ARTICLE CARRIER AND TEMPLATE FOR IT

Abstract

The invention relates to an article-holding carrier for packaging one or more articles and a template for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a top panel (14) with at least one article-holding feature (RT1, RT2). At least one shoulder panel (18, 20) is hinged to the top panel and obliquely disposed with respect to the top panel. The at least one article-holding feature comprises an article-receiving opening (A1-A8) and an annular series of clamping tabs formed around the article-receiving opening. The annular series of clamping tabs comprises at least a first tab (46B) and at least a second tab (46C). The at least one first tab is hinged partly to the top panel and partly to the at least one shoulder panel. The at least one first tab has a first radial length (LT1).At least one second tab is hinged to the top panel only and has a second radial length (LT2). The first radial length is greater than the second radial length.

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND TEMPLATE FOR IT Technical Field The present invention relates to article carriers and templates for forming them. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a top-grip type carrier having one or more openings for receiving and retaining an article therein. Background of the Invention In the packaging industry, cardboard boxes are commonly used to transport various items. These boxes are well-established in the industry and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a range of consumer goods. For environmental and cost reasons, these boxes or carriers should be made with the least amount of material possible, minimizing waste. Other considerations include the box's strength and its capacity to contain and transport heavy loads. It is also desirable that the contents of the box remain secure within the cardboard box. It is well known to provide carriers for top-grip articles in which an opening is formed in a panel of the carrier, where tabs are punched out of the panel and arranged around the opening. The tabs are 1SU move out of the plane of the panel when an item is received in the opening, where the tabs engage the item generally around an edge or flange of the item. It is desirable that all tabs fit efficiently or effectively with the item. It is also desirable to provide an impact-resistant carrier to protect the items. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cardboard boxes, normally made of cardboard or similar materials. Brief Description of the Invention A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The carrier comprises a top panel with at least one article-holding feature and at least one shoulder panel hinged to and obliquely positioned with respect to the top panel. The at least one article-holding feature comprises an article-receiving opening and an annular series of retaining tabs formed around the article-receiving opening. The annular series of retaining tabs comprises at least a first tab and at least a second tab. The at least one first tab is hinged partly to the top panel and partly to the at least one shoulder panel.The at least one first tab has a first radial length, and the at least one second tab is hinged only to the top panel and has a second radial length. The first radial length is greater than the second radial length. Optionally, at least one first tab can be hinged to the top panel and at least one highlight panel via a first fold line. The first fold line can extend from the top panel to the at least one highlight panel. Optionally, at least one highlight panel can be articulated to the top panel by means of a highlight panel fold line, wherein the highlight panel fold line is interrupted by at least one first tab. Optionally, the at least one first tab can be asymmetrical around a notional, fictitious, or theoretical radially extending line passing through a midpoint of a first fold line by which the at least one first tab is articulated to the top panel and the at least one highlight panel. Optionally, the annular series of fastening tabs may further comprise at least a third tab. The at least one first tab may be attached to the at least one third tab, which is hinged to at least one highlight panel. Optionally, at least a third tab may have a third radial length that is greater than the second radial length. Optionally, at least one third tab can be formed as part of at least one highlight panel. Optionally, the at least one first tab may comprise a pair of first tabs that are arranged with at least one third tab between them. A second aspect of the invention provides a template for forming an article carrier. The carrier comprises a top panel with at least one article-holding feature and at least one shoulder panel hinged to and obliquely oriented with respect to the top panel when the template is assembled to form an article carrier. The at least one article-holding feature comprises an article-receiving opening and an annular series of retaining tabs formed around the article-receiving opening. The annular series of retaining tabs comprises at least a first tab and at least a second tab. The at least one first tab is hinged partly to the top panel and partly to the at least one shoulder panel. The at least one first tab has a first radial length.At least one second tab is hinged to the top panel only and has a second radial length. The first radial length is greater than the second radial length. Optionally, at least one first tab may have a maximum radial length and a minimum radial length, wherein the first radial length may be the maximum radial length. Optionally, the minimum radial length of at least one first tab can generally be equal to the second radial length of at least one second tab. Optionally, at least one first tab may have opposite side edges, wherein the at least one first tab has the maximum radial length along one of the opposite side edges. Optionally, at least one first tab may have the minimum radial length along the other of the opposite side edges. Optionally, at least one first tab may have a radial size that gradually decreases from one of the opposite side edges to the other of the opposite side edges. Optionally, at least one first tab may have opposite side edges, wherein at least one first tab may have the minimum radial length along one of the opposite side edges. Optionally, one of the opposite side edges of at least one first tab can be attached to at least one second tab. Optionally, the annular series of fastening tabs may further comprise at least a third tab, wherein the at least one first tab may be attached to the at least one third tab which is hinged to the at least one highlight panel. Optionally, at least a third tab may have a third radial length that is greater than the second radial length. Optionally, at least one third tab can be formed as part of at least one highlight panel. Optionally, the at least one first tab may comprise a pair of first tabs that are arranged with the at least one third tab between them. Within the scope of this application, it is intended that the various aspects, modalities, examples, characteristics, and alternatives summarized in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. Features or elements described in relation to one modality are applicable to all modalities, unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements of one modality may be incorporated or combined with any of the other modalities described