Article carrier and blanks for article carriers

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carrier for packaging two or more articles, and a blank for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a main panel having at least one upper engaging article device for receiving a respective article and securing the main panel to the respective article. The carrier further comprises a keel structure. The keel structure comprises at least two keel panels configured to be disposed between a first article of the at least two articles and a second article of the at least two articles. The keel structure comprises at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels. The at least one keel tab is configured to be disposed between the first article of the at least two articles and the second article of the at least two articles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to packages, article carriers, and blanks for forming article carriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to carriers of the top gripping variety having one or more openings for receiving and holding articles. [Background technology]

[0002] In the art of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are convenient for allowing consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and should waste as little material as possible when formed. A further consideration is the strength and suitability of the carton to hold and transport large weight articles. It is desirable for the carton contents to be securely secured within the carton.

[0003] It is well known to provide a top-gripping article carrier having openings in panels of the carrier for receiving and engaging the articles. The carrier may include a keel structure disposed between the first row of articles and the second row of articles.

[0004] For carrying the carton, it is desirable to provide a handle structure that is strong enough to maintain the integrity of the carton during use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The carrier comprises a main panel having at least one upper engaging article device for receiving a respective article and securing the main panel to the respective article. The carrier further comprises a keel structure. The keel structure comprises at least two keel panels for disposing between a first of the at least two articles and a second of the at least two articles. The keel structure comprises at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels. The at least one keel tab is configured to be disposing between the first of the at least two articles and the second of the at least two articles.

[0007] Optionally, the keel structure is formed from a pair of hinged panels, the pair of hinged panels being centrally located in the main panel.

[0008] Optionally, the carrier comprises a pair of opposing side panels hingedly connected to the main panel.

[0009] Optionally, the carrier includes end straps that are hingedly connected between pairs of opposing side panels and have no direct connection to the main panel.

[0010] Optionally, the keel structure comprises a plurality of keel tabs.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one keel tab is stamped from both of the at least two keel panels.

[0012] Optionally, at least one keel tab includes a fold line that at least partially defines an upper portion and a lower portion thereof.

[0013] Optionally, the fold lines are offset relative to the hinge connections between pairs of panels of the keel structure.

[0014] Optionally, at least two keel panels are provided by portions of the main panels and are disposed between the pair of top panels.

[0015] Optionally, the pair of top panels is disposed across the top edges of the at least two articles.

[0016] Optionally, each cover panel is configured to be placed over a top edge of at least one article.

[0017] Optionally, at least one keel tab is punched in part from one of the pair of top panels.

[0018] Optionally, each of the pair of opposing side panels is hingedly connected to the main panel by a shoulder panel.

[0019] Optionally, the carrier includes a cutout that separates the end strap from the main panel.

[0020] Optionally, the cutout is one of the elements selected from the following group of elements: a discontinuity, a line of possible cuts, a recess, a slot, and an opening.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one upper engaging article device includes a plurality of upper engaging article devices, and the keel structure is disposed between a first row of the upper engaging article devices and a second row of the upper engaging article devices.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a main panel having at least one upper engaging article device for receiving a respective one of the at least two articles and securing the main panel to the respective one thereof. The blank further comprises at least two keel panels for forming a keel structure. The keel structure is configured to be disposed between a first article of the at least two articles and a second article of the at least two articles. The keel structure comprises at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels. The at least one keel tab is configured to be disposed between the first article of the at least two articles and the second article of the at least two articles.

[0023] Optionally, the at least one upper engaging article device comprises a plurality of upper engaging article devices, and the at least one keel tab extends away from a first row of the upper engaging article devices.

[0024] Optionally, at least one keel tab extends toward a second row of upper engaging article devices.

[0025] Optionally, each of the upper engaging article devices comprises at least one slit, and the at least one keel tab wedges into the at least one slit of at least one of the upper engaging article devices.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a main panel having a plurality of upper engaging article devices for receiving respective articles and securing the main panel to the respective articles. The plurality of upper engaging article devices are arranged in a row and comprise a first row and a second row. The carrier further comprises a keel structure. The keel structure comprises at least two keel panels disposed between the first row and the second row of the upper engaging article devices. The keel structure comprises at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels. The at least one keel tab is disposed between a pair of adjacently positioned articles. A first article of the pair of adjacently positioned articles is engaged by the upper engaging article device in the first row and a second article of the pair of adjacently positioned articles is engaged by the upper engaging article device in the second row.

