Article carriers and blanks for article carriers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package, an article carrier for packaging multiple articles, and a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier is capable of packaging an article having a recess R and includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure surrounding the article, and article retention devices RT1, RT2 that engage with the recesses of the article. The article retention devices include tabs 50, 52 hingedly connected to the panels along first fold lines 51, 53. The tabs are foldable about the first fold lines to an engaged position and include a body defined by first free edges 61, 62a and retention projections L1, L2 extending outward from the body. The first free edges include curved segments having radii of curvature Rc1, Rc2. The retention projections include end points Fp1, Fp2 along second free edges 71, 72 that are continuous with the first free edges. The extreme end points are arranged at maximum protruding piece distances Ld1 and Ld2, which are greater than the radius of curvature, from the center of the radius of curvature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to article carriers and blanks for forming article carriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to article holding structures including engagement devices for securing edges of articles. [Background technology]

[0002] In the packaging art, it is known to provide cartons or article carriers for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for allowing consumers to transport, store, and access groups of articles for consumption. Due to cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers should be formed from as little material as possible and minimize material waste as the carrier is formed. A further consideration is the strength and suitability of the carton for holding and transporting heavy articles. It is desirable for the carton to include a carrying handle that is strong enough to withstand the weight of the carton and its contents.

[0003] It is desirable that the items held within the carton be securely held and protected during transport, and it is also desirable that the items within the carton be easily accessible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an improvement in the field of cartons, which are typically formed from paperboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each having a recess. The blank includes a plurality of panels defining an interior of the carrier for receiving at least a portion of the at least one article, and an article retention device for engaging the recess of the at least one article. The article retention device includes a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line to an engaged position. The tab includes a body partially defined by a first free edge opposite the first fold line. The first free edge includes a curved segment having a predetermined radius of curvature. The curved segment defines a center of the radius of curvature. The tab further includes at least one retention tab extending outward from the body. The at least one retention tab has a second free edge contiguous with the first free edge. The at least one retention tab includes an end point along the second free edge. The extreme point is located at the maximum protrusion distance from the center of the radius of curvature, which is greater than the radius of curvature.

[0006] Optionally, the second free edge may be located closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

[0007] Optionally, the second free edge may extend between the first fold line and the first free edge.

[0008] Optionally, the body may have a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge, and the at least one retention tab may have a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge, and the second maximum linear dimension may be less than the first maximum linear dimension.

[0009] Optionally, the second maximum linear dimension may be less than half the first maximum linear dimension.

[0010] Optionally, at least one retention tab may be located adjacent at least one end of the first fold line.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one retaining tab comprises a pair of retaining tabs respectively disposed at opposite ends of the first fold line.

[0012] Optionally, the first fold line may have a length that is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

[0013] Optionally, the tab may have a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line, and the first fold line may have a length less than the maximum width of the tab.

[0014] Optionally, the maximum width of the tab may be less than two times the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess. The article carrier includes a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles. The article carrier includes an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles. The article retention device prevents removal of an article from at least one of the ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retention device includes a tab hinged to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line to an engagement position, where the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than 90 degrees. The tab includes a body providing an edge for engaging a surface of the article provided therein by the recess. The tab includes a retention tab extending from the body to engage a feature of the article and prevent disengagement of the tab from the article, the retention tab preventing the tab from unfolding (from a folded state to an open state) from the engagement position.

[0016] Optionally, the tab comprises a pair of retaining lugs extending from opposite sides of the body.

[0017] Optionally, the retention tab is located adjacent the first fold line.

[0018] In a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article having a recess, the retaining protrusion may be positioned between the first panel of the plurality of panels and a base feature on which the article is placed.

[0019] Optionally, the body of the tab has a first linear or maximum height dimension measured between the hinged edge and a free edge opposite the hinged edge, and the retention tab has a second linear or maximum height dimension measured between a first free edge collinear with the hinged edge of the body and a second free edge opposite the first free edge, the second linear or maximum height dimension being smaller than the first linear or maximum height dimension.

[0020] Optionally, the second linear dimension or maximum height dimension is less than half the first linear dimension or maximum height dimension.

[0021] Optionally, the retention lug is connected to the body of the tab by a link in the form of a bridge portion that is thin enough to allow deformation between the body of the tab and the retention lug.