herein; such features or elements extracted from such modality may be included in addition to or in substitution for one or more features or elements of the other modality. A feature or combination of features of a modality described herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that modality. Alternatively, a feature or combination of features of a modality may be omitted from that modality. Brief Description of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a template for forming a carrier according to a first modality; Figure 1A is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the template in Figure 1; Figure IB illustrates an item retention structure according to the modalities of the present description; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from the template of Figure 1; ινΐΛ / a / zuzó / uuó i Figure 3A is a plan view and a side view of a couple of first items for use with the template in Figure 1 and Figure 3B is a plan and side view of a pair of second items. Detailed Description of Modalities Detailed descriptions of specific packaging, template, and carrier embodiments are provided herein. It is understood that the embodiments described are merely examples of how certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all possible implementations. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is broadly used to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. In fact, it is understood that the packagings, templates, and carriers described herein may be implemented in various ways and alternatives. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid obscuring the present description.Any specific structural and functional details described herein should not be construed as a limitation, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching the person skilled in the art to employ the invention in various ways. With reference to Figure 1, a plan view of a template 10 is shown which is capable of forming a cardboard box or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, to contain and transport a group of primary products such as, among others, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as items B, as shown in Figure 2. The template 10 forms a secondary packaging for packing at least one container or primary product packaging. In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "cardboard box" and "carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for holding and transporting articles, such as primary product containers. It is envisaged that the teachings of the invention may be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be conical and / or cylindrical. Examples of containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, bags, packages, and the like. Template 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term suitable substrate includes all types of foldable sheet material, such as card, corrugated board, charcoal, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or another number of templates may be employed, where appropriate, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. The packaging structures or cardboard boxes described herein can be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which can be manufactured or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is NATRALOCK® tear-resistant paperboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that tear-resistant materials can be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the packaging. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics than the other. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces the outside of a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability.The inward-facing surface of the sheet material may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, layer, treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good bonding ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. In the illustrated embodiment, template 10 is configured to form a cardboard box or carrier 90 for packing an exemplary arrangement of exemplary items B, examples of which are shown in Figures 7A and 7B, illustrating the first and second items B1 and B2, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2x4 matrix or array, with two rows of four items B, and the items B are beverage cans. Alternatively, template 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packing other types, numbers, and sizes of items and / or for packing items in a different arrangement or configuration. The illustrated version is configured to accommodate slim or elegant beverage cans, which may be 330 ml cans. The B items have substantially the same diameter throughout their height. An exemplary B2 item is illustrated in Figure 7B. The B2 item has a maximum diameter or side dimension Dbs (the DBs diameter may be approximately 58 mm or approximately 2.25 inches). The B2 item comprises a top portion or top closure T that has a diameter or side dimension Dns (the Dns diameter may be approximately 54.8 mm or 2.125 inches). The neck N can provide an outward-projecting flange, that is, it can include a notch for connection with the carrier. A top closure T can be attached to the side wall of article B2 to form a seam or flange C that provides flange F. In some embodiments, the diameter variation between the top closure and the main body Made of article B2 is less than 7 mm, can be less than 5 mm, and optionally is less than 4 mm. As used herein, the terms sleek or slim refer to B2 items that have little or no variation in their lateral dimension between the top closure T that connects to the carrier 90 and the main body Ms of the B2 item. B2 items have substantially parallel sides or a substantially uniform diameter. In other embodiments, the beverage cans may be of a different size, for example, but not limited to, 350 ml beverage cans. An exemplary article B1 is illustrated in Figure 7A. Article B1 has a maximum diameter or side dimension Db (the diameter Db may be approximately 66 mm or approximately 2.6 inches). Article B1 comprises a top portion or top closure having a diameter or side dimension Dn (the diameter Dn may be approximately 54.8 mm or 2.125 inches). In some embodiments, the diameter variation between the top closure and the main body M of Article B1 is greater than 7 mm, may be 10 mm or more, and optionally may be at least 1 mm. With reference to Figure 1, a template 10 is shown comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, including a main panel 14 to form a top wall or a support panel of a carrier 90 (see Figure 2). Template 10 includes a first side panel 18 hinged to a first side of the main panel 14 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17; more specifically, the main panel 14 is hinged to a first external shoulder panel 18S which is part of the first side panel 18. Template 10 includes a second side panel 20 hinged to a second side of the main panel 14 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a linear fold 9; more specifically, the main panel 114 is hinged to a second external shoulder panel 20S which is part of the second side panel 20. The first external shoulder panel 18S is hinged to the first side panel 18 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17A. The second external shoulder panel 20S is hinged to the second side panel 20 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19A. Template 10 comprises a first extreme strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B