Article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The present disclosure provides an article carrier and a carrier blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel. The inner structure comprises an inner floor panel disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel and at least one engaging beam panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel. The at least one engaging beam panel extending between the shell side panels. The article carrier further comprises a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure.

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 and an inner support member.

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

[0008] 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.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel. The inner structure comprises an inner floor panel disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel and at least one engaging beam panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel. The at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels. The article carrier further comprises a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting feature comprises an inner side panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.

[0012] Optionally, the inner side panel is hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels.

[0013] Optionally, the connecting feature further comprises an inner top panel hingedly connected to the inner side panel and an outer top panel hingedly connected to the inner top panel, the outer top panel is hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels.

[0014] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises at least one first article receptacle for receiving a part of an article, the inner floor panel comprises at least one second article receptacle for receiving the part of the article.

[0015] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises a first panel and a second panel in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel. The article carrier comprises a lock securing the first and second panels in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The lock comprises a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines, respectively. The lock comprises a pair of second tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of second divergent fold lines, respectively. The first tabs define a locking opening in the first panel when folded out of the plane of the first panel. The second divergent fold lines are disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines respectively when the second tabs are received in the locking opening.

[0016] Optionally, the article carrier further comprises a second lock securing the first and second panels in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The second lock comprises a pair of third tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines respectively and a pair of fourth tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of fourth divergent fold lines, respectively. The third tabs are positioned spaced apart from the first tabs such that the third divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the first tabs. The fourth tabs are positioned spaced apart from the second tabs such that the fourth divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the second tabs. The third divergent fold lines are disposed in registry with the fourth divergent fold lines respectively when the fourth tabs are received in the second locking opening.

[0017] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together form a channel structure having a pair of opposed ends. The inner structure comprises an inner floor panel disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel and at least one engaging beam panel for engaging two or more articles. The at least one engaging beam is formed from the inner floor panel and is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel by a hinged connection. The at least one beam panel at least partially closes at least one of the opposed ends of the channel structure when the beam panel is folded out of the plane of the inner floor panel to define an opening therein.

[0018] Optionally, the hinged connection is a fold line extending perpendicularly to the channel axis of the channel structure.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels.

[0020] Optionally, the shell base panel comprises at least one article receptacle for receiving a part of an article, the article, the article receptacle being in registry with the opening.

[0021] Optionally, the inner structure further comprises a pair of opposed inner side panels hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.

[0022] An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises a base panel and a top panel disposed at a position spaced above the base panel. The base panel comprises a handle for lifting the article carrier. The handle comprises a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines respectively and a pair of third tabs spaced apart from the first tabs and hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines, respectively. The top panel comprises a handle access opening through which the handle provided by the base panel is accessible. The handle access opening is defined by a peripheral edge provided the top panel. The peripheral edge includes a pair of first divergent segments corresponding to the first divergent fold lines respectively and a pair of second divergent segments corresponding to the third divergent fold lines, respectively. Optionally, the third tabs are arranged with respect to the first tabs such that the first divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the third tabs and that the third divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the first tabs.

[0023] An aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises panels for forming an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell panels comprise a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel. The inner structure panels comprise an inner floor panel configured for disposition in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel and at least one engaging beam panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel. The at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels in a setup condition. The blank further comprises a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure.

[0024] An aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel and a second panel in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel. The blank comprises a lock for securing the first and second panels in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The lock comprises a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines, respectively. The lock comprises a pair of second tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of second divergent fold lines, respectively. The first tabs define a locking opening in the first panel when folded out of the plane of the first panel. The second divergent fold lines are configured to be disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines respectively when the second tabs are received in the locking opening.

[0025] An aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises panels for forming an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell panels comprise a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together form a channel structure having a pair of opposed ends. The inner structure panels comprise an inner floor panel configured for disposition in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel and at least one engaging beam panel for engaging two or more articles. The at least one engaging beam is formed from the inner floor panel and is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel by a hinged connection. The at least one beam panel at least partially closes at least one of the opposed ends of the channel structure when the beam panel is folded out of the plane of the inner floor panel to define an opening therein.

[0026] An aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a base panel and a top panel configured for disposition at a position spaced above the base panel. The base panel comprises a handle for lifting the article carrier. The handle comprises a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines respectively and a pair of third tabs spaced apart from the first tabs and hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines, respectively. The top panel comprises a handle access opening through which the handle provided by the base panel is accessible. The handle access opening is defined by a peripheral edge provided the top panel. The peripheral edge includes a pair of first divergent segments corresponding to the first divergent fold lines respectively and a pair of second divergent segments corresponding to the third divergent fold lines, respectively.

[0027] An aspect of the invention provides 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 including 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 a portion extending from the engaging edge, and the portion comprises an upper edge offset from the engaging edge. The upper 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.

[0028] Optionally, the upper edge of the portion of the at least one article engaging tab provides a brace between the second or lower panel and the first or upper panel so as to maintain spacing therebetween.

[0029] Optionally, the upper panel comprises at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device.

[0030] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to at least one side panel.

[0031] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to the lower panel by at least one side panel.

[0032] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is engaged with a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0033] Optionally, the portion of the at least one article engaging tab comprises a tongue disposed between a pair of engaging edges for engaging respective ones the pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0034] Optionally, the tongue comprises the upper edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel.

[0035] Optionally, the lower panel comprises a base panel and an inner floor panel disposed along the base panel, and the at least one article engaging tab is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.

[0036] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is hingedly connected at the upper edge thereof to a top panel which is secured to the upper panel in face contacting arrangement.

[0037] Optionally, the top panel has at least one article accepting opening for receiving a part of an article.

[0038] Optionally, the at least one article accepting opening extends into the at least one article engaging tab such that the at least one article accepting opening is defined in part by the engaging edge.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Optionally, the lower panel comprises a base panel and the floor panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the base panel, an inner support structure is formed from the floor panel and comprising the at least one article engaging tab.

[0041] Optionally, the floor panel comprises at least one first article receiving device for receiving a pair of articles, and the base panel comprises a pair of second article receiving devices disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel, each of the pair of second article receiving devices in the base panel receiving a respective one of the pair of articles received by the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 3;

[0049] Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formed from the blank of Figure 5;

[0050] Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0052] 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.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2. The carton or 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 are shown in Figures 3 and 5 for forming alternative carriers 190; 290 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0054] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton” and "carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, and the like.

[0055] The blanks 10; 110; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0056] The packaging structure or carton 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m — 2) and three columns (n = 3); in the illustrated embodiments, two rows of three articles B, or three columns of two articles B, are provided and the articles B may be 500mL bottles or 1.5L bottles. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210 can be configured to form a carrier 90; 190; 290 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.

[0058] Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming carton 90 (see Figure 2) according to embodiments of the invention. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 13, 15, 17, 19. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 form an outer shell and define a tubular structure having an interior chamber. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 includes a main or engaging panel 16 forming a base wall of the outer shell. A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A first top panel 12 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A second top panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. The blank 10 comprises plurality of panels 6, 8, 22, 24, 26, 50A, 52A, 54A, 50B, 52B, 54B for forming an inner support structure The inner support structure comprises at least one floor panel 26 and at least one beam panel 50A, 50B for engaging an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first beam panels 50A, 50B each hingedly connected to a floor panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51 A, 51 B.

[0059] The floor panel 26 is hingedly connected to the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 by a pair of connecting panels 22, 24. A first connecting panel 22 is hingedly connected to the second top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 . A second connecting panel 24 is hingedly connected to the first connecting panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second connecting panel 24 is hingedly connected to the floor panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25.

[0060] A third connecting panel 8 is hingedly connected to the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 11. A fourth connecting panel 6 is hingedly connected to the third connecting panel 8 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 9.

