Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner member. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel and a pair of shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together provide an outer channel structure defining an outer channel axis (y). The inner member comprises at least one inner inverted channel structure defining an inner channel axis (x). The at least one inner channel structure extends between the shell side panels, such that the inner channel axis (x) is generally perpendicular to the outer channel axis (y). The shell base panel comprises at least one first top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to article 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 comprises an outer shell and an inner support member.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] 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.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier to enable two or more articles to be transported; in particular for large or heavy articles.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner member. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel and a pair of shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together provide an outer channel structure defining an outer channel axis. The inner member comprises at least one inner inverted channel structure defining an inner channel axis. The at least one inner channel structure extends between the shell side panels such that the inner channel axis is generally perpendicular to the outer channel axis. The shell base panel comprises at least one first top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one first top-receiving feature comprises a top-receiving opening defined in the shell base panel and at least one article load-bearing tab connected to the perimeter of the top-receiving opening.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel and a pair of inner channel side panels extending from the inner channel top panel to the shell base panel, each of the inner channel side panels comprises at least one article-supporting edge for engaging at least one article.

[0012] Optionally, the outer shell further comprises at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels, the at least one shell top panel is secured to the at least one inner channel structure. Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel which comprises at least one second top-receiving feature in a vertical alignment with the at least one first top-receiving feature of the shell base panel.

[0013] Optionally, the outer shell further comprises at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels, and the at least one shell top panel comprises at least one third top-receiving feature in vertical alignment with the at least one second top-receiving feature of the inner channel top panel.

[0014] Optionally, the inner member further comprises an inner base panel extending outwardly of the at least one inner channel structure and disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel and a pair of inner channel side panels extending from the inner channel top panel to the shell base panel, the inner base panel is hingedly connected to one of the inner channel side panels and extends away from the other of the inner channel side panels.

[0016] Optionally, the shell and the inner member are formed respectively from two separate blanks.

[0017] Optionally, the shell and the inner member are formed respectively from a single blank and are hingedly connected to each other.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner member. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel. The inner member comprises a pair of channel structures disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the shell base panel. The outer shell further comprises at least one bridging tubular structure formed at least in part from the shell base panel. The at least one bridging tubular structure extends between the channel structures.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one bridging tubular structure comprises at least a pair of bridging tubular structures each of the bridging tubular structures extends between the channel structures such that the bridging tubular structures are disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement.

[0020] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises a handle opening disposed between the channel structures.

[0021] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises a handle opening disposed between the bridging tubular structures such that the bridging tubular structures and the channel structures together form a frame around the handle opening.

[0022] Optionally, the tubular axis of the at least one bridging tubular structure is substantially perpendicular to the channel axis of each of the channel structures.

[0023] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises at least one first article top-receiving feature disposed at a position along each of the channel structures.

[0024] Optionally, the outer shell further comprises; a shell side panel hingedly connected to the shell base panel, a shell top panel hingedly connected to the shell side panel, and a spacer flap hingedly connected to the shell top panel, and wherein the at least one bridging tubular structure comprises; a part of the shell base panel, a part of the shell side panel, a part of the shell top panel, and the spacer flap.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner member which are secured together. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel. The inner member comprises a pair of first and second channel structures disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the shell base panel. The inner member further comprises an inner member severance line by which a first portion of the inner member, including the first channel structure, is detachably connected to a second portion of the inner member, including the second channel structure. The outer shell further comprises a shell severance line comprising a shell base panel segment extending in the shell base panel. The shell base panel segment is generally collinear at least in part with at least part of the inner member severance line such that the first and second channel structures are separable from each other when both the inner member severance line and the shell severance line are broken.

[0026] Optionally, the shell base panel segment extends parallel with the channel axis of each of the first and second channel structures.

[0027] Optionally, the shell base panel segment is interrupted by a handle opening defined in the shell base panel.

[0028] Optionally, the first portion of the inner member comprises at least one first connector panel and the second portion of the inner member includes at least one second connector panel, the at least one first connector panel is detachably connected to the at least one second connector panel by a connector panel segment of the inner member severance line, the connector panel segment being generally collinear at least in part with at least part of the shell severance line.

[0029] Optionally, the at least one first connector panel and the at least one second connector panel are hingedly connected respectively to the first and second channel structures.

[0030] Optionally, the first portion of the inner member further comprises a first inner base panel hingedly connected to the first channel structure, the second portion of the inner member further comprises a second inner base panel hingedly connected to the second channel, the first and second inner base panels are hingedly connected respectively to the at least one first connector panel and the at least one second connector panel.

[0031] Optionally, the first and second inner base panels are hingedly connected by an inner base panel segment of the inner member severance line and the inner base panel segment is generally collinear at least in part with the shell base panel segment.

[0032] Optionally, the at least one first connector panel comprises a pair of opposed first connector panels and the at least one second connector panel comprises a pair of opposed second connector panels and wherein the outer shell further comprises a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel, one of pair of opposed shell side panels is secured in face-contacting arrangement to the one of the pair of opposed first connector panels and one of the pair of opposed second connector panels, the other of the pair of opposed shell side panels is secured in face- contacting arrangement to the other of the pair of opposed first connector panels and the other of the pair of opposed second connector panels.

[0033] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises at least one first article top-receiving feature at a position along each of the first and second channel structures.

[0034] Yet another aspect of the invention provides an insert blank for placement in an outer shell to form an article carrier. The insert blank comprises a pair of first and second opposed end edges. The insert blank comprises a pair of first and second opposed connector panels extending along the first and second end edges, respectively. The insert blank further comprises a first channel-forming section and a second channel-forming section each extending between the first and second connector panels such that the first and second channel-forming sections are disposed side by side. Each of the channel-forming sections comprises a channel top panel hingedly connected at opposite ends thereof respectively to the first and second connector panels and a pair of channel side panels hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the channel top panel. Each of the channel-forming sections comprises at least one article receiving feature.

[0035] Optionally, the insert blank further comprises a pair of first and second insert base panels hingedly connected respectively to the first and second channel-forming sections.

[0036] Optionally, each of the first and second connector panels comprises a connector severance line and is divisible along the connector severance line.

[0037] Optionally, the first and second channel-forming sections are not directly connected to each other.

[0038] Optionally, the first and second channel-forming sections are separated by a cutaway, the cutaway formed from one of the following group of features: a cutline, a slot, a slit, and an aperture,

[0039] Optionally, the first and second channel-forming sections are detachably connected along a frangible line.

[0040] Still yet a further aspect of the invention provides an insert blank for placement in an outer shell to form an article carrier. The insert blank comprises a first channel-forming section and a second channel-forming section disposed side by side with at least one insert base panel extending therebetween. The at least one insert base panel is hingedly connected along opposed side edges thereof respectively to the first and second channel-forming sections.

[0041] Optionally, the insert blank further comprises first and second connector panels hingedly connected respectively to opposed end edges of the at least one insert base panel.

[0042] Optionally, the at least one insert base panel comprises a connector severance line and is divisible along the connector severance line.

[0043] Optionally, each of the first and second channel-forming sections comprises at least one article receiving feature.

[0044] Optionally, each of the first and second channel-forming sections comprises a channel top panel and a pair of channel side panels hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the channel top panel, and wherein the at least one insert base panel is hingedly connected along the opposed side edges thereof respectively to one of the channel side panels of the first channel-forming section and to one of the channel side panels of the second channel-forming section. Optionally, each of the first and second connector panels has a width which is greater than the width of the at least one insert base panel so that when the first and second channel-forming sections are erected into channel-shaped structures, the first and second connector panels at least partially closes opposite ends of each of the channel-shaped structures.

[0045] Still yet another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner member. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel having at least one first top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article. The inner member comprises at least one inner channel structure disposed on the shell base panel The article carrier further comprises a linking device for facilitating positioning of the inner member on the shell base panel. The linking device comprises at least one first linking element provided by the inner member and at least one second linking element provided by the outer shell. The first and second linking elements are configured and positioned such that one of the first and second linking elements is receivable in the other of the first and second linking elements.

[0046] Optionally, the at least one first top-receiving feature comprises a top-receiving opening defined in the shell base panel.

[0047] Optionally, the outer shell further comprises: a pair of shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel; and at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels, the at least one shell top panel is secured to the at least one inner channel structure.

[0048] Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel which comprises at least one second top-receiving feature in vertical alignment with the at least one first top-receiving feature of the shell base panel.

[0049] Optionally, the outer shell further comprises: a pair of shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel; and at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels and the at least one shell top panel comprises at least one third top-receiving feature in vertical alignment with the at least one second top-receiving feature of the inner channel top panel.

[0050] Optionally, the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel and a pair of inner channel side panels extending from the inner channel top panel to the shell base panel, and wherein the at least one first linking element comprises a tab extending from at least one of the inner channel side panels of the at least one inner channel structure.

[0051] A further aspect of the invention provides a combination of two or more blanks for forming an article carrier; the article carrier comprising an outer shell and an inner member. The inner member is formed from a first blank and the outer shell is formed from a second blank. The second blank comprises a shell base panel having at least one first topreceiving feature for receiving part of at least one article. The first blank comprises at least a section for forming at least one inner channel structure to be disposed on the shell base panel. The blank combination further comprises a linking device for facilitating positioning of the inner member on the shell base panel during assembly of the blank combination into an article carrier. The linking device comprises at least one first linking element provided by the first blank and at least one second linking element provided by the second blank. The first and second linking elements are configured and positioned such that one of the first and second linking elements is receivable in the other of the first and second linking elements.

[0052] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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

[0055] 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.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support of an article carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0059] Figure 2 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the first embodiment;

[0060] Figures 3 to 7 are perspective views of stages of construction of an article carrier and package from the blanks of Figure 1 and Figure 2;

[0061] Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 1 and 2, and a plurality of articles;

[0062] Figure 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support of an article carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0063] Figure 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the second embodiment;

[0064] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a stage of construction of an article carrier and package from the blanks of Figure 9 and Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 9 and 10, and a plurality of articles;

[0065] Figure 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support of an article carrier according to a third embodiment;

[0066] Figure 14 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the third embodiment;

[0067] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a stage of construction of an article carrier and package from the blanks of Figure 13 and Figure 14;

[0068] Figure 16 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 13 and 14, and a group of articles;

[0069] Figure 17 is a perspective view from above of the package of Figure 16 in which the carrier has been separated into two parts, each part comprising a subset of the group of articles;

[0070] Figure 18 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the fourth embodiment;

[0071] Figure 19 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support for use with the outer shell of Figure 18 to form an article carrier;

[0072] Figure 20 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an alternative inner support for use with the outer shell of Figure 18 to form an article carrier;

[0073] Figure 21 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming another alternative inner support for use with the outer shell of Figure 18 to form an article carrier;

[0074] Figure 22 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 18 and 19, and a group of articles;

[0075] Figure 23 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support of an article carrier according to a fifth embodiment;

[0076] Figure 24 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the fifth embodiment;

[0077] Figures 25 and 26 are perspective views of stages of construction of an article carrier and package from the blanks of Figure 23 and Figure 24;

[0078] Figure 27 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 23 and 24, and a plurality of articles;

[0079] Figure 28 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an inner support of an article carrier according to a sixth embodiment;

[0080] Figure 29 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an outer shell of an article carrier according to the sixth embodiment; and Figures 30 and 31 are perspective views of a package comprising a carrier, formed from the blanks of Figures 28 and 29, and a plurality of articles.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of a package, blanks and carriers 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 packages, blanks, and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of 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.

[0083] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a first blank 10 capable of forming an inner support 90 of a carton or carrier 90 / 190, as shown in Figures 3 to 8 along with an outer shell 190 formed from the second blank 110 of Figure 2. The carton or carrier 90 / 190 is configured for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The first and second blanks 10, 110 form a secondary package P for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3210, 3310, 3110; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 are shown in Figures 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 18, 20, 21 , 23, 24, 28 and 29 for forming alternative packages P’; P”; P’” (see Figures 12, 16, 22, 27 and 30).

[0084] 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; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 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.

[0085] The blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 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.

[0086] The packaging structure or carton 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190, 3210 / 3110, 3310 / 3110; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 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 distinctive 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.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having three rows (m = 3) and two columns (n = 2); in the illustrated embodiments, three rows of two articles B, or two columns of three articles B, are provided and the articles B are 1 .5 liter bottles. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 1010, 1110; 2010, 2110; 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310; 4010, 4110; 5010, 5110 can be configured to form a carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and / or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles B may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

[0088] Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a first blank 10 for forming an inner support 90 of a carton 90 / 190 (see Figures 3 to 8) according to a first embodiment. The first blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 , 33, 35.

[0089] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 form an inner support structure having at least one channel. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of channels, specifically, but not limited to, three channels. Each channel comprises a top panel 16, 24, 32 and a pair of side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 depending therefrom. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 comprises a plurality of base, or floor, panels 12, 20, 28, 36. The plurality of base, or floor, panels 12, 20, 28, 36 comprises a first end base panel 12 and a second end base panel 36, a first intermediate base panel 20 and a second intermediate base panel 28. The first and second intermediate base panels 20, 28 couple or connect one of the plurality of channels to an adjacent one of the plurality of channels.

[0090] The first blank 10 comprises a plurality of end closure panels 38A, 40A, 42A, 44A, 46A, 38B, 40B, 42B, 44B, 46B; the plurality of end closure panels 38A, 40A, 42A, 44A, 46A, 38B, 40B, 42B, 44B, 46B comprises a plurality of end panels 40A, 44A, 40B, 44B and a plurality of channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B.

[0091] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 comprises the first end base panel 12 hingedly connected to a first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to a first top panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The first top panel 16 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first intermediate base panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19.

