Article carrier and blanks therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier (90, 290, 390, 490) for packaging one or more articles (B), and a blank (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for forming the carrier (90, 290, 390, 490). The carrier (90; 290; 390; 490) has at least one engagement panel (12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F) and at least one engagement panel (12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / and a pair of side panels (14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B, 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B) hinged to opposite edges of the engagement panel (12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F). A plurality of end panels are hinged to a first end of at least one engagement panel (12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F).The plurality of end panels include a first end panel (18A / 18B, 20A / 20B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 218A / 218B, 220A / 220B, 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B; 418A / 418B / 418C / 418D / 418E / 418F, 420A / 420B / 420C / 420D / 420E / 420F) having a pair of opposite side edges; , a pair of corner panels (24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B) hinged to each of the side edges on both sides, B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B) and fixed panels (22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B) hinged to each fixed panel (22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, and a flap (30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B) hinged to the upper edge of the The flaps (30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B) have free upper or side edges that have a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for allowing consumers to transport, store, and utilize a group of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and generate as little waste as possible of the material from which they are formed. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting articles of large weight. It is desirable for the contents of the carton to be secured within the carton. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is known to provide an upper gripping article carrier having an opening formed in a panel of the carrier with a tab cut from the panel and positioned about the opening such that the tab is displaced out of the plane of the panel when an article is received in the opening, 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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engagement panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges, a corner panel hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges, and a fixed panel hinged to each corner panel. A flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fixed panel. The flap has a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curvilinear shape.

[0005] Advantageously, the rounded free upper edge of the flap facilitates the construction process and may be brought into contact with the inner surface of the adjacent one of the pair of side panels during the process of folding the pair of side panels downwards. The rounded edge instead allows the flap to slide along the inner surface of said one of the pair of side panels to reach the correct effective position next to the tab, thus avoiding or mitigating the flap from being crushed or improperly folded by said one of the pair of side panels.

[0006] A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engagement panel and a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel. At least one of the pair of side panels comprises a tab structure including a tab opening. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel and having a pair of opposing side edges. A corner panel is hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges. A fastening panel is hinged to each corner panel and a flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fastening panel. The flap comprises a notch in the form of an opening or recess, the notch being positioned in alignment with at least a portion of the tab opening such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the tab structure.

[0007] A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises an engagement panel hingedly connected between a pair of sidewall panels by first and second hinge connections, respectively, and at least one end panel. The engagement panel comprises at least two article receiving devices and a panel portion disposed therebetween. The panel portion is hingedly connected between the pair of sidewall panels by third and fourth hinge connections, respectively. The panel portion is recessed such that a central region thereof is disposed at a height below edge regions of the panel portion.

[0008] Optionally, the panel portions may be automatically configured into the recessed state upon assembly of the carrier.

[0009] Optionally, the first hinge connection and the second hinge connection are spaced a first distance apart, and the third hinge connection and the fourth hinge connection are spaced a second distance apart, which may be greater than the first distance.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a pair of engagement panels hingedly connected to one another along a fold line to form a ridge. The carrier comprises at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of engagement panels to be disposed along the ridge. At least one end panel is coupled to the engagement panels.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a pair of side panels hingedly connected to one another along a fold line to form a ridge. The carrier comprises at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of side panels to be disposed along the ridge. An end panel is coupled to both of the pair of side panels.

[0012] Optionally, the end panels are coupled to each of the engagement panels by respective connecting panels.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a multi-layer engagement panel having at least one article retaining structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom, the multi-layer engagement panel comprising a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engagement panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges, a corner panel hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges, and a fixed panel hinged to each corner panel. A flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fixed panel. The flap has a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curvilinear shape.

[0015] Optionally, the flap extends between the fixed panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels.

[0016] Optionally, the flap is separated from said one side edge of the pair of side panels by a cut line.

[0017] Optionally, the flap is separated from a side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

[0018] Optionally, the free upper edge forms an inner edge facing a portion of the first end panel and separated therefrom by an opening.

[0019] An eighth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engagement panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges, a corner panel hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges, and a fixed panel hinged to each corner panel. A flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fixed panel. The flap has a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape.

[0020] Optionally, the flap extends between the fixed panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels.

[0021] Optionally, the flap is separated from said one side edge of the pair of side panels by a cut line.

[0022] Optionally, the flap is separated from a side edge of said one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

[0023] Optionally, the free side edge forms an inner edge facing a portion of the first end panel and separated therefrom by an opening.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one engagement panel, a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, and a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges, a corner panel hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges, and a fixed panel hinged to each corner panel. A flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fixed panel. The flap has a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one engagement panel and a pair of side panels hinged to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel. At least one of the pair of side panels comprises a tab structure including a tab opening. A plurality of end panels are hinged to a first end of the at least one engagement panel. The plurality of end panels comprises a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges, a corner panel hinged to each of the pair of opposing side edges, and a fastening panel hinged to each corner panel. A flap is hinged to an upper edge of each fastening panel. The flap comprises a notch in the form of an opening or recess. The notch is configured to be positioned in alignment with at least a portion of the tab opening in a set up state such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the tab structure.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engagement panel hingedly connected between a pair of sidewall panels by first and second hinge connections, respectively, and at least one end panel. The engagement panel comprises at least two article receiving devices and a panel portion disposed therebetween. The panel portions are hingedly connected between the pair of sidewall panels by third and fourth hinge connections, respectively. The panel portions are recessed such that a central region thereof is disposed at a height below an edge region of the panel portions.

[0027] A twelfth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a pair of engagement panels hinged together along a fold line to form a ridge, the blank comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of engagement panels to be disposed along the ridge, and at least one end panel coupled to the engagement panels.

[0028] A thirteenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a pair of side panels hinged together along a fold line to form a ridge, the blank comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of side panels to be disposed along the ridge, and an end panel coupled to both of the pair of side panels.

[0029] A fourteenth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a multi-layer engagement panel having at least one article retaining structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom, the multi-layer engagement panel comprising a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0031] Within the scope of this application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings may be considered or employed independently or in any combination thereof.

[0032] Features or elements described in relation to or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and said features or elements taken from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in place of, one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0033] Any feature or combination of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be taken in isolation from other features of that embodiment, or any feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 2 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 2B] 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. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 5 is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of FIG. 4. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of FIG. 6. [Figure 7] 7 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 6 to form a package having a plurality of articles. [Figure 7B] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the interior of the carrier of FIG. 7 with items omitted for illustrative purposes. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a portion of the blank of FIG. 8. [Figure 9]9 illustrates the steps of constructing the blank of FIG. 8 into a carrier. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] 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 invention may be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as an example, specimen, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limitations, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various ways.

[0037] 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, can be formed for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as Article B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0038] Alternative blanks 110, 210, 310, 410 for forming cartons or carriers 290, 390, 490 as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 10 for receiving and carrying a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as Article B, are shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 8.