[0022] In a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article having a recess, the body of the tab may rise sufficiently from the first of the panels when in the folded state, while the retaining protrusion may be held in contact with a portion of the base panel, optionally in a surface-contacting relationship.

[0023] In the package, the body of the tab may project into a recess in the base of the article to provide an end stop to limit movement of the article.

[0024] Optionally, the first fold line extends at an acute angle relative to the axis of the tube of the tubular structure. Optionally, said angle is sharp. Optionally, said angle is 50 degrees or less.

[0025] Optionally, the first fold line extends parallel to an axis of a tube of the tubular structure.

[0026] Optionally, the tab is hinged such that the tab can be folded inwardly of the article carrier toward a second panel of the plurality of panels that is hinged to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

[0027] Optionally, the article carrier comprises a mechanical pull opening for receiving the mechanical element, the tab when folded about the first fold line defining at least a portion of the mechanical pull opening.

[0028] Optionally, the mechanical pulling aperture includes a recess along a periphery of the mechanical pulling aperture, the recess extending from the body of the tab.

[0029] Optionally, the article carrier comprises an end closure structure comprising at least one end panel for partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each having a recess. The blank includes a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles. The blank includes an article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or more articles. The article retention device prevents removal of an article from at least one of the ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier. The article retention device includes a tab hinged to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line. The tab is foldable about the first fold line to an engagement position, where the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than 90 degrees. The tab includes a body providing an edge for engaging a surface of the article provided therein by the recess. The tab includes a retention tab for preventing the tab from unfolding (folding from an open state) from the engagement position. The retention tab extends from the body to engage a feature of the article to prevent disengagement of the tab from the retention tab of the article.

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

[0032] Features or elements described in connection with or with respect to 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 the features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to or in place of one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

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

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of another portion of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of FIG. 1 from above. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the product container profile. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of the base of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 showing the location of base features on the packaged article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and article carriers are disclosed herein. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the present invention may be practiced and do not represent a comprehensive listing of all ways in which the present invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it is understood that the packages, blanks, and article carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in great detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not intended as limitations, but merely as representative principles for the claims and to teach those skilled in the art to variously use the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 from which a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, can be formed for containing and carrying a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereafter referred to as Item B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0038] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container 90 for engaging and carrying an item B, such as a primary product container B, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the present invention. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, cups, pots, sachets, packets, and the like. The article may include a recess or depression in its upper and / or lower end. In some embodiments, the article may include a protrusion or flange extending outward, upward, or downward to provide a wall or engagement surface.

[0039] The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. As used herein, it is understood that the term "suitable substrate" includes all forms of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that one or more blanks may be used, as appropriate, to provide, for example, a carrier structure, as described in more detail below.

[0040] The packaging structures or cartons 90 described herein can be formed from sheet materials, such as paperboard, which may be made from or coated with materials to increase their strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials may be provided in two or more layers 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 the outside of the finished package may be smooth, specifically, or may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability. Meanwhile, the surface of the sheet material facing the inside may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as tear resistance, good adhesive ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3), and in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three items B are provided, where items B are 330 ml beverage cans.

[0042] Alternatively, blank 10 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of items B and / or for packaging items B in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, a fully enclosed carton or basket carrier, where items B may be bottles or cans.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 90 (Figures 2 and 3) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 10 includes a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 include a first base panel 12, a first corner or angled panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner or angled panel 22, and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in linear rows, with one panel hinged to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, the first corner panel 14 and the second corner panel 22 may be omitted. In still other embodiments, an additional corner panel may be hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the first side panel 16. An additional corner panel may be hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. An additional corner panel may be hingedly connected between the top panel 18 and each of the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 20.

[0045] Fold lines 13, 23 and / or fold lines 15, 21 optionally include cuts or tear lines (not shown) collinear with each one of fold lines 13, 23, 15, 21 to interrupt or coincide with said fold lines 13, 23, 15, 21. The tear lines can provide a shock absorbing or shock attenuating device adjacent the base of carton 90.

[0046] The first corner panel 14 and the second corner panel 22 are optional and may be considered to form a lower portion of one of the first side panel 16 or second side panel 20 to which they are hinged, or alternatively, to form part of the first base panel 12 or second base panel 24 to which they are hinged. In some embodiments, the first corner panel 14 and the second corner panel 22 may be omitted, and in such embodiments, the fold lines 15, 23 may also be omitted.

