Handle structure, article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a handle structure, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and to a blank for forming the handle structure or article carrier. The article carrier comprises at least one primary panel forming a handle structure. The at least one primary panel comprises at least one, at least two, or more article retention structures for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier. The at least one article retention structure comprises a receiving opening having or defined by a boundary including a first edge and second opposing edge and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second edge is defined by a hinged connection between at least one support tooth and the at least one primary panel from which it is formed. The at least one article retention structure comprises a center disposed on a notional line bisecting the at least one article retention structure in a longitudinal direction and midway between the first and second edges. The at least one article retention structure comprises a region defining a maximum transverse dimension. The maximum width region is disposed between the center of the at least one article retention structure and the first edge of the at least one article retention structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to handle structures, carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top gripping style and providing a carrying handle for transportation of one, two or more articles.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of packaging, it is known to provide article carriers or cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier having a carrying handle to enable two or more articles to be transported; in particular for large, or heavy articles.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.SUMMARY

[0005] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises at least one primary panel forming a handle structure. The at least one primary panel comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier. The at least one article retention structure comprises a receiving opening having a boundary including a first edge and second opposing edge and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second edge is defined by a hinged connection between at least one support tooth and the at least one primary panel from which it is formed. The at least one article retention structure comprises a center disposed on a notional line bisecting the at least one article retention structure in a longitudinal direction and midway between the first and second edges. The at least one article retention structure comprises a region defining a maximum transverse dimension. The maximum width region is disposed between the center of the at least one article retention structure and the first edge of the at least one article retention structure.

[0006] Optionally, the center is disposed on the notional line a distance equal to half the longitudinal distance or dimension from the first and second end edges.

[0007] Optionally, the first edge is defined by a cutline.

[0008] Optionally, the first edge is defined by a connection between an inner tooth and the at least one primary panel.

[0009] Optionally, the radius of curvature of the first edge is less than the radius of curvature of the second edge.

[0010] Optionally, the article carrier comprises a release device, the release device comprises a pull tab.

[0011] Optionally, the release device comprises a cut disposed between the pull tab and the receiving opening of the at least one article retention structure.

[0012] Optionally, the release device comprises a cut disposed on an outer side of the top-receiving opening. Optionally, the cut is arcuate.

[0013] Optionally, the article carrier comprises a relief device, the relief device includes a relief cut, the relief cut being arcuate, the relief cut is disposed between the handle portion and the receiving opening of the at least one article retention structure.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises at least one primary panel and at least one article retention structure. The at least one article retention structure includes a receiving opening having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one engaging tooth and the at least one primary panel in which it is formed. The inner tooth is non-load bearing when the handle structure is deployed or operative.

[0015] In a package comprising the article carrier and at least one article, the inner tooth, in a stowed condition, encourages the article toward the at least one engaging tooth.

[0016] In a package comprising the article carrier and at least one article, the inner tooth in an operative condition, is disposed above a feature of an article by which the at least one engaging tooth suspend the article.

[0017] The inner tooth may be disposed below said feature of the article.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises two or more main panels in face-to-face relationship with each other. Each of the two or more main panels comprises at least one article retention structure. A first one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one first article retention structure and a second one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one second article retention structure. The at least one first article retention structure is disposed in vertical registry with the at least one second article retention structure. The at least one first article retention structure comprises a receiving opening formed at least in part from two or more first support teeth and having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of the first support teeth and the first one of the two or more main panels. Each of the two or more first support teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutline. The at least one second article retention structure comprises a receiving opening formed at least in part from two or more second support teeth and having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of the second support teeth and the second one of the two or more main panels. Each of the two or more second support teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutaway. The cutaway is disposed in vertical registry with a respective cutline separating two first support teeth.

[0019] Optionally, the cutaway is a feature selected from the following group of features a slot, a notch, and a recess.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one primary panel for forming a handle structure. The at least one primary panel comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier. The at least one article retention structure comprising a receiving opening having a boundary including a first edge and second opposing edge and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second edge is defined by a hinged connection between at least one support tooth and the at least one primary panel from which it is formed. The at least one article retention structure comprises a center disposed on a notional line bisecting the at least one article retention structure in a longitudinal direction and midway between the first and second edges. The at least one article retention structure comprises a region defining a maximum transverse dimension. The maximum width region is disposed between the center of the at least one article retention structure and the first edge of the at least one article retention structure.

[0021] Yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one primary panel including at least one article retention structure including a receiving opening having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one engaging tooth and the at least one primary panel in which it is formed. The inner tooth is non-load bearing when the handle structure is deployed or operative.

[0022] Still yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises two or more main panels, configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with each other in a setup condition. Each of the two or more main panels comprises at least one article retention structure. A first one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one first article retention structure and a second one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one second article retention structure. The at least one first article retention structure is disposed in vertical registry with the at least one second article retention structure. The at least one first article retention structure comprises a receiving opening formed at least in part from two or more first support teeth and having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of the first support teeth and the first one of the two or more main panels. Each of the two or more first support teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutline. The at least one second article retention structure comprises a receiving opening formed at least in part from two or more second support teeth and having a boundary including a first end and second opposing end and a longitudinal dimension defined therebetween. The second end is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of the second support teeth and the second one of the two or more main panels. Each of the two or more second engaging or support teeth is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutaway. In a setup carrier, the cutaway is disposed in vertical registry with a respective cutline separating two first support teeth.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0024] Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out 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.