[0039] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container for engaging and carrying an article, such as a primary product container, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the present invention. It is believed that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0040] The blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 are formed from sheets of suitable substrate. As used herein, it should be understood that the term "suitable substrate" includes any type of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be utilized, for example, as appropriate for providing a carrier structure, which is described in more detail below.

[0041] The packaging structures or cartons 90, 290, 390, 490 described herein may be formed from sheet materials, such as paperboard, which may be made or coated with materials that enhance its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth or may have a coating or other surface treatment, such as a clay coating, to provide good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise processed to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90, 290, 390, 490 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the arrangement is a 2x3 matrix or array with two rows of three items B, which are 500ml plastic bottles (not shown).

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the arrangement is a 2×2 matrix or array with two rows of two items B, where items B are 1.75 liter plastic bottles (not shown).

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10, the layout is a 1×2 matrix or array, with two items B provided in one row, and items B being 2-liter plastic bottles.

[0045] Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers and sizes of articles and / or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, including a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or mating panel of a carrier 90 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0047] The first upper end panel 14A is hinged to the first end of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 13A. The first lower end panel 14B is hinged to the first upper end panel 14A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 13B.

[0048] A second upper end panel 16A is hingedly connected to the second end of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 15A. A second lower end panel 16B is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 16A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 15B.

[0049] A first upper side panel 18A is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 17A. A first lower side panel 18B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 18A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 17B.

[0050] A second upper side panel 20A is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 19A. A second lower side panel 20B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 20A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 19B.

[0051] The first corner panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the first lower side panel 18A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 25A. The second corner panel 24B is hinged to a first end of the second lower side panel 20B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 25B.

[0052] The first fastening panel 22A / 30A is hinged to the first corner panel 24A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23A. The first fastening panel 22A / 30A comprises a first lower fastening panel portion 22A and a first upper fastening panel portion 30A, which is hinged to the first upper fastening panel portion 30A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21A. The first upper fastening panel portion 30A is separated from the first upper end panel 14A and the first lower end panel 14B by a tear line 33A or by a weakened or severable line. An opening A3 separates the first corner panel 24A from the first upper end panel 14A, and also separates the first upper fastening panel portion 30A from a portion of the first upper side panel 18A and the first lower end panel 14B.

[0053] The second fastening panel 22B / 30B is hinged to the second corner panel 24B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23B. The second fastening panel 22B / 30B comprises a second lower fastening panel portion 22B and a second upper fastening panel portion 30B, which is hinged to the second upper fastening panel portion 30B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21B. The second upper fastening panel portion 30B is separated from the first upper end panel 14A and the first lower end panel 14B by a tear line 33B or by a weakened or severable line. An opening A3 separates the second corner panel 24B from the first upper end panel 14A, and also separates the second upper fastening panel portion 30B from a portion of the second upper side panel 20A and the first lower end panel 14B.

[0054] The third corner panel 28A is hinged to a second end of the first lower side panel 18A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 31 A. The fourth corner panel 28B is hinged to a second end of the second lower side panel 20A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 31B.

[0055] The third fastening panel 26A / 32A is hinged to the third corner panel 28A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 29A. The third fastening panel 26A / 32A comprises a third lower fastening panel portion 26A and a third upper fastening panel portion 32A, the third lower fastening panel portion 26A being hinged to the third upper fastening panel portion 32A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 27A. The third upper fastening panel portion 32A is separated from the second upper end panel 16A and the second lower end panel 16B by a tear line 35A or by a weakened or severable line. An opening A3 separates the third corner panel 28A from the second upper end panel 16A, and the opening A3 also separates the third upper fastening panel portion 32A from a portion of the first upper side panel 18A and the second lower end panel 16B.

[0056] The fourth fastening panel 26B / 32B is hinged to the fourth corner panel 28B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 29B. The fourth fastening panel 26B / 32B comprises a fourth lower fastening panel portion 26B and a fourth upper fastening panel portion 32B, which is hinged to the fourth upper fastening panel portion 32B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 27B. The fourth upper fastening panel portion 32B is separated from the second upper end panel 16A and the second lower end panel 16B by a tear line 35B or by a weakened or severable line. An opening A3 separates the fourth corner panel 28B from the second upper end panel 16A, and the opening A3 also separates the fourth upper fastening panel portion 32B from a portion of the second upper side panel 20A and the second lower end panel 16B.

[0057] The main panel 12 includes at least one item retention structure RT1, RT2. The main panel 12 includes a plurality of item retention structures RT1, RT2, specifically six item retention structures RT1, RT2 arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array.

[0058] The article retaining structures RT1, RT2 comprise a pair of opposed tabs 40, 42, 70, 72. The first tab 40, 70 extends from and is integral with one of the first side panel 18A or the second side panel 20A. The second tab 42, 72 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 43. A portion of the first tab 40, 70 is separated from the second tab 42, 72, i.e., it is formed from the material that otherwise forms the second tab 42, 72. A pair of openings A4, A5, A6, A7 define at least a portion of the side edges on either side of the first tab 40, 70 and the second tab 42, 72. The extreme end or corner retaining structure RT1 may comprise an outer or extreme end opening A5 configured to block the fold line 13A, 15A between the respective upper end panel 14A, 16A and the main panel 12. The extreme end opening A5 may include a notch or recess that defines an edge portion of the extreme end opening A5 and is aligned in line with the folds 13A, 15A.

[0059] The blank 10 may include a tab 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 tab 60 cut from or defined within the main panel 12. Each tab 60 is hingedly connected to the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 61, and the tabs 60 may hinge opposite one another.

[0060] 2A and 2B illustrate a carrier 90 formed from the blank 10 of FIG. 1. The blank 10 may be preassembled into the carrier 90 as shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2A, the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are substantially planar and extend between the lower side panels 18A, 20A and the lower end panels 14A, 16A. More specifically, the preassembled article carrier 90 of FIG. 2A may provide a skirt structure formed from the side panels 18A / 18B, 20A / 20B, the end panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B, and the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B. Each pair of opposing upper panels (i.e., opposing upper side panels 18A, 20A and opposing upper end panels 14A, 16A) are angled relative to the main panel 12 such that the opposing panels of each pair diverge from one another as they extend downwardly from the main panel 12. The opposing lower side panels 18B, 20B extend from the lower edges of the upper side panels 18A, 20A, respectively. The lower side panels 18B, 20B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 12. The opposing lower end panels 14B, 16B extend from the lower edges of the upper end panels 14A, 16A, respectively. The lower end panels 14B, 16B are substantially planar and perpendicular to the main panel 12. Each corner panel 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B interconnects adjacent lower side and end panels to provide a respective corner panel of the skirt structure. The corner panels 24 A, 24 B, 28 A, 28 B are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 12 .

