Packages, goods carriers, and blanks for packages and goods carriers

Abstract

Disclosed are a package, a carrier for packaging one or more articles, and a blank for forming the carrier. The carrier includes an engagement panel having at least one article receiving aperture disposed to engage a portion of the article. 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. The article receiving aperture includes a first engagement edge extending from the corner across the corner region. The corner region is at least partially defined by the first engagement edge, and an end of each of the first side edge and the first end edge extends from the corner. The corner region is folded against the remainder of the engagement panel such that the end of the first side edge is angled relative to an adjacent portion of the first side edge.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to article top-engaging devices, packages, article carriers, and blanks for forming them. More specifically, but not limited to, the present invention relates to top-grip type carriers having one or more holes for receiving and holding articles inside. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for transporting multiple items. Cartons are well-known in the art and are useful in enabling consumers to transport, store, and obtain groups of items for consumption. As a cost and environmental requirement, such cartons or carriers need to be formed with as little material as possible, and to produce little waste of forming material. Further requirements are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy weights of items. It is desirable to secure the contents of the carton within the carton itself.

[0003] It is well known to provide a top-grip article carrier in which a hole is formed in the carrier panel and tabs are punched out from the panel. The tabs are displaced from the plane of the panel when an article is received in the hole, and the tabs engage the article over the entire flange or lip of the article. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The objective of this invention is to achieve improvements in the field of cartons, which are generally formed from cardboard or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising at least one article and an article carrier. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having at least one article receiving hole disposed to engage with a portion of at least one article. The engaging panel comprises 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 article receiving hole has a first engaging edge positioned across the corner region from the corner. The corner region is at least partially defined by the first engaging edge. The end of the first side edge extends from the corner, and the end of the first end edge extends from the corner. The corner region is folded relative to the rest of the engaging panel such that the end of the first side edge is angled with respect to an adjacent portion of the first side edge.

[0006] Optionally, the end of the first edge is angled relative to the adjacent portion of the first edge.

[0007] Optionally, the corner region is further defined at least partially by first and second folds, the first fold connecting the corner region to the rest of the engaging panel, and the second fold connecting the corner region to the rest of the engaging panel.

[0008] Optionally, a first fold extends from a first side edge toward at least one article receiving hole, and a second fold extends from a first end edge toward at least one article receiving hole.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article, the at least one article having an upwardly tapered upper section. The carrier comprises an engagement panel having a first upper ply and a second lower ply. The lower ply includes at least one lower hole, the at least one lower hole having a series of annular lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower hole. The lower ply tabs are angled upward with respect to the engagement panel so that the lower ply tabs engage in surface contact with the upper section of at least one article. The upper ply includes at least one upper hole substantially coaxial with the at least one lower hole, and has a series of annular upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper hole. The upper ply tabs are angled upward with respect to the engagement panel so that at least some of the upper ply tabs engage in surface contact with each adjacent pair of lower ply tabs.

[0010] Optionally, each lower ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base, and at least one lower hole has a conceptual lower outer circle defined by the base of the lower ply tab, and the conceptual lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. Each upper ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base of each upper ply tab, and at least one upper hole has a conceptual upper outer circle defined by the base of the upper ply tab, and the conceptual upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is less than or equal to the lower outer circle diameter.

[0011] Optionally, at least one lower hole has a conceptual lower inner circle defined by the inner edge of the lower ply tab, and the conceptual lower inner circle has a lower inner circle diameter. At least one upper hole has a conceptual upper inner circle defined by the inner edge of the upper ply tab, and the conceptual upper inner circle has an upper inner circle diameter. The upper inner circle diameter is larger than the lower inner circle diameter.

[0012] Optionally, each of the upper ply tabs is separated from adjacent upper ply tabs by a recess, and at least some of these recesses are aligned with each of the lower ply tabs.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having a first upper ply and a second lower ply fixed to each other in a surface contact configuration. The upper ply includes at least one upper hole, the at least one upper hole having a series of annular upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper hole. Each upper ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base. The upper ply tab folds upward relative to the engaging panel when a portion of at least one article is received in the at least one upper hole. The lower ply includes at least one lower hole substantially coaxial with the at least one upper hole. The at least one lower hole has a series of annular lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower hole. Each lower ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base. The at least one lower hole has a conceptual lower outer circle defined by the base of the lower ply tab. The conceptual lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. Each upper ply tab has a base and an inner edge opposite the base. At least one upper hole has a conceptual upper outer circle defined by the base of the upper ply tab. The conceptual upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is less than or equal to the lower outer circle diameter.

[0014] Optionally, at least one lower hole has a conceptual lower inner circle defined by the inner edge of the lower ply tab, and the conceptual lower inner circle has a lower inner circle diameter. At least one upper hole has a conceptual upper inner circle defined by the inner edge of the upper ply tab, and the conceptual upper inner circle has an upper inner circle diameter. The upper inner circle diameter is larger than the lower inner circle diameter.

[0015] Optionally, each of the upper ply tabs is separated from adjacent upper ply tabs by a recess. At least some of these recesses are aligned with each of the lower ply tabs.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a carrier for packaging at least one article. The carrier comprises an engaging panel having a first upper ply and a second lower ply. The lower ply includes at least one lower hole, the at least one lower hole having a series of first lower ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one lower hole and at least one second lower tab formed around a second portion of the at least one lower hole. The upper ply includes at least one upper hole substantially coaxial with the at least one lower hole. The at least one upper hole has a series of first upper ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one upper hole and at least one second upper tab formed around a second portion of the at least one upper hole. The first lower ply tabs are offset relative to the first upper ply tabs, and the at least one second lower tab is aligned with the at least one second upper tab.

