Article carriers and blanks therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an upper engaging article carrier (90) for packaging one or more article blanks (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) to form a carrier (90), as well as a method of forming the carrier (90). One aspect provides a plurality of connected blanks (1) including two or more blanks (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) for forming respective article carriers (90). Each blank (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) includes an engaging panel (12) having at least one article receiving device (RT1) and a pair of side or shoulder panels (20, 22) hingedly connected to opposing sides of the engaging panel (12). A first side panel (20) of a first blank of the two or more blanks (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed side panel (22) of a second blank of the two or more blanks (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) by one or more frangible connections (N), which are automatically severed in response to application of the plurality of connected blanks (1) to a group of articles (B).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article top engaging device, an article carrier, and blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to blanks for forming top gripping type article carriers having one or more openings for receiving and holding an article. [Background technology]

[0002] In the packaging art, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for transporting, storing and allowing consumers to access a group of articles for consumption. Cost and environmental considerations dictate that such cartons or carriers be formed from as little material as possible and that the materials formed be wasted as little as possible. An additional consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weight articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton be securely retained within the carton.

[0003] It is well known to provide an upper gripping article carrier where an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier and a tab is punched out of the panel to define the aperture When an article is received in the aperture, the tab moves out of the plane of the panel so that it engages the article around a flange or lip of the article. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device and at least one shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel, wherein the at least one shoulder panel of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks is frangibly connected to at least one shoulder panel of an adjacently disposed second blank of the plurality of connected blanks by one or more frangible connections.

[0006] Advantageously, the multiple connected blanks do not require cutting tools or steps to be implemented when applying the blanks to an article to form multiple secondary packages around a primary product container or article.

[0007] Optionally, the frangible connection is automatically severed in response to folding said shoulder panel against the hinged mating panel.

[0008] Optionally, the frangible connections are automatically severed in response to engaging or applying a plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

[0009] A second aspect of the invention provides a plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing sides of the engagement panel, the plurality of connected blanks comprising at least a pair of frangibly connected side panels, the at least a pair of frangibly connected side panels including a first side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks and a second side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel of a second adjacently disposed blank of the plurality of connected blanks.

[0010] Optionally, one or more frangible connections between the first and second side panels are automatically severed in response to folding said side panels against the hinged mating panel.

[0011] Optionally, the frangible connections are automatically severed in response to engaging or applying a plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

[0012] Optionally, the article receiving device of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks is spaced a first distance from the article receiving device of a second blank of the plurality of connected blanks, the first distance being equal to or less than a maximum diameter of an article acceptable to the article receiving devices of the first blank and the second blank.

[0013] A third aspect of the invention provides an upper article receiving device in a main panel of an article carrier, the upper article receiving device comprising an opening and a plurality of engagement tabs including at least one first tab connected to the main panel by a linear fold line and at least one second tab partially connected from the main panel by a non-linear cut.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of engagement tabs includes at least one third tab extending from the main panel and integral with a side panel hingedly connected to the main panel.

[0015] Optionally, each of the plurality of engagement tabs is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

[0016] Optionally, a side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs abuts a side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs.

[0017] Optionally, a free edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs provides an engagement edge for engaging an article.

[0018] Optionally, the top article receiving device includes a plurality of second tabs disposed substantially around a portion of the periphery of the receiving opening opposite the side panel through which the third tabs extend.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "T" shaped cut line.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "L" shaped cut line.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "J" shaped cut line.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion.

[0023] Optionally, the first radial cut line portion extends along a notional radial line extending from a center of the upper article receiving device.

[0024] Optionally, the second circumferential cut line portion is straight.

[0025] Optionally, the circumferential cut line portion includes at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

[0026] Optionally, the outermost ends of the first radial cut line portions define an imaginary circle (conceptual circle) centered at the intersection between imaginary extension lines (conceptual extension lines) of two or more first radial cut line portions.

[0027] Optionally, the second circumferential cut line portion is tangent to said imaginary circle and has a terminus located outside the imaginary circle.

[0028] Optionally, the non-linear cut is placed inside an imaginary circle.

[0029] Optionally, a bridge connection is defined between an end of the non-linear cut and an end of the adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

[0030] Optionally, the outermost ends of the radial cut lines defining the at least one first tab are located outside the imaginary circle.

[0031] Optionally, the outermost ends of the radial cut lines defining the at least one third tab are located outside the imaginary circle.

[0032] Optionally, the linear fold line of the at least one first tab is located outside the imaginary circle.

