Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90, 190) for packaging a plurality of articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprising a first panel (14, 22) and a second panel (16, 20) hingedly connected along a fold line (15, 21). The first and second panels have first and second openings (A1, A2) at least partially defined in the first and second panels respectively. The first and second openings are spaced apart from the fold line. The fold line comprises at least one first section (S1) and at least one second section (S2). The at least one first section is interposed between the first and second openings. The folding resistance of the at least one first section is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top engaging style having a handle structure.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide article carriers or cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide to a robust or strong article carrier having a comfortable carrying handle suitable for transport of articles such as but not limited to glass jars.

[0007] It is desirable that the blank from which the carrier is formed can be readily assembled into a carrier in a simple and efficient manner.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line. The first and second panels have first and second openings at least partially defined therein respectively. The first and second openings are spaced apart from the fold line. The fold line comprises at least one first section and at least one second section. The at least one first section is interposed between the first and second openings. The folding resistance of the at least one first section is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle member which comprises a pair of tabs disposed in face-contacting arrangement with each other including a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is formed from a first carton panel and is hingedly connected thereto. The second tab is formed form a second carton panel and is hingedly connected thereto. The first tab is separated from the first carton panel by at least one first cut line and the second tab is separated from the second carton panel by at least one second cut line. The first and second tabs are hingedly connected to each other along a fold line.

[0012] A third aspect of the invention provides a top engaging article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The top engaging article carrier comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel; a pair of sloping side panels, hingedly connected along the opposed side edges of the top panel; and at least two article engaging devices. The carrier further comprises a handle member disposed between the at least two article engaging devices. The handle member comprises at least one tab defined, at least in part, by at least two fold lines and by at least one cut line extending between the at least two fold lines.

[0013] Optionally, a first one of the at least two fold lines defines at least part of an end of the handle member, said end being pivotable or displaceable about a second one of the at least two fold lines.

[0014] Optionally, the end of the handle member is furthermost from the second one of the at least two fold lines.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises an article engaging member formed from at least a first carton panel. The article engaging member is hingedly connected to the first carton panel by a pair of divergent fold lines. The article engaging member comprises a first engaging edge, extending substantially between upper ends of the divergent fold lines, and a second engaging edge opposing the first engaging edge. The second engaging edge extends substantially between lower ends of the divergent fold lines. The article engaging member further comprises a cut extending from the second engaging edge upwardly into the article engaging member.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a top engaging article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The top engaging article carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line. The first panel comprises a first engaging portion and the second panel comprises a second engaging portion. The first and second engaging portions extend alongside each other. The first engaging portion comprises a first engaging edge disposed at a first distance from the fold line. The second engaging portion comprises a further engaging edge disposed at a second distance from the fold line, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0017] Optionally, the first engaging edge is a linear edge while the further engaging edge is a nonlinear or curved edge. In a package comprising the foregoing top engaging carrier, the first engaging edge engages the underside of a closure of an article while the further engaging edge engages the underside of an annular rib or protrusion of the article. The annular rib or protrusion is located immediately below an open top of the article and the closure is mounted to the open top of the article to close an opening therein.

[0018] Optionally, the annular rib or protrusion is provided by a neck portion of the article to which the closure is mounted.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for packaging one or more articles. The blank comprises a first panel and a second, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line. The first and second panels have first and second openings at least partially defined in the first and second panels respectively. The first and second openings are spaced apart from the fold line. The fold line comprises at least one first section and at least one second section. The at least one first section is interposed between the first and second openings and the folding resistance of the at least one first section is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for packaging one or more articles. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming the article carrier. The blank comprises a handle member including a pair of tabs configured to be disposed in face-contacting arrangement with each other in a setup carrier. The pair of tabs includes a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is formed from a first primary panel and is hingedly connected thereto. The second tab is formed form a second primary panel and is hingedly connected thereto. The second primary panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. The first tab is separated from the first carton panel by at least one first cut line and the second tab is separated from the second carton panel by at least one second cut line. The first and second tabs are hingedly connected to each other along a fold line.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for packaging one or more articles. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including: a top panel; a pair of side panels, each hingedly connected along one of a pair of opposed side edges of the top panel; and at least two article engaging devices. The blank further comprises a handle member disposed between the at least two article engaging devices. The handle member comprises at least one tab defined, at least in part, by at least two fold lines and by at least one cut line extending between the at least two fold lines.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the invention provides a blank for packaging one or more articles. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming the article carrier. An article engaging member is formed from at least a first primary panel, the article engaging member being hingedly connected to the first primary panel by a pair of divergent fold lines. The article engaging member comprises a first engaging edge extending substantially between upper ends of the divergent fold lines and a second engaging edge opposing the first engaging edge. The second engaging edge extends substantially between lower ends of the divergent fold lines. The article engaging member further comprises a cut extending from the second engaging edge upwardly into the article engaging member.