[0061] A securing panel 28 is hingedly connected to the floor panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27. The securing panel 28 may be secured in overlapping relationship with fourth connecting panel 6 so as to couple or connect the floor panel 26 to the first top panel 12.

[0062] A top panel 52A, 52B may be hingedly connected to each of the pair of first beam panels 50A, 50B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53A, 53B.

[0063] A second beam panel 54A, 54B may be hingedly connected to a respective one of the top panels 52A, 52B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55A, 55B.

[0064] Each top panel 52A, 52B together with a first beam panel 50A, 50B and a second beam panel 54A, 54B depending from the top panel 52A, 52B form a channel having an inverted “U” shaped arrangement. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of channels coupled by the floor panel 26.

[0065] The blank 10 comprises a plurality of end closure panels 30A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 38A, 40A, 42A, 30B, 32B, 34B, 36B, 38B, 40B, 42B for closing ends of the tubular structure of the outer shell. The plurality of end closure panels 30A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 38A, 40A, 42A, 30B, 32B, 34B, 36B, 38B, 38B, 40B, 42B comprises a first group of end closure panels 30A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 38A, 40A, 42A for closing, at least in part, a first end of the tubular structure. The plurality of end closure panels 30A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 38A, 40A, 42A, 30B, 32B, 34B, 36B, 38B, 40B, 42B comprises a second group of end closure panels 30B, 32B, 34B, 36B, 38B, 40B, 42B for closing, at least in part, a second end of the tubular structure.

[0066] A first anchor panel 30A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29A.

[0067] A first bottom end closure panel 36A is hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A.

[0068] The first anchor panel 30A is coupled to the first bottom end closure panel 36A by a first pair of web panels 32A, 34A. A first web panel 32A is hingedly connected to the first anchor panel 30A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31A. A second web panel 34A is hingedly connected to the first web panel 32A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33A. The second web panel 34A is hingedly connected to the first bottom end closure panel 36A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35A.

[0069] A second anchor panel 42A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45A.

[0070] The second anchor panel 42A is coupled to the first bottom end closure panel 36A by a second pair of web panels 38A, 40A. A third web panel 40A is hingedly connected to the second anchor panel 42A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43A. A fourth web panel 38A is hingedly connected to the third web panel 40A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 A. The fourth web panel 38A is hingedly connected to the first bottom end closure panel 36A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39A.

[0071] The first pair of web panels 32A, 34A are separated, or spaced apart, from the first side panel 14 by an aperture A2. The second pair of web panels 38A, 40A are separated, or spaced apart, from the second side panel 18 by an aperture A2.

[0072] A third anchor panel 30B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29B.

[0073] A second bottom end closure panel 36B is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37B.

[0074] The third anchor panel 30B is coupled to the second bottom end closure panel 36B by a third pair of web panels 32B, 34B. A fifth web panel 32B is hingedly connected to the third anchor panel 30B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 B. A sixth web panel 34B is hingedly connected to the fifth web panel 32B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33B. The sixth web panel 34B is hingedly connected to the second bottom end closure panel 36B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35B.

[0075] A fourth anchor panel 42B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45B.

[0076] The fourth anchor panel 42B is coupled to the second bottom end closure panel 36B by a fourth pair of web panels 38B, 40B. A seventh web panel 40B is hingedly connected to the fourth anchor panel 42B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43B. An eighth web panel 38B is hingedly connected to the seventh web panel 40B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 B. The eighth web panel 38B is hingedly connected to the second bottom end closure panel 36B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39B.

[0077] The first pair of web panels 32A, 34A are separated, or spaced apart, from the first side panel 14 by an aperture A2. The second pair of web panels 38A, 40A are separated, or spaced apart, from the second side panel 18 by an aperture A2.

[0078] The third pair of web panels 32B, 34B are separated, or spaced apart, from the first side panel 14 by an aperture A2. The fourth pair of web panels 38B, 40B are separated, or spaced apart, from the second side panel 18 by an aperture A2.

[0079] 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. Each of the first and second top panels 12, 20 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second top panels 12, 20 comprises three article receiving openings A1.

[0080] Each article receiving opening A1 is struck in part from, or defined in part in, one of the first and second top panels 12, 20. Each article receiving opening A1 is configured to accommodate an upper end portion of an article B and may be generally circular in shape and may comprise an at least partially scalloped or serrated edge. 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.

[0081] The first, second, third, and fourth anchor panels 30A, 42A, 30B, 42B are configured to be folded into face-to-face relationship with the first or second top panel 12, 20 to which they are hinged. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth anchor panels 30A, 42A, 30B, 42B comprises a cutaway in the form of a recess R configured and arranged complementarily to a respective one of the article receiving openings A1 disposed adjacent the anchor panel 30A, 42A, 30B, 42B.

[0082] The base panel 16 comprises at least one opening, the at least one opening may be a receiver for a portion of at least one locking tab 74, 76 provided by the floor panel 26. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of openings. Each opening may be defined in part by an aperture A4 struck from, or defined in, the base panel 16. The at least one opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one tab 70, 72. The openings of the illustrated embodiment are defined in part by two tabs 70, 72. Each tab 70, 72 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 16 and is hingedly connected thereto by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 , 73. The pair of tabs 70, 72 are separated from each other by a cutline 75. A first tab 70 is hinged by a first hinged connection in the form of fold line 71 and a second tab 72 is hinged by a second hinged connection in the form of fold line 73, the first and second hinged connections are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The aperture A4 and the pair of tabs 70, 72 may define a substantially triangular shaped opening in the base panel 16. A first pair of tabs 70, 72, defining in part a first opening may be hinged, generally, in opposition to a second pair of tabs 70, 72, defining in part a second opening.

[0083] The floor panel 26 comprises at least one locking tab 74, 76, optionally two tabs 74, 76, for being received in the at least one opening in the base panel 16. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of locking tabs 74, 76 for being received in each opening in the base panel 16.

[0084] Each locking tab 74, 76 is struck from, or defined in, the floor panel 26 and is hingedly connected thereto by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line 77, 79. The pair of locking tabs 74, 76 are separated from each other by at least in part by a cutline 81. In the illustrated embodiment, pair of locking tabs 74, 76 are separated from each other in part by a cutline 81 and in part by an aperture A7. A first locking tab 74 is hinged by a first hinged connection in the form of fold line 77 and a second locking tab 76 is hinged by a second hinged connection in the form of fold line 79, the first and second hinged connections are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The aperture A4 and the pair of locking tabs 74, 76 may define a substantially triangular shaped opening in the floor panel 26. A first pair of locking tabs 74, 76, defining in part a first opening may be hinged, generally, in opposition to a second pair of locking tabs 74, 76, defining in part a second opening. The pair of locking tabs 74, 76 are configured to disposed in vertical registry or alignment with a respective opening in the base panel 16. Each locking tab 74, 76 may comprise a tongue or extension Tb3, Tb4 for engaging with a portion of the base panel 16 adjacent the respective opening in the base panel 16 in which it is received.

[0085] The base panel 16 comprises at least one article retention device RT1 (also referred to herein as article engaging devices). The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT1, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT1 arranged in 3 x 2 matrix or array. Each article retention device RT1 comprises an article receiving opening. The article receiving opening may be defined in part by an aperture A3 and in part by at least one article engaging tab 60, 62, 64. The illustrated embodiment comprises three article engaging tabs 60, 62, 64 each struck from, or defined within the base panel 16 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61, 63,

[0086] 65. A first article engaging tab 60 is disposed adjacent to a respective one of the first and second side panels 14, 18 and is hingedly connected to the base panel by a fold line 61 ; the fold line 61 is spaced apart from the respective hinged connection, fold line 15, 17, between the base panel 16 and said one of the first and second side panels 14, 18. The fold line 61 being substantially parallel to the fold line 15, 17. The article retention devices RT1 comprise a pair of opposed article engaging tabs 62, 64; a second article engaging tab 62 being hinged in opposition to a third article engaging tab 64. The second article engaging tab 62 is separated from the third article engaging tab 64, at least in part, by the aperture A3. The first article engaging tab 60 is separated from the second and third article engaging tabs 62, 64 by cut lines or frangible lines.

