged thereto via a hinged connection in the form of fold lines 1141, 1143. Each article receiving opening is partially defined by a hole A6, which is generally "H"-shaped. A portion of the hole separates the pair of protrusions 1140, 1142 from each other, and another portion of the hole A6 at least partially defines the side edge of each of the pair of protrusions 1140, 1142. Hole A6 provides a receiver in the second blank 1110 for receiving at least a portion of the protrusions T2, T3 provided by the first blank 1010. The protrusions T2, T3 and the hole A6 cooperate to form a connecting device to secure or hold the first blank 1010 in a folded or assembled state, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the best example. \n\nGo to as Figure 11 and 12The construction of cartons 1090 / 1190 shown can be achieved in a linear machine through a series of continuous folding operations, thus eliminating the need for rotation or flipping. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements. The folding process is the same as described above and... Figures 1 to 8 The process shown in the embodiment is similar. A second blank 1110 is applied to a set of articles B, the upper part of which is received in an article holding device RT in a base panel 1112. The first blank 1010 is aligned with and lowered relative to the articles B. The upper end of the articles B is received in article receiving openings A1 in the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, and 1032 of the first blank 1010. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth side panels 1014, 1018, 1022, 1026, 1030, and 1034 are folded relative to the top panels 1016, 1024, and 1032 to which they are hinged, around their respective fold lines 1015, 1017, 1023, 1025, 1031, and 1033. The protrusions T2 of the first and sixth side panels 1014 and 1034 engage with corresponding portions of holes A6 in the base panel 1112. Therefore, the first and second intermediate base panel portions 1020A and 1020B are spaced apart from each other, and similarly, the third and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1028A and 1028B are spaced apart from each other, thereby creating openings and exposing the receiving hole A5 in the base panel 1112 of the second blank 1110. The first, second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, and 1028B are folded relative to a corresponding one of the second, third, fourth, and fifth side panels 1018, 1022, 1026, and 1030 to which they are hinged, thereby forming a face-to-face relationship between the first, second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, and 1028B and the base panel 1112 of the second blank 1110. The protrusions T3 of the second, third, fourth, and fifth side panels 1018, 1022, 1026, and 1030 engage with the corresponding portions of the holes A6 in the base panel 1112. Then, the first and second end-closing panels 1042 and 1046 are folded relative to the top panels 1016, 1024, and 1032 around their respective fold line portions 1041A, 1041B, 1041C, 1045A, 1045B, and 1045C.

[0092] Then, in a manner substantially similar to the foregoing embodiments, the second blank 1110 is folded around the first blank 1010 to complete the carrier 1090 / 1190 and form packaging P' with the article B, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. \n\nTurn Figure 13 The illustration shows a method for forming a carton 2090 / 2190 according to a third embodiment (see [reference]). Figures 15 to 17 The first blank 2010 of the internal support member 2090. The first blank 2010 includes a plurality of panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 arranged in a linear series and hinged one after another by their respective fold lines 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033. The plurality of main panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 include a first side panel 2014 hingedly connected to the first top panel 2016 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 2015. The first top panel 2016 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 2018 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2017. The second side panel 2018 is hingedly connected to the first intermediate bottom panel 2020A / 2020B via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2019. The first intermediate bottom panel 2020A / 2020B is hingedly connected to the third side panel 2022 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2021. The third side panel 2022 is hingedly connected to the second top panel 2024 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2023. The second top panel 2024 is hingedly connected to the fourth side panel 2026 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2025. The fourth side panel 2024 is hingedly connected to the second intermediate bottom panel 2028 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2027. Figure 13 The plurality of main panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, and 2034 mentioned in the embodiments and Figure 1The difference in the embodiment of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 is that the first end bottom panel and the second end bottom panels 12, 36 are omitted. The second intermediate bottom panel 2028 is hingedly connected to the fifth side panel 2030 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2029. The fifth side panel 2030 is hingedly connected to the third top panel 2032 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2031. The third top panel 2032 is hingedly connected to the sixth side panel 2034 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2033. The sixth side panel 2034 is hingedly connected to the second end bottom panel 2036 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2035. Each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel 2016, 2024, 2032 includes at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel 2016, 2024, 2032 includes two item receiving openings A1. Each item receiving opening A1 is structurally similar to the item receiving opening A1 in the previously illustrated embodiments and described herein, and will not be described in detail again. The first blank 2010 includes a plurality of end-closed panels 2038A, 2040A, 2042A, 2044A, 2046A, 2038B, 2040B, 2042B, 2044B, and 2046B. These multiple end-closed panels 2038A, 2040A, 2042A, 2044A, 2046A, 2038B, 2040B, 2042B, 2044B, and 2046B include items structurally similar to those in the previously illustrated embodiments and described herein, and will not be described in detail again. Figure 1The embodiments shown and described herein are substantially similar to the plurality of end panels 2040A, 2044A, 2040B, 2044B and the plurality of channel end closure panels 2038A, 2042A, 2046A, 2038B, 2042B, 2046B, and will not be discussed further. The first blank 2010 includes a first cuttable or breakable line Sv1 extending therethrough, the first breakable line Sv1 extending across the first intermediate bottom panel 2020A / 2020B, dividing the first intermediate bottom panel 2020A / 2020B into a first portion 2020A and a second portion 2020B. The first breakable line Sv1 (specifically, the first breakable line segments Sv1a, Sv1b) extends across each of the first end panel 2040A and the second end panel 2040B. The first breakable line Sv1 may be interrupted by a hole A7 punched out from or defined therein in the first intermediate bottom panel 2020A / 2020B. The first blank 2010 includes a second cutable or breakable line Sv2 extending across it, the second breakable line Sv2 extending across the second intermediate bottom panel 2028A / 2028B, dividing the second intermediate bottom panel 2028A / 2028B into a first portion 2028A and a second portion 2028B. The second breakable line Sv2 (specifically, second breakable line segments Sv2a, Sv2b) extends across each of the third end panel 2044A and the fourth end panel 2044B. The second breakable line Sv2 may be interrupted by a hole A7 punched out from or defined therein in the second intermediate bottom panel 2028A / 2028B.

[0093] The first fold line Sv1 and the second fold line Sv2 divide the first blank 2010 into three foldably connected portions. In other embodiments, the first blank 2010 may be configured and arranged to provide more or fewer than three foldably connected portions, and the number of fold lines may be adjusted accordingly. Each of the first side panel 2014 and the sixth side panel 2034 includes at least one sheet T2 extending from its free edge, which is opposite a hinged edge of the side panels 2014, 2034 defined by a hinged connection between the side panels 2014, 2034 and a corresponding top panel of the first top panel 2016 and the third top panel 2032. The sheet T2 engages with holes A9 in the bottom panels 2112A / 2112B / 2112C of the second blank 2110 to secure or hold the first blank 2010 in a folded or assembled state and to connect the two blanks 2010, 2110 together. Turning Figure 14 The figure shows a method for forming a paper box 2090 / 2190 according to a third embodiment (see figure). Figures 15 to 17The second blank 2110 of the outer shell or housing 2190. The second blank 2110 includes a plurality of main panels 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / -2120C arranged in a linear series, and hinged to the next by respective fold lines 2117, 2113, 2115, 2119. Multiple main panels 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / -2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C include a first main panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C for forming the bottom panel 2112A / 2112B / -2112C of the housing 2190. A first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C is hingedly connected to a first side of the bottom panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2113. The second side panels 2116A / 2116B / 2116C are hingedly connected to the second side of the bottom panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 2115, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C is hingedly connected to the first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 2117. The second top panel 2120A / 2120B / 2120C is hingedly connected to the second side panel 2116A / 2116B / 2116C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 2119. The second blank 2110 includes a first end panel 2122, which is hingedly connected to the first end of the bottom panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2121. A second end panel 2124 is hingedly connected to the second end of the bottom panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2123, the second end being opposite to the first end. The second blank 2110 also includes a first anchoring panel 2126A, which is hingedly connected to the first end of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127A. A second anchoring panel 2126B is hingedly connected to the second end of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127B.The second blank 2110 includes a third anchoring panel 2126C, which is hingedly connected to the first end of the second top panel 2120 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127C. A fourth anchoring panel 2126D is hingedly connected to the second end of the second top panels 2120A / 2120B / 2120C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127D. The first main panels 2112A / 2112B / 2112C include at least one item holding device RT1, RT2, also referred to herein as top engaging devices RT1, RT2. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple item holding devices RT1, RT2, specifically, but not limited to, six item holding devices RT1, RT2. The item holding devices RT1, RT2 are arranged in a 2 / 3 matrix or array. The plurality of item holding devices RT1, RT2 includes four first or outermost item holding devices RT1 arranged in two pairs, the first pair being arranged adjacent to the first end panel 2122, and the second pair being arranged adjacent to the second end panel 2124. The plurality of item holding devices RT1, RT2 also includes two second or intermediate item holding devices RT2, which are arranged in pairs between the first and second pairs of outermost item holding devices RT1. Each intermediate item holding device RT2 is structurally related to… Figure 1 The article holding devices RT are basically similar and will not be described in detail again. Each outermost article holding device RT1 includes multiple sheets 2140, 2142, 2146, 2148 that partially define the article receiving opening, specifically, but not limited to, three sheets 2140, 2142, 2146, 2148. Each outermost article holding device RT1 includes a pair of opposing main sheets 2140, 2142 and a secondary sheet 2146, 2148.