[0092] The first intermediate base panel 20 is hingedly connected to a third side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21. The third side panel 22 is hingedly connected to a second top panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second top panel 24 is hingedly connected to a fourth side panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 The fourth side panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second intermediate base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27.

[0093] The second intermediate base panel 28 is hingedly connected to a fifth side panel 30 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29. The fifth side panel 30 is hingedly connected to a third top panel 32 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 . The third top panel 32 is hingedly connected to a sixth side panel 34 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33. The sixth side panel 34 is hingedly connected to the second end base panel 36 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35.

[0094] A first channel first end closure panel 38A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A. A first channel second end closure panel 38B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37B.

[0095] A second channel first end closure panel 42A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 A. A second channel second end closure panel 42B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 B.

[0096] A third channel first end closure panel 46A is hingedly connected to a first end of the third top panel 32 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45A. A third channel second end closure panel 46B is hingedly connected to a second end of the third top panel 32 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45B.

[0097] A first end panel 40A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first intermediate base panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39A. The first end panel 40A is separated, or separable, from the second side panel 18 by a cutaway or severable connection. The first end panel 40A is separated, or separable, from the third side panel 22 by a cutaway or severable connection. The cutaways may take the form of a cutline CL1A, CL2A, a slot, a slit, an aperture or a recess, the severable connections may take the form of a tear line, a perforate line or other suitable frangible connection.

[0098] A second end panel 40B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first intermediate base panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39B. The second end panel 40B is separated, or separable, from the second side panel 18 by a cutaway or severable connection. The second end panel 40B is separated, or separable, from the third side panel 22 by a cutaway or severable connection. The cutaways may take the form of a cutline CL1 B, CL2B, a slot, a slit, an aperture or a recess, the severable connections may take the form of a tear line, a perforate line or other suitable frangible connection.

[0099] A third end panel 44A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second intermediate base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43A. The third end panel 44A is separated, or separable, from the fourth side panel 26 by a cutaway or severable connection. The third end panel 44A is separated, or separable, from the fifth side panel 30 by a cutaway or severable connection. The cutaways may take the form of a cutline CL3A, CL4A, a slot, a slit, an aperture or a recess, the severable connections may take the form of a tear line, a perforate line or other suitable frangible connection.

[0100] A fourth end panel 44B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second intermediate base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43B. The fourth end panel 44B is separated, or separable, from the fourth side panel 26 by a cutaway or severable connection. The fourth end panel 44B is separated, or separable, from the fifth side panel 30 by a cutaway or severable connection. The cutaways may take the form of a cutline CL3B, CL4B, a slot, a slit, an aperture or a recess, the severable connections may take the form of a tear line, a perforate line or other suitable frangible connection.

[0101] The first blank 10 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1, the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving opening A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1. Each of the first, second, and third top panels 16, 24, 32 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third top panels 16, 24, 32 comprises two article receiving openings A1.

[0102] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck in part from, or defined in part in, one of the top panels 16, 24, 32. The portion of each article receiving opening A1 defined in a top panel 16, 24, 32 is configured to accommodate an upper end portion of an article B and may be generally circular in shape. The end portion of an article B of the article B received in article receiving opening A1 may be at least a portion of an end closure, screw cap or crown cork of an article B. Each article receiving opening A1 may extend into one or both of the side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 extending from, or hinged to, the top panel 16, 24, 32 in which the article receiving opening A1 is formed. The, or each, portion of the article receiving opening A1 struck from, or defined in, one of the side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 may be generally trapezoidal in shape In this way, the article receiving opening A1 may be generally "bow tie” shaped.

[0103] An edge E1 , E2 of the article receiving opening A1 provided by the portion of the article receiving opening A1 defined in one of the side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 30, 34 may provide an engaging or support edge for engaging or suspending the article B, the edge E1 , E2 may be arranged to engage the article B below a flange, projection or undercut feature of the article B.

[0104] Each of the first and second intermediate base panels 20, 28 may comprise an opening, the opening may be a receiver for a portion of a locking tab 150 (see Figure 2) provided by the outer shell 190. Each opening may be defined in part by an aperture A2 struck from, or defined in, one of the first and second intermediate base panels 20, 28. The opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one tab 50. The openings of the illustrated embodiment are defined in part by two tabs 50. Each tab 50 is struck from, or defined in, one of the first and second intermediate base panels 20, 28 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The pair of tabs 50 are hinged in opposition to each other, the hinged connections define opposed ends of the opening. Each tab 50 is defined by a pair of opposed cuts 53A, 53B extending from fold line 51 to the aperture A2. The pair of cuts 53A, 53B are shaped to define a waist in the opening proximate to the fold line 51.

[0105] Turning to Figure 2, there is illustrated a second blank 110 for forming an outer shell or housing 190 of a carton 90 / 190 (see Figures 3 to 8) according to a first embodiment. The second blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 118, 114, 112, 116, 120 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 117, 113, 115, 119.

[0106] The plurality of main panels 118, 114, 112, 116, 120 includes a first main panel 112 for forming a base panel 112 of the outer shell 190. A first side panel 114 is hingedly connected to a first side of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A second side panel 116 is hingedly connected to a second side of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115, the second side opposes the first side.

[0107] A first top panel 118 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second top panel 120 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

[0108] The second blank 110 comprises a first end panel 122 hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121. A second end panel 124 is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123, the second end opposes the first end.

[0109] The second blank 110 comprises a first anchor panel 126A hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127A. A second anchor panel 126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127B.

[0110] The second blank 110 comprises a third anchor panel 126C hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127C. A fourth anchor panel 126D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127D.

[0111] The first anchor panel 126A is coupled to the first end panel 122; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 128A, 130A. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 128A, 130A including a first web panel 128A and a first gusset panel 130A. The first web panel 128A is hingedly connected to the first anchor panel 126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 A. The first gusset panel 130A is hingedly connected to the first web panel 128A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135A. The first gusset panel 130A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133A. The first web panel 128A is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129A. The first gusset panel 130A may be separated from the first side panel 114 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4. The second anchor panel 126B is coupled to the second end panel 124; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 128B, 130B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 128B, 130B including a second web panel 128B and a second gusset panel 130B. The second web panel 128B is hingedly connected to the second anchor panel 126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 B. The second gusset panel 130B is hingedly connected to the second web panel 128B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135B. The second gusset panel 130B is hingedly connected to the second end panel 124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133B. The second web panel 128B is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129B. The second gusset panel 130B may be separated from the first side panel 114 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0112] The third anchor panel 126C is coupled to the first end panel 122; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 128C, 130C. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 128C, 130C including a third web panel 128C and a third gusset panel 130C. The third web panel 128C is hingedly connected to the third anchor panel 126C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 C. The third gusset panel 130C is hingedly connected to the third web panel 128C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135C. The third gusset panel 130C is hingedly connected to the first end panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133C. The third web panel 128C is hingedly connected to the second side panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129C. The third gusset panel 130C may be separated from the second side panel 116 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0113] The fourth anchor panel 126D is coupled to the second end panel 124; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 128D, 130D. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 128D, 130D including a fourth web panel 128D and a fourth gusset panel 130D. The fourth web panel 128D is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor panel 126D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 D. The fourth gusset panel 130D is hingedly connected to the fourth web panel 128D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135D. The fourth gusset panel 130D is hingedly connected to the second end panel 124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133D. The fourth web panel 128D is hingedly connected to the second side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129D. The fourth gusset panel 130D may be separated from the second side panel 116 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0114] The first main panel 112 comprises at least one article retention device RT also referred to herein as top-engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT. The article retention devices RT are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each article retention device RT comprises a plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 defining, at least in part, an article receiving opening. Each of the plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141, 143, 145, 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 comprises a pair of opposed major tabs 140, 142 and a pair of opposed minor tabs 146, 148. At least the major tabs 140, 142 may be load-bearing to suspend or support an article B therefrom.

[0115] The first top panel 118 comprises at least one article receiving aperture A3, in the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 118 comprises three article receiving apertures A3, each article receiving aperture A3 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the plurality of article retention devices RT in the base panel 112.

[0116] The second top panel 120 comprises at least one article receiving aperture A3, in the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 120 comprises three article receiving apertures A3, each article receiving aperture A3 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with one of the plurality of article retention devices RT in the base panel 112.

[0117] Each article receiving aperture A3 may be circular in shape and may be configured to form a close or friction fit about an upper portion of the article B, such as the end closure or cap C.

[0118] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth anchor panels 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D may comprise a recess R, each recess R is configured to be disposed in registry with an adjacent article receiving aperture A3 in one of the first and second top panels 118, 120.

[0119] The second blank 110 comprises a locking structure for securing the first and second top panels 118, 120 in a folded or assembled condition.

[0120] The base panel 112 comprises at least one receiver for receiving at least a part of at least one locking flap 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base panel 112 comprises a pair of receiver apertures A5, each receiver aperture A5 is arranged to receive a pair of locking flaps 150 each of the pair of locking flaps 150 is connected to a respective one of the first and second top panels 118, 120. In other embodiments, separate receiver apertures may be provided for receiving respective ones of the pair of locking flaps 150. In still other embodiments the at least one receiver may be configured similarly to the opening in the first and second intermediate base panels 20, 28 of the first blank 10. Each opening may be defined in part by an aperture struck from, or defined in, the base panel 112, and by at least one tab; for example, but not limited to, a pair of tabs each struck from, or defined in, the base panel 112 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The pair of tabs may be hinged in opposition to each other; the hinged connections defining opposed ends of the opening. Each tab is defined by a pair of opposed cuts extending from its respective fold line to the aperture. The pair of cuts may be shaped to define a waist in the opening proximate to said fold line.

[0121] The first top panel 118 comprises at least one locking flap 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 118 comprises a pair of locking flaps 150. Each locking flap 150 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the first top panel 118 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151.

[0122] The second top panel 120 comprises at least one locking flap 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 120 comprises a pair of locking flaps 150. Each locking flap 150 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the second top panel 120 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151. Each locking flap 150 comprises a tongue or tab T 1 projecting from an end edge thereof, the end edge opposes a hinged edge of the locking flap 150 defined by the hinged connection of the locking flap 150 to the respective one of the first and second top panels 118, 120. The tab T 1 comprises a waist defining engaging edges or shoulders S forming a catch for engaging with a portion of the base panel 112 adjacent to the receiver aperture A5 in which the tongue or tab T1 is received.

[0123] Each receiver aperture A5 may comprise at least one waist so as to define a wider tab receiving portion proximate a side edge of the receiver aperture A5 that is in closest proximity to one of the first and second side panel 114, 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver apertures A5 comprise a pair of tab receiving portions, a first tab receiving portion is disposed along a first side edge of the receiver aperture A5 located in closest proximity to the first side panel 114 and a second tab receiving portion is disposed along a second side edge of the receiver aperture A5 located in closest proximity to the second side panel 116.

[0124] Each locking flap 150 may comprise a pair of fold lines 153 defining, at least in part, wing portions of the locking flap 150. The pair of fold lines 153 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may diverge towards the hinged edge of the locking flap 150. Each of the pair of fold lines 153 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 151.

[0125] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 / 190 as illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, the carton 90 / 190 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 / 190 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

[0126] The second blank 110 is brought over a group of articles B and is lowered with respect to the group of articles B, each of the article retention devices RT being positioned to be in registry or alignment with a respective one of the articles B in the group. An upper portion of each article B is received in the article receiving opening of a respective one of the article retention devices RT. The plurality of tabs 140, 142, 146, 148 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 112. Each of the pair of major tabs 140, 142 engages a respective article B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended from the base panel 112.

[0127] The first blank 10 is brought over the group of articles B and the second blank 110, the first blank 10 is lowered with respect to the group of articles B and the second blank 110. The article receiving openings A1 provided in the second top panel 24 are arranged to be disposed in registry or alignment with a pair of articles B provided in the group of articles B. The article receiving openings A1 in the second top panel 24 are aligned with articles B in the second or middle row of articles B in the group of articles B.

[0128] Glue or other adhesive treatment (glue regions G are shown in Figure 1) is applied to the end panels 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the first blank 10, or, in alternative embodiments, to corresponding regions of the first and second side panels 114, 116 of the second blank 110.

[0129] The first blank 10 is folded about fold lines 19, 21 , 23, 25, 27, and 29. The third and fourth side panels 22, 26 are folded with respect to the second top panel 24 about fold lines 23, 25. The first intermediate floor panel 20 is folded with respect to the third side panel 22, about fold line 21 , and the second intermediate floor panel 28 is folded with respect to the third side panel 22, about fold line 27.

[0130] The second side panel 18, along with the first top panel 16, first side panel 14 and first end base panel 12, is folded with respect to the first intermediate floor panel 20, about fold line 19.

[0131] The fifth side panel 30, along with the third top panel 32, sixth side panel 34 and second end base panel 36, is folded with respect to the second intermediate floor panel 28, about fold line 29.

[0132] The first blank 10 is lowered to bring the first intermediate floor panel 20 and second intermediate floor panel 28 into face contacting relationship with the base panel 112 of the second blank 110. The articles B in the second, or middle, row of articles B in the group of articles B are received in the article receiving openings A1 in the second top panel 24, as shown in Figure 3. The first and third end panels 40A, 44A are brought into face contacting relationship with the second side panel 116 and are secured thereto. The second and fourth end panels 40B, 44B are brought into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 114 and are secured thereto.

[0133] The first top panel 16 is folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 17. In doing so the articles B in the first, or end, row of articles B in the group of articles B are received in the article receiving openings A1 in the first top panel 16. The first side panel 14 is folded with respect to the first top panel 16 about fold line 15 and the first end base panel 12 is folded with respect to the first side panel 14 about fold line 13, as shown in Figure 4.