[0087] The floor panel 26 comprises at least one second article retention device RT2 (also referred to herein as article engaging devices). The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of second article retention devices RT2, specifically, but not limited to, two article retention devices RT1 arranged in 2 x 1 matrix or array. Each second article retention device RT2 comprises an article receiving opening. The article receiving opening may be defined in part by an aperture A6 and in part by at least one article engaging tab 66, 68A, 68B. The illustrated embodiment comprises three article engaging tabs

[0088] 66, 68A, 68B each struck from, or defined within the floor panel 26 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 67, 69A, 69B. A first article engaging tab 66 is disposed adjacent to a middle portion of the floor panel 26 and is hinged to the floor panel 26 by a fold line 67. The fold line 61 being configured substantially parallel to the fold lines 25, 27. The second article retention devices RT2 comprise a pair of opposed article engaging tabs 68A, 68B; a second article engaging tab 68A being hinged in opposition to a third article engaging tab 68B. The second article engaging tab 68A is separated from the third article engaging tab 68B, at least in part, by the aperture A6. The first article engaging tab 66 is separated from the second and third article engaging tabs 68A, 68B by cut lines or frangible lines.

[0089] The blank 10 comprises at least one article accepting opening A8, the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article accepting openings A8, specifically, but not limited to, four article accepting openings A8. Each of the first and second top panels 52A, 52B of the inner support structure comprises at least one article accepting opening A8. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second top panels 52A, 52B of the inner support structure comprises two article accepting openings A8.

[0090] Each article accepting opening A8 is struck in part from, or defined in part in, one of the first and second top panels 52A, 52B of the inner support structure. The portion of each article accepting opening A8 defined in a top panel 52A, 52B of the inner support structure 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 accepting opening A8 may be at least a portion of an end closure, screw cap or crown cork of an article B. Each article accepting opening A8 may extend into one or both of the side or beam panels 50A, 54A; 50B, 54B extending from, or hinged to, the respective top panel 52A, 52B of the inner support structure in which the article accepting opening A8 is formed. The, or each, portion of the article accepting opening A8 struck from, or defined in, one of the side or beam panels 50A, 54A; 50B, 54B may be generally trapezoidal in shape.

[0091] An edge E1 , E2 of the article accepting opening A8 provided by the portion of the article accepting opening A8 defined in one of the side or beam panels 50A, 54A; 50B, 54B may provide an engaging or support edge for engaging or suspending the article B, the edge E1, E2 may be arranged to engage the article B below a flange, projection or undercut feature of the article B.

[0092] The base panel 16 may comprise a first part of a securing device for receiving a portion of the inner support structure to retain the inner support structure in an assembled or erected condition. The first part of a securing device comprises an opening in the base panel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening is defined by a flap 78A, 78B struck from the base panel 16 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 79A, 79B. Each of the second beam panels 54A, 54B comprises a tongue Tb1 , Tb2 extending from a free edge, the free edge opposes a hinged edge defined by the fold line 55A, 55B hinging the second beam panel 54A, 54B to the top panel 52A, 52B of the inner support structure. The flaps Tb1 , Tb2 are configured to be received in respective ones of the openings in the base panel 16 created when the flaps 78A, 78B are folded out of the plane of the base panel 16.

[0093] The first connecting panel 22 comprises at least one aperture A5 partially separating the first connecting panel 22 from second top panel 20. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of apertures A5 coupled to each other by a cut line or frangible line FR2. The pair of apertures A5 define in part a region of the second top panel 20 partially surrounding one of the article receiving openings A1 in the second top panel 20.

[0094] The third connecting panel 8 comprises at least one aperture A5 partially separating the third connecting panel 8 from the first top panel 12. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of apertures A5 coupled to each other by a cut line or frangible line FR1. The pair of apertures A5 define in part a region of the first top panel 12 partially surrounding one of the article receiving openings A1 in the first top panel 12.

[0095] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, 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 first blank 10 is folded about fold line 21 to bring the floor panel 26 into face contacting relationship with the base panel 16.

[0097] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing panel 28, or, in alternative embodiments, to a corresponding region of the fourth connecting panel 6. The third connecting panel 8, along with the fourth connecting panel 6, is folded about fold line 11 to bring the fourth connecting panel 6 into face contacting relationship with the securing panel 28. The fourth connecting panel 6 is secured to the securing panel 28. The first beam panels 50A, 50B of each inner support structure are folded about fold lines 51 A, 51 B so that each forms a generally “L” shaped structure with the floor panel 26.

[0098] The top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure are folded with respect to the first beam panel 50A, 50B to which they are hinged, about fold lines 53A, 53B, respectively.

[0099] The second beam panels 54A, 54B are folded with respect to the top panel 50A, 50B of the inner support structure to which they are hinged, about fold lines 55A, 55B, respectively. The tongues Tb1 , Tb2 are inserted into the opening in the base panel 16 defined by the flaps 78A, 78B. In this way a pair of inverted “U” shaped structures is formed.

[0100] The first, second, third, and fourth anchor panels 30A, 42A, 30B, 42B are folded with respect to the top panel 12, 20 to which they are hinged and brought into face-to-face relationship therewith. As a consequence of folding the anchor panels 30A, 42A, 30B, 42B the first and second bottom end closure panels 36A, 36B are folded with respect to the base panel 16 to close the ends at least partially.

[0101] The first and second side panels 14, 18 are folded, along with the first and second top panels 12, 20, with respect to the base panel 16.

[0102] Glue or other adhesive treatment (glue regions G are shown in Figure 1) is applied to the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure, or, in alternative embodiments, to corresponding regions of the first and second top panels 12, 20 of the outer shell.

[0103] The first and second top panels 12, 20 are folded with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 14, 18 to which they are hinged. The first top panel 12 is brought into a face contacting relationship with the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure. The first top panel 12 is secured to the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure The second top panel 20 is brought into face contacting relationship with the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure. The second top panel 20 is secured to the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure to form an assembled carrier 90.

[0104] The assembled carrier 90 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 , RT2 and article accepting openings A8 being positioned to be in registry or alignment with a respective one of the articles B in the group. An upper portion of each article B is received in the article receiving opening of a respective one of the first article retention devices RT1 and in one of the second article retention devices RT2 or article accepting openings A8. The tabs 60, 62, 64 of the first article retention devices RT 1 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the base panel 16 and engage a respective article B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended from the base panel 16. The tabs 66, 68A, 68B of the second article retention devices RT2 are folded upwardly out of the plane of the floor panel 26 and engage a respective article B below a flange or other suitable projection such that the article B may be suspended from the floor panel 26.

[0105] The assembled carrier 90 is lowered further with respect to the group of articles B the article accepting openings A8 provided in the top panels 50A, 50B of the inner support structure receive an upper portion of a respective article B and such that an article B is received in a respective one of the article receiving openings A1 in the first and second top panels 12, 20 to form a package P with the group of articles B ass shown in Figure 2. Referring now to Figures 3 to 6, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100”, "200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third, respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in detail.

[0106] Turning to Figure 3, there is illustrated a blank 110 for forming an article carrier 190 (see Figure 4) according to embodiments of the invention. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 108, 112, 114, 116, 118 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 111 , 113, 115, 117. The plurality of main panels 108, 112, 114, 116, 118 form an outer shell and define a tubular structure having an interior chamber. The plurality of main panels 108, 112, 114, 116, 118 includes a main or engaging panel 116 forming a base wall of the outer shell. A first side panel 114 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115. A top panel 112 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 113. A second inner side panel 118 or securing panel 118 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. A second outer side panel 108 is hingedly connected to the engaging or top panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 111.