[0023] A tenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for packaging one or more articles. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels including a first primary panel and a second primary panel. The second primary panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel along a fold line. The first primary panel comprises a first engaging portion and the second primary panel comprises a second engaging portion. The first and second engaging portions extend alongside each other. The first engaging portion comprises a first engaging edge disposed at a first distance from the fold line. The second engaging portion comprises a further engaging edge disposed at a second distance from the fold line. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0025] Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

[0026] Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0027] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 2 and a plurality of articles;

[0032] Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4; and

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a package formed from the carrier of Figure 5 and a plurality of articles.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well- known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, glass jars, hereinafter referred to as articles. The blank 10 forms a secondary package of the top-engaging style for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0038] An alternative blank 110 is illustrated in Figure 4 and forms a carrier as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0039] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

[0040] The blanks 10; 1 10 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0041] The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2); one row of two articles is provided, and the articles are 35oz (approx. 992 gram) glass jars. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having one rows (m=1 ) and two columns (n=3); one row of three articles is provided, and the articles are 24oz (approx. 680 gram) jars. The jars may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminium or PET (polyester - polyethylene terephthalate).

[0043] The blanks 10; 110 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and / or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

[0044] Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figures 2 and 3) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23 respectively.

[0045] The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 form a top engaging clip. The bank 10 comprises a plurality of outer panels 16, 18, 20 including a first outer side or shoulder panel 16. A top panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second outer side panel 20 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 along a second, opposing, side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0046] The bank 10 comprises a plurality of inner or reinforcing panels 12, 14, 22, 24 including a first inner side panel 14 hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A first inner top panel 12 is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A second inner side panel 22 hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 . A second inner top panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.

[0047] The blank 10 comprises article engaging structures, the article engaging structures comprise at least one outer article receiving opening A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels

[0048] 16, 20 and at least one inner article receiving opening A1 in each of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of outer article receiving openings A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 and a pair of inner article receiving openings A1 in each of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. Each outer article receiving opening A2 takes the form of an aperture A2 struck from or defined in at least a respective one of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20. In alternative embodiments, the aperture A2 may be struck in part from the top panel 18.

[0049] The inner article receiving opening A1 takes the form of an aperture A1 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 and as shown in the illustrated embodiment may also be defined in or struck from the respective one of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 hingedly connected to said one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22.

[0050] The outer article receiving openings A2 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines

[0051] 17, 19 between the top panel 18 and first or second outer side panels 16, 20. The top panel 18 comprises at least one tab extending outwardly from side edges of the top panel 18 defined by the hinged connections or fold lines 17, 19. The illustrated embodiment comprises four tabs. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20. The inner article receiving openings A1 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines 13, 23 between one of the first and second inner top panels 1 , 24 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 to which it is hingedly connected.

[0052] Each of the first and second inner top panels 12, 24 comprises at least one tab extending outwardly from a side edges of the inner top panel 12, 24, the side edge being defined by the hinged connection or fold line 17, 19 between the inner top panel 12, 24 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22 to which it is hingedly connected. In the illustrated embodiment each inner top panel 12, 24 comprises two tabs. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22.

