Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first or upper panel and a second or lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The second or lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge, the extension portion comprising a free edge spaced apart or offset from the engaging edge, the free edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the first or upper panel. In this way, at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the second or lower panel and the first or upper panel.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority to Provisional Patent Application Nos. US 63 / 651777, US 63 / 651944, and US 63 / 716461 , the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] 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 or engaging style and comprising an outer shell having a top panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom, the lower panel providing an article retention feature for supporting at least one article.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] 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.

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

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge. The extension portion comprises a free edge offset from the engaging edge The free edge is disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel.

[0010] Optionally, the free edge of the extension portion of the at least one article engaging tab provides a brace between the second or lower panel and the first or upper panel to maintain spacing therebetween.

[0011] Optionally, the upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device.

[0012] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to at least one side panel.

[0013] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to the lower panel by at least one side panel.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of panels comprises an outer panel and at least one inner panel secured to the outer panel. Optionally, the outer panel is hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel, the at least one inner panel is hingedly connected to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel, and the upper panel comprises at least one tab receiver for receiving at least one retainer tab provided by the at least one inner panel.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one tab receiver comprises a cutaway selected from one of the following group of features: an aperture, a recess, a slot, a slit and a cutline.

[0016] Optionally, the upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device, and the at least one tab receiver is defined in the one of the upper panel and integral with the at least one article receiving opening.

[0017] Optionally, the at least one tab receiver is an aperture extending from the at least one article receiving opening.

[0018] Optionally, the at least on tab receiver is a recess extending from the at least one article receiving opening.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is engaged with a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0020] Optionally, a tongue is disposed between a pair of engaging edges engaging respective ones the pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0021] Optionally, the tongue comprises the free edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is disposed proximate an end edge of the lower panel and substantially closes an open end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels.

[0023] Optionally, the article carrier comprises an inner support structure comprising a floor panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the lower panel and a pair of inner side panels hingedly connected to the floor panel, a first one of the pair of inner side panels is hingedly connected to an inner side panel hingedly connected to the lower panel.

[0024] Optionally, the article carrier comprises an inner support structure comprising a floor panel disposed in face contacting relationship with the lower panel and a pair of inner side panels hingedly connected to the floor panel, a first one of the pair of inner side panels is hingedly connected to an inner side panel hingedly connected to the lower panel.

[0025] Optionally, the floor panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article.

[0026] Optionally, the floor panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging a pair of articles and the lower panel comprises a pair of article receiving devices disposed in vertical alignment with at least one article receiving device in the floor panel, each of the pair of article receiving devices in the lower panel receiving a respective one of the pair of articles engaged by at least one article receiving device in the floor panel.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The second panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article between the first panel and the second panel to suspend the article therefrom. The at least one article engaging tab comprises a portion extending substantially between the second panel and the first panel. A further aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises two or more article engaging tabs having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article to suspend the article therefrom. The plurality of panels includes a first inner panel and a first outer panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel. The first outer panel is hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel. The first inner panel is hingedly connected to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel. The first inner panel comprises at least one retainer tab receivable in at least one tab receiver provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel and the lower panel so as to retain the first inner panel in a folded condition with respect to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel.

[0028] Yet another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises a first receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab. The upper panel comprises a second receiving device disposed in vertical alignment with the fist receiving device. The first receiving device comprises an opening for receiving an upper portion of one of the at the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab comprises a free distal edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that at least a portion of the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel.

[0029] Optionally, the upper panel further comprises a third receiving device disposed in vertical alignment with the first receiving device. The first receiving device is configured and dimensioned to receive a pair of articles, and wherein the second and third receiving devices of the upper panel are configured and dimensioned to receive the articles of the pair, respectively.

[0030] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab comprises an engaging edge for engaging of the at least one articles and wherein the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the opposed side walls.

[0031] Still a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge. The extension portion comprises a free edge offset from the engaging edge. The free edge is configured and arranged to be disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel in a setup article carrier such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel. Still another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The second panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article, between the first panel and the second panel, to suspend the article therefrom. The at least one article engaging tab comprises a portion configured and arranged to extend substantially between the second panel and the first panel in a setup article carrier.

[0032] Yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises two or more article engaging tabs having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article to suspend the article therefrom. The plurality of panels includes a first inner panel and a first outer panel configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel. The first outer panel is hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel. The first inner panel is hingedly connected to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel. The first inner panel comprises at least one retainer tab receivable in at least one tab receiver provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel and the lower panel so as to retain the first inner panel in a folded condition with respect to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel.

[0033] Still yet another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprises two or more article engaging tabs having an engaging edge for suspending the at least one article therefrom. The upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening configured to be disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device in a setup article carrier. The at least one article receiving opening is configured for receiving an upper portion of at the at least one article. At least one of the two or more article engaging tabs comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge. The extension portion comprises a free edge spaced apart from the engaging edge. The free edge is configured to be disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that at least a portion of the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the first or upper panel in the setup article carrier.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0035] 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. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the article carrier of Figure 2 during a stage of construction from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 4;

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion the article carrier of Figure 5 during a stage of construction from the blank of Figure 4;

[0045] Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 7;

[0047] Figure 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0048] Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 9.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] 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.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming an article carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The article carrier 90 is configured for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks 110; 210; 310 are shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9 for forming alternative packages (see Figures 5, 8, and 10).

[0052] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton” and "carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290; 390 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.

[0053] The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 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.

[0054] The packaging structure or carton 90; 190; 290; 390 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 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 500mL bottles. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310 can be configured to form a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 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. Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 90 according to a first illustrated embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23, 25.

[0056] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 form an outer shell or tubular structure comprising a top panel 14, a base panel 18, first side panel 12 and second side panel 16. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 provide an optional inner support structure having a floor panel 24 and opposed inner side walls 20 / 22, 26.

[0057] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 includes a first outer side panel 12 hingedly connected to a top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The top panel 14 is hingedly connected to a second outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The second outer side panel 16 is hingedly connected to a base panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

[0058] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 includes a pair of first inner side panels 20, 22, a first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 is hingedly connected to the base panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. A second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 is hingedly connected to the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21. The floor panel 24 is hingedly connected to the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second inner side panel 26 is hingedly connected to the floor panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25.