[0047] The blank 10 includes end closure structure for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of major panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0048] The first end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a first end structure comprising a first upper end flap 26A hinged to the first end of the top panel 18 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 25A.

[0049] The first connecting panel 32A is hinged to a first side of the first upper end flap 26A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 33A.

[0050] The first mooring panel 28A is hinged to the first side panel 16 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 27A.

[0051] First web panel 30A hinges first anchoring panel 28A to first connecting panel 32A. First web panel 30A is hinged to first anchoring panel 28A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 29A. First web panel 30A is hinged to first connecting panel 32A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 31A.

[0052] The second connecting panel 34A is hingedly connected to the second side of the first upper end flap 26A by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 35A.

[0053] The second mooring panel 38A is hinged to the second side panel 20 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 41A.

[0054] The second web panel 36A hinges the second anchoring panel 38A to the second connecting panel 34A. The second web panel 36A is hinged to the second anchoring panel 38A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 39A. The second web panel 36A is hinged to the second connecting panel 34A by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 37A.

[0055] The second end of the tubular structure is partially closed by a second end structure comprising a second upper end flap 26B hingedly connected to the second end of the top panel 18 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 25B.

[0056] The third connecting panel 32B is hingedly connected to the first side of the second upper end flap 26B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 33B.

[0057] The third mooring panel 28B is hinged to the first side panel 16 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 27B.

[0058] The third web panel 30B hinges the third anchoring panel 28B to the third connecting panel 32B. The third web panel 30B is hinged to the third anchoring panel 28B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 29B. The third web panel 30B is hinged to the third connecting panel 32B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 31B.

[0059] The fourth connecting panel 34B is hingedly connected to the second side of the second upper end flap 26B by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 35B.

[0060] The fourth mooring panel 38B is hinged to the second side panel 20 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 41B.

[0061] The fourth web panel 36B hinges the fourth anchoring panel 38B to the fourth connecting panel 34B. The fourth web panel 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth anchoring panel 38B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 39B. The fourth web panel 36B is hingedly connected to the fourth connecting panel 34B by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 37B.

[0062] The blank 10 can be folded to form a package 90 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first base panel 12 and the second base panel 24 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form the composite base wall 12 / 24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include complementary locking mechanisms M / F for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may include at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism M / F. The second base panel 24 may include at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism M / F. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 includes a plurality of female tabs F that define an opening in the first base panel 12. The second base panel 24 includes a plurality of male tabs M, and the opening in the first base panel 12 is configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. Each of the female tabs F is positioned to be moved outwardly from the first base panel 12 to form an opening and compress the male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M / F may be omitted and the first base panel 12 and the second base panel 24 may be secured to one another by other means, such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

[0063] The complementary locking mechanisms M / F shown and described are entirely optional.

[0064] The blank 10 includes at least one article retaining device or article engaging structure (also referred to herein as a lower end article retaining device or lower end article engaging structure) RT1, RT2 for engaging a lower end of an article B. The blank 10 shown in Figure 1 includes six article engaging structures RT1, RT2.

[0065] The blank 10 includes four first item engaging structures RT1 and two second item engaging structures RT2. Each of the base panels 12, 24 may include a pair of the first item engaging structures RT1 and the second item engaging structures RT2. The item retaining device will be described in further detail with reference to the first item engaging structures RT1 and the second item engaging structures RT2 provided on the first base panel 12.

[0066] 4, the first article engagement structure RT1 comprises a first engagement tab 50 cut from the first base panel 12, i.e., provided by the material that would otherwise form the first base panel 12. The first engagement tab 50 is hinged to the first base panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 51. The fold line 51 may be positioned offset from the fold line 13 that provides the hinge connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner or angled panel 14. The fold line 51 may also be positioned obliquely relative to the fold line 13. In an embodiment having two first article engagement structures RT1, the fold line 51 of the first of the two first article engagement structures RT1 can be positioned to diverge relative to the fold line 51 of the second of the two first article engagement structures RT1, and the fold lines 51 may be positioned to diverge from each other as they approach the fold line 13 that provides a hinge connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner panel or angled panel 14.

[0067] The first engagement tab 50 comprises a body portion configured to be received in a recess R (see FIG. 5) in the base of the item B, and a protrusion forming a retention lug L1 that extends from a first inner side of the body portion.