[0027] Optionally, at least one keel tab is adhesively secured to said first article and said second article of a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0028] Optionally, the carrier further comprises a pair of opposing side panels hingedly connected to the main panel, and end straps hingedly connected between the pair of opposing side panels and having no direct connection to the main panel.

[0029] It is contemplated or intended that within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or contemplated independently or in any combination thereof.

[0030] Features or elements described in relation to or with respect to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated or combined in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to or in place of one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0031] Any feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is an alternative perspective view from above of a portion of the carrier of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is an alternative perspective view from above of a portion of the carrier of FIG. 2 showing the handle feature in an deployed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of how certain aspects of the invention can be implemented, and do not represent a comprehensive listing of all the ways in which the invention can be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as an illustration, sample, model, or pattern. Indeed, it is understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show the details of specific components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously use the invention.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, can be formed for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereafter referred to as item B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one container or package of the primary product.

[0036] In the embodiments detailed herein, terms such as "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container for engaging and carrying an article, such as a primary product container, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the present invention. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, pockets, and the like.

[0037] The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" is understood to include all types of foldable sheet materials, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that one or other number of blanks may be used, as appropriate to provide, for example, a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0038] The packaging structures or cartons described herein can be formed from sheet materials such as paperboard, which can be made from or coated with materials to increase strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant Natralock® paperboard by Westlock. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material can be provided by two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one side of the sheet material can have different properties than the other side. For example, the side of the sheet material facing the outside of the finished package can be particularly smooth and can have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, the side of the sheet material facing the inside can be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesive ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging the illustrated items B in an illustrated arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×3 matrix or array, with two rows of three items B provided, where items B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of items, or / and for packaging items in different arrangements or configurations.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a blank 10 comprising a number of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, including a main panel 14 for forming a top wall or mating panel of a carrier 90 (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The blank 10 includes a first side panel 18 hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 14 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 17, and more specifically, the first side panel 18 is hingedly connected to a first outer shoulder panel 14E that forms part of the main panel 14. The blank 10 includes a second side panel 20 hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 14 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 19, and more specifically, the second side panel 20 is hingedly connected to a second outer shoulder panel 14F that forms part of the main panel 14.

[0042] The first outer shoulder panel 14E is hingedly connected to the first top panel 14A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 73A. The second outer shoulder panel 14F is hingedly connected to the second top panel 14B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 73B. The main panel 14 further comprises a first inner shoulder panel 14C and a second inner shoulder panel 14D. The first inner shoulder panel 14C is hingedly connected to the first top panel 14A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 75A. The first inner shoulder panel 14C is hingedly connected to the second inner shoulder panel 14D by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 76. The second inner shoulder panel 14D is hingedly connected to the second top panel 14B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 75B.

[0043] The first inner shoulder panel 14C and the second inner shoulder panel 14D form a keel structure 14C / 14D that is disposed between two rows of article B, as viewed in FIG.

[0044] Each of the first and second top panels 14A, 14B includes opposing pairs of article engagement devices 70A, 72A (and 70B, 72B) formed therein generally along respective fold lines 73A, 75A (and 73B, 75B). The fold lines 73A, 75A hinge-connect the respective series of article engagement devices 70A, 72A. The fold lines 73B, 75B hinge-connect the respective series of article engagement devices 70B, 72B. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the article engagement devices 70A, 72A, 70B, 72B takes the form of a curved slit. The article engagement device 72A, which is disposed between the first top panel 14A and the first inner shoulder panel 14C, is defined, at least in part, by a pair of slits or cuts. The pair of slits or cuts are spaced apart by a keel tab 40 (described in more detail below). The slits may be considered to break into one of the respective fold lines 73A, 75A, 73B, 75B between the first and second top panels 14A, 14B and the inner and outer shoulder panels 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F. In other embodiments, each of the article engagement devices may be formed by a series of curved frangible lines. In other embodiments, the article engagement devices 70A, 72A, 70B, 72B may include an opening for receiving an upper portion of the article B held by the carrier 90. It is understood that there are many mechanisms for clipping, locking, or engaging the top or other portions of the article B (such as radially extending portions or flanges) to hold the article B in an assembled and fixed group so that several articles B can be purchased and transported simultaneously and easily. In the illustrated embodiment, the article engagement devices 70A, 72A, 70B, 72B take the form of C-shaped slits that form openings when the top panels 14A, 14B are folded about fold lines 73A, 75A, 73B, 75B, respectively, thereby providing article engagement edges. When opened, the slits are sized similarly to or substantially equal to the periphery of the article B. Each article engagement device 70A, 72A, 70B, 72B provides a pair of openings for receiving a portion of the article B.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the fold lines 73A, 75A (and 73B, 75B) that hinge-connect the series of article engagement devices 70A, 72A (and 70B, 72B) are slightly arcuate in shape (in other embodiments they may be linear or straight) with their convex sides disposed toward the interior of their respective adjacent top panels 14A, 14B.

