Article carriers and blanks therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier (90; 190; 290; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles (B), and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for forming the carrier. The article carrier (90; 190; 290; 390; 490) includes a top panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and a skirt structure that surrounds and extends from the top panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412). The skirt structure supports at least a first pair of opposing panels (P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 ), including a plurality of panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B). A plurality of panels (14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B) are connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles and bundling the group of articles (B) together. The skirt structure has a pre-loading configuration prior to application to a group of articles, and a post-loading configuration in which the articles are received by the skirt structure. A1 , P B1 The skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded dimension or length (L1) measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels (PA2 , P B2 ) at a distal end of the distal end of the first loaded configuration. The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length (L2) is greater than the first pre-loaded length (L1).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In the packaging art, it is known to provide cartons for transporting multiple items. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for allowing consumers to transport, store, and access groups of items for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible, necessitating as little waste as possible in the materials from which they are formed. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weight items. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are safe within the carton.

[0003] It is well known to provide an upper gripping article carrier in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier and a tab is punched from the panel and disposed about the aperture, the tab being displaced out of the plane of the panel when the article is received in the aperture, the tab engaging the article generally about a flange or lip of the article. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier includes a main panel and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the main panel. The skirt structure includes a plurality of panels including at least a first pair of opposing panels. The plurality of panels are connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for surrounding a group of articles, bundling the group of articles together. The pair of opposing panels extend from the main panel to their respective distal ends such that the opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend away from the main panel. The skirt structure has a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to a group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after loading with the articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure. The skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded dimension or length L1 measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. The skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a first post-loaded length L2 measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length L2 is greater than the first pre-loaded length L1.

[0005] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing end panels and a pair of opposing side panels, the first pair of opposing panels including the opposing end panels.

[0006] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing end panels, a pair of opposing side panels, and at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels (optionally two pairs of diagonally opposing corner panels), the first pair of opposing panels including at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a second pair of opposing panels, the panels of the second pair of opposing panels extending from the main panel to their respective distal ends such that the panels of the second pair of opposing panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel. The skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a second pre-loaded length measured between the distal ends of the second pair of opposing panels, and the skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a second post-loaded length measured between the distal ends of the second pair of opposing panels. The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first and second post-loaded lengths are greater than the first and second pre-loaded lengths, respectively.

[0008] A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a main panel and a plurality of panels for forming a skirt structure extending from the main panel to encircle the main panel in a set-up condition. The plurality of panels are configured to be connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles to bind or encourage the group of articles together. The skirt structure includes at least a first pair of opposing panels extending from the main panel to their respective distal ends. In the set-up condition, the opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend away from the main panel. The skirt structure has a pre-loading configuration prior to application to the group of articles and a post-loading configuration after application to the group of articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure. The skirt structure in the pre-loading configuration has a first pre-loading dimension or length L1 measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. The skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a first post-loaded length L2 measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length L2 is greater than the first pre-loaded length L1.

[0009] A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier includes a main panel and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the main panel. The skirt structure includes a plurality of panels connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for surrounding a group of articles, bundling the group of articles together. The plurality of panels includes at least one pair of opposing upper panels and at least a first pair of opposing lower panels. The opposing upper panels extend from the main panel such that the opposing upper panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel. The first pair of opposing lower panels are connected to the opposing upper panels such that the first pair of opposing lower panels extend to their respective distal ends. The skirt structure has a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to a group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after loading of the articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure, the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded length L1 measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels, and the skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a first post-loaded length L2 measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels, the post-loaded configuration differing from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length L2 is greater than the first pre-loaded length L1.

[0010] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing lower end panels and a pair of opposing lower side panels, the lower side panels and the lower end panels being connected to at least one pair of opposing upper panels, and a first pair of opposing lower panels includes the opposing lower end panels.

[0011] Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing lower end panels, a pair of opposing lower side panels, and at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels, the first pair of opposing lower panels including at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a main panel and a plurality of panels for forming a skirt structure extending from the main panel to encircle the main panel in a set-up condition. The plurality of panels are configured to be connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles, bundling the group of articles together. The plurality of panels includes at least one pair of opposing upper panels and at least a first pair of opposing lower panels. The opposing upper panels extend from the main panel such that the opposing upper panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel. The first pair of opposing lower panels are connected to the opposing upper panels such that the first pair of opposing lower panels extend to their respective distal ends. The skirt structure has a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to a group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after loading with the articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure. The skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded length L1 measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. The skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a first post-loaded length L2 measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length L2 is greater than the first pre-loaded length L1.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0014] It is contemplated or intended that within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or interpreted independently or in any combination thereof.

[0015] A feature or element described in connection with (or in relation to) one embodiment is applicable to all embodiments, unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment can be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and the feature or element extracted from said one embodiment can be included in addition to or instead of one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0016] A feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8]8 illustrates the application of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 7 to a group of articles. [Figure 9] 8 illustrates the application of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 7 to a group of articles. [Figure 10] 8 illustrates the application of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 7 to a group of articles. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating the application of a carrier to a group of articles according to various embodiments. [Figure 14A] 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of carriers according to various embodiments prior to application to a group of articles. [Figure 14B] 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of carriers according to various embodiments prior to application to a group of articles. [Figure 14C] 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of carriers according to various embodiments prior to application to a group of articles. [Figure 14D] 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of carriers according to various embodiments after application to a group of articles. [Figure 15] 12A and 12B. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a carrier according to the embodiment of FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the present invention may be embodied. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein can be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any 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 those skilled in the art to use the present invention in various ways.

[0020] 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90 (as shown in FIG. 2) can be formed for containing and transporting a group of primary products (such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans) (hereafter referred to as items B). The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0021] Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310; 410 for forming cartons or carriers 190; 290; 390; 490 (as shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 and 12) for containing and transporting groups of primary products (such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans) (hereinafter referred to as Items B) are shown in Figures 3, 5, 7 and 11.

[0022] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container (e.g., a primary product container, etc.) for engaging and transporting an article for non-limiting purposes of illustrating 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 bottles, glass bottles, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0023] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 are formed from sheets of suitable substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" should be understood to include all manner of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other number of blanks can be used where appropriate, for example to provide a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0024] The packaging structures or cartons 90;190;290;390;490 described herein can be formed from sheet materials (such as, for example, paperboard) that can be made from or coated with materials to increase their strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material can be provided in two or more layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material can have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outward from 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 inwardly facing surface of the sheet material can be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as, for example, one or more of tear resistance, good gluing properties, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10;110;210;310;410 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90;190;290;390;490 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2x3 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three items B are provided, where the items B are 500ml PET bottles.

[0026] Alternatively, blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 can be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of items and / or for packaging items in different arrangements or configurations.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a blank 10 which includes a number of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, including a main panel 12 for forming the top wall or mating panel of a carrier 90 (see FIG. 2).

[0028] A first end panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13 .

[0029] A second end panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15 .

[0030] A first side panel 18 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17 .

[0031] A second side panel 20 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19 .

[0032] The first corner panel 24A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 25A. The second corner panel 24B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 25B.