[0068] The retention tab L1 is configured to be folded so as to be disposed between the first base panel 12 and the base of the item B. An exemplary item B is shown in FIG. 5, which includes a cylindrical wall W closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE includes a recess R in the form of a dome. The item B rests on the base, which may take the form of an annular ridge or perimeter C extending outwardly or downwardly from the lower end. The annular ridge or perimeter C surrounds the recess R. The retention tab L1 in the installed carton 90 can be disposed between the first base panel 12 and the annular ridge or perimeter C, as best shown in FIG. 6. The weight of the item B provides friction that prevents or inhibits the first engagement tab 50 from releasing from the folded state. The body portion of the first engagement tab 50 projects into the recess R and provides an edge that presses against the surface of the item B to prevent or inhibit movement of the item B relative to the carton 90 .

[0069] In some applications, the retention lug L1 may be configured to engage a peripheral region of the recess R adjacent the annular ridge or periphery C. The upwardly facing surface of the retention lug L1, i.e., the surface facing the recess R on the article, may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the peripheral region of the recess R to prevent or inhibit the first engagement tab 50 from releasing from its folded state.

[0070] The retention lug L1 may not be directly hinged to the first base panel 12, but rather may be coupled to the first base panel 12 by a body portion of the first engagement tab 50. The retention lug L1 may be defined at least in part by a "U" or "C" shaped cut. The cut defining the retention lug L1 may extend from the fold line 51 that hinges the body portion to the first base panel 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the retention lug L1 may not be directly hinged to the first base panel 12, but rather the cut defining the retention lug L1 separates said portion of the retention lug L1 from the first base panel 12.

[0071] The body of the engagement tab 50 is partially defined by a first free edge 61 located opposite the first fold line 51. The first free edge 61 includes a curved segment 61a defined by a radius of curvature Rc1. The curved segment 61a defines a center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rc1. A retention prong L1 extends radially outward from the body in a direction away from the center Cr1 of the radius of curvature. The retention prong L1 has a second free edge 71 extending continuously from the first free edge 61. The retention prong L1 includes an extreme point Fp1 along the second free edge 71. The extreme point Fp1 is located a maximum prong distance Ld1 from the center Cr1 of the radius of curvature Rc1. The maximum prong distance Ld1 is greater than the radius of curvature Rc1. The second free edge 71 is positioned closer to the fold line 51 than the first free edge 61. The second free edge 71 extends between the fold line 51 and the first free edge 61. The retaining lug L1 is positioned adjacent to one of the ends of the fold line 51. The length of the fold line 51 is less than twice the radius of curvature Rc1 of the curved segment 61a of the first free edge 61.

[0072] 4 shows that the second article engagement structure RT2 comprises a second engagement tab 52 that is cut from the first base panel 12, i.e., provided by the material that would otherwise form the first base panel 12. The second engagement tab 52 is hinged to the first base panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 53. The fold line 53 may be disposed parallel to the fold line 13 that provides the hinge connection between the first base panel 12 and the first corner or angled panel 14.

[0073] The second engagement tab 52 comprises a body portion configured to be received in a recess in the base of the item B and a pair of second protrusions forming second retention tabs L2. A first of the pair of second retention tabs L2 extends from a first side of the body portion, and a second of the pair of second retention tabs L2 extends from an opposite second side of the body portion.

[0074] The retention tabs L2 are configured to be folded to be disposed between the first base panel 12 and the base of the item B. An exemplary item B is shown in FIG. 5, which includes a cylindrical wall W closed at an upper end UE and a lower end LE. The lower end LE includes a recess R in the form of a dome. The item B rests on the base, which may be in the form of an annular ridge or perimeter C extending outwardly or downwardly from the lower end. The annular ridge or perimeter C surrounds the recess R. Each of the retention tabs L2 in the installed carton 90 is disposed between the first base panel 12 and the annular ridge or perimeter C, which is best shown in FIG. 6. The weight of the item B provides friction that prevents or inhibits the second engagement tabs 52 from releasing from the folded state. The body portion of the second engagement tab 52 protrudes into the recess R and provides an edge that presses against the surface of the item B to prevent or inhibit movement of the item B relative to the carton 90. The body of the engagement tab 52 is partially defined by a first free edge 62 opposite the fold line 53. The first free edge 62 includes a curved segment 62a having a radius of curvature Rc2. The curved segment 62a defines a center Cr2 of the radius of curvature Rc2. The engagement tab 52 further includes a pair of retention tabs L2, each of which extends radially outward from the body in a direction away from the center Cr2. At least one retention tab has a second free edge that is continuous with the first free edge. Each of the retention tabs L2, L2 has an extreme end point Fp2 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4 ) along its respective second free edge 72. Each of the extreme end points Fp2 is located at a maximum protrusion distance Ld2 from the center Cr2 of the curvature radius Rc2. The maximum protrusion distance Ld2 of each of the extreme end points Fp2 is greater than the curvature radius Rc2.

