Goods carrier and blank for the same

Abstract

The objective is to provide improvements in the field of cartons formed from cardboard and the like. [Solution] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an upper engaging article carrier for packaging one or more articles, and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises engaging panels (12A, 12B), each engaging panel (12A, 12B) having at least one ply and comprising a first side edge (E1), a first end edge (E2), and a corner (BC) defined by the first side edge (E1) and the first end edge (E2). The engaging panels (12A, 12B) comprises a corner region (18) extending between the corner (BC) and article receiving openings (A1, A2) within the engaging panels (12A, 12B). The openings (A1, A2) comprises a first engaging edge (E4) located beyond the corner region (18) from the corner (BC). The first engaging edge (E4) is curved. The first engaging edge (E4) has a radius of curvature (r3) that is greater than the radius (r1) of the corner openings (A1, A2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,590, filed on 21 February 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 145,733, filed on 4 February 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to article top engaging devices, article carriers, and blanks for forming them. More specifically, this disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, top-gripping type carriers having one or more openings for receiving and holding articles internally. [Background technology]

[0003] In the field of packaging, it is common practice to prepare cartons for transporting multiple items. Cartons are well-known in this art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access groups of items for consumption. Such cartons or carriers should be formed from as few materials as possible for cost and environmental considerations, and should also produce as little waste as possible from the materials used to form them. Further considerations include the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. It is desirable that the contents of the carton be secured within the carton.

[0004] It is well known to provide an upper gripping article carrier in which an opening is formed in the carrier panel, in which a tab is cut out from the aforementioned panel to define the opening. The tab is displaced outward from the surface of the aforementioned panel when an article is received into the opening, where the aforementioned tab generally engages with the article around its flange or lip. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from cardboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region. The engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening. The corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The article receiving opening comprises a first engaging edge located beyond the corner region from the corner. The first engaging edge is curved and has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the article receiving opening.

[0007] Depending on the circumstances, the first engaging edge is positioned to intersect a first conceptual line extending between the corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

[0008] Depending on the circumstances, the first conceptual line may pass through the conceptual or actual intersection of the first side edge and the end edge.

[0009] In some cases, the first engagement edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches. The pair of adjacent notches may be tangentially contacted by a conceptual tangent passing through the respective tangential contact points on the respective outer ends of each of the pair of adjacent notches, and the conceptual tangent is in contact with the first engagement edge.

[0010] In some cases, the first engagement edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches. The pair of adjacent notches may be tangentially contacted by a conceptual tangent passing through the respective tangential contact points on the respective outer ends of each of the adjacent notches, the conceptual tangent intersecting the first engagement edge.

[0011] In some cases, the first engaging edge is spaced apart from the center of the article receiving opening by a first distance, and the first distance is less than the radius of the article receiving opening.

[0012] In some cases, the first distance is at least half of a second distance defined between a corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

[0013] In some cases, the article receiving opening further comprises at least one second engaging edge, the at least one second engaging edge has a second engaging edge length dimension, and the second engaging edge length dimension is less than the first engaging edge length dimension of the first engaging edge.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier includes first and second layers that are secured to each other to form an engaging panel. The engaging panel has a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region. The engaging panel includes an article receiving opening. The corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The first layer includes a first engaging opening having a first radius. The second layer includes a second engaging opening having a second radius. The second radius is larger than the first radius. The first and second openings are concentrically aligned with each other to provide the article receiving opening. The first engaging opening includes a first engaging edge at a position beyond the corner region from the corner.

[0015] In some cases, the first engaging edge is positioned to intersect a first conceptual line that extends between the corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

[0016] In some cases, the first conceptual line passes through a conceptual or actual intersection of the first side edge and the first end edge.

[0017] In some cases, the first engaging edge is curved and the first engaging edge has a radius of curvature larger than the first radius.

[0018] In some cases, the first and second layers are fixed to each other in the corner region by at least one adhesive strip.

[0019] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel. The engaging panel has a first straight side edge, a first straight end edge, and a corner defined by the side edge and the end edge. The engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engaging panel. The article receiving opening has the first engaging edge located directly opposite the corner. The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches. A first conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of one of the pair of adjacent notches. The first conceptual line intersects the straight end edge. A second conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of the other of the pair of adjacent notches. The second conceptual line intersects the straight side edge.

[0020] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel having a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region. The engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening. The corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The article receiving opening comprises a first engaging edge located beyond the corner region from the corner. The first engaging edge is curved. The first engaging edge has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the article receiving opening.

[0021] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel for forming first and second layers of an engagement panel. The engagement panel has a first side edge and a first end edge. A corner is defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region is provided adjacent to the corner. The engagement panel includes an article receiving opening. The corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The first layer comprises a first engagement opening having a first radius. The second layer comprises a second engagement opening having a second radius, the second radius being greater than the first radius. The first and second openings are concentrically aligned with each other to provide an article receiving opening. The first engagement opening has a first engagement edge located beyond the corner region from the corner.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel having a first linear side edge, a first linear end edge, and a corner defined by the side edge and the end edge. The engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engaging panel. The article receiving opening comprises the first engaging edge at a position directly opposite the corner. The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches. A first conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of one of the pair of adjacent notches. The first conceptual line intersects the linear end edge. A second conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of the other of the pair of adjacent notches. The second conceptual line intersects the linear side edge.

[0023] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engagement panel having a first linear side edge, a first linear end edge, and a corner defined by the side edge and the end edge. The engagement panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engagement panel. The article receiving opening comprises the first engagement edge at a position directly opposite the corner. The first engagement edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches. The article receiving opening further comprises a plurality of additional engagement edges positioned at respective positions around the periphery of the article receiving opening. Each of the plurality of additional engagement edges is defined between adjacent notches. The length of the first engagement edge is greater than the length of each of the additional engagement edges. In other words, the distance between the pair of notches defining the first engagement edge is greater than the distance between the pair of notches defining the additional engagement edges.