[0053] Each of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 comprises at least one engaging member 26. In the illustrated embodiment the first and second outer side panels 16, 20 each comprise two engaging members 26. Each engaging member 26 is defined in part by one of the outer article receiving openings A2; the outer article receiving opening A2 defines a first or upper engaging edge E1 of the engaging member 26. The first or upper engaging edge E1 may be linear in shape. Each engaging member 26 is defined in part by a pair of fold lines 29, 31 defined in the first or second outer side panel 16, 20. The pair of fold lines 29, 31 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may be arranged to diverge towards the outer article receiving openings A2. The engaging member 26 is defined in part by a cutline 25, the cutline 25 interrupts the respective fold line 15, 21 between an inner side panel 14, 22 and an outer side panel 16, 20. The cutline 25 defines a lower edge E2 of the engaging member 26, the lower edge E2 substantially opposes the first or upper engaging edge E1 . The lower edge E2 may form a second engaging edge. The cutline 25 may be non-linear, and may comprise at least two linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutline 25 comprises three contiguous linear portions each divergently arranged with respect to its adjacent neighbour. In other embodiments, the cutline 25 may comprise one or more curved elements.

[0054] The cutline 25 defines a lower free edge of one of the inner side panels 14, 22. The lower free edge and one of the inner article receiving opening A1 define a second engaging member 28 therebetween which second engaging member 28 may reinforce or strengthen one of the engaging members 26 to form a two-ply structure therewith. The second engaging member 28 comprises a third or inner upper engaging edge E3 defined by a portion of the inner article receiving opening A1 . The second engaging member 28 may engage with the article B at a different location to that which the first engaging member 26 engages the article B. For example, but not limited to, the first engaging member 26 may engage a cap or closure C of the article B, the cap or closure C defines a projection or flange below which the first engaging member 26 engages the cap C to support or suspend the article B therefrom. The second engaging member 28 may engage a neck portion of the article B, the neck portion may comprise a second projection or flange. The article B may be suspended or supported by the third or inner upper engaging edge E3. The third or inner upper engaging edge E3 may be curved or non-linear in shape.

[0055] The second flange provided by the article B may be disposed radially inward of the flange provided by the cap C. The second flange may be disposed at an elevation below that of the flange provided by the cap C.

[0056] The engaging member 26 may comprise a relief cut 27 extending upwardly from the cutline 25.

[0057] The blank 10 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises two pairs of handle tabs 40A, 40B disposed on opposing sides of the top panel 18. A first pair of tabs 40A, 40B are struck from, or defined in the first inner and outer side panels 14, 16. A second pair of tabs 40A, 40B are struck from, or defined in, the second inner and outer side panels 20, 22.

[0058] A first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the first inner side panel 14. A second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the first outer side panel 16. The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 . The fold line 41 is collinear with the fold line 15 hinging the first inner side panel 14 to the first outer side panel 16. The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43A. The second tab 40B of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43B.

[0059] The first tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45A, 47A defined in the first inner side panel 14 and each extending between the fold line 43A and the fold line 41 . The pair of cutlines 45A, 47A may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may diverge towards the fold line 41 .

[0060] The second tab 40A of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45B, 47B defined in the first outer side panel 16 and each extending between the fold line 43B and the fold line 41 . The pair of cutlines 45B, 47B may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and may diverge towards the fold line 41 . The first and second tabs 40A, 40B may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 40B is a mirror image of the first tab 40A about the fold line 41. When the first inner side panel 14 is folded into face contacting relationship with first outer side panel 16 the fold line 43A is in registry with the fold line 43B. The cutlines 45A, 47 A may be interrupted by a connecting nick portion, the connecting nick portion maintains the first tab in the plane of the first inner side panel 14 during assembly and transportation for example, and may be broken or severed when the handle is deployed.

[0061] A first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the second inner side panel 22. A second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is struck from, or defined in, the second outer side panel 20. The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 . The fold line 41 is collinear with the fold line 21 hinging the second inner side panel 22 to the second outer side panel 20. The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second tab 40B of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

[0062] The first tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines defined in the second inner side panel 22 arranged similarly to those of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B.

[0063] The second tab 40A of the second pair of tabs 40A, 40B is defined in part by a pair of cutlines 45B, 47B defined in the first outer side panel 16 arranged similarly to those of the first pair of tabs 40A, 40B. The tabs 40A, 40B may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The second tab 40B is a mirror image of the first tab 40A about the fold line 41 .

[0064] Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40A, 40B is displaceable inwardly, into a gap or void between two adjacently disposed articles B. Each of the first and second pairs of tabs 40A, 40B provides a handle edge, defined by fold lines 43A, 43B with which a user can engage. The two- ply construction of the handle tabs 40A, 40B may improve the strength of the handle structure, the comfort of the handle structure or both the strength and comfort.