[0107] The blank 110 comprises plurality of panels 126, 150A, 152A, 150B, 152B for forming an inner support structure. The inner support structure comprises at least one floor panel 126 and at least one beam panel 150A, 150B for engaging an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first beam panels 150A, 150B each hingedly connected to a floor panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 151 A, 151 B.

[0108] The floor panel 126 is hingedly connected to the plurality of main panels 108, 112, 114, 116, 118 by a connecting panel 124. The connecting panel 124 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123. The connecting panel 124 is hingedly connected to the floor panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125.

[0109] A top panel 152A, 152B may be hingedly connected to each of the pair of first beam panels 150A, 150B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 153A, 153B.

[0110] The blank 110 comprises a plurality of end closure panels 130A, 132A, 134A, 136A, 138A, 140A, 130B, 132B, 134B, 136B, 138B, 140B for closing ends of the tubular structure of the outer shell. The plurality of end closure panels 130A, 132A, 134A, 136A, 138A, 140A, 130B, 132B, 134B, 136B, 138B, 140B comprises a first group of end closure panels 130A, 132A, 134A, 136A, 138A, 140A for closing, at least in part, a first end of the tubular structure. The plurality of end closure panels 130A, 132A, 134A, 136A, 138A, 140A, 130B, 132B, 134B, 136B, 138B, 140B comprises a second group of end closure panels 130B, 132B, 134B, 136B, 138B, 140B for closing, at least in part, a second end of the tubular structure.

[0111] A first anchor panel 130A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first top panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129A.

[0112] A first bottom end closure panel 136A is hingedly connected to a first end of the base panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37A. The first anchor panel 130A is coupled to the first bottom end closure panel 136A by a first pair of web panels 132A, 134A. A first web panel 132A is hingedly connected to the first anchor panel 130A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 A. A second web panel 134A is hingedly connected to the first web panel 132A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133A. The second web panel 134A is hingedly connected to the first bottom end closure panel 36A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135A.

[0113] A second pair of web panels 138A, 140A is coupled to the first bottom end closure panel 136A. A third web panel 40A is hingedly connected to a fourth web panel 38A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141 A. The fourth web panel 138A is hingedly connected to the first bottom end closure panel 136A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139A.

[0114] The first pair of web panels 132A, 134A are partially separated, or spaced apart, from the first side panel 114 by an aperture A2. The second pair of web panels 138A, 140A are partially separated, or spaced apart, from the second side panel 118 by an aperture A2.

[0115] A third anchor panel 130B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first top panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129B.

[0116] A second bottom end closure panel 136B is hingedly connected to a second end of the base panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 137B.

[0117] The third anchor panel 130B is coupled to the second bottom end closure panel 136B by a third pair of web panels 132B, 134B. A fifth web panel 132B is hingedly connected to the third anchor panel 130B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 B. A sixth web panel 134B is hingedly connected to the fifth web panel 132B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133B. The sixth web panel 134B is hingedly connected to the second bottom end closure panel 136B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135B.

[0118] A fourth pair of web panels 138B, 140B is coupled to the first bottom end closure panel 136A.

[0119] A seventh web panel 140B is hingedly connected to an eighth web panel 138B fourth anchor panel 142B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 143B. The eighth web panel 138B is hingedly connected to the second bottom end closure panel 136B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139B.

[0120] The third pair of web panels 132B, 134B are partially separated, or spaced apart, from the first side panel 114 by an aperture A2. The fourth pair of web panels 138B, 140B are partially separated, or spaced apart, from the second side panel 118 by an aperture A2.

[0121] The blank 110 comprises at least one article receiving opening A1 , the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article receiving opening A1 , specifically, but not limited to, six article receiving openings A1 struck from, or defined in, the top panel 112 and arranged in 3 x 2 matrix or array.

[0122] Each article receiving opening A1 is configured to accommodate an upper end portion of an article B and may be generally circular in shape and may comprise an at least partially scalloped or serrated edge. 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. The first and second anchor panel 130A, 130B are configured to be folded into face-to-face relationship with the top panel 112 to which they are hinged Each of the first and second anchor panels 130A, 130B comprises a pair of cutaways each in the form of a recess R configured and arranged complementarily to a respective one of the article receiving openings A1 disposed adjacent the anchor panel 130A, 130B.

[0123] The base panel 116 comprises at least one opening, the at least one opening may be a receiver for a portion of at least one locking tab 174, 176 provided by the floor panel 126. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of openings. Each opening may be defined in part by an aperture A4 struck from, or defined in, the base panel 116. The at least one opening may be defined, at least in part, by at least one tab 170, 172. The openings of the illustrated embodiment are defined in part by two tabs 170, 172. Each tab 170, 172 is struck from, or defined in, the base panel 116 and is hingedly connected thereto by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line F3, F4. The pair of tabs 170, 172 are separated from each other by a cutline 175. A first tab 170 is hinged by a first hinged connection in the form of fold line F3 and a second tab 172 is hinged by a second hinged connection in the form of fold line F4, the first and second hinged connections are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The aperture A4 and the pair of tabs 170, 172 may define a substantially triangular shaped opening in the base panel 116. A first pair of tabs 170, 172, defining in part a first opening may be hinged, generally, in opposition to a second pair of tabs 170, 172, defining in part a second opening.

[0124] The floor panel 126 comprises at least one locking tab 174, 176, optionally two tabs 174, 176, for being received in the at least one opening in the base panel 116. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of locking tabs 174, 176 for being received in each opening in the base panel 116.

[0125] Each locking tab 174, 176 is struck from, or defined in, the floor panel 126 and is hingedly connected thereto by a respective hinged connection in the form of a fold line 177, 179. The pair of locking tabs 174, 176 are separated from each other by at least in part by a cutline 181. In the illustrated embodiment, pair of locking tabs 174, 176 are separated from each other in part by a cutline 181 and in part by an aperture A7. A first locking tab 174 is hinged by a first hinged connection in the form of fold line 177 and a second locking tab 176 is hinged by a second hinged connection in the form of fold line 179, the first and second hinged connections are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The aperture A4 and the pair of locking tabs 174, 176 may define a substantially triangular shaped opening in the floor panel 126. A first pair of locking tabs 174, 176, defining in part a first opening may be hinged, generally, in opposition to a second pair of locking tabs 174, 176, defining in part a second opening.

[0126] The pair of locking tabs 174, 176 are configured to be disposed in vertical registry or alignment with a respective opening in the base panel 116. Each locking tab 174, 176 may comprise a tongue or extension for engaging with a portion of the base panel 116 adjacent the respective opening in the base panel 116 in which it is received.

[0127] The top panel 112 comprises a handle opening A9 disposed in vertical registry or alignment with the tabs 170, 172 and the locking tabs 174, 176.

[0128] The base panel 116 comprises at least one article retention device RT3, RT4 (also referred to herein as article engaging devices). The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article retention devices RT3, RT4, specifically, but not limited to, six article retention devices RT3, RT4 arranged in 3 x 2 matrix or array. Each article retention device RT3, RT4 comprises an article receiving opening. The article receiving opening is defined by a pair of article engaging tabs 160 / 162, 164 / 166 each struck from, or defined within the base panel 116 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161 , 163, 165, 167. The base panel 116 comprises four first article retention devices RT3 disposed in pairs adjacent opposed ends of the base panel 116. The base panel 116 comprises two second article retention devices RT4 disposed between the two pairs of first article retention devices RT3.