[0025] Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0026] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a plan view from above of a pair of nested blanks each for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 6; and

[0036] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the handle structure, package, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the handle structures, packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2, for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles. The blank 10 forms a secondary package or handle structure for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110A, 110B; 210 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 for forming alternative carriers 190; 290 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8.

[0039] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

[0040] The blanks 10; 110A, 110B; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0041] The packaging structure or carton 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from 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 surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110A, 110B; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 to 8 the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array, having one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2) one row of two articles is provided, and the articles are large bottles of 1.5 L or more. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array, having one row (m=1) and one column (n=1) one article is provided, and the article are large bottles of 1.5 L or more. The bottles may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, Aluminum or PET (polyester-polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110A, 110B; 210 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number, and size of articles and / or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 1, being illustrated is a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by one or more fold lines 13.

[0044] The plurality of main panels 12, 14 form a top engaging article carrier or handle structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a first panel 12 and a second panel 14. The second panel 14 is hingedly connected to the first panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of spaced colinear fold lines 13.

[0045] The first panel 12 forms an upper or outer panel 12 while the second panel 14 forms a lower or inner panel 14.

[0046] Each of the main panels 12, 14 may be generally bow-tie shaped. Stated differently, the main panels 12, 14 each comprise a waisted intermediate portion disposed, or bridging, between opposed flared, widened, or bulbous end portions.

[0047] The respective intermediate portions of the main panels 12, 14 provide, or define, a handle portion of the top engaging article carrier.

[0048] The intermediate portion of the first panel 12 comprises a first width or lateral dimension. The intermediate portion of the second panel 14 comprises a second width or lateral dimension.

[0049] The intermediate portion of the first panel 12 is separated from the intermediate portion of the second panel 14 by an aperture A4.

[0050] The second width dimension of the second panel 14 may be equal to or less than the first width dimension of the first panel 12.

[0051] The first or upper panel 12 may comprise a pair of opposed handle flaps 70, 72 hinged to opposing side edges of the intermediate portion of the first or upper panel 12 by hinged connections each in the form of at least one fold line. Each of the hinged connections may comprise a pair of fold lines 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B extending alongside each other. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each hinged connection is provided by a pair of opposing arcuate fold lines 71A / 71B, 73A / 73B.

[0052] Each of the opposed handle flaps 70, 72 may be defined in part by a cutaway in the form of a cutlines 75, 77. The cutlines 75, 77 may define opposed ends of each handle flap 70, 72 and extend between the respective hinged connection and a respective cutaway in the form of a recess R1 or aperture A4.

[0053] Optionally, the intermediate portion of the first panel 12 comprises a cutline 15 extending longitudinally and disposed between the pair of opposed handle flaps 70, 72. The cutline 15 may define or facilitate folding of the intermediate portion of the first panel 12 when the handle structure is employed.

[0054] Optionally, the intermediate portion of the second panel 15 comprises a cutline 17 extending longitudinally and disposed centrally between opposed side edges thereof. The cutline 17 may define or facilitate folding of the intermediate portion of the second panel 14 when the handle structure is employed.

[0055] Each of the main panels 12, 14 comprises at least one at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2. In FIG. 1, each main panel 12, 14 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, RT2, specifically two article retention structures RT1, RT2 arranged in 1×2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2 comprises an opening or aperture A1, A2.

[0056] Each article retention structures RT1, RT2 comprise a toothed region defined by a plurality of engaging teeth or tabs 40, 42 and a tooth free or toothless region. The toothed region is disposed in closer proximity to the adjacent end edge of the respective main panel 12, 14 than the toothless region.

[0057] The first panel 12 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a pair of first article retention structures RT1 each comprising a toothed region having three teeth or engaging tabs 40, 42, 40. Referring to FIG. 1B, a central engaging tooth 42 lies on a notional longitudinal line NLy extending longitudinally of the first panel 12 and passing through the center RTc of the article retention structure RT1. The toothed region comprises a pair of outer engaging teeth 40 defining a boundary between the toothed and toothless regions.

[0058] Referring further to FIG. 1B, the central engaging tooth 42 is hinged at its proximal end to the first panel 12 by a hinged connection 43 in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connection 43 at the proximal end of the tooth 42 defines an outermost end of the first retention structure RT1. The hinged connection 43 lies on, or in tangential contact with, a notional transverse line y1 which is disposed perpendicularly to the notional longitudinal line NLy. The hinged connection 43 may be linear or nonlinear. An example of the nonlinear hinged connection may be curved or generally “V” shaped.

[0059] The outer engaging teeth 40 are hinged to the first panel 12 by hinged connections 41 each being in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. Each hinged connection 41 may be linear or nonlinear. The hinged connections 41 in FIG. 1B are divergently oriented with respect to each other.

[0060] Each outer engaging tooth 40 is separated from the central engaging tooth 42 by a cutline 45.

[0061] Each hinged connection 41 may be oriented at an acute angle (e.g., about) 20° with respect to the notional longitudinal line NLy. The notional longitudinal line NLy is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the notional transverse line y1. The notional longitudinal line NLy is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first panel 12.

[0062] The portions of the hinged connection 43 may be oriented at an acute angle (e.g., about) 15° with respect to the notional transverse line y1.

[0063] The toothless region of each first article retention structure RT1 may be defined by a cutline or toothless peripheral edge 47. The cutline 47 intersects the notional longitudinal line NLy. The intersection of the cutline 47 and the notional longitudinal line NLy defines an innermost end of the respective first article retention structure RT1. The innermost and outermost ends of the first article retention structure RT1 comprise first and second opposed ends of the first article retention structure RT1. They both are positioned on the notional longitudinal line NLy.