[0065] Turning to the construction of the article carrier 90 from the blank 10, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first inner side panel 14 and to the second inner side panel 22. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the first and second outer side panels 16, 20.

[0066] The first inner side panel 14, along with the first inner top panel 12, is folded about fold line 15 to bring the first inner side panel 14 into face connecting relationship with the first outer side panel 16. The first inner side panel 14 may be secured to the first outer side panel 16. The first inner top panel 12 is brought into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the top panel 18. The second inner side panel 22, along with the second inner top panel 24, is folded about fold line 21 to bring the second inner side panel 22 into face connecting relationship with the second outer side panel 20. The second inner side panel 22 may be secured to the second outer side panel 20. The second inner top panel 24 is brought into face-to-face relationship with a portion of the top panel 18.

[0067] An article carrier 90 is thus formed in a flat collapsed form, and can be shipped or otherwise distributed. The carrier 90 can be erected by lowering the top panel 18 along with the first and second inner top panel 12, 24 with respect to a group of articles B. The first inner and outer side panels 14, 16 are folded about a first side of the group of articles B, about fold lines 13, 17 to engage the articles B. A portion of each article B is received in one of the article receiving openings A1 / A2 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0068] The second inner and outer side panels 22, 20 are folded about a second, opposing, side of the group of articles B, about fold lines 23, 19 to engage the articles B. A portion of each article B is received in one of the article receiving openings A1 / A2.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, there is shown a further additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4, shows a blank 1 10 for forming a carton or carrier 190 (see Figures 5 and 6) according to a second embodiment. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in any greater detail.

[0070] The blank 110 comprises a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 113, 115, 117, 1 19, 121 , 123 respectively.

[0071] The plurality of panels 112, 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120, 122, 124 form a top engaging clip. The bank 110 comprises a plurality of outer panels 116, 118, 120 including a first outer side or shoulder panel 116. A top panel 1 18 is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 1 16 along a first side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second outer side panel 120 is hingedly connected to the top panel 118 along a second, opposing, side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

[0072] The bank 110 comprises a plurality of inner or reinforcing panels 112, 114, 122, 124 including a first inner side panel 114 hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1 15. A first inner top panel 112 is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A second inner side panel 122 hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121. A second inner top panel 124 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123.

[0073] The blank 110 comprises article engaging structures, the article engaging structures comprise at least one outer article receiving opening A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels

[0074] 116, 120 and at least one inner article receiving opening A1 , A3 in each of the first and second inner side panels 1 14, 122. The illustrated embodiment comprises three outer article receiving openings A2 in each of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120 and three inner article receiving openings A1 , A3 in each of the first and second inner side panels 1 14, 122. Each outer article receiving opening A2 takes the form of an aperture A2 struck from or defined in at least a respective one of the first and second outer side panels 1 16, 120. In alternative embodiments, the aperture A2 may be struck in part from the top panel 118.

[0075] The outer article receiving openings A2 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines

[0076] 117, 119 between the top panel 118 and first or second outer side panels 116, 120. The top panel 118 comprises at least one tab extending outwardly from side edges of the top panel 118 defined by the hinged connections or fold lines 117, 119. The illustrated embodiment comprises six tabs. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120. The tabs are defined by a portion of the aperture A2 of the outer article receiving openings A2.

[0077] The inner article receiving openings A1 , A3 comprise a pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 and a medial or intermediate inner article receiving opening A1 . The medial or intermediate inner article receiving opening A1 takes the form of an aperture A1 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 and as shown in the illustrated embodiment may also be defined in or struck from the respective one of the first and second inner top panels 112, 124 hingedly connected to said one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122.

[0078] Each of the pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 takes the form of an aperture A3 struck from or defined in a respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122.

[0079] The inner article receiving openings A1 , A3 interrupt one of the hinged connections or fold lines 113,1 23 between one of the first and second inner top panels 1 12, 124 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 to which it is hingedly connected.

[0080] Each of the first and second inner top panels 112, 124 comprises a tab extending outwardly from a side edges of the inner top panel 112, 124, the side edge being defined by the hinged connection or fold line 117, 119 between the inner top panel 112, 124 and the respective one of the first and second inner side panels 114, 122 to which it is hingedly connected. The tabs are struck from material which would otherwise form part of one of the first and second inner side panels 14, 22. The tab is defined by a portion of the aperture A1 of the intermediate inner article receiving opening A1 . The aperture A3 of each of the pair of endmost inner article receiving openings A3 comprises a linear edge adjacent or interrupting one of the fold lines 113, 123, and do not define a tab extending from the respective inner top panel 112, 124.