and a second extreme strap 30A / 24A / ινΐΛ / a / zuzó / uuó i 16 / 24B / 30B. The first end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B comprises a first end panel 12. A first corner panel 22A is hinged to a first end of the first end panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21A. A first safety panel 26A is hinged to an end of the first corner panel 22A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. A first reinforcement panel 28A is hinged between the first safety panel 26A and a first end of the first side panel 18 by fold lines 25A, 27A. A second corner panel 22B is hinged to a second end of the first end panel 12 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21B. A second safety panel 26B is hinged to an end of the second corner panel 22B by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. A second reinforcement panel 28B is hinged between the second safety panel 26B and a first end of the second side panel 20 by means of fold lines 25B, 27B. The first end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B is partially separated or can be separated from the main panel 14. The first end panel 12 is partially separated or can be separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 may comprise at least two cutting lines or frangible lines for cutting, separating the first end panel 12 from the main panel 14. The cutting lines may be interrupted by an opening A9 punched in part of the first end panel 12 and in part of the main panel 14. The first corner panel 22A is separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 may include an opening that separates, at least in part, the first corner panel 22A from the main panel 14. The first corner panel 22A may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a cut line or frangible line. The opening defines a filleted, rounded, or mitered corner of the main panel 14. The second corner panel 22B is separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 comprises an opening that separates, at least in part, the second corner panel 22B from the main panel 14. The second corner panel 22B may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a cut line or frangible line. The opening defines a second filleted, rounded, or mitered corner of the main panel 14. The first extreme strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B forms a first extreme wall of the carrier 90. The second end strap 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B comprises a second end panel 16. A third corner panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the second end panel 16 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A. A third safety panel 30A is hinged to an end of the third corner panel 24A by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31A. A third reinforcement panel 32A is hinged between the third safety panel 30A and a second end of the first side panel 18 by means of fold lines 33A, 35A. A fourth corner panel 24B is hinged to a second end of the second end panel 16 by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B. A fourth safety panel 30B is hinged to an end of the fourth corner panel 24B by means of a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31B. A fourth reinforcement panel 32B is hinged between the fourth safety panel 30B and a second end of the second side panel 20 by means of fold lines 33B, 35B. The second end strap 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B is partially separated from or can be separated from the main panel 14. The second end panel 16 is partially separated from or can be separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 may comprise at least two cut lines or frangible lines separating the second end panel 16 from the main panel. 14. The cutting lines may be interrupted by an A9 opening punched in part of the first end panel 12 and in part of the main panel 14. The third corner panel 24A is separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 comprises an opening that separates, at least in part, the third corner panel 24A from the main panel 14. The third corner panel 24A may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a cut line or frangible line. The opening defines a third filleted, rounded, or mitered corner of the main panel 14. The fourth corner panel 24B is separated from the main panel 14. Template 10 comprises an opening that separates, at least in part, the fourth corner panel 24B from the main panel 12. The fourth corner panel 24B may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 14 by a cut line or frangible line. The opening defines a filleted, rounded, or mitered fourth corner of the main panel 14. The second extreme strap 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B forms a second extreme wall of the 90 carrier. The main panel 14 may include at least one RT1, RT2 article retention structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the main panel 14 comprises a plurality of RT1, RT2 article retention structures, specifically eight RT1, RT2 article retention structures arranged in a 4 x 2 array. The main panel 14 comprises two columns of RT1, RT2 article retention structures, each column comprising four RT1, RT2 article retention structures. The main panel 14 comprises four rows of RT1, RT2 article retention structures, each row comprising two RT1, RT2 article retention structures. Each RT1, RT2 article retention structure may comprise an opening A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8. Template 10 comprises four first RT1 article retention structures. The first RT1 article retention structures are located adjacent to ends of the main panel 14. Template 10 comprises four second RT2 article retention structures. The second RT2 article retention structures are located between a first pair of first RT1 article retention structures arranged near a first end of the main panel 14 and a second pair of first RT1 article retention structures arranged near a second end of the main panel 14. The second RT2 article retention structures are also referred to herein as intermediate RT2 article retention structures. The first RT1 article retention structures are also referred to herein as end RT1 article retention structures. Article retention structures RT1, RT2 in the same column are separated from each other by a distance d3. Adjacent article retention structures RT1, RT2 are arranged in close proximity to each other. Item retention structures RT1, RT2 in the same row are separated from each other by a distance d4. Adjacent item retention structures RT1, RT2 are arranged in close proximity to each other. Each of the first RT1 article retention structures has a substantially similar construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to a first of the first RT1 article retention structures located next to a first end of template 10, as shown in Figure 1. The first RT1 article retention structure comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by an Al opening. The first RT1 article retention structure comprises a plurality of teeth 46, 44 arranged around the opening Al. The plurality of teeth 46, 44, or at least their free edges, may define or approximate a fictitious, notional, or theoretical circle. The theoretical circle has a diameter di. The openings A1, A2, A7, A8 have a width dimension di. The receiving openings have a width or diameter d2. The diameter d2 of the receiving openings is greater than the diameter di of the