[0094] Each of 2140, 2142, 2146, and 2148 is stamped out of or defined within the base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and is hinged thereto by hinged connectors in the form of fold lines 2141, 2143, 2145, and 2147. Each article receiving opening is partially defined by a hole A9 disposed adjacent to one of the first and second end plates 2122 and 2124. Each hole A9 provides a receiver in the second blank 2110 for receiving at least a portion of one of the adjustment pieces T2 provided by the first blank 2010. The adjustment piece T2 and the hole A9 form a retaining or connecting device.

[0095] Each of the end-of-the-line item holding devices RT1 includes a secondary adjustment piece 2146, 2148 disposed on a first side of a pair of main adjustment pieces 2140, 2142, and a hole A9 disposed on a second side opposite to the pair of main adjustment pieces 2140, 2142.

[0096] exist Figure 14 In the embodiments, Figure 2 and Figure 10 In the embodiment, the locking flap 150; 1150 has been omitted, and the receiving hole A5 has been replaced by the hand-held hole A8. The hand-held hole A8 interrupts the cuttable or fragile lines Sv3, Sv4 that extend across the second blank 2110.

[0097] A third cutable or fragile wire Sv3 extends across the base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and at least partially defines the first base plate portion 2112A and the second base plate portion 2112B. The third fragile wire Sv3 extends across each of the first side plates 2114A / 2114B / 2114C and the second side plates 2116A / 2116B / 2116C. The third fragile wire Sv3 extends across each of the first top plate 2118A / 2118B / 2118C and the second top plate 2120A / -2120B / 2120C.

[0098] A fourth cutable or fragile wire Sv4 extends across the base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and at least partially defines the second base plate portion 2112B and the third base plate portion 2112C. A fourth fragile wire Sv4 extends across each of the first side plates 2114A / 2114B / 2114C and the second side plates 2116A / 2116B / 2116C. A fourth fragile wire Sv4 extends across each of the first top plates 2118A / 2118B / 2118C and the second top plates 2120A / 2120B / 2120C.

[0099] The third fragile line Sv3 and the fourth fragile line Sv4 divide the second blank 2110 into three fragile connected portions. In other embodiments, the second blank 2110 may be formed from more or fewer than three fragile connected portions, and the number of fragile lines may be adjusted accordingly.

[0100] The first and second blanks 2010 and 2110 are formed into carriers 2090 / 2190 in a manner similar to that described above in conjunction with the previous embodiments. Figure 15 The construction stages of carrier 2090 / 2190 are shown. Figure 16 The assembled carriers 2090 / 2190 are shown forming a package P'' with a set of items B.

[0101] The assembled carrier 2090 / 2190 can be divided into at least two parts, and the illustrated embodiment can be divided into three parts, each part packaging a subset of a set of articles B packaged by packaging P''. Figure 17The diagram shows the assembled carrier 2090 / 2190 being divided into two parts by cutting or tearing it along the second and fourth fragility lines Sv2 and Sv4. The first part forms a first package comprising a pair of items B arranged in a 1:2 matrix or array, while the second part comprises four items B arranged in a 2:2 matrix or array. It will be understood that the second part can be further divided into two parts by cutting or tearing it along the first and third fragility lines Sv1 and Sv3, each part comprising a pair of items B arranged in a 1:2 matrix or array.

[0102] Turning Figure 18 The figure shows the process for forming carton 3090 / 3190 according to the fourth embodiment (see Figure 3090 / 3190). Figure 22 The second blank 3110 of the outer shell or outer shell body 3190. The second blank 3110 is configured to be consistent with... Figure 19 , 20 It is used in conjunction with one of the first blanks 3010, 3210, and 3310 shown in 21. The second blank 3110 comprises a plurality of main plates 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, and 3120A / 3120B / -3120C arranged in a linear series and hinged in sequence by their respective fold lines 3117, 3113, 3115, and 3119.

[0103] The plurality of mainboards 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / -3116C, and 3120A / 3120B / 3120C include a first mainboard 3112A / 3112B / 3112C for forming a base plate 3112A / -3112B / 3112C for housing 3190. A first side plate 3114A / 3114B / 3114C is hinged to a first side of the base plate 3112A / 3112B / 3112C via a hinged connector in the form of a fold line 3113. The second side plates 3116A / 3116B / 3116C are hinged to the second side of the base plate 3112A / 3112B / 3112C via hinged connectors in the form of fold lines 3115, which are opposite to the first side.

[0104] The first top plate 3118A / 3118B / 3118C is hinged to the first side plate 3114A / 3114B / 3114C via a hinge connector in the form of a fold line 3117. The second top plate 3120A / 3120B / 3120C is hinged to the second side plate 3116A / 3116B / 3116C via a hinge connector in the form of a fold line 3119.

[0105] The second blank 3110 includes a first end panel 3122, which is hinged to the first end of the bottom panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3121. The second end panel 3124 is hinged to the second end of the bottom panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3123, with the second end opposite to the first end.

[0106] The second blank 3110 includes a first anchoring panel 3126A, which is hinged to a first end of a first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3127A. A second anchoring panel 3126B is hinged to a second end of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3127B.

[0107] The second blank 3110 includes a third anchoring panel 3126C, which is hinged to the first end of the second top panel 3120 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127C. A fourth anchoring panel 3126D is hinged to the second end of the second top panels 3120A / 3120B / 3120C via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127D.

[0108] The first main panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C includes at least one item holding device RT, also referred to herein as a top engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple item holding devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six item holding devices RT. The item holding devices RT are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. The structure of each intermediate item holding device RT is similar to... Figure 10 The item holding device RT is roughly similar and will not be described in further detail.

[0109] exist Figure 18 In the embodiments, Figure 2 and Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking flaps 150 and 1150 have been omitted, and the receiving hole A5 has been replaced by the hand-held hole A8. The hand-held hole A8 interrupts the cuttable or easily broken lines Sv3 and Sv4 extending through the second blank 3110.

[0110] A third cuttable or easily broken line Sv3 extends through the bottom panels 3112A / 3112B / 3112C and at least partially defines the first bottom panel portion 3112A and the second bottom panel portion 3112B.

[0111] The fourth cuttable or easily broken line Sv4 extends through the bottom panels 3112A / 3112B / 3112C and at least partially defines the second bottom panel portion 3112B and the third bottom panel portion 3112C.

[0112] A third breakable line Sv3 extends through each of the first side panels 3114A / 3114B / 3114C and the second side panels 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, and a fourth breakable line Sv4 extends through each of the first side panels 3114A / 3114B / 3114C and the second side panels 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, thereby dividing the first and second side panels 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C into first, second and third top panel portions 3114A, 3116A; 3116B, 3116B, 3116C, 3116C.

[0113] A third breakable line Sv3 extends through each of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C and the second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C, and a fourth breakable line Sv4 extends through each of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C and the second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C, thereby dividing the first and second top panels 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C into first, second and third top panel portions 3118A, 3120A; 3118B, 3120B, 3118C, 3120C.

[0114] exist Figure 18 In the embodiments, Figure 2 In the embodiments, the end panels 122, 124, anchoring panels 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D, web panels 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, and corner brace panels 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D have been omitted.

[0115] Turning Figure 19 This illustrates a method for forming a carton 3090 / 3190 according to the fourth embodiment (see...). Figure 22 The first blank 3010 of the internal support component 3090. Figure 19 The first billet 3010 shown is Figure 13The first blank 2010 is generally similar, although it includes end bottom or base panels 3012, 3036. The first end bottom panel 3012 is hinged to the first side panel 3012 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3013. The second end bottom panel 3066 is hinged to the sixth side panel 3034 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 3035.

[0116] The fold line 3012 between the first end bottom panel 3012 and the first side panel 3012 may be interrupted by at least one cut CT. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of cut CTs that interrupt the fold line 1013. Each cut CT is generally U-shaped and defines a protrusion T3; the protrusion T3 is punched from the material that would otherwise form the first end bottom panel 3012 and is integrally formed with the first side panel 3012. When the first end bottom panel 3012 is folded relative to the first side panel 3012, the protrusion T3 remains coplanar with and extends downward therefrom the first side panel 3012. The protrusion T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in a second blank 3110 provided by an article holding device RT. Fold lines 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, and 3035 are similarly configured with cut CTs.

