Lift up bottle carrier

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a blank for forming a bottle carrier, the blank comprising: an upper surface panel for defining an upper surface of the bottle carrier; at least one retention arrangement for retaining a bottle in the upper surface panel; and a first handling arrangement comprising at least one pushable surface of the upper surface panel arranged on a first edge of the upper surface panel and configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

Description

[0001] Lift Up Bottle Carrier

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a bottle carrier, a blank for forming a bottle carrier, a method of assembling a bottle carrier and a package including a bottle carrier.

[0004] Background

[0005] Bottles in a multipack have traditionally been stored and carried using plastic packaging, such as shrink wrap or plastic rings. While plastic packaging is convenient and widely used, it has several downsides, including its negative impact on the environment. Paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging exist but can have downsides, such as reduced durability and strength compared to plastic packaging and may not be as effective in retaining the bottles during transport and storage.

[0006] Even when paper-based alternatives are used, it may be preferable to reduce a size of the bottle carrier to reduce a material cost and a storage requirement of the bottle carriers. However, reducing the size of bottle carriers may impact a user’s ability to hold or lift the bottle carrier, and may reduce the user’s grip or comfort when holding the bottle carrier.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0008] Summary of Invention

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a blank, a bottle carrier, a method for assembling a bottle carrier, and a package as claimed in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a bottle carrier, the blank comprising: an upper surface panel for defining an upper surface of the bottle carrier; at least one retention arrangement for retaining a bottle in the upper surface panel; and a first handling arrangement comprising at least one pushable surface of the upper surface panel arranged on a first edge of the upper surface panel and configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

[0011] The blank is arranged to be easily and comfortably carried by a user via the first handling arrangement provided on the outer perimeter of the upper surface panel. Material and manufacturing costs are reduced as the upper surface panel itself is adapted to provide the handling arrangement, and thus no additional material is required to form handles or the like.

[0012] In some examples, the at least one pushable surface is defined by a fold line extending across the upper surface panel parallel to the first edge of the upper surface panel, and one or more cut lines extending between the first edge of the upper surface panel and the fold line.

[0013] The pushable surface provides a comfortable and effective grip for a user when lifting the bottle carrier. As the pushable surface can fold in either direction relative to the upper surface panel, a greater variety of user grip positions are supported.

[0014] The blank of any previous claim, wherein the first edge of the upper surface panel extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel.

[0015] In some examples, the blank further comprises a second handling arrangement configured as a reflection of the first handling arrangement about an axis extending through a centre of the upper surface panel and parallel to the first edge, the second handling arrangement comprising at least one second pushable surface of the upper surface panel arranged on a second edge of the upper surface panel opposing the first edge, and the at least one second pushable surface configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a second surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

[0016] The blank comprises two handling arrangements provided at opposing edges of the upper surface panel. The two handling arrangements provide surfaces for the user to grip and lift the bottle carrier with greater ease. As the second handling arrangement opposes the first handling arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel, the weight of the bottle carrier is evenly distributed and stability is increased when the user lifts the bottle carrier.

[0017] In some examples, the blank further comprises a third handling arrangement comprising at least one aperture arranged on the upper surface panel and configured to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand, wherein the at least one aperture is distanced from the first handling arrangement such that the first and third handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

[0018] The blank supports multiple grip positions by providing multiple handling arrangements which support comfortable and effective grip. The third handling arrangement comprises an aperture in the upper surface panel, and supports the user lifting the bottle carrier with a single hand by enabling contact with two separated handling arrangements.

[0019] In some examples, the at least one aperture is defined by an aperture cut line extending along a closed circuit in the upper surface panel.

[0020] In some examples, the first and third handling arrangements are provided along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel.

[0021] The first and third handling arrangements are provided along a straight line and thus can be more easily simultaneously gripped by the user.

[0022] In some examples, the third handling arrangement comprises at least one third pushable surface arranged on a first edge of the aperture proximal to the first edge of the upper surface panel, the at least one third pushable surface extending toward the centre of the aperture and defined by a fold line extending between two points on the first edge of the aperture, wherein the at least one third pushable surface is configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a third surface for helping the user grip the bottle carrier.