[0081] The blank 110 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises four pairs of handle tabs 140A, 140B disposed on opposing sides of the top panel 118. Each pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is substantially the same in construction and will be described with reference to a pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB in the first inner and outer side panel 1 14, 116.

[0082] The pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is struck from, or defined in the first inner and outer side panels 114, 1 16. A first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B is struck from, or defined in, the first inner side panel 1 14. A second tab MOB of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is struck from, or defined in, the first outer side panel 116. The first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is hingedly connected to the second tab MOB of the pair of handle tabs 140A, 140B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141 . The fold line 141 is collinear with the fold line 115 hinging the first inner side panel 114 to the first outer side panel 116. The first tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is hingedly connected to the first inner side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143A. The fold line 143A extends from and is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 1 15, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the fold line 43A is parallel to and spaced apart from the fold line 15. The second tab MOB of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is hingedly connected to the first outer side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143B. The fold line 143B extends from and is obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 1 15, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the fold line 43B is parallel to and spaced apart from the fold line 15.

[0083] The first tab 40A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is defined in part by a cutline 145A defined in the first inner side panel 1 14 and extending between the fold line 143A and the fold line 141.

[0084] The second tab 140A of the pair of handle tabs 140A, MOB is defined in part by a cutline 145B defined in the first outer side panel 1 16 and extending between the fold line 143B and the fold line 141.

[0085] The first and second tabs 140A, MOB may be substantially triangular in shape. The second tab MOB is a mirror image of the first tab 140A about the fold line 141 . When the first inner side panel 114 is folded into face contacting relationship with first outer side panel 116 the fold line 143A is in registry with the fold line 143B. The cutline 145A may be interrupted by a connecting nick portion, the connecting nick portion maintains the first tab 140A in the plane of the first inner side panel 1 14 during assembly and transportation for example, and may be broken or severed when the handle is deployed.

[0086] The first inner and outer side panels 114, 116 comprises a second pair of handle tabs, the second pair of handle tabs is disposed on an opposing side of intermediate article receiving openings A1 , A2, the second pair of handle tabs is a mirror image of the first pair of handle tabs 140A, 1406 about a notional line transversely bisecting the blank 110.

[0087] The first pair of handle tabs 140A, 1406 is configured to fold in opposition to the second pair of handle tabs.

[0088] The first pair of handle tabs 140A, 1408 is configured to fold towards a first end of the carrier 190 or blank 110, the second pair of handle tabs is configured to fold towards a second, opposing, end of the carrier 190 or blank 1 10.

[0089] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190 comprising a first panel 14, 22; 1 14, 122 and a second panel 16, 20; 1 16, 120 hingedly connected along a fold line 15, 21 ; 1 15, 121. The first 14, 22; 114, 122 and second 16, 20; 116, 120 panels have first and second openings A2, A1 at least partially defined in the first 14, 22; 1 14, 122 and second 16, 20; 116, 120 panels respectively. The first and second openings A2, A1 are spaced apart from the fold line 15, 21 ; 115, 121. The fold line 15, 21 ; 1 15, 121 comprises at least one first section S1 and at least one second section S2. The at least one first section S1 is interposed between the first and second openings A2, A1. The folding resistance of the at least one first section S1 is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section S2.

[0090] The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190 comprising a handle member which comprises a pair of first and second tabs 40A, 40B; 140A, 1408 disposed in face-contacting arrangement with each other. The first tab 40A; 140A is formed from a first carton panel 14, 22; 114, 122 and is hingedly connected thereto. The second tab 408; 140B is formed form a second carton panel 16, 20; 116, 120 and is hingedly connected thereto. The first tab 40A; 140A is separated from the first carton panel 14, 22; 1 14, 122 by at least one first cut line 45A, 47A; 145A. The second tab 40B; 140B is separated from the second carton panel 16, 20; 116, 120 by at least one second cut line 45B, 47B; 145B. The first and second tabs 40A, 40B; 140A, 140B are hingedly connected together along a fold line 41 ; 141.