[0033] The first fixed panel 22A is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 24A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The first fixed panel 22A is separated from the first end panel 14 by a cut or severable line 21A.

[0034] The second fixed panel 22B is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 24B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. The second fixed panel 22B is separated from the first end panel 14 by a cut or severable line 21B.

[0035] The third corner panel 28A is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 31 A. The fourth corner panel 28B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 31 B.

[0036] The third fixed panel 26A is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 28A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. The third fixed panel 26A is separated from the second end panel 16 by a cut or severable line 27A.

[0037] The fourth fixed panel 26B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 28B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The fourth fixed panel 26B is separated from the second end panel 16 by a cut or severable line 27B.

[0038] The main panel 12 includes at least one item retaining structure RT1, RT2. The main panel 12 includes a plurality of item retaining structures RT1, RT2, specifically, six item retaining structures RT1, RT2 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the item retaining structures RT1, RT2 includes an opening or aperture A1, A2.

[0039] The item retaining structures RT1, RT2 in the illustrated embodiment take the form of a plurality of tines or tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76 (specifically, but not limited to, four tines or tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76) arranged around the apertures A1, A2 to form part of the item receiving opening.

[0040] The blank 10 includes four first or endmost item retaining structures RT1 each including a first opening or aperture A1. The blank 10 includes two second, medial or intermediate item retaining structures RT2 each including a second opening or aperture A2.

[0041] The endmost item retaining structure RT1 includes an item receiving opening partially defined by a first aperture A1 that is defined in or punched out of the main panel 12.

[0042] The intermediate item retaining structure RT2 includes an item receiving opening partially defined by a second aperture A2 that is defined in or punched out of the main panel 12.

[0043] The endmost item retaining structure RT1 includes a first plurality of tines or tabs 40, 42, 44, 46 arranged around the first aperture A1, and the intermediate item retaining structure RT2 includes a second plurality of tines or tabs 70, 72, 74, 76 arranged around the second aperture A2, respectively.

[0044] A first plurality of tines 40, 42, 44, 46 are provided by the main panel 12. Each of the tines 40, 42, 44, 46 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a respective hinged connection 41, 43, 45, 47. Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines. Each hinged connection may be arranged to be linear.

[0045] Each of the first plurality of teeth 40, 42, 44, 46 is separated from its adjacent neighbors by a cut line 49, 51, 53, 55. The cut lines 49, 51, 53, 55 may extend radially outward from the first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 49 is disposed opposite the third cut line 53 (the first and third cut lines 49, 53 are collinear), and the second cut line 51 is disposed opposite the fourth cut line 55 (the second and fourth cut lines 51, 55 are collinear).

[0046] At least one of the cut lines 49, 51, 53, 55 may terminate in a cut 57, 59, which may be linear and oriented perpendicular to at least one of the cut lines 49, 51, 53, 55. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cut lines 49, 51, 53, 55 may terminate in a transverse cut 57, 59. The second cut line 51 and the fourth cut line 55 may each terminate in a respective cut 57, 59. A notional line collinear with the second cut line 51 and the fourth cut line 55 passes through a corner of the main panel 12, which may be defined by the apex or intersection of a pair of adjacent fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19.

[0047] The cut 57 terminating the second cut line 51 may extend between a pair of adjacent hinged edges of the main panel 12 , between a pair of adjacent fold lines 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 .

[0048] The cuts 57,59 may extend between a pair of adjacently disposed hinged connections 41,43,45,47 of the first plurality of teeth 40,42,44,46.

[0049] The first tooth 40 may be hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a first hinged connection 41, which may be collinear or coincident with the fold lines 13, 15 between the main panel 12 and the first or second end panels 14, 16.

[0050] The fourth tooth 46 can be hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a fourth hinged connection 47, which can be collinear or coincident with the fold lines 17, 19 between the main panel 12 and the first or second side panels 18, 20.

[0051] Optionally, one or more of the cut lines 49, 51, 53, 55 may be spaced apart from the first aperture A1 such that a connecting nick or bridge is provided between an adjacent pair of the first plurality of teeth 40, 42, 44, 46.

[0052] A second plurality of tines 70, 72, 74, 76 are provided by the main panel 12. Each of the tines 70, 72, 74, 76 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a respective hinged connection 71, 73, 75, 77. Each hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines. Each hinged connection may be arranged to be linear.

[0053] Each of the second plurality of teeth 70, 72, 74, 76 is separated from its adjacent neighbors by a cut line 79, 81, 83, 85. The cut lines 79, 81, 83, 85 may extend radially outward from the second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cut line 79 is disposed opposite the third cut line 83 (the first and third cut lines 79, 83 are collinear), and the second cut line 81 is disposed opposite the fourth cut line 85 (the second and fourth cut lines 81, 85 are collinear).

[0054] At least one of the cut lines 79, 81, 83, 85 may terminate in a cut 87, 89, which may be linear and oriented perpendicular to at least one of the cut lines 79, 81, 83, 85. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cut lines 79, 81, 83, 85 may terminate in a transverse cut 87, 89. The first cut line 79 and the fourth cut line 85 may each terminate in a respective cut 87, 89.

[0055] The cuts 87,89 may extend between a pair of adjacently disposed hinged connections 71,73,75,77 of the second plurality of tines 70,72,74,76.

[0056] The fourth tooth 76 can be hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a fourth hinged connection 77, which can be collinear or coincident with the fold lines 17, 19 between the main panel 12 and the first or second side panels 18, 20.

[0057] Optionally, one or more of the cut lines 79, 81, 83, 85 may be spaced apart from the second aperture A2 such that a connecting nick or bridge is provided between an adjacent pair of the second plurality of teeth 70, 72, 74, 76.

[0058] The blank 10 may include a handle structure H, which may include at least one finger opening. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of finger openings. Each finger opening may be defined (at least in part) by a handle tab 60 stamped from (or defined within) the main panel 12. Each handle tab 60 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61, and the handle tabs 60 may be hinged opposite one another.

[0059] The blank 10 can be applied to the group of articles B in a flat form and folded therearound, or it can be preassembled and applied to the group of articles B in the assembled condition.

[0060] The main panel 12 can be lowered to the group of items B.

[0061] Each of the item retaining structures RT1, RT2 of the blank 10 is aligned with a respective item B in the group. A portion of the item B passes through the main panel 12. The toothed region of the main panel 12 around each of the item retaining structures RT1, RT2 is capable of being folded out of the plane of the main panel 12.

[0062] Each toothed region of the main panel 12 is capable of being folded around one of the articles B received in a respective one of the article retaining structures RT1, RT2.

[0063] The engagement edges of the teeth 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76 engage under the protrusions. The protrusions may be positioned around the neck of the item B. When the item B is a bottle, the protrusions may be provided by an end closure or cap. In this manner, the engagement edges grip or hold the item B and prevent or inhibit the item B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12.

[0064] The first and second side panels 18, 20 are folded around opposite sides of the group of articles B. The corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are folded around the corners of the group of articles B, and the fixed panels 22A, 22B, 26A, 26B are folded around the ends of the group of articles B.

[0065] A glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the fastener panels 22A, 22B, 26A, 26B or to the inside surfaces of the corresponding areas of the first and second end panels 14,16.