[0017] Optionally, the first lower ply tab is shifted circumferentially relative to the first upper ply tab.

[0018] Optionally, a split separating two adjacent first lower ply tabs from each other substantially bisects one of the first upper ply tabs.

[0019] Optionally, the first lower ply tab is radially offset relative to the first upper ply tab.

[0020] Optionally, the inner edge of the first lower ply tab is fitted into the inner edge of the first upper ply tab.

[0021] Optionally, at least one second lower tab is aligned with at least one second upper tab to form a common engagement edge.

[0022] Optionally, at least one second lower tab is aligned circumferentially and radially with at least one second upper tab.

[0023] Optionally, the first recess separates the first of a series of first lower printer tabs, the first lower printer tab, from at least one second lower tab.

[0024] Optionally, the second recess separates the second of a series of first lower printer tabs, the first lower printer tab, from at least one second lower tab.

[0025] Optionally, the third recess separates the first of a series of first upper printer tabs, the first upper printer tab, from at least one second upper tab.

[0026] Optionally, the fourth recess separates the second of a series of first upper printer tabs, the first upper printer tab, from at least one second upper tab.

[0027] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel for forming an upper ply of an engagement panel and a second panel for forming a lower ply of an engagement panel. The second panel includes at least one lower hole, the at least one lower hole having a series of first lower ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one lower hole and at least one second lower tab formed around a second portion of the at least one lower hole. The first panel includes at least one upper hole positioned substantially coaxial with the at least one lower hole in the assembled state. The first panel has a series of first upper ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one upper hole and at least one second upper tab formed around a second portion of the at least one upper hole. The first lower ply tabs are positioned offset from the first upper ply tabs, and the at least one second lower tab is aligned with the at least one second upper tab when the blank is assembled.

[0028] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel having a first panel for forming an upper ply and a second panel for forming a lower ply. The second panel is hinged to the first panel so as to be fixed to the first panel in a surface contact configuration. The upper ply includes at least one upper hole, the at least one upper hole having a series of annular upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper hole. Each upper ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base. The upper ply tabs are foldable upward relative to the engaging panel when a portion of at least one article is received in the at least one upper hole. The lower ply includes at least one lower hole positioned substantially coaxially with the at least one upper hole in the assembled state. The at least one lower hole has a series of annular lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower hole. Each lower ply tab has a base and an inner edge facing the base. At least one lower hole has a conceptual lower outer circle defined by the base of the lower ply tab. The conceptual lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. Each upper ply tab has a base and an inner edge opposite the base. At least one upper hole has a conceptual upper outer circle defined by the base of the upper ply tab. The conceptual upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is less than or equal to the lower outer circle diameter.

[0029] Within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives described in the above paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings are conceived or intended to be considered independently or in any combination.

[0030] Features or elements described in relation to or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible. One or more features or elements in one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and such features or elements extracted from one embodiment may be included in addition to or in place of one or more features or elements in the other embodiments.

[0031] Features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be extracted separately from other features of those embodiments. Alternatively, features or combinations of features of an embodiment may be excluded from that embodiment.

[0032] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks, each of which can form an article carrier according to the first embodiment, connected to one another as an array. [Figure 2] This is a top-down perspective view of a carrier formed from one of the blanks in Figure 1, which engages with a group of articles. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the carrier. [Figure 4] This is a top-down plan view of one of the blanks in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a top view of the stage where the blanks are assembled onto the carrier. [Figure 6] This is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks, each of which can form an article carrier according to a second embodiment, connected to one another as an array. [Figure 7]This is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks, each of which can form an article carrier according to a third embodiment, connected to one another as an array. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a cutaway view of a portion of a package containing the carrier and goods. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] This specification discloses detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and carriers. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which several aspects of the invention can be carried out, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention can be embodied. In this specification, the term “exemplary” is used exponentially to refer to embodiments that serve as examples, samples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in a variety of alternative forms. Each figure is not necessarily to exact scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. To avoid ambiguity of this disclosure, well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations, but merely as representative grounds for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art various uses of the invention.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, a plan view is shown of a plurality of connected blanks 10a to 10f, generally referred to by reference numeral 1. Figure 4 shows individual blanks 10, which can form a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, for containing and transporting a group of primary products, hereafter referred to as articles B, but not limited to bottles or cans. The blanks 10 form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110a to 110f, 210a to 210f are shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0036] In embodiments described in detail herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer to containers for engaging and transporting articles, such as primary product containers, for the non-limiting purpose of demonstrating various features of the present invention. The teachings of the present invention can be applied to a variety of product containers, which may be tapered or not, and / or cylindrical or not. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, bags, packs, and the like.

[0037] Blanks 10a-10f, 110a-110f, and 210a-210f are formed from sheets of suitable substrate. In this specification, the term “suitable substrate” should be understood to include all types of foldable sheet materials, such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, plastics, and combinations thereof. For example, one or more blanks may be used if appropriate to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0038] The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as cardboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear-resistant material may be provided by multiple layers to help improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, 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 have good printability. On the other hand, the surface of the sheet material facing inward may be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or one or more of other desired functional properties.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, blanks 10a-10f, 110a-110f, and 210a-210f are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging exemplary forms of exemplary article B. In the illustrated embodiment, this configuration is a 2x2 matrix or array with two rows of two articles, where article B is a beverage can. Alternatively, blanks 10a-10f, 110a-110f, and 210a-210f may be configured to form a carrier for packaging articles of other types, numbers, and sizes, and / or for packaging articles in different forms or configurations.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, a plurality of connected blanks 1 are shown, specifically, six blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f arranged as a 2x3 matrix or array. Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f comprises a pair of main panels 12A, 12B for forming the top wall or engaging panel 12A / 12B of the carrier 90 (see Figure 2). Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10 by a fragile connector F2.