[0024] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having at least one article holding device located at a corner of the engaging panel. The at least one article holding device comprises an article receiving opening. The article receiving opening comprises a first portion providing a first edge defined by a portion of a first circle having a first center and a first radius. The article receiving opening comprises a second portion providing a second engaging edge defined by a portion of a second circle having a second center and a second radius, the second radius being greater than the first radius.

[0025] Depending on the circumstances, the first and second centers may be in the same location or aligned with each other.

[0026] In some cases, the second engaging edge is connected to the first edge by a pair of curved notches.

[0027] In some cases, the engagement panel is formed from a single-ply corrugated cardboard.

[0028] In some cases, the cardboard is E-flute.

[0029] Depending on the case, the cardboard may be at least one of A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, D-flute, and F-flute.

[0030] Within the scope of this application, it is assumed or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternative forms presented in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings may be considered or interpreted independently or in any combination thereof.

[0031] Features or elements described with or in relation to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that no incompatibility of features exists. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and the aforementioned features or elements extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or in exchange for one or more features or elements of the other embodiments described herein.

[0032] Features or combinations of features of an embodiment disclosed herein may be separated and extracted from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, features or combinations of features of an embodiment may be removed from that embodiment.

[0033] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a top view of a plurality of connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top-down plan view of one stage in the creation of the blank shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a top-down perspective view of a carrier formed from one of the blanks in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] This is an enlarged plan view of one portion of the blank in Figure 1, showing the article holding structure. [Figure 4B] This is an enlarged plan view of one portion of the blank in Figure 1, showing the article holding structure. [Figure 5A] This is a plan view from below of a carrier formed from one of the blanks in Figure 1. [Figure 5B] This is a top view of the carrier shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6] This is a top view of a plurality of connected blanks, each of which can form a carrier according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a top-down perspective view of multiple connected blanks before they are applied to an article. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of two of the blanks in Figure 6, which show the article holding structure. [Figure 9] This is a top-down perspective view of a portion of a carrier formed from one of the blanks in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] 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 some aspects of this disclosure may be carried out, and do not constitute a comprehensive list of all ways in which this disclosure may be embodied. In this specification, the term “exemplary” is used exponentially to refer to embodiments that serve as examples, samples, models, or patterns. In fact, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate the details of individual components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as the basis for the claims and as representative grounds to teach those skilled in the art how to utilize the invention in various ways.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, a plan view of a plurality of connected blanks 10 is shown, each of which can form a carton or carrier 90 as shown in Figure 3 for containing and transporting a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereafter referred to as Article B. The blanks 10 form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0037] An alternative blank 110 for forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figure 9, for containing and transporting a group of primary products, such as but not limited to bottles or cans, hereafter referred to as Article B, is shown in Figure 6.

[0038] In embodiments described herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” mean, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the Disclosure, a container for engaging with and carrying an article, such as a primary product container. The teachings of the Disclosure are intended to be applicable to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal bottles, glass bottles, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0039] Blanks 10;110 are formed from a sheet of a suitable substrate. In this specification, the term “suitable substrate” should be understood to include all kinds of foldable sheet materials, such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, thick paper, plastics, and combinations thereof. It should be recognized that one or more blanks may be used, for example, if they are suitable for providing the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0040] The packaging structures, carriers, or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard. Cardboard or corrugated cardboard useful for article carriers of this disclosure may be made entirely from paper, recyclable fibers, and / or biodegradable fibers. Otherwise, cardboard or corrugated cardboard useful for article carriers of this disclosure may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials may be provided by two or more layers to help increase the tear resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different properties from the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inward-facing surface of the sheet material may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise pre-treated to provide properties such as tear resistance, good adhesion, thermal sealability, or one or more of other desired functional properties.

[0041] In the shown embodiment, blanks 10;110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90;190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary article B. In the shown embodiment, the arrangement is a 2x3 matrix or array with two rows of three articles, and article B is a beverage can. Alternatively, blanks 10;110 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging articles of other types, numbers, and sizes, and / or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a plurality of connected blanks 10 are shown, specifically, four blanks 10 arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. Each blank 10 comprises a pair of main panels 12A, 12B for forming the upper wall or engaging panel of the carrier 90 (see Figures 3, 5A, and 5B). Each blank 10 is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10 by a fragile connector 16.

[0043] A pair of main panels 12A, 12B includes a first main panel 12A for forming the upper layer or upper ply of the carrier 90, and a second main panel 12B for forming the lower layer or lower ply of the carrier 90. Each first main panel 12A is hinged to each second main panel 12B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 14.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the carrier 90 may be inverted such that the first main panel 12A forms the lower layer or lower ply of the carrier 90 and the second main panel 12B forms the upper layer or upper ply of the carrier 90.

[0045] A pair of main panels 12A, 12B include at least one article holding structure RT, which can be found in Figures 4A and 4B. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the engaging panels 12A / 12B comprise a plurality of article holding structures RT, specifically, six article holding structures RT arranged in a 2x3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT comprises openings A1, A2.

[0046] The article holding structure RT includes article receiving openings A1 / A2 defined within or partially defined by a first opening A1 cut out from the first main panel 12A.

[0047] The article receiving openings A1 / A2 are defined within the second main panel 12B or partially defined by a second opening A2 cut out from the second main panel 12B.

[0048] The second opening A2 is substantially circular in shape and has a first diameter. The first opening A1 has or is defined by edges E3, E4 within the first main panel 12A. The first opening A1 is approximately equal to a conceptual circle NC having a second diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter.

[0049] The first opening A1 comprises one or more notches C1, C2 in the form of recesses or notches. The notches C1, C2 are substantially "U" shaped, or in other embodiments, the notches C1, C2 may be "V" shaped, etc., but are not limited thereto. The notches C1, C2 extend radially outward from the conceptual circle NC.

[0050] The first opening A1 and the second opening A2 are substantially concentric with each other. That is, the conceptual circle NC of the first opening A1 is concentric with the second opening A2.