[0117] The fifth end panel 3048A is hingedly connected to the first end of the first end base panel 3012 via a hinged connector in the form of a fold line 3047A, and is separated from the first side panel 3014 via a cutting line 3049A. The sixth end panel 3048B is hingedly connected to the second end of the first end base panel 3012 via a hinged connector in the form of a fold line 3047B, and is separated from the first side panel 3014 via a cutting line 3049B. The seventh end panel 3048C is hingedly connected to the first end of the second end base panel 3036 via a hinged connector in the form of a fold line 3047C, and is separated from the sixth side panel 3034 via a cutting line 3049C. The eighth end panel 3048D is hingedly connected to the second end of the second end base panel 3036 via a hinged connector in the form of a fold line 3047D. The eighth end panel 3048D is separated from the sixth side panel 3034 via a cut line 3049D. Each of the first end base panel 3012 and the second end base panel 3036 may include a notch punched from its free side edge, which is opposite to the hinged edge of the base panels 3012, 3036 defined by fold lines 3013, 3035, which hinge the first end base panel or the second end base panel 3012, 3036 to a corresponding one of the first side panel and the sixth side panel 3014, 3034. Figure 21The diagram shows an alternative first blank 3310 for forming an internal support member of a carton (not shown) according to an alternative fourth embodiment. Figure 21 The first billet 3310 shown is Figure 19 The first blank 3010 is substantially similar, although hole A7 extends across the first intermediate base plate 3320A / 3320B between its hinged connection to the second side panel 3318 and its hinged connection to the third side panel 3322. Hole A7 interrupts the hinged connections, fold lines 3319, 3321, and at least partially defines a pair of handle tabs or buffer flaps HF. The pair of handle tabs or buffer flaps HF are stamped from material that would otherwise form part of the first intermediate base plate 3320A / 3320B, and each handle tab HF is integral with and extends from one of the second and third side panels 3318, 3322. The second intermediate base plate 3328A / 3328B includes a similarly arranged hole A7 defining a pair of handle tabs or buffer flaps HF, which are stamped from material that would otherwise form part of the second intermediate base plate 3328A / 3328B and extend from one of the fourth side panel and the fifth side panel 3326, 3330. The first end base plate 3312 includes a notch R1 stamped from its free side edge, which opposes a hinged edge of the first end base plate 3312 defined by a fold line 3313 that hinges the first end base panel 3012 to the first side panel 3314. The notch R1 extends across the first end base plate 3312, interrupting the fold line 3313 and at least partially defining the handle tabs or buffer flaps HF. The handle tab HF is stamped from material that would otherwise form part of the first end plate 3312, integral with and extending from the first side panel 3314. The second end plate 3336 includes a notch R1 stamped from its free side edge, the notch R1 being similarly arranged to define the handle tab HF. Figure 20 The illustration shows another alternative first blank 3210 for forming an internal support for a carton (not shown) according to another alternative fourth embodiment. Figure 20 The first blank 3210 shown is Figure 9The first blank 1010 is substantially similar, although it includes pairs of cutable end-closing panels 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B. Each end-closing panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B includes at least one cutable or easily broken line Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2a / Sv2b, and the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of cutable or easily broken lines Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2a / Sv2b. Each breakable line Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2a / Sv2b is collinear with a corresponding cutting line 3219B, 3227B (also referred to herein as cut lines 3219B, 3227B) of the adjacent intermediate base panel portions 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B. Hole A10 can separate or isolate the breakable lines Sv1, Sv2 from the collinear cutting lines 3219B, 3227B.

[0118] The first end-closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A includes a first portion 3238A hingedly connected to the first top panel 3216 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3237A. The first end-closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A includes a second portion 3242A hingedly connected to the second top panel 3224 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3241A. The first end-closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A includes a third portion 3244A hingedly connected to the third top panel 3232 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3243A. The first portion 3238A is brittlely connected to the second portion 3242A via a portion Sv1a of a first fragile line Sv1a / Sv1b. The second portion 3242A is brittlely connected to the third portion 3244A via a portion Sv2a of a second fragile line Sv2a / Sv2b. The first part 3238A is separated from each of the first and second side panels 3214 and 3218 by cutting lines CT3 and CT4. The second part 3238A is separated from each of the third and fourth side panels 3222 and 3226 by cutting lines CT5 and CT6. The second part 3238A is separated from each of the fifth and sixth side panels 3230 and 3234 by cutting lines CT7 and CT8.

[0119] The second end-closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B includes a first portion 3238B hingedly connected to the first top panel 3216 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3237B. The second end-closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B includes a second portion 3242B hingedly connected to the second top panel 3224 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3241B. The second end-closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B includes a third portion 3244B hingedly connected to the third top panel 3232 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3243B. The first portion 3238B is brittlely connected to the second portion 3242B via a portion Sv1b of a first fragile line Sv1a / Sv1b. The second portion 3242B is brittlely connected to the third portion 3244B via a portion Sv2b of a second fragile line Sv2a / Sv2b. The first part 3238B is separated from each of the first and second side panels 3214 and 3218 by cutting lines CT9 and CT10. The second part 3238B is separated from each of the third and fourth side panels 3222 and 3226 by cutting lines CT11 and CT12. The second part 3238B is separated from each of the fifth and sixth side panels 3230 and 3234 by cutting lines CT13 and CT14.

[0120] The first intermediate base panel portion 3220A includes a pair of cutting lines CT1, CT2 extending from the hinge connection (i.e., fold line 3219) to the second side panel 3218 to a cutting line 3219B separating the first intermediate base panel portion 3220A from the second intermediate base panel portion 3220B. The pair of cutting lines CT1, CT2 define a handle tab or buffer flap HF therebetween. The handle tab HF is formed of the material that would originally form the first intermediate base panel portion 3220A and extends from the second side panel 3218. The second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 3220B, 3228A, and 3228B are similarly arranged, each having a pair of cutting lines punched out thereto define the handle tab HF.

[0121] The first blank 3210 includes a first end base or base panel 3212 hingedly connected to the first side panel 3214 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3213. The fold line 3213 is interrupted by a pair of cuts CT defining a panel retaining tab T3 for engaging a corresponding article receiving opening provided by an article retaining device RT in the second blank 3110. The first end base panel 3212 includes a pair of cut lines extending from the hinged connection to the first side panel 3214 (i.e., the fold line 3213) to its opposing free end edges. These cut lines define a handle tab or buffer flap HF therebetween. The handle tab HF is formed of the material that would otherwise form the first end base panel 3212 and extends from the first side panel 3214. The first blank 3210 includes a second end base panel 3212 similarly arranged to include a pair of cuts CT to form a panel retaining tab and a pair of cut lines to define the handle tab HF therebetween.

[0122] Figure 22 A carrier 3090 / 3190 formed from a first blank 3010 and a second blank 3110 is shown, which together with a group of articles B forms a package P''', which can be divided into at least two parts, and in the illustrated embodiment, can be divided into three parts.

[0123] Transfer to Figure 23 The diagram shows a method for forming a carton 4090 / 4190 according to the fifth embodiment (see...). Figure 27 The first blank 4010 of the internal support member 4090. The first blank 4010 includes a plurality of panels 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4030, 4032, 4034, 4036, which are arranged in a linear series and hinged sequentially by their respective fold lines 4013, 4015, 4017, 4019, 4021, 4023, 4025, 4027, 4029, 4031, 4033, 4035.

[0124] Figure 23 The first billet 4010 shown is basically similar to Figure 1 The first blank 10, although the end closing panels 38A, 42A, 44A, 38B, 42B, and 44B have been omitted.

[0125] Multiple main panels 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4030, 4032, 4034, and 4036 include a first end base plate 4012, which is hinged to a first side plate 4014 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4013. The first side plate 4014 is hinged to a first top plate 4016 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4015. The first top plate 4016 is hinged to a second side plate 4018 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4017. The second side plate 4018 is hinged to a first intermediate base plate 4020 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4019. The fold line 4019 may terminate at one or both ends with a cutting line CT15, such that the length of the fold line 4019 is shorter than that of the first intermediate base plate 4020. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the fold line 4019 terminate with a cutting line CT15. The cutting line CT15 may be arranged collinearly with the fold line 4019. In other embodiments, the cutting line CT15 may be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 4019 and may be configured such that the edge end portion of the first intermediate base plate 4020 is wider than the adjacent intermediate portion. The first intermediate base plate 4020 is hinged to the third side plate 4022 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4021. The fold line 4021 may terminate at one or both ends with a cutting line CT16, such that the length of the fold line 4021 is shorter than the first intermediate base plate 4020. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the fold line 4021 terminate with a cutting line CT16. The cutting line CT16 may be arranged collinearly with the fold line 4021. In other embodiments, the cutting line CT16 may be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 4021 and may be configured such that the edge end portion of the first intermediate base plate 4020 is wider than the adjacent intermediate portion. The third side plate 4022 is hinged to the second top plate 4024 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4023. The second top plate 4024 is hinged to the fourth side plate 4026 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4025. The fourth side plate 4024 is hinged to the second intermediate bottom plate 4028 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4027. The fold line 4027 may terminate at one or both ends with a cutting line CT17, such that the length of the fold line 4027 is shorter than that of the second intermediate bottom plate 4028. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the fold line 4027 terminate with a cutting line CT17. The cutting line CT17 may be arranged collinearly with the fold line 4027. In other embodiments, the cutting line CT17 may be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 4027 and may be configured such that the edge end portions of the second intermediate bottom plate 4028 are wider than the adjacent intermediate portions. The second intermediate base plate 4028 is hinged to the fifth side plate 4030 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4029. The fold line 4029 may terminate at one or both ends with a cutting line CT18, such that the length of the fold line 4029 is shorter than that of the second intermediate base plate 4028.In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the fold line 4029 terminate with a cutting line CT18. The cutting line CT18 may be arranged collinearly with the fold line 4029. In other embodiments, the cutting line CT18 may be arranged divergently relative to the fold line 4029 and may be configured such that the edge end portions of the second intermediate base plate 4028 are wider than the adjacent intermediate portions. The fifth side plate 4030 is hinged to the third top plate 4032 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4031. The third top plate 4032 is hinged to the sixth side plate 4034 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4033. The sixth side plate 4034 is hinged to the second end base plate 4036 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4035. The first blank 4010 includes a tab T3 punched from the first end base plate 4012 and extending from the first side plate 4014. The cut CT interrupts the fold line 4013 between the first end plate 4012 and the first side plate 4014. The cut CT is generally U-shaped and at least partially defines the tab T3; the tab T3 is punched from the material that would have formed the first end plate 4012 and is integral with the first side plate 4014. When the first end plate 4012 is folded relative to the first side plate 4014, the tab T3 remains coplanar with and extends downward from the first side plate 4014, as shown. Figure 25 As shown. The connecting piece T3 is adapted to engage the article receiving opening in the second blank 4110 to form a connecting device, such as... Figure 26 As shown.