[0075] Each second free edge 72 is positioned closer to the fold line 53 than the first free edge 62. Each second free edge 72 extends between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. The body of the engagement tab 52 has a first maximum linear dimension h1 measured between the fold line 53 and the first free edge 62. Each retention tab L2 has a second maximum linear dimension h2 measured between the fold line 53 and the second free edge 72. The second maximum linear dimension h2 is smaller than the first maximum linear dimension h1. The second maximum linear dimension h2 may be less than half of the first maximum linear dimension h1. The retention tabs L2, L2 are positioned at opposite ends of the fold line 53, respectively.

[0076] 6 , the length W1 of the fold line 53 of the engagement tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved segment 62a of the first free edge 62. The engagement tab 52 may have a maximum width W2 extending in a direction along the fold line 53, while the length W1 of the fold line 53 may be less than the maximum width W2 of the engagement tab 52. The maximum width W2 of the engagement tab 52 may be less than twice the radius of curvature Rc2 of the curved segment 62a of the first free edge 62.

[0077] In some applications, the retention tabs L2 may be configured to engage with respective peripheral regions of the recesses R adjacent the annular ridge or periphery C. The upwardly facing surface of each of the retention tabs L2, i.e., the surface facing the recesses R on the article, may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the peripheral regions to prevent or inhibit the second engagement tabs 52 from releasing from their folded state.

[0078] Each of the pair of second retention lugs L2 may not be directly hinged to the first base panel 12, but may be coupled to the first base panel 12 by a body portion of the second engagement tab 52. Each of the pair of second retention lugs L2 may be defined at least in part by a "U" or "C" shaped cut. The cut defining the second retention lug L2 may extend from the fold line 53 that hinges the body portion to the first base panel 12.

[0079] The blank 10 may include an assembly device. The assembly device facilitates tightening of the blank 10 around the group of articles B. The assembly device may include alignment features. The assembly device takes the form of an opening in the first and / or second base panels 12, 24. The opening (also referred to herein as a mechanical pull opening) may be at least partially defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2. The alignment features take the form of cutouts A1, A2. The cutouts A1, A2 may take the form of openings adjacent to and capable of contacting the engagement tabs 50, 52.

[0080] In operation, the cutouts A1, A2 form recesses or notches that extend from the openings created in the first base panel 12 or the second base panel 24 that are formed when the respective engagement tabs 50, 52 are folded into the carrier 90. In this manner, the engagement tabs 50, 52 and the openings created in the first base panel 12 or the second base panel 24 by the cutouts A1, A2 merge or combine to form a single opening.

[0081] In other embodiments, the cutouts A1, A2 may be defined by separate openings and may be spaced apart from the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engaging structures RT1, RT2.

[0082] Cutouts A1, A2 are defined by a portion of a notional triangle, the other portion of which is received within engagement tabs 50, 52. One of the vertices of the triangle is positioned outside the footprint of engagement tabs 50, 52 such that cutout A1 is formed.

[0083] Each of the engagement tabs 50, 52 is defined by a cut 55, 57 which is separated by a cutout A1, A2 to form two cut portions on either side of the cutout A1, A2.

[0084] Cutouts A1, A2 extend from the body portion of a respective one of engagement tabs 50, 52. Cutouts A1, A2 each include a pair of converging side edges that converge toward a free edge of first base panel 12 that is opposite the hinged edge of first base panel 12 defined by fold line 13.

[0085] Each of the engagement tabs 50, 52 may be spaced from the fold line 13 by a minimum distance d1.

[0086] Each of the cutouts A1, A2 may be spaced from the free edge of the first base panel 12 by a minimum distance d2.

[0087] The opening in the first base panel 12 created or defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2 and the cutouts A1, A2 of the assembly device is defined in a middle region of the first base panel 12. The middle region is located a first distance d1 from the hinged edge of the first base panel 12 defined by the fold line 13 and a second distance d2 from the free edge of the first base panel 12.