[0064] A maximum longitudinal dimension L of each first article retention structure RT1 is defined between the first notional transverse line y1 (which is in tangential contact with the outermost end of the first article retention structure RT1) and a second notional transverse line y2 which is in tangential contact with the innermost end of the respective first article retention structure RT1.

[0065] A medial notional transverse line y3 intersects the notional longitudinal line NLy at the center RTc of the respective first article retention structure RT1. The center RTc is located at a midpoint of the maximum longitudinal dimension L.

[0066] The medial notional transverse line y3 is disposed a distance equal to half the maximum longitudinal dimension L from each of the first and second notional transverse lines y1, y2.

[0067] The position of a feature, cap, closure, or flange of an article is indicated by phantom (dot-dash) line B in FIG. 1B. The feature is received in, or passes through, the respective first article retention structure RT1. The feature has a diameter which is less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L of the first article retention structure RT1.

[0068] The cutline or toothless peripheral edge 47 defines a maximum transverse dimension W of the first article retention structure RT1.

[0069] The cutline or toothless peripheral edge 47 may be defined by a portion of a circle centered at the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1 and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the feature of the article B received by the first article retention structure RT1.

[0070] The cutline or toothless peripheral edge 47 may be defined by a portion of a circle centered at the center RTc and having a diameter equal to or greater than maximum longitudinal dimension L of the first article retention structure RT1.

[0071] A fourth notional transverse line y4 shown in FIG. 1B extends transversely across that portion of the first article retention structure RT1 having the maximum transverse dimension W. The fourth notional transverse line y4 is offset from the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1. The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the first article retention structure RT1 is inset from the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1 towards the toothless peripheral edge 47 or toward the innermost end of the first article retention structure RT1, with which the second notional transverse line y2 is in tangential contact.

[0072] The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the first article retention structure RT1 is offset from the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1 towards the intermediate portion of the first or upper panel 12, which provides part of the handle portion of the top engaging article carrier.

[0073] A center Bc of the feature of the article B received by the first article retention structure RT1 may be disposed on the notional longitudinal line NLy and between the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1 and the fourth notional transverse line y4 of the first article retention structure RT1.

[0074] The first article retention structure RT1 may be considered to have a generally oval or egg shape and has one axis of symmetry which is coincidental with the notional longitudinal line NLy.

[0075] The maximum transverse dimension W may be less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L.

[0076] Each of the outer engaging teeth 40 comprises a cutaway C1 in the form of a notch or recess. The cutaway C1 interrupts an engaging edge of the outer engaging teeth 40 and is disposed proximate or adjacent to the toothless region defined by cutline 47.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 1, the second panel 14 comprises second article retention structures RT2. The second article retention structures RT2 are substantially similar in construction to the first article retention structure RT1, each comprising a toothed region having three teeth or engaging tabs 50, 52. A central engaging tooth 52 is hingedly connected to the second panel 14 by a hinged connection 53 and lies on a notional longitudinal line extending longitudinally of the second panel 14 and passing through the center of the second article retention structure RT2. The hinged connection 53 takes the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines and defines an outermost end of the respective second article retention structure RT2. The toothed region comprises a pair of outer engaging teeth 50, hingedly connected to the second panel 14 by respective hinged connections 51 each being in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The outer engaging teeth 50 define a boundary between the toothed and toothless regions. Each outer engaging tooth 50 is separated or spaced apart from the central engaging tooth 52 by a cutaway C2 in the form or a notch or recess extending from the aperture A2. In a setup condition, the cutaway C2 is in vertical registry with the cutline 45 of the first article retention structure RT1. Each second article retention structure RT2 also comprises a toothless region defined by a toothless peripheral edge of the respective aperture A2.

[0078] The first panel 12 comprises a relief or folding structure at each end thereof. The folding structure is disposed between each first article retention structure RT1 and an adjacent free end of the first panel 12.

[0079] The folding structure comprises three fold lines F1, F2, F3, wherein a first fold line F1 is linear and lies upon the notional longitudinal line NLy.

[0080] A pair of nonlinear fold lines F2, F3 are disposed on opposite sides of the first fold line F1. The pair of nonlinear fold lines F2, F3 are spaced apart from the first fold line F1. The pair of nonlinear fold lines F2, F3 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the first fold line F1.

[0081] The second panel 14 comprises a relief or folding structure at each end thereof. The folding structure is disposed between each second article retention structure RT2 and an adjacent free end of the second panel 14.

[0082] The folding structure comprises three fold lines F4, F5, F6, wherein a first fold line F4 is linear and lies upon a notional longitudinal line.

[0083] A pair of nonlinear fold lines F5, F6 are disposed on opposite sides of the first fold line F4. The pair of nonlinear fold lines F5, F6 are spaced apart from the first fold line F4. The pair of nonlinear fold lines F5, F6 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the first fold line F4.

[0084] The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0085] Turning to the construction of the article carrier 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, the article carrier 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

[0086] The first panel 12 is folded, with respect to the second panel 14 about fold line 13, to be brought into face contacting relationship therewith.

[0087] Once the carrier 90 is erected, the carrier 90 may be loaded with a group of articles B; in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, two articles B arranged in a 1×2 array.

[0088] The group of articles B may be loaded through the second panel 14, and subsequently through the first panel 12. Upper portions of the articles B, the upper portion may include a cap or end closure C, are inserted into the carrier 90, each article retention structure RT1, RT2 receives a portion of a respective article B. The teeth 40, 42, 50, 52 are displaced upwardly. The teeth 40, 42, 50, 52 engage an article below a flange, projection, under cut or other suitable feature of the article B or its end closure C.