[0061] 2B shows the carrier 90 after application to a group of articles, with article B omitted from FIG. 2B for illustrative purposes. The corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B may be deformed from their initial planar shape and assume a generally convex shape (when viewed from an exterior perspective), whereby the length or area of ​​the region of the corner panels 24A, 24B 28A, 28B in contact with article B may increase. The maximum distance between a pair of diagonally opposed corner panels 24A / 28B, 24B / 28A increases. A portion of the corner panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B is displaced outward.

[0062] 3-10, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the illustrated second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, where possible, like numerals have been used to represent like parts, although the prefixes "100", "200", "300", "400" have been added to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1-2B, and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-2B will be described in more detail.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a blank 110 according to a second embodiment comprising a plurality of panels 112, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, including a main panel 112 for forming a top wall or engagement panel of a carrier 290 as shown in FIG.

[0064] The blank 110 of Figure 3 is similar in construction to the blank of Figure 1, with the blank 110 including an alternative article retention structure RT3. The main panel 112 includes a plurality of article retention structures RT3, specifically, four article retention structures RT3 arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT3 includes a pair of opposing tabs 140, 142. The first tab 140 is hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 141. The second tab 142 is hingedly connected to the main panel 112 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 143. The fold lines 141, 143 are parallel to the fold lines 113A, 115A that hinge the upper end panels 114A, 116A to the main panel 112 (in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second tab 42 is hinged to the main panel 12 by a fold line 43 that is perpendicular to the fold lines 13A, 15A that hinge the upper end panels 14A, 16A to the main panel 12). The first tab 140 is separated from the second tab by a cut or severable line. A pair of openings A4, A5 define at least a portion of the side edges on either side of the first tab 140 and the second tab 142. The extreme end or corner retention structure RT3 may include an outer or extreme end opening A5 configured to block the fold lines 117A, 119A between the respective upper side panels 118A, 120A and the main panel 112. The extreme opening A5 may include a notch or recess that defines an edge portion of the extreme opening A5 and is aligned in line with the folds 117A, 119A.

[0065] The blank 410 includes a tab structure H in each of the upper end panels 114A, 116A. Each tab structure H is substantially similar in structure and includes a tab opening defined at least in part by at least one tab 160A, 160B, 160C, with the illustrated embodiment including three tabs 160A, 160B, 160C disposed about the area of ​​the tab opening that provides an upper edge during normal use. Each tab 160A, 160B, 160C is hingedly connected to a respective one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 161A, 161B, 161C.

[0066] Each of the upper fastening panel portions 130A, 130B, 132A, 132B includes a respective recess R1, R2, R3, R4 that is configured and arranged to be complementary to at least a portion of a knob opening in one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A, such that when the upper fastening panel portions 130A, 130B, 132A, 132B are placed and / or secured in face-to-face relationship to one of the upper end panels 114A, 116A, an opening is provided that allows the knob tabs 160A, 160B, 160B to be folded inwardly of the carrier, and that also allows a user to insert one or more fingers into the carrier for engagement with the knob structure H.

[0067] Optionally, the first lower end panel 114B and the second lower end panel 116B may each include a pair of folds F1 / F2, F3 / F4 defining their end portions or edge regions to facilitate folding of the end portions or edge portions around the edge of the article B.

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a blank 210 according to a third embodiment comprising a plurality of panels 212, 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, including a main panel 212 for forming a top wall or engagement panel of a carrier (not shown).

[0069] Blank 210 of FIG. 4 is adapted to accommodate a pair of articles B in a 1×2 arrangement, but is similar in structure to blanks 10, 110 of FIGS. 1 and 3, with blank 210 also including an alternative article retaining structure RT4 and a tab structure H.

[0070] Figure 4B shows a portion of the blank 210 of Figure 4, the blank 210 comprising a first top panel portion 212A and a second top panel portion 212B. The first top panel portion 212A is hingedly connected to a first upper end panel 214A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 213A. The second top panel portion 212B is hingedly connected to a second upper end panel 216A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 215A. The second top panel portion 212B is hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 212A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 215C.

[0071] The main panel 212 includes a pair of item retention structures RT4 arranged in a 1×2 matrix or array. Each of the item retention structures RT4 includes a pair of opposing tabs 240 extending from and integral with the first and second upper end panels 214A, 216A, respectively. The item retention structures RT4 include an engagement tab 242 extending from and integral with the first and second upper side panels 218A, 220A, respectively. The item retaining structure RT4 comprises a pair of adjacently disposed hinged engagement tabs 246, one of which is hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 212A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 245 and the other of which is hingedly connected to the second top panel portion 212B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 245, the first hinged engagement tab 246 and the second hinged engagement tab 246 being hingedly connected to one another by a fold line 249. The tabs 240, 242, 246 surround an opening A1 that defines an engagement edge of each tab 240, 242, 246.

[0072] An opening A2 is cut partially out of the first top panel portion 212A and partially out of the second top panel portion 212B to interrupt the fold line 213C therebetween, separating a portion of each hinged engagement tab 246 from the first top panel portion 212A or second top panel portion 212B to which it is hingedly connected.

[0073] Each hinged tab 246 may include a fold 247 that extends from the opening A2 to a cut line that separates the tab 246 from an adjacent one of the pair of opposing tabs 240.

[0074] A respective cut line separates an engagement tab 242 from each of the pair of opposing tabs 240 and terminates in a perpendicularly extending cut that extends substantially between the upper end panels 214A, 216A and the upper side panels 218A, 220A and partially defines a triangular top panel portion joining the upper end panels 214A, 216A to the upper side panels 218A, 220A.

[0075] The triangular top panel portion is hinged to one of the first upper end panel 214A and the second upper end panel 216A by hinge connections in the form of folds 213D, 215D.

[0076] The fold line 213D hingedly connecting the triangular top panel portion to the first upper end panel 214A is spaced a first distance D1 from the fold line 215D hingedly connecting the triangular top panel portion to the second upper end panel 216A.

[0077] The first distance D1 defines the width of the top panels 212A / 212B of the assembled carrier 290.

[0078] The fold line 213A hingedly connecting the first top panel portion 212A to the first upper end panel 214A is spaced a second distance D2 from the fold line 215A hingedly connecting the second top panel portion 212B to the second upper end panel 216A.

[0079] The second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1, resulting in the top panels 212A / 212B assuming a non-planar configuration in the set up carrier 290. The divergent relationship between the folds 245 of the pair of hinged tabs 246 may encourage the top panels 212A / 212B to assume a concave or recessed shape when viewed from an exterior perspective, i.e., the fold 213C assumes a lower height than the folds 213A, 215A.

[0080] In other embodiments, the top panels 212A / 212B have a non-planar configuration in which the fold 213C defines a ridge or peak, with the fold 213C assuming a higher elevation than the folds 213A, 215A.

[0081] 5 and 5B show a carrier 290 constructed from the blank 210 of FIG. 4 with the upper end panels 214A, 216A configured to taper or bend inwardly toward their top edges. The first top panel portion 212A and the second top panel portion 212B are recessed to form a groove or valley at the top end of the carrier 290. The tabs 240, 242, 246 are folded outwardly of the carrier 290 to engage article B under a flange or protrusion on article B. The upper side panels 218A, 220A are configured to taper or bend inwardly toward their top edges.