[0033] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of forming two or more article carriers from a plurality of connected blanks. The plurality of connected blanks includes two or more blanks each forming an article carrier. Each blank includes an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device and at least one side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel. A side panel of a first blank of the two or more blanks is weakly connected to a side panel of a second blank of the two or more blanks by one or more frangible connections. The method includes forming a group of articles, applying the plurality of connected blanks to the group of articles, and pressing the plurality of connected blanks around an edge of an article forming the group of articles. The method includes folding the side panels of the first and second blanks against the hinged engagement panel. The frangible connections between the side panels of the first and second blanks are automatically severed upon folding the side panels. The method includes receiving an article in each of the at least one article receiving device such that two or more separate article carriers are formed.

[0034] Optionally, a method of forming two or more article carriers, each including a top end having an end diameter, a body having a body diameter, and a shoulder disposed between the body and the top end, includes packaging the articles, the body diameter being greater than the end diameter, such that when the two articles are juxtaposed, a gap exists between them in a region between the shoulder portions of the articles, the method includes moving side panels of the first and second blanks into the gap, said moving facilitating separation of the first blank and the second blank.

[0035] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a top-engagement type article carrier having an engagement panel and at least one article receiving device projecting from the engagement panel, and at least one side panel having a separated frangible connection along an edge of the at least one side panel opposite the hinge connection to the engagement panel.

[0036] Optionally, the at least one side panel includes a tab that projects from the mating panel and interrupts the hinge connection between the at least one side panel and the mating panel.

[0037] Within the scope of this application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or considered independently or in any combination thereof.

[0038] Features or elements described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment can be incorporated or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and features or elements extracted from one embodiment can be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

[0039] Any feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment, or any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a plurality of connected blanks, each blank capable of forming a carrier, according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] 2 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of one of the blanks of FIG. 1 showing an article retention structure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a plurality of connected blanks showing the position of an article superimposed thereon. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from one of the blanks of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from one of the blanks of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the packages, blanks, carriers, and methods are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be practiced, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be practiced. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, carriers, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure, well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in detail. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a number of connected blanks 1, each of which may be formed into a carton or carrier 90 for containing and carrying a primary product such as bottles or cans (hereinafter referred to as, but not limited to, "Item B"), as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D forms a secondary package for packaging at least one container or package of the primary product.

[0044] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container for engaging and carrying an article, such as a primary product container, for non-limiting purposes of describing various features of the present invention. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied 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, packets, and the like.

[0045] The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are formed from sheets of a suitable substrate. It should be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes any type of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that one or more blanks may be used, as appropriate, to provide, for example, a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0046] The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard and may be made of or coated with materials to enhance strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided in multiple layers to improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing the outside of the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability, while the surface of the sheet material facing the inside may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide one or more of the following properties: tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×3 matrix or array, with two rows of three items, and items B are beverage cans. Alternatively, blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D may be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers and sizes of items and / or for packaging items in different arrangements or configurations.

[0048] 1, there is shown a plurality of connected blanks 1, specifically four blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D arranged in a 2×2 matrix or array. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or engagement panel of a carrier 90 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by frangible connections 25, 27.

[0049] Blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D include a first side or shoulder panel 20 hingedly connected to a first lateral edge of main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21.

[0050] Blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D include a second side or shoulder panel 22 hingedly connected to a second side edge of main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second side edge is opposite the first side edge.

[0051] The first blank 10A is weakly connected to the second blank 10B by a first weakened connection 25, more specifically, a second side or shoulder panel 22 of the first blank 10A is weakly connected to a first side or shoulder panel 20 of the second blank 10B. The first weakened connection 25 may include a plurality of cut lines spaced apart from one another by connecting bridges or nicks N. The first weakened connection 25 may include two or more connecting bridges or connecting nicks N.

[0052] The third blank 10C is weakly connected to the fourth blank 10D by a second weakened connection 25, more specifically, a second side or shoulder panel 22 of the third blank 10C is weakly connected to a first side or shoulder panel 20 of the fourth blank 10D. The second weakened connection 25 may include a plurality of cut lines spaced apart from one another by connecting bridges or nicks N. The second weakened connection 25 may include two or more connecting bridges or connecting nicks N.

[0053] The first blank 10A is weakly connected to the third blank 10C by a third weak connection 27. The third weak connection 27 may include multiple cut lines spaced apart from one another by connecting bridges or nicks N. An edge of the main panel 12 of the first blank 10A is weakly connected to an edge of the main panel 12 of the third blank 10C by two or more connecting bridges or nicks N.