[0051] The notches C1 and C2 may be positioned to extend radially outward by a distance substantially equal to half the difference between the diameter of the first opening A1 and the diameter of the second opening A2. In this way, the outermost edges of the notches C1 and C2 may define a circle Cl2 having a diameter equal to the diameter of the second opening A2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4A, the article holding structure RT may comprise a first small sector partially defined by a first conceptual line N1 and a second conceptual line N2. The first conceptual line N1 and the second conceptual line N2 define a first angle θ between them.

[0053] The first conceptual line N1 is at the center C of the conceptual circle NC. a It extends radially outward from the center of notch C2. The second conceptual line N2 is the center of the conceptual circle NC C a It extends radially outward through the center of the adjacent notch C2.

[0054] The first conceptual line N1 penetrates or passes through the linear or linear side edge E1 of the carrier 90. The second conceptual line N2 penetrates or passes through the linear or linear end edge E2 of the carrier 90. The end edge E2 is located adjacent to the side edge E1.

[0055] The end edge E2 may be connected to the side edge E1 by a chamfered, rounded, tapered, or filleted corner BC. In other embodiments, the end edge E2 and side edge E1 may define a rectangular edge.

[0056] The first small sector of the article holding structure RT defines the first arc.

[0057] The first and second conceptual lines N1 and N2 define a second large sector, and the second large sector defines a second arc.

[0058] The second large sector comprises a plurality of teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40 arranged around the second arc within the region surrounding the first opening A1.

[0059] The first small sector of the article holding structure RT comprises a pair of notches C2 in the form of recesses or notches, with a first engaging edge E4 defined between the C2.

[0060] Each of the multiple teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40 has an engagement edge or tooth edge E3. Each tooth edge E3 may be linear in shape or arc-shaped. The tooth edge E3 may be defined by an arc or portion of a circle. The tooth edge E3 may be defined by an arc or portion of a circle having a diameter greater than the radius r1 of the conceptual circle NC.

[0061] The first engagement edge E4 is arc-shaped and can be defined by an arc or portion of a circle. The first engagement edge E4 can be defined by an arc or portion of an engagement edge circle Cl3 having a radius r3 that is larger than the radius r1 of the conceptual circle NC.

[0062] The engaging edge circle Cl3 has a center C e which. The center C e is offset from the centers C a of the openings A1, A2. The center C e may be located on the conceptual line x or its collinear extension. In some embodiments, the center C e is in the same place as or may be aligned with the centers C a of the openings A1, A2.

[0063] Each of the plurality of teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40 is at least partially defined by a pair of cutouts C1, C2 in the form of recesses or notches. The cutouts C1, C2 form relief elements that extend radially away from the center C a of the conceptual circle.

[0064] Two adjacent relief elements C2, C2 of the engaging edge E4 are tangentially contacted in the tangential direction by a conceptual tangent y-y. The conceptual tangent y-y passes through the respective tangent contact points on two adjacent relief elements C2, C2 at the opposite ends of the engaging edge E4. The conceptual tangent y-y contacts or intersects the conceptual circle NC.

[0065] The cutouts C1, C2 define a second conceptual circle Cl2, and the second conceptual circle Cl2 has a radius r2. The radius r2 is greater than the radius r1 of the conceptual circle NC. The radius r2 is less than the radius r3 of the engaging edge circle Cl3.

[0066] The second conceptual circle Cl2 may be aligned with the second opening A2.

[0067] The length of the engaging edge E4 may be greater than the length of each tooth edge E3. In other words, the distance between two adjacent relief elements C2, C2 that define the engaging edge E4 may be greater than the distance between two adjacent relief elements C1, C1 that define the tooth edge E3.

[0068] The blank 10 may optionally include handles H1 / H2. The first main panel 12A may include a first handle structure H1. The second main panel 12B may include a second handle structure H2. The first handle structure H1 includes a first handle opening. The first handle opening is defined within or cut out from the first main panel 12A and located in a centrally situated area between a first pair of first openings A1 and a second pair of first openings A1. The first handle opening may be defined at least partially by a buffer tab 60 hinged to the first main panel 12A by a fold line 61.

[0069] The second handle structure H2 includes a second handle opening. The second handle opening is defined within or cut out from the second main panel 12B and located in a centrally situated region between the first pair of second openings A2 and the second pair of second openings A2. The second handle opening may be defined at least partially by a buffer tab 60 hinged to the second main panel 12B by a fold line 61.

[0070] The second handle opening is positioned perpendicular to the first handle opening. The second handle opening may be larger than the first handle opening.

[0071] The main panels 12A and 12B each include at least one cardboard substrate. The material of the cardboard substrate can be selected from any conventional cardboard with a weight range from, for example, about 10 pt. (0.01" / approximately 0.25 mm), preferably about 16 pt. (0.016" / approximately 0.41 mm), up to about 28 pt. (0.028" / approximately 0.7 mm). Examples of such substrates are 24-point (pt.) (0.024" / approximately 0.61 mm) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate cardboard with one side coated, trade name PrintKote®) manufactured by WestRock® Company, or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - unbleached kraft cardboard with one side clay coating, trade name CarrierKote®). The cardboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached board. The board may be covered on at least one side, and optionally the side facing the lamination, by a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and the composition of the board.

[0072] The main panel 12 may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the cardboard layer. The main panel 12 may optionally include an adhesive layer between the cardboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be positioned on the uncoated side of the cardboard substrate, or it may be formed from a polymer material and fixed to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of n-axis oriented film, such as MYLAR®, which is biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, orthogonal laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and orthogonal laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. The tear resistance may also be due to the chemical properties of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0073] 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, the incorporation of an adhesive layer is not mandatory. Other suitable materials with a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

[0074] The adhesive layer may be formed from a polyolefin material such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to fix the tear-resistant layer to the substrate.

[0075] The first main panel 12A and the second main panel 12B are configured to form an engaging panel 12A / 12B having two layers or plies of a cardboard substrate. The first or upper layer of the engaging panel 12A / 12B is provided by the first main panel 12A, and the second or lower layer of the engaging panel 12A / 12B is provided by the second main panel 12B. The second main panel 12B may be bonded or glued to the first main panel 12A.