[0059] The pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 forms one of the opposed inner side walls 20 / 22, 26 of the inner support structure. The second inner side panel 26 forms the other one of the opposed inner side walls 20 / 22, 26 of the inner support structure.

[0060] The blank 10 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 14 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 . The top panel 14 may comprise six article receiving openings A1 arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.

[0061] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the top panel 14. Each article receiving opening A1 is configured to accommodate an upper end portion of an article B and may be generally circular in shape. The edge of the article receiving opening A1 may be scalloped or serrated. 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.

[0062] The article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 14 adjacent to the second outer side panel 16 may comprise a non-scalloped extension portion, defining a lobe, the lobe being disposed generally opposing the hinged connection between top panel 14 and the second outer side panel 16. The lobe may facilitate receiving of an upper portion of an article B when the top panel 14 is folded with respect to the second outer side panel 16 about the fold line 15.

[0063] One or more of the article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 14 adjacent to the first outer side panel 12 may comprise a tab receiver TR. In the illustrated embodiment, three article receiving openings A1 are provided in the top panel 14 adjacent to the first outer side panel 12 and each comprises a tab receiver TR. The tab receiver TR may take the form of a recess extending from the article receiving openings A1 ; an article receiving opening A1 and its associated tab receiver TR may define a "keyhole” shaped aperture in the blank 10.

[0064] Each of the article receiving openings A1 provided in the top panel 14 adjacent to the second outer side panel 16 may comprise a recess extending from the article receiving opening A1 to the second outer side panel 16 to define a “key-hole” shaped aperture in the blank 10 similar to those adjacent the first outer side panel 12.

[0065] The base panel 18 comprises at least one article retention device RT 1 , 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. Each article retention device RT 1 , RT2 comprises a plurality of tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 defining, at least in part, an article receiving opening.

[0066] The base panel 18 comprises three first article retention devices RT1 disposed adjacent to the second outer side panel 16 and three second article retention devices RT2 disposed adjacent to the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22.

[0067] The first article retention devices RT 1 each comprise three tabs 40, 42, 44 struck from, or defined in, the base panel 18 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 , 43, 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the first article retention devices RT 1 each comprise a pair of opposed major tabs 42, 44 and minor tab 40. At least the major tabs 42, 44 may be load-bearing to suspend or support an article B therefrom.

[0068] The minor tab 40 is hingedly connected to the base panel 18 by a fold line 41 , the fold line 41 may be collinear with the fold line 17 hinging the second outer side panel 16 to the base panel 18.

[0069] The pair of opposed major tabs 42, 44 may be separated from each other, at least in part, by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A2; the aperture A2 may define in part an engaging edge E1 for supporting or suspending an article B therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of opposed major tabs 42, 44 are separated from each other, in part, by a cutline, the outline defining a support edge SE1.

[0070] The support edge SE1 is offset with respect to the engaging edge E1 , the support edge SE1 is provided by a projection or extension of the major tabs 42, 44 extending from the engaging edge E1. The support edge SE1 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 43, 45, to the base panel 18 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E1. In a folded or deployed condition, the support edge SE1 is spaced apart from the base panel 18 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E1.

[0071] The second article retention devices RT2 each comprise two tabs 46, 48 struck from, or defined in, the base panel 18 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47, 49. In the illustrated embodiment, the second article retention devices RT2 each comprise a pair of opposed major tabs 46, 48. The major tabs 46, 48 may be load-bearing to suspend or support an article B therefrom.

[0072] The pair of opposed major tabs 46, 48 may be separated from each other, at least in part, by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A3; the aperture A3 may define in part an engaging edge E2 for supporting or suspending an article B therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of opposed major tabs 46, 48 are separated from each other, in part, by a cutline, the cutline defining a support edge SE2. The aperture A3 may be struck in part from, or defined in part in, the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 so as to interrupt the fold line 19 hinging the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 to the base panel 18.

[0073] The support edge SE2 is offset with respect to the engaging edge E2, the support edge SE2 is provided by a projection or extension of the major tabs 46, 48 extending from the engaging edge E2. The support edge SE2 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 47, 49, to the base panel 18 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E2. In a folded or deployed condition, the support edge SE2 is spaced apart from the base panel 18 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E2.

[0074] The engaging edge E1 , E2 may be arranged to engage an article B below a flange, projection or undercut feature of the article B.

[0075] Each article retention device RT1 , RT2 in the base panel 18 is configured and arranged to be in vertical registry or alignment with one of the article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 14.

[0076] The floor panel 24 of the inner support structure comprises at least one article receiving device AR, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving devices AR. Each article receiving device AR is configured to receive and engage a pair of articles B.

[0077] Each article receiving device AR comprise a pair of opposed flaps 50 extending transversely across the floor panel 24 between the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 and the second inner side panel 26. Each of the pair of opposed flaps 50 is struck from, or defined in, the floor panel 24 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51.

[0078] A pair of apertures A4 are struck from the pair of opposed flaps 50 so as to define a pair of recesses in each of the pair of opposed flaps 50.

[0079] A cutline or severable line separates, in part, a first one the pair of opposed flaps 50 from the second one of the pair of opposed flaps 50.

[0080] The apertures A4 define an engaging edge E3 in each of the pair of opposed flaps 50. The cutline or severable line defines a support edge SE3.

[0081] The support edge SE3 is offset with respect to the engaging edge E3, the support edge SE3 is provided by a projection or extension of the opposed flaps 50 extending from the engaging edge E3. The support edge SE3 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 51 , to the floor panel 24 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E3. In a folded or deployed condition, the support edge SE3 is spaced apart from the floor panel 24 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E3.

[0082] A tongue or projection TG may be defined between the pair of recesses in each flap 50. The tongue or projection TG providing at least a portion of the support edge SE3.

[0083] The blank 10 may comprise a handle structure. The handle structure may comprise at least one finger aperture A5 in the top panel 14. The illustrated embodiment comprises two finger apertures A5 in the top panel 14. Each finger aperture A5 is disposed centrally between a group of four article receiving openings A1 .