[0054] The second blank 10B is weakly connected to the fourth blank 10D by a fourth weak connection 27. The fourth weak connection 27 may include multiple cut lines spaced apart from one another by connecting bridges or nicks N. An edge of the main panel 12 of the second blank 10B is weakly connected to an edge of the main panel 12 of the fourth blank 10D by two or more connecting bridges or nicks N.

[0055] The connected blanks 1 may include cutouts in the form of openings. The cutouts isolate or separate the first weak connection 25 from the second weak connection 25. The cutouts isolate or separate the third weak connection 27 from the fourth weak connection 27. The cutouts separate a portion of each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D from each of the other blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

[0056] Each main panel 12 includes at least one item retaining structure RT1 (see FIG. 1B). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the engagement panel 12 includes a plurality of item retaining structures RT1, specifically six item retaining structures RT1 arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array.

[0057] The article retaining structures RT1 include an article receiving opening defined in the main panel 12 or partially defined by an opening AP1 punched out of the main panel 12. Each of the article retaining structures RT1 includes a plurality of teeth or tabs 14a, 14b, 16 disposed about the opening AP1.

[0058] Each of the teeth 14a, 14b, 16 is struck from and hingedly connected to the engagement panel 12. Each tooth 14a, 14b, 16 is defined in part by a pair of cut lines 13, 15. The cut lines 13, 15 extend substantially radially outward from the article receiving opening AP1.

[0059] The illustrated embodiment includes eight teeth 14a, 14b, 16 defined around the periphery of the receiving aperture AP1. Each tooth 14a, 14b, 16 includes a free engagement edge that faces a hinge connection between the respective tooth 14a, 14b, 16 and the main panel 12. Each free engagement edge defines a portion of the receiving aperture AP1. The receiving aperture AP1 may be substantially octagonal in shape.

[0060] The retention structure RT1 includes at least one first tab 14a coupled or connected to the main or engagement panel 12 by a linear fold line 17. The linear fold line 17 may be defined at least in part by a linear cut line. The linear fold line 17 may be non-parallel to the opposing free engagement edges of the at least one first tab 14a.

[0061] The retention structure RT1 includes at least one second tab 14b coupled or connected to the main or engagement panel 12. The at least one second tab 14b is partially separated from the main panel 12 by a non-linear, optionally arcuate, cut line 19. The non-linear cut line 19 defines a lobe 18 cut from the at least one second tab 14b.

[0062] The retaining structure RT1 may include a plurality of second tabs 14b, each having a lobe 18. The plurality of second tabs 14b may be disposed about the opening such that when received in the opening, the lobes 18 urge the item B toward the first or second side edge of the main panel 12.

[0063] Optionally, the radial cut lines 13, 15 that define the side edges of the teeth 14a, 14b, 16 may terminate at the circumferential cut line 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential cut lines 11 are straight to form a "T" shaped cut line. In other embodiments, the circumferential cut lines 11 may be non-straight or curved. The circumferential cut lines 11 may define a portion of an "L" or "J" shaped cut line. In the illustrated embodiment, only the radial cut lines 13, 15 disposed between the pair of second tabs 14b terminate at the circumferential cut line 11. In other embodiments, the radial cut lines 13, 15 between the first tab 14a and the second tab 14b additionally or alternatively terminate at the circumferential cut line 11.

[0064] Optionally, the retention structure RT1 includes a third tab 16. The third tab 16 is integral with one of the first and second side panels 20, 22 and interrupts the hinge connection 21, 23 between one of the first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 and the main panel 12.

[0065] The third tabs 16 are positioned to be folded simultaneously with one of the first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 from which they extend.

[0066] The third tabs 16 may be displaced out of the plane of the main panel 12 when one of the first and second shoulder panels 20 , 22 through which they extend is folded relative to the main panel 12 .

[0067] Alternatively, as blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are lowered relative to article B and article B is received by the retaining structure RT1, article B may displace third tab 16 projecting out of the plane of main panel 12. The first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 may fold in response to receiving article B within the retaining structure RT1.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, each retaining structure RT1 includes a pair of first tabs 14a disposed on either side of a third tab 16.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, each retaining structure RT1 includes a plurality of (but not limited to, five) second tabs 14b disposed approximately on the inner half of the periphery of the receiving opening AP1.