[0088] In this manner, the openings in the first base panel 12 or the second base panel 24 created or defined by the engagement tabs 50, 52 of the article engagement structures RT1, RT2 and the cutouts A1, A2 of the assembly device are spaced apart from the male tab M or female tab F of the complementary locking mechanism M / F, which may improve the integrity of the carton as a result of providing said openings in the base panels 12, 24, or may at least prevent or minimize any degradation of the integrity of the carton.

[0089] Optionally, the blank 10 includes a handle structure H, which may take the form of at least one handle opening in the top panel 18. The handle opening may be defined by a handle tab cut from and hinged to the top panel 18. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of handle openings, each defined by a handle tab, which are hingedly connected to each other in an opposing manner.

[0090] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier. The article carrier 90 and blank 10 include at least one article retaining device RT1, RT2 for engaging a recess, flange, protrusion, or other suitable engagement surface provided by an article B. When the article B being packaged is a can, the engagement surface may be provided by a seam or edge.

[0091] The article carrier 90 can package at least one article B having a recess R. The article carrier 90 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure for enclosing one or more articles B. The article carrier 90 includes an article retention device for engaging the recess R of one of the one or more articles B. The article retention device RT1, RT2 can prevent removal of the article B from at least one of the opposite open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retention device RT1, RT2 includes tabs 50, 52 hinged to a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along first fold lines 51, 53. The tabs 50, 52 can be folded about the first fold lines 51, 53 into an engaged position. To reach the engagement position, the tabs 50, 52 can be folded from their initial positions through an angle greater than 90 degrees about the first fold lines 51, 53. The tabs 50, 52 in the engagement position are best seen in FIG. 6, where the shaded areas represent the tabs 50, 52 in their folded state. When the tabs 50, 52 are folded beyond 90 degrees to their engagement position, they can define an angle less than 90 degrees with the adjacent inner surface of the respective base panels 12, 24. The tabs 50, 52 include a body that provides an edge for engaging the surface of the article provided by the recess R. The tabs 50, 52 include retention tabs L1, L2 extending from the body to engage features of the article B to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the tabs 50, 52 from the article B. The retention tabs L1, L2 can prevent or inhibit the tabs 50, 52 from being released from the engagement position. In the installed carton 90, the retaining protrusions L1, L2 may be positioned or clamped between a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and a base feature (such as peripheral edge C) against which the respective article B is pressed or stands.

[0092] The body of the tabs 50, 52 has a first maximum linear or height dimension h1 measured between the first free edges 61, 62 opposite the hinged edges 51, 53. The retention lugs L1, L2 have a second maximum linear or height dimension h2 measured between the hinged edges 51, 53 of the body and the endmost segments of the second free edges 71, 72. The second maximum linear or height dimension h2 is less than the first maximum linear or height dimension h1 and may be less than half of the first maximum linear or height dimension h1. An alternative narrow connection may be provided between the body of the tabs 50, 52 and the retention lugs L1, L2, which may facilitate deformation or twisting of the body of the tabs 50, 52 relative to or between the retention lugs L1, L2. In this manner, the bodies of the tabs 50, 52 can rise from the base panels 12, 24 in the folded state, while the retention lugs L1, L2 are held in a flush contacting relationship with a portion of the base panels 12, 24. The bodies of the tabs 50, 52 project into a recess R at the base of the item B to provide an end stop to limit movement of the item B.

[0093] The first fold lines 51, 53 may extend at an acute angle relative to the axis of the tube of the tubular structure. The angle may be acute and may be less than or equal to 50 degrees.

[0094] The tabs 50, 52 may be hinged such that they can be folded inwardly of the article carrier 90 along second fold lines 13, 15, 21, 23 toward a second panel 14, 16, 20, 22 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 that is hinged to a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0095] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 having a mechanical pull opening and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier 90. The article carrier 90 and / or the blank 10 include article retention devices RT1, RT2 for engaging recesses in one or more articles B. The article retention devices RT1, RT2 can prevent removal of the articles B from at least one of the opposing open ends of the tubular structure of the article carrier 90. The article retention devices RT1, RT2 include tabs 50, 52 cut from a first panel 12, 24 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and hingedly connected to the first panel 12, 14 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 along first fold lines 51, 53. The tabs 50, 52 define at least a portion of the mechanical pull opening when folded about the first fold lines 51, 53. A mechanical element can engage the mechanical pulling opening to tighten the blank 10 around at least one article B. The tabs 50, 52 can be one or a single member formed from material removed from the mechanical pulling opening.