[0046] The first and second outer shoulder panels 14E, 14F each include one or more second or stress relief fold lines 71A, 71B that extend alongside at least a portion of the respective fold lines 73A, 73B. In the illustrated embodiment, the stress relief fold lines 71A, 71B are generally arcuate (in other embodiments they may be linear or straight) with their concave sides disposed toward the interior of the respective adjacent top panels 14A, 14B. The stress relief fold lines 71A, 71B may be disposed between two adjacent ones of the cuts 70A, 70B.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second inner shoulder panels 14C, 14D also include one or more second or stress relief fold lines 77A, 77B that extend alongside at least a portion of the respective fold lines 75A, 75B. The stress relief fold lines 77A, 77B may be generally mirror images of the stress relief fold lines 71A, 71B located on the first and second outer shoulder panels 14E, 14F. The stress relief fold lines 77A, 77B may facilitate forming the inner shoulder panels 14C, 14D to fit corresponding portions of the necks of adjacent articles.

[0048] The blank 10 includes first end straps 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B and second end straps 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B.

[0049] The first end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B comprises the first end panel 12. A first corner panel 22A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first end panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21A. The fold line 21A may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a single fold line, the multiple fold lines may be parallel to each other. A first fastening panel 26A is hingedly connected to an end of the first corner panel 22A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The fold line 23A may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a single fold line, the multiple fold lines may be parallel to each other. A first gusset panel 28A is hingedly interconnected between the first fastening panel 26A and the first end of the first side panel 18 by fold lines 25A, 27A. Fold line 27A may comprise multiple fold lines, and the embodiment shown comprises one fold line, which may be parallel to one another.

[0050] A second corner panel 22B is hingedly connected to the second end of the first end panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21B. The fold line 21B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, which may be parallel to each other. A second fixed panel 26B is hingedly connected to the end of the second corner panel 22B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23B. The fold line 23B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, which may be parallel to each other. A second gusset panel 28B is hingedly interconnected between the second fixed panel 26B and the first end of the second side panel 20 by fold lines 25B, 27B. The fold line 27B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, which may be parallel to each other.

[0051] First end straps 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B are partially separate or severable from main panel 14. First end panel 12 is partially separate or severable from main panel 14. Blank 10 may include at least two cuts or frangible lines for cutting that separate first end panel 12 from main panel 14.

[0052] The first corner panel 22A is separate from the main panel 14. The blank 10 may include an opening that separates, at least in part, the first corner panel 22A from the main panel 14. The first corner panel 22A may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a score or frangible line.

[0053] The second corner panel 22B is separate from the main panel 14. The blank 10 includes an opening that separates, at least in part, the second corner panel 22B from the main panel 14. The second corner panel 22B can be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a score or frangible line.

[0054] First end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B forms a first end wall of carrier 90.

[0055] The blank comprises a second end strap 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B. The second end strap 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B comprises a second end panel 16. A third corner panel 24A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second end panel 16 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The fold line 29A may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the embodiment shown comprises a single fold line, the multiple fold lines may be parallel to each other. A third fastening panel 30A is hingedly connected to an end of the third corner panel 24A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 31A. The fold line 31A may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the embodiment shown comprises a single fold line, the multiple fold lines may be parallel to each other. A third gusset panel 32A is hingedly interconnected between the third fixed panel 30A and the second end of the first side panel 18 by fold lines 33A, 35A. Fold line 35A may comprise multiple fold lines, and the illustrated embodiment comprises a single fold line, where the multiple fold lines may be parallel to one another.