[0082] The lower side panels 218B, 220B and lower end panels 214B, 216B and corner panels 224A, 224B, 228A, 228B together form a strap or bond member around the body of article B.

[0083] The blank 210 includes a tab structure H in each of the upper end panels 214A, 216A, the tab structure H including a tab opening at least partially defined by a tab 260 cut from or defined in one of the upper end panels 214A, 216A. Each tab 260 is hingedly connected to said upper end panel 214A, 216A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold 261, and the tab 60 may include a pair of divergently arranged folds.

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a blank 310 according to a fourth embodiment comprising a plurality of panels 314A, 314B, 316A, 316B, 318A, 318B, 320A, 320B, the blank 310 of FIG. 6 being similar in construction to the blanks 10, 110, 210 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, although a significant portion of the main panel 12, 112, 212 forming the top wall has been omitted and instead a portion of the first upper end panel 314A is hinged directly to the second upper end panel 316A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 313C.

[0085] The main panel 312 includes a pair of alternative article retaining structures RT5 arranged in a 1×2 matrix or array. Each of the article retaining structures RT5 includes a pair of generally opposed tabs 340A, 340B arranged on either side of the article receiving opening A1. Each of the pair of generally opposed tabs 340A, 340B is hingedly connected to one of the first and second upper end panels 314A, 316A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 341A, 341B. The fold lines 341A, 341B may be non-linear. The first fold line 341A that hinges the first tab 340A to the first upper end panel 314A is arranged to diverge relative to the second fold line 341B that hinges the second tab 340B to the second upper end panel 316A. The first fold 341A is separated from the second fold 341B by a portion of the article receiving opening A1.

[0086] The first upper end panel 314A is joined to the first upper side panel 318A by a top panel portion 312A. The first upper end panel 314A is joined to the second upper side panel 320A by a top panel portion 312A. The second upper end panel 316A is joined to the first upper side panel 318A by a top panel portion 312A. The second upper end panel 316A is joined to the second upper side panel 320A by a top panel portion 312A.

[0087] The article retention structure RT5 comprises a pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B, best shown in FIG. 6B, each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B being partially hinged to one of the first and second side panels 318A, 320A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 343A, 343B, respectively. The fold lines 343A, 343B may be non-linear. Each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B is partially hinged to one of the top panel portions 312A, 312B. The first pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B is separated from the other of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 342B by a cut line 343C. Each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 342A, 343B may include a crease 349 to facilitate folding of the tabs 342A, 342B around the article B.

[0088] Figure 7 shows a carrier 390 constructed from the blank 310 of Figure 6, with the upper end panels 314A, 316A configured to taper or curve inwardly toward their upper edges to define a ridge or crest. The lower side panels 318B, 320B and lower end panels 314B, 316B and corner panels 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B together form a strap or bond member around the body of the article B.

[0089] 7B shows an interior portion of the carrier 390 with the first fastening panel 322A / 330A disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first upper end panel 314A and the first lower end panel 314B. The first lower fastening panel portion 322A is secured to the first lower end panel 314B. The first upper fastening panel portion 330A may be disposed in face-to-face relationship with and secured to the first upper end panel 314A.

[0090] The second fastening panel 322B / 330B is disposed in a face-to-face relationship on the first upper fastening panel 314A and the first lower fastening panel 314B. The second lower fastening panel portion 322B is secured to the first lower end panel 314B. The second upper fastening panel portion 330B may be disposed in a face-to-face relationship on the first upper end panel 314A and secured thereto. The tab structure H of the first upper end panel 314A is disposed in alignment with the recesses R1, R2 of the first upper fastening panel portion 330A and the second upper fastening panel portion 330B. In this manner, the tab flap 360 may be folded inwardly of the carrier 390 through the openings defined in the first upper fastening panel portion 330A and the second upper fastening panel portion 330B by the recesses R1, R2.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a blank 410 according to a fifth embodiment comprising a plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F, 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, the blank 410 of FIG. 8 being similar in construction to the blanks 10, 110, 210, 310 of FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, although comprising a plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F to form a multi-layered top panel or engagement panel T (see FIG. 10).

[0092] The blank 410 comprises a first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B of which the top panel portion 412A is hingedly connected to a first upper end panel 414A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 413A. The top panel portion 412B of the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B is hingedly connected to the top panel portion 412A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line F5.

[0093] The blank 410 comprises a second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D of which the top panel portion 412C is hingedly connected to the top panel portion 412B of the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line F6. The top panel portion 412D of the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D is hingedly connected to the top panel portion 412C by a hinge connection in the form of fold line F7.

[0094] The blank 410 comprises a third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F of which the top panel portion 412E is connected to the top panel portion 412D of the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinge connection in the form of fold line F8. The top panel portion 412F of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F is hingedly connected to the top panel portion 412E by a hinge connection in the form of fold line F9. The top panel portion 412F of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F is hingedly connected to the second upper end panel 416A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 415A.

[0095] The blank 410 comprises a plurality of panels to form a multi-layer sidewall. A first upper side panel 418A is hingedly connected to a first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417A. A first lower side panel 418B is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 418A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417B.

[0096] The second upper side panel 420A is hingedly connected to the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419 A. The second lower side panel 420B is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 420A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419B.

[0097] The third upper side panel 418C is hingedly connected to the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417C. The third lower side panel 418D is hingedly connected to the third upper side panel 418C by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417D.

[0098] The fourth upper side panel 420C is hingedly connected to the second pair of top panel portions 412C, 412D by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419C. The fourth lower side panel 420D is hingedly connected to the fourth upper side panel 420C by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419D.

[0099] The fifth upper side panel 418E is hingedly connected to the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417E. The fifth lower side panel 418F is hingedly connected to the fifth upper side panel 418E by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 417F.

[0100] The sixth upper side panel 420E is hingedly connected to the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419E. The sixth lower side panel 420F is hingedly connected to the sixth upper side panel 420E by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 419F.

[0101] The first lower side panel 418B is hinged to the first corner panel 424A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 425A.

[0102] The third lower side panel 418D is hinged to the first lower side panel 418B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 425C.

[0103] The fifth lower side panel 418F is hinged to the third lower side panel 418D by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 431C.

[0104] The fifth lower side panel 418F is hinged to the third corner panel 428A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 431A.

[0105] The second lower side panel 420B is hinged to the second corner panel 424B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 425B.

[0106] The fourth lower side panel 420D is hinged to the second lower side panel 420B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 425E.

[0107] The sixth lower side panel 420F is hinged to the fourth lower side panel 420D by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 431E.

[0108] The sixth lower side panel 420F is hinged to the fourth corner panel 428B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 431B.

[0109] The third upper side panel 418C is separated from the third upper side panel 418A by a cut or severable line 425D.