[0134] The third top panel 32 is folded with respect to the fifth side panel 30, about fold line 31. In doing so the articles B in the third, or end, row of articles B in the group of articles B are received in the article receiving openings A1 in the third top panel 32 The sixth side panel 34 is folded with respect to the third top panel 32, about fold line 33 and the second end base panel 36 is folded with respect to the sixth side panel 34 about fold line 35, as shown in Figure 4.

[0135] Each of the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B is folded with respect to the first, second, or third top panel 16, 24, 32 to which it is hinged, about fold lines 37 A, 41 A, 45A, 37B, 41 B, 45B, to close the ends of the first, second, and third channel structures, as shown in Figure 5.

[0136] Each of channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B may be received at least in part in the channel formed by the respective one of the top panels 16, 24, 32 and the pair of side panels 14, 18; 22, 26; 32, 34 hinged thereto. In this way, the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B may form a mandrel, brace, or support to strengthen the channel structure.

[0137] A marginal portion of the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B may be retained, or engaged, by at least one of the end panels 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the first blank 10, as shown in Figure 6. In this way, the end panels 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the first blank 10 prevent the channel end closure panels 38A, 42A, 46A, 38B, 42B, 46B from unfolding at least during assembly of the carrier 90 / 190.

[0138] The first end panel 122 of the second blank 110 is folded with respect to the base panel 112, about fold line 121 , the first and third anchor panels 126A, 126C are folded into face-to-face relationship with the one of the first and second top panels 118, 120 to which they are hinged. The second end panel 124 of the second blank 110 is folded with respect to the base panel 112, about fold line 123, the second and fourth anchor panels 126B, 126D are folded into face-to- face relationship with the one of the first and second top panels 118, 120 to which they are hinged. In doing so the first side panel 114 (along with the first top panel 118) and second side panel 116 (along with the second top panel 120) are at least partially folded with respect to the base panel 112, about fold lines 113, 115 respectively, as shown in Figure 7.

[0139] Glue or other adhesive treatment (glue regions G are shown in Figure 1) is applied to the first, second, and third top panel 16, 24, 32 of the first blank 10, or, in alternative embodiments, to corresponding regions of the first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110.

[0140] The first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110 are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 114, 116 to which they are hinged, about fold lines 117, 119.

[0141] The first and second top panels 118, 120 of the second blank 110 are brought into face contacting relationship with first, second, and third top panel 16, 24, 32 of the first blank 10 and are secured thereto. The assembled carrier 90 / 190 is shown in Figure 8 forming a package P with the group of articles B.

[0142] Referring now to Figures 9 to 31 , there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “1000”, “2000”, “3000”, “4000”, “5000” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 will be described in detail.

[0143] Turning to Figure 9, there is illustrated a first blank 1010 for forming an inner support 1090 of a carton 1090 / 1190 (see Figures 11 and 12) according to a second embodiment. The first blank 1010 comprises a plurality of panels 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 1015, 1017, 1019, 1021 , 1023, 1025, 1027, 1029, 1031 , 1033.

[0144] The plurality of main panels 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034 comprises a first side panel 1014 hingedly connected to a first top panel 1016 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1015. The first top panel 1016 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 1018 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1017. The second side panel 1018 is hingedly connected to the first intermediate base panel portion 1020A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1019.

[0145] A second intermediate base panel portion 1020B is hingedly connected to a third side panel 1022 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1021. The second intermediate base panel portion 1020B is separated from the first intermediate base panel portion 1020A by a cutline or frangible line 1019B. The third side panel 1022 is hingedly connected to a second top panel 1024 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1023. The second top panel 1024 is hingedly connected to a fourth side panel 1026 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1025. The fourth side panel 1024 is hingedly connected to the third intermediate base panel portion 1028A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1027.

[0146] The fourth intermediate base panel portion 1028B is hingedly connected to a fifth side panel 1030 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1029. The fourth intermediate base panel portion 1028B is separated from the third intermediate base panel portion 1028A by a cutline or frangible line 1027B. The fifth side panel 1030 is hingedly connected to a third top panel 1032 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1031 . The third top panel 1032 is hingedly connected to a sixth side panel 34 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1033.

[0147] The plurality of main panels 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034 of the embodiment of Figure 9 differ from the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 of the embodiment of Figure 1 in that the first and second end base panels 12, 36 have been omitted.

[0148] The first blank 1010 comprises a pair of end closure panels 1042, 1046, the pair of end closure panels 1042, 1046 comprises a first end closure panel 1042 hingedly connected to first ends of each of the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, 1032, by fold line portions 1041 A, 1041 B, 1041C. A second end closure panel 1046 is hingedly connected to second ends of each of the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, 1032, by fold line portions 1045A, 1045B, 1045C.

[0149] The first end closure panel 1042 is separated from the second side panel 1018, first and second intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, and third side panel 1022 by a cut line 1043A. The first end closure panel 1042 is separated from the fourth side panel 1026, third and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1028A, 1028B, and fifth side panel 1030 by a cut line 1043B.

[0150] The second end closure panel 1046 is separated from the second side panel 1018, first and second intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, and third side panel 1022 by a cut line 1047A. The second end closure panel 1046 is separated from the fourth side panel 1026, third and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1028A, 1028B, and fifth side panel 1030 by a cut line 1047B.

[0151] The fold line 1019 between the second side panel 1018 and the first intermediate base panel portion 1020A may be interrupted by at least one cut CT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of cuts CT interrupting said fold line 1019. Each cut CT is generally “U” shaped and defines a tab T3; the tab T3 is struck from material which would otherwise form the first intermediate base panel portion 1020A and is integral with the second side panel 1018. When the first intermediate base panel portion 1020A is folded with respect to the second side panel 1018, the tab T3 remains coplanar with the second side panel 1018 and extends downwardly therefrom. The tab T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in the second blank 1110 provided by one of the article retention devices RT. The fold lines 1021 , 1027, 1029, are similarly configured with cuts CT. Each of the first and sixth side panels 1014, 1034 comprises at least one tab T2 extending from a free edge thereof, the free edge opposes a hinged edge of said side panel 1014, 1034 defined by the hinged connection of said side panel 1014, 1034 to a respective one of the first and third top panels 1016, 1032. Each of the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, 1032 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, 1032 comprises two article receiving openings A1 , each article receiving opening A1 is substantially similar in construction to the article receiving openings A1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and previous described and will not be described in further detail.

[0152] Turning to Figure 10, there is illustrated a second blank 1110 for forming an outer shell or housing 1190 of a carton 1090 / 1190 (see Figures 11 and 12) according to a second embodiment. The second blank 1110 comprises a plurality of main panels 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 1117, 1113, 1115, 1119.

[0153] The plurality of main panels 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120 includes a first main panel 1112 for forming a base panel 1112 of the outer shell 1190. A first side panel 1114 is hingedly connected to a first side of the base panel 1112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1 113. A second side panel 1116 is hingedly connected to a second side of the base panel 1112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1115, the second side opposes the first side.

[0154] A first top panel 1118 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 1114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1117. A second top panel 1120 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 1116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1119.

[0155] The second blank 1110 comprises a first end panel 1122 hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 1112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1121. A second end panel 1124 is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 1112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1123, the second end opposes the first end.

[0156] The second blank 1110 comprises a first anchor panel 1126A hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 1118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1127A. A second anchor panel 1126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 1118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1127B.

[0157] The second blank 1110 comprises a third anchor panel 1126C hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 1120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1127C. A fourth anchor panel 1126D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 1120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1127D

[0158] The first main panel 1112 comprises at least one article retention device RT, also referred to herein as top-engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT. The article retention devices RT are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each article retention device RT comprises a pair of tabs 1140, 1142, defining, in part, an article receiving opening. Each of the pair of tabs 1140, 1142 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 1112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 1141 , 1143. Each article receiving opening is defined in part by an aperture A6, the aperture A6 is generally “H” shaped, a portion of the aperture separated the pair of tabs 1140, 1142 from each other, further portion of the aperture A6 define, at least in part, side edges of each of the pair of tabs 1140, 1142. The aperture A6 provides a receiver in the second blank 1110 for receiving at least a portion of the tabs T2, T3 provided by the first blank 1010. The tabs T2, T3 and the apertures A6 cooperate, together forming a linking device, to secure or retain the first blank 1010 in a folded or assembled condition, best shown in Figure 11 .

[0159] Turning to the construction of the carton 1090 / 1190 as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the carton 1090 / 1190 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 1090 / 1190 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. The folding process is similar to that described above and illustrated with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8. The second blank 1110 is applied to a group of articles B, upper portions of the articles being received in the article retention devices RT in the base panel 1112. The first blank 1010 is brought into alignment with the articles b and lowered with respect thereto. The upper ends of the articles B are received in the article receiving openings A1 in the first, second, and third top panels 1016, 1024, 1032 of the first blank 1010.

[0160] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth side panels 1014, 1018, 1022, 1026, 1030, 1034 are folded with respect to the top panel 1016, 1024, 1032 to which they are hinged, about the respective fold line 1015, 1017, 1023, 1025, 1031 , 1033. The tabs T2 of the first and sixth side panels 1014, 1034 are brought into engagement with respective portions of the apertures A6 in the base panel 1112.

[0161] The first and second intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B are thus spaced apart from each other, similarly the third and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1028A, 1028B are spaced apart from each other, creating openings and exposing the receiver apertures A5 in the base panel 1112 of the second blank 1110.

[0162] The first, second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B are folded with respect to the respective one of the second, third, fourth, and fifth side panels 1018, 1022, 1026, 1030 to which they are hinged, the first, second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B being brought into face-to-face relationship with the base panel 1112 of the second blank 1110. The tabs T3 of the second, third, fourth, and fifth side panels 1018, 1022, 1026, 1030 are brought into engagement with respective portions of the apertures A6 in the base panel 1112.

[0163] The first and second end closure panels 1042, 1046 are then folded with respect to the top panels 1016, 1024, 1032, about their respective fold line portions 1041A, 1041 B, 1041C, 1045A, 1045B, 1045C.

[0164] The second blank 1110 is then folded about the first blank 1010, in a manner generally similar to that of the previous embodiment to complete the carrier 1090 / 1190 and form a package P’ with the articles B, as shown in Figure 12.

[0165] Turning to Figure 13, there is illustrated a first blank 2010 for forming an inner support 2090 of a carton 2090 / 2190 (see Figures 15 to 17) according to a third embodiment. The first blank 2010 comprises a plurality of panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 , 2023, 2025, 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033. The plurality of main panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 includes a first side panel 2014 hingedly connected to a first top panel 2016 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2015. The first top panel 2016 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 2018 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2017. The second side panel 2018 is hingedly connected to the first intermediate base panel 2020A / 2020B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2019.

[0166] The first intermediate base panel 2020A / 2020B is hingedly connected to a third side panel 2022 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2021 . The third side panel 2022 is hingedly connected to a second top panel 2024 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2023. The second top panel 2024 is hingedly connected to a fourth side panel 2026 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2025. The fourth side panel 2024 is hingedly connected to the second intermediate base panel 2028 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2027.

[0167] The plurality of main panels 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 of the embodiment of Figure 13 differ from the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 of the embodiment of Figure 1 in that the first and second end base panels 12, 36 have been omitted.

[0168] The second intermediate base panel 2028 is hingedly connected to a fifth side panel 2030 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2029. The fifth side panel 2030 is hingedly connected to a third top panel 2032 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2031. The third top panel 2032 is hingedly connected to a sixth side panel 2034 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2033. The sixth side panel 2034 is hingedly connected to the second end base panel 2036 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2035.

[0169] Each of the first, second, and third top panels 2016, 2024, 2032 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third top panels 2016, 2024, 2032 comprises two article receiving openings A1 , each article receiving opening A1 is substantially similar in construction to the article receiving openings A1 of the previous illustrated embodiments and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0170] The first blank 2010 comprises a plurality of end closure panels 2038A, 2040A, 2042A, 2044A, 2046A, 2038B, 2040B, 2042B, 2044B, 2046B, the plurality of end closure panels 2038A, 2040A, 2042A, 2044A, 2046A, 2038B, 2040B, 2042B, 2044B, 2046B includes a plurality of end panels 2040A, 2044A, 2040B, 2044B and a plurality of channel end closure panels 2038A, 2042A, 2046A, 2038B, 2042B, 2046B substantially similar in construction to those of embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 and described herein and will not be discussed in further detail.

[0171] The first blank 2010 comprises a first severable or frangible line Sv1 extending thereacross, the first frangible line Sv1 extends across the first intermediate base panel 2020A / 2020B dividing the first intermediate base panel 2020A / 2020B into a first part 2020A and a second part 2020B. The first frangible line Sv1 , specifically first frangible line segments Sv1 a, Sv1 b, extends across each of the first end panel 2040A and the second end panel 2040B. The first frangible line Sv1 may be interrupted by an aperture A7 struck from, or defined in, the first intermediate base panel 2020A / 2020B. The first blank 2010 comprises a second severable or frangible line Sv2 extending thereacross, the second frangible line Sv2 extends across the second intermediate base panel 2028A / 2028B dividing the second intermediate base panel 2028A / 2028B into a first part 2028A and a second part 2028B. The second frangible line Sv2, specifically second frangible line segments Sv2a, Sv2b, extends across each of the third end panel 2044A and the fourth end panel 2044B. The second frangible line Sv2 may be interrupted by an aperture A7 struck from, or defined in, the second intermediate base panel 2028A / 2028B.

[0172] The first frangible line Sv1 and second frangible line Sv2 divide the first blank 2010 into three frangibly connected parts. In other embodiments, the first blank 2010 may be configured and arranged to provide more or less than three frangibly connected parts, and the number of frangible lines may be adjusted accordingly.

[0173] Each of the first and sixth side panels 2014, 2034 comprises at least one tab T2 extending from a free edge thereof, the free edge opposes a hinged edge of said side panel 2014, 2034 defined by the hinged connection of said side panel 2014, 2034 to a respective one of the first and third top panels 2016, 2032. The tabs T2 cooperate with the apertures A9 in the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C of the second blank 2110 to secure or retain the first blank 2010 in a folded or assembled condition and link the two blanks 2010, 2110 together.