[0023] The pushable surfaces further support the user’s grip and improve comfort, by providing a surface which can fold relative to the upper surface panel and accommodate the user’s hand. In some examples, the third handling arrangement comprises at least one fourth pushable surface arranged on a second edge of the aperture distal to the first edge of the upper surface panel, the at least one fourth pushable surface extending toward the centre of the aperture and defined by a fold line extending between two points on the first edge of the aperture, wherein the at least one third pushable surface is configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a fourth surface for helping the user grip the bottle carrier.

[0024] In some examples, the second edge of the aperture opposes the first edge of the aperture.

[0025] Optionally, the third handling arrangement includes additional pushable surfaces having a different position around the aperture. This enables yet further grip support for the user in different positions.

[0026] In some examples, the blank further comprises a fourth handling arrangement configured as a reflection of the third handling arrangement about an axis extending through a centre of the upper surface panel and parallel to the first edge.

[0027] In some examples, the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface portion perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are distanced from one another such that the third and fourth handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

[0028] The third and fourth handling arrangements provide support and comfort for a user to grip the bottle carrier by the centre of the bottle carrier, for example by inserting a portion of their hand through each of the third and fourth handling arrangements.

[0029] In some examples, a point on the upper surface panel equidistant between the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement is located centrally on the longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel. The location of the third and fourth handling arrangements in this way equally distributes the weight of the bottle carrier and improves stability and comfort when the user lifts the bottle carrier.

[0030] In some examples, the retention arrangement comprises: an aperture provided in the upper surface panel and configured to receive the bottle; and at least one tab extending from an edge of the aperture toward a centre of the aperture and configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel, wherein the at least one tab is configured to engage against a bottle received through the aperture.

[0031] The tabs of the retention arrangement act against the bottles to secure the bottles in the bottle carrier, while the bottle carrier and blank can be flat when not in use, thus reducing storage and packaging requirements.

[0032] In some examples, the blank comprises a plurality of retention arrangements for locating bottles.

[0033] The blank can be adapted as necessary to provide a carrier suitable for holding two bottles, four bottles, six bottles or any suitable number of bottles.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for forming a bottle carrier, the blank comprising: an upper surface panel for defining an upper surface of the bottle carrier; at least one retention arrangement for retaining a bottle in the upper surface panel; and a first handling arrangement and a second handling arrangement, each comprising an aperture and at least one first pushable surface arranged on a first edge of the aperture and at least one second pushable surface arranged on a second edge of the aperture opposing the first edge of the aperture, each of the first and second pushable surfaces configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

[0035] The first and second handling arrangements provide a comfortable and secure grip for the user to lift the bottle carrier from a central portion of the bottle carrier, as the pushable surfaces are automatically positioned to accommodate the user’s hand.

[0036] In some examples, the first handling arrangement and the second handling arrangement are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface portion, and wherein the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are distanced from one another such that the third and fourth handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bottle carrier formed by assembling the blank of any previous statement.

[0038] In some examples, the bottle carrier may be formed by assembling a second blank according to any of the previous statements. That is, there may be provided a bottle carrier formed by assembling a first blank and assembling a second blank.

[0039] The bottle carrier may further be formed by connecting the assembled first and second blanks with one or more retaining bands.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling the bottle carrier of the preceding statement, the method comprising: providing a blank according to any previous statement; and inserting a bottle into the retention arrangement.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package comprising: a bottle carrier according to any preceding statement; a plurality of bottles; and a retaining band for engaging the bottles to help retain them.