[0076] Appropriate adhesive positions G1, G2, and G3 are shown in Figure 5A. In other embodiments, different positions may be selected, or only some of the adhesive positions shown in Figure 5A may be used.

[0077] The corner regions 18 of the first and second main panels 12A and 12B are sufficiently enlarged to provide adhesive areas G2. This enhances the adhesion of the first main panel 12A to the second main panel 12B. Other adhesive locations G1 are provided along the marginal side regions of the first and second main panels 12A and 12B. Optional additional adhesive locations G3 may be used in the intermediate regions of the first and second main panels 12A and 12B.

[0078] In some embodiments, a cold-seal adhesive or self-seal adhesive layer is coated, formed, or provided on the inner surface of the blank 10. The inner surface of the blank 10 includes the inner surface of the first main panel 12A and the inner surface of the second main panel 12B. The inner surface of the first main panel 12A is made to be in face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the second main panel 12B in order to form the engaging panel 12A / 12B. The cold-seal adhesive seals or bonds only to themselves. Therefore, when the inner surface of the first main panel 12A coated with cold seal adhesive comes into contact with the inner surface of the second main panel 12B coated with the same cold seal adhesive, a bond is obtained by simply applying some pressure (cold seal adhesives are different from heat seal adhesives, which require adhesive on only one substrate but must have a heat source and pressure to bring about a bond. Cold seal adhesives are different from pressure-sensitive adhesives, which are permanently adhesive and must have a release liner to prevent them from sticking to anything until final use). Cold seal adhesives useful for article carriers of this disclosure typically contain natural rubber latex. Other components, such as synthetic polymers (e.g., antioxidants), may be added to the rubber latex.

[0079] The first and second main panels 12A and 12B may be formed from a cardboard substrate having a coating on one side. The uncoated side of the first main panel 12A may be bonded to the uncoated side of the second main panel 12B by adhesive treatment or glue. In one example, the first and second main panels 12A and 12B are formed from 24pt. CBS or CNK board, and in alternative embodiments, cardboard of different thicknesses or calipers may be used. This produces engaging panels 12A / 12B having a thickness of about 0.048" and approximately 1.22 mm, with coatings on both sides. The advantage of such a substrate is that its strength is increased without the inclusion of polymer or plastic materials, and such a substrate offers environmental benefits and can be recycled more easily.

[0080] The second main panels 12B are folded around the fold line 14 relative to the first main panel 12A, to which they are hinged, as indicated by the directional arrows D1 and D2 in Figure 2. Each second main panel 12B is positioned to face the first main panel 12A to which it is hinged. Each second main panel 12B can be fixed to the first main panel 12A to which it is hinged.

[0081] Therefore, the multiple blanks 10 in Figure 1 can be formed into multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B, each having two plies, as shown in Figure 2. Each of the multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B is vulnerablely connected to at least two other engagement panels 12A / 12B.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one tear-resistant layer may be placed between a first layer and a second layer of the substrate, and such a substrate may be formed by bonding two sheets of material, each having a tear-resistant layer laminated on at least one of them. This may have the advantage of increasing the strength of the substrate.

[0083] Returning to the creation of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the blank 10 can be applied to a group of articles B. The blank 10 is lowered relative to the group of articles B. Each of the article holding structures RT of the blank 10 is aligned with each article B in the group. A portion of the article B passes through the engaging panel 12A / 12B. The teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 of the first main panel 12A around each of the article holding structures RT can be folded outward from the plane of the first main panel 12A.

[0084] Each tooth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 of the main panel 12 can be folded around one of the articles B accepted into each of the article holding structures RT. The blank 10 can be deformed around the article B, for example, but not limited to, the shoulder portion of the article B, where the article B is a can and the shoulder portion may be provided by a neck-in.

[0085] The engaging edges E3 of teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and the engaging edge E4 of the first main panel 12A engage under a projection of article B. The projection may be located around the neck or protruding edge (which may provide a flange) of article B. If article B is a can, the projection may be provided by the final joint of the canning machine. In other embodiments, the projection may be provided by a raised or undercut molding of article B, or by an end closure of article B, for example, but not limited to, a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engaging edges E3, E4 grip or hold article B and prevent or restrain article B from unintentionally separating from the engaging panel 12A / 12B. The assembled carrier 90 is shown in Figure 3.

[0086] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panels 12A / 12B are defined by a periphery to which the rest of the carrier 90 is not connected. That is, the carrier 90 has no connections to other panels, such as, for example, but not limited to, sidewall panels or endwall panels extending around the sides of the group of articles. Thus, the periphery of the main panels 12A / 12B is defined as a whole by a free, cut, or unhinged edge.

[0087] In some embodiments, multiple blanks 10, or multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B, are simultaneously fitted to a group of first articles B. The group of first articles B can be divided into multiple second groups of articles B. Thus, each second group of articles B is formed from a subgroup of the first group of articles B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the group of first articles B includes 24 articles arranged in a 4x6 matrix or array, and each individual blank 10 is fitted to 6 articles in a 2x3 matrix or array. In this way, the multiple connected engagement panels 12A / 12B form four article carriers 90 or packages.

[0088] The fragile connections 14 between the first main panels 12A may be separated in accordance with the application of multiple connected engaging panels 12A / 12B to a group of first articles B. Alternatively, the fragile connections 14 may remain intact, and individual carriers 90 may be separated from other carriers 90 at the time of sale or distribution.

[0089] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second embodiments shown, similar numbering is used to represent similar parts where possible, but with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that those features belong to the second embodiment. Since the alternative embodiments share many common features with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, only the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in more detail.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6, multiple connected blanks 110 are shown, specifically, four blanks 110 arranged in a 2x2 matrix or array. Each blank 110 has a main panel 112 for forming the upper wall or engagement panel (see Figure 9) of the carrier 190. Each blank 110 is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 110 by a fragile connector 116.