[0084] The handle structure may comprise at least one second aperture A6 in the base panel 18. The illustrated embodiment comprises two second apertures A6 in the base panel 18. Each second aperture A6 is disposed centrally between a group of four article retention devices RT1 , RT2. Each second aperture A6 is disposed in vertical registry with a respective finger aperture A5 in the top panel 14.

[0085] The handle structure may comprise at least one opening in the floor panel 24. The illustrated embodiment comprises two openings in the floor panel 24. Each opening in the floor panel 24 is disposed in vertical registry with a respective second aperture A6 in the base panel 18 and with a respective finger aperture A5 in the top panel 14. Each opening in the floor panel 24 may be defined in part by at least one handle tab 60. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening in the floor panel 24 is defined by a pair of handle tabs 60. The pair of handle tabs 60 are separated from each other by a cutline or frangible line In the illustrated embodiment, each handle tab 60 is coupled to a flap 50 of one of the article receiving devices AR. The handle tab 60 being integral with said flap 50 such that when the flap 50 is folded out of the plane of the floor panel 24 the handle tab 60 is simultaneously folded out of the plane of the floor panel 24. The pairs of handle tabs 60 are received in a respective one of the pair of second apertures A6 in the base panel 18, in this way, the floor panel 24 may be secured or retained in position with respect to the base panel 18.

[0086] The top panel 14 may comprise a handle recess R struck from at least one of the pair of opposed ends of the top panel 14. The handle recess R may be engaged by a user in combination with one of the finger apertures A5 in the top panel 14.

[0087] The pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 may comprise or provide at least one retainer tab T1 , T2. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of retainer tabs T1 , T2, specifically, but not limited to three retainer tabs T1 , T2.

[0088] The plurality of retainer tabs T1 , T2 may comprise at least one first or end retainer tab T1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first or end retainer tabs T 1. The plurality of retainer tabs T1 , T2 may comprise at least one second or intermediate retainer tab T2.

[0089] The first or end retainer tabs T 1 are defined, at least in part, by a cut line, or frangible line, struck from the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 and separating the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 from the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. Each first or end retainer tab T 1 is integral with the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 and is struck from material which would otherwise form part of the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. At least a portion of the first or end retainer tab T 1 is configured and arranged to be received in the tab receiver TR in the top panel 14.

[0090] The first or end retainer tab T 1 may comprise a second portion which is configured to engage a lower or inner surface of the top panel 14 disposed adjacent to the tab receiver TR. The second portion provides an edge ES providing an end stop limiting the insertion of the retainer tab T 1 into the tab receiver TR and may serve as a spacer or alignment device for positioning the top panel 14 with respect to the base panel 18.

[0091] The second or intermediate retainer tabs T2 are defined, at least in part, by a cut line, or frangible line, struck from the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 and separating the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 from the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. Each second or intermediate retainer tabs T2 is integral with the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 and is struck from material which would otherwise form part of the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. At least a portion of the second or intermediate retainer tabs T2 is configured and arranged to be received in the tab receiver TR in the top panel 14. The second or intermediate retainer tabs T2 may comprise a pair of second portions each of which is configured to engage a lower or inner surface of the top panel 14 disposed on opposed sides of the tab receiver TR. The pair of second portions provide edges ES forming an end stop limiting the insertion of the retainer tab T2 into the tab receiver TR and may serve as a spacer or alignment device for positioning the top panel 14 with respect to the base panel 18.

[0092] The article receiving device AR disposed adjacent a first end of the floor panel 24 provides a first end flap 50 adjacent said first end which may provide an end closure panel for substantially closing a first end of the tubular structure of the outer shell.

[0093] The article receiving device AR disposed adjacent a second end of the floor panel 24 provides a second end flap 50 adjacent said second end which may provide an end closure panel for substantially closing a second end of the tubular structure of the outer shell.

[0094] Each pair of adjacently disposed article receiving devices AR defines a channel therebetween, each channel comprising a portion of the floor panel 24 and a flap 50 from each of the pair of adjacently disposed article receiving devices AR. The channel extends transversely of the tubular structure of the outer shell.

[0095] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 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.

[0096] The second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22, along with the floor panel 24 and second inner side panel 26, is folded with respect to the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22, about fold line 19 to bring the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 into face-to-face relationship with the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. The floor panel 24 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the base panel 18 and the second inner side panel 26 is brought into face-to-face relationship with the second outer side panel 16.

[0097] The blank 10 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 RT1 , R2 being positioned to be in registry or alignment with a respective one of the articles B in the group and each article receiving device AR being positioned to be in registry or alignment with an adjacent pair of articles B in the group.

[0098] An upper portion of each article B is received in the article receiving opening of a respective one of the article retention devices RT1 , RT2. The tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 18. Each of the tabs 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 engages a respective article B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended from the base panel 18.

[0099] The flaps 50 of the article receiving device AR are folded upwardly out of the plane of the floor panel 24. Each of the flaps 50 engages a pair of articles B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended therefrom.

[0100] The second outer side panel 16, along with the top panel 14 and the first outer side panel 12, is folded with respect the base panel 18, about fold line 17, so as to fold about a first side of the group of articles B. The pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 are folded with respect to the base panel 18 and the floor panel 24 about a second side of the group of articles B.

[0101] The top panel 14 is folded with respect the second outer side panel 16, about fold line 15, so as to fold about the top of the group of articles B. An article B is received in a respective one of the plurality of article receiving openings A1 , in doing so each tab receiver TR receives a respective retainer tabs T1 , T2, as shown in Figure 3. In this way, the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 are retained in position and are prevented or inhibited from unfolding.

[0102] Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to at least the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22; the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 being disposed outermost.

[0103] The first outer side panel 12 is folded with respect the top panel 14, about fold line 13, and is brought into face contacting relationship with at least the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22. The first outer side panel 12 is secured to at least the first one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22.

[0104] The inner surface of the top panel 14 may be brought into contact with the end stops ES provided by the retainer tabs T1 , T2 so as to space the top panel 14 apart from the base panel 18 such that the first outer side panel 12 is accurately aligned with the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 when brought into face contacting relationship therewith.

[0105] End portions of the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22 may also provide end stops or alignment aids ES2 for spacing the top panel 14 apart from the base panel 18. The end stops ES2 being provided by a cut line (or frangible line) contiguous or continuous with the cut line defining the first or end retainer tabs T1. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the second retainer tabs T2 may be similarly adapted to provide at least one end stop (or two end stops) extending from the second one of the pair of first inner side panels 20, 22.