[0041] The pair of main panels 12A, 12B comprises a first main panel 12A for forming the lower layer or lower ply of the carrier 90, and a second main panel 12B for forming the upper layer or upper ply of the carrier 90. Each first main panel 12A is hinged to each second main panel 12B by a hinged connector in the shape of a fold F1.

[0042] The pair of main panels 12A and 12B includes at least one article holding structure RT. See Figure 5. In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5, the engaging panels 12A / 12B comprises a plurality of article holding structures RT, specifically four article holding structures RT arranged as a 2x2 matrix or array. Each article holding structure RT comprises holes A1 / A2.

[0043] The article holding structure RT includes an article receiving opening defined by a first main panel 12A, or partially defined by a first hole A1 punched out from the first main panel 12A.

[0044] The article receiving opening is defined in the second main panel 12B or partially defined by a second hole A2 punched out from the second main panel 12B.

[0045] The article holding structure RT comprises a plurality of teeth or tabs 16, 18 arranged along holes A1 / A2.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4, a plan view of the blank 10 is shown, and the first main panel 12A comprises a first plurality of teeth 16 (also referred to herein as internal teeth or lower teeth 16) arranged along a portion of the circumference or boundary of the first hole A1. The first plurality of teeth 16 are provided by the first main panel 12A. Each of the lower teeth 16 is hinged to the first main panel 12A by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of notches 13, 19. The plurality of notches 13, 19 may be arranged as a series of annular cuts around the first hole A1.

[0047] Multiple cuts 13 and 19 may define or approximate a part of the circle.

[0048] Each of the multiple first teeth 16 has an engagement edge E1 opposite to the hinged edge. The engagement edge E1 is defined by a straight portion of a cut that defines the hole A1. Each engagement edge E1 defines a portion of the polygon. The illustrated embodiment has 11 lower teeth 16 that together define a substantial portion of the 16-sided polygon. Each lower tooth 16 has a pair of lateral edges, which are defined by cuts 15, 17 that extend radially outward from each vertex of the 16-sided polygon, that is, from each vertex between the pairs of adjacent straight portions of the cuts that define the portion of the 16-sided polygon. The cuts 15, 17 are branched relative to each other and define an angle between them, which may be about 22.5°.

[0049] The multiple cuts 13, 19 comprise multiple first circumferential cuts 13. Each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 13 is aligned with one of the radial cuts 15, 17 or a conceptual extension thereof, such that the radial cuts 15, 17 bisect each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 13.

[0050] Each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 13 is separated from one of the radial cuts 15, 17 that bisect the first circumferential cut 13 in order to define a connecting nick or bridge portion between adjacent pairs of lower teeth 16.

[0051] Each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 13 may be in the shape of a straight line.

[0052] The article holding structure RT comprises a plurality of second circumferential cuts 19. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cuts 19 is positioned between pairs of the plurality of first circumferential cuts 13 and is spaced away from the first circumferential cuts 13 to define a pair of connecting nicks or bridge portions between each lower tooth 16 and the first main panel 12A. The pair of connecting nicks or bridge portions constitute a hinged or foldable connection between each lower tooth 16 and the first main panel 12A.

[0053] Each of the multiple second circumferential cuts 19 may be straight.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of first circumferential cuts 13 may be arc-shaped or curved. The first circumferential cuts 13 may have a radius of curvature equal to half the diameter of the article receiving opening. The first circumferential cuts 13 may have a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter of the article receiving opening.

[0055] In alternative embodiments, each of the plurality of second circumferential cuts 19 may be arc-shaped or curved. The second circumferential cuts 19 may have a radius of curvature equal to half the diameter of the article receiving opening. The second circumferential cuts 19 may have a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter of the article receiving opening.

[0056] The first set of teeth 16 are separated by at least one recess or notch 26a, 26b. The first recess 26a is located along the circumference of the first hole A1, which is positioned closest to the side edge Se of the first main panel 12A. The second recess 26b is located along the circumference of the first hole A1, which is positioned closest to the edge Ee of the first main panel 12A. A single second lower tooth 20 may be provided between the first recess 26a and the second recess 26b. The second lower tooth 20 is partially defined by the first recess 26a and partially defined by the second recess 26b.

[0057] The second lower teeth 20 are located in the corner region of the first main panel 12A. The second lower teeth 20 are part of the corner tab CT, which is foldable from the plane of the first main panel 12A. The first foldable region may be defined between the first recess 26a and the lateral edge Se. The second foldable region may be defined between the second recess 26b and the edge Ee.

[0058] The second lower teeth 20 are provided with a lower engagement edge E2 for engaging with article B. The lower engagement edge E2 may be straight, or alternatively, it may be non-straight or arc-shaped. The second lower teeth 20 may occupy a larger portion of the circumference of the article receiving opening than each of the lower teeth 16.

[0059] The second main panel 12B comprises a second set of teeth 18 (also called external teeth or upper teeth 18) arranged along a portion of the circumference or boundary of the second hole A2. The second set of teeth 18 is provided by the second main panel 12B. Each of the upper teeth 18 is coupled or connected to the second main panel 12B in a foldable or deformable manner. In some embodiments, the hinged connection may be provided by a fold, crease, score, or other suitable device. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper teeth 18 are integral with the second main panel 12B, i.e., the upper teeth 18 have an undivided connection and are not provided by a fold or other hinge defining device.