[0129] The first article retention devices RT3 comprise a first article engaging tab 160 hingedly connected to the base panel by a fold line 161 and a second article engaging tab 162 hingedly connected to the base panel 116 by a fold line 163. Fold line 161 and fold line 163 are disposed substantially parallel to fold lines 137 A, 137B hinging the first and second bottom end closure panels 136A, 136B to the base panel 116.

[0130] The second article retention devices RT4 comprise a third article engaging tab 164 hingedly connected to the base panel by a fold line 165 and a fourth article engaging tab 166 hingedly connected to the base panel 116 by a fold line 167. Fold line 165 and fold line 167 are disposed substantially parallel to fold lines 115, 117 hinging the first and second side panels 114, 118 to the base panel 116. Fold line 165 and fold line 167 are disposed substantially perpendicular to fold line 161 and fold line 163.

[0131] The floor panel 126 comprises at least one third article retention device RT5 (also referred to herein as article engaging devices). The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of third article retention devices RT5, specifically, but not limited to, two third article retention devices RT5 arranged in 2 x 1 matrix or array. Each third article retention device RT5 comprises an article receiving opening. The article receiving opening may be defined in part by an aperture A10 or recess R1 in the floor panel 126 and in part by an article engaging tab 168. The article engaging tab 168 is struck from, or defined within, the floor panel 126 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 169. The aperture A10 may interrupt the fold line 125 hinging the floor panel 126 to the connecting panel 124.

[0132] The blank 110 comprises at least one article accepting opening A8, the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of article accepting openings A8, specifically, but not limited to, four article accepting openings A8. Each of the first and second top panels 152A, 152B of the inner support structure comprises at least one article accepting opening A8. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second top panels 152A, 152B of the inner support structure comprises two article accepting openings A8.

[0133] Each article accepting opening A8 is struck in part from, or defined in part in, one of the first and second top panels 152A, 152B of the inner support structure. The portion of each article accepting opening A8 defined in a top panel 152A, 152B of the inner support structure 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 accepting opening A8 may be at least a portion of an end closure, screw cap or crown cork of an article B. Each article accepting opening A8 may extend into the side or beam panel 150A, 150B extending from, or hinged to, the respective top panel 152A, 152B of the inner support structure in which the article accepting opening A8 is formed. The, or each, portion of the article accepting opening A8 struck from, or defined in, the side or beam panel 150A, 150B may be generally trapezoidal in shape.

[0134] An edge E2 of the article accepting opening A8 provided by the portion of the article accepting opening A8 defined in the side or beam panel 150A, 150B may provide an engaging or support edge for engaging or suspending the article B, the edge E2 may be arranged to engage the article B below a flange, projection or undercut feature of the article B. The side or beam panel 150A, 150B may comprise at least one relief tab 182 struck therefrom and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 183. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of relief tabs 182, each defining a part of the engaging edge E2 of the article accepting opening A8. The fold lines 183 of the pair of relief tabs 182 are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of relief tabs 182 are separated from each other by a cut line 185 extending substantially from the engaging edge E2 of the article accepting opening A8.

[0135] The blank 110 is assembled into an article carrier 190, as shown in Figure 4, substantially similarly to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the connecting panel 124 is folded into face-to-face relationship with the second inner side panel 118 and the second outer side panel 108 is secured with adhesive G or other suitable means to the second inner side panel 118.

[0136] Turning to Figure 5, there is illustrated a blank 210 for forming an article carrier 290 (see Figure 6) according to embodiments of the invention. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 208, 212, 214, 216, 218 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 211 , 213, 215, 217. The plurality of main panels 208, 212, 214, 216, 218 form an outer shell and define a tubular structure having an interior chamber. The plurality of main panels 208, 212, 214, 216, 218 includes a main or engaging panel 216 forming a base wall of the outer shell. A first side panel 214 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215. A top panel 212 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213. A second inner side panel 218 or securing panel 218 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. A second outer side panel 208 is hingedly connected to the engaging or top panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 211 .

[0137] The blank 210 comprises plurality of panels 226, 226A, 226B, 250A, 254A, 250B, 254B for forming an inner support structure The inner support structure comprises at least one floor panel 226, 226A, 226B and at least one beam panel 250A, 254A, 250B, 254B for engaging an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first beam panels 250A, 250B each hingedly connected to a floor panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 251 A, 251 B and a pair of second beam panels 254A, 254B each hingedly connected to a respective floor panel 226A, 226B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 255A, 255B. Each first beam panel 250A, 250B is separated from one of the pair of second beam panels 254A, 254B by a cut line or frangible line CT1 , CT2 and is hinged in opposition to said one of the pair of second beam panels 254A, 254B.

[0138] The inner support structure is coupled to the plurality of main panels 208, 212, 214, 216, 218 by a connecting panel 224. The connecting panel 224 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223 and is partially separated from the second inner side panel 218 by at least one cut line 219; the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of non-linear outlines 219 extending from the fold line 223.

[0139] The blank 210 comprises a first inner side panel 228 hingedly connected to the floor panels 226, 226A, 226B, the first inner side panel 228 is configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with an inner surface of the first side panel 214 in a setup article carrier 290.

[0140] A handle access opening A9 is defined in the top panel 212. The handle access opening is defined in part by a pair of cushioning tabs HT1 , HT2 each hingedly connected to the top panel 212 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1 , F2. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 the end closure panels have been omitted. The second beam panels 254A, 254B when in a folded condition at least partially close the ends of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 208, 212, 214, 216, 218 best shown in Figure 6.

[0141] Figure 7 illustrates a blank 310 for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention. The blank 310 comprises a plurality of main panels 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 311 , 313, 315, 317. The plurality of main panels 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 form an outer shell and define a tubular structure having an interior chamber. The plurality of main panels 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 includes a main or engaging panel 316 forming a base wall of the outer shell. A first side panel 314 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315. A top panel 312 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 314 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313. A second inner side panel 318 or securing panel 318 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. A second outer side panel 308 is hingedly connected to the engaging or top panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 311.

[0142] The blank 310 comprises plurality of panels 326, 326A, 326B, 350A, 354A, 350B, 354B for forming an inner support structure. The inner support structure comprises at least one floor panel 326, 326A, 326B and at least one beam panel 350A, 354A, 350B, 354B for engaging an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first beam panels 350A, 350B each hingedly connected to a floor panel 326 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 351 A, 351 B and a pair of second beam panels 354A, 354B each hingedly connected to a respective floor panel 326A, 326B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 355A, 355B. Each first beam panel 350A, 350B is separated from one of the pair of second beam panels 354A, 354B by a cut line or frangible line CT 1 , CT2 and by one or more openings A11. Each first beam panel 350A, 350B is hinged in opposition to said one of the pair of second beam panels 354A, 354B. Each of the one or more openings A11 provides each of the opposed beam panels 350A, 354A; 350B, 354B with a recess 380, 382. Those recesses 380, 382 provide engaging edges for engaging articles B when the beam panels 350A, 354A; 350B.354B are folded out of the plane of the floor panel 326 to define an article-receiving openings in the floor panel 326 for receiving the upper portions of two or more articles B. When the beam panels 350A, 354A; 350B.354B are folded to engage articles, the free or distal end of each of the beam panels 350A, 354A; 350B.354B except the recessed areas may be brought into contact with the inside surface of the top panel 312 of an erected carrier.

[0143] The inner support structure is coupled to the plurality of main panels 308, 312, 314, 316, 318 by a connecting panel 324. The connecting panel 324 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of fold lines 323 and is partially separated from the second inner side panel 318 by at least one cut line 319; the illustrated embodiment comprises three non-linear cutlines 319. The intermediate one of the three cutlines 319 extends between the fold lines 323 while the other two cut lines 319 extend outwards from the fold lines 323, respectively.

[0144] The blank 310 comprises a first inner side panel 328 hingedly connected to the floor panels 326, 326A, 326B. The first inner side panel 328 is configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with an inner surface of the first side panel 314 in a setup article carrier.