[0126] The first blank 4010 includes a tab T3, which is punched from the second end base plate 4036 and extends from the sixth side plate 4034. The cut CT interrupts the fold line 4035 between the second end base plate 4036 and the sixth side plate 4034.

[0127] The cut CT is generally U-shaped and at least partially defines the tab T3; the tab T3 is punched from the material that would otherwise form the second end plate 4036 and is integral with the sixth side plate 4034. When the second end plate 4036 is folded relative to the sixth side plate 4034, the tab T3 remains coplanar with and extends downward therefrom the sixth side plate 4034. The tab T3 is adapted to engage the article receiving opening in the second blank 4110 to form a connecting device.

[0128] Each of the first and second intermediate base plates 4020, 4028 may include an opening that can form a locking tab 4150 provided for the housing 4190 (see...). Figure 24 ( ) is a part of the containment section.

[0129] Each opening may be partially defined by a pair of holes A10 punched out of or defined therein from one of the first and second intermediate base plates 4020, 4028. The opening may be at least partially defined by at least one tab 4052. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening is partially defined by two tabs 4052. Each tab 4052 is punched out of or defined therein from one of the first and second intermediate base plates 4020, 4028 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a zigzag line 4057. The zigzag line 4057 may be collinear with one of the zigzag lines 4019, 4021, 4027, 4029. The pair of tabs 4052 are hinged to each other at the hinged connection and separated from each other by a cutting line or cuttable line 4055. The ends of the tabs 4052 are defined by a corresponding one of the pair of holes A10.

[0130] The tab 4052 can be used to hold the locking tab 4150 within the receiving portion; the relatively free side edge of the tab 4052 defined by the hole A10 can provide an end stop to limit the movement of the locking tab 4150 disposed adjacent to it.

[0131] Turning Figure 24 It shows the outer shell or housing 4190 for forming the carton 4090 / 4190 according to the fifth embodiment (see Figure 27 The second blank 4110. The second blank 4110 includes multiple main plates 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, and 4120 arranged in a linear series and hinged sequentially by corresponding fold lines 4117, 4113, 4115, and 4119.

[0132] Figure 24 The second billet 4110 shown is Figure 10The first blank 1110 is substantially similar, although the second top plate 4120 is configured to accommodate all the items B being packaged and extends substantially across the entire width of the outer shell or housing 4190 of the carton 4090 / 4190. The second top plate 4120 includes six second item receiving holes A3'. The first top plate 4120 includes three first item receiving holes A3, which are defined by circular cut lines to be circular and can be configured to form a tight fit or friction fit around the upper part of the item B (e.g., an end closure or cap C). In the illustrated embodiment, the second item receiving holes A3' are defined by scalloped or serrated cut lines and can be configured to form a tight fit or friction fit around the upper part of the item B (e.g., an end closure or cap C). When the item B is accommodated in the second item receiving holes A3', portions of the second top plate 4120 can be bent upward or deformed away from the plane of the second top plate 4120. Each second article receiving hole A3 is configured to be vertically aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of article holding devices RT1, RT2 in the base plate 4112. Three second article receiving holes A3' (the free side edge of the second top plate 4120 is opposite to the hinge edge defined by the fold line 4119) adjacent to the free side edge of the second top plate 4120 are configured to be vertically aligned with a corresponding one of the first article receiving holes A3 in the first top plate 4120.

[0133] The second blank 4110 includes a locking structure for securing the first and second top plates 4118, 4120 in a folded or assembled state.

[0134] The base plate 4112 includes at least one receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of at least one locking flap 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 4112 includes a pair of receiving portions, each having a receiving opening partially defined by a pair of receiving holes A15. Each receiving portion is arranged to receive a pair of locking flaps 4150. Each of the pair of locking flaps 4150 is connected to a corresponding one of the first and second top plates 4118, 4120. In other embodiments, a separate receiving hole may be provided for receiving a corresponding one of the pair of locking flaps 4150.

[0135] Each receiver opening may be partially defined by a pair of receiver holes A15 punched out of or defined in the base plate 4112, and partially defined by at least one receiver tab 4160. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening portion is defined by two receiver tabs 4160. Each receiver tab 4160 is punched out of or defined in the base plate 4112 and is hinged thereto by a hinge portion in the form of a fold line 4161. The pair of receiver tabs 4160 are hinged opposite each other and may be separated from each other by a cut line or a cuttable line 4163. Each end of the receiver tab 4160 is defined by one of the pair of receiver holes A15. The receiver tab 4160 can be used to retain a locking tab 4150 within the receiver; the opposing free edges of the receiver tab 4160 defined by the receiver holes A15 can provide end stops to limit movement of the locking tab 4150 arranged adjacent to it. The first top plate 4118 includes at least one locking wing 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top plate 4118 includes a pair of locking wings 4150. Each locking wing 4150 is at least partially punched out of or defined in the first top plate 4118 and is hinged thereto by a hinge in the form of a fold line 4151. The locking wing 4150 interrupts the free side edge of the first top plate 4118 and, when folded out from the plane of the first top plate 4118, defines a recess at least partially in the free side edge. The second top plate 4120 includes at least one locking wing 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top plate 4120 includes a pair of locking wings 4150. Each locking wing 4150 is punched out of or defined in the second top plate 4120 and is hinged thereto by a hinge in the form of a fold line 4151. Each locking wing 4150 in the second top plate 4120 is defined by a hole A12. Hole A12 and the locking wing 4150 define an opening in the second top plate 4120 centrally located between a set of four second article receiving holes A3'. Each hole A12 can be configured to receive one of the locking wings 4150 provided by the first top plate 4118, or to allow contact with a respective locking wing 4150 provided by the first top plate 4118, depending on which of the first top plate 4118 and the second top plate 4120 is arranged outermost. Each locking wing 4150 includes a tongue or tab T1 projecting from its end edge. The end edge is opposite a hinge edge of the locking wing 4150, defined by a hinge between the locking wing 150 and one of the corresponding first and second top plates 4118, 4120.The tab T1 includes a waist defining an engagement edge or shoulder S. The engagement edge or shoulder S forms a snap-fit ​​for engagement with a portion of the base plate 4112 of the receiver hole A15 into which the adjacent tab or tab T1 is received. Each receiver hole A15 may include at least one waist to define a wider tab receiving portion. This wider tab receiving portion is positioned near a side edge of the receiver hole A15, which is closest to one of the first and second side plates 4114, 4116. Each locking wing 4150 may include a pair of fold lines 4153 that at least partially define a wing of the locking wing 4150. The pair of fold lines 4153 may be arranged diverging relative to each other and may diverge toward the hinge edge of the locking wing 4150. Each of the pair of fold lines 4153 may be oriented obliquely relative to fold line 4151. The base plate 4112 includes at least one item holding device RT1, RT2, also referred to herein as top engaging devices RT1, RT2. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple item holding devices RT1, RT2, specifically, but not limited to, six item holding devices RT1, RT2. The item holding devices RT1, RT2 are arranged in a 2 / 3 matrix or array. The multiple item holding devices RT1, RT2 include four first or outermost item holding devices RT1 arranged in two pairs, the first pair adjacent to the first end plate 4122 and the second pair adjacent to the second end plate 4124. The multiple item holding devices RT1, RT2 include two second or intermediate item holding devices RT2 arranged in a pair between the first and second pairs of outermost item holding devices RT1.

[0136] Each of the outermost article holding devices RT1 includes a plurality of protrusions 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148 that partially define an article receiving opening, specifically, but not limited to, three protrusions 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148. Each of the outermost article holding devices RT1 includes a pair of opposing first protrusions 4140, 4142 and a second protrusion 4146, 4148. The article receiving opening is partially defined by an article receiving hole A6. Hole A6 partially separates the pair of opposing first protrusions 4140, 4142 from each other. Each of the pair of opposing first protrusions 4140, 4142 is stamped out of or defined in a base plate 4112 and is hinged to the base plate 4112 by hinges in the form of fold lines 4141, 4143. The second protrusions 4146 and 4148 are stamped out of or contained in the base plate 4112 and are hinged to the base plate 4112 by hinges in the form of fold lines 4145 and 4147, respectively.

[0137] Each intermediate item holding device RT2 is structurally similar to the end item holding device RT1, although the second protrusions 4146, 4148 have been omitted and the hole A6 completely separates the pair of opposing first protrusions 4140, 4142 from each other.

[0138] The base plate 4112 includes at least one internal support protrusion receiving opening in the form of a hole A13 for receiving an internal support protrusion T3 extending from one of the first and sixth side plates 4014, 4034. Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of holes A13, each hole configured to receive a corresponding extending internal support protrusion T3 from the first and sixth side plates 4014, 4034. The first of the pair of holes A13 may interrupt the fold line 4121 that hinges the first end plate 4122 to the base plate 4112. The second of the pair of holes A13 may interrupt the fold line 4123 that hinges the second end plate 4124 to the base plate 4112.

[0139] The second blank 4110 includes at least one entry device for facilitating the removal of article B from carriers 4090 / 4190. The illustrated embodiment includes four entry devices, each associated with a pair of adjacent article holding devices RT1, RT2. In other embodiments, each article holding device RT1, RT2 may include its own entry device. Each entry device includes a pull tab PT defined in or stamped out of one of the first and second side plates 4114, 4116. The pull tab PT is at least partially defined by a cuttable line 4173. The cuttable line 4173 is generally U-shaped or semi-circular, and its arrangement such that the pull tab PT interrupts the fold lines 4115, 4113 between the base plate 4122 and one of the first and second side plates 4114, 4116.