[0110] The third upper side panel 418C is separated from the fifth upper side panel 418E by a cut or severable line 431D.

[0111] The fourth upper side panel 420C is separated from the second upper side panel 420A by a cut or severable line 425F.

[0112] The fourth upper side panel 420C is separated from the sixth upper side panel 420E by a cut or severable line 431F.

[0113] Optionally, a dimension of the first lower side panel 418B may be longer or taller than a dimension of the third lower side panel 418D and the fifth lower side panel 418F.

[0114] Optionally, the second lower side panel 420B may have a dimension longer or taller than the dimensions of the fourth lower side panel 420D and the sixth lower side panel 420F.

[0115] The plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F to form the multi-layered top panel include structures to form an item retaining structure. The first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B include an item receiving opening in the form of an aperture A6.

[0116] The second pair of upper panel portions 412C, 412D and the third pair of upper panel portions 412E, 412F comprise further article receiving openings, also referred to herein as upper receiving devices RT6, arranged in alignment with the respective article receiving openings of the first pair of upper panel portions 412A, 412B. Each of the further article receiving openings of the second pair of upper panel portions 412C, 412D is arranged in alignment with the respective article receiving openings of the third pair of upper panel portions 412E, 412F. Each of the further article receiving openings of the second pair of upper panel portions 412C, 412D and the third pair of upper panel portions 412E, 412F is substantially identical in structure and will be described in further detail with reference to one of the further article receiving openings, also referred to herein as article retaining devices RT6, arranged in the third pair of upper panel portions 412E, 412F as shown in FIG. 8B. The further article receiving opening comprises an opening A1 and a plurality of engagement tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 disposed therearound. The plurality of engagement tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 comprises a pair of opposing tabs 440 hingedly connected by fold lines to each of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F.

[0117] The plurality of engagement tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 comprises a pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B, each of which is partially hinged to one of the fifth upper side panel 418E and the sixth upper side panel 420E by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 443A, 443B, respectively. The fold lines 443A, 443B may be non-linear. Each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B is partially hinged to one of the third pair of top panel portions 412E, 412F. The first pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B is separated from the other of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B by a cut line. Each of the pair of adjacently disposed tabs 442A, 442B may include a crease to facilitate folding of the tabs 442A, 442B around the article B.

[0118] The further article receiving opening includes a pair of adjacently positioned hinged engagement tabs 446, one of which is hingedly connected to the fifth top panel portion 412E by a hinge connection in the form of a fold and the other of which is hingedly connected to the sixth top panel portion 412F by a hinge connection in the form of a fold, the first hinged engagement tab 446 and the second hinged engagement tab 446 being hingedly connected to each other by a fold.

[0119] An opening A2 is cut partially out of the fifth top panel portion 412E and partially out of the sixth top panel portion 412F to interrupt the fold F9 therebetween, separating a portion of each hinged engagement tab 446 from the fifth top panel portion 412E or sixth top panel portion 412F to which it is hingedly connected.

[0120] Optionally, at least one fold 451A, 453A may extend from the opening A2 to an edge of the fifth top panel portion 412E defined by fold F8. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of folds 451A, 453A extend from the opening A2 to an edge of the fifth top panel portion 412E, and the pair of folds 451A, 453A are arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0121] Optionally, at least one fold line 451B, 453B may extend from the opening A2 to an edge of the sixth top panel portion 412F defined by the fold line 415A. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of fold lines 451B, 453B extend from the opening A2 to an edge of the sixth top panel portion 412F, and the pair of fold lines 451B, 453B are arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0122] The pair of folds 451A, 453A and the pair of folds 451B, 453B may facilitate folding central regions of the fifth top panel portion 412E and the sixth top panel portion 412F into a non-planar relationship relative to one another and / or into a recessed (or in other embodiments, protruding) configuration at the upper end of the carrier 490.

[0123] 9 illustrates the construction of the blank 410 into a carrier 490. The plurality of panels 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F are formed into a multi-layered top panel T by folding the second top panel portions 412C, 412D and the third top panel portions 412E, 412F into overlapping or overlapping relationship with each other and with the first pair of top panel portions 412A, 412B.

[0124] The blank 410 is folded at fold lines F6, 425C, 425E to place the third top panel portion 412C in facing relationship with the second top panel portion 412B, the third upper side panel 418C in facing relationship with the first upper side panel 418A, the third lower side panel 418D in facing relationship with the first lower side panel 418B, the fourth upper side panel 420C in facing relationship with the second upper side panel 420A, and the fourth lower side panel 420D in facing relationship with the second lower side panel 420B.

[0125] The blank 410 is folded at folds F8, 431C, 431E to place the fifth top panel portion 412E in facing relationship with the fourth top panel portion 412D, the fifth upper side panel 418E in facing relationship with the third upper side panel 418C, the fifth lower side panel 418F in facing relationship with the third lower side panel 418D, the sixth upper side panel 420E in facing relationship with the fourth upper side panel 420C, and the sixth lower side panel 420F in facing relationship with the fourth lower side panel 420D.

[0126] Figure 10 shows a carrier 490 constructed from the blank 410 of Figure 8, with top panel portions 412A, 412B, 412C, 412D, 412E, 412F recessed to form grooves or valleys at the top end of carrier 490. Tabs 440, 442A, 442B, 446 are folded outwardly of carrier 490 to engage article B under a flange or protrusion on article B. Upper side panels 418A, 420A are configured to taper or bow inwardly toward their top edges.

[0127] The lower side panels 418B, 418D, 418F, 420B, 420D, 420F and the lower end panels 414B, 416B and the corner panels 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B together form a strap or bond member around the body of article B.

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

[0129] The blank 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may 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 may be disposed on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminate sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK®, which may include layers of biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or n-axially oriented films, such as MYLAR®, which are high density polyolefins. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. Tear resistance may also be due to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0130] Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

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

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

[0133] The embodiment provides an article retaining structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 of the main, top, or engagement panel 12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F having a plurality of tabs 40, 42, 70, 72; 140, 142; 240, 242, 246; 340, 342A, 343B; 440, 442A, 442B, 446 and at least one article receiving opening A4, A5, A6, A7; A1.

[0134] The article carrier 90;290;390;490 comprises at least one top panel or engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F and a skirt structure surrounding and extending therefrom the at least one engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F, the skirt structure including a plurality of panels 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B, 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B for surrounding a portion of at least one article B. , 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, 120A, 120B, 124A, 124 B, 128A, 128B; 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 220A, 220B, 1224A, 224B, 228 A, 228B; 314A, 314B, 316A, 316B, 318A, 318B, 320A, 320B, 324A, 324B, 328A, 328B; 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B, 420A, 420B, 424A, 424B, 428A, 428B.