theoretical circle or openings A1, A2, A7, A8. The plurality of teeth 46, 44 are articulated to the main panel 14 by a fold line. The fold line can be defined by a plurality of cut lines 42, 54. The plurality of cut lines 42, 154 can define or approximate a circle. The first article retention structure RT1 comprises a plurality of first teeth or complete teeth 146 arranged around the opening Al. Each of the plurality of first teeth 46 comprises a clamping edge El opposite a hinged edge. The clamping edges El are defined by a linear portion of a shear line defining the opening Al. Each clamping edge El defines a portion of a hexadecagon. The illustrated embodiment comprises thirteen first teeth 46 that together define a substantial portion of a hexadecagon. Each tooth 46 comprises a pair of side edges; the side edges are defined by shear lines 48, 40 extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon. That is, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the shear line defining the opening Al.Cutting lines 48, 40 are arranged divergently from each other and define an angle between them; the angle can be approximately 22.5°. The first article retention structure RT1 comprises a plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 is aligned with one of the radial cutting lines 48, 40 such that one of the radial cutting lines 48, 40 or a theoretical extension thereof bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 is separated from one of the radial cutting lines 48, 40 and splits it in two to define a connecting notch or bridge portion between a pair of adjacently arranged teeth 46, 44. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 can be linear in shape. The first RT1 article retention structure comprises a plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 is arranged between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 and is separated from them to define a pair of connecting bridge or notch portions between each tooth 46, 44 and the main panel 14. The pair of connecting bridge or notch portions ML / a / ZUZ d / UU or 1 provides a folding or hinged connection between each tooth 46, 44 and the main panel 14. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 can be linear in shape. In alternative embodiments, each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 may be arched or curved. The first circumferential cutting lines 54 may comprise a radius of curvature equal to half the diameter d2 of the article receiving openings. The first circumferential cutting lines 54 may comprise a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter di of the openings A1, A2, A7, A8. In alternative embodiments, each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 may be arched or curved. The second circumferential cutting lines 42 may comprise a radius of curvature equal to half the diameter d2 of the article receiving openings. The second circumferential cutting lines 42 may comprise a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter di of the opening A1, A2, A7, A8. The first and second circumferential cut lines 42, 54, when linear, can be considered to define portions of a circle of infinite radius. In the illustrated modality, the radius of curvature of each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 is equal to the radius of curvature of each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54; however, in other modalities it may be different. Optionally, the plurality of teeth 46, 44 is interrupted by a first rebate or cut 56B. The first rebate 56B lies on a first fictitious, notional, or theoretical line yy. The first fictitious line yy extends radially from the center C of openings A1, A2, A7, A8 and passes through the center of the first rebate 56B. The first notional line yy may extend through the grain of template 10. The first notional line yy is oriented perpendicular to the grain direction. The first fictitious line yy extends longitudinally from template 10. Optionally, the plurality of teeth 46, 44 is interrupted by a second rebate or cut 56C. The second rebate 56C lies on a second notional line xx. The second notional line xx extends radially from the center C of the openings A1, A2, A7, A8 and passes through the center of the second rebate 56C. The second notional line xx may extend along the grain of template 10. The notional line xx is oriented parallel to the grain direction. The notional line xx extends transversely or laterally to template 10. The first rebate 56B is sized to occupy a first arc defined by a first minor sector. The first minor sector is defined partly by a first theoretical sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a side edge of a first partial tooth 44 positioned adjacent to a first side of the first rebate 56B, and partly by a second theoretical sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a side edge of a second partial tooth 44 positioned adjacent to an opposite second side of the first rebate 56B. The first and second notional sector lines define a second angle between them. The second angle may be in the range of 35° to 50° and may be approximately 45°. The second rebate 56C is sized to occupy a second arc defined by a second minor sector. The second minor sector is defined partly by a third notional sector line extending radially from the center C of the notional circle and passing through a lateral edge of a third partial tooth 44 positioned adjacent to a first side of the second rebate 56B, and partly by a fourth theoretical sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a lateral edge of a fourth partial tooth 44 positioned adjacent to a second opposite side of the second rebate 56B. The third and fourth notional sector lines define a third angle between them. The third angle may be in the range of 35° to 50° and may be approximately 45°. The first and third notional sector lines define a larger sector or first toothed sector; the first toothed sector defines a third arch; the third arch is occupied by teeth 46, 44. That is, teeth 46, 44 are arranged around the third arch, in a perimeter region of the first opening Al. The second and fourth notional sector lines define a third minor sector or second toothed sector; the second toothed sector defines a fourth arch; the fourth arch is occupied by teeth 46, 44. That is, teeth 46, 44 are arranged around the fourth arch, in a perimeter region of the first opening Al. Each of the second RT2 article retention structures has a substantially similar construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to a first of the second RT2 article retention structures located adjacent to the first of the first RT1 article retention structures, as shown in Figure 1. The second item retention structure RT2 comprises an item receiving opening defined in part by a second opening A3, A4, A5, A6. The second article retention structure RT2 comprises a plurality of teeth 46, 44 arranged around the second opening A3. The plurality of teeth 46, 44, or at least the free edges thereof, may define or approximate a second theoretical circle. The plurality of teeth 46, 44 are articulated to the main panel 14 by a fold line. The fold line can be defined by a plurality of cut lines 42, 54. The plurality of cut lines 42, 54 can define or approximate a circle. The second opening A3 comprises a plurality of first teeth or complete teeth 46 arranged around the second opening A3. Each of the plurality of first teeth 46 comprises a holding edge El opposite a