[0140] The pull tab PT is hinged to the base plate 4112 via a hinge in the form of a fold line 4175. The fold line 4175 may be collinear with fold lines 4115 and 4113. The access device may include a pair of slits or cutting lines 4177 disposed in the base plate 4112 adjacent to the pull tab PT. Each of the pair of slits 4175 extends between the pull tab PT and one of the pair of adjacent item holders RT1 and RT2 associated therewith. In this way, the pull tab PT can be used to cut through the area of ​​the base plate 4122 between the pair of adjacent item holders RT1 and RT2 to reduce the clamping force of the base plate 4122 on the item B located within each of the pair of adjacent item holders RT1 and RT2.

[0141] Multiple motherboards 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, and 4120 form a tubular structure, each end of which is at least partially closed by its respective end-closure structure.

[0142] The second blank 4110 includes a first end-closed structure having a first end plate 4122, which is hinged to the first end of the base plate 4112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4121.

[0143] The first end closure structure includes a first anchor plate 4126A, which is hinged to a first end of a first top plate 4118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4127A. The first end closure structure also includes a third anchor plate 4126C, which is hinged to a first end of a second top plate 4120 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4127C.

[0144] The first anchoring panel 4126A is coupled to the first end panel 4122; in the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved via at least one connecting panel 4128A, 4130A. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 4128A, 4130A, each comprising a first web panel 4128A and a first corner panel 4130A. The first web panel 4128A is hinged to the first anchoring panel 4126A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The first corner panel 4130A is hinged to the first web panel 4128A via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The first corner panel 4130A is hinged to the first end panel 4122 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The first web panel 4128A is hinged to the first side panel 4114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4129A. The first corner panel 4130A can be separated from the first side panel 4114 via a cutout in the form of an opening A4. The third anchoring panel 4126C is coupled to the first end panel 4122; in the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved via at least one connecting panel 4128C, 4130C. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 4128C, 4130C, each comprising a third web panel 4128C and a third corner panel 4130C. The third web panel 4128C is hinged to the third anchoring panel 4126C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The third corner panel 4130C is hinged to the third web panel 4128C via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The third corner panel 4130C is hinged to the first end panel 4122 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The third web panel 4128C is hinged to the second side panel 4116 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4129C. The third corner panel 4130C can be separated from the second side panel 4116 via a cutout in the form of an opening A4. The second blank 4110 includes a second end closure structure, which includes a second end panel 4124 hinged to a second end of a base panel 4112 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4123, the second end being opposite to the first end. The second end closure structure includes a second anchoring panel 4126B hinged to a second end of a first top panel 4118 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4127B. The second end closure structure also includes a fourth anchoring panel 4126D hinged to a second end of a second top panel 4120 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4127D. The second anchoring panel 4126B is coupled to the second end panel 4124; in the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved via at least one connecting panel 4128B, 4130B. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 4128B and 4130B, which include a second web panel 4128B and a second corner panel 4130B. The second web panel 4128B is hinged to the second anchoring panel 4126B via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.The second corner panel 4130B is hinged to the second web panel 4128B via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The second corner panel 4130B is also hinged to the second end panel 4124 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The second web panel 4128B is hinged to the first side panel 4114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4129B. The second corner panel 4130B can be separated from the first side panel 4114 via a cutout in the form of an opening A4. The fourth anchoring panel 4126D is coupled to the second end panel 4124; in the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved via at least one connecting panel 4128D, 4130D. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of connecting panels 4128D, 4130D, which includes a fourth web panel 4128D and a fourth corner panel 4130D. The fourth web panel 4128D is hinged to the fourth anchoring panel 4126D via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth corner panel 4130D is hinged to the fourth web panel 4128D via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth corner panel 4130D is hinged to the second end panel 4124 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth web panel 4128D is hinged to the second side panel 4114 via a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 4129D. The fourth corner panel 4130D can be separated from the second side panel 4116 by a cut in the form of an opening A4. The first end panel 4122 includes a retaining tab T4 extending from its free end edge; this free end edge is opposite to the hinge edge defined by the fold line 4121. The third anchoring panel 4126C includes a retaining tab receiver in the form of an opening A14. The second end panel 4124 includes a retaining tab T4 extending from its free end edge; this free end edge is opposite to the hinge edge defined by the fold line 4123. The fourth anchoring panel 4126D includes a fixed patch receiver in the form of an opening A14.

[0145] In the assembled carrying case 4090 / 4190, the third and fourth anchoring plates 4126C, 4126D are folded to face the second top plate 4120. The first and second end plates 4122, 4124 are each folded relative to the bottom plate 4122. Each fixing flap T4 is received in its respective fixing flap receiver to hold the end plates 4122, 4124 in the folded state. Optionally, the second blank 4110 includes at least one alignment flap AT for aligning the second top plate 4120 relative to the first top plate 4118. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of alignment flaps AT, each partially defined by a cut line 4180 punched out of or defined in the first top plate 4118. The cut line 4180 interrupts the fold line 4117 between the first top plate 4118 and the first side plate 4114, such that the alignment flap AT is integral with and extends from the first side plate 4114. When the first top plate 4118 is folded relative to the first side plate 4114, the alignment flap AT protrudes from the first top plate 4118 to provide an edge or surface with which the second top plate 4120 can engage, thereby aligning the second top plate 4120 relative to the first top plate 4118. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top plate 4118 is configured as the inner top plate 4118, and the second top plate 4120 is configured as the outer top plate 4118. In an alternative embodiment where the first top plate 4118 is configured as the outermost plate, the alignment flap AT can be punched out from or provided by the second top plate 4120. Figure 28 The figure shows the 5090 / 5190 for forming a paper box according to the sixth embodiment (see figure). Figure 30 The first blank 5010 of the internal support member 5090. The first blank 5010 includes multiple plates 5014, 5016, 5018, 5020, 5022, 5024, 5026, 5028, 5030, 5032, and 5034, which are arranged in a linear sequence and hinged sequentially by their respective fold lines 5015, 5017, 5019, 5021, 5023, 5025, 5027, 5029, 5031, and 5033. Figure 28 The first blank 5010 shown is basically similar to Figure 1 The first blank 10, although the first and second end plates 12, 36 have been omitted. Each of the first and sixth side plates 5014, 5034 includes a single flap T2 extending from its free edge. This free edge is opposite to the hinged edge of the side plates 5014, 5034. This hinged edge is defined by a hinged connection between the side plates 5014, 5034 and a corresponding one of the first and third top plates 5016, 5032. The flap T2 is configured to be received in a receiving opening provided by the second blank 5110, as... Figure 29As shown and described in more detail below. Figure 29 The sixth embodiment of the 5090 / 5190 for forming paper boxes is shown (see Figure 30 The second blank 5110 of the outer shell or housing 5190. The second blank 5110 includes a plurality of main plates 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, and 5120, which are arranged in a linear sequence and hinged sequentially by their respective fold lines 5117, 5113, 5115, and 5119. Figure 29 The second blank 5110 shown is basically similar to Figure 10 The first blank 1110, although the item holding device RT has a modified structure. The first main plate 5112 (or base plate 5112) includes at least one item holding device RT, also referred to herein as a top engagement device RT. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple item holding devices RT, specifically (but not limited to) six item holding devices RT. The item holding devices RT are arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each item holding device RT includes multiple flaps 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 defining a portion of an item receiving opening. Each of the multiple flaps 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 is punched out from or defined within the base plate 5112 and hinged thereto by hinged connectors in the form of fold lines 5141, 5143, 5145, 5147. The multiple flaps 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 are arranged in opposing pairs. Each item receiving opening is partially defined by an opening A11. The opening A11 is typically square or rectangular. The opening A11 separates the portions of the plurality of blades 5140, 5142, 5146, and 5148 from each other. Cutting lines extend from the opening A11 to at least partially define the side of each of the plurality of blades 5140, 5142, 5146, and 5148.

[0146] The bottom panel 5112 includes at least one internal support tab receiving opening, which forms a receiving portion for receiving an internal support tab T2 extending from one of the first side panel and the sixth side panel 5014, 5034. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of internal support tab receiving openings, each configured to receive an internal support tab T2 extending from one of the first side panel and the sixth side panel 5014, 5034, respectively. Each internal support tab receiving opening includes, or is defined by, a tab 5170. The tab 5170 is stamped out of or defined in the bottom panel 5112 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 5171.

[0147] The first top panel and the second top panels 5118 and 5120 each include a plurality of article receiving holes A3', a portion of the perimeter of each article receiving hole A3' being defined by a fan-shaped or serrated edge.

[0148] Second billet 5110 and Figure 10 The difference of the second blank 1110 is that the paired connecting panels 5128A / 5130A, 5128B / 5130B, 5128C / 5130C, 5128D / 5130D are completely separated from the first side panel or the second side panel 5114, 5116 through the hole A4'.