[0066] The first and second end panels 14, 16 are folded downwardly around respective ends of the group of articles B. The first and second end panels 14, 16 are in face-to-face contact with respective ones of the fixed panels 22A, 22B, 26A, 26B. The first and second end panels 14, 16 are secured to respective ones of the fixed panels 22A, 22B, 26A, 26B.

[0067] A package containing an article carrier 90 and a group of articles B is shown in FIG.

[0068] The article carrier 90 can be preassembled prior to application to the group of articles B. The preassembled article carrier 90 can provide a skirt structure formed from the side panels 18, 20, the end panels 14, 16, and the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B. In the preassembled article carrier 90, each pair of opposing panels of the skirt structure (i.e., the opposing side panels 18, 20, the opposing end panels 14, 16, the opposing corner panels 24A, 28B, and the opposing corner panels 24B, 28A) are inclined relative to the main panel 12 such that each pair of opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend downward from the main panel 12. The skirt structure can fit closely against the shoulders of the articles B and can compress or encourage tight grouping of the articles B. The inclined nature of the skirt structure and the shoulders of the articles B can tend to bias the article carrier 90 upward against the articles B. The article retaining structures RT1, RT2 provide tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76 that engage protrusions or undercuts of the article B. This engagement resists or opposes the upward movement of the article carrier 90 caused by the skirt structure. In this way, the article B is held by the article carrier 90 in a tightly formed group, and the tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76 securely engage the article B. The carrier 90 in the assembled form can include at least one dimension that is smaller than an equivalent dimension of the group of articles B to which it is applied. In this way, a tight fit can be achieved when the carrier 90 is being applied to the article B, and in doing so, the shape of the carrier or at least a part thereof can change to accommodate the article B.

[0069] 3-5, an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have been used where possible to indicate like parts, but with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in more detail.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows a blank 110 that includes a number of panels 112, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, including a main panel 112 for forming the top wall or mating panel of a carrier 190 (see FIG. 4).

[0071] The first upper end panel 114A is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 113A. The first lower end panel 114B is hingedly connected to the first upper end panel 114A by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 113B.

[0072] The second upper end panel 116A is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 115A. The second lower end panel 116B is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 116A by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 115B.

[0073] The first upper side panel 118A is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 117A. The first lower side panel 118B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 118A by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 117B.

[0074] A second upper side panel 120A is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 119A. A second lower side panel 120B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 120A by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 119B.

[0075] The first corner panel 124A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first lower side panel 118B by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 125A. The second corner panel 124B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second lower side panel 120B by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 125B.

[0076] The first fastening panel 122A / 130A is hingedly connected to the first corner panel 124A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123A. The first fastening panel 122A / 130A includes a first lower fastening panel portion 122A and a first upper fastening panel portion 130A, which is hingedly connected to the first upper fastening panel portion 130A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121A. The first upper fastening panel portion 130A is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 114A, 114B by a cut line 133A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the first corner panel 124A from the first upper end panel 114A. An aperture A3 also separates the first upper fixed panel portion 130A from the first upper side panel 118A and a portion of the first lower end panel 114B.

[0077] The second fastening panel 122B / 130B is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 124B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123B. The second fastening panel 122B / 130B includes a second lower fastening panel portion 122B and a second upper fastening panel portion 130B, which is hingedly connected to the second upper fastening panel portion 130B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121B. The second upper fastening panel portion 130B is separated from the first upper and lower end panels 114A, 114B by a cut line 133B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the second corner panel 124B from the first upper end panel 114A. An aperture A3 also separates the second upper fixed panel portion 130B from the second upper side panel 120A and a portion of the first lower end panel 114B.

[0078] The third corner panel 128A is hingedly connected to a second end of the first lower side panel 118B by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 131 A. The fourth corner panel 128B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second lower side panel 120B by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 131 B.

[0079] The third fastening panel 126A / 132A is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 128A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129A. The third fastening panel 126A / 132A includes a third lower fastening panel portion 126A and a third upper fastening panel portion 132A, which is hingedly connected to the third upper fastening panel portion 132A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127A. The third upper fastening panel portion 132A is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 116A, 116B by a cut line 135A or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the third corner panel 128A from the second upper end panel 116A. An aperture A3 also separates the third upper fixed panel portion 132A from the first upper side panel 118A and a portion of the second lower end panel 116B.

[0080] The fourth fastening panel 126B / 132B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 128B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129B. The fourth fastening panel 126B / 132B includes a fourth lower fastening panel portion 126B and a fourth upper fastening panel portion 132B, which is hingedly connected to the fourth upper fastening panel portion 132B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127B. The fourth upper fastening panel portion 132B is separated from the second upper and lower end panels 116A, 116B by a cut line 135B or by a frangible or severable line. An aperture A3 separates the fourth corner panel 128B from the second upper end panel 116A. An aperture A3 also separates the fourth upper fixed panel portion 132B from the second upper side panel 120A and a portion of the second lower end panel 116B.

[0081] The main panel 112 includes at least one item holding structure RT1, RT2. The main panel 112 includes a plurality of item holding structures RT1, RT2, specifically six item holding structures RT1, RT2 arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each of the item holding structures RT1, RT2 is substantially similar in construction to the item holding structures RT1, RT2 of FIG. 1, and the apertures A1, A2 are square in shape, although this will not be described in further detail.

[0082] 4 illustrates an article carrier 190 formed from blank 110. Upper end and side panels 114A, 116A, 118A, 120A are disposed about a shoulder portion of article B, and lower end and side panels 114B, 116B, 118B, 120B are disposed about the shoulder portion and / or main body portion of article B.

[0083] The end and side panels 114B, 116B, 118B, 120B are connected by the corner panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B. The upper end panels 114A, 116A have no connections to the upper side panels 118A, 120A. The article carrier 190 can be preassembled prior to application to the group of articles B. The preassembled article carrier 190 can provide a skirt structure formed from the side panels 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B, the end panels 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B, and the corner panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B. In the pre-assembled carrier 190, each pair of opposing upper panels of the skirt structure (i.e., opposing upper side panels 118A, 120A and opposing upper end panels 114A, 116A) are angled relative to the main panel 112 such that each pair of opposing panels diverge away from one another as they extend downwardly from the main panel 112. The opposing lower side panels 118B, 120B extend from the lower edges of the upper side panels 118A, 120A, respectively. The lower side panels 118B, 120B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 112. The opposing lower end panels 114B, 116B extend from the lower edges of the upper end panels 114A, 116A, respectively. The lower end panels 114B, 116B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 112. Each corner panel 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B interconnects adjacent lower side and end panels to provide a respective corner panel of the skirt structure. The corner panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 112. The skirt structure may fit closely to the shoulder of the item B and may compress or encourage tight grouping of the item B. The angled nature of the upper end and side panels 114A, 116A, 118A, 120A of the skirt structure, as well as the shoulder of the item B, may tend to bias the item carrier 190 upwardly on the item B.

[0084] 5-12B, further alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the third, fourth, and fifth illustrated embodiments, like numerals have been used where possible to indicate like parts, but with the addition of the prefixes "200"; "300"; "400" to indicate that these features belong to the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, respectively. The further alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiments of Figures 1-4, and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-4 will be described in more detail.