[0174] Turning to Figure 14, there is illustrated a second blank 2110 for forming an outer shell or housing 2190 of a carton 2090 / 2190 (see Figures 15 to 17) according to a third embodiment. The second blank 2110 comprises a plurality of main panels 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / - 2120C arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 2117, 2113, 2115, 2119.

[0175] The plurality of main panels 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / - 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C includes a first main panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C for forming a base panel 2112A / 2112BZ- 2112C of the outer shell 2190. A first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C is hingedly connected to a first side of the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2113. A second side panel 2116A / 2116B / 2116C is hingedly connected to a second side of the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2115, the second side opposes the first side.

[0176] A first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C is hingedly connected to the first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2117 A second top panel 2120A / 2120B / 2120C is hingedly connected to the second side panel 2116A / 2116B / 2116C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2119.

[0177] The second blank 2110 comprises a first end panel 2122 hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2121. A second end panel 2124 is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2123, the second end opposes the first end.

[0178] The second blank 2110 comprises a first anchor panel 2126A hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127 A. A second anchor panel 2126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127B.

[0179] The second blank 2110 comprises a third anchor panel 2126C hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 2120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127C. A fourth anchor panel 2126D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 2120A / 2120B / 2120C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2127D.

[0180] The first main panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C comprises at least one article retention device RT1 , RT2, also referred to herein as top-engaging device RT1 , RT2. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT1, RT2. The article retention devices RT1 , RT2 are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. The plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2 comprises four first, or endmost, article retention devices RT1 arranged in two pairs, a first pair being disposed adjacent to the first end panel 2122 and a second pair disposed adjacent to the second end panel 2124. The plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2 comprises two second, or intermediate, article retention devices RT2 arranged in a pair disposed between the first and second pairs of endmost article retention devices RT1. Each of the intermediate article retention devices RT2 are substantially similar in construction to the article retention devices RT of Figure 1 and will not be described in further detail.

[0181] Each of the endmost article retention devices RT1 comprises a plurality of tabs 2140, 2142, 2146, 2148, defining, in part, an article receiving opening, specifically, but not limited to, three tabs 2140, 2142, 2146, 2148. Each of the endmost article retention devices RT1 comprises a pair of opposed major tabs 2140, 2142 and one minor tab 2146, 2148.

[0182] Each of the 2140, 2142, 2146, 2148 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 2141, 2143, 2145, 2147. Each article receiving opening is defined in part by an aperture A9, the aperture A9 is disposed adjacent to one of the first and second end panels 2122, 2124. Each aperture A9 provides a receiver in the second blank 2110 for receiving at least a portion of one the tabs T2 provided by the first blank 2010. The tabs T2 and the apertures A9 form a retaining or linking device.

[0183] Each of the endmost article retention devices RT 1 comprises one minor tab 2146, 2148 disposed on a first side of the pair of major tabs 2140, 2142 and one aperture A9 disposed on a second, opposing, side of the pair of major tabs 2140, 2142.

[0184] In the embodiment of Figure 14, the locking flaps 150; 1150 employed in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 10 have been omitted, the receiver apertures A5 have been replaced with hand apertures A8. Hand apertures A8 interrupt a severable or frangible line Sv3, Sv4 extending across second blank 2110.

[0185] A third severable or frangible line Sv3 extends across the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and defines, at least in part, a first base panel portion 2112A and a second base panel portion 2112B. The third frangible line Sv3 extends across each of the first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C and the second side panel 2116A / 2116B / 2116C. The third frangible line Sv3 extends across each of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C and the second top panel 2120A / - 2120B / 2120C.

[0186] A fourth severable or frangible line Sv4 extends across the base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C and defines, at least in part, the second base panel portion 2112B and a third base panel portion 2112C. The fourth frangible line Sv4 extends across each of the first side panel 2114A / 2114B / 2114C and the second side panel 2116A / 2116B / 2116C. The fourth frangible line Sv4 extends across each of the first top panel 2118A / 2118B / 2118C and the second top panel 2120A / 2120B / 2120C.

[0187] The third frangible line Sv3 and fourth frangible line Sv4 divide the second blank 2110 into three frangibly connected parts. In other embodiments, the second blank 2110 be formed from more or less than three frangibly connected parts, and the number of frangible lines may be adjusted accordingly.

[0188] The first and second blanks 2010, 2110 are formed into a carrier 2090 / 2190 in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the previous embodiments, a stage of construction of the carrier 2090 / 2190 is shown in Figure 15, an assembled carrier 2090 / 2190 is shown in Figure 16 forming a package P” with a group of articles B.

[0189] The assembled carrier 2090 / 2190 can be separated into at least two parts, the illustrated embodiment can be separated into three parts, each part packages a subset of the group of articles B packaged by the package P”. Figure 17 shows the assembled carrier 2090 / 2190 separated into two parts by severing or tearing the carrier 2090 / 2190 along the second and fourth frangible lines Sv2, Sv4. A first part forms a first package including a pair of articles B arranged in 1 x 2 matrix or array and a second part including four articles B arranged in 2 x 2 matrix or array. It will be appreciated that the second part is further divisible into two parts each including a pair of articles B arranged in 1 x 2 matrix or array by severing or tearing along the first and third frangible lines Sv1 , Sv3.

[0190] Turning to Figure 18, there is illustrated a second blank 3110 for forming an outer shell or housing 3190 of a carton 3090 / 3190 (see Figure 22) according to a fourth embodiment. The second blank 3110 is configured for use with one of the first blanks 3010, 3210, 3310 shown in Figures 19, 20, and 21. The second blank 3110 comprises a plurality of main panels 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, 3120A / 3120B / - 3120C arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 3117, 3113, 3115, 3119.

[0191] The plurality of main panels 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / - 3116C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C includes a first main panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C for forming a base panel 3112A / - 3112B / 3112C of the outer shell 3190. A first side panel 3114A / 3114B / 3114C is hingedly connected to a first side of the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3113. A second side panel 3116A / 3116B / 3116C is hingedly connected to a second side of the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3115, the second side opposes the first side.

[0192] A first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C is hingedly connected to the first side panel 3114A / 3114B / 3114C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3117. A second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C is hingedly connected to the second side panel 3116A / 3116B / 3116C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3119. The second blank 3110 comprises a first end panel 3122 hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3121. A second end panel 3124 is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3123, the second end opposes the first end.

[0193] The second blank 3110 comprises a first anchor panel 3126A hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127A. A second anchor panel 3126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127B.

[0194] The second blank 3110 comprises a third anchor panel 3126C hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 3120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127C. A fourth anchor panel 3126D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3127D.

[0195] The first main panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C comprises at least one article retention device RT, also referred to herein as top-engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT. The article retention devices RT are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the intermediate article retention devices RT are substantially similar in construction to the article retention devices RT of Figure 10 and will not be described in further detail.

[0196] In the embodiment of Figure 18, the locking flaps 150; 1150 employed in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 10 have been omitted, the receiver apertures A5 have been replaced with hand apertures A8. Hand apertures A8 interrupt a severable or frangible line Sv3, Sv4 extending across second blank 3110.

[0197] A third severable or frangible line Sv3 extends across the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C and defines, at least in part, a first base panel portion 3112A and a second base panel portion 3112B.

[0198] A fourth severable or frangible line Sv4 extends across the base panel 3112A / 3112B / 3112C and defines, at least in part, the second base panel portion 3112B and a third base panel portion 3112C.

[0199] The third frangible line Sv3 extends across each of the first side panel 3114A / 3114B / 3114C and the second side panel 3116A / 3116B / 3116C and the fourth frangible line Sv4 extends across each of the first side panel 3114A / 3114B / 3114C and the second side panel 3116A / 3116B / 3116C dividing the first and second side panels 3114A / - 3114B / 3114C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C into first, second, and third top panel portions 3114A, 3116A; 3116B, 3116B, 3116C, 3116C.

[0200] The third frangible line Sv3 extends across each of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C and the second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C and the fourth frangible line Sv4 extends across each of the first top panel 3118A / 3118B / - 3118C and the second top panel 3120A / 3120B / 3120C dividing the first and second top panels 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C into first, second, and third top panel portions 3118A, 3120A; 3118B, 3120B, 3118C, 3120C. In the embodiment of Figure 18, end panels 122, 124, anchor panels 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D, web panels 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D and gusset panels 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D employed in the embodiment of Figure 2 have been omitted.

[0201] Turning to Figure 19, there is illustrated a first blank 3010 for forming an inner support 3090 of a carton 3090 / 3190 (see Figure 22) according to a fourth embodiment. The first blank 3010 shown in Figure 19 is substantially similar to the first blank 2010 of Figure 13, albeit with the inclusion of end base, or floor, panels 3012, 3036. A first end base panel 3012 is hingedly connected to first side panel 3012 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3013. A second end base panel 3066 is hingedly connected to sixth side panel 3034 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3035.

[0202] The fold line 3012 between the first end base panel 3012 and the first side panel 3012 may be interrupted by at least one cut CT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of cuts CT interrupting the fold line 1013. Each cut CT is generally “U” shaped and defines a tab T3; the tab T3 is struck from material which would otherwise form the first end base panel 3012 and is integral with the first side panel 3012. When the first end base panel 3012 is folded with respect to the first side panel 3012, the tab T3 remains coplanar with the first side panel 3012 and extends downwardly therefrom. The tab T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in the second blank 3110 provided by one of the article retention devices RT. The fold lines 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, 3035 are similarly configured with cuts CT.

[0203] A fifth end panel 3048A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first end base panel 3012 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3047 A, the fifth end panel 3048A is separated from the first side panel 3014 by a cut line 3049A.

[0204] A sixth end panel 3048B is hingedly connected to a second end the first end base panel 3012 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3047B, the sixth end panel 3048B is separated from the first side panel 3014 by a cut line 3049B.

[0205] A seventh end panel 3048C is hingedly connected to a first end of the second end base panel 3036 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3047C, the seventh end panel 3048C is separated from the sixth side panel 3034 by a cut line 3049C.

[0206] An eighth end panel 3048D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second end base panel 3036 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3047D, the eighth end panel 3048D is separated from the sixth side panel 3034 by a cut line 3049D.

[0207] Each of the first and second end base panels 3012, 3036 may comprise a recess struck from a free side edge thereof, the free side edge opposes a hinged edge of said base panel 3012, 3036 defined by a fold line 3013, 3035 hinging said first or second end base panel 3012, 3036 to a respective one of the first and sixth side panels 3014, 3034.

[0208] Turning to Figure 21 , there is illustrated an alternative first blank 3310 for forming an inner support of a carton (not shown) according to an alternative fourth embodiment. The first blank 3310 shown in Figure 21 is substantially similar to the first blank 3010 of Figure 19, albeit aperture A7 extends across the first intermediate floor panel 3320A / 3320B, between its hinged connection to second side panel 3318 and its hinged connection to third side panel 3322. The aperture A7 interrupts said hinged connections, fold lines 3319, 3321 , and defines, at least in part, a pair of handle tabs or cushioning flaps HF. The pair of handle tabs or cushioning flaps HF are struck from material which would otherwise form part of the first intermediate floor panel 3320A / 3320B and each handle tab HF is integral with one of the second and third side panels 3318, 3322, and extends therefrom. The second intermediate floor panel 3328A / 3328B comprises a similarly arranged aperture A7 defining a pair of handle tabs or cushioning flaps HF struck from material which would otherwise form part of the second intermediate floor panel 3328A / 3328B and extending from one of the fourth and fifth side panels 3326, 3330.

[0209] The first end floor panel 3312 comprises a recess R1 struck from a free side edge thereof, the free side edge opposes a hinged edge of the first end floor panel 3312 defined by fold line 3313 hinging the first end base panel 3012 to the first side panel 3314. The recess R1 extends across first end floor panel 3312, interrupts the fold line 3313 and defines, at least in part, a handle tab or cushioning flap HF. The handle tab HF is struck from material which would otherwise form part of the first end floor panel 3312, is integral with the first side panel 3314, and extends therefrom. The second end floor panel 3336 comprises a recess R1 struck from a free side edge thereof, the recess R1 is similarly arranged to define a handle tab HF.

[0210] Turning to Figure 20, there is illustrated another alternative first blank 3210 for forming an inner support of a carton (not shown) according to another alternative fourth embodiment. The first blank 3210 shown in Figure 20 is substantially similar to the first blank 1010 of Figure 9, albeit it comprises pairs of end closure panels 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / - 3242B / 3244B which are severable. Each end closure panels 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B comprises at least one severable or frangible line Sv1 a / Sv1 b, Sv2a / Sv2b, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of severable or frangible lines Sv1 a / Sv1b, Sv2a / Sv2b. Each frangible line Sv1 a / Sv1b, Sv2a / Sv2b is collinear with a respective one of the cutlines 3219B, 3227B, also referred to herein as severance lines 3219B, 3227B, separating adjacently disposed intermediate base panel portions 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B. An aperture A10 may separate or space apart the frangible line Sv1 , Sv2 from the cutline 3219B, 3227B with which it is collinear.

[0211] A first end closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A comprises a first part 3238A hingedly connected to first top panel 3216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3237A. The first end closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A comprises a second part 3242A hingedly connected to second top panel 3224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3241A. The first end closure panel 3238A / 3242A / 3244A comprises a third part 3244A hingedly connected to third top panel 3232 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3243A. The first part 3238A is frangibly connected to the second part 3242A by a portion Sv1a of first frangible line Sv1 a / Sv1 b. The second part 3242A is frangibly connected to a third part 3244A by a portion Sv2a of second frangible line Sv2a / Sv2b. The first part 3238A is separated from each of the first and second side panels 3214, 3218 by cut lines CT3, CT4. The second part 3238A is separated from each of the third and fourth side panels 3222, 3226 by cut lines CT5, CT6. The second part 3238A is separated from each of the fifth and sixth side panels 3230, 3234 by cut lines CT7, CT8.