[0106] When the top panel 14 is folded into position with respect to the base panel 18, the inner surface of the top panel 14 is brought into contact or engagement with portions of the flaps 50, specifically the support edge SE2 provided, at least, by the tongue TG. In this way, the flaps 50 extend from the floor panel 24 to the top panel 14 across the space or gap therebetween.

[0107] The inner surface of the top panel 14 may also be brought into contact or engagement with the support edges SE1 , SE2 of the major tabs 42, 44, 46, 48. In this way, the major tabs 42, 44, 46, 48 extend from the base panel 18 to the top panel 14 across the space or gap therebetween.

[0108] Referring now to Figures 4 to 10, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second, third, and fourth illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”, “200”, “300” to indicate that these features belong to the second, third, and fourth, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the previously described embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments described above and illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 will be provided in detail in the description that follows.

[0109] Turning to Figure 4, there is illustrated a blank 110 for forming a carton 190 (see Figures 5 and 6) according to embodiments of the present invention. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 113, 115, 117, 119. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a first top panel 112 hingedly connected to a first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. The first side panel 114 is hingedly connected to a base panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115. The base panel 116 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 118 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 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

[0110] The second top panel 120 is configured and arranged to be disposed in at least partial overlapping arrangement with the first top panel 112 to form a composite top panel 112 / 120 in a setup carrier 190.

[0111] The blank 110 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1 configured and arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array in a setup carrier 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 112 comprises three article receiving openings A1 and the second top panel 120 comprises three article receiving openings A1.

[0112] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the first or second top panel 112, 120. Each article receiving opening A1 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.

[0113] The article receiving openings A1 in the first and second top panel 112, 120 may comprise a lobe, the lobe being disposed generally opposing the hinged connection between first or second top panel 112, 120 and the respective one of the first and second side panels 114, 118. The lobe may facilitate receiving of an upper portion of an article B when the first and second top panels 112, 120 are folded with respect to the side panel 114, 118 that they are hingedly connected to.

[0114] The base panel 116 comprises at least one article receiving device AR1, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving devices AR1. Each article receiving device AR1 is configured to receive and engage a pair of articles B.

[0115] Each article receiving device AR1 comprise a pair of opposed flaps 150 extending transversely across the base panel 116 substantially between the first side panel 114 and the second side panel 118. Each of the pair of opposed flaps 150 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 116 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151.

[0116] A pair of apertures A4 are struck from the pair of opposed flaps 150 so as to define a pair of recesses in each of the pair of opposed flaps 150.

[0117] A outline or severable line separates, in part, a first one the pair of opposed flaps 150 from the second one of the pair of opposed flaps 150.

[0118] Each aperture A4 defines in part an engaging edge E3 in each of the pair of opposed flaps 150. The cutline or severable line defines a support edge SE3 disposed between a pair of engaging edges E3.

[0119] The support edge SE3 is offset with respect to the engaging edge E3, the support edge SE3 is provided by a tongue or extension TG of the opposed flaps 150 extending from the engaging edge E3. The support edge SE3 is spaced apart from the hinged connection, fold line 151 , to the base panel 116 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E3. In a folded or deployed condition, the support edge SE3 is spaced apart from the base panel 116 by a greater distance than the engaging edge E3.

[0120] The article receiving device AR1 may comprise at least one end tab 152, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of opposed end tabs 152. Each end tab 152 is struck from the base panel 116 and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 153. The fold line 153 may be collinear with one of the fold lines 115, 117 hinging a side panel 114, 118 to the base panel 116. Each end tab 152 may be considered to be struck in part from each of the pair of opposed flaps 150 (formed from material which would otherwise form part of the pair of opposed flaps 150). The end tab 152 define a portion of the engaging edges E3 of each of the pair of opposed flaps 150.

[0121] The blank 110 may comprise a handle structure. The handle structure may comprise at least one aperture in the composite top panel 112 / 120. The aperture being formed in part by a recess HR in the first top panel 112 and a second recess HR in the second top panel 120. The recess HR in the first top panel 112 and the second recess HR in the second top panel 120 are configured to align with each other to form an aperture in the composite top panel 112 / 120. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of recesses HR in the first top panel 112 and a pair of recesses HR in the second top panel 120 forming a pair of apertures in the composite top panel 112 / 120.

[0122] The base panel 116 comprises at least one handle opening struck therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of handle openings are provided in the base panel 116. Each handle opening is disposed between a pair of adjacently disposed article receiving devices AR1 .

[0123] The handle opening may be struck from, or defined in material which would otherwise form, one of the opposed flaps 150 of an article receiving devices AR1. The handle opening may interrupt the fold line 151 hinging said one of the opposed flaps 150 to the base panel 116.

[0124] The handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 160 hingedly connected to the base panel 116. In embodiments comprising two or more handle openings, a pair of handle flaps 160 may be provided in the base panel 116 that are hinged in opposition to each other.

[0125] The first top panel 112 may be hinged to the first side panel 114 by a first nonlinear fold line 113 / 113a. The first nonlinear fold line 113 / 113a may comprise at least two divergently arranged linear portions 113, 113a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first nonlinear fold line 113 / 113a comprises three linear portions 113, 113a divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first nonlinear fold line 113 / 113a comprises a pair of end portions 113a and an intermediate portion 113. The intermediate portion 113 is arranged in parallel to the fold line 115 hinging the first side panel 114 to the base panel 116. Each end portion 113a is divergently arranged with respect to the intermediate portion 113 and may be arranged such that the first side panel 114 tapers or narrows towards an end edge thereof.

[0126] The second top panel 120 may be hinged to the second side panel 118 by a second nonlinear fold line 119 / 119a. The nonlinear fold line 119 / 119a may be similarly arranged as the first nonlinear fold line 113 / 113a and will not be described in further detail.

[0127] The first and second nonlinear fold lines 113 / 113a, 119 / 119a may be advantageous when palletizing a plurality of article carriers 190 and wrapping a group of article carriers 190 with a wrapping material to bind the group together and / or to the pallet. The first and second nonlinear fold lines 113 / 113a, 119 / 119a may increase the resistance of article carriers 190 disposed at corners of the pallet to deformation when wrapped with a wrapping material under tension

[0128] Turning to the construction of the carton 190 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the carton 190 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 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.