[0060] The illustrated embodiment comprises 12 upper teeth 18. Each upper tooth 18 is defined by a notch or recess C1, part of which is substantially U-shaped. The notch C1 defines an arc free edge of the second main panel 12B, the arc free edge having a radius of curvature much smaller than the radius of curvature of the article receiving opening.

[0061] The second set of teeth 18 are separated by at least one recess or notch C2, C3. The third recess C2 is located along the circumference of the second hole A2, which is positioned closest to the side edge Se2 of the second main panel 12B. The fourth recess C3 is located along the circumference of the second hole A2, which is positioned closest to the edge Ee2 of the second main panel 12B. A single second upper tooth 22 may be provided between the third recess C2 and the fourth recess C3. The second upper tooth 22 is partially defined by the third recess C2 and partially defined by the fourth recess C3.

[0062] The second upper tooth 22 is located in the corner region of the second main panel 12B. The tooth 22 is part of the corner tab CT, which is foldable from the plane of the second main panel 12B. A third foldable region may be defined between the third recess C2 and the lateral edge Se2. A fourth foldable region may be defined between the fourth recess C3 and the edge Ee2.

[0063] The second upper teeth 22 are provided with an upper engagement edge E3 for engaging with article B. The upper engagement edge E3 may be straight, or alternatively, it may be non-straight or arc-shaped. The second upper teeth 22 may occupy a larger portion of the circumference of the article receiving opening than each of the upper teeth 18.

[0064] The second upper teeth 22 are positioned to align with the first lower teeth 20 when the second main panel 12B is folded along the fold F2 so that it is in surface contact with the first main panel 12A as shown in Figure 5.

[0065] The third recess C2 is positioned to align with the first recess 26a. The fourth recess C3 is positioned to align with the second recess 26b. In this way, the third foldable region is aligned with the first foldable region, and the second foldable region is aligned with the fourth foldable region.

[0066] The lower teeth 16 of the first set of teeth 16 are circumferentially offset from the upper teeth 18 of the second set of teeth 18, as best shown in Figure 5. Each of the lower teeth overlaps with two adjacently positioned upper teeth 18. Each of the upper teeth 18 has a free margin E4 defined between pairs of recesses C1, C2, and C3.

[0067] The upper teeth 18 are shorter in height than the lower teeth 16. The lower teeth 16 have a larger radial dimension than the upper teeth 18. In this way, the first hole A1 has a smaller radius than the second hole A2, as is best shown in Figure 5.

[0068] Each of the upper teeth 18 may have the effect of applying a load or force to at least one lateral edge of the lower teeth 16. All teeth except the outermost upper tooth of a series or group of teeth 18 may have the effect of applying a load or force to the lateral edge of each lower tooth 16 of an adjacent pair of lower teeth 16.

[0069] In this manner, the upper teeth 18 may encourage the lower teeth 16 to move toward article B during use. This displacement may also encourage the lower teeth 16 to bend or deform around article B. The lower teeth 16 may take on a curved or arc shape complementary to the outer wall of article B. In this manner, a larger area of ​​the engagement edge E1 of the lower teeth 16 may engage and hold beneath a flange or other projection formed by article B. The notches C1 between the upper teeth 18 may facilitate the lower teeth 16 taking on a non-planar shape and may provide a region on each lower tooth 16 to which a downward force or load is applied, and may form a space for a central or intermediate region on each lower tooth 16 to deform or fold, which can function as a guide or axis.

[0070] The blank 10 may optionally include a handle structure. The handle structure may include a first handle opening H1 provided in the first main panel 12A and a second, first handle opening H2 provided in the second main panel 12B. The first handle opening H1 is punched out from or defined in the region between the pair of first holes A1 and the second pair of first holes A1 in the first main panel 12A. The second, first handle opening H2 is punched out from or defined in the region between the pair of second holes A2 and the second pair of second holes A2 in the second main panel 12B. The first handle opening H1 may be at least partially defined by a first finger tab 60A that is hinged to the first main panel 12A by a fold 61A. The second handle opening H2 may be at least partially defined by a second finger tab 60B that is hinged to the second main panel 12B by a fold 61B. The first handle opening H1 and the second handle opening H2 are positioned to align with each other when the second main panel 12B is folded along the fold F2 such that it is in surface contact with the first main panel 12A.

[0071] Each of the first and second finger tabs 60A and 60B may have a pair of folds or crease lines. The folds may be branched relative to each other. Each of the folds may be arc-shaped.

[0072] Blank 10 includes at least a cardboard substrate. The material of the cardboard substrate may be selected from any conventional cardboard, for example, cardboard with a weight of about 10 pt or more, preferably in the range of about 16 pt to about 28 pt (0.028” / about 0.7 mm). Examples of such materials include 20-point (pt) (0.020” / about 0.5 mm) SBS board (bleached sulfate cardboard with one side coated, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft®, unbleached kraft cardboard with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The cardboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached paper. The paper may have a conventional coating on at least one side, optionally the side facing the lamination, selected in terms of suitability with the printing method and paper composition.

[0073] Blank 10 may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the cardboard layer. Blank 10 optionally includes an adhesive layer between the cardboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be disposed on the uncoated side of the cardboard substrate and may be formed of a polymer material and fixed to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials, but are not limited, may include tear-resistant laminated sheet materials, such as NATRALOCK® which may include a layer of n-axially oriented film, MYLAR® which is a biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The oriented and cross-laminated structures of these materials contribute to their tear resistance. Furthermore, tear resistance may be due to the chemical properties of the tear-resistant material, such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

[0074] Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer may be a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials with a high level of tear resistance may be used.