[0135] In some embodiments, after the carrier 90, 290, 390, 490 is attached to the article B, one or both of the longitudinal and lateral dimensions are reduced. In other embodiments, the diagonal dimension or the diagonal distance between the diagonally opposed corner panels is increased after attachment. The change in the size or shape of the skirt structure has the effect of increasing the circumferential tension of the skirt structure after application to the article B to tightly bunch or restrain the article B within the group of articles. The increase in the circumferential tension may result in an upward force on the carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 such that the engagement teeth or engagement tabs 40, 42, 70, 72; 140, 142; 240, 242, 246; 340, 342A, 343B; 440, 442A, 442B, 446 are pressed tightly against the underside of a feature of the article B, such as an end closure, cap, or neck flange.

[0136] The present disclosure provides a carrier 90;290;390;490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 90;290;390;490 includes at least one engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F and at least one engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F. and a pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B, 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B hinged to opposite edges of the engagement panel 12C / 412D / 412E / 412F. A plurality of end panels are hinged to a first end of at least one engagement panel 12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F.The plurality of end panels include a first end panel 18A / 18B, 20A / 20B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 218A / 218B, 220A / 220B, 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B; 418A / 418B / 418C / 418D / 418E / 418F, 420A / 420B / 420C / 420D / 420E / 420F having a pair of opposing side edges. and corner panels 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B; and each of the corner panels 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 22 8B;324A, 328A, 324B, 328B;424A, 428A, 424B, 428B; fixed panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B;122A, 126A, 122B, 126B;222A, 226A, 222B, 226B;322A, 326A, 322B, 326B;422A, 426A, 422B, 426B; and each fixed panel 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B;122A, 126A, and flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B, which are hinged to the upper edges of the flaps. Flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B have free upper or side edges that have a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape.

[0137] The flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B are in blank form, and are connected to the fixed panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B, in blank form, by means of the pair of side panels 14A / 1. 4B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B and may be separated therefrom by cutting or severable lines 33A, 35A, 33A, 35B; 133A, 135A, 133A, 135B; 233A, 235A, 233A, 235B; 333A, 335A, 333A, 335B; 433A, 435A, 433A, 435B.

[0138] The free upper or side edge, in blank form, forms an inner edge facing a portion of the first end panel 18A / 18B, 20A / 20B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 218A / 218B, 220A / 220B; 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B; 418A / 418B / 418C / 418D / 418E / 418F, 420A / 420B / 420C / 420D / 420E / 420F and is separated therefrom by an opening A3.

[0139] The rounded free upper or side edges of the flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B are fitted to the pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; During the process of folding 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B downward, the side panels are brought into contact with the inner surface of an adjacent one of the pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B. The rounded edges instead allow the flap 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B to slide along the inner surface of said one of the pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B to reach the correct operative position next to the tab. and thus avoiding or mitigating the flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B from being crushed or improperly folded by one of the pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B.

[0140] The present disclosure provides a carrier 90;290;390;490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 90;290;390;490 includes at least one engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F and at least one engagement panel 12;112;214A / 214B;314A / 314B;412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F. and a pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B, 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B hinged to opposite edges of 12C / 412D / 412E / 412F. At least one of the pair of side panels 14A / 14B, 16A / 16B; 114A / 114B, 116A / 116B; 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 314A / 314B, 326A / 326B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B has a gripping structure H including a gripping opening.The carrier 90; 290; 390; 490 includes a plurality of end panels hinged to a first end of at least one engagement panel 12; 112; 214A / 214B; 314A / 314B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F, the plurality of end panels including a first end panel 18A / 18B, 20A / 20B having a pair of opposing side edges. B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 118A / 118B, 120A / 120B; 218A / 218B, 220A / 220B, 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B; 418A / 418B / 418C / 418D / 418E / 418F, 420A / 420B / 420C / 420D / 420E / 420F, and hinged to each of the pair of side edges on both sides. Corner panels 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; 324A, 328A, 324B, 328B; 424A, 428A, 424B, 428B and each corner panel 24A, 28A, 24B, 28B; 124A, 128A, 24B, 128B; 224A, 228A, 224B, 228B; and fixed panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B, hinged to fixed panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B; 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B. The flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B are connected to the respective fastening panels 22A, 26A, 22B, 26B; 122A, 126A, 122B, 126B; 222A, 226A, 222B, 226B; 322A, 326A, 322B, 326B, 422A, 426A, 422B, 426B are hinged to the upper edges of the flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B are provided with cutouts in the form of openings or recesses.The notches are positioned in alignment with at least a portion of the tab openings such that flaps 30A, 32A, 30B, 32B; 130A, 132A, 130B, 132B; 230A, 232A, 230B, 232B; 330A, 332A, 330B, 332B; 430A, 432A, 430B, 432B form part of a two-layer structure that reinforces tab structure H.

[0141] The present disclosure provides a carrier 290; 490 for packaging at least one article B, the carrier being secured by a first hinge connection and a second hinge connection, respectively. The present invention includes an engagement panel 214A / 214B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F hinged between a pair of side wall panels 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B, and at least one end panel 218A / 218B, 220A / 220B, 418A / 418B, 420A / 420B. The engagement panel 214A / 214B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F includes at least two article receiving devices RT4; RT6 and a panel portion 212A / 212B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F disposed therebetween. and D / 412E / 412F, wherein the panel portions 212A / 212B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F are hingedly connected between the pair of side wall panels 214A / 214B, 226A / 226B; 414A / 414B, 426A / 426B by the third hinge connection and the fourth hinge connection, respectively, and the panel portions 212A / 212B, 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F are recessed such that a central region thereof is located at a height below the edge regions of the panel portions 212A / 212B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F. The panel portions 212A / 212B; 412A / 412B / 412C / 412D / 412E / 412F may be automatically configured into the recessed state upon assembly of the carrier 290; 490.

[0142] The first hinge connection portion and the second hinge connection portion are spaced apart by a first distance D1, and the third hinge connection portion and the fourth hinge connection portion are spaced apart by a second distance D2, which may be greater than the first distance D1.

[0143] The present disclosure provides a carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 390 includes a pair of engagement panels 314A, 314B hinged to each other along a fold 313C to form a ridge. The carrier 390 includes at least a pair of upper receiving devices RT5 partially cut out of each of the pair of engagement panels 314A, 314B to be disposed along the ridge. At least one end panel 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B is coupled to the engagement panels 314A, 314B.

[0144] The present disclosure provides a carrier 390 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 390 includes a pair of side panels 314A, 314B hinged to each other along a fold 313C to form a ridge. The carrier 390 includes at least a pair of upper receiving devices RT5 partially cut out of each of the pair of side panels 314A, 314B to be disposed along the ridge. End panels 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B are coupled to both of the pair of side panels 314A, 314B. The end panels 318A / 318B, 320A / 320B may be coupled to each of the engagement panels 314A, 314B by respective connecting panels 312A, 312B.