[0085] FIG. 5 shows a blank 210 according to a third embodiment, which includes a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, including a main panel 212 for forming the top wall or mating panel of a carrier 290 (see FIG. 6).

[0086] The blank 210 of Figure 5 is substantially similar in construction to the blank of Figure 1, except that the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are omitted. The first fixed panel 222A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223A. The first fixed panel 222A is separated from the first end panel 214 by a cut or severable line 221A. The fold line 223A is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 217 that hinges the first side panel 218 to the top panel 212.

[0087] The second fixed panel 222B is hingedly connected to the first end of the second side panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223B. The second fixed panel 222B is separated from the first end panel 214 by a cut or severable line 221B. The fold line 223B is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 219 that hinges the second side panel 220 to the top panel 212.

[0088] The third fixed panel 226A is hingedly connected to the second end of the first side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229A. The third fixed panel 226A is separated from the second end panel 216 by a cut or severable line 227A. The fold line 229A is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 217 that hinges the first side panel 218 to the top panel 212.

[0089] The fourth fixed panel 226B is hingedly connected to the second end of the second side panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229B. The fourth fixed panel 226B is separated from the second end panel 216 by a cut or severable line 227B. The fold line 229B is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 219 that hinges the second side panel 220 to the top panel 212.

[0090] The first and second side panels 218, 220 are tapered in shape such that they are wider at their lower edges than at their hinged upper edges. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second side panels 218, 220 are substantially rectangular in shape. The first and second end panels 214, 216 are tapered in shape such that they are narrower at their lower edges than at their hinged upper edges in a manner similar to the first and second end panels 14, 16 of FIG.

[0091] In the assembled configuration, blank 210 formed a carrier 290 having square corners, while blank 10 of FIG. 1 formed a carrier 90 having beveled or chamfered corners.

[0092] 5 illustrates notional lines N1, N2, N3, N4 which define areas of the fastening panels 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B that overlap respective ones of the first and second side panels 218, 220 in a set-up condition. The overlapping areas provide at least one glue area G for adhesively securing the fastening panels 222A, 222B, 226A, 226B to the first and second side panels 218, 220 to create a skirt structure.

[0093] The article carrier 290 can be preassembled prior to application to a group of articles. The article carrier 290 can be provided with a skirt structure in the form of side panels 218, 220 and end panels 214, 216. The skirt structure can fit closely to the shoulders of the articles B and can compress or encourage tight grouping of the articles B. The angled nature of the skirt structure and the shoulders of the articles B can tend to bias the article carrier 290 upward against the packaged articles B. The article retaining structures RT1, RT2 provide tabs 240, 242, 244, 246, 270, 272, 274, 276 that engage with protrusions or undercuts of the articles B. This engagement resists or opposes the upward movement of the article carrier 290 caused by the skirt structure. In this manner, article B is held in a tightly formed group by article carrier 290, and tabs 240, 242, 244, 246, 270, 272, 274, 276 securely engage article B. Carrier 290 in its assembled form can include at least one dimension that is smaller than an equivalent dimension of the group of articles B to which it is applied. In this manner, a tight fit can be achieved when being applied to article B, and in doing so, the shape of the carrier, or at least a portion thereof, can change to accommodate article B.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows a blank 310 according to a fourth embodiment that includes a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, including a main panel 312 for forming the upper wall or mating panel of a carrier 390 (see FIG. 8).

[0095] The blank 310 of FIG. 7 is similar in construction to the blank of FIG. 1, in that the blank 310 includes corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B, which are increased in size compared to the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B of the blank 10 of FIG. 1. The blank 310 includes a first fixed panel 322A hingedly connected to the first corner panel 324A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323A. The first fixed panel 322A is separated from the first end panel 314 by a cutout in the form of a recess, which may be "V" shaped. The fold line 323A is oriented obliquely with respect to the fold line 317 that hinges the first side panel 318 to the top panel 312.

[0096] The second fixed panel 322B is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 324B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323B. The second fixed panel 322B is separated from the first end panel 314 by a cutout in the form of a recess, which may be "V" shaped. The fold line 323B is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 319 that hinges the second side panel 320 to the top panel 312.

[0097] The third fixed panel 326A is hingedly connected to the third corner panel 328A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 329A. The third fixed panel 326A is separated from the second end panel 316 by a cutout in the form of a recess, which may be "V" shaped. The fold line 329A is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 317 that hinges the first side panel 318 to the top panel 312.

[0098] The fourth fixed panel 326B is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 328B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 329B. The fourth fixed panel 326B is separated from the second end panel 316 by a cutout in the form of a recess, which may be "V" shaped. The fold line 329B is oriented obliquely relative to the fold line 319 that hinges the second side panel 320 to the top panel 312.

[0099] The first and second side panels 318, 320 are tapered in shape such that they are narrower at their lower edges than at their hinged upper edges. The first and second end panels 314, 316 are tapered in shape such that they are narrower at their lower edges than at their hinged upper edges. The degree of taper is increased such that the free end edges of the first and second end panels 314, 316 and the hinged connections 313, 315 to the top panel 312 define a smaller and more acute angle therebetween when compared to the blanks 10, 210 of Figures 1 and 5.

[0100] The blank 310 includes alternative item retaining structures RT3, RT4. The main panel 312 includes a plurality of item retaining structures RT3, RT4, specifically six item retaining structures RT3, RT4 arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each of the item retaining structures RT3, RT4 includes an opening or aperture A1, A2.

[0101] The item retaining structures RT3, RT4 in the illustrated embodiment take the form of a plurality of tines or tabs 340, 342, 346, 372, 376 (specifically, but not limited to, seven tines or tabs 340, 342, 346 disposed around the first aperture A1 of the first or endmost item retaining structure RT3, and eight tines or tabs 372, 376 disposed around the second aperture A1 of the second or intermediate item retaining structure RT4) disposed around the apertures A1, A2 to form part of the item receiving opening.

[0102] The blank 310 includes four first corner or endmost item retaining structures RT3 each including a first opening or aperture A1. The blank 310 includes two second inner or middle item retaining structures RT4 each including a second opening or aperture A2. The apertures A2 can be octagonal in shape, and in other embodiments, they can be circular.

[0103] The intermediate article retaining structure RT4 includes eight tines 370, 372 disposed around the second aperture A2. The tines 370, 372 are defined in part by first cut lines 375 extending radially outward from the corners of the second aperture A2. The tines 370, 372 include a first tine 376 that extends from and is integral with one of the first or second side panels 318, 320. The tines 370, 372 include seven second tines 370 that are hingedly connected to the main panel 312. A second (circumferential) cut line 373 may be provided at an end of each first cut line 375 that separates a pair of second tines 370. The hinged connection between the second tines 370 and the main panel 312 is defined between a pair of second cut lines 373 .

[0104] The endmost item retaining structures RT3 are similar in construction to the intermediate item retaining structures RT4, but they include two first tines 340, 346 that each extend from and are integral with one of the end and side panels 314, 316, 318, 320. The endmost item retaining structures RT3 include five second tines 342 that are separated by first (radial) cut lines 345. The first cut lines 345 bisect the second (circumferential) cut line 343.