[0145] A handle access opening A9 is defined in the top panel 312. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the end closure panels have been omitted. The second beam panels 354A, 354B when in a folded condition at least partially close the ends of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 308, 312, 314, 316, 318.

[0146] Turning now to Figure 8, there is illustrated a blank 410 for forming an article carrier according to embodiments of the invention. The blank 410 comprises a plurality of main panels 408, 412, 414, 416, 418 arranged in a linear series and hinged one to the next by a respective fold line 411 , 413, 415, 417. The plurality of main panels 408, 412, 414, 416, 418 form an outer shell and define a tubular structure having an interior chamber. The plurality of main panels 408, 412, 414, 416, 418 includes a main or engaging panel 416 forming a base wall of the outer shell. A first side panel 414 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 416 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 415. A top panel 412 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 414 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 413. A second inner side panel 418 or securing panel 418 is hingedly connected to the engaging or base panel 416 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417. A second outer side panel 408 is hingedly connected to the engaging or top panel 412 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 411 .

[0147] The blank 410 comprises plurality of panels 426, 426A, 426B, 450A, 454A, 450B, 454B for forming an inner support structure. The inner support structure comprises at least one floor panel 426, 426A, 426B and at least one beam panel 450A, 454A, 450B, 454B for engaging an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of first beam panels 450A, 450B each hingedly connected to a floor panel 426 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 451 A, 451 B and a pair of second beam panels 454A, 454B each hingedly connected to a respective floor panel 426A, 426B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 455A, 455B. Each first beam panel 450A, 450B is separated from one of the pair of second beam panels 454A, 454B by a non-linear cut line or frangible line CT 1 , CT2. Each first beam panel 450A, 450B is hinged in opposition to said one of the pair of second beam panels 454A, 454B. The non-linear cut lines CT1 , CT2 provides each of the second beam panels 454A, 454B with a protruding tongue 481 . Those tongues 481 of the second beam panels 454A, 454B are brought into contact or abutment with the inside surface of the top panel 412 when those second beam panels 454A, 454B are folded out of the plane of the floor panel 426. Each second beam panel 454A, 454B has recessed engaging edges on the opposite sides of the respective tongue 481. Those recessed engaging edges of each second beam panel 454A, 454B are brought into engagement with articles B when the second beam panels 454A, 454B are folded out of the plane of the floor panel 426 to define an article-receiving openings in the floor panel 426 for receiving the upper portions of two or more articles B. Each of the first beam panels 450A, 450B is provided with a central recessed region along the distal end edge thereof. When the first beam panels 450A, 450B are folded are folded out of the plane of the floor panel 426, the distal end edge portions on the opposite sides of the central recessed region of each first beam panel 450A, 450B are brought into engagement with articles B.

[0148] The inner support structure is coupled to the plurality of main panels 408, 412, 414, 416, 418 by a connecting panel 424. The connecting panel 424 is hingedly connected to the second inner side panel 418 by a hinged connection in the form of a linear fold line 423. The connecting panel 424 is partially separated from the second inner side panel 418 by at least one cut line 419; the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of non-linear cutlines 419. The cutlines 419 extend outwards from the opposite ends of the fold line 423. The blank 410 comprises a first inner side panel 428 hingedly connected to the floor panels 426, 426A, 426B. The first inner side panel 428 is configured to be disposed in face-to-face relationship with an inner surface of the first side panel 414 in a setup article carrier.

[0149] A handle access opening A9 is defined in the top panel 412. The handle access opening A9 is defined in part by a pair of cushioning tabs HT1 , HT2 each hingedly connected to the top panel 412 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F1, F2.

[0150] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the end closure panels have been omitted. The second beam panels 454A, 454B when in a folded condition at least partially close the ends of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 408, 412, 414, 416, 418.

[0151] The article carrier formed from the blank 410 comprises a lock for securing the shell base panel 416 and the inner floor panel 426 in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The lock comprises a pair of first tabs 470, 472 hingedly connected to the base panel 416 along a pair of first divergent fold lines F3, F4, respectively. The lock further comprises a pair of second tabs 474, 476 hingedly or foldably connected to the floor panel 426 along a pair of second divergent fold lines 477, 479, respectively. Those fold lines 477, 479 in the blank 410 are notional fold lines which turn into visible fold lines or crease lines only after the second tabs 474, 476 are folded with respect to the floor panel 426 The first tabs 470, 472 define a locking opening in the base panel 416 when folded out of the plane of the base panel 416. The second divergent fold lines 477, 479 are disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines F3, F4 respectively when the second tabs 474, 476 are received in the locking opening.

[0152] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 and a carrier blank 10; 110; 210, 310. 410 for forming the same. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises an outer shell and an inner structure. The outer shell comprises a shell base panel 16, 116; 216; 316; 416 and a pair of opposed shell side panels 14, 18; 114, 118; 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 16, 116; 216; 316; 416. The inner structure comprises an inner floor panel 26; 126; 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel 16, 116; 216; 316; 416 and at least one engaging beam panel 50A, 50B; 150A, 150B; 250A, 250B, 254A, 254B; 350A, 350B, 354A, 354B; 450A, 450B, 454A, 454B hingedly connected to the inner floor panel 26; 126; 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B. The at least one engaging beam panel 50A, 50B; 150A, 150B; 250A, 250B, 254A, 254B; 350A, 350B, 354A, 354B; 450A, 450B, 454A, 454B extending between the shell side panels 14, 18; 108, 118; 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 further comprises a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure.

[0153] The connecting feature may comprise an inner side panel 24; 124, 224; 324; 424 hingedly connected to the inner floor panel 26; 126; 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B.

[0154] The inner side panel 124; 224; 324; 424 may be hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 114, 118; 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418.

[0155] The connecting feature may further comprise an inner top panel 22 hingedly connected to the inner side panel 24 and an outer top panel 20 hingedly connected to the inner top panel 22. The outer top panel 20 may be hingedly connected to one of the shell side panels 14, 18. The shell base panel 16; 116; 216; 316; 416 may comprise at least one first article receptacle RT1 ; RT3, RT4 for receiving a part of an article B. The inner floor panel 26; 126; 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B comprises at least one second article receptacle RT2; RT5 for receiving the part of the article B.

[0156] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290 and a carrier blank 10; 110; 210; 410 for forming the same. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises a first panel 16; 116; 216; 416 a second panel 26; 126; 226; 426 in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel 16; 116; 216; 416. The article carrier 90; 190; 290 comprises a lock securing the first and second panels 16, 26; 116, 126; 216, 226; 416, 426 in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The lock comprises a pair of first tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 hingedly connected to the first panel 16; 116; 216; 416 along a pair of first divergent fold lines 71 , 73; F3, F4, respectively. The lock comprises a pair of second tabs 74, 76; 174, 176; 274, 276; 474, 476 hingedly connected to the second panel 26; 126; 226; 426 along a pair of second divergent fold lines 77, 79; 177, 179; 277, 279; 477, 479, respectively. The first tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 define a locking opening in the first panel 16; 116; 216; 416 when folded out of the plane of the first panel 16; 116; 216; 416. The second divergent fold lines 77, 79; 177, 179; 277, 279; 477, 479 are disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines 71 , 73; F3, F4 respectively when the second tabs are received in the locking opening.