[0089] Optionally, a strap or binding device T surrounds or wraps about the pair of articles B.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 8, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”, “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second or third embodiments, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2 will be described in detail.

[0091] Turning to FIG. 3, illustrated is a pair of blanks 110A, 110B each for forming a carrier 190 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) according to a second embodiment. The blanks 110A, 110B comprise a plurality of main panels 112A, 112B, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B.

[0092] The plurality of main panels 112A, 112B, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B form a top engaging article carrier or handle structure.

[0093] The pair of blanks 110A, 110B are nested to minimize or reduce waste or scrap material. A portion of one of the pair of blanks 110A, 110B may be struck from the other one of the pair of blanks 110A, 110B; that is to say formed from material which would otherwise form the other one of the pair of blanks 110A, 110B.

[0094] The pair of blanks 110A, 110B will be described in further detail with reference to a first blank 110A.

[0095] The first blank 110A comprises a first panel 112 hingedly connected to a second panel 114 along a side edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. The first panel 112 is hingedly connected to a third panel 116 along an end edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 107.

[0096] The first panel 112 comprises a first portion 112A and a second portion 112B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 109.

[0097] The second panel 114 comprises a first portion 114A and a second portion 114B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 111.

[0098] The first portion 114A of the second panel 114 is hingedly connected to the first portion 112A of the first panel 112.

[0099] The third panel 116 comprises a first portion 116A and a second portion 116B hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

[0100] The first portion 116A of the third panel 116 is hingedly connected to the first portion 112A of the first panel 112.

[0101] The first portion 112A of the first panel 112 comprises a handle structure H in the form of at least one handle opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 112A comprises a pair of handle openings. Each handle opening comprises a handle aperture A3. Each handle opening may be defined at least in part by a handle flap 170, the handle flap 170 is struck from the first portion 112A of the first panel 112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line.

[0102] The first portion 114A of the second panel 114 comprises a handle structure H in the form of at least one handle opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 114A comprises a pair of handle openings. Each handle opening comprises a handle aperture A3. Each handle opening may be defined at least in part by a handle flap 170, the handle flap 170 is struck from the first portion 112A of the second panel 114 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line.

[0103] The handle openings in the first portion 114A of the second panel 114 are configured and arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective handle opening in the first portion 112A of the first panel 112.

[0104] The first portion 116A of the third panel 116 comprises a handle structure H in the form of at least one handle opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 116A comprises a pair of handle openings. Each handle opening comprises a handle aperture A5.

[0105] The handle openings in the first portion 116A of the third panel 116 are configured and arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective handle opening in the first portion 112A of the first panel 112 and with a respective handle opening in the first portion 114A of the second panel 114.

[0106] The blank 110A comprises at least one at least one article retention structure RT3, RT4. Each of the first, second, and third panels 112, 114, 116 comprises an article retention structure RT3, RT4. The first and second panels 112, 114 each comprise a third retention structure RT3, the third panel 116 comprises a fourth retention structure RT4.

[0107] The third retention structure RT3 is shown in FIG. 3B and comprises five teeth or engaging tabs 140, 142, 144 disposed about an aperture A1. A central engaging tooth 142 lies on a notional line NLy extending longitudinally of the first panel 112 and passing through the center RTc of the third retention structure RT3. A pair of outer engaging teeth 140 flank the central engaging tooth 142. The central engaging tooth 142 and the pair of outer engaging teeth 140 are disposed about an outer portion of the aperture A1. The central engaging tooth 142 and the pair of outer engaging teeth 140 form major teeth 140, 142. A pair of inner or minor teeth of teeth 144 are disposed about an inner portion of the aperture A1 which is generally centrally disposed within the first panel 112.

[0108] The central engaging tooth 142 is hinged to the first panel 112 by a hinged connection 143 in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connection 143 lies on, in tangential contact with, a notional transverse line y1. The hinged connection 143 may be nonlinear and may be curved or generally “V” shaped.

[0109] The outer engaging teeth 140 are hinged to the first panel 112 by hinged connections 141 each being in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connections 141 may be non-linear and may be divergently oriented with respect to each other.

[0110] Each outer engaging tooth 140 is separated from the central engaging tooth 142 by a cutline 145. The central engaging tooth 140 may extend beyond the pair of cutlines 145, defining side edge thereof, such that a recess or notch C3 is defined between the central engaging tooth 140 and each of the outer engaging teeth 140. Each recess or notch C3 separates the central engaging tooth 140 from an end edge Ee of the respective outer engaging tooth 140, the end edge Ee substantially opposing a hinged edge 141 of the respective outer engaging tooth 140. The outer engaging teeth 140 comprise an engaging or support edge E1 extending between the end edge Ee and the hinged edge. The engaging edge E1 is divergently arranged with respect to the end edge Ee and define an obtuse angle therebetween. The engaging edge E1 is configured to engage an article B and support or suspend said article B when the handle structure is in an operative condition.

[0111] The pair of cutlines 145 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and notional extensions thereof define an intersection disposed within the aperture A1.

[0112] Notional extensions of each engaging edge E1 define an intersection disposed outside the aperture A1.

[0113] The third retention structure RT3 comprises a pair of inner or minor teeth 144 which are spaced part from each other and spaced apart from the from outer engaging teeth 140. A first recess C1 is disposed between each outer engaging tooth 140 and the adjacent inner tooth 144. A second recess C4 is disposed between a first one of the pair of inner teeth 144 and a second one of the pair of inner teeth 144.