[0129] The blank 110 is brought over a group of articles B and is lowered with respect to the group of articles B, each article receiving device AR1 being positioned to be in registry or alignment with an adjacent pair of articles B in the group.

[0130] An upper portion of each of a pair of articles B is received in an opening of a respective one of the article receiving device AR1 created when the flaps 150 of the article receiving devices AR1 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 116. Each of the flaps 150 engages a pair of articles B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended therefrom. The end tabs 152 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 116, each end tab 152 may engage one of the articles B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended, in part, therefrom.

[0131] The second side panel 118, along with the second top panel 120, is folded with respect the base panel 116, about fold line 117, so as to fold about a side of the group of articles B.

[0132] The second top panel 120 is folded with respect the second side panel 118, about fold line 119 / 119a, so as to fold about the top of a subset of the group of articles B. An upper portion of an article B is received in a respective one of the plurality of article receiving openings A1 in the second top panel 120.

[0133] An inner surface of the second top panel 120 is brought into contact or engagement, or in some embodiments close proximity, with the support edge SE3 of the tongue TG of each of the flaps 150 as shown in Figure 6.

[0134] The first side panel 114, along with the first top panel 112, is folded with respect the base panel 116, about fold line 115, so as to fold about another side of the group of articles B.

[0135] Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a portion of the outer or upper surface of the second top panel 120 configured to overlap with the first top panel 112. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion the inner or lower surface of the first top panel 112.

[0136] The first top panel 112 is folded with respect the first side panel 114, about fold line 113 / 113a, so as to fold about the top of a subset of the group of articles B. An upper portion of an article B is received in a respective one of the plurality of article receiving openings A1 in the first top panel 112. The first top panel 112 is brought into face contacting relationship with the second top panel 120. The first top panel 112 is secured the second top panel 120, as shown in Figure 5. The first top panel 112 may be pressed against the second top panel 120 in doing so the second top panel 120 engages the support edge SE3 of the tongue TG of each of the flaps 150 countering or resisting, at least in part, the pressing force applied to the first top panel 112.

[0137] Turning to Figure 7, there is illustrated a second blank 210 for forming an article carrier 290 (see Figure 8) according to embodiments of the present invention. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 213, 215, 217, 219.

[0138] The plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 comprises a first outer side panel 212 hingedly connected to a top panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213. The top panel 214 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215. The second side panel 216 is hingedly connected to a base panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. A first inner side panel 220 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219.

[0139] The blank 210 comprises a first end closure panel 222a for at least partially closing a first end of a tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220. The first end closure panel 222a is hingedly connected to a first end of the top panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223a.

[0140] The blank 210 comprises a second end closure panel 222b for at least partially closing a second, opposing, end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220. The second end closure panel 222a is hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the top panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223b.

[0141] The blank 210 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1, the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 214 comprises six article receiving openings A1 configured and arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.

[0142] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the top panel 214. Each article receiving opening A1 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.

[0143] The article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 214 adjacent to the second side panel 216 may comprise a lobe, the lobe being disposed generally opposing the hinged connection between top panel 214 and the second side panel 216. The lobe may facilitate receiving of an upper portion of an article B when the top panel 214 is folded with respect to the second side panel 216.

[0144] The base panel 218 comprises at least one article receiving device AR1, the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving devices AR1. Each article receiving device AR1 is configured to receive and engage a pair of articles B. The article receiving devices AR1 are substantially similar in construction to the article receiving devices AR1 illustrated in Figure 4 and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0145] The blank 210 may comprise a handle structure H. The handle structure may comprise at least one handle opening in the top panel 214. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of handle openings; each handle opening is disposed centrally between a group of four article receiving opening A1 . The handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by an aperture A7 struck from the top panel 214. The handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle tab 262 struck from the top panel 214 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 263. The handle tab 262 may comprise a main or proximal portion 262 hinged to the top panel 214 and a head or distal portion 264 hinged to the proximal portion 262 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 267.

[0146] The handle tab 262 may comprise a pair of cutlines 265 extending inwardly from respective opposed side edges of the handle tab 262. Each of the pair of cutlines 265 defines, at least in part, a wing portion 264w hingedly connected to one of a pair of opposed side edge of the head portion 264 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 269. Each cut line 265 separates a wing portion 264w from the head portion 264. The pair of cutlines 264 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of fold line 269 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other.

[0147] The base panel 218 comprises at least one handle opening struck therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of handle openings are provided in the base panel 218. Each handle opening is disposed between a pair of adjacently disposed article receiving devices AR1 .

[0148] The handle opening may be struck from, or defined in material which would otherwise form, the base panel 218. The handle opening may interrupt the fold line 251 hinging said one of the opposed flaps 250 to the base panel 218.

[0149] The handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 260 hingedly connected to the base panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261 , the fold line 261 may be collinear with the fold line 251. In embodiments comprising two or more handle openings, a pair of handle flaps 260 may be provided in the base panel 216 that are hinged in opposition to each other.

[0150] The blank 210 may comprise at least one end closure tab TB, the illustrated embodiment comprises four end closure tabs TB. The first end closure panel 222a comprises a pair of end closure tabs TB and the second end closure panel 222b comprises a pair of end closure tabs TB for facilitating erection or folding of the end closure panels 222a, 222b. Each end closure tab TB may be considered to be struck from material which would otherwise form the top panel 214 and extends inwardly from one of the first and second end closure panels 222a, 222b. Each end closure tab TB is integral with one of the first and second end closure panels 222a, 222b. Each end closure tab TB may extend into or interrupt an article receiving opening A1 adjacent an end edge, hinged edge defined by a fold line 223a, 223b, of the top panel 214. When an article B is received in the article receiving opening A1 an upper end of the article B engages the end closure tab TB encouraging the respective end closure panel 222a, 222b, from which it extends, to fold with respect to the top panel 214.