hinge edge. The holding edges El are defined by a linear portion of a cutting line that defines the second opening A3. Each holding edge El defines a part or side of a hexadecagon. The illustrated embodiment comprises ten first teeth 46 that together define a substantial portion of a hexadecagon. Each tooth 46 comprises a pair of side edges; the side edges are defined by cutting lines 48, 40 that extend radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon. That is, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cutting line that defines the second opening A3.Cutting lines 48, 40 are arranged divergently from each other and define an angle between them; the angle can be approximately 22.5°. The second RT2 article retention structure comprises a plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 is aligned with one of the radial cutting lines 48, 40 such that such radial cutting line 48, 40 or a theoretical extension thereof bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 is separated from the radial cutting line 48, 40 and divides it in two to define a connecting notch or bridge portion between a pair of adjacently arranged teeth 46, 44. The connecting notch or bridge portion is arranged close to the base of the teeth 46. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines 54 can be linear in shape. The second RT2 article retention structure comprises a plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cutting lines and is separated from them to define a pair of connecting bridge or notch portions between each tooth 46, 44 and the main panel 14. The pair of connecting bridge or notch portions provides a folding or hinged connection between each tooth 46, 44 and the main panel 14. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cutting lines 42 can be linear in shape. The plurality of teeth 46, 44 is interrupted by a first rebate or cut 56B, by a second rebate or cut 56C, and by a third rebate or cut 56A. The first and third rebates 56B, 56A are each located on the first theoretical line yy. The first fictitious line yy extends radially from the center C of the second opening A3 and passes through the center of each of the first and third rebates 56B, 56A. The first rebate 56B is sized to occupy a first arc defined by a first minor sector. The first minor sector is defined partly by a first theoretical sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a lateral edge of a first partial tooth 44, positioned adjacent to a first side of the first rebate 56B, and partly by a second theoretical sector line extending radially from the center of the theoretical circle and passing through a lateral edge of a second partial tooth 44, positioned adjacent to an opposite second side of the first rebate 56B. The first and second notional sector lines define an angle between them. The angle may be in the range of 35° to 50° and may be approximately 45°. The second rebate 56C is sized to occupy a second arc defined by a second minor sector. The second minor sector is defined partly by a third notional sector line extending radially from the center C of the notional circle and passing through a lateral edge of a third partial tooth 44, arranged adjacent to a first side of the second rebate 56C, and partly by a fourth theoretical sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a lateral edge of a fourth partial tooth 44, arranged adjacent to a second opposite side of the second rebate 56C. The third and fourth notional sector lines define an angle between them. The third angle may be in the range of 35° to 50° and may be approximately 45°. The third rebate 56Ά is sized to occupy a third arc defined by a third minor sector. The third minor sector is defined partly by a notional fifth sector line extending radially from the center C of the notional circle and passing through a lateral edge of a partial fifth tooth 44, arranged adjacent to a first side of the first rebate 56A, and partly by a theoretical sixth sector line extending radially from the center C of the theoretical circle and passing through a lateral edge of a partial sixth tooth 44, arranged adjacent to a second opposite side of the first rebate 56A. The theoretical fifth and sixth sector lines define an angle between them. The third angle may be in the range of 35° to 50° and may be approximately 45°. The first and fifth notional sector lines define a larger sector or first toothed sector; the first toothed sector defines a fourth arch; the fourth arch is occupied by teeth 46, 44. That is, teeth 46, 44 are arranged around the fourth arch, in a perimeter region of the second opening A3. The second and fourth notional sector lines define a third minor sector or second toothed sector; the second toothed sector defines a fifth arch; the fifth arch is occupied by teeth 46, 44. That is, teeth 46, 44 are arranged around the fifth arch, in a perimeter region of the second opening Ά3. The third and sixth notional sector lines define a fourth minor sector or third toothed sector; the third toothed sector defines a sixth arch; the sixth arch is occupied by teeth 46, 44. That is, teeth 46, 44 are arranged around the sixth arch, in a perimeter region of the second opening A3. The first and third rebates 56B, 56A are diametrically opposed to each other. The second rebate is oriented or arranged substantially orthogonally to the first and third rebates 56B, 56A. The center of the first and third rebates 56B, 56A of the second item retention structure RT2 is collinear with the center of the first rebate 56B of the first item retention structure RT1. The third rebate 56A of the second RT2 item retention structure is arranged close to the first rebate 56B of the first RT1 item retention structure and is oriented opposite to it. Each of the second 56C recesses of the second RT2 article retention structures is arranged close to a second recess of adjacent RT2 article retention structures and is oriented opposite to it. Each of the second 56C recesses of the first RT1 article retention structures is arranged close to a second recess of first RT1 article retention structures arranged adjacently and is oriented opposite to it. The grain of the material forming template 10 can be arranged to be tangential to the center of the first and third recesses 56B, 56A of the second article retention structure RT2. The grain of the material forming template 10 can also be arranged to be tangential to the center of the first recess 56B of the first article retention structure RT1. In this way, for a tear to propagate between the first opening A1 and the second opening A3, the tear must propagate through the grain of template 10. Thus, template 10 is arranged to provide maximum resistance to tear propagation between the first and second openings A1 and A3. It has been found that removing teeth 46, by providing rebates 56B, 56C, 56A where two adjacent openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 are in close proximity, reduces the likelihood of tear propagation, for example, when packing sleek or slim B2 articles. This beneficial advantage may result from removing radial cutting lines 48, 40 in regions of template 10 where openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 are in closest proximity. In one example, the separation d3, d4 between adjacent article-retaining structures RT1, RT2 can be approximately 4.7 mm (0.186 in). The diameter di of the theoretical circle or of the openings A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 