[0075] 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.

[0076] When assembling the carrier 90 from the blank 10, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to one or both surfaces of the first main panel 12A and the second main panel 12B. The blank 10 is folded along the fold F1 so that the first main panel 12A is in surface contact with the second main panel 12B. The first main panel 12A is fixed to the second main panel 12B.

[0077] In the case of multiple connected blanks 1, blanks 10a to 10c may be folded simultaneously, and blanks 10d to 10f may be folded simultaneously. In this way, multiple connected carriers 90 are formed.

[0078] The blank 10 may be attached 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. Each part of the article B passes through the engagement panels 12A / 12B. The lower teeth 16 may be folded out of the plane of the first main panel 12A, and the upper teeth 18 may be deformed or displaced out of the plane of the second main panel 12B.

[0079] The engaging edge E1 of the lower teeth 16 engages below the projection. The projection may be located around the neck or edge (which may form a flange) of article B. When article B is a can, the projection may be provided by the canner's end seam. In other embodiments, the projection may be formed, for example, by a ridge or undercut shape of article B or by an end closure of article B, but is not limited to a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engaging edge E1 grips or holds article B and prevents or restrains article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel 12. An assembled carrier 90 is shown in Figure 2.

[0080] Figure 8 shows a partial view of the carrier 90, with a portion of the carrier shown in cross-section to illustrate how the lower teeth 16 are deformed upward to engage with the underside of the flange of article B. The upper teeth 18 are displaced upward and are close to the lower teeth 16. The upper teeth follow the contour of a portion of the lower teeth 16. The upper teeth 18 do not engage with or contact article B, but rather support or fix the lower teeth 16 in contact with article B.

[0081] The corner tab CT folds downward along the corner or shoulder of article B, as best shown in Figure 3. The corner tab CT is positioned close to the adjacent portion of article B. The corner tab CT may also follow the contour of article B, thereby preventing it from protruding beyond the footprint of article B, or at least not significantly so.

[0082] The upper and lower second teeth 22, 20 are fixed to each other and engage with the flange of article B. The upper and lower second teeth 22, 20 may fold relative to the engagement panel 12A / 12B of the carrier 90, and the degree or angle of folding may be less than the degree or angle of folding of the lower and / or upper first teeth 16, 18. This is because the corner portion of the engagement panel 12A / 12B to which the first teeth 16, 18 are coupled folds downward.

[0083] In some embodiments, the upper and lower second teeth 22, 20 do not need to be folded relative to the corner tab CT. The corner tab CT may conform to or match the shape of article B, creating folds in the foldable areas of the first and second main panels 12A, 12B, and allowing the corner tab CT to move away from the plane of the engagement panels 12A / 12B of the carrier 90.

[0084] In some embodiments, multiple carriers are simultaneously attached to a first group of articles B. The first group of articles B can be divided into multiple second groups of articles B. Thus, each second group of articles B is formed from a subset of the first group of articles B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first group of articles B comprises 24 articles arranged as a 4x6 matrix or array, and each individual blank 10A to 10L accommodates 4 articles as a 2x2 matrix or array.

[0085] The fragile connections F2 between individual blanks 10 may be separated when multiple blanks 1 are attached to a first group of articles B. Alternatively, the fragile connections F2 may remain, and individual blanks 10 may be separated from other blanks 10 at the storefront or sales location.

[0086] Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the engaging panels 12A / 12B are defined by a periphery that is not connected to the rest of the carrier 90. That is, the carrier 90 has no connections to other panels, for example, side wall or end wall panels extending along the sides of the group of articles, but not limited to these. Thus, the periphery of the engaging panels 12A / 12B is defined as a free edge, cut edge, or non-hinged edge overall.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, additional embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second and third illustrated embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts where possible; however, the prefixes "100" and "200" have been added to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiments, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and will therefore only describe in detail the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 5.

[0088] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment, which generally shows a plurality of connected blanks reference numeral 101, specifically blanks 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f arranged as a 2x3 matrix or array. Each blank 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f comprises a pair of main panels 112A, 112B for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 110 by a fragile connection.

[0089] A pair of main panels 112A, 112B comprises a first main panel 112A for forming the lower layer or lower ply of the carrier, and a second main panel 112B for forming the upper layer or upper ply of the carrier. Each first main panel 112A is hinged to each second main panel 112B by a hinged connector in the shape of a fold.

[0090] The pair of main panels 112A and 112B form at least one article holding structure. In the embodiment of Figure 6, each of the blanks 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f is arranged to form multiple article holding structures, specifically four article holding structures arranged as a 2x2 matrix or array.

[0091] The article holding structure includes an article receiving opening defined by a first main panel 112A or partially defined by a first hole A1 punched out from the first main panel 112A.

[0092] The article receiving opening is defined in the second main panel 112B or partially defined by a second hole A2 punched out from the second main panel 112B. Each of the second hole A2 and the plurality of teeth 18 arranged around it has substantially the same configuration as described above in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5, except that the number of teeth arranged around each second hole A2 is reduced to nine teeth.

[0093] The first hole A1 has multiple teeth or tabs 116 arranged around it.

[0094] The first main panel 112A comprises a first plurality of teeth 116 (also referred to herein as internal teeth or lower teeth 116) arranged around a portion of the circumference or boundary of the first hole A1. The first plurality of teeth 116 are formed by the first main panel 112A. Each of the lower teeth 116 is hinged to the first main panel 112A by a hinged connection. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of notches 113. The plurality of notches 113 may be arranged as a series of annular notches around the first hole A1.