[0091] Each main panel 112 comprises at least one article holding structure RT, which can be found in Figure 8. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the engaging panel 112 comprises a plurality of article holding structures RT, specifically, six article holding structures RT arranged in a 2x3 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT comprises an opening A3 that forms an article receiving opening.

[0092] The opening A3 includes a first part, arc, or segment S1, best shown in Figure 8. The first part S1 is centered at C a and defined by or including a substantially circular shape having a first radius r4. The first portion S1 defines a certain angle, which in the shown embodiment may be 180°, but in other embodiments may be greater than or less than 180°. Referring to Figure 8, the first portion S1 extends along the periphery of the opening A3 between points M1 and M2. In the shown embodiment, a conceptual line passing through points M1 and M2 defines the lateral axis M1-M2 of the opening A3.

[0093] The opening A3 includes a third part, arc, or segment S3. The third part S3 is curved in shape. The third part S3 is centered at C a and deviates from the first conceptual circle NC having a first radius r4. The third portion S3 may be defined by a portion of a third conceptual circle having a third radius r6, the third conceptual circle having the center C of the first portion S1. a It may have a center that is in the same location as or aligned with the first radius r4. The first radius r4 is less than the third radius r6. The third portion S3 limits the angle θ, which in the shown embodiment is 90°, but in other embodiments the angle θ may be greater than or less than 90°.

[0094] The opening A3 includes a pair of second parts, arcs, or segments S2. The second parts S2 are curved in shape. Each second part S2 connects, joins, or connects the first part S1 and the third part S3.

[0095] The second portion S2 provides a smooth transition between the first portion S1 and the third portion S3. Each of the second portions S2 limits an angle α, which in the shown embodiment may be acute and in the range of 20° to 60°, or it may be 45°.

[0096] The second part S2 may be defined by an arc or portion of the second conceptual circle, and the center of curvature of the second conceptual circle is the center of curvature C of the first and third parts S1, S3. a It is offset from.

[0097] The contour of the upper rim of article B relative to opening A3 is shown in Figure 8 by dashed / busted line B. In one embodiment, article B may be a beverage can known as a “202 can,” with a body diameter of approximately 2.125 inches (approximately 54 mm). The radius of the rim is r B The radius of the rim of item B is r, which is 1.063 inches (approximately 27 mm). B It is greater than the first radius r4 and greater than the third radius r6.

[0098] The radius of curvature r4 of the first part S1 is given by: r4 = 0.989 / 1.063r B =0.93r B It can be approximated by, in the formula, "r B " is the radius of curvature of the upper rim.

[0099] The radius of curvature r6 of the third part S3 is given by: r6 = 1.021 / 1.063r B =0.96r B It can be approximated by this.

[0100] The third portion S3 defines an engaging edge E4 that is brought closer to the conceptual corner P of the main panel 112 by a distance d6, where d6 = r6 - r4.

[0101] The distance d5 is between the conceptual circle NC and the center C of the aperture A3.a It is defined between the two points. The sum of distances d5 and d6 is greater than the radius r4 of the first portion S1 of the opening A3 and equal to the radius r6 of the third portion S3 of the opening A3.

[0102] The radius r6 is defined between the conceptual corner P of the main panel 112 (defined by the edge E2 and the separation line 116) and the center C of the opening A3. a It is more than half of the distance d4 between them.

[0103] The separation line 116 defines the side edge of the main panel 112 in the assembly carrier 190 and may be connected to the end edge E2 by chamfered, rounded, tapered, or filleted corners BC. In other embodiments, the side edge and end edge E2 may define a corner or vertex of a rectangle. The corner of the rectangle is shown by a dashed line in Figure 8 and intersects at point P. Center C a And a conceptual line XX passing through point P bisects the filleted corner BC. Conceptual axis XX defines the longitudinal axis of opening A3. The longitudinal axis XX is perpendicular to the aforementioned transverse axis M1-M2, and the transverse axis M1-M2 is also perpendicular to center C a The article receiving opening A3 has a longitudinal dimension along the longitudinal axis XX and a transverse dimension along the transverse axis M1-M2. The longitudinal dimension of opening A3 is equal to the sum of radii r4 and r6, while the transverse dimension of opening A3 is equal to twice the radius r4. Therefore, the longitudinal dimension r4+r6 of opening A3 is greater than the transverse dimension of opening A3.

[0104] The engaging edge E4 (or third portion S3) of opening A3 is closer to the vertex or point P than the conceptual circle NC which is located in the same place as or aligned with the first portion S1. The engaging edge E4 is radially spaced a distance d6 from the conceptual circle NC.

[0105] This has the effect of enlarging the opening A3 in the corner region 118 of the main panel 112. This can reduce tension and / or stress in the main panel 112 and prevent or suppress the propagation of tears and / or undesirable bending or deformation. This can improve contact between the engaging panel 112 and article B.

[0106] The third portion S3 defines at least a portion of the engaging edge E4 directly opposite the filleted corner BC. The third portion S3 is defined between the first conceptual line N1 and the second conceptual line N2. The first conceptual line N1 is at the center C of the opening A3. a It extends from. The first conceptual line N1 intersects the edge portion E2. The second conceptual line N2 is at the center C of the opening A3. a It extends from there. The second conceptual line N2 intersects the side edge of the main panel 112 defined by the separation line 116.

[0107] The blank 110 may optionally include a handle structure H, as best shown in Figure 6. The handle structure H includes at least one handle opening A4. The first handle opening A4 is defined within or cut out from the main panel 112 and located in a centrally situated area between a first pair of first openings A3 and a second pair of first openings A3. The first handle opening A4 may be at least partially defined by a buffer tab 60 hinged to the first main panel 12A by a fold line 61, as best shown in Figure 1.

[0108] The handle structure H includes a second handle opening A4. The second handle opening A4 is defined within or cut out from the main panel 112 and is located in a centrally situated region between a second pair of openings A3 and a third pair of openings A3.

[0109] Depending on the circumstances, blanks 10;110 may be formed from corrugated cardboard material such as, but not limited to, A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, D-flute, E-flute, or F-flute. The corrugated cardboard material may have a low cob value, i.e., a low water absorption.