[0212] A second end closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B comprises a first part 3238B hingedly connected to first top panel 3216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3237B. The second end closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B comprises a second part 3242B hingedly connected to second top panel 3224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3241 B. The second end closure panel 3238B / 3242B / 3244B comprises a third part 3244B hingedly connected to third top panel 3232 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3243B. The first part 3238B is frangibly connected to the second part 3242B by a portion Sv1 b of first frangible line Sv1 a / Sv1 b. The second part 3242B is frangibly connected to a third part 3244B by a portion Sv2b of second frangible line Sv2a / Sv2b. The first part 3238B is separated from each of the first and second side panels 3214, 3218 by cut lines CT9, CT10. The second part 3238B is separated from each of the third and fourth side panels 3222, 3226 by cut lines CT11 , CT12. The second part 3238B is separated from each of the fifth and sixth side panels 3230, 3234 by cut lines CT13, CT14.

[0213] First intermediate base panel portion 3220A comprises a pair of cutlines CT1 , CT2 extending from the hinged connection to the second side panel 3218, fold line 3219, to cutline 3219B separating the first intermediate base panel portion 3220A from the second intermediate base panel portion 3220B. The pair of cutlines CT 1 , CT2 define a handle tab or cushioning flap HF therebetween. The handle tab HF is formed from material which would otherwise form the first intermediate base panel portion 3220A and extends from the second side panel 3218. The second, third, and fourth intermediate base panel portions 3220B, 3228A, 3228B are similarly arranged with pair of cutlines defining handle tabs HF struck therefrom.

[0214] The first blank 3210 comprises a first end base, or floor, panel 3212 hingedly connected to the first side panel 3214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 3213. Fold line 3213 is interrupted by a pair of cuts CT defining panel retention tabs T3 for engaging with a respective article receiving opening provide by the article retention devices RT in the second blank 3110. First end base panel 3212 comprises a pair of cutlines extending from the hinged connection to the first side panel 3214, fold line 3213, to an opposing free end edge thereof. The pair of cutlines define a handle tab or cushioning flap HF therebetween. The handle tab HF is formed from material which would otherwise form the first end base panel 3212 and extends from the first side panel 3214. The first blank 3210 comprises a second end base panel 3212 that is similarly arranged to include a pair of cuts CT to form panel retention tabs and a pair of cutlines are to define a handle tab HF therebetween.

[0215] Figure 22 shows a carrier 3090 / 3190, formed from the first blank 3010 and the second blank 3110, forming a package P’” with a group or articles B, the package P’" is divisible into at least two parts, the illustrated embodiment is divisible into three parts.

[0216] Turning to Figure 23, there is illustrated a first blank 4010 for forming an inner support 4090 of a carton 4090 / 4190 (see Figure 27) according to a fifth embodiment. The first blank 4010 comprises a plurality of panels 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4030, 4032, 4034, 4036 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 4013, 4015, 4017, 4019, 4021 , 4023, 4025, 4027, 4029, 4031 , 4033, 4035.

[0217] The first blank 4010 shown in Figure 23 is substantially similar to the first blank 10 of Figure 1, albeit the end closure panels 38A, 42A, 44A, 38B, 42B, 44B have been omitted.

[0218] The plurality of main panels 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4030, 4032, 4034, 4036 comprises the first end base panel 4012 hingedly connected to a first side panel 4014 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4013. The first side panel 4014 is hingedly connected to a first top panel 4016 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4015. The first top panel 4016 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 4018 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4017. The second side panel 4018 is hingedly connected to the first intermediate base panel 4020 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4019. Fold line 4019 may terminate at one or both ends with a cut line CT15, such that fold line 4019 is shorter in length than the first intermediate base panel 4020. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of fold line 4019 terminate with a cut line CT15. The cut lines CT15 may be collinearly arranged with the fold line 4019. In other embodiments, the cut lines CT15 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 4019, and may be configured such that marginal end portions of the first intermediate base panel 4020 are wider than an adjacent intermediate portion.

[0219] The first intermediate base panel 4020 is hingedly connected to a third side panel 4022 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4021. Fold line 4021 may terminate at one or both ends with a cut line CT16, such that fold line 4021 is shorter in length than the first intermediate base panel 4020. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of fold line 4021 terminate with a cut line CT16. The cut lines CT16 may be collinearly arranged with the fold line 4021. In other embodiments, the cut lines CT16 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 4021 and may be configured such that marginal end portions of the first intermediate base panel 4020 are wider than an adjacent intermediate portion.

[0220] The third side panel 4022 is hingedly connected to a second top panel 4024 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4023. The second top panel 4024 is hingedly connected to a fourth side panel 4026 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4025. The fourth side panel 4024 is hingedly connected to the second intermediate base panel 4028 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4027 Fold line 4027 may terminate at one or both ends with a cut line CT17, such that fold line 4027 is shorter in length than the second intermediate base panel 4028. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of fold line 4027 terminate with a cut line CT17. The cut lines CT17 may be collinearly arranged with the fold line 4027. In other embodiments, the cut lines CT17 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 4027 and may be configured such that marginal end portions of the second intermediate base panel 4028 are wider than an adjacent intermediate portion.

[0221] The second intermediate base panel 4028 is hingedly connected to a fifth side panel 4030 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4029. Fold line 4029 may terminate at one or both ends with a cut line CT18, such that fold line 4029 is shorter in length than the second intermediate base panel 4028. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of fold line 4029 terminate with a cut line CT18. The cut lines CT18 may be collinearly arranged with the fold line 4029. In other embodiments, the cut lines CT18 may be divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 4029 and may be configured such that marginal end portions of the second intermediate base panel 4028 are wider than an adjacent intermediate portion.

[0222] The fifth side panel 4030 is hingedly connected to a third top panel 4032 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4031 . The third top panel 4032 is hingedly connected to a sixth side panel 4034 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4033. The sixth side panel 4034 is hingedly connected to the second end base panel 4036 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4035.

[0223] The first blank 4010 comprises a tab T3 struck from the first end base panel 4012 and extending from the first side panel 4014. A cut CT interrupts the fold line 4013 between the first end base panel 4012 and the first side panel 4014.

[0224] The cut CT is generally “U” shaped and defines at least in part the tab T3; the tab T3 is struck from material which would otherwise form the first end base panel 4012 and is integral with the first side panel 4014. When the first end base panel 4012 is folded with respect to the first side panel 4014, the tab T3 remains coplanar with the first side panel 4014 and extends downwardly therefrom, as shown in Figure 25. The tab T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in the second blank 4110 to form a linking device, as shown in Figure 26.

[0225] The first blank 4010 comprises a tab T3 struck from the second end base panel 4036 and extending from the sixth side panel 4034. A cut CT interrupts the fold line 4035 between the second end base panel 4036 and the sixth side panel 4034.

[0226] The cut CT is generally “U” shaped and defines at least in part the tab T3; the tab T3 is struck from material which would otherwise form the second end base panel 4036 and is integral with the sixth side panel 4034. When the second end base panel 4036 is folded with respect to the sixth side panel 4034, the tab T3 remains coplanar with the sixth side panel 4034 and extends downwardly therefrom. The tab T3 is adapted to engage an article receiving opening in the second blank 4110 to form a linking device.

[0227] Each of the first and second intermediate base panels 4020, 4028 may comprise an opening, the opening may form a receiver for a portion of a locking tab 4150 (see Figure 24) provided by the outer shell 4190.

[0228] Each opening may be defined in part by a pair of apertures A10 struck from, or defined in, one of the first and second intermediate base panels 4020, 4028. The opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one tab 4052. The openings of the illustrated embodiment are defined in part by two tabs 4052. Each tab 4052 is struck from, or defined in, one of the first and second intermediate base panels 4020, 4028 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4057. The fold lines 4057 may be collinear with one of the fold lines 4019, 4021 , 4027, 4029. The pair of tabs 4052 are hinged in opposition to each other the hinged connection and separated from each other by a cutline or severable line 4055. Ends of the tabs 4052 are defined by respective one of a pair of apertures A10. The tabs 4052 may serve to retain a locking tab 4150 within the receiver; opposed free side edges of the tabs 4052 defined by the apertures A10 may provide end stops limiting travel of a locking tab 4150 disposed adjacent thereto

[0229] Turning to Figure 24, there is illustrated a second blank 4110 for forming an outer shell or housing 4190 of a carton 4090 / 4190 (see Figure 27) according to the fifth embodiment. The second blank 4110 comprises a plurality of main panels 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 4117, 4113, 4115, 4119.

[0230] The second blank 4110 shown in Figure 24 is substantially similar to the first blank 1110 of Figure 10, albeit the second top panel 4120 is configured to accommodate all the articles B being packaged and extends substantially across the entire width of the outer shell or housing 4190 of the carton 4090 / 4190. The second top panel 4120 comprises six second article receiving apertures A3’. The first top panel 4120 comprises three first article receiving apertures A3, the first article receiving apertures A3 are defined by a circular cutline so as to be circular in shape and may be configured to form a close or friction fit about an upper portion of the article B, such as the end closure or cap C. In the illustrated embodiment, the second article receiving apertures A3' are defined by a scalloped or serrated cutline may be configured to form a close or friction fit about an upper portion of the article B, such as the end closure or cap C, portions of the second top panel 4120 may bend or deform upwardly out of the plane of the second top panel 4120 when articles B are received in the second article receiving apertures A3'. Each second article receiving aperture A3 is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of a plurality of article retention devices RT 1 , RT2 in the base panel 4112. Three of the second article receiving apertures A3’ disposed adjacent to a free side edge of the second top panel 4120 (the free side edge of the second top panel 4120 opposes a hinged edge defined by fold line 4119) are configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a respective one of the first article receiving apertures A3 in the first top panel 4120.

[0231] The second blank 4110 comprises a locking structure for securing the first and second top panels 4118, 4120 in a folded or assembled condition.

[0232] The base panel 4112 comprises at least one receiver for receiving at least a part of at least one locking flap 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base panel 4112 comprises a pair of receivers each having a receiver opening defined in part by a pair of receiver apertures A15. Each receiver is arranged to receive a pair of locking flaps 4150. Each of the pair of locking flaps 4150 is connected to a respective one of the first and second top panels 4118, 4120. In other embodiments, separate receiver apertures may be provided for receiving respective ones of the pair of locking flaps 4150.

[0233] Each receiver opening may be defined in part by the pair of receiver apertures A15 struck from, or defined in, the base panel 4112 and in part by at least one receiver tab 4160. The openings of the illustrated embodiment are defined in part by two receiver tabs 4160. Each receiver tab 4160 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 4112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4161. The pair of receiver tabs 4160 are hinged in opposition to each other and may be separated from each other by a cutline or severable line 4163. The ends of the receiver tabs 4160 are defined by a respective one of the pair of receiver apertures A15.

[0234] The receiver tabs 4160 may serve to retain a locking tab 4150 within the receiver; opposed free side edges of the receiver tabs 4160, defined by the receiver apertures A15, may provide end stops limiting travel of a locking tab 4150 disposed adjacent thereto.

[0235] The first top panel 4118 comprises at least one locking flap 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 4118 comprises a pair of locking flaps 4150. Each locking flap 4150 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the first top panel 4118 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4151. The locking flaps 4150 interrupt a free side edge of the first top panel 4118 and define, at least in part, a recess in the free side edge when folded out of the plane of the first top panel 4118.

[0236] The second top panel 4120 comprises at least one locking flap 4150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 4120 comprises a pair of locking flaps 4150. Each locking flap 4150 is struck from, or defined in, the second top panel 4120 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4151. Each locking flap 4150 in the second top panel 4120 is defined in part by an aperture A12 The aperture A12 and locking flap 4150 define an opening in the second top panel 4120 disposed centrally between a group of four second article receiving aperture A3’.

[0237] Each aperture A12 may be configured to receive one of the locking flaps 4150 provided by the first top panel 4118, or to allow access to a respective one of the locking flaps 4150 provided by the first top panel 4118, depending upon which of the first or second top panel 4118, 4120 is disposed outermost.

[0238] Each locking flap 4150 comprises a tongue or tab T1 projecting from an end edge thereof. The end edge opposes a hinged edge of the locking flap 4150 defined by the hinged connection between the locking flap 150 and the respective one of the first and second top panels 4118, 4120. The tab T 1 comprises a waist defining engaging edges or shoulders S. The engaging edges or shoulders S form a catch for engaging with a portion of the base panel 4112 adjacent to the receiver aperture A15 in which the tongue or tab T 1 is received.

[0239] Each receiver aperture A15 may comprise at least one waist so as to define a wider tab receiving portion. The wider tab receiving portion is disposed proximate a side edge of the receiver aperture A15 that is in closest proximity to one of the first and second side panel 4114, 4116.

[0240] Each locking flap 4150 may comprise a pair of fold lines 4153 defining, at least in part, wing portions of the locking flap 4150. The pair of fold lines 4153 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may diverge towards the hinged edge of the locking flap 4150. Each of the pair of fold lines 4153 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line 4151.

[0241] The base panel 4112 comprises at least one article retention device RT1 , RT2, also referred to herein as topengaging device RT1 , RT2. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT1 , RT2. The article retention devices RT1, RT2 are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. The plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2 comprises four first, or endmost, article retention devices RT1 arranged in two pairs, a first pair being disposed adjacent to first end panel 4122 and a second pair disposed adjacent to second end panel 4124. The plurality of article retention devices RT1 , RT2 comprises two second, or intermediate, article retention devices RT2 arranged in a pair disposed between the first and second pairs of endmost article retention devices RT 1 .