[0095] Each of the multiple lower teeth 116 has an engagement edge. The engagement edge may be defined by a straight portion of a cut that defines the first hole A1. Each engagement edge defines a portion of the polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises 10 lower teeth 116 that define a substantial portion of a dodecagon as a whole. Each lower tooth 116 has a pair of lateral edges, which are defined by cuts 115, 117 that extend radially outward from each vertex of the dodecagon, that is, from each vertex between pairs of adjacent straight portions of the cuts that define a portion of the dodecagon. The cuts 115, 117 are branched relative to each other and define an angle between them, which may be about 30°.

[0096] The multiple cuts 113 comprise multiple arc-shaped cuts 113. Each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 113 is aligned with the radial cuts 115, 117 such that one of the radial cuts 115, 117 or its conceptual extension bisects each of the multiple arc-shaped cuts 113.

[0097] Each of the multiple first circumferential cuts 113 is separated from one of the radial cuts 115, 117 that bisect the first circumferential cut 113 to define a connecting nick or bridge portion between adjacent pairs of lower teeth 116.

[0098] Each of the cuts 113 is curved or arc-shaped. The radius of curvature of the cuts 113 is substantially smaller than the radius of curvature of the article receiving opening.

[0099] The cut 19 in the embodiment of Figure 1 is omitted from the embodiment of Figure 6.

[0100] The first recess 126a and the second recess 126b are smaller in dimensions compared to the first recess 26a and the second recess 26b in the embodiment of Figure 1, specifically, the first and second recesses 126a and 126b in Figure 6 occupy a smaller arc or portion of the circumference of the article receiving opening.

[0101] The multiple lower teeth 116 are offset circumferentially from the multiple upper teeth 118. The multiple lower teeth 116 occupy a larger portion of the article receiving opening than the multiple upper teeth 118. (In the embodiment of Figure 1, the multiple upper teeth 118 occupy a larger portion of the article receiving opening than the multiple lower teeth 116.)

[0102] Figure 7 shows a third embodiment, which generally shows a plurality of connected blanks reference numeral 201, specifically six blanks 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, and 210f arranged as a 2x3 matrix or array. Each blank 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, and 210f comprises a pair of main panels 212A, 212B for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, and 210f is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 210 by a fragile connection.

[0103] A pair of main panels 212A, 212B comprises a first main panel 212A for forming the lower layer or lower ply of the carrier and a second main panel 212B for forming the upper layer or upper ply of the carrier. Each first main panel 212A is hinged to each second main panel 212B by a hinged connector in the shape of a fold.

[0104] The pair of main panels 212A and 212B form at least one article holding structure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, each of the blanks 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, and 210f is arranged to form multiple article holding structures, specifically four article holding structures arranged as a 2x2 matrix or array.

[0105] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the article holding structure is substantially the same in configuration as the article holding structure in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, except that the first and second recesses 126a and 126b are excluded from the first hole A1. The third and fourth recesses C2 and C3 are excluded from the second hole A2, and the second upper teeth 122 and lower teeth 120 are also excluded. In this way, the plurality of lower teeth 216 extend along the entire circumference of the first hole A1, and the plurality of upper teeth 218 extend along the entire circumference of the second hole A2. The upper teeth 218 are offset circumferentially with respect to the lower teeth 216 such that each lower tooth partially overlaps with two adjacent upper teeth 218.

[0106] This disclosure provides a top-engagement type carrier 90 having an improved article holding structure or an article top-engagement device RT.

[0107] The article top engagement device RT comprises engagement panels 12A / 12B having at least one top receiving opening.

[0108] The package comprises at least one article B and an article carrier 90. The article carrier 90 comprises engaging panels 12A / 12B having at least one article receiving hole RT disposed to engage with a portion of at least one article B. The engaging panels 12A / 12B have a first side edge Se, a first end edge Ee, a corner CN defined by the first side edge and the first end edge, and a corner region CT. The article receiving hole RT has a first engaging edge E2 located across the corner region CT from the corner CN. The corner region CT has the first engaging edge E2 and the end of the first side edge Se extending from the corner CN. a , and the end of the first edge Ee extending from the corner CN a The corner region CT is at least partially defined by the end of the first lateral edge Se. a It folds relative to the rest of the engaging panel 12A / 12B so that it is angled relative to the adjacent portion of the first side edge Se.

[0109] End of the first edge Ee a It is angled with respect to the adjacent portion of the first edge Ee.

[0110] The corner region CT is further defined at least partially by a first P1 fold and a second P2 fold. The first fold P1 connects the corner region CT to the rest of the engaging panel 12A / 12B. The second fold P2 connects the corner region CT to the rest of the engaging panel 12A / 12B.

[0111] A first fold P1 extends from the first side edge Se toward at least one article receiving hole RT, and a second fold P2 extends from the first end edge Ee toward at least one article receiving hole RT.

[0112] The disclosure also provides a package comprising an article carrier 90 and at least one article B, the at least one article B having an upwardly tapered top or neck N. The carrier 90 comprises engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B having first upper prisms 12B, 112B, 212B and second lower prisms 12A, 112A, 212A. The lower prisms 12A include at least one lower hole A1, the at least one lower hole A1 having a series of annular lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 formed around it. The lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 are angled upward with respect to the engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B such that the lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 engage in surface contact with the top N of at least one article B. The upper prisms 12B, 112B, and 212B each include at least one lower hole A1 and at least one substantially coaxial upper hole A2, the at least one upper hole A2 having a series of annular upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218 formed around it. The upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218 are angled upward relative to the engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, and 212A / 212B such that at least some of the upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218 engage in surface contact with each adjacent pair of lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216.