[0105] The endmost item retaining structure RT3 includes a cutout or recess that interrupts the annular series of teeth 340, 342, 346. The cutout may equate to removal of a tooth adjacent a corner of the main panel 312 at a cut line 357, which may extend between a first pair of teeth 340, 346 to define a corner portion of the main panel 312 that connects the end panels 314, 316 to the side panels 318, 320. The cut line 357 may extend between a pair of adjacently disposed fold lines 313 / 317, 313 / 319, 315 / 317, 315 / 319.

[0106] 8-10 illustrate the carrier 390 at the stage of application to a group of articles B. The carrier 390 is preformed, i.e., it is assembled prior to application to the articles B. The preassembled article carrier 390 can provide a skirt structure formed from the side panels 318, 320, the end panels 314, 316, and the corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B. In the preassembled carrier 390, each pair of opposing panels of the skirt structure (i.e., the opposing side panels 318, 320, the opposing upper end panels 314, 316, the diagonally opposing corner panels 324A, 328B, and the diagonally opposing corner panels 324B, 328A) can be angled relative to the main panel 312 such that each pair of opposing panels diverge away from each other as they extend downwardly from the main panel 312. 8 shows the carrier 390 placed over the top end of the group of articles B. The first tines 340, 346, 376 are displaced from the plane of the main panel 312 and remain generally flush with the side or end panels 318, 320, 314, 316 (from which the first tines 340, 346, 376 extend). The carrier 390 is structured such that the corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B are the first panels of the skirt structure 314 / 324A / 318 / 328A / 316 / 328B / 320 / 324B to contact the sidewall, neck, or shoulder of the article B in the group, as shown in FIG.

[0107] As the carrier 390 is moved downwardly relative to the articles B, the upper ends (end closures C) of the articles B are received within the openings of the article retaining structures RT3, RT4. The corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B slide downwardly around the sidewalls, necks, or shoulders of the articles B at their respective corners of the group of articles B. The corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B are deformed from their initial planar shape and may assume a generally convex shape (when viewed from an external perspective) as shown in FIG. 10. In doing so, the length or area of ​​the region of the corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B in contact with the articles B may increase.

[0108] FIG. 11 shows a blank 410 according to a fifth embodiment, which includes a plurality of panels 412, 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, including a main panel 412 for forming the upper wall or engagement panel of a carrier 490 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B).

[0109] The blank 410 of Figure 11 is similar in construction to the blank of Figure 3, in that the blank 410 includes alternative item retaining structures RT5, RT6. The main panel 412 includes a plurality of item retaining structures RT5, RT6, specifically six item retaining structures RT5, RT6 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the item retaining structures RT5, RT6 includes an opening or aperture A1, A2.

[0110] The item retaining structures RT5, RT6 include a pair of opposed tabs 440, 442, 470, 472. The first tab 440, 470 extends from and is integral with one of the first or second side panels 418, 420. The second tab 442, 472 is hingedly connected to the main panel 412 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 443. A portion of the first tab 440, 470 is stamped out of the second tab 442, 472, i.e., it is formed from the material that would otherwise form the second tab 442, 472. A pair of apertures A4, A5, A6, A7 define at least a portion of the opposed side edges of the first and second tabs 440, 442, 470, 472. The end or corner retention structure RT5 can include an outer or end aperture A5 configured to interrupt the fold line 413A, 415A between the respective upper end panels 414A, 416A and the main panel 412. The end aperture A5 can include a cutout or recess that defines an edge portion of the end aperture A5 that is disposed to be collinear with the fold line 413A, 415A.

[0111] 12A and 12B illustrate a carrier 490 formed from the blank 410 of FIG. 11. The blank 410 is preassembled into the carrier 490 as shown in FIG. 12A. In FIG. 12A, the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B are substantially planar and extend between the lower side panels 418B, 420B and the lower end panels 414B, 416B. More specifically, the preassembled article carrier 490 of FIG. 12A can provide a skirt structure formed from the side panels 418A / 418B, 420A / 420B, the end panels 414A / 414B, 416A / 416B, and the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B. Each pair of opposing upper panels (i.e., opposing upper side panels 418A, 420A and opposing upper end panels 414A, 416A) are angled relative to the main panel 412 such that each pair of opposing panels diverge away from one another as they extend downwardly from the main panel 412. The opposing lower side panels 418B, 420B extend from the lower edges of the upper side panels 418A, 420A, respectively. The lower side panels 418B, 420B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 412. The opposing lower end panels 414B, 416B extend from the lower edges of the upper end panels 414A, 416A, respectively. The lower end panels 414B, 416B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 412. Each corner panel 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B interconnects adjacent lower side and end panels and provides a respective corner panel of the skirt structure. The corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 412.

[0112] FIG. 12B shows the carrier 490 after application to a group of articles, with article B omitted from FIG. 12B for illustrative purposes. The corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B may be deformed from their initial planar shape to assume a generally convex shape (when viewed from an external perspective), as shown in FIG. 12B. In doing so, the length or area of ​​the region of the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B in contact with article B may be increased. The maximum distance between a pair of diagonally opposed corner panels 424A / 428B, 424B / 428A may be increased. A portion of the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B may be displaced outward.

[0113] 13 illustrates diagrammatically the application of carriers 90; 190; 290; 390; 490 to a group of articles B, showing carrier C1 prior to engagement with the group of articles B, and carrier C2 after engagement with the group of articles B. A top or main panel T and a pair of opposing panels P A , P B (P before engagement A1 , P B1 And after engagement P A2 , P B2 ) is shown. A pair of opposing panels P A , P B The maximum distance between the pair of opposing panels P increases from a first dimension or length L1 to a second (larger) dimension or length L2. A , P B can be a pair of opposing end panels, a pair of opposing side panels, or a pair of opposing corner panels.

[0114] A pair of opposing panels P A , P B is the side wall, neck, or shoulder part N of the article B T A skirt structure (a pair of opposing panels P A , P Bis a first panel of article B (of which article B forms a part). The neck or shoulder portion is tapered in shape such that article B increases in diameter or width as it approaches the main body portion of article B.

[0115] When the carrier C1 is applied to the article B, a pair of opposing panels P to the main panel T A , P B The angle of inclination of the main panel T and a pair of opposing panels P A , P B The internal angle defined between each one of the pair of opposing panels P changes from θ1 to θ2. A , P B When the pair of opposing panels P are a pair of opposing end panels or a pair of opposing side panels, θ2 can be greater than θ1. A , P B When the main panel T is a pair of opposing corner panels, the angles θ1, θ2 may refer to the internal angles between the main panel T and one of the pair of opposing side and end panels, respectively, and θ2 may be smaller than θ1.