[0070] Optionally, each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a handle structure H. The handle structure H may include a pair of handle openings spaced apart from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle openings are partially defined by the handle opening A1 and partially defined by one or more foldable tabs 60 stamped from the engagement panel 12. Each of the one or more foldable tabs 60 is hinged thereto by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 61. In the illustrated embodiment, each handle opening includes a pair of foldable tabs 60. A first pair of foldable tabs 60 of a first handle opening are hinged substantially opposite a second pair of foldable tabs 60 of a second handle opening. The first handle opening is located in the center of a first group of four item retainers RT1. The second handle opening is located in the center of a second group of four item retainers RT1.

[0071] Blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D include at least a paperboard substrate, which may be selected from any conventional paperboard having a weight ranging from about 10 pt (0.010 in. / .about.0.25 mm), preferably from about 16 pt (0.016 in. / .about.0.41 mm) to about 28 pt (0.028 in. / .about.0.7 mm). An example of such a substrate is 27 point (pt) (0.027 inch / approximately 0.69 mm) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate board coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - unbleached kraft board with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote®) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate can be bleached or unbleached paperboard. The board can be coated on at least one side, and optionally on the other side of the laminate, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0072] Blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It may optionally include an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be disposed on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet materials, n-axis oriented films, such as NATRALOCK®, which may include layers of biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high density polyolefin, such as MYLAR®, which is a biaxially oriented film. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. Tear resistance may also be due to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0073] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer can 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 level of tear resistance can also be used.

[0074] The adhesive layer may be formed of 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.

[0075] Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, the plurality of connected blanks 1 can be applied to the group of articles B. The plurality of connected blanks 1 are lowered relative to the group of articles B. Each of the article retention structures RT of each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is aligned with a respective article B in the group of articles B. A portion of the article B passes through the engagement panel 12.

[0076] The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are folded against the main panel 12 to which they are hinged. The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are folded about a side or shoulder of the article B.

[0077] The weakened connections or notches N automatically break upon folding of the first and second side panels 20, 22.

[0078] The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D may be folded simultaneously with the third tab 16.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1C, item B has a maximum diameter d. The item retainer RT1 adjacent the second side panel 22 of the first blank 10A is spaced a distance w from the item retainer RT1 adjacent the first side panel 20 of the second blank 10B, as also shown in Figure 1C. The distance w is measured between the center or middle of the item retainer RT1 of the first blank 10A and the center or middle of the item retainer RT1 of the second blank 10B.

[0080] The item retaining device RT1 adjacent the second side panel 22 of the third blank 10C is spaced a distance w from the item retaining device RT1 adjacent the first side panel 20 of the fourth blank 10D, where again the distance w is measured between the centers of the item retaining devices RT1.

[0081] The center or middle of the item retaining device RT1 may, but does not have to, coincide with the center or middle of the opening AP1.

[0082] The distance w can be less than or equal to the maximum diameter d of the article.

[0083] The tines 14a, 14b, 16 of the item retaining structure RT may be folded out of the plane of the main panel 12 when the main panel 12 is pressed or forced onto or immediately in front of the item B.

[0084] Each of the tines 14a, 14b, 16 is folded around a respective article B received in each of the article retaining structures RT.

[0085] The engagement edges of the teeth 14a, 14b, 16 engage under the protrusions of the article B. The protrusions may be located around the neck or chime (which may provide a flange) of the article B. If the article B is a can, the protrusions may be provided by a seam of the can end. If the article B is a bottle, the protrusions may be provided by the cap or a tamper-evident device attached thereto, or by a flange located under the cap. In other embodiments, it may be provided by a ridge or undercut molding of the article B, or by an end closure of the article B, such as, but not limited to, a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engagement edges grip or hold the article B, preventing or inhibiting the article B from being unintentionally separated from the engagement panel 12. The assembled carrier 90 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0086] The present disclosure provides a top-engagement type article carrier 90 that includes an engagement panel 12. The engagement panel 12 includes at least one article receiving device RT1 projected from the engagement panel 12. The article carrier 90 includes a pair of side or shoulder panels that are hingedly connected to opposing sides of the engagement panel 12.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a plurality of connected blanks 1 including two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D each for forming an article carrier 90. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes an engagement panel 12 having at least one article receiving device RT1 and a pair of side or shoulder panels hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel 12. A first side panel of a first blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed side panel of a second blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by one or more frangible connections. The frangible connections are automatically severed in response to application of the plurality of connected blanks 1 to a group of articles.