[0145] The present disclosure provides a carrier 490 for packaging at least one article B. The carrier 490 comprises a multi-layer engagement panel 412A / 412B, 412C / 412D, 412E / 412F having at least one article retaining structure RT6 therein for receiving and / or supporting the article B therefrom. The multi-layer engagement panel 412A / 412B, 412C / 412D, 412E / 412F comprises a plurality of top panels 412A / 412B, 412C / 412D, 412E / 412F connected to common end panels 418B / 418D / 418F, 420B / 420D / 420F.

[0146] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and openings may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes, a greater or lesser number of articles, and / or may be arranged in different array configurations.

[0147] It will be understood that as used herein, references to directions such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "rear," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0148] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "crease" refer to any type of line that defines a hinge feature of the blank and facilitates folding of portions of the blank relative to one another or indicates an optimal panel folding location of the blank. Any reference to a "hinge connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single crease, and in fact a hinge connection may be formed from two or more creases, each of which may be either straight / linear or curved / curved. When straight creases form a hinge connection, they may be disposed parallel to one another or slightly angled relative to one another. When curved creases form a hinge connection, they may intersect with one another to define a shaped panel within the area encompassed by the curved crease. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a pair of arched or bowed creases that intersect at two points to define an elliptical panel between them. A hinge connection may be formed from one or more straight creases and one or more curved creases. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a combination of a straight fold and an arched or bowed fold that intersect at two points to define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0149] As used herein, the term "crease" may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, an intermittent cut line, aligned slit lines, a score line, and any combination of the foregoing options.

[0150] It should be understood that the hinge connections and folds can each include elements formed in the blank substrate, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cut lines, intermittent cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, and any combination thereof. The elements can be sized and positioned to provide a desired function. For example, the perforation lines can be sized or designed to have a degree of weakness that defines the crease and / or severable line portion. The perforation lines can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or facilitate breaking with less effort.

[0151] The phrase "in registration with" as used herein refers to the registration of two or more elements of an erected carton, such as an opening formed in one of two overlapping panels and another opening formed in the other of the two overlapping panels. The elements that are aligned with one another may be aligned with one another in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening in one panel is "aligned" with another opening in another panel that is disposed in an overlapping arrangement with the one panel, an edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the other opening and may be aligned with the other opening in the thickness direction of the one panel and the other panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 10 blank, 12 main panel, 13A fold line, 13B fold line, 14A first upper end panel, 14B first lower end panel, 15A fold line, 15B fold line, 16A second upper end panel, 16B second lower end panel, 17A fold line, 17B fold line, 18A first upper side panel, 18B first lower side panel, 19A fold line, 19B fold line, 20A second upper side panel, 20B second lower side panel, 21A fold line, 21B fold line, 22A first lower fastening panel portion, 22B second lower fastening panel portion, 23A fold line, 23B fold line, 24A first corner panel, 24B second corner panel, 25A fold line, 25B fold line, 26A third lower fastening panel portion, 26B fourth lower fastening panel portion, 27A crease, 27B crease, 28A third corner panel, 28B fourth corner panel, 29A crease, 29B crease, 30A first upper fastening panel portion, 30B second upper fastening panel portion, 31A crease, 31B crease, 32A third upper fastening panel portion, 32B fourth upper fastening panel portion, 33A cut line, 33B cut line, 35A cut line, 35B cut line, 40 first tab, 42 second tab, 43 crease, 60 thumb tab, 61 crease, 70 first tab, 72 second tab, 73 crease, 90 carrier, 110 blank, 112 main panel, 113A crease, 113B crease, 114A upper end panel, 114B First lower end panel, 115A fold line, 115B fold line, 116A upper end panel, 116B second lower end panel, 117A fold line, 117B fold line, 118A upper side panel, 118B lower side panel, 119A fold line, 119B fold line, 120A upper side panel, 120B lower side panel, 121A fold line, 121B fold line, 122A first lower fastening panel portion, 122B second lower fastening panel portion, 123A fold line, 123B fold line, 124A first corner panel, 124B second corner panel, 125A fold line, 125B fold line, 126A third lower fastening panel portion, 126B fourth lower fastening panel portion, 127A fold line, 127B Fold, 128Athird corner panel, 128B fourth corner panel, 129A crease, 129B crease, 130A upper fastener panel section, 130B upper fastener panel section, 131A crease, 131B crease, 132A upper fastener panel section, 132B upper fastener panel section, 133A cut line, 133B cut line, 135A cut line, 135B cut line, 140 first tab, 141 crease, 142 second tab, 143 crease, 160A thumb tab, 160B thumb tab, 160C thumb tab, 161A crease, 161B crease, 161C crease, 210 blank, 212 main panel, 212A first top panel section, 212B second top panel portion, 213A crease, 213B crease, 213C crease, 213D crease, 214A first upper end panel, 214B lower end panel, 215A crease, 215B crease, 215C crease, 215D crease, 216A second upper end panel, 216B lower end panel, 217A crease, 217B crease, 218A first upper side panel, 218B lower side panel, 219A crease, 219B crease, 220A second upper side panel, 220B lower side panel, 221A crease, 221B crease, 222A first lower fastening panel portion, 222B second lower fastening panel portion, 223A crease, 223B crease, 224A corner panel, 224B corner panel, 225A crease, 225B crease, 226A third lower fastening panel section, 226B fourth lower fastening panel section, 227A crease, 227B crease, 228A corner panel, 228B corner panel, 229A crease, 229B crease, 230A first upper fastening panel section, 230B second upper fastening panel section, 231A crease, 231B crease, 232A third upper fastening panel section, 232B fourth upper fastening panel section, 233A cut line, 233B cut line, 235A cut line, 235B cut line, 240 tab, 242 tab, 245 crease, 246 tab, 247 crease, 249 crease, 260 thumb tab, 261 crease, 290 carrier, 310 blank, 312 main panel, 312A top panel section, 312Btop panel portion, 313A fold line, 313B fold line, 313C fold line, 314A first upper end panel, 314B first lower end panel, 315A fold line, 315B fold line, 316A second upper end panel, 316B second lower end panel, 317A fold line, 318A first upper side panel, 318B lower side panel, 319B fold line, 320A second upper side panel, 320B lower side panel, 321A fold line, 321B fold line, 322A first lower fastening panel portion, 322B second lower fastening panel portion, 323A fold line, 323B fold line, 324A corner panel, 324B corner panel, 325A fold line, 325B fold line, 326A third lower fastening panel portion, 326B fourth lower fastening panel portion, 327A fold, 327B fold, 328A corner panel, 328B corner panel, 329A fold, 329B fold, 330A first upper fastening panel portion, 330B second upper fastening panel portion, 331A fold, 331B fold, 332A third upper fastening panel portion, 332B fourth upper fastening panel portion, 333A cut line, 333B cut line, 335A cut line, 335B cut line, 340 tab, 340A tab, 340B tab, 341A fold, 341B fold, 342A tab, 342B tab, 343A fold, 343B fold, 343C cut line, 349 crease, 360 tab flap, 361 crease, 390 carrier, 410 blank, 412A top panel portion, 412B top panel portion, 412C top panel portion, 412D top panel portion, 412E top panel portion, 412F top panel portion, 413A crease, 413B crease, 414A first top end panel, 414B lower end panel, 415A crease, 415B crease, 416A second top end panel, 416B lower end panel, 417A crease, 417B crease, 417C crease, 417D crease, 417E crease, 417F crease, 418A first top side panel, 418B first lower side panel, 418C third top side panel, 418D 3rd Lower Side Panel, 418E 5th Upper Side Panel, 418Ffifth lower side panel, 419A crease, 419B crease, 419C crease, 419D crease, 419E crease, 419F crease, 420A second upper side panel, 420B second lower side panel, 420C fourth upper side panel, 420D fourth lower side panel, 420E sixth upper side panel, 420F sixth lower side panel, 421A crease, 421B crease, 422A first lower fastening panel portion, 422B second lower fastening panel portion, 423A crease, 423B crease, 424A first corner panel, 424B second corner panel, 425A crease, 425B crease, 425C crease, 425D cut line, 425E crease, 425F cut line, 426A third lower fastening panel portion, 426B fourth lower fastening panel portion, 427A fold, 427B fold, 428A third corner panel, 428B fourth corner panel, 429A fold, 429B fold, 430A first upper fastening panel portion, 430B second upper fastening panel portion, 431A fold, 431B fold, 431C fold, 431D cut line, 431E fold, 431F cut line, 432A third upper fastening panel portion, 432B fourth upper fastening panel portion, 433A cut line, 433B cut line, 435A cut line, 435B cut line, 440 engagement tab, 442A engagement tab, 442B engagement tab, 443A crease, 443B crease, 446 engagement tab, 451A crease, 451B crease, 453A crease, 453B crease, 490 carrier, A1 opening, A2 opening, A3 opening, A4 opening, A5 opening, A6 opening, A7 opening, B article, D1 first distance, D2 second distance, F1 crease, F2 crease, F3 crease, F4 crease, F5 crease, F6 crease, F7 crease, F8 crease, F9 crease, H tab structure, R1 recess, R2 recess, R3 recess, R4 recess, RT1 article retention structure, RT2 article retention structure, RT3 article retention structure, RT4 article retention structure, RT5 article retention structure, RT6 article retention structure, T multi-layer top panel