[0116] Figures 14A-14C show various panel configurations for use with the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 and carriers 90; 190; 290; 390; 490 of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, only a portion of the panel is shown, as is a pair of articles B1, B2 with which the panel portion engages. Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C show schematic diagrams of the skirt structures of different embodiments of carriers in their preloaded configurations. Each of Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C shows an initial two-dimensional configuration or arrangement of the panels of the respective skirt structures in a preloaded configuration in which the skirt structures can rest on a group of articles B1, B2, but are otherwise not in circumferential tension. The lines P4, P5, P6 in FIG. 14C diagrammatically illustrate horizontal cross sections of corner portions of skirt structures of preloaded or unloaded carriers (such as, for example, one of the carriers 90 and 190 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 having corner panel P5). The lines P7, P8 in FIG. 14B diagrammatically illustrate horizontal cross sections of corner portions of skirt structures of preloaded or unloaded carriers (such as, for example, the carrier 290 in FIG. 6 having no corner panel). The lines P9, P10, P11 in FIG. 14A diagrammatically illustrate horizontal cross sections of corner portions of skirt structures of preloaded or unloaded carriers (such as, for example, one of the carriers 390 and 490 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12A having corner panel P10). FIG. 14D illustrates the target or desired two-dimensional post-loading configuration or arrangement of the panels of the skirt structures of each of the carriers in FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, FIG. 14C. In Figure 14D, the loaded skirt structure fits tightly around the group of articles B1, B2, thereby placing it under circumferential tension. Line segments P1, P2, and P3 diagrammatically illustrate horizontal cross sections of corner portions of the tensioned skirt structure along the contact points between the skirt structure and articles B1, B2.

[0117] In a desired configuration or loaded configuration, a portion P2 of the periphery of the skirt structure is shaped to fit the periphery of the article B1. Adjacent portions P1 and P3 extend between one article B1, B2 and an adjacent neighboring article B1, B2 and can be generally planar.

[0118] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14A, panels P9 and P 11 Panel P is configured to avoid initial contact with articles B1, B2 when the carrier is first lowered. 10 Panel P (which may be a corner panel) makes initial contact with the edgemost article B1 when the carrier is first lowered. As the carrier is further lowered, panel P 10 is pressed into contact with the article B1 on its inner surface, and the panel P 10 At least a portion of the adjacent panels P9 and P 11 These panels P9 and P 11 Panel P then contacts articles B1, B2, effectively clamping the carrier around the group of articles. 10 can be corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B (eg, such as those shown in Figures 7 through 12B and described above).

[0119] The skirt structure of the carrier may extend beyond or below the contact points shown in FIG. 14D, which is shown in FIG. 13 and in which the opposing panels P of the skirt structure are A2 , P B2 The inner surface of panel P is in contact with the shoulder of item B. A2 , P B2 The bottom edge of the is disposed below the contact point.

[0120] Another example in which the skirt structure of the carrier extends beyond or below the contact point is shown in FIG. 15, where opposing sloped upper panels U of the skirt structure are A2 , U B2 The inner surface of the skirt structure may or may not be in contact with the shoulder of the article B, and the inner surface of the skirt structure may be in contact with the shoulder of the article B. A2 , P B2 The upper panel U A2 , U B2 and extend downwardly below the bottom edge of the upper panel U and are capable of being contacted by the main body portion of the article when the carrier is in the loaded configuration. A2 , U B2 can be brought into contact with the body portion of article B when the carrier is in the loaded configuration.

[0121] 15, for example, diagrammatically illustrates the application of carrier 190 or 490 (as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 11, 12A, and 12B) to a group of articles B, showing carrier C1 prior to engagement with the group of articles B and carrier C2 after engagement with the group of articles B. A top or main panel T and a pair of opposing panels P A , P B (P before engagement A1 , P B1 And after engagement P A2 , P B2 ) is shown. A pair of opposing panels P A , P B The maximum distance between the pair of opposing panels P increases from a first dimension or length L1 to a second (larger) dimension or length L2. A , P B can be a pair of opposing end panels, a pair of opposing side panels, or a pair of opposing corner panels.

[0122] A pair of opposing panels P A , P B is a generally cylindrical main body, sidewall, or shoulder portion N of the article B TA skirt structure (a pair of opposing panels P A , P B is a first panel of article B (of which article B forms a part). The neck or shoulder portion is tapered in shape such that article B increases in diameter or width as it approaches the main body portion of article B.

[0123] When the carrier C1 is applied to the article B, a pair of opposing upper panels U against the main panel T A , U B The angle of inclination of the main panel T and the pair of opposing upper panels U A , U B The internal angle defined between each one of the pair of opposing lower panels P changes from θ1 to θ2. A , P B When the upper and lower panels P are a pair of opposing end panels or a pair of opposing side panels, θ2 can be greater than θ1. A , P B When the main panel T is a pair of opposing corner panels, the angles θ1, θ2 may refer to the internal angles between the main panel T and one of the pair of opposing upper side and end panels, respectively, and θ2 may be smaller than θ1.

[0124] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14B, a pair of panels P7, P8 form the square corners of the carrier. One or both of the pair of panels P7, P8 are configured to make initial contact with the articles B1, B2 when the carrier is lowered. Panels P7 and / or P8 are biased outwardly and a portion of each panel P7, P8 is deformed to conform to the peripheral area of ​​an edge or corner of article B1 while the square corners are drawn inwardly around article B1. The embodiments shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and described above are capable of interacting with articles B1, B2 in the manner shown in Fig. 14B.

[0125] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14C, three panels P4, P5, P6 form a chamfered or beveled corner of the carrier. The chamfered corner panels are smaller or narrower in horizontal dimension than those of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 14A. As a result, the corner panel P5 does not make initial contact with the articles B1, B2. Rather, one or both of the end or side panels P4, P6 make initial contact. In doing so, the end or side panels P4, P6 are biased outward and the corner panel P5 is drawn inward until the panel configuration assumes a shape similar to or approaching that shown in FIG. 14D.

[0126] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 14D, the periphery includes portion P1 having length c, portion P2 having length b, and portion P3 having length a, and the total length of the periphery as shown is the sum of length a, length b, and length c.

[0127] The length of the portion of the panel shown in each of Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C remains constant, i.e., it remains the same after application of the panel to Article B, and therefore a+b+c=d+e+f a+b+c=n+m a+b+c=x+y+z where f, e, d, n, m, z, y, and x are the positions of panels P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, and P 10 , P 11 is the length of

[0128] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 include at least a paperboard substrate. The paperboard substrate material can be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, in the range of weights from about 10 pt. up, preferably from about 16 pt. to about 28 pt. (0.028" / ~0.7 mm). Examples of such substrates are 27 point (pt.) 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™); 21 point (pt.) SBS board or CNK® board; and E-flute or F-flute corrugated board manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate can be bleached or unbleached board. The board can be coated on at least one side (optionally the side opposite the lamination) with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.

[0129] The blank 10; 110; 210; 310; 410 can include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer can be disposed on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and can be formed from a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials can include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK®, which can include a layer of n-axis oriented film, such as MYLAR®, which is a 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 qualities. Tear resistance can also be attributed to the chemistry of the material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE), which is tear resistant.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The adhesive layer can be formed from a polyolefin material, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), etc. The adhesive layer can be disposed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

[0132] The present disclosure provides an improved article retaining structure or top-engaging type carrier having an article top-engaging device.