[0242] Each of the endmost article retention devices RT1 comprises a plurality of tabs 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148, defining, in part, an article receiving opening, specifically, but not limited to, three tabs 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148. Each of the endmost article retention devices RT1 comprises a pair of opposed first tabs 4140, 4142 and one second tab 4146, 4148. The article receiving opening is defined in part by an article receiving aperture A6. Aperture A6 separates, in part, the pair of opposed first tabs 4140, 4142 from each other. Each of the pair of opposed first tabs 4140, 4142 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 4112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4141 , 4143. The second tabs 4146, 4148 are struck from, or defined in, the base panel 4112 and are hingedly connected thereto by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4145, 4147.

[0243] Each of the intermediate article retention devices RT2 are substantially similar in construction to the endmost article retention devices RT1 albeit second tab 4146, 4148 has been omitted and the aperture A6 fully separates the pair of opposed first tabs 4140, 4142 from each other.

[0244] The base panel 4112 comprises at least one inner support tab receiving opening in the form of an aperture A13 for receiving an inner support tab T3 extending from one of the first and sixth side panels 4014, 4034. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of apertures A13, each configured to receive inner support tab T3 extending from a respective one of the first and sixth side panels 4014, 4034, as shown in Figure 26 and 27. A first one of the pair of apertures A13 may interrupt the fold line 4121 hinging the first end panel 4122 to the base panel 4112. A second one of the pair of apertures A13 may interrupt the fold line 4123 hinging the second end panel 4124 to the base panel 4112.

[0245] The second blank 4110 comprises at least one access device for facilitating removal of the articles B from the carrier 4090 / 4190. The illustrated embodiment comprises four access devices, each access device being associated with a pair of adjacent article retention devices RT1 , RT2. In other embodiments, each article retention device RT1 , RT2 may comprise its own access device. Each access device comprises a pull tab PT defined in, or struck from, one of the first and second side panels 4114, 4116. The pull tab PT is defined, at least in part, by a severable line 4173. The severable line 4173 is substantially “LT shaped or semi-circular in shape and is arranged such that the pull tab PT interrupts a fold line 4115, 4113 between the base panel 4122 and one of the first and second side panels 4114, 4116.

[0246] The pull tab PT is hingedly connected to the base panel 4112 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4175. The fold line 4175 may be collinear with said fold line 4115, 4113. The access device may comprise a pair of cuts or severance lines 4177 provided in the base panel 4112 adjacent to the pull tab PT. Each of the pair of cuts 4175 extends between the pull tab PT and one of the pair of adjacent article retention devices RT 1 , RT2 with which it is associated. In this way, the pull tab PT can be employed to sever a region of the base panel 4122 between said pair of adjacent article retention devices RT1 , RT2 to reduce the grip of the base panel 4122 upon the articles B in each of said pair of adjacent article retention devices RT1 , RT2.

[0247] The plurality of main panels 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120 form a tubular structure, each end of which is closed, at least partially, by a respective end closure structure.

[0248] The second blank 4110 comprises a first end closure structure including a first end panel 4122 hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 4112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4121.

[0249] The first end closure structure comprises a first anchor panel 4126A hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 4118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4127A. The first end closure structure comprises a third anchor panel 4126C hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 4120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4127C.

[0250] The first anchor panel 4126A is coupled to the first end panel 4122; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 4128A, 4130A. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 4128A, 4130A including a first web panel 4128A and a first gusset panel 4130A. The first web panel 4128A is hingedly connected to the first anchor panel 4126A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first gusset panel 4130A is hingedly connected to the first web panel 4128A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first gusset panel 4130A is hingedly connected to the first end panel 4122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The first web panel 4128A is hingedly connected to the first side panel 4114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4129A. The first gusset panel 4130A may be separated from the first side panel 4114 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0251] The third anchor panel 4126C is coupled to the first end panel 4122; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 4128C, 4130C. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 4128C, 4130C including a third web panel 4128C and a third gusset panel 4130C. The third web panel 4128C is hingedly connected to the third anchor panel 4126C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The third gusset panel 4130C is hingedly connected to the third web panel 4128C by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The third gusset panel 130C is hingedly connected to the first end panel 4122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The third web panel 128C is hingedly connected to the second side panel 4116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4129C. The third gusset panel 4130C may be separated from the second side panel 4116 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0252] The second blank 4110 comprises a second end closure structure including second end panel 4124 is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 4112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4123, the second end opposes the first end. The second end closure structure comprises a second anchor panel 4126B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 4118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4127B.

[0253] The second end closure structure comprises a fourth anchor panel 4126D is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 4120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4127D. The second anchor panel 4126B is coupled to the second end panel 4124; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 4128B, 4130B The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 4128B, 4130B including a second web panel 4128B and a second gusset panel 4130B. The second web panel 4128B is hingedly connected to the second anchor panel 4126B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second gusset panel 4130B is hingedly connected to the second web panel 4128B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second gusset panel 4130B is hingedly connected to the second end panel 4124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The second web panel 4128B is hingedly connected to the first side panel 4114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4129B. The second gusset panel 4130B may be separated from the first side panel 4114 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0254] The fourth anchor panel 4126D is coupled to the second end panel 4124; in the illustrated embodiment, by at least one connecting panel 4128D, 4130D. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of connecting panels 4128D, 4130D including a fourth web panel 4128D and a fourth gusset panel 4130D. The fourth web panel 4128D is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor panel 4126D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth gusset panel 4130D is hingedly connected to the fourth web panel 4128D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth gusset panel 4130D is hingedly connected to the second end panel 4124 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fourth web panel 4128D is hingedly connected to the second side panel 4114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4129D. The fourth gusset panel 4130D may be separated from the second side panel 4116 by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A4.

[0255] The first end panel 4122 comprises a securing tab T4 extending from a free end edge thereof; the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 4121. The third anchor panel 4126C comprises a securing tab receiver in the form of an aperture A14.

[0256] The second end panel 4124 comprises a securing tab T4 extending from a free end edge thereof; the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 4123. The fourth anchor panel 4126D comprises a securing tab receiver in the form of an aperture A14.

[0257] In a setup carrier 4090 / 4190, the third and fourth anchor panels 4126C, 4126D are folded into face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 4120. Each of the first and second end panels 4122, 4124 is folded with respect to the base panel 4122. Each securing tab T4 is received in a respective one of the securing tab receivers to retain said end panels 4122, 4124 in a folded condition.

[0258] Optionally, the second blank 4110 comprises at least one alignment tab AT for aligning the second top panel 4120 with respect to the first top panel 4118. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of alignment tabs AT, each alignment tab AT is defined in part by a cut line 4180 struck from, or defined in, the first top panel 4118. The cut line 4180 interrupts the fold line 4117 between the first top panel 4118 and the first side panel 4114 such that the alignment tabs AT are integral with first side panel 4114 and extend therefrom. When the first top panel 4118 is folded with respect to the first side panel 4114, the alignment tabs AT stand proud of the first top panel 4118 to provide an edge or surface against which the second top panel 4120 can engage to align the second top panel 4120 with respect to the first top panel 4118

[0259] In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 4118 is configured to be an inner top panel 4118 and the second top panel 4120 is configured to be an outer top panel 4118. In alternative embodiments, in which the first top panel 4118 is configured to be outermost, the alignment tab AT may be struck from, or provided by, the second top panel 4120.

[0260] Turning to Figure 28, there is illustrated a first blank 5010 for forming an inner support 5090 of a carton 5090 / 5190 (see Figure 30) according to a sixth embodiment. The first blank 5010 comprises a plurality of panels 5014, 5016, 5018, 5020, 5022, 5024, 5026, 5028, 5030, 5032, 5034 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 5015, 5017, 5019, 5021 , 5023, 5025, 5027, 5029, 5031 , 5033.

[0261] The first blank 5010 shown in Figure 28 is substantially similar to the first blank 10 of Figure 1 , albeit the first and second end base panels 12, 36 have been omitted. Each of the first and sixth side panels 5014, 5034 comprises a single tab T2 extending from a free edge thereof. The free edge opposes a hinged edge of said side panel 5014, 5034. The hinged edge is defined by the hinged connection between said side panel 5014, 5034 and a respective one of the first and third top panels 5016, 5032. The tab T2 is configured to be received in a receiver opening provided by the second blank 5110 as shown in Figure 29 and described in more detail below.

[0262] Figure 29 shows a second blank 5110 for forming an outer shell or housing 5190 of a carton 5090 / 5190 (see Figure 30) according to the sixth embodiment. The second blank 5110 comprises a plurality of main panels 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 5117, 5113, 5115, 5119.

[0263] The second blank 5110 shown in Figure 29 is substantially similar to the first blank 1110 of Figure 10, albeit the article retention devices RT have a modified structure.

[0264] The first main panel 5112 (or base panel 5112) comprises at least one article retention device RT, also referred to herein as top-engaging device RT. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT. The article retention devices RT are arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each article retention device RT comprises a plurality of tabs 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 defining, in part, an article receiving opening. Each of the plurality of tabs 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 5112 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 5141 , 5143, 5145, 5147. The plurality of tabs 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 are arranged in opposed pairs. Each article receiving opening is defined in part by an aperture A11 . The aperture A11 is generally square or rectangular in shape. The aperture A11 separates portions of the plurality of tabs 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148 from each other. Cutlines extend from the aperture A11 to define, at least in part, side edges of each of the plurality of tabs 5140, 5142, 5146, 5148.

[0265] The base panel 5112 comprises at least one inner support tab receiving opening forming a receiver for receiving an inner support tab T2 extending from one of the first and sixth side panels 5014, 5034. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of inner support tab receiving openings, each configured to receive an inner support tab T2 extending from a respective one of the first and sixth side panels 5014, 5034. Each inner support tab receiving opening comprises, or is defined by, a tab 5170. The tab 5170 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 5112 and hingedly connected thereto by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 5171.

[0266] The first and second top panels 5118, 5120 each comprise a plurality of article receiving apertures A3', a portion of the perimeter of each of the article receiving apertures A3’ is defined by a scalloped or serrated edge.

[0267] Second blank 5110 differs from second blank 1110 of Figure 10 in that the pairs of connecting panels 5128A / 5130A, 5128B / 5130B, 5128C / 5130C, 5128D / 5130D are entirely separated from the first or second side panels 5114, 5116 by apertures A4’

[0268] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / - 5190 for packaging a plurality of articles B. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels including a top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, a base panel 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 spaced apart from the top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, and a pair of opposed outer side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / - 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, the top panel comprising at least one top-receiving feature A3, A3' for receiving part of at least one article B. The article carrier further comprising at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222Z-3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 having an engaging edge E1 , E2 for engaging with the at least one article B received in the at least one top-receiving feature A3, A3' of the top panel. The at least one inner side panel comprises a first portion extending from the engaging edge E1 , E2 to the top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120. The first portion is in contact with an inner surface of the top panel such that the at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222Z-3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends substantially between the base panel 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 and the top panel.

[0269] The at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222Z-3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends between the outer side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / - 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 is hingedly connected to the base panel 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036; 5020, 5028. At least one of the outer side panels 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C extends between the top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C and the base panel 3112A, 3112B such that a tubular structure is defined by the top panel 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C, the base panel 3112A, 3112B and the outer side panels3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, wherein the at least one inner side panel 3014, 3034 serves to provide an end closure panel for the tubular structure.

[0270] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / - 5190 for packaging at least one article B. The article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a first panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, a second panel 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 spaced apart from the top panel, and a pair of opposed outer side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The first panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 comprises at least one top-receiving feature A3, A31for receiving part of at least one article B. The article carrier further comprising at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222A3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 having an engaging edge E1 , E2 for engaging with the at least one article B received in the at least one top-receiving feature A3, A3' in the first panel to suspend the at least one article B from the article carrier. The at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222Z-3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends substantially between the first 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 and second 12, 20, 28, 36, 112; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B, 1112; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B, 2112A, 2112B, 3112A, 3112B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028, 4036, 4112; 5020, 5028, 5112 panels. The at least one inner side panel 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 32227-3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extends between the outer side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / -2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116.

[0271] The present disclosure provides a blank 110; 110; 2110; 3110; 4110; 5110 for forming an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a first top panel 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4118; 5118, a first side panel 114; 1114; 2114A, 2114B, 2114C; 3114A, 3114B, 3114C; 4114; 5114 hingedly connected to the first top panel 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4118; 5118, a base panel 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 hingedly connected to the first side panel 114; 1114; 2114A, 2114B, 2114C; 3114A, 3114B, 3114C; 4114; 5114, a second side panel 116; 1116; 2116A, 2116B, 2116C; 3116A, 3116B, 3116C; 4116; 5116 hingedly connected to the base panel 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112, and a second top panel 120; 1120; 2120A, 2120B, 2120C; 3120A, 3120B, 3120C; 4120; 5120 hingedly connected to the second side panel 116; 1116; 2116A, 2116B, 2116C; 3116A, 3116B, 3116C; 4116; 5116. Each of the first and second top panels comprises at least one top-receiving feature A3, A3' for receiving part of at least one article B, the base panel 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 comprises at least one article-engaging feature RT, RT1 , RT2 for engaging with the at least one article received in the at least one top-receiving feature A3, A3’ of one of the first and second top panels. The base panell 12; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 comprises at least one hand aperture A5, A8, A15. The first and second top panels comprise at least one access opening for allowing access to the at least one hand aperture A5, A8, A15 -. The at least one access opening is defined in part by the first top panel 118; 2118A, 2118B, 2118C; 3118A, 3118B, 3118C; 4118; 5118and in part by the second top panel 120; 1120; 2120A, 2120B, 2120C; 3120A, 3120B, 3120C; 4120; 5120.