can be approximately 44.9 mm (1.771 in). The diameter d2 of the article-receiving openings can be approximately 53.2 mm (2.098 in). The teeth Teeth 146 may have a radial dimension or height (measured between the free or clamping edge El and the hinged connection to the main panel 114) of approximately 4.15 mm (0.1625 in). The radial dimension of teeth 146 is given by: 1 / 2 (d2 - di) . The item receiving openings are arranged in close proximity to each other. The diameter d2 of the item receiving openings is approximately eleven times greater than the space between them. The separation d3, d4 between the receiving openings may be less than half the diameter d2 of the receiving openings. It may be less than one-quarter or one-fifth of the diameter d2 of the receiving openings. In some embodiments, the separation d3, d4 between the receiving openings may be less than one-eighth or one-tenth of the diameter d2 of the receiving openings. The space d3, d4 between the article receiving openings may be less than twice the radial dimension or height of teeth 46. In some embodiments, the space d3, d4 between the article receiving openings may be less than 50% greater than the radial dimension or height of teeth 46. In some embodiments, the space d3, d4 between the article receiving openings may be less than 20% greater than the radial dimension or height of teeth 46. Figure 1A illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of template 10, clearly showing that the article retention structures RT1, RT2 (a second article retention structure RT2 is shown) interrupt the fold lines 17, 19 between the main panel 14 and the shoulder panels 18S, 20S. In alternative embodiments, the article retention structures RT1, RT2 may interrupt a hinged connection between the main panel 14 and a side panel. A first complete or outermost tooth 46A is partially punched out of the first shoulder panel 18S. The outermost tooth 46A is hinged to the first shoulder panel 18S. Cutting lines 42, 54 associated with the outermost tooth 46A are defined on the first shoulder panel 18S. Both pairs of connecting notch or bridge portions that hinge the first complete tooth 46A to template 10 are arranged on the first shoulder panel 18S. The first complete tooth 46A is located on the second dummy line xx. The second complete teeth 46B are arranged adjacent to and joined by the first complete tooth 46A on the opposite side. The second complete teeth 46B are stamped, in part, from the first shoulder panel 18S. The second complete teeth 46B are hinged, in part, to the first shoulder panel 18S. The second complete teeth 46B are hinged, in part, to the main panel 14. One of a pair of the first circumferential cut lines 54 associated with each second complete tooth 46B is defined on the first shoulder panel 18S. The other of a pair of first circumferential cut lines 54 associated with each second complete tooth 46B is defined on the main panel 14. The second circumferential cut line 42 associated with each second complete tooth 46B is defined partly on the first shoulder panel 18S and partly on the main panel 14.One of the pair of connecting notches or bridge portions that articulate every second complete tooth 46B with template 10 is disposed on the first shoulder panel 18S. The other of the pair of connecting notch portions or bridge portions that articulate every second complete tooth 46B to template 10 is disposed on the main panel 14. A third complete tooth 46C is arranged adjacent to each second complete tooth 46B. The third complete teeth 46C are punched out completely from the main panel 14. The hinged connection between the third complete teeth 46C and the main panel 14 is defined completely within the main panel 14. The first complete tooth 46A comprises a first maximum radial dimension LT2, as shown in Figure IB; the first maximum radial dimension LT2 is defined at a midpoint of the first complete tooth 46A. The third complete teeth 46C comprise a third maximum radial dimension LT; the third maximum radial dimension LT2 is defined at a midpoint of the third complete teeth 46C. The first maximum radial dimension LT2 is greater than the third maximum radial dimension LT2. The first complete tooth 46A is taller than either of the third complete teeth 46C. Each of the second complete teeth 46B is tapered. A first lateral edge of the second complete teeth 46B has a second maximum radial dimension LT1; the second maximum radial dimension LT1 is defined at a lateral edge of the second complete teeth 46B in contact with the first complete tooth 46A. The second maximum radial dimension LT1 of the second complete teeth 46B is equal to the radial dimension of the first complete tooth 46A at the point of contact. The second maximum radial dimension LT1 is less than the first maximum radial dimension LT2. A second opposite lateral edge of the second complete teeth 46B has a radial dimension equal to the radial dimension of a respective edge of the third complete teeth 46C at the point of contact with them. The second maximum radial dimension LT1 is greater than the third maximum radial dimension LT. Each second complete tooth 46B has a radial dimension that gradually decreases from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge, such that each second complete tooth 46B is conical in shape, wherein the free end edge of each second complete tooth 46B is not perpendicular to a theoretical radial line nn (Figure IB). The cut line 40, 48 that separates the first complete tooth 46A from each of the second complete teeth 46B is longer than a cut line 40B, 48B that separates each second complete tooth 46B from a respective one of the third complete teeth 46C. Template 10 includes at least one paperboard substrate. The paperboard substrate material can be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, with a weight ranging up from approximately 10 pt., preferably from approximately 16 pt. to approximately 28 pt. (0.7 mm / 0.028 in.). An example of such a substrate is 27 pt. SBS board (solid sulfate bleached board coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft®, an unbleached kraft board that has a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate can be either bleached or unbleached. The board can be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the laminate, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition. Template 10 may include a tear-resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer can be applied to the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and can be made of polymeric material and bonded to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer imparts strength to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheet material, for example, NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, for example, MYLAR®, which is a biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to their tear-resistant properties.Furthermore, tear resistance can be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear-resistant material, such as metallocene-catalyzed extruded polyethylene (mPE). Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer can be a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In modalities where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, an adhesive layer is not required. Other suitable materials with a high level of tear resistance can also be used. The adhesive layer can be made of polyolefin material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This adhesive layer can be placed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to secure the tear-resistant layer to the substrate. The present invention provides a top-grip type carrier 90 having article retention structures RT1, RT2 for holding articles B, B1, B2. Carrier 90 comprises a main panel 14, which has one or more article retention structures RT1, RT2 for receiving and securing the main panel 14 to a respective article B1, B2. Carrier 90 comprises a pair of opposing side panels 18, 20 hinged to the main panel 14. Each of the opposing side panels 18, 20 can be hinged to the main panel 14 by means of a shoulder panel 18S, 20S. Advantageously, the 18S, 20S boost panel can improve the carrier's impact resistance by 90. The carrier 90 comprises an end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B hinged between the pair of opposing side panels 18, 20 and free from direct connection to the main panel 14. The end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B can be detachably connected to the main panel 14 in a template manner. A cut, in the form of a cut line, parting line, rebate, slot, or opening, separates the end strap 26A / 22A / 12 / 22B / 26B, 30A / 24A / 16 / 24B / 30B from the main panel. The embodiments provide an article-holding carrier comprising a top panel 14 with at least one article-holding feature RT1, RT2 and at least one shoulder panel 18S, 20S hinged to and obliquely oriented with respect to the top panel 14. The at least one article-holding feature RT1, RT2 comprises an article-receiving opening RT1, RT2 and an annular series of clamping tabs formed around the article-receiving opening RT1, RT2. The annular series of clamping tabs comprises at least one first tab 46B and at least one second tab 46C. The at least one first tab 46B is hinged partly to the top panel 14 and partly to the at least one shoulder panel 18S, 20S. The at least one first tab 46B has a first radial length LT1.At least one second tab 48C is hinged only to the top panel 14 and had a second radial length LT. The first radial length LT1 is greater than the second radial length LT. Optionally, at least one first tab 46B is connected in an articulated manner by means of a first line of ML / a / ZUZ d / UU or 1 fold 42 to the top panel 14 and to at least one highlight panel 18S, 20S. The first fold line 42 can extend from the top panel 14 to at least one highlight panel 18S, 20S. Optionally, at least one highlight panel 18S, 20S is hinged to the top panel 14 by means of a highlight panel fold line 17, 19 wherein the highlight panel fold line 17, 19 is interrupted by at least one first tab 46B. Optionally, the at least one first tab 46B is asymmetric about a theoretical radially extending line nn, see figure IB, passing through a midpoint of a first fold line 42 by which the at least one first tab 46B is hinged to the top panel 14 and the at least one shoulder panel 18S, 20S. Optionally, at least one first tab 46B is attached to a third tab 46A which is articulated only to at least one highlight panel 18S, 20S. Optionally, the third tab 46A has a third radial length LT2 that is greater than the second radial length LT. Optionally, the third tab 46A is formed in part by at least one highlight panel 18S, 20S. Optionally, at least one first tab 46B iviA / a / ¿u¿ó / uuó i comprises a pair of first tabs 46B that are arranged with the third tab 46A between them. A fugitive adhesive can be used to secure side panels 18 and 20 to items B, B1, and B2. An example of such an adhesive is Swift®melt 7044, manufactured by HB Fuller. The use of a fugitive adhesive is optional; one advantage of fugitive adhesive is its tendency to remain bonded to the carrier 90 when items B, B1, and B2 are separated from it (this may be more desirable than having the adhesive bonded to items B, B1, and B2). Alternatively, other adhesives, such as hot melt adhesive, may be used. It can be seen that several modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and openings can be adjusted to accommodate items of different sizes or shapes. The raised panels can be omitted. The present invention is not limited to top-grip cardboard boxes; it can be used with other styles of cardboard boxes, such as, but not limited to, open-top boxes, lid boxes, or closed-top boxes. It shall be recognized that, as used herein, directional references such as up, down, base, front, back, end, side, inside, outside, top and bottom do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may serve only to distinguish these panels from one another. As used herein, the terms hinge connection and fold line refer to any type of line that defines the hinge characteristics of the template, facilitates folding portions of the template relative to one another, or indicates optimal panel folding locations for the template. Any reference to a hinge connection should not necessarily be interpreted as a single fold line; in fact, a hinge connection can be formed from two or more fold lines, where each of the two or more fold lines can be straight / linear or curved / curvilinear. When linear fold lines form a hinge connection, they can be parallel to each other or slightly angled to one another. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinge connection, they can intersect each other to define a panel formed within the area enclosed by the curvilinear fold lines.A typical example of such an articulated connection might comprise a pair of arched or curved fold lines intersecting at two points, thus defining an elliptical panel between them. An articulated connection can be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such an articulated connection might comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or curved fold line intersecting at two points, thus defining a crescent-shaped panel between them. As used herein, the term fold line may refer to one of the following: a scorched line, a raised line, a debossed line, a perforated line, a short slit line, a half-cut line, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, an aligned slit line, a scorched line, and any combination of the above. It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines may include elements formed in the template substrate, including perforations, a perforation line, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, grooves, notches, raised lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and similar features. These elements may be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a perforation line may be sized or designed with varying degrees of weakness to define a fold line and / or a parting line. The perforation line may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, to facilitate folding and facilitate breakage with greater effort, or to facilitate breakage with little effort. The phrase "in register with," as used herein, refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled cardboard box, such as an opening formed in the first of two overlapping panels and a second opening formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Elements that are in register with each other can be aligned in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening in a first panel is in register with a second opening in a second panel placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the opening can extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second opening and can be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second opening.