[0133] The embodiment provides an article retaining structure RT1, RT2 in a main, top or engagement panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412 having a plurality of tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76; 140, 142, 144, 146, 170, 172, 174, 176; 240, 242, 244, 246, 270, 272, 274, 276; 340, 342, 346, 270, 376; 440, 442, 470, 472 disposed around an article receiving aperture A1, A2; A4, A5.

[0134] The article carrier 90;190;290;390;490 includes a top or engagement panel 12;112;212;312;412 and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the top panel 12;112;212;312;412, the skirt structure being configured to engage a plurality of panels 14,16,18,20,24A, 24B, 28A, Includes: 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B.

[0135] In some embodiments, one or both of the longitudinal and lateral dimensions decrease after loading of item B into carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 490. In other embodiments, the diagonal dimension or distance between diagonally opposed corner panels increases after loading. The change in size or shape of the skirt structure has the effect of increasing the circumferential tension in the skirt structure after application to item B to tightly bunch or restrain item B within the group of articles. The increased circumferential tension can then induce an upward force on the carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 490, causing the engagement teeth or tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74, 76; 140, 142, 144, 146, 170, 172, 174, 176; 240, 242, 244, 246, 270, 272, 274, 276; 340, 342, 346, 270, 376; 440, 442, 470, 472 to press tightly against the underside of a feature of article B (e.g., an end closure, a cap, or a neck flange, etc.).

[0136] The embodiment also provides an article carrier 90;190;290;390;490 including a top panel 12;112;212;312;412 and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from the top panel 12;112;212;312;412. The skirt structure supports at least a first pair of opposing panels P. A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2A plurality of panels including: 14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B. A plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B are connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles and bundling the group of articles B together. A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 extend from the upper panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412 to their respective distal ends and the opposing panel P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 but diverge away from each other as they extend away from the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412. The skirt structure has a pre-loading configuration prior to application to a group of articles and a post-loading configuration in which the articles are received by the skirt structure. The skirt structure in the pre-loading configuration is configured to be attached to the opposing panels P. A1 , P B1 The skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded dimension or length L1 measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels P. A2 , P B2The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first post-loaded length L2 is greater than the first pre-loaded length L1.

[0137] In some embodiments, a plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420 A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B includes a pair of opposing end panels 14, 16; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B; 214, 216; 314, 316; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B and a pair of opposing side panels 18, 20; 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, and a first pair of opposing panels P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 includes opposing end panels 14, 16; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B; 214, 216; 314, 316; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B.

[0138] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B are formed from a pair of opposing end panels 14, 16; 4A, 114B, 116A, 116B; 214, 216; 314, 316; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, a pair of opposing side panels 18, 20; 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, and a pair of diagonally opposing corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B, A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 includes diagonally opposed corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B.

[0139] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B; 214, 216, 218, 220; 314, 316, 318, 320, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B are arranged in a second pair of opposing panels P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 a second pair of opposing panels P A1 , PB1 , P A2 , P B2 extend from the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412 to their respective distal ends and a second pair of opposing panels P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 but diverge away from each other as they extend away from the top panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412. The skirt structure in the preloaded configuration is formed by a second pair of opposing panels P A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 The skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a second pre-loaded length measured between the distal ends of the second pair of opposed panels P. A1 , P B1 , P A2 , P B2 The post-loaded configuration differs from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first and second post-loaded lengths are greater than the first and second pre-loaded lengths, respectively.

[0140] 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 apertures can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes, a greater or lesser number of articles, and / or articles arranged in different array configurations.

[0141] It will be recognized that as used in this specification, directional references such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inside," "outside," "upper," and "lower," etc., do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0142] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of a blank that facilitate folding portions of the blank relative to one another or otherwise indicate optimal panel fold locations 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, where each of the two or more fold lines can be either straight / linear or curved / curved in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinge connection, they can be disposed parallel to one another or slightly angled relative to one another. When curved fold lines form a hinge connection, they can cross one another and define a molded panel within the area enclosed by the curved fold line. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of linear fold lines and arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0143] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: scored 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 above options.

[0144] It should be understood that the hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements formed in the blank 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, and any combination thereof. The elements can be sized and positioned to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines can be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold and / or cut lines. Perforation lines can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with greater effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

[0145] The phrase "aligned with" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton (e.g., an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels). The elements that are aligned with one another can be aligned with one another in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "aligned with" a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture can extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and can be aligned with the second aperture in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 10 Blank 12 Main panel, top panel, engagement panel 13 Folding lines 14 First End Panel 15 Folding lines 16 Second End Panel 17 Folding lines 18 First Side Panel 19 Folding lines 20 Second Side Panel 21A Cutting line or cuttable line 21B Cutting line or cuttable line 22A First Fixed Panel 22B Second fixed panel 23A Bend line 23B Fold line 24A 1st corner panel 24B 2nd corner panel 25A bent wire 25B Fold line 26A Third Fixed Panel 26B 4th fixed panel 27A Cutting line or cuttable line 27B Cutting line or cuttable line 28A Third Corner Panel 28B Fourth corner panel 29A Bend Line 29B Fold line 31A Bending line 31B Fold line 40, 42, 44, 46 Engagement teeth, tabs 41, 43, 45, 47 Hinged connections 49 First cut line 51 Second cut line 53 Third cut line 55 Fourth cut line 57, 59 cuts 60 Handle tab 61 Folding Line 70, 72, 74, 76 Engagement teeth, tabs 71, 73, 75, 77 Hinged connections 79 First cut line 81 Second cut line 83 Third cut line 85 Fourth cut line 87, 89 cuts 90 Goods Carrier 110 Blank 112 Main panel, upper panel, engagement panel 113A Bending line 113B Folding line 114A First Upper End Panel 114B First Lower End Panel 115A Bending wire 115B Folding line 116A Second Upper End Panel 116B Second Lower End Panel 117A Bending line 117B Folding line 118A First Upper Side Panel 118B First Lower Side Panel 119A Bending line 119B Folding line 120A Second Upper Side Panel 120B Second Lower Side Panel 121A Bending line 121B Folding line 122A First Lower Fixed Panel Section 122B Second lower fixed panel part 123A Bending line 123B Folding line 124A 1st corner panel 124B Second Corner Panel 125A bent wire 125B Folding line 126A Third Lower Fixed Panel Section 126B Fourth lower fixed panel part 127A Bending line 127B Folding line 128A Third Corner Panel 128B 4th corner panel 129A Bending line 129B Folding line 130A First Upper Fixed Panel Section 130B Second upper fixed panel portion 131A Bending line 131B Folding line 132A Third upper fixed panel section 132B Fourth upper fixed panel part 133A Cutting wire 133B Cutting line 135A Cut Wire 135B Cutting line 140, 142, 144, 146 Engagement teeth, tabs 170, 172, 174, 176 Engagement teeth, tabs 190 Goods Carrier 210 Blank 212 Main panel, upper panel, engagement panel 214 First End Panel 216 Second End Panel 217 Folding Line 218 First Side Panel 219 Folding Line 220 Second Side Panel 221A Cutting or cutting line 221B Cutting or cutting lines 222A First Fixed Panel 222B Second Fixed Panel 223A Bending line 223B Folding line 226A Third Fixed Panel 226B 4th fixed panel 227A Cutting or cutting line 227B Cutting or cutting lines 229A Bending line 229B Folding line 240, 242, 244, 246 Engagement teeth, tabs 270, 272, 274, 276 Engagement teeth, tabs 290 Goods Carrier 310 Blank 312 Main panel, upper panel, engagement panel 313 Folding Line 314 First End Panel 315 Folding Line 316 Second End Panel 317 Folding Line 318 First Side Panel 319 Folding Line 320 Second Side Panel 322A First Fixed Panel 322B Second Fixed Panel 323A Bending line 323B Folding line 324A 1st corner panel 324B 2nd Corner Panel 326A Third Fixed Panel 326B 4th fixed panel 328A Third Corner Panel 328B 4th corner panel 329A Bending line 329B Folding line 340, 342, 346 Engagement teeth, tabs 343, 345 Cutting line 357 Cut Line 370, 372, 376 Engagement teeth, tabs 373, 375 Cutting line 390 Goods Carrier 410 Blank 412 Main panel, upper panel, engagement panel 413A Bending line 414A Upper End Panel 414B Lower End Panel 415A Bending wire 416A Upper End Panel 416B Lower End Panel 418A Upper Side Panel 418B Lower Side Panel 420A Upper Side Panel 420B Lower Side Panel 424A Corner Panel 424B Corner Panel 428A Corner Panel 428B Corner Panel 440, 442 Engagement teeth, tab 443 Folding Line 470, 472 Engagement teeth, tab 490 Goods Carrier A1 First Aperture A2 Second Aperture A3 aperture A4 aperture A5 aperture A6 aperture A7 Aperture B, B1, B2 Goods C End Closure C1 Carrier before engagement with group of items B C2 Carrier after engagement with group of items B G glue area H Handle Structure L1 First dimension or length L2 Second dimension or length N1, N2, N3, N4 Conceptual lines N T Side wall, neck, or shoulder of item B P A , P B A pair of opposing panels P A1 , P B1 A pair of opposing panels before engagement P A2 , P B2 A pair of opposing panels after engagement P1 Panel P2 Panel P3 Panel P4 Panel P5 Panel P6 Panel P7 Panel P8 Panel P9 Panel P 10 panel P 11 panel RT1 Endmost item holding structure RT2 Intermediate item retention structure RT3 Endmost item holding structure RT4 Intermediate item retention structure RT5 Endmost item holding structure RT6 Intermediate item retention structure T Main Panel U A2 , U B2 Sloped upper panel θ1 internal angle θ2 internal angle a Length of panel P3 b Length of panel P2 c Length of panel P1 d Length of panel P6 e Length of Panel P5 f Length of panel P4 m Length of panel P8 n Length of panel P7 x Panel P 11 Length y Panel P 10 Length z Length of panel P9