[0149] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / -5190 for packaging multiple articles B. The article carrier includes multiple panels, including top panels 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, and the top panels 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118... B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120; bottom panels spaced apart: 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112 A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 322 8B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 The top panel includes at least one top receiving feature A3, A3' for receiving at least a portion of at least one article B.The carrier of the item also includes at least one inner panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, having engagement edges E1, E2 for engagement with at least one article B of at least one of the at least one top receiving features A3, A3' housed in the top panel. The at least one inner panel includes a first portion extending from the joint edges E1, E2 to the top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120. The first portion contacts the inner surface of the top panel, such that the at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5 034 is basically found on the bottom panel at 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A. 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 extend between the top panel and the top panel.

[0150] The at least one inner side plate 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends between outer plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one inner side plate 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 Hinged to base plate 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036; 5020, 5028.At least one outer side plate 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C extends between the top plate 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C and the bottom plate 3112A, 3112B, such that the top plate 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C, the bottom plate 3112A, 3112B and the outer side plates 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C define a tubular structure, wherein the at least one inner side plate 3014, 3034 is used to provide end closure plates for the tubular structure.

[0151] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / -5190 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier of the item comprises multiple plates, including first plates 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120; and second plates 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; spaced apart from the top plate. 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112, and a pair of opposing outer plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. First plates 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 include at least one top receiving feature A3, A3' for receiving at least a portion of at least one article B.The article carrier further includes at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, having engagement edges E1, E2 for engaging with at least one article B received within at least one top receiving feature A3, A3' in a first plate, thereby suspending the at least one article B on an article carrier.The at least one inner side plate 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 are roughly on the first board at 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 and on the second board at 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B. Extending between 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; and 5020, 5028, 5112.

[0152] The at least one inner side plate 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends between outer plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116.

[0153] This disclosure provides blanks 110; 110; 2110; 3110; 4110; 5110 for forming an article tray for packaging multiple articles. The blank comprises multiple plates, including a first top plate 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4118; 5118, and first side plates 114; 1114; 2114A, 2114B, 2114C; 3114A, 3114B, 3114C; 4114; 5114, hinged to the first top plate 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4114; 5114, hinged to the first side plates 114; 1114; 2114A, 2114B, 2114C; 3114A, 3114B, 5114. The base plates 112, 1112, 2112A, 2112B, 2112C, 3112A, 3112B, 3112C, 4112, and 5112 of 3114C; 4112; 5112 are hinged to the base plates 112, 1112, 2112A, 2112B, 2112C, 3112A, 3112B, 3112C, 4112; 5112; and the second side plates 116, 1116, 2116A, 2116B, 2116C, 3116A, 3116B, 3116C, 4116; 5116, and are hinged to the second side plates 116, 1116, 2116A, 2116B, and 5114. The second top plate 120 of 2116C; 3116A, 3116B, 3116C; 4116; 5116; 1120; 2120A, 2120B, 2120C; 3120A, 3120B, 3120C; 4120; 5120. Each of the first and second top plates includes at least one top receiving feature A3, A3' for receiving a portion of at least one article B, and the bottom plate 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 includes at least one article engagement feature RT, RT1, RT2 for engaging the at least one article received in the at least one top receiving feature A3, A3' of one of the first and second top plates. The base plates 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 include at least one hand grip hole A5, A8, A15. The first and second top plates include at least one access port allowing access to the at least one hand grip hole A5, A8, A15.The at least one inlet is partially defined by a first top plate 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4118; 5118 and partially defined by a second top plate 120; 1120; 2120A, 2120B, 2120C; 3120A, 3120B, 3120C; 4120; 5120.

[0154] The at least one article engagement feature may include at least one engagement tab 140, 142; 1140, 1142; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 hinged to the base plate 112; 1112; 2140, 2142; 3140, 3142; 4140, 4142; 5140, 5142, to suspend at least one article B on an article holder formed from the blank.

[0155] This disclosure provides an article holder 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / -5190, which includes multiple internal support plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36; 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034; 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030. 2032, 2034; 3012,3014, 3016, 3018, 3020, 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028, 3030, 3032, 3034, 3036; 3212,3214, 3216, 3218, 3220, 3222, 3224, 3226, 3228, 3232,3232, 3234, 3236; 3312,3314, 3316, 3318, 3320, 3322, 3324, 3326, 3328, 3330, 3332, 3334, 3336; 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4040, 4032, 4034, 4036; 5014, 5016, 5018, 5020, 5022, 5024, 5026, 5028, 5050, 5032, 5034, wherein the internal support plate provides internal support with at least one internal inverted channel structure; and a plurality of outer shell plates 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120, wherein the outer shell plate provides an outer shell and has an external channel structure.The at least one internal inverted channel structure includes at least one first or upper item receiving opening A1. The housing includes at least one item holding device RT; RT1, RT2, which provides a second or lower item receiving opening that is perpendicularly aligned or aligned with the at least one first or upper item receiving opening A1 to provide a top-grip item holder 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190.

[0156] The at least one article holding device RT; RT1, RT2 are disposed on the plurality of housing plates 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / -2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / -3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, In the first outer shell of 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120. At least one third article receiving opening A3; A3' may be provided on the plurality of housing plates 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, In the second outer casing of 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120, and vertically aligned or aligned with the at least one first or upper article receiving opening A1 and the at least one article holding device RT; RT1, RT2.

[0157] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / -5190, which includes an outer shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 and internal components 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090. The housing 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 includes a housing base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 and a pair of housing side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / -2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, which are hingedly connected to the housing base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112, such that the shell base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 and the shell side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 together provide an external channel structure defining the external channel axis y.Internal components 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 include at least one internal inverted channel structure 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / 3024 / -3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318, 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / -3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / 4018,4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034, which define the internal channel axis x. The at least one internal channel structure 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / -1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / -3024 / 3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318, 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / 3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / -5034 on shell side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; Extending between 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, such that the inner channel axis x is approximately perpendicular to the outer channel axis y.The housing base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 includes at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 (also referred to herein as article holding device RT; RT1, RT2) for receiving a portion of at least one article B. The at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 may include a top receiving opening (also referred to herein as a second or lower article receiving opening) defined in the housing base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / -2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112, and at least one article-bearing protrusion 140, 142; 1140, 1142; 2140, 2142; 3140, 3142; 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148; 5140, 5142; 5146, 5148.The at least one internal channel structure is described as follows: 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / -1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / 3024 / 3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318. 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / 3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / -4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 may include internal channel top plates 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of internal passageway side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / -3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, the pair of internal passage side plates extend from the internal passage top plate 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 to the shell bottom plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112.Each internal passageway side panel is available in the following sizes: 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / -3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026. 5030 / 5034 includes at least one article support edge E1, E2 for engaging at least one article B. The housing 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 may further include at least one housing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, which is hingedly connected to housing side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, One of 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one housing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 can be fixed to the at least one internal channel structure.

[0158] The at least one internal channel structure may include internal channel top plates 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032, which include at least one second top receiving feature A1 (also referred to herein as a first or upper article receiving opening A1), which is vertically aligned with at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 of the housing bottom plates 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112. The housing 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 may further include at least one housing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118 4120; 5118, 5120, which are hinged to one of the outer shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / -2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one housing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 may include at least one third top receiving feature A3; A3' (also referred to herein as a third article receiving feature). Opening A3; A3'), which is vertically aligned with at least one second top receiving feature A1 of the internal channel top plates 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032.Internal components 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 may further include internal base plates 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228 B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028; 5012, 5020, 5028, which extend outward of the at least one internal channel structure and are arranged in contact with the housing base plate 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112. The at least one internal channel structure includes internal channel top plates 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of internal channels. Side panels: 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / -2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234 ;3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334;4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034;5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, this pair of internal channel side panels from the internal channel top plate 16, 24, 32;1016, 1024, 1032;2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 extending to the bottom plate of the outer casing 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112.Internal floor plates: 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012 4020, 4028; 5012, 5020, 5028 hinged to internal channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / -3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234 ; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, and deviating from the internal channel side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / -1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 20 26, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / -5026, 5030 / 5034, another extension. The outer shells 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 and the internal components 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 can be formed from two separate blanks, or they can be formed from a single blank and hinged to each other. This disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190, which includes the outer shells 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 and the internal components 90; 1090; 4090; 5090. The outer shells 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 include outer shell base plates 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. Internal components 90; 1090; 4090; 5090 include a pair of channel structures arranged in parallel at intervals on the base plates 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 of the outer casing.The outer casing 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 further includes at least one bridge-shaped pipe structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / -120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / -5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150, which is at least partially formed by the outer casing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The at least one bridge-like pipe structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 extends between the channel structures.