[0091] The present disclosure provides a top engaging article carrier 90; 190 comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel 18; 1 18, a pair of sloping side panels 16, 20; 1 16; 120 hingedly connected along the opposed side edges of the top panel 18; 118, and at least two article engaging devices. The carrier 90; 190 further comprises a handle member disposed between the at least two article engaging devices. The handle member comprises at least one tab 40A, 40B; 140A, MOB defined at least in part by at least two fold lines 41 / 43A, 41 / 43B; 141 / 143A, 141 / 143B and by at least one cut line 45A, 47A; 145A extending between the at least two fold lines 41 / 43A, 41 / 43B; 141 / 143A, 141 / 143B.

[0092] A first one 41 ; 141 of the at least two fold lines 41 / 43A, 41 / 43B; 141 / 143A, 141 / 143B) may define at least part of an end of the handle member which is swingable, displaceable or foldable about a second one 43A, 43B; 143A, 143B of the at least two fold lines 41 / 43A, 41 / 43B; 141 / 143A, 141 / 143B. The end of the handle member is furthermost from the second one 43A, 43B; 143A, 143B of the at least two fold lines 41 / 43A, 41 / 43B; 141 / 143A, 141 / 143B.

[0093] The present disclosure further provides a carton 90; 190 comprising an article engaging member 26; 126 formed from at least a first carton panel 16, 20; 1 16, 120. The engaging member 26; 126 is hingedly connected to the first carton panel 16, 20; 1 16, 120 by a pair of divergent fold lines 29, 31 ; 129, 131 and comprises a first engaging edge E1 extending substantially between upper ends of the divergent fold lines 29, 31 ; 129, 131. The engaging member 26; 126 further comprises a second engaging edge E2 opposing the first engaging edge E1 . The second engaging edge E2 extends substantially between lower ends of the divergent fold lines 29, 31 ; 129, 131 . The engaging member further comprises a cut 27; 127 extending from the second engaging edge E2 upwardly into the engaging member 26; 126.

[0094] The present disclosure provides a top engaging carrier 90; 190 comprising a plurality of panels including a first panel 14, 22; 114, 122 and a second panel 16, 20; 1 16, 120 hingedly connected along a fold line 15, 21 ; 115, 121. The first panel 14, 22; 114, 122 comprises a first engaging portion 26; 126. the second panel 16, 20; 1 16, 120 comprising a second engaging portion 28; 128. The first and second engaging portions 26, 28; 126; 128 extend alongside each other. The first engaging portion 26; 126 comprises a first engaging edge E1. The second engaging portion 28; 128 comprising a further engaging edge E3. The first engaging edge E1 is disposed at a first distance W1 from the fold line 15, 21 ; 115, 121. The further engaging edge E3 is disposed at a second distance W2 from the fold line 15, 21 ; 115, 121 . The first distance W1 is greater than the second distance W2.

[0095] In a package, the first engaging edge E1 engages the underside of a cap or closure C of an article B while the further engaging edge E3 engages the underside of an annular rib or protrusion the article located immediately below an open top of the article B which the cap or closure C closes or seals. The annular rib or protrusion may be provided by a neck portion of the article to which the cap or closure C is mounted. The first engaging edge E1 may be a linear edge while the further engaging edge E3 may be a non-linear or curved edge.

[0096] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. The present invention is not limited to cartons of the top-engaging carrier style, the invention may be employed with other carton styles such as, but not limited to, open top crates, lidded or closed top crates and fully enclosed cartons.

[0097] In one embodiment the medial panels may omitted, the partition structure may be formed from a first one of a pair of opposing wall panels or may be omitted.

[0098] It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0099] As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0100] As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0101] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line or a severance line or both. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

[0102] The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels.

[0103] For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line, the first and second panels having first and second openings at least partially defined in the first and second panels respectively, the first and second openings being spaced apart from the fold line, wherein the fold line comprises at least one first section and at least one second section, the at least one first section is interposed between the first and second openings and wherein the folding resistance of the at least one first section is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section.

2. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle member which comprises a pair of tabs disposed in face-contacting arrangement with each other including a first tab and a second tab, the first tab being formed from a first carton panel and hingedly connected thereto, the second tab being formed form a second carton panel and hingedly connected thereto, wherein the first tab is separated from the first carton panel by at least one first cut line and the second tab is separated from the second carton panel by at least one second cut line and wherein the first and second tabs are hingedly connected to each other along a fold line.