[0114] The second recess C4 may interrupt the fold line 109 between the first portion 112A of the first panel 112 and a second portion 112B of the first panel 112

[0115] Each inner tooth 144 is hinged to the first panel 112 by a hinged connection 149 in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connection 149 may be linear or non-linear.

[0116] A maximum longitudinal dimension L of the third article retention structure RT3 is defined between first and second notional transverse lines y1 and y2. The first notional transverse line y1 is in tangential contact with the hinged connection 143 which defines an outermost end of the third article retention structure RT3. The second notional transverse line y2 is in tangential contact with a toothless peripheral edge of aperture A1, which defines the bottom of the second recess C4. The bottom of the second recess C4 defines an innermost end of the third article retention structure RT3.

[0117] A medial notional transverse line y3 defines the center RTc of the first article retention structure RT1 at a point of an intersection with the notional line NLy.

[0118] The medial notional transverse line y3 is disposed a distance equal to half the maximum longitudinal dimension L from each of the first and notional transverse lines y1, y2.

[0119] The position of a feature, cap, closure, or flange of an article is indicated by phantom, dot-dash line B in FIG. 3B. The feature is received in, or passes through, the third article retention structure RT3. The feature has a diameter which is less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L of the third article retention structure RT3.

[0120] The first recesses C1 define a maximum transverse dimension W of the third article retention structure RT3 therebetween. A fourth notional transverse line y4 shown in FIG. 3B extends transversely across that portion of the third article retention structure RT3 having the maximum transverse dimension W.

[0121] The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the third article retention structure RT3 is offset from the center RTc of the third article retention structure RT3. The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the third article retention structure RT3 is inset from the center RTc of the third article retention structure RT3 towards the innermost end of the article retention structure RT3 or toward the inner or minor teeth 144.

[0122] The inner or minor teeth 144 each may comprise a curvilinear or arcuate free end edge generally opposing their respective hinged edges defined by the hinged connections 149. The curvilinear or arcuate end edges may not form engaging edges when the handle structure is in an operative condition, deployed to carry the article, which is best illustrated in FIG. 5. They may, however, serve to retain or secure the top engaging article carrier to the article B when the top engaging article carrier is in an inactive, inoperative, or stored condition as shown in FIG. 4.

[0123] The top engaging article carrier 190 is secured to the article B by the inner or minor teeth 144 and by the central tooth 142 in the stored or inoperative condition shown in FIG. 4.

[0124] The end edge, which opposes the hinged edge, of the central tooth 142 forms an engaging edge in the inoperative condition and an engaging / support edge in the operative condition.

[0125] The outer engaging teeth 140 may have minimal or nominal contact with the article B in the inoperative or stored condition, best shown in FIG. 4.

[0126] In the operative condition, shown in FIG. 5, upper faces of the inner or minor teeth 144 may engage or contact the article B, the inner or minor teeth 144 may fold in opposition to the major teeth 140, 142.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 3B, the fourth notional transverse line y4 of the third article retention structure RT3 is offset from the center RTc of the third article retention structure RT3 towards the first portion 112A of the first panel 12.

[0128] Referring further to FIG. 3B, the center Bc of the feature of the article B received by the third article retention structure RT3 may be disposed between the center RTc of the third article retention structure RT3 and the fourth notional transverse line y4 of the third article retention structure RT3.

[0129] The third article retention structure RT3 may be considered to have a generally elliptical shape.

[0130] The maximum transverse dimension W may be less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L.

[0131] The fourth retention structure RT4 is generally similar in construction to the third retention structure RT3, albeit the inner or minor teeth 144 have been omitted. Outer engaging teeth 150 are separated or spaced apart from a central engaging tooth 152 by cutaways C2 in the form of recesses or notches.

[0132] The blank 110A, 110B is formed into a carrier or handle structure 190 by folding the second and third panels 114, 116 with respect to the first panel 112, about fold lines 113, 107, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and third panels 112, 116 may form outer panels and the second panel 114 may form an intermediate panel. In another embodiment, the first and second panels 112, 114 may form outer panels and the third panel 116 may form an intermediate panel.

[0133] Turning to FIG. 7, illustrated is a blank 210 for forming a carrier 290, see FIGS. 7 and 8, according to a third embodiment. The blank 210 comprises a first main panel 212 and a second main panel 214.

[0134] The second main panel 214 is hingedly connected to the first main panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213.

[0135] The first main panel 212 is substantially similar in construction to the main panel 12 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0136] The second main panel 214 is substantially similar in construction to the first main panel 212 albeit with the omission of the handle flaps 270, 272.

[0137] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the fold lines F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 have been omitted as have the longitudinally extending cutlines 15, 17.

[0138] The first and second main panels 212, 214 comprise at least one article retention structure RT5.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, each of first and second main panel 212, 214 comprises a pair of article retention structures RT5.

[0140] Each article retention structure RT5 is disposed between a pair of cuts C5, C6. A first control cut C5 is disposed between an article retention structure RT5 and an adjacent end edge of the main panel 212, 214. A pull tab T1, T2 is defined between the first control cut C5 and said adjacent end edge of the main panel 212, 214. The first control cut C5 is nonlinear or curvilinear and may comprise “J” or “C” shaped termination cuts.

[0141] A first control cut C5 is disposed between an article retention structure RT5 and an intermediate portion of the main panel 212, 214 forming a handle or grip portion. The first control cut C5 is nonlinear and may be curvilinear or arcuate.

[0142] Each article retention structure RT5 is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to the article retention structure RT5 shown in FIG. 6B.