[0157] The article carrier 90; 190; 290 may further comprise a second lock securing the first and second panels 16, 26; 116, 126; 216, 226; 426 in the overlapping arrangement with each other. The second lock comprises a pair of third tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 hingedly connected to the first panel 16; 116; 216; 416 along a pair of third divergent fold lines respectively, and a pair of fourth tabs 74, 76; 174, 176; 274, 276; 474, 476 hingedly connected to the second panel 26; 126; 226; 426 along a pair of fourth divergent fold lines respectively. The third tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 are positioned spaced apart from the first tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 such that the third divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the first tabs 70, 72; 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472. The fourth tabs 74, 76; 174, 176; 274, 276; 474, 476 are positioned spaced apart from the second tabs 74, 76; 174, 176; 274, 276; 474, 476 such that the fourth divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the second tabs 74, 76; 174, 176; 274, 276; 474, 476. The third divergent fold lines are disposed in registry with the fourth divergent fold lines respectively when the fourth tabs are received in the second locking opening.

[0158] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 290 comprising an outer shell and an inner structure, the outer shell comprising a shell base panel 216; 316; 416 and a pair of opposed shell side panels 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418 hingedly connected to the shell base panel 216; 316; 416 such that the shell base panel 216; 316; 416 and the shell side panels 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418 together form a channel structure having a pair of opposed ends. The inner structure comprises an inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel 216; 316; 416 and at least one engaging beam panel 254A, 254B; 354A, 354B; 453A, 454B for engaging two or more articles B. The at least one engaging beam 254A, 254B; 354A, 354B; 454A, 454B formed from the inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B and hingedly connected to the inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be a fold line 255A, 255B; 355A, 355B; 455A, 455B extending perpendicularly to the channel axis of the channel structure. The at least one beam panel 254A, 254B; 354A, 354B; 454A, 454B at least partially closes at least one of the opposed ends of the channel structure when the beam panel is folded out of the plane of the inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B to define an opening therein.

[0159] The at least one engaging beam panel 254A, 254B; 354A, 354B; 454A, 454B may extend between the shell side panels 214, 218; 314, 318; 414, 418.

[0160] The shell base panel 216; 316; 416 may comprise at least one article receptacle RT3, RT4 for receiving a part of an article B, the article receptacle RT3, RT4 being in registry with the opening defined in the inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B by the at least one beam panel 254A, 254B; 354A, 354B; 454A, 454B.

[0161] The inner structure may further comprise a pair of opposed inner side panels 224, 228; 324, 328; 424, 428 hingedly connected to the inner floor panel 226, 226A, 226B; 326, 326A, 326B; 426, 426A, 426B.

[0162] The present disclosure provides an article carrier 190; 290 and a carrier blank 110; 210; 410 for forming the same. The article carrier 190; 290 comprises a base panel 116; 216; 416 and a top panel 112; 212; 412 disposed at a position spaced above the base panel 116; 216; 416. The base panel 116; 216; 416 comprises a handle by which the article carrier 190; 290 may be lifted. The handle comprises a pair of first tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 hingedly connected to the base panel 116; 216; 416 along a pair of first divergent fold lines F3, F4 respectively and a pair of third tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 spaced apart from the first tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 and hingedly connected to the base panel 116; 216; 416 along a pair of third divergent fold lines F5, F6 respectively. The top panel 112; 212; 412 comprises a handle access opening A9 through which the handle provided by the base panel 116; 216; 416 may be accessed. The handle access opening A9 being defined by a peripheral edge provided the top panel 112; 212; 412. The peripheral edge includes a pair of first divergent segments S3, S4 corresponding to the first divergent fold lines F3, F4 respectively and a pair of second divergent segments 85, S6 corresponding to the third divergent fold lines F5, F6, respectively.

[0163] The third tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 may be arranged with respect to the first tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 such that the first divergent fold lines F3, F4 extend divergently away from the third tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472 and that the third divergent fold lines F5, F6 extend divergently away from the first tabs 170; 172; 270, 272; 470, 472.

[0164] The present disclosure further provides an article carrier formed from a carrier blank 10, 110, 310 and 410, for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes an upper panel 12, 112, 312, 412 and a lower panel spaced apart therefrom by a pair of opposed side walls, the lower panel 26, 126, 326, 426 comprising at least one article receiving device 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device comprising at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A having an engaging edge E2, 380 for engaging with the at least one article. The at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A comprises a portion 481 extending from the engaging edge E2, 380. The portion 481 comprises an upper edge 53A, 153A, CT1 offset from the engaging edge E2, 380. The upper edge E2, 380 is disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel 12, 112, 312, 412 such that the at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A extends substantially between the lower panel 26, 126, 326, 426 and the upper panel 12, 112, 312, 412.

[0165] The upper edge of the portion of the at least one article engaging tab may provide a brace between the lower panel 26, 126, 326, 426 and the upper panel 12, 112, 312, 412 so as to maintain a space therebetween. The upper panel may comprise at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device.

[0166] The upper panel may be hingedly connected to at least one side panel.

[0167] The upper panel may be hingedly connected to the lower panel by at least one side panel.

[0168] The at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A may be engaged with a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0169] The portion of the at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A may comprise a tongue 481 disposed between a pair of engaging edges E2, E2; 380, 380; CT1 , CT1 for engaging respective ones the pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0170] The tongue 481 may comprise the upper edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel 12, 112, 312, 412.

[0171] The lower panel 26, 126, 326, 426 may comprise a base panel 16, 116, 316, 416 and an inner floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426 disposed along the base panel 16, 116, 316, 416, and the at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426.

[0172] The at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A may be hingedly connected at the upper edge 53A, 153A thereof to a top panel 52A, 152A which is secured to the upper panel 12, 112 in face contacting arrangement.

[0173] The top panel 52A, 152A may have at least one article accepting opening A8 for receiving a part of an article.

[0174] The at least one article accepting opening A8 may extend into the at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A such that the at least one article accepting opening A8 is defined in part by the engaging edge E2.

[0175] The at least one article engaging tab 354A, 454A may be disposed proximately at an end edge of the lower panel 368, 468 and substantially closes an open end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels.

[0176] The lower panel comprises a base panel 16, 116, 316, 416 and the floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426 disposed in face-to- face relationship with the base panel 16, 116, 316, 416. An inner support structure may be formed from the floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426 and comprising the at least one article engaging tab 50A, 150A, 350A, 450A.

[0177] The floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426 may comprise at least one first article receiving device for receiving a pair of articles. The base panel 16, 116, 316, 416 may comprise a pair of second article receiving devices RT1 , RT3 disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426. Each of the pair of second article receiving devices RT1 , RT3 in the base panel 16, 116, 316, 416 receiving a respective one of the pair of articles received by the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel 26, 126, 326, 426.

[0178] The present disclosure further provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier including 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 pair of opposed side walls. The lower panel includes at least one article receiving device for engaging at least one article. The at least one article receiving device includes 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 a portion extending from the engaging edge, and the portion includes an upper edge offset from the engaging edge. The upper 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.

[0179] Optionally, the upper edge of the portion of the at least one article engaging tab provides a brace between the second or lower panel and the first or upper panel so as to maintain spacing therebetween.

[0180] Optionally, the upper panel includes at least one article receiving opening disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one article receiving device.

[0181] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to at least one side panel.

[0182] Optionally, the upper panel is hingedly connected to the lower panel by at least one side panel.

[0183] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is engaged with a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0184] Optionally, the portion of the at least one article engaging tab includes a tongue disposed between a pair of engaging edges for engaging respective ones the pair of adjacently disposed articles.

[0185] Optionally, the tongue includes the upper edge disposed in close proximity or contact with an inner surface of the upper panel.

[0186] Optionally, the lower panel includes a base panel and an inner floor panel disposed along the base panel, and the at least one article engaging tab is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.

[0187] Optionally, the at least one article engaging tab is hingedly connected at the upper edge thereof to a top panel which is secured to the upper panel in face contacting arrangement.

[0188] Optionally, the top panel has at least one article accepting opening for receiving a part of an article.

[0189] Optionally, the at least one article accepting opening extends into the at least one article engaging tab such that the at least one article accepting opening is defined in part by the engaging edge

[0190] 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.