Claims

1. An article-holding carrier for packing at least one article, the carrier being characterized in that it comprises a top panel with at least one article-holding feature and at least one shoulder panel hinged to and obliquely disposed with respect to the top panel, the at least one article-holding feature comprising an article-receiving opening and an annular series of clamping tabs formed around the article-receiving opening, the annular series of clamping tabs comprising at least a first tab and at least a second tab, the at least one first tab being hinged partly to the top panel and partly to the at least one shoulder panel, the at least one first tab having a first radial length,At least one second tab is articulated only to the top panel and has a second radial length, wherein the first radial length is greater than the second radial length.

2. The article carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first tab is articulated by a first fold line to the top panel and to the at least one highlight panel, the first fold line extending from the top panel to the at least one highlight panel.

3. The article carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protrusion panel is articulated to the upper panel by a protrusion panel fold line, wherein the protrusion panel fold line is interrupted by the at least one first tab.

4. The article carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first tab is asymmetric about a theoretical line extending radially and passing through a midpoint of a first fold line by which the at least one first tab is articulated to the top panel and to the at least one protrusion panel.

5. The article carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular series of fastening tabs further comprises at least a third tab and wherein the at least one first tab is joined by the at least one third tab which is articulated only to the at least one protrusion panel.

6. The article carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one third tab has a third radial length that is greater than the second radial length.

7. The article carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one third tab is formed in part of at least one highlight panel.

8. The article carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one first tab comprises a pair of first tabs that are arranged with the at least one third tab between them.

9. A template for forming an article carrier, the template being characterized in that it comprises a top panel with at least one article-holding feature and at least one shoulder panel hinged to and obliquely disposed with respect to the top panel, when the template is assembled to form an article carrier, the at least one article-holding feature comprises an article-receiving opening and an annular series of clamping tabs formed around the article-receiving opening, the annular series of clamping tabs comprising at least a first tab and at least a second tab, the at least one first tab being hinged partly to the top panel and partly to the at least one shoulder panel, the at least one first tab having a first radial length,At least one second tab is articulated only to the upper panel 49 and has a second radial length, wherein the first radial length is greater than the second radial length.

10. The template according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one first tab has a maximum radial length and a minimum radial length, and wherein the first radial length is the maximum radial length.

11. The template according to claim 10, characterized in that the minimum radial length of the at least one first tab is generally equal to the second radial length of the at least one second tab.

12. The template according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one first tab has opposite lateral edges and wherein the at least one first tab has the maximum radial length along one of the opposite lateral edges.

13. The template according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one first tab has the minimum radial length along the other of the opposite side edges.

14. The template according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one first tab has a radial size that gradually decreases from one of the opposite lateral edges towards the other of the opposite lateral edges.

15. The template according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one first tab has opposite lateral edges and wherein the at least one first tab has the minimum radial length along one of the opposite lateral edges.

16. The template according to claim 15, characterized in that one of the opposite side edges of the at least one first tab is joined by the at least one second tab.

17. The template according to claim 9, characterized in that the annular series of fastening tabs further comprises at least a third tab and wherein the at least one first tab is joined by the at least one third tab which is articulated only to the at least one highlight panel.

18. The template according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one third tab has a third radial length that is greater than the second radial length.

19. The template according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one third tab is formed in part of at least one highlight panel.

20. The template according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one first tab comprises a pair of first tabs that are arranged with the at least one third tab between them.

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