[0088] In some embodiments, the article receiving device RT1 of a first blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is spaced apart from the article receiving device RT1 of a second blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by a distance w, which may be less than or equal to a maximum diameter d of an article B that can be received in the article receiving device RT1 of said blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

[0089] The top-engaging article carrier 90 forms a package containing two or more articles B. Each of the articles B comprises an upper end, which may be provided by an end closure or cap, the upper end having an end diameter. The article B comprises a body having a body diameter and a neck or shoulder portion disposed between the body and the upper end. The diameter of the body is greater than the diameter of the end. When two articles B are juxtaposed, a gap or void exists between them in the area between the neck or shoulder portions of the articles B. The side or shoulder panels 20, 22 are movable into this area, which facilitates the separation of one blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D from another blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

[0090] The present disclosure also provides an upper article receiving device comprising an opening AP1 in a main panel 12 and a plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16. The plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 comprises at least one first tab 14a connected to the main panel 12 by a linear fold line 17 and at least one second tab 14a partially connected from the main panel 12 by a non-linear cut 19. The plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may comprise at least one third tab 16 punched out of the main panel 12 and integral with a side or shoulder panel 20, 22 hingedly connected to the main panel 12, i.e., does not include a predetermined hinge connection.

[0091] Each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

[0092] A side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may abut a side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16.

[0093] A free edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may provide an engagement or support edge for engaging or supporting an article.

[0094] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an item holding structure RT1 having multiple (particularly, but not limited to, five) second tabs 14b positioned approximately at a portion of the periphery of the receiving opening AP1 facing the side or shoulder panel 20, 22 from which the third tab 16 of the item holding structure RT1 extends.

[0095] The second tab 14b may be at least partially defined by at least one "T", "L", or "J" shaped cut line. The second tab 14b may be at least partially defined by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion. The first radial cut line portion extends along an imaginary radial line extending from the center of the article retaining structure RT1. The second circumferential cut line portion may be arcuate or straight. The circumferential cut line portion may include at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

[0096] The outermost ends of the plurality of first radial cut line segments define an imaginary circle NC centered at an intersection between imaginary extensions of the two or more first radial cut line segments, and the second circumferential cut line segment may be tangent to the imaginary circle NC and may include a terminal end located outside the imaginary circle NC.

[0097] The non-linear or arcuate cut line 19 may be located inside the imaginary circle NC. A hinge or bridge connection is defined between an end of the non-linear or arcuate cut line 19 and an end of an adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

[0098] The outermost ends of the radial cut lines 13, 15 that define the first and / or third tabs 14a, 16 may be located outside the imaginary circle NC.

[0099] The linear fold line 17 of the first tab 14a and / or the linear cuts defining said linear fold line 17 may be located outside the imaginary circle NC.

[0100] The free edges of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 define a polygonal opening AP1. The free edges of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may provide at least two pairs of substantially or nearly opposing free or engagement edges. A first pair of the at least two pairs of nearly opposing free or engagement edges may be substantially perpendicular to a second pair of the at least two pairs of opposing free or engagement edges.

[0101] The present disclosure also provides a method of providing two or more article carriers 90 from a plurality of connected blanks 1. The plurality of connected blanks 1 includes two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D each forming an article carrier 90. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes at least one article receiving device RT1 and an engagement panel 12 having at least one side or shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel 12. A side panel of a first blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is frangibly connected to a side panel of a second blank of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by one or more frangible connections. The method includes the steps of applying a plurality of connected blanks 1 to a group of articles B, pressing the plurality of connected blanks 1 around edges of the articles B forming the group of articles B, and receiving the articles B in each of at least one article receiving device RT1, wherein the frangible connections between the side panels of the first blank and the second blank are automatically severed in response to folding the side or shoulder panels against the hinged engagement panel 12. In this manner, the plurality of connected blanks 1 are separated to form separate or separated article carriers 90.

[0102] As used herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inside," "outside," "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0103] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to any type of line that defines a hinge mechanism for a blank, facilitates folding portions of the blank together, or otherwise indicates an optimal folding location of a panel for the blank. References to a "hinge connection" should not necessarily be construed as referring to only a single fold line. In fact, a hinge connection can be formed from two or more fold lines, each of which can be either straight / linear or curved / curved in shape. When straight fold lines form a hinge connection, they can be disposed parallel to each other or disposed at a slight angle relative to each other. When curved fold lines form a hinge connection, the curved fold lines can intersect each other to define a shaped 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 bowed fold lines that intersect at two points to define an oval panel between them. A hinge connection can 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 include a combination of straight fold lines and arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points to define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0104] As used herein, the term "fold line" refers to any of the following: score lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, interrupted cut lines, aligned slit lines, score lines, and any combination of the aforementioned options.