3. A top engaging article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including: a top panel; a pair of sloping side panels, hingedly connected along the opposed side edges of the top panel; and at least two article engaging devices, the carrier further comprising a handle member disposed between the at least two article engaging devices, wherein the handle member comprises at least one tab defined, at least in part, by at least two fold lines and by at least one cut line extending between the at least two fold lines.

4. A top engaging article carrier according to claim 3 wherein a first one of the at least two fold lines defines at least part of an end of the handle member, said end being pivotable or displaceable about a second one of the at least two fold lines.

5. A top engaging article carrier according to claim 4 wherein the end of the handle member is furthermost from the second one of the at least two fold lines.

6. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising an article engaging member formed from at least a first carton panel, the article engaging member being hingedly connected to the first carton panel by a pair of divergent fold lines, the article engaging member comprising a first engaging edge extending substantially between upper ends of the divergent fold lines, and a second engaging edge opposing the first engaging edge, wherein the secondengaging edge extends substantially between lower ends of the divergent fold lines, and wherein the article engaging member further comprises a cut extending from the second engaging edge upwardly into the article engaging member.

7. A top engaging carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line, the first panel comprising a first engaging portion and the second panel comprising a second engaging portion, wherein the first and second engaging portions extend alongside each other, the first engaging portion comprises a first engaging edge disposed at a first distance from the fold line, the second engaging portion comprises a further engaging edge disposed at a second distance from the fold line, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

8. A top engaging article carrier according to claim 7 wherein the first engaging edge is a linear edge while the further engaging edge is a non-linear or curved edge.

9. In a package comprising the top engaging carrier according to claim 7 and at least one article, the first engaging edge engages the underside of a closure of an article while the further engaging edge engages the underside of an annular rib or protrusion of the article, the annular rib or protrusion being located immediately below an open top of the article, the closure being mounted to the open top of the article to close an opening therein.

10. In a package according to claim 9, the annular rib or protrusion is provided by a neck portion of the article to which the closure is mounted.

11. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a first panel and a second, the second panel being hingedly connected to the first panel along a fold line, the first and second panels having first and second openings at least partially defined in the first and second panels respectively, the first and second openings being spaced apart from the fold line, wherein the fold line comprises at least one first section and at least one second section, the at least one first section is interposed between the first and second openings and wherein the folding resistance of the at least one first section is substantially less than the folding resistance of the at least one second section.

12. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming the article carrier, the blank comprising a handle member which comprises a pair of tabs configured to be disposed in face-contacting arrangement with each other in a setup carrier, wherein the pair of tabs includes a first tab and a second tab, the first tab is formed from a firstprimary panel and is hingedly connected thereto, the second tab is formed form a second primary panel and is hingedly connected thereto, the second primary panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel, and wherein the first tab is separated from the first carton panel by at least one first cut line and the second tab is separated from the second carton panel by at least one second cut line, the first and second tabs being hingedly connected to each other along a fold line.

13. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including: a top panel; a pair of side panels, each hingedly connected along one of a pair of opposed side edges of the top panel; and at least two article engaging devices, the blank further comprising a handle member disposed between the at least two article engaging devices, wherein the handle member comprises at least one tab defined, at least in part, by at least two fold lines and by at least one cut line extending between the at least two fold lines.

14. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming the article carrier, wherein an article engaging member is formed from at least a first primary panel, the article engaging member being hingedly connected to the first primary panel by a pair of divergent fold lines, and wherein the article engaging member comprises a first engaging edge extending substantially between upper ends of the divergent fold lines and a second engaging edge opposing the first engaging edge, the second engaging edge extends substantially between lower ends of the divergent fold lines, the article engaging member further comprising a cut extending from the second engaging edge upwardly into the article engaging member.

15. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels including a first primary panel and a second primary panel, the second primary panel being hingedly connected to the first primary panel along a fold line, the first primary panel comprising a first engaging portion and the second primary panel comprising a second engaging portion, wherein the first and second engaging portions extend alongside each other, the first engaging portion comprises a first engaging edge disposed at a first distance from the fold line, the second engaging portion comprises a further engaging edge disposed at a second distance from the fold line, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

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