[0042] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0043] Brief Description of Drawings

[0044] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a bottle carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating the blank of Figure 1 in a flat state;

[0048] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the blank of Figure 1 in an activated state;

[0049] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the blank of Figure 1 in a flat state;

[0050] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the blank of Figure 1 in an activated state;

[0051] Figure 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming a bottle carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 7 ;

[0053] Figure 9 is a front view illustrating the blank of Figure 7 in a flat state;

[0054] Figure 10 is a front view illustrating the blank of Figure 7 in an activated state;

[0055] Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the blank of Figure 7 in a flat state;

[0056] Figure 12 is a side view illustrating the blank of Figure 7 in an activated state;

[0057] Figures 13 to 14 are perspective views illustrating successive steps of assembling the blank of Figure 1 into a bottle carrier and inserting a plurality of bottles;

[0058] Figure 15 illustrates another bottle carrier according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 16 illustrates the bottle carrier being carried by a user according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Detailed Description

[0060] Referring to the drawings, and firstly looking at Figure 14, a package 2 with a plurality of bottles 6 retained by a bottle carrier 10 is shown. As will be described in more detail below, the bottle carrier 10 includes at least one retention arrangement 20 for locating each bottle 6. In this embodiment, there are six retention arrangements 20 to locate six bottles 6 but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of retention arrangements 20 could be provided, as desired.

[0061] The present disclosure relates to a blank for forming a bottle carrier for carrying a plurality of bottles, to a bottle carrier, to a method for assembling the bottle carrier and to a package comprising the bottle carrier and a plurality of bottles.

[0062] Bottle carriers may be provided to assist a user with carrying a plurality of bottles. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and storage space requirements, planar or substantially planar bottle carriers which comprise a planar body having means to engage with one or more bottles may be used. However, a planar bottle carrier may be more difficult to grip by a user. The present disclosure aims to provide a bottle carrier which may be easily gripped by a user in multiple positions while maintaining a substantially planar profile and reducing material requirements. As will be discussed below, this is achieved through the provision of one or more handling arrangements each having one or more pushable surfaces arranged around a surface panel of the bottle carrier to provide surfaces to aid the user’s grip.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a blank 12 according to an embodiment for forming a bottle carrier 10 such as the bottle carrier 10 of Figure 14. In Figure 1 and the other Figures described below, a cut line is indicated by a solid line and a fold line is indicated by a dashed line. It should be understood that the blank 12 may be formed by cutting a base material along the cut lines and by scoring the base material along the fold lines such that the blank 12 is foldable about the fold lines.

[0064] The blank 12 has an upper surface panel 14 for defining the upper surface of the bottle carrier 10. The blank 12 is this embodiment is four sided and has a first edge 14a, a second edge 14b, a third edge 14c and a fourth edge 14c. It should be understood that the blank 12 may have a different number of edges. The blank comprises a plurality of retention arrangements 20 for retaining a bottle in the bottle carrier. Each retention arrangement 20 includes at least one tab 20c, having an engaging edge for contracting a neck 8 and / or a cap 9 of the bottle 6. The frictional engagement of the tab 20c and the bottle 6 retains the bottle 6 in the bottle carrier 10 for transport and storage. Each retention arrangement 20 includes the at least one tab 20c defined by at least one cut line 20b and a fold line 20a. The cut line 20b enables the tab 20c to be moved in a direction away from the remained of the upper surface 14 to at least partly define a first opening in the bottle carrier 10 for locating a bottle 6. The tab 20c is configured such that the engaging edge of the tab 20c contacts the bottle 6 when the bottle 6 is located in the opening. The retention arrangement 20 comprises an aperture 20d into which the at least one tab 20c extends. The retention arrangement 20 is configured to receive a bottle 6 (or the neck 8 or cap 9 thereof) into the aperture 20d and to retain the bottle 6 in the aperture 20d by the action of the at least one tab 20c against the bottle 6. The retention arrangement 20 may comprise any number of tabs 20c. The blank 12 may comprise any number of retention arrangements 20 corresponding to a number of bottles 6 to be carried by the bottle carrier 10. The retention arrangements 20 may be located on the upper surface panel 14 of the blank 12 in positions other than those exemplified in Figure 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the blank 12 is substantially rectangular, with a longitudinal axis A-A that extends perpendicular to the first and second edges 14a, 14b. However, it should be understood that the blank 12 may take a different shape. In particular, the blank 12 may be shaped to carry a particular number of bottles 6. In the examples discussed herein, the bottle carrier 10 is for carrying six bottles 6, and takes a substantially rectangular shape to accommodate a two by three arrangement of bottles 6. However, the bottle carrier 10 may alternatively be configured to carry a different number of bottles 6, such as two, four or eight bottles 6, and may be provided in a shape to accommodate the bottles 6 in a symmetrical, even distribution. For example, when four bottles are provided, the bottle carrier 10 and the blank 12 may be substantially square.