[0110] This disclosure provides a top-engagement type carrier 90;190 having an improved article holding structure or an article top-engagement device RT.

[0111] Advantageously, the structural strength at the corner BC of the carrier 90 is improved. The enlarged adhesive area 18 provided at the corner BC of the carrier 90 is effective in creating a solid or rigid corner 2-ply area for contact with the shoulder of the associated article B in order to enhance the stability of the can.

[0112] This disclosure provides article carriers comprising engaging panels 12A, 12B, each having at least one ply and comprising a first side edge E1, a first end edge E2, and a corner BC defined by the first side edge E1 and the first end edge E2. The engaging panels 12A, 12B include a corner region 18 extending between the corner BC and article receiving openings A1, A2 within the engaging panels 12A, 12B. The openings A1, A2 include a first engaging edge E4 located beyond the corner region 18 from the corner BC. The first engaging edge E4 is curved and has a radius of curvature r3 greater than the radius r1 of the corner openings A1, A2.

[0113] The first engaging edge E4 is located at the corner BC and the center C of the openings A1 and A2. a It can be positioned to intersect with a third (or corner) conceptual line x that extends between the two.

[0114] The conceptual line x at the corner passes through the conceptual or actual intersection P of the side edge and end edge E1, E2, 116.

[0115] The first engagement edge E4 is defined between a pair of adjacent notches C2, C2. Each of the pair of adjacent notches C2, C2 is tangentially contacted by a conceptual tangent yy that passes through the respective tangential contact points on the respective outer ends of the adjacent notches C2, C2. The conceptual tangent yy contacts or intersects the first engagement edge E4.

[0116] The first engaging edge E4 of openings A1 and A2 and the center C a The first distance d2 defined between is less than the radius r1 of the openings A1 and A2.

[0117] The first distance d2 is the distance between the corner BC and the center C of openings A1 and A2. a It is more than half the distance d1 between them.

[0118] The openings A1 and A2 further comprise at least one second engaging edge E3, the second engaging edge E3 having a length dimension less than the length dimension of the first engaging edge E4.

[0119] The first engaging edge E4 is positioned and oriented such that the conceptual line x of the corner bisects the first engaging edge E4 into two equal sections.

[0120] The conceptual line x that bisects the corner BC and the first engaging edge E4 is also the center C of the corner openings A1 and A2. a It passes through.

[0121] The midpoint on the first engaging edge E4 is aligned with the midpoint of the corner BC. The corner BC is rounded overall and may be defined by circles concentric with or defining openings A1 and A2. In other embodiments, the center of the circle defining the corner BC may lie on the conceptual line x of the corner or a collinear extension thereof.

[0122] This disclosure provides an article carrier comprising first and second layers 12A, 12B fixed to each other to form engaging panels 12A / 12B. The engaging panels 12A / 12B have a first side edge E1 and a first end edge E2. A corner BC is defined by the first side edge E1 and the first end edge E2. A corner region 18 extends between the corner BC and the article receiving opening A1 / A2 within the engaging panels 12A / 12B. The first layer 12A comprises a first engaging opening A1 having a first radius r1. The second layer 12B comprises a second engaging opening A2 having a second radius greater than the first radius r1. The first and second openings A1, A2 are concentrically aligned to provide the engaging opening A1 / A2. The first opening A1 is provided with a first engaging edge E4 located beyond the corner region 18 from the corner BC.

[0123] The first engaging edge E4 may be curved, and the first engaging edge E4 has a radius of curvature r3 that is larger than the first radius r1.

[0124] The first and second layers 12A and 12B can be fixed to each other in the corner region 18 by at least one adhesive strip G2.

[0125] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising engaging panels 12A, 12B, each having a first linear side edge E1, a first linear end edge E2, and a corner BC defined by the side edge E1 and the end edge E2. The engaging panels 12A, 12B are provided with article receiving openings A1, A2 within the engaging panels 12A, 12B. The openings A1, A2 are provided with a first engaging edge E4 located directly opposite the corner BC. The first engaging edge E4 is defined between a pair of adjacent notches C2, C2. A first conceptual line N1 is defined at the center C of the openings A1, A2. a It extends between a pair of adjacent notches C2, and the bottom of one of the notches C2. The first conceptual line N1 intersects the linear side edge E1. The second conceptual line N2 intersects the center C of the openings A1, A2. aIt extends between a pair of adjacent notches C2, and the bottom of the other notch C2. The second conceptual line N2 intersects the linear edge E2.

[0126] The carrier 90 may be provided by a blank 10 having an engaging opening A1 / A2 having at least one engaging edge E3, E4. The engaging edges E3, E4 are defined between a pair of adjacent relief elements or notches C1, C2. The engaging edge E4 is curved. The bottom or outer edge of each relief element C1, C2, recess, or notch is curved. The radius of curvature of each relief element or notch C1, C2 is considerably smaller than the radius of curvature of the engaging edge E4.

[0127] The upper engaging article carrier 90 comprises an upper panel 12A and a lower panel 12B arranged in a face-to-face contact relationship with each other. The upper engaging article carrier 90 comprises an upper engaging device RT including a first article receiving opening A2 in the lower panel 12B and a second article receiving opening A1 in the upper panel 12A. The first article receiving opening A2 has a first diameter. The second article receiving opening A1 has a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The second article receiving opening may include one or more teeth 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 including engaging edges E3, E4 for engaging with an article B.

[0128] The upper engaging article carrier 90 forms a package with article B, which comprises an upper end having an end diameter, a body having a body diameter, and a neck positioned between them and having a neck diameter. The first diameter is equal to or greater than the end diameter. The body diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The neck diameter may be greater than the second diameter.

[0129] The upper engaging article carrier 90 can accommodate the upper end of article B within the upper engaging device RT without folding or deforming a portion of the lower panel 12B. That is, the upper end of article B can pass freely through the lower panel 12B or be received into the first article receiving opening A2. The first article receiving opening A2 is greater than or equal to the diameter of article B as measured at the engagement position with the lower panel 12B.