[0151] The blank 210 comprises at least one tab receiver TR, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tab receivers TR. Each tab receiver comprises an aperture struck at least in part from the top panel 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture is struck in part from the top panel 214 and in part from the first outer side panel 212, and interrupt the hinged connection, fold line 213, between the top panel 214 and the first outer side panel 212. The aperture may be disposed medially between a pair of article receiving openings A1 .

[0152] The first inner side panel 220 may comprise at least one retainer tab T3, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of retainer tabs T3. Each retainer tab T3 is configured and arranged to be received in a respective one of the pair of tab receivers TR to hold or retain the first inner side panel 220 in a folded condition during construction of the article carrier 290. The first outer side panel 212 may comprise at least one relief cut RC; the illustrated embodiment comprises three relief cuts RC. Each relief cut RC extends perpendicularly to the hinged connection, fold line 213, between the top panel 214 and the first outer side panel 212. A relief cut RC extends from each of the article receiving openings A1 disposed adjacent to the first outer side panel 212.

[0153] Turning to the construction of the carton 290 as illustrated in Figure 8, the carton 290 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 290 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.

[0154] The blank 210 is brought over a group of articles B and is lowered with respect to the group of articles B, each article receiving device AR1 being positioned to be in registry or alignment with an adjacent pair of articles B in the group.

[0155] An upper portion of each of a pair of articles B is received in an opening of a respective one of the article receiving device AR1 created when the flaps 250 of the article receiving devices AR1 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 218. Each of the flaps 250 engages a pair of articles B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended therefrom. The end tabs 252 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 218, each end tab 252 may engage one of the articles B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended, in part, therefrom.

[0156] The first inner side panel 220 is folded with respect the base panel 218, about fold line 219, so as to fold about a side of the group of articles B.

[0157] The second side panel 216, along with the top panel 214 and first outer side panel 212, is folded with respect the base panel 218, about fold line 217, so as to fold about a side of the group of articles B.

[0158] The top panel 214 is folded with respect the second side panel 216, about fold line 215, so as to fold about the top of the group of articles B. An upper portion of an article B is received in a respective one of the plurality of article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 214. In doing so the first and second end closure panels 222a, 222b are folded about ends of the group of articles B.

[0159] The retainer tabs T3 are received in respective ones of the pair of tab receivers TR.

[0160] Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a portion of the outer surface of the first inner side panel 220. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion the inner surface of the first outer side panel 212.

[0161] The first outer side panel 212 is folded with respect the top panel 214, about fold line 213. The first outer side panel 212 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first inner side panel 220. The first outer side panel 212 is secured the first inner side panel 220, as shown in Figure 8.

[0162] Turning to Figure 9, there is illustrated a blank 310 for forming an article carrier 390 (see Figure 10) according to embodiments of the present invention. The blank 310 comprises a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 313, 315, 317, 319. The plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 comprises a first outer side panel 312 hingedly connected to a top panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313. The top panel 314 is hingedly connected to a second side panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315. The second side panel 316 is hingedly connected to a base panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. A first inner side panel 320 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319.

[0163] The blank 310 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving openings A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 314 comprises six article receiving openings A1 configured and arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.

[0164] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, the top panel 314. Each article receiving opening A1 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.

[0165] The article receiving openings A1 in the top panel 314 adjacent to the second side panel 316 may comprise a lobe, the lobe being disposed generally opposing the hinged connection between top panel 314 and the second side panel 316. The lobe may facilitate receiving of an upper portion of an article B when the top panel 314 is folded with respect to the second side panel 316.

[0166] The base panel 318 comprises at least one article receiving device AR1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises three article receiving devices AR1. Each article receiving device AR1 is configured to receive and engage a pair of articles B. The article receiving devices AR1 are substantially similar in construction to the article receiving devices AR1 illustrated in Figure 4 and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0167] The blank 310 may comprise a handle structure. The handle structure may comprise at least one handle opening in the top panel 314. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of handle openings; each handle opening is disposed centrally between a group of four article receiving opening A1 . The handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by an aperture A5 struck from the top panel 314.

[0168] The base panel 318 comprises at least one handle opening struck therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of handle openings are provided in the base panel 318. The handle openings in the base panel 318 are substantially similar in construction to the handle openings in the base panel 118 illustrated in Figure 4 and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0169] The blank 310 comprises at least one tab receiver TR, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tab receivers TR. The tab receivers TR are substantially similar in construction to the tab receivers TR illustrated in Figure 7 and described herein and will not be described in further detail.

[0170] The first inner side panel 320 may comprise at least one retainer tab T3, the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of retainer tabs T3. The tab receivers TR are substantially similar in construction to the tab receivers TR illustrated in Figure 7 and described herein and will not be described in further detail. The blank 310 is constructed into an article carrier 390 in a manner substantially similar to that employed to construct the article carrier 290 of Figure 8 and will not be described in further detail

[0171] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 for packaging at least one article B, the article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and a second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls 12 / 20 / 22, 16; 114, 118; 212 / 220, 216; 312 / 320, 316. The second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 comprises at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 for engaging at least one article B. The at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 comprises at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 having an engaging edge E1, E2, E3 for engaging with the at least one article B. The at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge E1 , E2, E3, the extension portion comprising a free edge SE1 , SE2, SE3 spaced apart or offset from the engaging edge E1 , E2, E3. The free edge SE1 , SE2, SE3 is disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314. In this way, at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 extends substantially between the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 and the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314.

[0172] Optionally, the free edge SE1 , SE2, SE3 of the extension portion of the at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 may provide a support or brace between the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 and the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 to maintain spacing therebetween.

[0173] Optionally, the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 may include at least one article receiving opening A1 disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device RT 1 , RT2, AR; AR1 .

[0174] Optionally, the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 may be hingedly connected to at least one side panel 12, 16; 114, 118, 21 , 216, 312, 316.

[0175] Optionally, the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 may be hingedly connected to second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 by at least one side panel 16; 114, 118, 216, 316.

[0176] Optionally, the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 may include an outer panel 12; 212; 312 and at least one inner panel 20, 22; 220, 320 secured to the outer panel 12; 212; 312.

[0177] Optionally, the outer panel 12; 212; 312 may be hingedly connected to one of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318. The at least one inner panel 20, 22; 220, 320 may be hingedly connected to the other of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318. The one of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 may include at least one tab receiver TR for receiving at least one retainer tab T1, T2; T3 provided by the at least one inner side panel 20, 22; 220, 320.