[0056] A fourth corner panel 24B is hingedly connected to the second end of the second end panel 16 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The fold line 29B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, where the multiple fold lines are parallel to each other. A fourth fixed panel 30B is hingedly connected to the end of the fourth corner panel 24B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 31B. The fold line 31B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, where the multiple fold lines are parallel to each other. A fourth gusset panel 32B is hingedly interconnected between the fourth fixed panel 30B and the second end of the second side panel 20 by fold lines 33B, 35B. The fold line 35B may comprise multiple fold lines, and in the illustrated embodiment, a single fold line, where the multiple fold lines are parallel to each other.

[0057] The second end straps 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B are partially separate or severable from the main panel 14. The second end panel 16 is partially separate or severable from the main panel 14. The blank 10 may include at least two cuts or frangible lines for cutting that separate the second end panel 16 from the main panel 14.

[0058] The third corner panel 24A is separate from the main panel 14. The blank 10 includes an opening that separates, at least in part, the third corner panel 24A from the main panel 14. The third corner panel 24A can be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a score or frangible line.

[0059] The fourth corner panel 24B is separate from the main panel 14. The blank 10 includes an opening that separates, at least in part, the fourth corner panel 24B from the main panel 14. The fourth corner panel 24B can be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a score or frangible line.

[0060] Second end straps 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B form a second end wall of carrier 90.

[0061] The blank 10 may include at least one handle feature. The blank 10 includes a first handle flap 12A punched from the first end panel 12. The first handle flap 12A defines a recess or cutout in a lower edge of the first end panel 12. The recess or cutout may be substantially an inverted "U" shape. The first handle flap 12A is punched from or defined in the first end panel 12 and is hingedly connected to the first end panel 12 by a fold line 13.

[0062] The blank 10 includes a second handle flap 16A that is punched from the second end panel 16. The second handle flap 16A defines a recess or cutout in a lower edge of the second end panel 16. The recess or cutout may be substantially in an inverted "U" shape. The second handle flap 16A is punched from or defined in the second end panel 16 and is hingedly connected to the second end panel 16 by a fold line 15.

[0063] The blank 10 may include at least one divider or divider K. The divider or divider K includes at least one keel tab 40. The illustrated embodiment includes multiple keel tabs 40, specifically three keel tabs 40, although in other embodiments more or fewer keel tabs 40 may be provided. The blank 10 may include a keel tab 40 for placement between each adjacent pair of articles B to be packaged.

[0064] Each keel tab 40 is punched from the main panel 14. A portion of each keel tab 40 is punched from or defined in the second inner shoulder panel 14D and a portion of each keel tab 40 is punched from or defined in the first inner shoulder panel 14C. A further portion of the keel tab 40 is provided by the material that would otherwise form the first upper panel 14A, i.e., an optional portion of the keel tab 40 may be punched from or defined in the first upper panel 14A and may intersect with an adjacent one of the curved slits 72A.

[0065] Each keel tab 40 is defined, at least in part, by a cut 41. The cut 41 is substantially "U" or "C" shaped. The cut 41 has a pair or end that is disposed at the second inner shoulder panel 14D. The cut 41 extends to the first inner shoulder panel 14C. The cut 41 may extend to the first top panel 14A. The cut 41 and / or tab may be considered to cut into a slit that forms an article engagement device 72A that is disposed between the first top panel 14A and the first inner shoulder panel 14C.

[0066] The keel tab 40 may be configured to be integral with the second inner shoulder panel 14D. In other embodiments, the keel tab 40 may be hingedly connected to the second inner shoulder panel 14D by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity 41 is defined in part in the second inner shoulder panel 14D. In other embodiments, the discontinuity 41 may terminate at or adjacent the fold line 76 between the first inner shoulder panel 14C and the second inner shoulder panel 14D, and in such embodiments, the keel tab 40 may be considered to extend from the second inner shoulder panel 14D.

[0068] Each keel tab 40 may include a fold line 43 extending across it. The fold line 43 may be configured to be positioned in alignment with a top end of the main body of the packaged article B. The fold line 43 may be positioned to be aligned with a joint or transition between the main body of the article B and a shoulder or neck portion of the article B.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the keel tab 40 interrupts the engagement or support edge of the first inner shoulder panel 14C, and the portion of the first inner shoulder panel 14C that the keel tab 40 removes forms part of the support edge defined by the cut or slit that would otherwise form the article engagement device 72A. It has been found that the portion of the first inner shoulder panel 14C located on the opposite side of the keel tab 40 provides an engagement or support edge that is sufficient to retain article B within the article engagement device 72A or carrier 90.