[0066] The blank 12 of Figure 1 and more specifically the upper surface panel 14 also comprise at least one handling arrangement for aiding a user in gripping the bottle carrier 10. The at least one handling arrangement comprises at least one pushable surface arranged on the upper surface panel 14 and configured to be folded relative to the upper surface panel 14 to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier 10. It should be understood that the pushable surface provides an improved grip and level of comfort to the user when the user is carrying the bottle carrier 10 by being arranged to fold relative to the upper surface panel 14, by providing a surface which angles to accommodate the user’s hand and thus supports a variety of grip positions.

[0067] In the example of Figure 1, four handling arrangements are shown. A first handling arrangement 15 is provided on the first edge 14a of the upper surface panel 14. A second handling arrangement 16 is provided on the second edge 14b of the upper surface panel 14. A third handling arrangement 17 and a fourth handling arrangement 18 are provided on an edge of a respective aperture in the upper surface panel 14 between the first edge 14a and the second edge 14b of the upper surface panel 14.

[0068] The first handling arrangement 15 is provided on the first edge 14a of the upper surface panel 14. In the example where the upper surface panel 14 is substantially rectangular, the first edge 14a may be one of the two shorter edges of the upper surface panel 14, but the invention is not limited thereto. The first handling arrangement 15 comprises a pushable surface 15c defined by a fold line 15b and at least one cut line 15a. As can be seen in Figure 1, in one example the fold line 15b extends substantially parallel to the first edge 14a of the upper surface panel 14 and there are two cut lines 15a extending between the first edge 14a of the upper surface panel 14 and the fold line 15b. Thus, the first handling arrangement 15 comprises a pushable surface 15c which is substantially rectangular and is formed as a section of the upper surface panel 14 proximal to the first edge 14a. The pushable surface 15c may take any suitable shape, and may for example comprise rounded edges formed by the at least one cut line 15a which may follow a curved path between the first edge 14a and the fold line 15b.

[0069] The pushable surface 15c is configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 around the fold line 15b. Thus, when a user grips the bottle carrier 10 by the first edge 14a, the first handling arrangement 15 supports their grip by providing the pushable surface 15c which can fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 to accommodate the user’s hand. As the weight of the bottle carrier 10 exerts a force downwards, which is increased when bottles 6 are placed in the bottle carrier 10, the pushable surface 15c folds relative to the upper surface panel 14 when the user lifts the bottle carrier 10 to align with a shape of the user’s hand. Thus, a pressure exerted on the user’s hand when holding the bottle carrier 10 is reduced due to an increased contact surface area with the bottle carrier 10 provided by the pushable surface 15c.

[0070] Although Figure 1 illustrates the first handling arrangement 15 having a single pushable surface 15c, it should be understood that the first handling arrangement 15 may comprise a plurality of pushable surfaces 15c. For example, one or more cut lines may be provided to extend from the first edge 14a across the pushable surface 15c to the fold line 15b, thus providing multiple pushable surfaces 15c foldable with respect to one another as well as to the upper surface panel 14.

[0071] The blank 12 of Figure 1 also comprises a second handling arrangement 16 provided on the second edge 14b of the upper surface panel 14. The second handling arrangement 16 is configured as a mirror image of the first handling arrangement 15, or as a reflection of the first handling arrangement 15 about an axis extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A and through the centre of the upper surface panel 14. Like the first handling arrangement 15, the second handling arrangement 16 comprises a pushable surface 16c defined by at least one fold line 16b extending substantially parallel to the second edge 14b and at least one cut line 16a extending between the second edge 14b and the at least one fold line 16b. The pushable surface 16c of the second handling arrangement 16 is also configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 in the same way as explained with the first handling arrangement 15.