[0272] The at least one article-engaging feature may comprise at least one engaging tab 140, 142; 1140, 1142; 2140, 2142; 3140, 3142; 4140, 4142; 5140, 5142 hingedly connected to the base panel 112; 1112; 2112A, 2112B, 2112C; 3112A, 3112B, 3112C; 4112; 5112 to suspend at least one article B from an article carrier formed from the blank.

[0273] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / - 5190 comprising a plurality of inner support panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36; 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034; 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034;

[0274] 3012, 3014, 3016, 3018, 3020, 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028, 3030, 3032, 3034, 3036; 3212, 3214, 3216, 3218, 3220, 3222,

[0275] 3224, 3226, 3228, 3232, 3232, 3234, 3236; 3312, 3314, 3316, 3318, 3320, 3322, 3324, 3326, 3328, 3330, 3332, 3334,

[0276] 3336; 4012, 4014, 4016, 4018, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4026, 4028, 4040, 4032, 4034, 4036; 5014, 5016, 5018, 5020, 5022,

[0277] 5024, 5026, 5028, 5050, 5032, 5034 providing an inner support having at least one inner inverted channel structure and a plurality of outer shell panels 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120 providing an outer shell and having an outer channel structure. The at least one inner inverted channel structure comprises at least one first or upper article receiving opening A1. The outer shell comprises at least one article retention device RT; RT1 , RT2 providing a second or lower article receiving opening, in vertical alignment or registry with the at least one first or upper article receiving opening A1 so as to provide a top gripping article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190.

[0278] The at least one article retention device RT; RT1 , RT2 is provided in a first one of the plurality of outer shell panels 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / - 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / - 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 3116C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120. At least one third article receiving opening A3; A3’ may be provided in a second, opposing, one of the plurality of outer shell panels 118, 114, 112, 116, 120; 1118, 1114, 1112, 1116, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2112A / 2112B / 2112C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3114A / 3114B / 3114C, 3112A / 3112B / 3112C, 3116A / 3116B / 31160, 3120A / 3120B / 31200; 4118, 4114, 4112, 4116, 4120; 5118, 5114, 5112, 5116, 5120, in vertical alignment or registry with the at least one first or upper article receiving opening A1 and the at least one article retention device RT; RT1 , RT2.

[0279] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / - 5190 comprising an outer shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 and an inner member 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090. The shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 comprises a shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 and a pair of shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / - 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 such that the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 and the shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / - 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 together provide an outer channel structure defining an outer channel axis y. The inner member 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 comprises at least one inner inverted channel structure 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / 3024 / - 3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318, 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / - 3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 defining an inner channel axis x. The at least one inner channel structure 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / - 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / - 3024 / 3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318, 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / 3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / - 5034 extends between the shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 such that the inner channel axis x is generally perpendicular to the outer channel axis y. The shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 comprises at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2, also referred to herein as an article retention device RT; RT1 , RT2, for receiving part of at least one article B.

[0280] The at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 may comprise a top-receiving opening, also referred to herein as the second or lower article receiving opening, defined in the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / - 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112 and at least one article load-bearing tab 140, 142; 1140, 1142; 2140, 2142; 3140, 3142; 4140, 4142, 4146, 4148; 5140, 5142; 5146, 5148 connected to the perimeter of the top-receiving opening.

[0281] The at least one inner channel structure 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26, 30 / 32 / 34; 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / - 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 3014 / 3016 / 3018, 3022 / 3024 / 3026, 3030 / 3032 / 3034; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226, 3230 / 3232 / 3234; 3314 / 3316 / 3318, 3322 / 3324 / 3326, 3330 / 3332 / 3334; 4014 / 4016 / - 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026, 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 may comprise an inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of inner channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / - 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extending from the inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 to the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112. Each of the inner channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / - 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 comprises at least one article-supporting edge E1 , E2 for engaging at least one article B.

[0282] The shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 may further comprise at least one shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B- / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 may be secured to the at least one inner channel structure.

[0283] The at least one inner channel structure may comprise an inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 which comprises at least one second top-receiving feature A1 , also referred to herein as the first or upper article receiving opening A1 , in a vertical alignment with the at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 of the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112. The shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 may further comprise at least one shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / - 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116. The at least one shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 3118A / 3118B / 3118C, 3120A / 3120B / 3120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 may comprise at least one third top-receiving feature A3; A3’, also referred to herein as third article receiving opening A3; A3’, in vertical alignment with the at least one second top-receiving feature A1 of the inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032.

[0284] The inner member 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 may further comprise an inner base panel 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028; 5012, 5020, 5028 extending outwardly of the at least one inner channel structure and disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112.

[0285] The at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of inner channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / - 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extending from the inner channel top panel 16, 24, 32; 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 3016, 3024, 3032; 3216, 3224, 3232; 3316, 3324, 3332; 4016, 4024, 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 to the shell base panel 112; 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C; 4112; 5112. The inner base panel 12, 20, 28, 36; 1020A, 1020B, 1028A, 1028B; 2020A, 2020B, 2028A, 2028B; 3012, 3020A, 3020B, 3028A, 3028B, 3036; 3212, 3220A, 3220B, 3228A, 3228B, 3236; 3312, 3320A, 3320B, 3328A, 3328B, 3336; 4012, 4020, 4028; 5012, 5020, 5028 is hingedly connected to one of the inner channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / - 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 and extends away from the other of the inner channel side panels 14 / 18, 22 / 26, 30 / 34; 1014 / - 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 3014 / 3018, 3022 / 3026, 3030 / 3034; 3214 / 3218, 3222 / 3226, 3230 / 3234; 3314 / 3318, 3322 / 3326, 3330 / 3334; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026, 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / - 5026, 5030 / 5034.

[0286] The shell 190; 1190; 2190; 3190; 4190; 5190 and the inner member 90; 1090; 2090; 3090; 4090; 5090 may be formed respectively from two separate blanks, or may be formed from a single blank and are hingedly connected to each other. The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 / 190; 1090 / 1190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 comprising an outer shell 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 and an inner member 90; 1090; 4090; 5090. The outer shell 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 comprises a shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The inner member 90; 1090; 4090; 5090 comprises a pair of channel structures disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The outer shell 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 further comprises at least one bridging tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / - 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / - 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 formed at least in part from the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The at least one bridging tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1 150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 extends between the channel structures.

[0287] The at least one bridging tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / - 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 may comprise at least a pair of bridging tubular structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 1150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 1150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 each of the bridging tubular structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 1150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / - 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 extend between the channel structures such that the bridging tubular structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / - 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / - 5150 are disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement.

[0288] The shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may comprise a handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 disposed between the channel structures.

[0289] The handle opening A15 / 4160 may be defined, at least in part, by at least one flap 4160 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 4112.

[0290] The at least one flap 4160 may be hingedly connected to the shell base panel 4112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 4161. The fold line 4161 may be perpendicular to a hinged connection between the shell base panel 4112 and a shell side panel 4114, 4116 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 4112.

[0291] The handle opening A5: A15 / 4160 may be defined, at least in part, by at least one aperture A5; A15 struck from the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112.

[0292] Each of the pair of channel structures may be connected to at least one inner base panel 20; 1020A / 1020B; 4020; 5020, the disposed in face-to-face arrangement with the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The at least one inner base panel 20; 1020A / 1020B; 4020; 5020 may comprise an opening. The opening may be disposed in at least partial alignment with the handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 in the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112.

[0293] The opening may be disposed vertical registry with the handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 in the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112. The opening may be defined in part by at least one aperture A2; A10 struck from the at least one inner base panel 20; 4020; 5020.

[0294] The opening may be defined in part by at least one flap 50; 4052; 5050 struck from the at least one inner base panel 20; 4020; 5020. The opening may be defined in part by a pair of opposed flaps 50; 4052; 5050 struck from the at least one inner base panel 20; 4020; 5020.

[0295] The at least one flap 50; 4052; 5050 may be hingedly connected to the at least one inner base panel 20; 4020; 5020 by a fold line 51 ; 4057; 5051. The fold line 51 ; 5051 may be perpendicular to a hinged connection between the at least one inner base panel 20; 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures.

[0296] The fold line 51 ; 5051 may be parallel to a hinged connection between the at least one inner base panel 20; 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures.

[0297] The fold line 51 ; 5051 may be collinear with a hinged connection between the at least one inner base panel 20; 5020 and one of the pair of channel structures.

[0298] The opening may be defined at least in part by a cutline 1019B separating a first inner base panel portion 1020A from a second inner base panel portion 1020B

[0299] The shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may comprise a handle opening A5; A15 / 4160 disposed between the bridging tubular structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / - 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 such that the bridging tubular structures 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / 5150 and the channel structures together form a frame around the handle opening A5.

[0300] The tubular axis Tyof the at least one bridging tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / - 1118 / 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / - 5120 / 5150 may be substantially perpendicular to the channel axis x of each of the channel structures.

[0301] The shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112 may comprise at least one first article top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 disposed at a position along each of the channel structures.

[0302] The outer shell 190; 1190; 4190; 5190 may further comprise; a shell side panel 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112, a shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hingedly connected to the shell side panel 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, and a spacer flap 150; 1150; 4150; 5150 hingedly connected to the shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120, and wherein the at least one bridging tubular structure 112 / 114 / 118 / 150, 112 / 116 / 120 / 150; 1112 / 1114 / 1118 / - 1150, 1112 / 1116 / 1120 / 1150; 4112 / 4114 / 4118 / 4150, 4112 / 4116 / 4120 / 4150; 5112 / 5114 / 5118 / 5150, 5112 / 5116 / 5120 / - 5150 comprises a part of the shell base panel 112; 1112; 4112; 5112, part of the shell side panel 114, 116; 1114, 1116; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, part of the shell top panel 118, 120; 1118, 1120; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 and the spacer flap 150; 1150; 4150; 5150. The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 2090 / 2190; 3090 / 3190 comprising an outer shell 2190; 3190 and an inner member 2090; 3090 which are secured together. The outer shell 2190; 3190 comprises a shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. The inner member 2090; 3090 comprises a pair of first and second channel structures disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / - 3112B / 3112C. The inner member 2090; 3090 further comprises an inner member severance line Sv1 / Sv1 a / Sv1 b, Sv2 / - Sv2a / Sv2b by which a first portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 including the first channel structure is detachably connected to a second portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 including the second channel structure. The outer shell 2190; 3190 further comprises a shell severance line Sv3, Sv4 comprising a shell base panel segment Sv3a, Sv4a extending in the shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. The shell base panel segment Sv3a, Sv4a is generally collinear at least in part with at least part of the inner member severance line Sv1 / Sv1 a / Sv1 b, Sv2 / - Sv2a / Sv2b such that the first and second channel structures are separable from each other when both the inner member severance line Sv1 / Sv1 a / Sv1b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b and the shell severance line Sv3, Sv4 are broken.

[0303] The shell base panel segment Sv3a, Sv4a may extend parallel with the channel axis x of each of the first and second channel structures.

[0304] The shell base panel segment Sv3a, Sv4a may be interrupted by a handle opening A8 defined in the shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C.

[0305] The first portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 may comprise at least one first connector panel 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the second portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 may include at least one second connector panel 2040A, 2040B’, 2044A’, 2044B’; 3040A’, 3040B’, 3044A, 3044B’; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B', 3344A, 3344B’. The at least one first connector panel 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B may be detachably connected to the at least one second connector panel 2040A’, 2040B’, 2044A’, 2044B’; 3040A, 3040B’, 3044A’, 3044B’; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’ by a connector panel segment Sv1 a, Sv1 b, Sv2a, Sv2b of the inner member severance line Sv1 / Sv1 a / Sv1 b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b, the connector panel segment Sv1a, Sv1 b, Sv2a, Sv2b being generally collinear at least in part with at least part of the shell severance line Sv3, Sv4.

[0306] The at least one first connector panel 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the at least one second connector panel 2040A’, 2040B’, 2044A’, 2044B’; 3040A’, 3040B’, 3044A’, 3044B’; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A’, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’ may be hingedly connected respectively to the first and second channel structures.

[0307] The first portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 may further comprise a first inner base panel 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3220A, 3228A; 3320A, 3328A hingedly connected to the first channel structure. The second portion of the inner member 2090; 3090 may further comprise a second inner base panel 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3220B, 3228B; 3320B, 3328B hingedly connected to the second channel. The first and second inner base panels 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3320A, 3328A: 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3320B, 3328B may be hingedly connected respectively to the at least one first connector panel 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the at least one second connector panel 2040A', 2040B', 2044A', 2044B’; 3040A’, 3040B’, 3044A’, 3044B’; 3340A’, 3340 B:, 3344A’, 3344B’.

[0308] The first and second inner base panels 2020A, 2028A; 3020A, 3028A; 3320A, 3328A: 2020B, 2028B; 3020B, 3028B; 3320B, 3328B may be hingedly connected by an inner base panel segment Sv1 , Sv2 of the inner member severance line Sv1 / Sv1 a / Sv1b, Sv2 / Sv2a / Sv2b, the inner base panel segment Sv1 , Sv2 is generally collinear at least in part with the shell base panel segment Sv3a, Sv4a.