[0178] Optionally, the at least one tab receiver TR may include a cutaway in the form of one of an aperture, a recess, a slot, a slit or a outline. Optionally, the at least one tab receiver TR may be defined in the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and may be integral with the at least one article receiving opening A1 , that is to say the tab receiver TR may be an aperture or recess extending from the at least one article receiving opening A1 .

[0179] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab 50; 150; 250; 350 may be sized and shaped so as to engage with a pair of adjacently disposed articles B. A tongue or extension TG may be disposed between a pair of engaging edges E3 for engaging respective ones the pair of adjacently disposed articles B. The tongue or extension TG may include the free edge SEI, SE2, SE3 disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314.

[0180] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab 50; 150; 250; 350 may be disposed proximate an end edge of the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 and may substantially close at least a portion of an open end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318.

[0181] Optionally, the article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 may include an inner support structure 22 / 24 / 26 comprising a floor panel 24 disposed in face-to-face relationship with the second or lower panel 18 and a pair of inner side panels 22, 26 hingedly connected to the floor panel 24. A first one of the pair of inner side panels 22, 26 may be hingedly connected to an inner side panel 20 hingedly connected to the second or lower panel 18.

[0182] Optionally, the floor panel 24 may include at least one article receiving device AR for engaging at least one article B. The floor panel 24 may include at least one article receiving device AR for engaging a pair of articles B and the second or lower panel 18 may include a pair of article receiving devices RT1 , RT2 disposed in vertical alignment with at least one article receiving device AR in the floor panel 24, each of the pair of article receiving devices RT1 , RT2 in the second or lower panel 18 receiving a respective one of the pair of articles B engaged by at least one article receiving device AR in the floor panel 24.

[0183] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 for packaging at least one article B, the article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and a second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls 12 / 20 / 22, 16; 114, 118; 212 / 220, 216; 312 / 320, 316. The second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 comprises at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 for engaging at least one article B. The at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 comprises at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 having an engaging edge E1 , E2, E3 for engaging with the at least one article B between the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 to suspend the article B therefrom. The at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 comprises a portion extending substantially between the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 and the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314.

[0184] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 290; 390 for packaging at least one article B, the article carrier 90; 290; 390 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a first or upper panel 14; 214; 314 and a second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318 spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls 12 / 20 / 22, 16; 212 / 220, 216; 312 / 320, 316. The second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318 comprises at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 for engaging at least one article B. The at least one article receiving device RT1, RT2, AR; AR1 comprises two or more article engaging tabs 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 having an engaging edge E1 , E2, E3 for engaging with the at least one article B to suspend the article B therefrom. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a first inner panel 20; 220; 320 and a first outer panel 12; 212; 312 disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel 20; 220; 320. The first outer panel 12; 212; 312 is hingedly connected to one of the first or upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318. The first inner panel 20; 220; 320 is hingedly connected to the other of the first or upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318. The first inner panel 20; 220; 320 comprises at least one retainer tab T1, T2; T3 receivable in at least one tab receiver TR provided at least in part by the one of the first or upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318 so as to retain the first inner panel 20; 220; 320 in a folded condition with respect to the other of the first or upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the second or lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318.

[0185] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 for packaging at least one article B, the article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218; 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 and a second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls 12 / 20 / 22, 16; 114, 118; 212 / 220, 216; 312 / 320, 316. The second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 comprises at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 for engaging at least one article B. The at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 comprises two or more article engaging tabs 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 having an engaging edge E1, E2, E3 for suspending the at least one article B therefrom. The first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device RT 1 , RT2, AR; AR1 . The at least one article receiving opening A1 receives an upper portion of at the at least one article B. At least one of the two or more article engaging tabs 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350 comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge E1 , E2, E3, the extension portion comprising a free edge SE1 , SE2, SE3 spaced apart or offset from the engaging edge E1 , E2, E3, the free edge SE1 , SE2, SE3 disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314. In this way, at least one article engaging tab 42, 44, 46, 48, 50; 150; 250; 350, or portion thereof, extends substantially between the second or lower panel 18, 24; 116; 218; 318 and the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314.

[0186] Optionally, the at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 may receive a pair of articles B, one of the two or more article engaging tabs 50; 150; 250; 350 may engage both of said pair of articles B. Each of the pair of articles B is received in a respective one of a pair of article receiving openings A1 in the first or upper panel 14; 112 / 120; 214; 314. Optionally, the at least one article receiving device RT1 , RT2, AR; AR1 may comprise an article engaging tab 50; 150; 250; 350 in engagement with a pair of articles B; the article engaging tab 50; 150; 250; 350 may extend substantially between the pair of opposed side walls 12 / 20 / 22, 16; 114, 118; 212 / 220, 216; 312 / 320, 316.

[0187] The present disclosure provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, and the plurality of panels including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel includes at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article and including at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab includes an extension portion extending from the engaging edge and including a free edge offset from the engaging edge. The free edge is configured and arranged to be disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel in the setup article carrier formed from the blank such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel - in other words, the at least one article engaging tab extends between the lower panel and the upper panel by contacting or coming into relatively close proximity with each of the lower panel and the upper panel in the setup article carrier formed from the blank.

[0188] The present disclosure also provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, and the plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The second panel includes at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article and including at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article between the first panel and the second panel to suspend the article therefrom. The at least one article engaging tab includes a portion configured and arranged to extend substantially between the second panel and the first panel in the setup article carrier formed from the blank.

[0189] The present disclosure further provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel includes at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article and including two or more article engaging tabs having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article to suspend the article therefrom. The plurality of panels includes a first inner panel and a first outer panel configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel. The first outer panel is hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel, and the first inner panel is hingedly connected to the other one of the upper panel and the lower panel. The first inner panel includes at least one retainer tab receivable in at least one tab receiver provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel and the lower panel so as to retain the first inner panel in a folded condition with respect to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel.