[0072] The first handling arrangement 15 and the second handling arrangement 16 in Figure 1 are located on opposing edges of the upper surface panel 14. Advantageously, this arrangement supports a user lifting the bottle carrier 10 with two hands: one hand being placed on each handling arrangement 15, 16. By placing the first and second handling arrangements 15, 16 at opposing ends of the upper surface panel 14, the user can lift the bottle carrier 10 with improved stability as the weight of the bottle carrier 10 is evenly distributed between the user’s hands.

[0073] The blank 12 of Figure 1 further comprises a third handling arrangement 17 and a fourth handling arrangement 18. Each of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 comprise an aperture 17a, 18a defined by a cut line 17b, 18b which extends in a closed circuit along the upper surface panel 14 to define the aperture 17a, 18a. The third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 further comprise one or more tabs 17d, 18d defined by the cut line 17b, 18b and one or more fold lines 17c, 18c. The one or more fold lines 17c, 18c extend between two points on the cut line 17b, 18b to define the one or more tabs 17d, 18d. The third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 may be mirror images of one another, reflected about an axis passing through the centre of the upper surface panel 14 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A.

[0074] The third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 have a shape defined by the at least one cut line 17b, 18b and the at least one fold line 17c, 18c and are configured to receive at least a part of the user’s hand into the aperture 17a, 18a. The one or more tabs 17d, 18d are provided on a first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a proximal to the first edge 14a or the second edge 14b respectively of the upper surface panel 14, and provide at least one pushable surface configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 about the fold line 17c, 18c to provide a surface to aid a user’s grip when lifting the bottle carrier 10 using the third or fourth handling arrangement 17, 18. The fold line 17c, 18c may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the fold line 15b, 16b of the first and second handling arrangement 15, 16, or may extend at an acute angle to a line parallel to the fold line 15b, 16b of the first and second handling arrangement 15, 16. That is, a line extending normal to the fold line 17c, 18c of the third or fourth handling arrangement 17, 18 may intersect with one of the first edge 14a or the second edge 14b of the upper surface panel 14. It should be understood that the fold line 17c, 18c may be arranged at a different orientation, and it should be understood that a blank 12 may be formed to include the third and / or fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 but not the first and or second handling arrangements 15, 16. Further, the fold line 17c, 18c of the third and / or fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 may include a plurality of fold lines as shown in Figure 1. It should be understood that the pushable surface 17d, 18d of the third and / or fourth handling arrangement 17, 18 may be arranged on the upper surface panel 14 so as to help ensure optimum finger placement for the user, based on a distance of the third or fourth handling arrangement 17, 18 from any of the other handling arrangements 15, 16, 17, 18 or the edges 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d of the upper surface panel 14.

[0075] In Figure 1, each of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 are illustrated as having two tabs or pushable surfaces 17d, 18d, separated by a cut line. It should be understood that the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 may comprise a different number of pushable surfaces 17d, 18d.

[0076] The third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 are provided in the upper surface panel 14, and particularly towards a central region of the upper surface panel 14. The third handling arrangement 17 may be spaced apart from the first handling arrangement 15 at a distance such that the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 are configured to be simultaneously gripped by a user. Likewise, the fourth handling arrangement 18 may be spaced apart from the second handling arrangement 16 such that the second and fourth handling arrangements 16, 18 are configured to be simultaneously gripped by a user. In some examples, the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 and the second and fourth handling arrangements 16, 18 are configured to be simultaneously gripped by a single hand of the user. For example, a user may grip the bottle carrier 10 with one hand at the first edge 14a, with a first portion (such as a palm) of their hand resting against the first handling arrangement 15 (and particularly the first pushable surface 15c), and may insert a second portion of their hand (such as one or more fingers) into the third handling arrangement 17. The second portion of the user’s hand may be received within the aperture 17a of the third handling arrangement 17 and the pushable surface 17d of the third handling arrangement 17 may fold to accommodate the user’s hand. Thus, the user may comfortably grip the bottle carrier 10 using the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 with a single hand. The same grip may be performed using the second and fourth handling arrangements 16, 18.