[0113] Each of the lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 has a base and an inner edge E1 facing the base. At least one lower hole A1 is a conceptual lower outer circle N defined by the bases of the lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216. c2 It has a conceptual lower outer circle N. e2has a lower outer diameter Dio. Each of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218 has a base and an inner edge facing the base of each of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218. At least one upper hole A2 has a conceptual upper outer circle N c3 defined by the base of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218. The conceptual upper outer circle N c3 has an upper outer diameter Duo. The upper outer diameter Duo is less than or equal to the lower outer diameter Dio.

[0114] At least one lower hole A1 has a conceptual lower inner circle N c1 defined by the inner edge E1 of the lower printer tabs 16, 116, 216. The conceptual lower inner circle N c1 has a lower inner diameter Dii. At least one upper hole A2 has a conceptual upper inner circle defined by the inner edge of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218. The conceptual upper inner circle N c1 has an upper inner diameter Dui. The upper inner diameter Dui is greater than the lower inner diameter Dii.

[0115] Each of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218 is separated by a recess C1 from an adjacent upper printer tab among the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218. At least some of each of the recesses C1 are aligned with each of the upper printer tabs 18, 118, 218.

[0116] A carrier 90 is disclosed herein, comprising engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B, and second lower prisms 12A, 112A, 212A. The lower prisms 12A include at least one lower hole A1, the at least one lower hole A1 having an annular series of first lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 formed around a first portion of the at least one lower hole A1, and at least one second lower tab 20 formed around a second portion of the at least one lower hole A1. The upper prisms 12B, 112B, and 212B each include at least one lower hole A1 and at least one upper hole A2 substantially coaxial with it, the at least one upper hole A2 having a series of annular first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218 formed around its first portion and at least one second upper tab 22 formed around its second portion.

[0117] The first lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 are offset relative to the first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218.

[0118] The first lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 are offset circumferentially from the first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218. The cuts 15, 17, 115, and 117 that separate the first lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 from each other substantially bisect one of the first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218.

[0119] The first lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 are radially offset relative to the first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218. The inner edges E1 of the first lower ply tabs 16, 116, and 216 are fitted into the inner edges of the first upper ply tabs 18, 118, and 218.

[0120] At least one second lower tab 20 is aligned with at least one second upper tab 22 to form a common engagement edge E2 / E3. At least one second lower tab 20 is aligned circumferentially and radially with respect to at least one second upper tab 22.

[0121] The first lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 are angled upward relative to the engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B so that the lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216 engage in surface contact with the upper part N of at least one article B. The upper ply tabs 18, 118, 218 are angled upward relative to the engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B so that at least some of the upper ply tabs 18, 118, 218 engage in surface contact with each adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs 16, 116, 216.

[0122] The article carrier 90 includes engaging panels 12A / 12B, 112A / 112B, 212A / 212B, which consist of first upper plies 12B, 112B, 212B and second lower plies 12A, 112A, 212A, fixed to each other so as to be in surface contact with each other.

[0123] In this specification, it will be recognized that directional references such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "edge," "side," "inside," "outside," "up," and "down" do not necessarily restrict each panel to that orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0124] In this specification, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold” refer to all kinds of lines that define the hinge configuration of a blank, facilitate the folding of parts of the blank toward each other, or otherwise indicate the optimal panel folding position for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not necessarily be interpreted as referring only to a single fold; in fact, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more folds, each of which may be straight / linear or curved / curved. When linear folds form a hinged connection, such folds may be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled toward each other. When curved folds form a hinged connection, such folds may intersect each other to define a molded panel within the area enclosed by the curved folds. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arc-shaped folds that intersect at two points to define an elliptical panel between them. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more straight folds and one or more curved folds. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of a straight fold and an arched or curved fold that intersect at two points to define a crescent-shaped panel between them.

[0125] In this specification, the term “fold” may refer to any of the following: a dividing line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a perforated line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, a dashed line, an alignment slit line, a score line, and any combination of the above options.

[0126] It should be understood that each hinged connection and fold may include elements formed on the blank substrate, including perforations, puncture lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cuts, cuts, dashed lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, and any combination thereof. Such elements can be dimensioned and positioned to achieve a desired function. For example, puncture lines can be dimensioned and designed to have a degree of fragility for defining folds and / or separation lines. Puncture lines can be designed to facilitate folding, resist breakage, facilitate folding and facilitate more laborious breakage, or facilitate less laborious breakage.

[0127] In this specification, the phrase “aligned” refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled carton, such as a hole formed in a first panel of two overlapping panels, with a second hole formed in a second panel of two overlapping panels. The aligned elements may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when a hole in the first panel is “aligned” with a second hole in a second panel arranged to overlap the first panel, the edge of the hole may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second hole and may be aligned with the second hole in the thickness direction of the first and second panels. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1 Blank 10 Blank 10a-10f, 110a-110f, 210a-210f blanks 12A First main panel, engagement panel 12B Second main panel, engagement panel 13. Cut, first circumferential cut 15, 17 cuts, radial cuts 16 teeth or tabs, inner teeth, lower teeth, first teeth 18 teeth or tabs, external teeth, upper teeth, second teeth 19. Cut, second circumferential cut 20 Second lower tooth 22 Second upper tooth 26a Recess or notch, first recess 26b Recess or notch, second recess 61A, 61B fold 90 Carriers 112A Main Panel, First Main Panel 112B Main Panel, Second Main Panel 113 cuts 115, 117 cuts 116 teeth, inner teeth, lower teeth 118 Upper teeth 126a First depression 126b Second depression 210a~210f Blank 212A, 212B Main Panel 216 Lower teeth 218 Upper teeth A1 First hole A2 Second hole B Goods C1 Recess or notch C2 Recess or notch, third recess C3 Recess or notch, fourth recess CN corner CT corner tab Dii Lower inner circle diameter Duo upper outer diameter Dui Upper outer circle diameter E1 Engagement edge E2 Lower engagement edge E3 Upper engagement edge E4 Free-standing frame Ee edge Ee a end Ee2 edge H1 First handle opening H2 Second, first handle opening N c1 Conceptual lower inner circle, conceptual upper inner circle P1 First fold P2 Second fold RT article holding structure, article top engagement device, article receiving hole Se lateral edge Se2 lateral edge