[0096] The mechanical tension opening may include recesses A1, A2 along the periphery of the mechanical tension opening, the recesses A1, A2 being positioned at locations substantially opposite the first fold lines 51, 53.

[0097] The article carrier 90 may be of the wrap-around type with a composite wall formed from two panels secured together. The composite wall may be the bottom wall of a tubular structure.

[0098] It may be understood that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and openings may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. While the illustrated embodiment shows a wrap-around carton or blank for forming an article carrier, in other embodiments, the article carrier may take alternative forms or styles and employ one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

[0099] The end closure structure may be omitted and additional article retention devices RT1, RT2 may be provided in one or more additional panels of the blank 10 or carton 90, such as, for example, but not limited to, the top panel 18. In such embodiments, the cutouts A1, A2 of the assembly device may be provided in the additional panels, or may be omitted in yet other embodiments.

[0100] It will be appreciated that, as used herein, references to directions such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inward," "outward," "above," and "below" do not necessarily limit each panel to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0101] As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to any manner of line that defines a hinge feature of a blank, facilitates folding portions of a blank relative to one another, or indicates the optimal location for folding a panel about the blank. References to a "hinge connection" should not necessarily be construed as referring only to a single fold line; in fact, a hinge connection may be formed from two or more fold lines, each of which may be either straight or curved in shape. Straight fold lines may be positioned parallel to one another when forming a hinge connection, or may be slightly angled relative to one another. Curved fold lines may intersect with one another when forming a hinge connection to define a molded panel within the area encompassed by the curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines that intersect at two points to define an elliptical panel therebetween. The hinge connection may be formed from one or more straight fold lines and one or more curved fold lines. A typical example of such a hinge connection may comprise a combination of a straight fold line and an arched or bowed fold line that intersect at two points to define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0102] As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a perforation line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforation line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut, a line of aligned slits, a perforation line, and any combination of these options.

[0103] It should be understood that the hinge connections and fold lines may each include elements formed in the substrate of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, score lines, single score lines, cuts, interrupted cuts, slits, perforations, any combination thereof, etc. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold and / or cut lines. Perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding while resisting tearing, to facilitate folding while facilitating tearing with greater effort, or to facilitate tearing with less effort.

[0104] As used herein, the phrase "in registration with" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled carton, such as an opening formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. Elements that are registered with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening in a first panel is "aligned" with a second opening in a second panel that is positioned in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the opening can 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]

[0105] 10 blank 12 First base panel, base wall 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 Folding lines 14 First corner panel or angled panel 16 First Side Panel 18 Upper Panel 20 Second Side Panel 22 Second corner panel or angled panel 24 Second base panel, base wall 25A, 25B bending lines 26A First Upper End Flap 26B Second upper end flap 27A, 27B Bending lines 28A First Mooring Panel 28B Third Mooring Panel 29A, 29B Bending lines 30A First Web Panel 30B Third Web Panel 31A, 31B bending lines 32A First connecting panel 32B Third connecting panel 33A, 33B bending lines 34A Second connecting panel 34B 4th connecting panel 35A, 35B bending lines 36A Second Web Panel 36B Fourth Web Panel 37A, 37B bending lines 38A Second Mooring Panel 38B Fourth Mooring Panel 39A, 39B Bending lines 41A, 41B bending lines 50 first engagement tab 51 First fold line, hinged edge 52 second engagement tab 53 First fold line, hinged edge 55, 57 cuts 61 first free edge 61a Curved Segment 62 first free edge 62a Curved Segment 71 second free edge 72 second free edge 90 cartons, carriers, containers, packages A1, A2 Cutouts, recesses B Goods C. Circular ridge or rim Cr1 Center of radius of curvature Rc1 Cr2 Center of radius of curvature Rc2 d1 Minimum distance, first distance d2 Minimum distance, second distance F First part, female tab Fp1, Fp2 End point h1 First maximum linear dimension, height dimension h2 Second maximum linear dimension, height dimension H handle structure L1 retaining protrusion L2 Second retaining protrusion Ld1, Ld2 Maximum projection distance LE lower end M Second part, male tab M / F locking mechanism R recess Rc1 radius of curvature RT1 First article engaging structure, article holding device RT2 Second article engagement structure, article retention device UE upper end W wall W1 Length of bending line 53 W2 Maximum width of engagement tab 52