[0130] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising engaging panels 12A, 12B, each having a first linear side edge E1, a first linear end edge E2, and a corner BC defined by the side edge E1 and the end edge E2. The engaging panels 12A, 12B include article receiving openings A1, A2 within the engaging panels 12A, 12B. The openings A1, A2 have a first engaging edge E4 located directly opposite the corner BC. The first engaging edge E4 is defined between a pair of adjacent notches C2, C2. The openings A1, A2 include a plurality of additional engaging edges E3 located at respective positions surrounding the openings A1, A2. Each of the plurality of additional engaging edges E3 is defined between adjacent notches C1, C1 or C1, C2. The length of the first engagement edge E4 is greater than the length of each of the additional engagement edges E3. In other words, the distance between the pair of notches C2, C2 defining the first engagement edge E4 is greater than the distance between the pair of notches C1, C1 defining the additional engagement edges E3.

[0131] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising engaging panels 12;112, each having at least one article holding device RT located at a corner BC of the engaging panels 12;112. The at least one article holding device RT comprises an article receiving opening A3. The article receiving opening A3 is located at a first center C a and a first part S1 that provides a first edge E3 defined by a portion of a first circle having a first radius r1;r4. The article receiving opening A3 is located at a second center C e ;C aand a second part S2 providing a second engaging edge E4 defined by a portion of a second circle having a second radius r3;r5 that is greater than the first radius r1;r4. a , C e They can be in the same location as each other or aligned.

[0132] The second engaging edge E4 is connected to the first edge E3 by a pair of curved notches or edges.

[0133] It will be recognized that, in this specification, references to directions such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower" do not necessarily limit each panel to such orientations, but may simply serve to distinguish them from one another.

[0134] In this specification, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” mean any line in any form that defines the hinge feature of a blank, facilitates the folding of portions of the blank relative to each other, or otherwise indicates the optimal panel folding position for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be interpreted as necessarily referring to only a single fold line, but rather a hinged connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, in which case each of the two or more fold lines may be linear or curved. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or at a slight angle to each other. When curved fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a molded panel within the area enclosed by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or curved folds that intersect at two positions to define an elliptical panel between them. The hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear folds and one or more curved folds. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of linear folds and arched or curved folds that intersect at two positions to define a crescent-shaped panel between them.

[0135] In this specification, the term “fold line” may mean a dividing 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, an aligned slit line, a fold line, and any combination of the above options.

[0136] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines may each include elements formed on the blank substrate, such as perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cuts, intermittent cuts, slits, folds, embossed lines, debossed lines, and any combination thereof. These elements may be dimensioned and arranged to provide desired functionality. For example, perforation lines may be dimensioned or designed to have a degree of fragility for defining fold lines and / or separation lines. Perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding and resist tearing, to facilitate folding and facilitate tearing with more effort, or to facilitate tearing with less effort.

[0137] As used herein, the phrase "in registry with" means the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled carton, such as an opening formed in a first panel of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second panel of two overlapping panels. Those elements that are aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, if an opening in the first panel is "aligned with" a second opening in a second panel that is installed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, the edge of the opening may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second opening and may be aligned with the second opening in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 Blank 12 Main Panel 12A First main panel, engagement panel, first layer, top panel 12B Second main panel, engagement panel, second layer, lower panel 14. Fold lines, fragile connections 16 Connection part 18 corner area, glue area 31 teeth 32 teeth 33 teeth 34 teeth 35 teeth 36 teeth 37 teeth 38 teeth 39 teeth 40 teeth 41 teeth 60 buffer tabs 61 Fold lines 90 cartons, carrier 110 Blank 112 Main panel, engagement panel 116. Weak connections and separation lines 118 corner area 190 cartons, carrier A1 First opening, article receiving opening, first engagement opening, second article receiving opening, corner opening A2 Second opening, article receiving opening, first article receiving opening, corner opening A3 opening, article receiving opening A4 Handle opening B Goods BC corner C1 Notch, relief element C2 Notch, relief element C a center C e center Cl2 yen, a second conceptual yen Cl3 engagement edge circle d1 distance d2 First distance d4 distance d5 distance d6 distance E1 Side edge, first side edge, first straight side edge E2 edge portion, first edge portion, first straight edge portion E3 Edge, engaging edge, tooth edge, second engaging edge E4 Edge, first engaging edge G1 Glue position G2 Adhesive position, adhesive area, adhesive strip G3 glue position H-handle structure H1 handle, first handle structure H2 handle, second handle structure M1 point M2 point M1-M2 Lateral axis N1 First conceptual line N2 Second Conceptual Overline NC conceptual circle P: Conceptual corner, point, intersection r1 is the radius of the conceptual circle NC, the first radius. r² is the radius of the conceptual circle Cl². r3 is the radius of curvature, the second radius. r4 First radius r5 Second radius r6 Third radius r B Rim radius RT Article holding structure, upper engagement device, article holding device S1 Part 1 S2 Second part S3 Part 3 x conceptual line XX Conceptual line, conceptual axis, longitudinal axis yy Conceptual tangent α angle θ First angle

Claims

1. An article carrier comprising an engaging panel having a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region, The engagement panel is provided with an article receiving opening, and the corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The article receiving opening is provided with a first engaging edge located beyond the corner region from the corner, An article carrier wherein the first engaging edge is curved, and the first engaging edge has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the article receiving opening.

2. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging edge is positioned to intersect a first conceptual line extending between the corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

3. The article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the first conceptual line passes through the conceptual or actual intersection of the first side edge and the first end edge.

4. The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the pair of adjacent notches are tangentially contacted by a conceptual tangent passing through each tangential contact point on each of the outer ends of each of the pair of adjacent notches, and the conceptual tangent contacts the first engagement edge.

5. The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the pair of adjacent notches are tangentially contacted by a conceptual tangent passing through each tangential contact point on each of the outer ends of each of the pair of adjacent notches, and the conceptual tangent intersects the first engagement edge.

6. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging edge is spaced a first distance from the center of the article receiving opening, and the first distance is less than the radius of the article receiving opening.