Claims

1. A package comprising at least one article and an article carrier, wherein the article carrier comprises an engagement panel having at least one article receiving hole disposed to engage with a portion of at least one of the articles, The engagement panel comprises 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 article receiving hole is provided with a first engaging edge located at a position that extends from the corner to across the corner region. The corner region is at least partially defined by the first engaging edge and by the first and second folds connecting the corner region to the rest of the engaging panel, such that the first engaging edge is positioned between the first and second folds. The end of the first side edge extends from the corner, and the end of the first edge extends from the corner, The corner region is folded relative to the rest of the engaging panel such that the end of the first side edge is angled relative to the adjacent portion of the first side edge in the package.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first edge is angled with respect to an adjacent portion of the first edge.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein the first fold extends from the first side edge toward at least one of the article receiving holes, and the second fold extends from the first edge (Ee) toward at least one of the article receiving holes.

4. At least one of the articles has an upwardly tapered upper section, The engagement panel comprises a first upper ply and a second lower ply, The second lower ply includes at least one lower hole that forms part of the article receiving hole, At least one of the lower holes has a series of annular lower ply tabs formed around at least one of the lower holes, The lower ply tab is angled upward with respect to the engagement panel such that the lower ply tab engages in surface contact with the upper part of at least one of the articles. The first upper ply includes at least one upper hole that forms part of the article receiving hole and is substantially coaxial with at least one of the lower holes, and has a series of annular upper ply tabs formed around at least one of the upper holes. The package according to claim 1, wherein the upper ply tabs are angled upward with respect to the engagement panel such that at least some of each of the upper ply tabs engage in surface contact with each adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs.

5. Each of the lower ply tabs has a base and an inner edge facing the base, and at least one of the lower holes has a conceptual lower outer circle (N c2) defined by the base of the lower ply tab, and the conceptual lower outer circle (N c2) has a lower outer circle diameter (Dio). Each of the upper ply tabs has a base and an inner edge of each upper ply tab facing the base, and at least one of the upper holes (A2) has a conceptual upper outer circle (N c3) defined by the base of the upper ply tab, and the conceptual upper outer circle (N c3) has an upper outer circle diameter (Duo), The package according to claim 4, wherein the upper outer diameter (Duo) is less than or equal to the lower outer diameter (Dio).

6. At least one of the lower holes (A1) has a conceptual lower inner circle (N c1) defined by the inner edge (E1) of the lower ply tab, and the conceptual lower inner circle (N c1) has a lower inner circle diameter (Dii). At least one of the upper holes (A2) has a conceptual upper inner circle (N c4) defined by the inner edge of the upper ply tab, and the conceptual upper inner circle (N c4) has an upper inner circle diameter (Dui), The package according to claim 5, wherein the upper inner diameter (Dui) is larger than the lower inner diameter (Dii).

7. The package according to claim 4, wherein each of the upper ply tabs is separated from an adjacent upper ply tab by a recess (C1), and at least some of the recesses (C1) are aligned with each of the lower ply tabs of the lower ply tabs.

8. A blank for forming the article carrier of the package according to claim 1, The blank comprises an engagement panel having at least one article receiving hole (RT) configured to be disposed in engagement with at least one part of the article (B), The engagement panel comprises a first side edge (Se), a first end edge (Ee), a corner (CN) defined by the first side edge (Se) and the first end edge (Ee), and a corner region (CT). The article receiving hole (RT) is provided with a first engaging edge (E2) located at a position that crosses the corner region (CT) from the corner (CN), The corner region (CT) is at least partially defined by the first engagement edge (E2), The end (Se a) of the first side edge (Se) extends from the corner (CN), and the end (Ee a) of the first edge (Ee) extends from the corner (CN), In the assembled state, the corner region (CT) is a blank that folds relative to the rest of the engaging panel such that the end portion (Se a) of the first side edge (Se) is angled relative to the adjacent portion of the first side edge (Se).

9. The engagement panel comprises a first upper ply and a second lower ply, The second lower ply includes at least one lower hole (A1) that forms part of the article receiving hole (RT), and has a series of annular lower ply tabs formed around at least one of the lower holes (A1), The lower ply tab is configured to be angled upward with respect to the engagement panel such that it engages in surface contact with the upper part (N) of the article (B) when it is received in at least one of the lower holes (A1), The first upper ply includes at least one upper hole (A2) which forms part of the article receiving hole (RT) and is substantially coaxial with at least one lower hole (A1), The first upper ply has a series of annular upper ply tabs formed around at least one of the upper holes (A2), The blank according to claim 8, wherein the upper ply tabs are configured to be angled upward with respect to the engagement panel such that, when the article (B) is received by the engagement panel, at least some of each of the upper ply tabs engage in surface contact with each adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs.

Images