[0143] The first panel 212 comprises a pair of article retention structures RT5 each comprising an outer region having four teeth or engaging tabs 240, 242 for supporting an article B when the handle structure 290 is in use. A pair of central engaging teeth 242 are disposed on opposing sides of a notional longitudinal line NLy extending longitudinally of the first panel 212 and passing through the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5. The central engaging teeth 242 are separated from each other by a cur line 245 which is coincidental with the notional longitudinal line NLy. The outer region comprises a pair of outer engaging teeth 240 defining a boundary between the outer region and an inner region.

[0144] Each of the pair of central engaging teeth 242 is hinged to the first panel 212 by a hinged connection 243 in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connection 243 lies on, or in tangential contact with, a notional transverse line y1. The hinged connection 243 may be linear or nonlinear. The nonlinear hinged connection may be arcuate, “U” or “V” shaped.

[0145] The outer engaging teeth 240 are hinged to the first panel 212 by hinged connections 241 each being in the form of a fold line which may comprise one or more cut lines. The hinged connections 241 may be linear or nonlinear and may be divergently oriented with respect to each other.

[0146] Each outer engaging tooth 240 is separated from the central engaging tooth 242 by a cutline 245.

[0147] Each central engaging tooth 242 is separated from the other central engaging tooth 242 by a cutline 245 which lies on the notional line NLy.

[0148] The hinged connection and / or cut line 241 may be oriented at an acute angle (e.g., about 20°) with respect to the notional longitudinal line NLy. The notional longitudinal line NLy is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the notional transverse line y1. The notional longitudinal line NLy is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first panel 212.

[0149] The inner region may be defined by a cutline 247. The cutline 24 comprises, or is interrupted by, an inner tooth 244. The inner tooth 244 lies on the notional longitudinal line NLy and is bisected by the notional longitudinal line NLy. The inner tooth 244 defines part of an article receiving opening and is displaceable out of the plane of the first panel 212. An innermost end or edge of the article receiving opening is provided by a hinged connection or yieldable section of the inner tooth 244.

[0150] The cutline 247 comprises first and second portions disposed on opposites side of the inner tooth 244 and extending from the inner tooth 244 to one of the outer engaging teeth 240.

[0151] A maximum longitudinal dimension L of the article retention structure RT5 is defined between the first and second notional transverse lines y1, y2. The first notional transverse line y1 is in tangential contact with the hinged connection 243 which defines an outermost end of the article retention structure RT5. The second notional transverse line y2 is in tangential contact with a proximal end of an inner or minor tooth 244. The proximal end of the inner or minor tooth 244 is defines by a hinged connection of the inner tooth 244. Such a hinged connection may take the form of a crease line which may be formed when the tooth 244 is folded with respect to the first panel 212. The hinged connection at the proximal end of the tooth 244 defines an innermost edge of the article retention structure RT5.

[0152] A medial notional transverse line y3 defines the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5 at a point of an intersection with the notional line NLy.

[0153] The medial notional transverse line y3 is disposed a distance L / 2 equal to half the maximum longitudinal dimension L from each of the first and notional transverse lines y1, y2.

[0154] The position of a feature, cap, closure, or flange of an article is indicated by phantom (dot-dash) line B in FIG. 6B. The feature is received in, or passes through, the article retention structure RT5. The feature has a diameter which is less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L of the article retention structure RT5.

[0155] The toothless peripheral edge or cutline 247 of the aperture A1 of the article retention structure RT5 defines a maximum transverse dimension W of the article retention structure RT5, between the terminal ends thereof, the terminal ends being disposed proximate the outer engaging teeth 240. A fourth notional transverse line y4 shown in FIG. 6B extends across that portion of the article retention structure RT5 having the maximum transverse dimension W.

[0156] The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the article retention structure RT5 is offset from the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5. The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the article retention structure RT5 is inset from the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5 towards the inner tooth 244.

[0157] The fourth notional transverse line y4 of the article retention structure RT5 is offset from the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5 towards the intermediate portion of the first panel 212.

[0158] The center Bc of a feature of the article B received by the article retention structure RT5 may be disposed between the center RTc of the article retention structure RT5 and the fourth notional transverse line y4 of the article retention structure RT5.

[0159] The article retention structure RT5 may be considered to have a generally oval or egg shape and has one axis of symmetry which lines on the notional longitudinal line NLy.

[0160] The maximum transverse dimension W may be less than the maximum longitudinal dimension L.

[0161] The inner tooth 244 may serve to encourage the central engaging teeth 242 into engagement with an article B received in the article retention structure RT5 when the handle structure or carrier 290 is in a rest state, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0162] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a side wall of the cap or end closure C engages with the inner region of the article receiving opening, and may engage an edge or surface of the inner tooth 244.

[0163] The flange or projection of the article B which is supported by the major teeth 240, 242 is disposed both above and below the main panels 212, 214 of the carrier 290. Outer regions of flange or projection are disposed above the main panels 212, 214 of the carrier 290. Inner regions of flange or projection are disposed below the main panels 212, 214 of the carrier 290, the inner regions move from being above the main panel 212 in the rest condition (FIG. 7) to below the main panel 214 in the operative condition (FIG. 8).

[0164] In an operative condition, in which the carrier or handle structure 290 is employed to carry the articles B, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner tooth 244 may be disposed above the feature of the article B which is engaged by the major teeth 240, 242. In other words, the inner tooth 244 is not employed to support or suspend the article B from the carrier or handle structure 290.

[0165] The article retention structure RT5 may comprise a first relief cut C6. The relief cut C6 may comprise a circumferential cut line about a portion of the inner region and spaced apart from the inner tooth 244.