[0070] 2 shows a carrier 90 formed from a blank 10 and engaged with a group of articles B. Each of the article engagement devices 70A, 72A, 70B, 72B of the blank 10 engages an upper end of an article B of the group of articles B. A portion of the article B passes through and engages with the main panel 14. The side panels 18, 20 are folded around the sides of the group of articles B and the end straps 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B are folded around the ends of the group of articles B.

[0071] The keel tabs 40 fold outwardly of the main panel 14 and extend inwardly or downwardly. Each keel tab 40 is disposed between a pair of articles B, best shown in Figures 3 and 4. The keel tabs 40 prevent the pair of articles B from directly contacting each other, at least at their upper ends.

[0072] An adhesive may be applied to the keel tab 40 (or a corresponding area of ​​the article B) such that each of the articles B adjacent to the keel tab 40 may be adhesively secured to the keel tab 40. The article B may be adhesively secured to both sides or opposite sides of the keel tab 40, i.e., one article may be adhesively secured to one of the opposite sides of the keel tab 40 and another article may be adhesively secured to the other of the opposite sides of the keel tab 40. This may improve the securing of the article B within the carrier 90. A slight adhesive may be used to secure the keel tab 40 to the article B. An example of a specific adhesive is Swift® melt 7044 manufactured by HB Fuller. The use of a slight adhesive is optional, and an advantage of a slight adhesive is its tendency to remain attached to the carrier 90 when the article B is disengaged from the carrier 90 (which may be more desirable than leaving the adhesive attached to the article B). In alternative embodiments, other adhesives may be used, such as, but not limited to, a hot melt adhesive.

[0073] The keel tabs 40 can inhibit or prevent damage to the items B due to impact or contact between pairs of items B. The keel tabs 40 can also dampen noise when the carrier 90 is transported.

[0074] The keel tabs 40 may also improve the fixation of the keel structure formed by the inner shoulder panels 14C, 14D.

[0075] 4 shows the carrier 90 with the first handle flap 12A forming a cushion flap. The first handle flap 12A is in an unfolded or used state and the cushion flap 12A is folded inside the carrier 90 to provide a folded edge for carrying the carrier 90, which may be more comfortable and / or safer for a user.

[0076] The blank 10 includes at least a paperboard substrate. The paperboard substrate material may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example ranging in weight from about 10 pt. and up, preferably from about 16 pt. to about 28 pt. (0.028" / about 0.7 mm). Examples of such substrates are 18 point (pt.) SBS cardboard (PrintKote®, a solid bleached sulfate board on one side) or CNK® cardboard (Coated Natural Kraft® - an unbleached kraft board with a clay coat on one side, CarrierKote™), manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached cardboard. The cardboard may be coated on at least one side, optionally opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and cardboard composition.

[0077] The blank 10 may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. The blank 10 optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminate sheet materials such as NATRALOCK®, which may include layers of n-axis oriented membranes such as MYLAR®, which are biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. Tear resistance may also be due to the chemistry of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0078] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high degree of tear resistance may be used.

[0079] The adhesive layer may be formed from a polyolefin material, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be disposed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

[0080] The present disclosure provides a top-engaging carrier 90 having an article retaining structure or top article engagement device 70A, 70B, 72A, 72B for engaging an article B.

[0081] The carrier 90 includes a main panel 14 having one or more article top engagement devices 70A, 70B, 72A, 72B for receiving a respective article B and securing the main panel 14 to a respective article B. The carrier 90 may include a pair of opposing side panels 18, 20 hingedly connected to the main panel 14. Each of the pairs of opposing side panels 18, 20 may be hingedly connected to the main panel 14 by a shoulder panel 14E, 14F.

[0082] The carrier 90 may include end straps 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B that are hingedly connected between opposing pairs of side panels 18, 20 and have no direct connection to the main panel 14. Cutouts in the form of cuts, severable lines, recesses, slots, or openings separate the end straps 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B from the main panel 14.

[0083] The carrier 90 includes a keel structure that may include at least two panels 14C, 14D. The keel structure may be formed from a pair of hinged panels that may be centrally located in the main panel 14 and may extend longitudinally of the main panel 14.