[0190] The present disclosure additionally provides a blank for forming an article carrier, the blank including a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure and including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel includes a first receiving device for engaging at least one article and including at least one article engaging tab. The upper panel includes a second receiving device configured to be disposed in vertical alignment with the first receiving device in the setup article carrier formed from the blank. The second receiving device includes an opening for receiving an upper portion of one of the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab includes a free distal edge configured to be disposed in close proximity or in contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that at least a portion of the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel in the setup article carrier formed from the blank - in other words, the at least one article engaging tab extends between the lower panel and the upper panel by contacting or coming into relatively close proximity with each of the lower panel and the upper panel in the setup article carrier formed from the blank.

[0191] 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.

[0192] It will be recognized that as used herein, the first inner panel may refer not only to an inner side panel 20; 220; 320 of the carrier but to any internally disposed panel member which may be secured to an externally positioned panel member which may be pressed against the internally positioned member for the purposed of being adhered to, or otherwise secured to, the internally disposed panel member. Such an externally positioned panel member may be hingedly connected to one of the upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318. The internally disposed panel member may be hingedly connected to the other of the upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318. The internally disposed panel member may comprise at least one retainer tab T1, T2; T3 receivable in at least one tab receiver TR provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318 so as to retain the internally disposed panel member in a folded condition with respect to the other of the upper panel 14; 214; 314 and the lower panel 18, 24; 218; 318.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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. 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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 for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, the at least one article receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge, wherein the extension portion comprises a free edge offset from the engaging edge, and the free edge is disposed in close proximity or in contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel.2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the free edge of the extension portion of the at least one article engaging tab provides a brace between the lower panel and the upper panel to maintain spacing therebetween.3 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device, and wherein the upper panel is hingedly connected to at least one side panel such that the upper panel is hingedly connected to the lower panel by the at least one side panel.4 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels further comprises an outer panel and at least one inner panel secured to the outer panel, wherein the outer panel is hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel, and the at least one inner panel is hingedly connected to the other one of the upper panel and the lower panel, and wherein the one of the upper panel and the lower panel comprises at least one tab receiver for receiving at least one retainer tab provided by the at least one inner panel.5 An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the at least one tab receiver comprises a cutaway selected from one of the following: an aperture, a recess, a slot, a slit, or a cutline.6 An article carrier according to claim 4, wherein the upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device, and the at least one tab receiver comprises a cutaway defined in the upper panel and is integral with or extends from the at least one article receiving opening, wherein the cutaway is selected from one of the following: an aperture, a recess, a slot, a slit, or a cutline.7 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one article engaging tab is sized and shaped so as to engage with a pair of adjacently disposed articles of the plurality of articles.8 An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the extension portion comprises a tongue disposed between a pair of the engaging edges that are each for engaging a respective one of the pair of adjacently disposed articles, wherein the tongue comprises the free edge disposed in close proximity or in contact with an inner surface of the upper panel.

9. An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one article engaging tab is disposed proximate an end edge of the lower panel and substantially closes at least a portion of an open end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels.

10. An article carrier according to claim 1 , comprising: an inner support structure comprising a floor panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the lower panel; and a pair of inner side panels hingedly connected to the floor panel, wherein a first one of the pair of inner side panels is hingedly connected to an inner side panel that is hingedly connected to the lower panel.

11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the floor panel comprises at least one article receiving device for engaging articles and the lower panel comprises a pair of article receiving devices disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device in the floor panel, wherein each of the pair of article receiving devices in the lower panel is configured to receive a respective one of the articles engaged by the at least one article receiving device in the floor panel.

12. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the second panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, the at least one article receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article between the first panel and the second panel to suspend the article therefrom, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises a portion extending substantially between the second panel and the first panel.

13. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, each of the at least one article receiving device comprising at least a pair of article engaging tabs each having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article to suspend the article therefrom, the plurality of panels further comprising a first inner panel and a first outer panel disposed in substantial face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel, the first outer panel being hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel, and the first inner panel being hingedly connected to the other one of the upper panel and the lower panel, wherein the first inner panel comprises at least one retainer tab receivable in at least one tab receiver provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel and the lower panel so as to retain the first inner panel in a folded condition with respect to the other one of the upper panel and the lower panel.

14. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including an upper panel and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pairof opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising a first receiving device for receiving at least one article, the first receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab, the upper panel comprising a second receiving device disposed in vertical alignment with the first receiving device, the second receiving device comprising an opening for receiving an upper portion of the at least one article, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises a free distal edge, the free distal edge being disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel.

15. An article carrier according to claim 14, wherein the upper panel further comprises a third receiving device disposed in vertical alignment with the first receiving device, wherein the first receiving device is configured and dimensioned for receiving a pair of articles, and wherein the second receiving device and the third receiving device of the upper panel are each configured and dimensioned to receive one of the pair of articles.

16. An article carrier according to claim 14, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises an engaging edge for engaging the at least one article to suspend the at least one article therefrom, and wherein the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the opposed side walls.

17. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, the at least one article receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises an extension portion extending from the engaging edge, the extension portion comprises a free edge offset from the engaging edge, the free edge configured and arranged to be disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel in a setup article carrier such that the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel.

18. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the second panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, the at least one article receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article between the first panel and the second panel to suspend the article therefrom, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises a portion configured and arranged to extend substantially between the second panel and the first panel in a setup article carrier.

19. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article, the at least one article receiving device comprising two or more article engaging tabs having an engaging edge for engaging with the at least one article to suspend the article therefrom, the plurality of panels including a first innerpanel and a first outer panel configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with the first inner panel, the first outer panel being hingedly connected to one of the upper panel and the lower panel, the first inner panel being hingedly connected to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel, wherein the first inner panel comprises at least one retainer tab receivable in at least one tab receiver provided at least in part by the one of the upper panel and the lower panel so as to retain the first inner panel in a folded condition with respect to the other of the upper panel and the lower panel. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including an upper panel and a lower panel configured to be spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel comprising a first receiving device for engaging at least one article, the first receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab, the upper panel comprising a second receiving device configured to be disposed in vertical alignment with the first receiving device in a setup article carrier, the second receiving device comprising an opening for receiving an upper portion of one of the at the at least one article, wherein the at least one article engaging tab comprises a free distal edge configured to be disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel such that at least a portion of the at least one article engaging tab extends substantially between the lower panel and the upper panel in the setup article carrier.

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