[0166] The relief cut C6 may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate in shape. The relief cuts C6, when circular in shape, may have a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the cut line 247, and may be concentrically arranged with respect to the cut line 247.

[0167] Each of the relief cut C6 may be disposed between the aperture A1 and the intermediate or waisted portion of the first panel 212.

[0168] The relief cuts C6 may improve or increase the flexibility of the article carrier 90 when using the handle H to remove the package from a shelf or storage device. The relief cuts C6 may allow the article carrier 90 to flex, deform, or bend whilst facilitating engagement of a portion of the main panel 212 about the inner region of the article retention structure RT5, or a portion of the inner tooth 244, with a side wall of the cap or closure C or another suitable portion of the article B.

[0169] Each article retention structure RT5 in the second main panel 214 is arranged to be disposed in vertical registry or alignment with a respective article retention structure RT5 in the first main panel 212 when the second main panel 214 is folded into face-to-face relationship with the first main panel 212. In this way the blank 210 forms a two-ply handle structure.

[0170] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 forming a handle structure. The at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 comprises at least one, at least two, or more article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier 90; 190; 290.

[0171] The at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprises a receiving opening having, or defined by, a boundary including a first end or edge and second opposing end or edge, and a longitudinal distance or length dimension L defined therebetween.

[0172] The second end or edge is defined by a hinged connection between one or more engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 and the at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 in which it is formed. The second end or edge forms a load bearing end in a carrier 90; 190; 290 when the handle structure is deployed or operative

[0173] The first end or edge is defined by a cutline 47 or connection between an inner tooth 144; 244 and the at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214.

[0174] The at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprises a midpoint or center RTc disposed on a notional line NLy bisecting the at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 in a longitudinal direction and midway between the first end or edge and the second edge or edge. The midpoint or center RTc is disposed on the notional line NLy at a distance L / 2, equal to half the longitudinal distance or dimension L.

[0175] The at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprises an area or region defining a maximum transverse distance or width dimension W. The maximum width area or region is disposed between the midpoint or center RTc and the first end or edge of the at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5.

[0176] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 comprising at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprises a receiving opening having, or defined by, a boundary including a first end or edge and second opposing end or edge, and a longitudinal distance or length dimension L defined therebetween. The second end or edge is defined by a hinged connection between one or more engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 and the at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 in which it is formed. The second end or edge forms a load bearing end in a carrier 90; 190; 290 when the handle structure is deployed or operative. The first end or edge is defined by connection between an inner tooth 144; 244 and the at least one primary panel 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214, wherein the inner tooth 144; 244 is non-load bearing when the handle structure is deployed or operative. The inner tooth 144; 244 in a deployed or operative condition may be disposed above a feature of an article B by which the engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 support or suspend the article B. In a stowed or rest condition the inner tooth 144; 244 encourages or urges the article B toward the engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 and may be disposed below said feature of the article B.

[0177] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 comprising two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 in face-to-face relationship with each other, each of the two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 comprising at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5. A first one of the two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 comprises at least one first article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 and a second one of the two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214 comprises at least one second article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5. The at least one first article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 being disposed in vertical registry with the at least one second article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5.

[0178] The at least one first article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprising a receiving opening having, or defined by, a boundary including a first end or edge and second opposing end or edge, and a longitudinal distance or length dimension L defined therebetween. The second end or edge is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of two or more first engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 and the first one of the two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214. The second end or edge forms a load bearing end in a carrier 90; 190; 290 when the handle structure is deployed or operative. Each of the two or more first engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242 is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutline 45; 145; 245.

[0179] The at least one second article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5 comprising a receiving opening having, or defined by, a boundary including a first end or edge and second opposing end or edge, and a longitudinal distance or length dimension L defined therebetween. The second end or edge is defined by a hinged connection between at least one of two or more second engaging or support teeth 50, 52; 150, 152 and the second one of the two or more main panels 12, 14; 112, 114, 116; 212, 214. The second end or edge forms a load bearing end in a carrier 90; 190; 290 when the handle structure is deployed or operative. Each of the two or more second engaging or support teeth 50, 52; 150, 152 is separated from its adjacent neighbor by a cutaway C2 in the form of a slot, notch, or recess. The cutaway C2 is disposed in vertical registry with a respective cutline 45; 145; 245 separating two first engaging or support teeth 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 242.

[0180] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

[0181] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0182] As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

[0183] As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0184] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line or a severance line or both. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

[0185] The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising:at least one primary panel which comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging one or more articles, respectively, the handle portion and the at least one article retention structure disposed next to one another along a notional longitudinal line, the at least one article retention structure comprising:a receiving opening,at least one outer engaging tooth, anda boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end,wherein the first end is disposed closer to the handle portion than the second end,wherein the second end is defined, at least in part, by a proximal end of the at least one outer engaging tooth,the at least one article retention structure further comprising:a center disposed on the notional longitudinal line and equidistant from the first and second ends, anda widest portion having a maximum transverse dimension that is measured generally transverse to the notional longitudinal line, the widest portion being disposed between the center of the at least one article retention structure and the first end of the at least one article retention structure.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the at least one article retention structure are disposed along the notional longitudinal line and define therebetween a maximum longitudinal dimension of the article retention structure.

3. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the at least one article retention structure is defined by a toothless peripheral edge of the receiving opening, the toothless peripheral edge opposing the at least one outer engaging tooth.

4. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one article retention structure comprises at least one inner engaging tooth opposing the at least one outer engaging tooth, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the at least one article retention structure is defined by a proximal end of the at least one inner engaging tooth.

5. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the notional longitudinal line bisects the at least one article retention structure.

6. An article carrier according to claim 1, further comprising a release device that comprises a pull tab disposed along the notional longitudinal line such that one of the at least one article retention structure is disposed between the pull tab and the handle portion.

7. An article carrier according to claim 6 wherein the release device further comprises a cut disposed between the pull tab and the one of the at least one article retention structure.

8. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the at least one outer engaging tooth is defined by a hinged connection between the at least one outer engaging tooth and the at least one primary panel.

9. An article carrier according to claim 8, wherein the hinged connection comprises a nonlinear fold line.

10. An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the at least one inner engaging tooth is spaced apart, along the boundary, from the at least one outer engaging tooth with a toothless peripheral edge of the receiving opening disposed therebetween.

11. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, comprising:at least one primary panel which comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging one or more articles, respectively, the handle portion and the at least one article retention structure disposed next to one another along a notional longitudinal line, the at least one article retention structure comprising:a receiving opening,at least one inner engaging tooth,at least one outer engaging tooth which opposes the at least one inner engaging tooth,a boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end,wherein the first end is disposed closer to the handle portion than the second end,wherein the second end is defined, at least in part, by a proximal end of the at least one outer engaging tooth, andwherein the at least one inner engaging tooth is a non-load bearing tooth when the article carrier is operatively deployed to carry the one or more articles.

12. A package comprising the article carrier of claim 11 and at least one article engaged by the at least one article retention structure, respectively, wherein the at least one inner engaging tooth in a stowed condition encourages the at least one article toward the at least one outer engaging tooth.

13. A package comprising the article carrier of claim 11 and at least one article engaged by the at least one article engaging structure, respectively, wherein the at least one inner engaging tooth in an operative condition is disposed above a feature of the at least one article which the at least one outer engaging tooth engages.

14. A package according to claim 13, wherein the at least one outer engaging tooth is disposed below said feature of the at least one article.

15. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising two or more main panels in face-to-face relationship with each other, each of the two or more main panels comprising at least one article retention structure, a first one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one first article retention structure and a second one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one second article retention structure, the at least one first article retention structure being disposed in vertical registry with the at least one second article retention structure, wherein the at least one first article retention structure comprises a receiving opening surrounded at least in part by two or more first support teeth, each of the two or more first support teeth is separated from an adjacent neighboring one of the two or more first support teeth by a cutline, wherein the at least one second article retention structure comprises a receiving opening surrounded at least in part by two or more second support teeth, each of the two or more second support teeth is separated from an adjacent neighboring one of the two or more second support teeth by a cutaway, and wherein the cutaway is disposed in vertical registry with the cutline.

16. An article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the first one of the two or more primary panels comprises a first handle portion disposed next to the at least one first article retention structure, the at least one first article retention structure comprising a first boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end, wherein the first end is disposed between the second end and the first handle portion, and wherein the second end is defined by a proximal end of at least one of the two or more first support teeth.

17. An article carrier according to claim 16, wherein the second one of the two or more primary panels comprises a second handle portion disposed next to the at least one second article retention structure, the at least one second article retention structure comprising a second boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end, wherein the first end of the at least one second article retention structure is disposed between the second handle portion and the second end of the at least one second article retention structure, and wherein the second end of the at least one second article retention structure is defined by a proximal end of at least one of the two or more second support teeth.

18. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising:at least one primary panel which comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging one or more articles, respectively, the handle portion and the at least one article retention structure disposed next to one another along a notional longitudinal line, the at least one article retention structure comprising:a receiving opening,at least one outer engaging tooth, anda boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end,wherein the first end is disposed closer to the handle portion than the second end,wherein the second end is defined, at least in part, by a proximal end of the at least one outer engaging tooth,the at least one article retention structure further comprising:a center disposed on the notional longitudinal line and equidistant from the first and second ends, anda maximum width portion having a maximum transverse dimension that is measured generally transverse to the notional longitudinal line, the maximum width portion being disposed between the center of the at least one article retention structure and the first end of the at least one article retention structure.

19. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising:at least one primary panel which comprises a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging one or more articles, respectively, the handle portion and the at least one article retention structure disposed next to one another along a notional longitudinal line, the at least one article retention structure comprising:a receiving opening,at least one inner engaging tooth,at least one outer engaging tooth which opposes the at least one inner engaging tooth, anda boundary including a first end and a second end opposing the first end,wherein the first end is disposed closer to the handle portion than the second end,wherein the second end is defined, at least in part, by a proximal end of the at least one outer engaging tooth, andwherein the at least one inner engaging tooth is configured to serve as a non-load-bearing tooth when the article carrier formed from the blank is operatively deployed.

20. A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the blank comprising two or more main panels hingedly connected to one another, each of the two or more main panels comprising at least one article retention structure, a first one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one first article retention structure and a second one of the two or more main panels comprises at least one second article retention structure, the at least one first article retention structure being disposed in vertical registry with the at least one second article retention structure when the blank is formed into the article carrier, wherein the at least one first article retention structure comprises a receiving opening surrounded at least in part by two or more first support teeth, each of the two or more first support teeth is separated from an adjacent neighboring one of the two or more first support teeth by a cutline, and wherein the at least one second article retention structure comprises a receiving opening surrounded at least in part by two or more second support teeth, each of the two or more second support teeth is separated from an adjacent neighboring one of the two or more second support teeth by a cutaway that is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with the cutline when the blank is formed into the article carrier.

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