Claims

1. 1. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a main panel and a skirt structure, the skirt structure surrounding and extending from the main panel, the skirt structure comprising a plurality of panels including at least a first pair of opposing panels, the plurality of panels being connected together such that the skirt structure provides a continuous loop for surrounding a group of articles to bind the articles of the group together, the first pair of opposing panels extending from the main panel to their respective distal ends such that the opposing panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel, the skirt structure having a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to the group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after loading with articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure, the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration having a first pre-loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. １ and the skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. ２ and the loaded configuration is different from the pre-loaded configuration, and the first loaded length L ２ is the first pre-loading length L １ It is larger than a goods carrier.

2. 2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing end panels and a pair of opposing side panels, the opposing panels of the first pair including the opposing end panels.

3. 2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing end panels, a pair of opposing side panels, and at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels, the first pair of opposing panels including the at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels.

4. 2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes a second pair of opposing panels extending from the main panel to their respective distal ends such that the opposing panels of the second pair diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel, the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a second pre-loaded length measured between the distal ends of the second pair of opposing panels, and the skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration has a second post-loaded length measured between the distal ends of the second pair of opposing panels, the post-loaded configuration differing from the pre-loaded configuration such that the first and second post-loaded lengths are greater than the first and second pre-loaded lengths, respectively.

5. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a main panel and a plurality of panels for forming a skirt structure extending from the main panel to encircle the main panel in a set-up condition, the plurality of panels being configured to be connected together, the skirt structure providing a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles to bind the articles of the group together, the skirt structure including at least a first pair of opposing panels extending from the main panel to their respective distal ends, in a set-up condition the opposing panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel, the skirt structure having a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to the group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after loading with articles, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure, the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration having a first pre-loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. １ and the skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing panels. ２ and the loaded configuration is different from the pre-loaded configuration, and the first loaded length L ２ is the first pre-loading length L １ It looks bigger than the blank.

6. 1. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, said article carrier comprising a main panel and a skirt structure surrounding and extending from said main panel, said skirt structure comprising a plurality of panels connected together, said skirt structure providing a continuous loop for surrounding a group of articles to bind said group of articles together, said plurality of panels including at least one pair of opposing upper panels and at least a first pair of opposing lower panels, said opposing upper panels extending from said main panel and having a front the opposing upper panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel, the first pair of opposing lower panels are connected to the opposing upper panels such that the first pair of opposing lower panels extend to their respective distal ends, the skirt structure having a pre-loaded configuration prior to application of the group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after articles are loaded therewith, in which the articles are received by the skirt structure, and the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration has a first pre-loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. １ and the skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. ２ and the loaded configuration is different from the pre-loaded configuration, and the first loaded length L ２ is the first pre-loading length L １ It is larger than a goods carrier.

7. 7. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing lower end panels and a pair of opposing lower side panels, the lower side panels and the lower end panels being connected to the at least one pair of opposing upper panels, and the first pair of opposing lower panels includes the opposing lower end panels.

8. 7. The article carrier of claim 6, wherein the plurality of panels includes a pair of opposing lower end panels, a pair of opposing lower side panels, and at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels, the first pair of opposing lower panels including the at least one pair of diagonally opposing corner panels.

9. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a main panel and a plurality of panels for forming a skirt structure extending from the main panel to encircle the main panel in a set-up condition, the plurality of panels being configured to be connected together, the skirt structure providing a continuous loop for encircling a group of articles to bind the articles of the group together, the plurality of panels including at least one pair of opposing upper panels and at least a first pair of opposing lower panels, the opposing upper panels extending from the main panel and the opposing upper panels forming a skirt structure for encircling the group of articles ... plurality of panels including at least one pair of opposing upper panels and at least a first pair of opposing lower panels the side panels diverge away from one another as they extend away from the main panel, the first pair of opposing lower panels being connected to the opposing upper panels such that the first pair of opposing lower panels extend to their respective distal ends, the skirt structure having a pre-loaded configuration prior to application to a group of articles and a post-loaded configuration after articles have been loaded, the articles being received by the skirt structure in the post-loaded configuration, and the skirt structure in the pre-loaded configuration having a first pre-loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. １ and the skirt structure in the loaded configuration has a first loaded length L measured between the distal ends of the opposing lower panels. ２ and the loaded configuration is different from the pre-loaded configuration, and the first loaded length L ２ is the first pre-loading length L １ It looks bigger than the blank.

Images