[0159] The at least one bridge-like pipe structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / -1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 may include at least one pair of bridge-like pipe structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 1150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 1150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150,4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150, the bridge-like pipe structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 1150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / -1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150,4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; Each of 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 extends between the channel structures, such that the bridge pipe structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / -1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / -5150 are arranged in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. The base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may include a handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 disposed between the channel structures. The handle opening A15 / 4160 may be at least partially defined by at least one flap 4160 hinged to the base plate 4112. The at least one flap 4160 may be hinged to the base plate 4112 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4161. The fold line 4161 may be perpendicular to the hinged connection between the base plate 4112 and the side plates 4114, 4116 hinged to the base plate 4112. The handle opening A5: A15 / 4160 may be at least partially defined by at least one hole A5; A15 punched from the base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112.Each of the pair of channel structures may connect to at least one internal base plate 20; 1020A / 1020B; 4020; 5020, which is arranged face-to-face with the outer casing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The at least one internal base plate 20; 1020A / 1020B; 4020; 5020 may include an opening. This opening may be configured to be at least partially aligned with a handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 in the outer casing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. This opening may be configured to be vertically aligned with a handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 in the outer casing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. This opening may be partially defined by at least one hole A2; A10 punched from the at least one internal base plate 20; 4020; 5020. The opening may be partially defined by at least one flap 50, 4052, 5050 punched out from the at least one inner base plate 20, 4020, 5020. The opening may also be partially defined by a pair of opposing flaps 50, 4052, 5050 punched out from the at least one inner base plate 20, 4020, 5020. The at least one flap 50, 4052, 5050 may be hinged to the at least one inner base plate 20, 4020, 5020 by means of a fold line 51, 4057, 5051. The fold line 51, 5051 may be perpendicular to the hinged connection between the at least one inner base plate 20, 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures. The fold line 51, 5051 may be parallel to the hinged connection between the at least one inner base plate 20, 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures. The zigzag line 51; 5051 may be collinear with the hinged connection between the at least one inner base plate 20; 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures. The opening may be at least partially defined by a cutting line 1019B that separates the first inner base plate portion 1020A from the second inner base plate portion 1020B.The outer casing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may include handle openings A5; A15 / 4160 disposed between the bridge-pipe structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / -4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150, such that the bridge-pipe structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 and the channel structure together form a frame surrounding the handle opening A5. The tubular axis Ty of at least one bridge-type tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / -1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / -5120 / 5150 may be substantially perpendicular to the channel axis x of each of the channel structures. The housing base plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may include at least one first article top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 disposed at a location along each of the channel structures.

[0160] The outer casing 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 may further include: outer casing side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hinged to the outer casing bottom plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112; 5114, 5116 hinged to the outer casing side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hinged to the outer casing side plates 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hinged to the outer casing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hinged to the outer casing top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; The spacer flaps 150; 1150; 4150; 5150 of 5118, 5120, and wherein the at least one bridge-like tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / -1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / -5150 include a portion of the housing bottom plate 112; 1112; 4112; 5112, and housing side plates 114, 116; A portion of 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, a portion of the outer shell top plate 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, and a spacer 150; 1150; 4150; 5150. This disclosure also provides an article carrier 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190, which includes an outer shell 2190; 3190 and internal components 2090; 3090 fixed together. The outer shell 2190; 3190 includes an outer shell bottom plate 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. Internal components 2090; 3090 include a pair of first and second channel structures arranged parallel at intervals on the outer casing base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / -3112B / 3112C. Internal components 2090; 3090 also include internal component break lines Sv1 / Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2 / -Sv2a / Sv2b, by means of which a first portion of the internal component 2090; 3090 including the first channel structure is detachably connected to a second portion of the internal component 2090; 3090 including the second channel structure.The outer casing 2190; 3190 also includes outer casing fracture lines Sv3, Sv4, which include outer casing base plate segments Sv3a, Sv4a extending in the outer casing base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. The outer casing base plate segments Sv3a, Sv4a are at least partially substantially collinear with at least a portion of the internal component fracture lines Sv1 / Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2 / -Sv2a / Sv2b, such that when both the internal component fracture lines Sv1 / Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b and the outer casing fracture lines Sv3, Sv4 are broken, the first channel structure and the second channel structure can be separated from each other. The outer casing base plate segments Sv3a, Sv4a may extend parallel to the channel axis x of each channel structure in the first and second channel structures. The base plate segments Sv3a and Sv4a of the outer casing can be defined in the handle opening A8 interrupted in the base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. The first portion of internal component 2090 may include at least one first connector plate 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B, and the second portion of internal component 2090 may include at least one second connector plate 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B'.At least one first connector board 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B can be detachably connected to at least one second connector board 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B' through connector board segments Sv1a, Sv1b, Sv2a, Sv2b via internal component break lines Sv1 / Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b. 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B', connector segments Sv1a, Sv1b, Sv2a, Sv2b are at least partially collinear with at least a portion of the housing break lines Sv3, Sv4. At least one first connector board 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and at least one second connector board 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', and 3344B' can be hinged to the first and second channel structures, respectively. The first portion of internal component 2090 may further include first internal base plates 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3220A, 3228A; 3320A, 3328A, hinged to the first channel structure. The second portion of internal component 2090 may further include second internal base plates 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3220B, 3228B; 3320B, 3328B, hinged to the second channel.The first and second internal base plates 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3320A, 3328A; 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3320B, 3328B are respectively hinged to at least one first connector plate 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and at least one second connector plate 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B'.

[0161] The first and second internal base plates 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3320A, 3328A; 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3320B, 3328B can be hinged to the internal base plate segments Sv1, Sv2 by the internal component separation lines Sv1 / Sv1a / Sv1b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b, and the internal base plate segments Sv1, Sv2 are at least partially collinear with the outer shell base plate segments Sv3a, Sv4a. The at least one first connecting plate 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B may include a pair of opposing first connecting plates 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B 3344A, 3344B, the at least one second connecting plate 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B' may include a pair of opposing second connecting plates 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B'. The housing 190; 1190 also includes a pair of opposing housing side panels 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, which are hinged to the housing base plate 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C.The outer casing side panels 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C can be fixed in surface contact to one of the pair of opposing first connecting plates 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the pair of opposing second connecting plates 2040A', 2040B', 2044A'. 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B', and another outer shell side plate 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C can be fixed to the pair of opposing first connecting plates 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B in a surface-contact manner. The other of 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the other of the pair of opposing second connecting plates 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A', 3340B', 3344A', 3344B'. The housing base plates 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C include at least one first article top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 at respective locations along the first and second channel structures. This disclosure also provides an insert blank 1010; 3210 for placement within the housing 1190; 3190 to form an article carrier 1090 / 1190.The insert blank 1010; 3210 has a pair of first and second opposing end edges, the insert blank including a pair of first and second opposing connecting plates 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / -3242B / 3244B extending along the first and second end edges respectively. The insert blank 1010; 3210 also includes a first channel forming section 1014 / 1016 / 1018; 3214 / 3216 / 3218 and a second channel forming section 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3222 / 3224 / 3226, each extending between the first and second connecting plates 1042, 1046; 3238A / -3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B, such that the first and second channel forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / -1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 are arranged side by side. Each channel forming section 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 includes a channel top plate 1016, 1024; 3216, 3224 that is respectively hinged to the first and second connecting plates 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B at its opposite ends, and a pair of channel side plates 1014, 1018, 1022, 1026; 3214, 3218, 3222, 3226 that are hinged to the opposite side edges of the channel top plates 1016, 1024; 3216, 3224. Each channel forming section 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 includes at least one article receiving feature A1. The insert blank 1010; 3210 may further include a pair of first and second insert base plates 1020A, 1020B; 3220A, 3220B, which are respectively hinged to the first and second channel forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226. The first and second connecting plates 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B each include a connector separation line Sv1a, Sv1b, Sv2a, Sv2b, and can be separated along the connector separation lines Sv1a, Sv1b, Sv2a, Sv2b.The first and second channel forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / -3226 may not be directly connected to each other. They can be separated by cut-out portions in the form of cutting lines 1019B, 1027B; 3219B, 3227B, slots, slits, or holes. Alternatively, the first and second channel forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / -1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 may be detachably connected along a breakable line.

[0162] This disclosure also provides an insert blank 10; 2010; 4010; 5010 for placement in housings 190; 2190; 4190; 5190 to form article carriers 190 / 190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190. The insert blanks 10; 2010; 4010; 5010 include first channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18; 2014 / 2016 / 2018; 4014 / 4016 / 4018; 5014 / 5016 / 5018 arranged side by side, and second channel forming sections 22 / 24 / 26; 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5022 / 5024 / 5026, with at least one insert bottom panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 extending between them. The bottom panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 of the at least one insert is hinged along its opposite side edges to the first and second channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026. The insert blanks 10, 2010, and 5010 may further include first and second connecting panels 40A, 40B, 2040A / 2040A', 2040B / 2040B', and 5040A, 5040B, respectively hinged to the opposite end edges of the at least one insert bottom panel 20, 2020A / 2020B, and 5040B. The at least one insert bottom panel 2020A / 2020B may include a connector cut-off line Sv1 and may be segmented along the connector cut-off line Sv1. Each of the first and second channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 may include at least one article containing feature A1.Each of the first and second channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 may include a channel top panel 16, 24; 2016, 2024; 4016, 4024; 5016, 5024 and a pair of channel side panels 14, 18, 22, 26; 2014, 2018, hinged to the opposite side edges of the channel top panels 16, 24; 2016, 2024; 4016, 4024; 5016, 5024. 2022, 2026; 4014, 4018, 4022, 4026; 5014, 5018, 5022, 5026, and wherein the at least one insert bottom panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 is respectively hinged along its opposite side edges to the channel side panels 14, 18; 2014, 2018; 4014, 4016 / 4018; 5014 / 5016 / -5018 of the first channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18; 2014 / 2016 / 2018; 4014 / 4016 / 4018; 5014 / 5016 / -5018. One of 5018, and hinged to the channel side panels 22, 26; 2022, 26; 4022, 4026; 5022, 5026 of the second channel forming sections 22 / 24 / 26; 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5022 / 5024 / 5026. Each of the first and second connecting panels 40A, 40B; 2040A / 2040A', 2040B / 2040B'; 5040A, 5040B has a width W1 greater than the width W2 of at least one insert bottom panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 5020, such that when the first and second channel forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 are erected into a channel-like structure, the first and second connecting panels 40A, 40B; 2040A / 2040A', 2040B / 2040B'; 5040A, 5040B at least partially close the opposite ends of each channel-like structure.