Claims

1. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, said article carrier comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap having a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape; a plurality of end panels comprising: An article carrier comprising:

2. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, said article carrier comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, at least one of the pair of side panels including a tab structure including a tab opening; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap including a notch, the notch being positioned in alignment with at least a portion of the tab opening such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the tab structure; a plurality of end panels comprising: An article carrier comprising:

3. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, said article carrier comprising: an engagement panel hingedly connected between a pair of sidewall panels by first and second hinge connections, respectively; At least one end panel; Equipped with The engagement panel includes: At least two article receiving devices; a panel portion disposed therebetween, the panel portion being hingedly connected between the pair of sidewall panels by a third hinge connection portion and a fourth hinge connection portion, respectively; Equipped with the panel portion is recessed such that a central region thereof is disposed at a level below a border region of the panel portion; Goods carrier.

4. The article carrier of claim 3 , wherein the panel portions can be automatically configured into the recessed state upon assembly of the carrier.

5. 4. The article carrier of claim 3, wherein the first hinge connection portion and the second hinge connection portion are spaced apart by a first distance, and the third hinge connection portion and the fourth hinge connection portion are spaced apart by a second distance, and the second distance may be greater than the first distance.

6. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a pair of engaging panels hinged to one another along a fold to form a ridge, the carrier comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut out of each of the pair of engaging panels to be positioned along the ridge, and at least one end panel coupled to the engaging panels.

7. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a pair of side panels hingedly connected to one another along a fold to form a ridge, the carrier comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut out of each of the pair of side panels to be positioned along the ridge, and an end panel coupled to both of the pair of side panels.

8. The article carrier of claim 7, wherein the end panels are joined to each of the engagement panels by respective connecting panels.

9. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a multi-layered engaging panel having at least one article retaining structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom, the multi-layered engaging panel comprising a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

10. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, said blank comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap having a free upper edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape; a plurality of end panels comprising: Equipped with blanks.

11. The blank of claim 10 , wherein the flap extends between the fixed panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels.

12. The blank of claim 11 , wherein the flap is separated from the side edge of the one of the pair of side panels by a cut line.

13. The blank of claim 11 , wherein the flap is separated from the side edge of the one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

14. 11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the free upper edge forms an inner edge facing a portion of the first end panel and is separated therefrom by an opening.

15. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, said blank comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap having a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape; a plurality of end panels comprising: Equipped with blanks.

16. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the flap extends between the fixed panel to which it is hinged and a side edge of one of the pair of side panels.

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the flap is separated from the side edge of the one of the pair of side panels by a cut line.

18. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the flap is separated from the side edge of the one of the pair of side panels by a severable line.

19. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the free side edge forms an inner edge facing a portion of the first end panel and is separated therefrom by an opening.

20. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, said article carrier comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap having a free side edge having a rounded, arcuate, or curved shape; a plurality of end panels comprising: An article carrier comprising:

21. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, said blank comprising: at least one engagement panel; a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposing edges of the at least one engagement panel, at least one of the pair of side panels including a tab structure including a tab opening; a plurality of end panels hingedly connected to a first end of the at least one engagement panel, a first end panel having a pair of opposing side edges; a corner panel hingedly connected to each of the pair of opposite side edges; a fixed panel hingedly connected to each of the corner panels; and a flap hinged to an upper edge of each of the fixed panels, the flap including a notch configured to be positioned in alignment with at least a portion of the tab opening in a set-up state such that the flap forms part of a two-ply structure reinforcing the tab structure; a plurality of end panels comprising: Equipped with blanks.

22. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, said blank comprising: an engagement panel hingedly connected between a pair of sidewall panels by first and second hinge connections, respectively; At least one end panel; Equipped with The engagement panel includes: At least two article receiving devices; a panel portion disposed therebetween, the panel portion being hingedly connected between the pair of sidewall panels by a third hinge connection portion and a fourth hinge connection portion, respectively; Equipped with the panel portion is recessed such that a central region thereof is disposed at a level below a border region of the panel portion; blank.

23. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a pair of engaging panels hinged to one another along a fold to form a ridge portion, the blank comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of engaging panels to be positioned along the ridge portion, and at least one end panel coupled to the engaging panels.

24. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a pair of side panels hingedly connected to one another along a fold to form a ridge, the blank comprising at least a pair of upper receiving devices partially cut from each of the pair of side panels to be positioned along the ridge, and an end panel attached to both of the pair of side panels.

25. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a multi-layered engaging panel having at least one article retaining structure therein for receiving and supporting an article therefrom, the multi-layered engaging panel comprising a plurality of top panels connected to a common end panel.

Images