[0084] The keel structure may include at least one keel tab 40 stamped from, defined in, or extending from at least one of the pair of panels 14C, 14D of the keel structure. The keel structure may include multiple keel tabs 40.

[0085] At least one keel tab 40 may be stamped out of each or both of the panels forming the keel structure. At least one keel tab 40 may include a fold line that at least in part defines an upper portion and a lower portion of the keel tab 40. The fold line may be offset relative to the hinge or fold line between the pair of panels 14C, 14D of the keel structure.

[0086] At least two keel panels 14C, 14D may be provided by a portion of the main panel 14 and may be disposed between the pair of cover or top panels 14A, 14B. The pair of cover or top panels 14A, 14B may be configured to be disposed over the top of two or more articles B. Each cover or top panel 14A, 14B is configured to be disposed over the top of at least one article B.

[0087] In other embodiments, the main panel may include a plurality of item retaining devices arranged in a row, the item retaining devices may include an opening with a plurality of hinged tabs disposed therearound, each of which receives an item and the tab folds outwardly from the main panel and is disposed under a flange, rim, or other protrusion or undercut provided by the item.

[0088] At least one keel tab 40 may be stamped in part from or partially defined in one of the pair of cover or top panels 14A, 14B.

[0089] A slight adhesive may be used to secure the side panels 18, 20 and / or end panels 12, 16 to article B. An example of a specific adhesive is Swift® melt 7044 manufactured by HB Fuller. The use of a slight adhesive is optional, and the advantage of a slight adhesive is its tendency to remain attached to the carrier 90 when article B is disengaged from the carrier 90 (which may be more desirable than leaving the adhesive attached to article B). In alternative embodiments, other adhesives may be used, such as, but not limited to, a hot melt adhesive.

[0090] It will be understood that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and openings can be adjusted to accommodate different sized or shaped items. Inner and / or outer shoulder panels may be omitted entirely or included in any desired combination. The invention is not limited to top-engaging style cartons, and the invention may be used with other carton styles, such as, but not limited to, open top crates, lidded or closed top crates, and fully enclosed cartons.

[0091] It will be appreciated that, as used herein, references to directions such as "top," "bottom," "bottom," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inward," "outward," "above," and "below" do not necessarily limit each panel to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0092] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to any manner of line that defines a hinge feature of a blank, facilitates folding portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicates the optimal location for folding a panel of the blank. References to a "hinge connection" should not necessarily be construed as referring only to a single fold line, and in fact a hinge connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, each of which may be either straight / rectilinear or curved / curved in shape. Straight fold lines may be disposed parallel to one another when forming a hinge connection, or may be slightly angled relative to one another. Curved fold lines may intersect with one another when forming a hinge connection to define a molded panel within the area enclosed by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points to define an elliptical panel therebetween. The hinge connection may be formed from one or more straight fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may comprise a combination of a straight fold line and an arched or bowed fold line that intersects at two points to define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0093] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a perforation line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut, an aligned slit line, a perforation line, and any combination of these options.

[0094] It should be understood that the hinge connections and fold lines may each include elements formed in the blank substrate, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cuts, interrupted cuts, slits, perforations, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold and / or cut lines. Perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding while resisting tearing, to facilitate folding while facilitating tearing with greater force, or to facilitate tearing with less force.

[0095] The phrase "in registration with" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an upright carton, such as an opening formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. The elements that are in registration with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening in a first panel is "in registration with" a second opening in a second panel that is disposed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second opening and may be aligned with the second opening in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Blank 12 First end strap, first end panel 12A First handle flap, buffer flap 13 Fold lines 14 Main Panel 14A First Top Panel 14B Second upper panel 14C 1st inner shoulder panel, hinged panel, keel construction 14D 2nd inner shoulder panel, hinged panel, keel construction 14E 1st outer shoulder panel 14F Second outer shoulder panel 15 Fold lines 16 Second End Strap, Second End Panel 16A Second Handle Flap 17 Fold lines 18 First Side Panel 19 Fold lines 20 Second Side Panel 21A, 21B, 23A, 23B, 25A, 25B, 27A, 27B, 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B, 35A, 35B Fold lines 22A 1st end strap, 1st corner panel 22B 1st end strap, 2nd corner panel 24A 2nd end strap, 3rd corner panel 24B 2nd end strap, 4th corner panel 26A 1st end strap, 1st fastening panel 26B First end strap, second fastening panel 28A First Gusset Panel 28B Second Gusset Panel 30A 2nd end strap, 3rd fixed panel 30B 2nd end strap, 4th fastening panel 32A 3rd gusset panel 32B 4th gusset panel 40 Keel Tab 41 Break 43 Fold line 70A Item Engagement Device, Item Upper Engagement Device, Cutout 70B Article engagement device, article upper engagement device, gap 71A, 71B Second or Stress Relief Fold Lines 72A Article engagement device, article upper engagement device, curved slit 72B Article engagement device, article upper engagement device 73A, 73B, 75A, 75B, 76 Fold lines 76 Fold Line 77A, 77B Stress relief fold lines 90 cartons, carriers B Goods K Partition, division