7. The article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the first distance is more than half of the second distance defined between the corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

8. The article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the article receiving opening further comprises at least one second engaging edge, the at least one second engaging edge having a second engaging edge length dimension, the second engaging edge length dimension being less than the first engaging edge length dimension of the first engaging edge.

9. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, comprising first and second layers fixed to each other to form an engagement panel, wherein the engagement panel has a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region, An article carrier wherein the engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening, the corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening, the first layer comprises a first engaging opening having a first radius, the second layer comprises a second engaging opening having a second radius greater than the first radius, the first engaging opening and the second engaging opening are concentrically aligned with each other to provide the article receiving opening, and the first engaging opening comprises a first engaging edge located beyond the corner and the corner region.

10. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the first engaging edge is positioned to intersect a first conceptual line extending between the corner and the center of the article receiving opening.

11. The article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the first conceptual line passes through the conceptual or actual intersection of the first side edge and the first end edge.

12. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the first engaging edge is curved, and the first engaging edge has a radius of curvature greater than the first radius.

13. The article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the first and second layers are fixed to each other in the corner region by at least one adhesive strip.

14. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, comprising an engaging panel having a first straight side edge, a first straight end edge, and a corner defined by the first straight side edge and the first straight end edge, wherein the engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engaging panel, and the article receiving opening has the first engaging edge positioned directly opposite the corner, The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, and a first conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of one of the pair of adjacent notches, and the first conceptual line intersects with the first linear edge, An article carrier wherein a second conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of the other notch of the pair of adjacent notches, and the second conceptual line intersects the first linear side edge.

15. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising an engaging panel having a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region, The engagement panel is provided with an article receiving opening, and the corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening. The article receiving opening is provided with a first engaging edge located beyond the corner region from the corner, A blank for forming an article carrier, wherein the first engaging edge is curved and the first engaging edge has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the article receiving opening.

16. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising a first panel and a second panel for forming first and second layers of an engagement panel, wherein the engagement panel has a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region, A blank for forming an article carrier, wherein the engaging panel comprises an article receiving opening, the corner region extends between the corner and the article receiving opening, the first layer comprises a first engaging opening having a first radius, the second layer comprises a second engaging opening having a second radius greater than the first radius, the first engaging opening and the second engaging opening are concentrically aligned with each other to provide the article receiving opening, and the first engaging opening comprises a first engaging edge located beyond the corner and the corner region.

17. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising an engagement panel having a first straight side edge, a first straight end edge, and a corner defined by the first straight side edge and the first straight end edge, wherein the engagement panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engagement panel, and the article receiving opening has the first engagement edge positioned directly opposite the corner, The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, A first conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of one of the pair of adjacent notches, and the first conceptual line intersects with the first straight edge. A blank for forming an article carrier, wherein a second conceptual line extends between the center of the article receiving opening and the bottom of the other notch of the pair of adjacent notches, and the second conceptual line intersects the first linear side edge.

18. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising an engagement panel having a first straight side edge, a first straight end edge, and a corner defined by the first straight side edge and the first straight end edge, wherein the engagement panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engagement panel, and the article receiving opening has the first engagement edge positioned directly opposite the corner, The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, and the article receiving opening further comprises a plurality of additional engaging edges positioned at respective locations around the periphery of the article receiving opening. Each of the aforementioned additional engagement edges is defined between adjacent notches, A blank for forming an article carrier, wherein the first engaging edge has an edge length, each of the additional engaging edges has a tooth edge length, and the edge length of the first engaging edge is greater than the tooth edge length.

19. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising an engagement panel having a first straight side edge, a first straight end edge, and a corner defined by the first straight side edge and the first straight end edge, wherein the engagement panel comprises an article receiving opening defined within the engagement panel, and the article receiving opening has the first engagement edge positioned directly opposite the corner, The first engaging edge is defined between a pair of adjacent notches, and the article receiving opening further comprises a plurality of additional engaging edges positioned at respective locations around the periphery of the article receiving opening. Each of the aforementioned additional engagement edges is defined between adjacent notches, A blank for forming an article carrier, wherein the first distance between the pair of notches defining the first engagement edge is greater than the second distance between each pair of notches defining each of the plurality of additional engagement edges.

20. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, comprising an engagement panel having at least one article holding device located at the corner of the engagement panel, wherein the at least one article holding device has an article receiving opening, the article receiving opening having a first portion that provides a first edge defined by a portion of a first circle having a first center and a first radius, An article carrier wherein the article receiving opening comprises a second portion that provides a second engaging edge defined by a portion of a second circle having a second center and a second radius, wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius.

21. The article carrier according to claim 20, wherein the first and second centers are located in the same place.

22. The article carrier according to claim 20, wherein the first and second centers are offset from each other.

23. The article carrier according to claim 20, wherein the second engaging edge is connected to the first edge by a pair of curved segments.

24. The article carrier according to claim 20, wherein the engaging panel is formed from a single ply of corrugated cardboard.

25. The article carrier according to claim 24, wherein the corrugated cardboard is E-flute.

26. The article carrier according to claim 20, wherein the second engaging edge is positioned directly opposite the corner of the engaging panel.

27. The engagement panel further comprises a corner region extending between the corner and the article receiving opening, The article carrier according to claim 26, wherein the position where the second engaging edge is located is beyond the corner region of the engaging panel.

28. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, comprising an engagement panel having at least one article holding device located at the corner of the engagement panel, wherein the at least one article holding device has an article receiving opening, the article receiving opening having a center and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the center, and the article receiving opening further defining a transverse axis passing through the center and positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, An article carrier wherein the article receiving opening has a longitudinal dimension along the longitudinal axis and a transverse dimension along the transverse axis, the longitudinal dimension being greater than the transverse dimension, and the longitudinal axis extending between the corner of the engagement panel and the center of the article receiving opening.

29. The article carrier according to claim 24, wherein the corrugated cardboard is at least one of A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, D-flute, and F-flute.

Images