[0105] It should be understood that the hinge connections and fold lines may each include elements formed in the blank's substrate, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, interrupted cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and positioned to provide the required functionality. For example, the perforation lines may be dimensioned or engineered to have a degree of weakness to define the fold and / or cut lines. The perforation lines may be designed to make folding easier and less prone to breaking, or to make folding easier and easier to break, or to make breaking easier with less effort.

[0106] As used herein, the term "matching" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected 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. These elements that are aligned with one another may be aligned with one another in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels.

[0107] For example, when an opening in a first panel is "aligned" with a second opening in a second panel that is positioned in an overlapping position with the first panel, the edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second opening and be aligned with the second opening in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Blank 10A 1st Blank 10B Second Blank 10C Third Blank 10D 4th Blank 11 Circumferential cut line 12 Main panel, engagement panel 13, 15 Radial cut lines 14a, 14b, 16 Teeth or tabs 17 Straight fold lines 18 Robe 20 First side or shoulder panel 22 Second Side or Shoulder Panel 25, 27 Weak joints 60 Foldable Tabs 90 cartons, carriers B Goods N-connection bridge or nick NC Virtual Circle AP1 aperture RT1 Article holding structure

Claims

1. A plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device and at least one shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel, wherein at least one shoulder panel of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks is frangibly connected to at least one shoulder panel of an adjacently disposed second blank of the plurality of connected blanks by one or more frangible connections.

2. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 1 , wherein the one or more frangible connections are automatically severed in response to folding the shoulder panel against a hinged mating panel.

3. 10. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 1, wherein the one or more frangible connections are automatically severed in response to applying the plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

4. a plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device thereon, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing sides of the engagement panel; The plurality of connected blanks are characterized in that the plurality of connected blanks comprises at least one pair of weakly connected side panels connected by one or more weak connections, the pair including a first side panel hingedly connected to an engaging panel of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks and an adjacently positioned second side panel hingedly connected to an engaging panel of a second blank of the plurality of connected blanks.

5. 5. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 4, wherein the one or more frangible connections between the first side panel and the second side panel are automatically severed in response to folding the side panel against the hinged mating panel.

6. 5. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 4, wherein the one or more frangible connections are automatically severed in response to applying the plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

7. 5. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 4, wherein an article receiving device of a first blank of the plurality of connected blanks is spaced a first distance from an article receiving device of a second blank of the plurality of connected blanks, the first distance being less than or equal to a maximum diameter of an article that can be received by the article receiving devices of the first blank and the second blank.

8. An upper article receiving device for a main panel of an article carrier, the upper article receiving device comprising an opening and a plurality of engagement tabs, the plurality of engagement tabs including at least one first tab hingedly connected to the main panel by a linear fold line and at least one second tab partially separated from the main panel by a non-linear cut.

9. The upper article receiving device of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of engagement tabs include at least one third tab extending from the main panel and integral with a side panel hingedly connected to the main panel.

10. The upper article receiving device according to claim 8 , wherein a side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs abuts a side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs.

11. The upper article receiving device of claim 8 , wherein a free edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs provides an engagement edge for engaging an article.

12. The upper article receiving device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second tab comprises a plurality of second tabs arranged substantially around a portion of the periphery of the receiving opening opposite the side panel through which the third tab extends.

13. The upper article receiving device of claim 8 , wherein the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion.

14. 14. The upper article receiving device according to claim 13, wherein the first radial cut line portion extends along a notional radial line extending from a center of the upper article receiving device.

15. The upper article receiving device of claim 13 , wherein the second circumferential cut line portion includes at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

16. The upper article receiving device of claim 13, wherein the at least one second tab comprises a plurality of second tabs, and the first radial cut line portion defines an imaginary circle.

17. The upper article receiving device of claim 16, wherein the outermost ends of the first radial cut line portions are located on the imaginary circle, and the imaginary circle has a center located at the intersection between imaginary extension lines of two or more first radial cut line portions.

18. The upper article receiving device of claim 16, wherein the second circumferential cut line portion is tangent to the imaginary circle and has a terminal end located outside the imaginary circle.

19. The upper article receiving device of claim 18, wherein a bridge connection is defined between an end of the non-linear cut and an end of an adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

20. The upper article receiving device of claim 16, wherein the linear fold line of the at least one first tab comprises a linear cut that partially separates the at least one first tab from the main panel.

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