Claims

1. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least two articles, the article carrier comprising a main panel having at least one upper engaging article device for receiving each article and securing the main panel to the respective article, the article carrier further comprising a keel structure, the keel structure comprising at least two keel panels configured to be positioned between a first article of the at least two articles and a second article of the at least two articles, the keel structure comprising at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels, the at least one keel tab configured to be positioned between the first article of the at least two articles and the second article of the at least two articles.

2. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein said keel structure is formed from a pair of hinged panels, said pair of hinged panels being centrally located in said main panel.

3. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the article carrier comprises a pair of opposing side panels hingedly connected to the main panel.

4. The article carrier of claim 3 , wherein the article carrier comprises end straps hingedly connected between pairs of opposing side panels and without direct connection to the main panel.

5. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the keel structure comprises a plurality of keel tabs.

6. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the at least one keel tab is stamped from both of the at least two keel panels.

7. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the at least one keel tab includes a fold line that at least partially defines an upper portion and a lower portion thereof.

8. The article carrier of claim 7 , wherein the fold lines are offset relative to hinge connections between pairs of panels of the keel structure.

9. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the at least two keel panels are provided by portions of the main panel and are disposed between a pair of top panels.

10. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the at least one keel tab is stamped in part from one of the pair of top panels.

11. The article carrier of claim 3 , wherein each of said pair of opposing side panels is hingedly connected to said main panel by a shoulder panel.

12. The article carrier of claim 4 , wherein the article carrier includes a cutout separating the end straps from the main panel.

13. The article carrier of claim 1 , wherein the at least one upper engaging article device includes a plurality of upper engaging article devices, and the keel structure is disposed between a first row of the upper engaging article devices and a second row of the upper engaging article devices.

14. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel having at least one upper engaging article device for receiving a respective one of at least two articles and securing the main panel to the respective one of the at least two articles, the blank further comprising at least two keel panels for forming a keel structure, the keel structure configured to be positioned between a first article of the at least two articles and a second article of the at least two articles, the keel structure comprising at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels, the at least one keel tab configured to be positioned between the first article of the at least two articles and the second article of the at least two articles.

15. The blank of claim 14 , wherein the at least one upper engaging article device comprises a plurality of upper engaging article devices, and the at least one keel tab extends away from a first row of the upper engaging article devices.

16. The blank of claim 15 , wherein the at least one keel tab extends toward a second row of the upper engaging article device.

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein each of the upper engaging article devices includes at least one slit, and the at least one keel tab wedges into the at least one slit of at least one of the upper engaging article devices.

18. 1. A package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a main panel having a plurality of upper engaging article devices for receiving respective articles and securing the main panel to the respective articles, the plurality of upper engaging article devices being arranged in rows and comprising a first row and a second row, the article carrier further comprising a keel structure, the keel structure comprising at least two keel panels disposed between the first row and the second row of upper engaging article devices, the keel structure comprising at least one keel tab punched from at least one of the at least two keel panels, the at least one keel tab being disposed between a pair of adjacently positioned articles, a first article of the pair of adjacently positioned articles being engaged by an upper engaging article device in the first row and a second article of the pair of adjacently positioned articles being engaged by an upper engaging article device in the second row.

19. 20. The package of claim 18, wherein the at least one keel tab is adhesively secured to the first and second articles of the pair of adjacently disposed articles.

20. the article carrier includes a pair of opposing side panels hingedly connected to the main panel; an end strap hingedly connected between the pair of opposing side panels and having no direct connection to the main panel; 20. The package of claim 18, further comprising:

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