[0163] This disclosure also provides an article carrier 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging a plurality of articles B. The article carriers 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 can be formed from blanks assembled 1010 / 1110; 2010 / 2110; 4010 / 4110; 5010 / 5110. The article carriers 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 include an outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 and internal components 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090. The internal components 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 may be formed from first blanks 1010; 2010; 4010; 5010. The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 may be formed from second blanks 1110; 2110; 4110; 5110. The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 includes a shell base plate 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112. The shell base plate 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112 includes at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 for receiving at least a portion of at least one article B. The internal components 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 include at least one internal channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / -4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 disposed on the outer casing base plate 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112. The article carriers 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 also include connecting devices T2 / A6, T3 / A6; T2 / A9; T3 / A13; T2 / 5170 for facilitating the positioning of the internal components 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 on the outer shell base plates 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112.The connecting devices T2 / A6, T3 / A6; T2 / A9; T3 / A13; T2 / 5170 include at least one first connecting element T2, T3 of the internal components 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 and at least one second connecting element A6; A9; A13; 5170 of the housings 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190. The first and second connecting elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170 are configured and positioned such that one of the first and second connecting elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170 can be accommodated in the other of the first and second connecting elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170. The at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 may include a top receiving opening defined in the housing base plate 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112.

[0164] The outer casing 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 may further include: a pair of outer casing side plates 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / -2112C; 4112; 5112 hinged to the outer casing base plate 1112; 2112A / 2112B / -2112C; 4112; 5112. 116; and at least one of the outer casing top plates hinged to one of the outer casing side plates 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / -2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 4118, 41 20; 5118, 5120, the at least one outer shell top plate 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / -2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 is fixed to the at least one internal channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / -1026, 1030 / 10 32 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / -4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034.

[0165] The at least one internal channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / - 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 include internal channel top plates 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032, which include at least one second top receiving feature A1 vertically aligned with at least one first top receiving feature RT; RT1, RT2 of the outer casing bottom plates 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112.

[0166] The outer casing 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 further includes: a pair of outer casing side plates 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / -2112C; 4112; 5112 hinged to the outer casing bottom plate 1112; 2112A / 2114B / -2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116; and at least one outer casing top plate 1118, 1120; 21190; 21190, ... 18A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, and the at least one outer casing top plate 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / -2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 includes at least one third top receiving feature A3; A3' that is vertically aligned with the at least one second top receiving feature A1 of the inner channel top plates 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032.

[0167] The at least one internal channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / -5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 includes an internal channel top plate 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of internal channel side panels 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026; 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034, the pair of internal channel side panels extending from the internal channel top panel 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 Extending to the base plate of the outer casing 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112, and wherein the at least one first connecting element T2, T3 includes tabs T2, T3, the tabs extending from the at least one internal channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, At least one of the following internal channel side plates 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026; 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends from 5030 / 5032 / 5034. It is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.For example, the size and shape of panels and openings can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. It should be recognized that, as used herein, directional reference terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “base,” “front,” “rear,” “end,” “side,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the individual panels to this orientation, but may only be used to distinguish these panels from one another. As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all forms of lines that define the hinged features of a blank, facilitate the folding of the various parts of the blank relative to each other, or otherwise indicate the optimal folding position of the blank's panels. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in fact, a hinged connection can be formed by two or more fold lines, each of which can be straight / linear or curved / curved. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they can be arranged parallel to each other or at a slight angle relative to each other. When curved fold lines form a hinged connection, they can intersect each other, thereby defining a shaped panel within the area enclosed by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate or curved fold lines intersecting at two points, thereby defining an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of linear fold lines and arcuate or curved fold lines intersecting at two points, thereby defining a crescent-shaped panel therebetween. As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: embossed line, raised line, recessed line, perforation line, short cut line, half-cut line, single half-cut line, discontinuous cut line, aligned cut line, embossed line segment, and any combination of the above options. It should be understood that both hinged connections and fold lines can include elements formed in the blank substrate, including perforations, perforated lines, short cut lines, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, cutting lines, discontinuous cutting lines, slits, indentations, and any combination thereof. The dimensions and arrangement of these elements can be designed to provide the desired functionality. For example, fold lines or break lines, or both, can be defined by setting the dimensions of the perforated lines or by setting different degrees of weakness. Perforated lines can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, or to facilitate folding but facilitate breakage under greater force, or to break with minimal force.

[0168] As used herein, the phrases “aligned with” and “perpendicularly aligned with” refer to the alignment of two or more elements in an upright carton, such as a hole formed in the first of two overlapping panels and a second hole formed in the second of two overlapping panels. Those elements aligned with each other can be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when a hole in the first panel is “aligned” or “perpendicularly aligned” with a second hole in a second panel arranged to overlap with the first panel, the edge of the hole can extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second hole and can be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. When the carton or carrier is in a normal or stationary state (or as shown in the illustrated embodiment), a hole in the first panel “perpendicularly aligned with the second hole in the second panel” can be arranged above or above the second hole, but it should be understood that the carton or carrier is not limited to this orientation.

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel spaced apart from the top panel, and a pair of opposing outer panels, the top panel including at least one top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article, the article carrier further comprising at least one inner panel having an engagement edge for engaging the at least one article received in the at least one top receiving feature of the top panel, wherein, The at least one inner panel includes a first portion extending from a joint edge to a top panel, the first portion contacting an inner surface of the top panel such that the at least one inner panel extends substantially between the bottom panel and the top panel.

2. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inner panel extends between the outer panels.

3. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inner side panel is hinged to the bottom panel.

4. The article carrier of claim 3, wherein at least one outer panel extends between the top panel and the bottom panel, such that the tubular structure is defined by the top panel, the bottom panel and the outer panel, and wherein the at least one inner panel is used to provide an end-closing panel for the tubular structure.

5. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from a top panel, and a pair of opposing outer panels, the first panel including at least one top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article, the article carrier further including at least one inner panel having an engagement edge for engaging with the at least one article received in at least one top receiving feature of the first panel to suspend the at least one article on the article carrier, wherein the at least one inner panel extends substantially between the first and second panels.

6. The article carrier of claim 4, wherein the at least one inner panel extends between the outer panels.

7. A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including a first top panel, a first side panel hinged to the first top panel, a bottom panel hinged to the first side panel, a second side panel hinged to the bottom panel, and a second top panel hinged to the second side panel, each of the first and second top panels including at least one top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article, the bottom panel including at least one article engaging feature for engaging the at least one article received in at least one top receiving feature of one of the first and second top panels, wherein... The bottom panel includes at least one carrying hole, wherein the first and second top panels include at least one access opening to allow access to the at least one carrying hole, the at least one access opening being partially defined by the first top panel and partially defined by the second top panel.

8. The blank according to claim 7, wherein the at least one article engagement feature comprises at least one engagement wing hinged to the bottom panel to suspend at least one article on an article carrier formed from the blank.

9. An article carrier for packaging multiple articles, the article carrier comprising a housing and an internal member, the housing including a housing base plate and a pair of housing side plates hinged to the housing base plate such that the housing base plate and the housing side plates together provide an external channel structure defining an external channel axis, the internal member including at least one internal inverted channel structure defining an internal channel axis, the at least one internal channel structure extending between the housing side plates such that the internal channel axis is generally perpendicular to the external channel axis, wherein the housing base plate includes at least one first top receiving feature for receiving a portion of at least one article.

10. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one first top receiving feature includes a top receiving opening defined in the bottom plate of the housing and at least one article-bearing tab connected to the periphery of the top receiving opening.

11. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate and a pair of internal channel side plates extending from the internal channel top plate to the housing bottom plate, each internal channel side plate including at least one article support edge for engaging at least one article.

12. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The housing also includes at least one housing top plate hinged to one of the housing side plates, the at least one housing top plate being fixed to the at least one internal channel structure.

13. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate, which includes at least one second top receiving feature aligned in the vertical direction with the at least one first top receiving feature of the housing bottom plate.

14. The article carrier according to claim 12, wherein, The housing also includes at least one housing top plate hinged to one of the housing side plates, and the at least one housing top plate includes at least one third top receiving feature aligned in the vertical direction with the at least one second top receiving feature of the internal channel top plate.

15. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The internal component also includes an internal base plate that extends outward from the at least one internal channel structure and is disposed in face contact with the outer casing base plate.

16. The article carrier according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one internal channel structure includes an internal channel top plate and a pair of internal channel side plates extending from the internal channel top plate to the housing bottom plate, the internal bottom plate being hinged to one of the internal channel side plates and extending away from the other internal channel side plate.

17. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The outer shell and the internal components are each formed from two separate blanks.

18. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The outer shell and the internal components are formed from a single blank and hinged to each other.

19. A blank for forming a portion of an article carrier, the blank comprising a first channel forming section and a second channel forming section arranged side-by-side, with at least one base plate extending therebetween, wherein, The at least one base plate is hinged to the first and second channel forming sections along its opposite side edges, respectively.

20. The billet according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the first and second channel forming sections includes at least one article receiving feature.

21. The billet according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the first and second channel forming sections includes a channel top plate and a pair of channel side plates hinged to opposite side edges of the channel top plate, wherein the at least one bottom plate is respectively hinged along its opposite side edges to one of the channel side plates of the first channel forming section and one of the channel side plates of the second channel forming section.

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