[0309] The at least one first connector panel 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B may comprise a pair of opposed first connector panels 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B, the at least one second connector panel 2040A, 2040B’, 2044A, 2044B’; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A, 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’ may comprise a pair of opposed second connector panels 2040A’, 2040B’, 2044A, 2044B’ ; 3040A’, 3040 B' , 3044A, 3044B’ ; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A’, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’. The outer shell 190; 1190 further comprises a pair of opposed shell side panels 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 3114C; 3116A / 3116B / 3116C hingedly connected to the shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 3112A / 3112B / 3112C. One of the shell side panels 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 3114A / 3114B / 31140; 3116A / 3116B / 31160 may be secured in facecontacting arrangement to the one of the pair of opposed first connector panels 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and one of the pair of opposed second connector panels 2040A', 2040B', 2044A, 2044B’; 3040A', 3040B', 3044A', 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A’, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’, The other of the shell side panels 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 21160; 3114A / 3114B / 31140; 3116A / 3116B / 31160 may be secured in facecontacting arrangement to the other of the pair of opposed first connector panels 2040A, 2040B, 2044A, 2044B; 3040A, 3040B, 3044A, 3044B; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A, 3340B, 3344A, 3344B and the other of the pair of opposed second connector panels 2040A', 2040B’, 2044A', 2044B'; 3040A, 3040B’, 3044A, 3044B'; 3238A, 3238B, 3242A, 3242B, 3244A, 3244B; 3340A’, 3340B’, 3344A’, 3344B’.

[0310] The shell base panel 2112A / 2112B / 21120; 3112A / 3112B / 31120 comprises at least one first article top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 at a position along each of the first and second channel structures.

[0311] The present disclosure also provides an insert blank 1010; 3210 for placement in an outer shell 1190; 3190 to form an article carrier 1090 / 1190. The insert blank 1010; 3210 having a pair of first and second opposed end edges, the insert blank comprising a pair of first and second opposed connector panels 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / - 3242B / 3244B extending along the first and second end edges, respectively. The insert blank 1010; 3210 further comprises a first channel-forming section 1014 / 1016 / 1018; 3214 / 3216 / 3218 and a second channel-forming section 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3222 / 3224 / 3226 each extending between the first and second connector panels 1042, 1046; 3238A / - 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B such that the first and second channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / - 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 are disposed side by side. Each of the channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 comprises a channel top panel 1016, 1024; 3216, 3224 hingedly connected at opposite ends thereof respectively to the first and second connector panels 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B and a pair of channel side panels 1014, 1018, 1022, 1026; 3214, 3218, 3222, 3226 hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the channel top panel 1016, 1024; 3216, 3224. Each of the channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 comprises at least one article receiving feature A1 .

[0312] The insert blank 1010; 3210 may further comprise a pair of first and second insert base panels 1020A, 1020B; 3220A, 3220B hingedly connected respectively to the first and second channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226.

[0313] The first and second connector panels 1042, 1046; 3238A / 3242A / 3244A, 3238B / 3242B / 3244B each comprises a connector severance line Sv1a, Sv1 b, Sv2a, Sv2b and are divisible along the connector severance line Sv1a, Sv1 b, Sv2a, Sv2b.

[0314] The first and second channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / - 3226 may not be directly connected to each other, they may be separated by a cutaway in the form of a cutline 1019B, 1027B; 3219B, 3227B, slot, slit or aperture, or the first and second channel-forming sections 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / - 1024 / 1026; 3214 / 3216 / 3218, 3222 / 3224 / 3226 may be detachably connected along a frangible line.

[0315] The present disclosure also provides an insert blank 10; 2010; 4010; 5010 for placement in an outer shell 190; 2190; 4190; 5190 to form an article carrier 190 / 190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190. The insert blank 10; 2010; 4010; 5010 comprises a first channel-forming section 14 / 16 / 18; 2014 / 2016 / 2018; 4014 / 4016 / 4018; 5014 / 5016 / 5018 and a second channel-forming section 22 / 24 / 26; 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5022 / 5024 / 5026 disposed side by side with at least one insert base panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 extending therebetween. The at least one insert base panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 is hingedly connected along opposed side edges thereof respectively to the first and second channel-forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026.

[0316] The insert blank 10; 2010; 5010 may further comprise first and second connector panels 40A, 40B; 2040A / 2040A’, 2040B / 2040B’; 5040A, 5040B hingedly connected respectively to opposed end edges of the at least one insert base panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 5020.

[0317] The at least one insert base panel 2020A / 2020B may comprise a connector severance line Sv1 and be divisible along the connector severance line Sv1. Each of the first and second channel-forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 may comprise at least one article receiving feature A1 .

[0318] Each of the first and second channel-forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 may comprise a channel top panel 16, 24; 2016, 2024; 4016, 4024; 5016, 5024, and a pair of channel side panels 14, 18, 22, 26; 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026; 4014, 4018, 4022, 4026; 5014, 5018, 5022, 5026 hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the channel top panel 16, 24; 2016, 2024; 4016, 4024; 5016, 5024, and wherein the at least one insert base panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 4020; 5020 is hingedly connected along the opposed side edges thereof respectively to one of the channel side panels 14, 18; 2014, 2018; 4014, 4018; 5014, 5018 of the first channel-forming section 14 / 16 / 18; 2014 / 2016 / 2018; 4014 / 4016 / 4018; 5014 / 5016 / - 5018 and to one of the channel side panels 22, 26; 2022, 2026; 4022, 4026; 5022, 5026 of the second channel-forming section 22 / 24 / 26; 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 5022 / 5024 / 5026.

[0319] Each of the first and second connector panels 40A, 40B; 2040A / 2040A’, 2040B / 2040B’; 5040A, 5040B has a width W1 which is greater than the width W2 of the at least one insert base panel 20; 2020A / 2020B; 5020 so that when the first and second channel-forming sections 14 / 16 / 18, 22 / 24 / 26; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026 are erected into channel-shaped structures, the first and second connector panels 40A, 40B; 2040A / 2040A’, 2040B / 2040B'; 5040A, 5040B at least partially close opposite ends of each of the channel-shaped structures.

[0320] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 for packaging a plurality of articles B The article carrier 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 may be formed from a blank combination 1010 / 1110; 2010 / 2110; 4010 / 4110; 5010 / 5110. The article carrier 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 comprises an outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 and an inner member 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090. The inner member 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 may be formed from a first blank 1010; 2010; 4010; 5010. The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 may be formed from a second blank 1110; 2110; 4110; 5110. The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 comprises a shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112. The shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / - 2112C; 4112; 5112 comprises at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 for receiving part of at least one article B. The inner member 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 comprises at least one inner channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / - 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 disposed on the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112. The article carrier 1090 / 1190; 2090 / 2190; 4090 / 4190; 5090 / 5190 further comprises a linking device T2 / A6, T3 / A6; T2 / A9; T3 / A13; T2 / 5170 for facilitating positioning of the inner member 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 on the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112. The linking device T2 / A6, T3 / A6; T2 / A9; T3 / A13; T2 / 5170 comprises at least one first linking element T2, T3 of the inner member 1090; 2090; 4090; 5090 and at least one second linking element A6; A9; A13; 5170 of the outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190. The first and second linking elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170 being configured and positioned such that one of the first and second linking elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170 is receivable in the other of the first and second linking elements T2, T3, A6; T2, A9; T3, A13; T2, 5170

[0321] The at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 may comprise a top-receiving opening defined in the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112.

[0322] The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 may further comprise: a pair of shell side panels 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / - 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / - 2112C; 4112; 5112; and at least one shell top panel 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / - 2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, the at least one shell top panel 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / - 2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 is secured to the at least one inner channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / - 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / - 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034.

[0323] The at least one inner channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / - 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 comprises an inner channel top panel 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 which comprises at least one second top-receiving feature A1 in a vertical alignment with the at least one first top-receiving feature RT; RT1 , RT2 of the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112.

[0324] The outer shell 1190; 2190; 4190; 5190 further comprises: a pair of shell side panels 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / - 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / 2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / - 2112C; 4112; 5112; and at least one shell top panel 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / 2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 1114, 1116, 2114A / 2114B / 2114C, 2116A / 2116B / - 2116C; 4114, 4116; 5114, 5116, and the at least one shell top panel 1118, 1120; 2118A / 2118B / 2118C, 2120A / 2120B / - 2120C; 4118, 4120; 5118, 5120 comprises at least one third top-receiving feature A3; A3’ in vertical alignment with the at least one second top-receiving feature A1 of the inner channel top panel 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032.

[0325] The at least one inner channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / - 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034 comprises an inner channel top panel 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 and a pair of inner channel side panels 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026; 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 extending from the inner channel top panel 1016, 1024, 1032; 2016, 2024, 2032; 4016, 4024; 4032; 5016, 5024, 5032 to the shell base panel 1112; 2112A / 2112B / 2112C; 4112; 5112, and wherein the at least one first linking element T2, T3 comprises a tab T2, T3 extending from at least one of the inner channel side panels 1014 / 1018, 1022 / 1026, 1030 / 1034; 2014 / 2018, 2022 / 2026, 2030 / 2034; 4014 / 4018, 4022 / 4026; 4030 / 4034; 5014 / 5018, 5022 / 5026, 5030 / 5034 of the at least one inner channel structure 1014 / 1016 / 1018, 1022 / 1024 / 1026, 1030 / 1032 / 1034; 2014 / 2016 / 2018, 2022 / 2024 / 2026, 2030 / 2032 / 2034; 4014 / 4016 / 4018, 4022 / 4024 / 4026; 4030 / 4032 / 4034; 5014 / 5016 / 5018, 5022 / 5024 / 5026, 5030 / 5032 / 5034.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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 / curvil inear 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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 halfcut, 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.

[0331] The phrases “in registry with” and “in vertical 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” or “in vertical 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. The aperture in the first panel when “in vertical registry with” the second aperture in the second panel may be disposed above or over the second aperture when the carton or carrier is in a normal or resting condition (or as shown in the illustrated embodiment), but it will be understood the carton or carrier is not limited to such an orientation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a top panel, a base panel spaced apart from the top panel, and a pair of opposed outer side panels, the top panel comprising at least one top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article, the article carrier further comprising at least one inner side panel having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article received in the at least one top-receiving feature of the top panel, wherein the at least one inner side panel comprises a first portion extending from the engaging edge to the top panel, the first portion being in contact with an inner surface of the top panel such that the at least one inner side panel extends substantially between the base panel and the top panel.2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner side panel extends between the outer side panels.3 An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inner side panel is hingedly connected to the base panel.4 An article carrier according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the outer side panels extends between the top panel and the base panel such that a tubular structure is defined by the top panel, the base panel and the outer side panels, and wherein the at least one inner side panel serves to provide an end closure panel for the tubular structure.5 An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from the top panel, and a pair of opposed outer side panels, the first panel comprising at least one top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article, the article carrier further comprising at least one inner side panel having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article received in the at least one top-receiving feature in the first panel to suspend the at least one article from the article carrier, wherein the at least one inner side panel extends substantially between the first and second panels.6 An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the at least one inner side panel extends between the outer side panels.7 A blank for forming an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including a first top panel, a first side panel hingedly connected to the first top panel, a base panel hingedly connected to the first side panel, a second side panel hingedly connected to the base panel, and a second top panel hingedly connected to the second side panel, each of the first and second top panels comprising at least one top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article, the base panel comprising at least one article-engaging feature for engaging with the at least one article received in the at least one top-receiving feature of one of the first and second top panels, wherein the base panel comprises at least one hand aperture, wherein the first and second top panels comprising at least one access opening for allowing access to the at least one hand aperture, the at least one access opening being defined in part by the first top panel and in part by the second top panel.8 A blank according to claim 7, wherein the at least one article-engaging feature comprises at least one engaging tab hingedly connected to the base panel to suspend at least one article from an article carrier formed from the blank.

9. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising an outer shell and an inner member, the outer shell comprising a shell base panel and a pair of shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together provide an outer channel structure defining an outer channel axis, the inner member comprising at least one inner inverted channel structure defining an inner channel axis, the at least one inner channel structure extending between the shell side panels such that the inner channel axis is generally perpendicular to the outer channel axis, wherein the shell base panel comprises at least one first top-receiving feature for receiving part of at least one article.

10. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first top-receiving feature comprises a top-receiving opening defined in the shell base panel and at least one article load-bearing tab connected to the perimeter of the topreceiving opening.

11. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel and a pair of inner channel side panels extending from the inner channel top panel to the shell base panel, each of the inner channel side panels comprises at least one article-supporting edge for engaging at least one article.

12. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the outer shell further comprises at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels, the at least one shell top panel is secured to the at least one inner channel structure.

13. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel which comprises at least one second top-receiving feature in a vertical alignment with the at least one first topreceiving feature of the shell base panel.

14. An article carrier according to claim 12, wherein the outer shell further comprises at least one shell top panel hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels, and the at least one shell top panel comprises at least one third top-receiving feature in vertical alignment with the at least one second top-receiving feature of the inner channel top panel.

15. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the inner member further comprises an inner base panel extending outwardly of the at least one inner channel structure and disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel.

16. An article carrier according to claim 15, wherein the at least one inner channel structure comprises an inner channel top panel and a pair of inner channel side panels extending from the inner channel top panel to the shell base panel, the inner base panel is hingedly connected to one of the inner channel side panels and extends away from the other of the inner channel side panels.

17. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the shell and the inner member are formed respectively from two separate blanks.

18. An article carrier according to claim 9, wherein the shell and the inner member are formed from a single blank and are hingedly connected to each other.

19. A blank for forming a part of an article carrier, the blank comprising a first channel-forming section and a second channel-forming section disposed side by side with at least one base panel extending therebetween, wherein the at least one base panel is hingedly connected along opposed side edges thereof respectively to the first and second channel-forming sections.

20. A blank according to claim 19, wherein each of the first and second channel-forming sections comprises at least one article receiving feature.

21. A blank according to claim 19, wherein each of the first and second channel-forming sections comprises a channel top panel and a pair of channel side panels hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the channel top panel, and wherein the at least one base panel is hingedly connected along the opposed side edges thereof respectively to one of the channel side panels of the first channel-forming section and to one of the channel side panels of the second channel-forming section.

Images