[0191] Optionally, the lower panel includes a base panel and the floor panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the base panel, an inner support structure is formed from the floor panel and including the at least one article engaging tab.

[0192] Optionally, the floor panel includes at least one first article receiving device for receiving a pair of articles, and the base panel includes a pair of second article receiving devices disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel, each of the pair of second article receiving devices in the base panel receiving a respective one of the pair of articles received by the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0196] 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.

[0197] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line or a severance line or both. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

[0198] 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: an outer shell, an inner structure, and a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure, the outer shell comprising: a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel, and the inner structure comprising: an inner floor panel disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel, and at least one engaging beam panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel, wherein the at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels2 An article carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting feature comprises an inner side panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.3 An article carrier according to claim 2, wherein the connecting feature further comprises an inner top panel hingedly connected to the inner side panel and an outer top panel hingedly connected to the inner top panel, wherein the outer top panel is hingedly connected to at least one of the shell side panels.4 An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the shell base panel comprises at least one first article receptacle for receiving a part of an article of the plurality of articles, and wherein the inner floor panel comprises at least one second article receptacle for receiving the part of the article.5 An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising: a first panel and a second panel in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel; a first lock securing the first panel and the second panel in the overlapping arrangement with each other, wherein the first lock comprises: a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines respectively, and a pair of second tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of second divergent fold lines respectively, wherein the first tabs each define a locking opening in the first panel when folded out of plane of the first panel, the locking opening defined by each of the first tabs being configured to receive the second tabs, respectively, and wherein the second divergent fold lines are disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines, respectively, when the second tabs are received in the locking opening.6 An article carrier according to claim 6, further comprising:a second lock securing the first panel and the second panel in the overlapping arrangement with each other, wherein the second lock comprises: a pair of third tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines respectively, and a pair of fourth tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of fourth divergent fold lines respectively, wherein the third tabs are positioned spaced apart from the first tabs such that the third divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the first tabs, and the fourth tabs are positioned spaced apart from the second tabs such that the fourth divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the second tabs, wherein the third divergent fold lines are disposed in registry with the fourth divergent fold lines, respectively. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising: an outer shell and an inner structure, the outer shell comprising: a shell base panel and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together form a channel structure having a pair of opposed ends and a channel axis extending between each of the opposed ends; the inner structure comprising: an inner floor panel disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel, and at least one engaging beam panel for engaging two or more articles of the plurality of articles, wherein the at least one engaging beam panel is formed from the inner floor panel and is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel along a hinged connection so as to be folded out of plane of the inner floor panel to define an opening therein, wherein the at least one engaging beam panel at least partially closes at least one of the opposed ends of the channel structure when the at least one engaging beam panel is folded out of the plane of the inner floor panel to define the opening therein. An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the hinged connection is a fold line extending substantially perpendicularly to the channel axis of the channel structure, and wherein the at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels. An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the shell base panel comprises at least one article receptacle for receiving a part of an article, the article receptacle being in registry with the opening of the inner floor panel. An article carrier according to claim 7, wherein the inner structure further comprises a pair of opposed inner side panels hingedly connected to the inner floor panel.

11. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a base panel and a top panel disposed at a position spaced above the base panel, the base panel comprising a handle for lifting the article carrier, the handle comprising a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines, respectively, and a pair of third tabs spaced apart from the first tabs and hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines, respectively, wherein the top panel comprises a handle access opening through which the handle provided by the base panel is accessible, wherein the handle access opening is defined by a peripheral edge that is provided by the top panel and that comprises a pair of first divergent segments corresponding to the first divergent fold lines, respectively, and a pair of second divergent segments corresponding to the third divergent fold lines, respectively.

12. An article carrier according to claim 11 , wherein the third tabs are arranged with respect to the first tabs such that the first divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the third tabs and such that the third divergent fold lines extend divergently away from the first tabs.

13. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising panels for forming an outer shell, an inner structure, and a connecting feature hingedly interconnecting the outer shell with the inner structure, wherein the panels for forming the outer shell comprise: a shell base panel, and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel; wherein the panels for forming the inner structure comprise: an inner floor panel configured to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel, and at least one engaging beam panel hingedly connected to the inner floor panel, wherein the at least one engaging beam panel extends between the shell side panels in a set-up condition of the blank.

14. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising: a first panel; a second panel configured to be folded in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel; and a lock for securing the first panel and the second panel in the overlapping arrangement with each other, wherein the lock comprises: a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the first panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines, respectively, and a pair of second tabs hingedly connected to the second panel along a pair of second divergent fold lines, respectively,wherein the first tabs define a locking opening in the first panel when folded out of plane of the first panel, the locking opening defined by each of the first tabs being configured to receive the second tabs, respectively, and wherein the second divergent fold lines are configured to be disposed in registry with the first divergent fold lines, respectively, when the second tabs are received in the locking opening.

15. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising panels for forming an outer shell and an inner structure, wherein the panels for forming the outer shell comprise: a shell base panel, and a pair of opposed shell side panels hingedly connected to the shell base panel such that the shell base panel and the shell side panels together form a channel structure having a pair of opposed ends, wherein the panels for forming the inner structure comprise: an inner floor panel configured to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with the shell base panel, and at least one engaging beam panel for engaging two or more articles, wherein the at least one engaging beam is formed from the inner floor panel and is hingedly connected to the inner floor panel along a hinged connection so as to be folded out of plane of the inner floor panel to define an opening therein, wherein the at least one engaging beam panel is configured to at least partially close at least one of the opposed ends of the channel structure when the at least one engaging beam panel is folded out of the plane of the inner floor panel to define the opening therein.

16. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a base panel and a top panel configured to be disposed at a position spaced above the base panel, wherein the base panel comprises a handle for lifting the article carrier, the handle comprising a pair of first tabs hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of first divergent fold lines, respectively, and a pair of third tabs spaced apart from the first tabs and hingedly connected to the base panel along a pair of third divergent fold lines, respectively, wherein the top panel comprises a handle access opening through which the handle provided by the base panel is accessible, wherein the handle access opening is defined by a peripheral edge that is provided by the top panel and that comprises a pair of first divergent segments corresponding to the first divergent fold lines, respectively, and a pair of second divergent segments corresponding to the third divergent fold lines, respectively.

17. 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 including 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 a portion extending from the engaging edge, the portion comprises an upper edge offset from the engaging edge, wherein the upper edge is disposed in close proximity orin 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.

18. An article carrier according to claim 17, 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 the lower panel by at least one side panel.

19. An article carrier according to claim 17, wherein the at least one article engaging tab is configured to be engaged with a pair of adjacently disposed articles.

20. An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein the portion of the at least one article engaging tab comprises a tongue disposed between a pair of the engaging edges, each for engaging a respective one of the pair of adjacently disposed articles, and wherein the tongue comprises the upper edge disposed in close proximity or in contact with an inner surface of the upper panel.

21. An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein the at least one article engaging tab is hingedly connected at the upper edge thereof to a top panel which is secured to the upper panel in face-to-face arrangement.

22. An article carrier according to claim 28, wherein the top panel has at least one article accepting opening for receiving a part of an article of the plurality of articles, and wherein the at least one article accepting opening extends into the at least one article engaging tab such that the at least one article accepting opening is defined in part by the engaging edge.

23. An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein the lower panel comprises a base panel and a floor panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with the base panel, wherein an inner support structure is formed from the floor panel and comprises the at least one article engaging tab.

24. An article carrier according to claim 23, wherein the floor panel comprises at least one first article receiving device for receiving a pair of articles, and the base panel comprises a pair of second article receiving devices disposed in vertical alignment with the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel, wherein each of the pair of second article receiving devices in the base panel is configured to receive a respective one of the pair of articles received by the at least one first article receiving device in the floor panel.

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