Claims

1. 1. A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging at least one article, each blank having a recess, the blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the article carrier for receiving at least a portion of at least one article, and an article retention device for engaging a recess in the at least one article; the article retaining device includes a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line; the tab is foldable about the first fold line into an engaged position; the tab includes a body partially defined by a first free edge opposite the first fold line; the first free edge includes a curved segment having a predetermined radius of curvature, the curved segment defining a center of the radius of curvature; the tab further comprises at least one retaining tab extending outwardly from the body, the at least one retaining tab having a second free edge contiguous with the first free edge; the at least one retention protrusion includes an extreme point along the second free edge, the extreme point being located a maximum protrusion distance from the center of the radius of curvature, the maximum protrusion distance being greater than the radius of curvature.

2. The blank of claim 1 , wherein the second free edge is located closer to the first fold line than the first free edge.

3. The blank of claim 2 , wherein the second free edge extends between the first fold line and the first free edge.

4. the body has a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the first free edge; the at least one retention tab has a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge; The blank of claim 1 , wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than the first maximum linear dimension.

5. The blank of claim 4 , wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than half of the first maximum linear dimension.

6. The blank of claim 1 , wherein the at least one retention tab is located adjacent at least one end of the first fold line.

7. The blank according to claim 6 , wherein the retaining projections comprise a pair of retaining projections respectively disposed at opposite ends of the first folding line.

8. The blank of claim 1 , wherein the first fold line has a length that is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

9. the tab has a maximum width extending in a direction along the first fold line; The blank of claim 1 , wherein the first fold line has a length that is less than the maximum width of the tab.

10. The blank of claim 9 , wherein the maximum width of the tab is less than twice the radius of curvature of the curved segment of the first free edge.

11. 1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article having a recess, comprising: the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure for enclosing at least one article; and an article retention device for engaging a recess in the at least one article; the article retention device prevents removal of the at least one article from the tubular structure; the article retaining device includes a tab hingedly connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels along a first fold line; the tab is foldable about the first fold line to an engagement position where the tab is folded about the first fold line through an angle greater than 90 degrees; the tab comprises a body for engaging a surface of the at least one article provided therein by the recess; The article carrier, wherein the tab further comprises at least one retaining protrusion extending from the body for engaging a feature of the at least one article to prevent disengagement of the tab from the at least one article, the at least one retaining protrusion preventing the tab from opening and deploying from the engaged position.

12. the body of the tab has a first maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and a first free edge opposite the first fold line; the at least one retaining tab has a second free edge contiguous with the first free edge and a second maximum linear dimension measured between the first fold line and the second free edge; The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than the first maximum linear dimension.

13. 13. The article carrier of claim 12, wherein the second maximum linear dimension is less than half of the first maximum linear dimension.

14. 12. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein the at least one retaining tab takes the form of a protrusion extending from a first free edge of the tab to allow deformation between the body of the tab and the at least one retaining tab.

15. The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the first fold line extends at an acute angle relative to an axis of a tube of the tubular structure.

16. The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the first fold line extends parallel to an axis of a tube of the tubular structure.

17. 12. The article carrier of claim 11, wherein the tab is hinged such that the tab can be folded inwardly of the article carrier toward a second panel of the plurality of panels that is hingedly connected to the first panel of the plurality of panels along a second fold line.

18. the article carrier includes a mechanical pull opening for receiving a mechanical element, the tab when folded about the first fold line defining at least a portion of the mechanical pull opening; the mechanical tensioning opening includes a recess along a periphery of the mechanical tensioning opening; The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the recess extends from the body of the tab.

19. The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the article carrier comprises an end closure structure comprising at least one end panel for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure.

20. The article carrier of claim 11 , wherein the tab comprises a pair of retaining lugs extending from opposite sides of the body.

21. the article carrier of claim 11; at least one article having a recess and a base feature on which the at least one article rests; A package comprising: The package, wherein the at least one retention tab is disposed between the first panel of the plurality of panels and the base feature.

22. 22. The package of claim 21, wherein the body of the tab protrudes from the first panel of the plurality of panels when in the engaged position, while the at least one retention tab is held in contact with a portion of the base feature.

23. 22. The package of claim 21, wherein the body of the tab projects into the recess in the base of the at least one article to provide an end stop for limiting movement of the at least one article.

Images