[0077] The blank 12 of Figure 1 therefore includes first to fourth handling arrangements 15, 16, 17, 18, each of which includes at least one pushable surface configured to be folded away from the upper surface panel 14 to define a surface for helping a user to grip the bottle carrier 10. The pushable surface is defined by a cut line, with first and second ends of the cut line being connected with a fold line such that a portion of the upper surface panel 14 defines the pushable surface. The pushable surface assists with holding of the bottle carrier 10 by the user without any loss of material, reinforcing the area that is held and reducing waste during manufacture of the blank 12.

[0078] The blank 12 of Figure 1 further comprises a plurality of access cut lines 21. The access cut lines 21 are cut lines extending from an edge of the upper surface panel 14 in a straight line toward one of the retention arrangements 20. The access cut lines 21 should be understood as optional and may be omitted, but are provided to facilitate easier access to the bottles 6 by providing a route between the edge of the upper surface panel 14 and a retention arrangement 20. That is, the user may pull or tear the upper surface panel 14 proximal to the access cut line 21 to break the upper surface panel 14 more easily to release a bottle 6 from a retention arrangement 20.

[0079] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the blank 12 of Figure 1. As can be seen in Figure 2, the blank 12 may be substantially planar when not in use (i.e., when bottles 6 are not inserted into the retention means 20 and when a user is not lifting the bottle carrier 10 using one or more of the handling arrangements 15, 16, 17, 18).

[0080] Figure 3 shows a front view of the blank 12 of Figure 1 in a flat state, and Figure 4 shows a front view of the blank 12 of Figure 1 in an activated state. In both Figures, the blank 12 is viewed from one or the first edge 14a or the second edge 14b. In the flat state shown in Figure 3, the blank 12 is substantially planar when not in use. In the activate state shown in Figure 4, the retention arrangements 20 protrude upwards such that the one or more tabs 20c of the retention arrangement 20 engage against a neck or cap of a bottle 6. The pushable surface 15c of the first handling arrangement 15 can be seen to fold downwards relative to the upper surface panel 14. It should be understood that the pushable surface 15c of the first handling arrangement 15 may fold downwards relative to the upper surface panel 14 when the user holds the bottle carrier 10 by the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 or by the second and fourth handling arrangements 16, 18. If the user were to hold the bottle carrier 10 by the first and second handling arrangements 15, 16 (i.e., with one hand at each of the first edge 14a and the second edge 14b of the bottle carrier 10), the pushable surface 15c of the first handling arrangement 15 may fold upwards relative to the upper surface panel 14. It should be understood that the pushable surface 15c may also fold downwards relative to the upper surface panel 14, and that a direction of folding of the pushable surface 15c may depend on how the user lifts the bottle carrier 10.

[0081] Figure 5 shows a side view of the blank 12 of Figure 1 in a flat state, and Figure 6 shows a side view of the blank 12 of Figure 1 in an activated state. In both Figures, the blank 12 is viewed from one or the third edge 14c or the fourth edge 14d. As explained in respect of Figures 3 and 4, in the activated state, the pushable surface 15c of the first handling arrangement 15 and the pushable surface 16c of the second handling arrangement 16 may fold downwards relative to the upper surface panel 14 when the user holds the bottle carrier 10 by the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 or by the second and fourth handling arrangements 16, 18. As can be seen in Figure 6, the at least one tab 17d, 18d of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 may also fold downwards relative to the upper surface panel 14 to support a user’s grip.

[0082] Figures 7 to 12 illustrate a blank 22 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7 to 12 show corresponding views of the blank 22 to the views of the blank 12 of Figure 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0083] The blank 22 of Figures 7 to 12 is similar to the blank 12 of Figures 1 to 6, and a description of common parts (indicated by common reference numerals) is omitted. The blank 22 of Figures 7 to 12 differs from the blank 12 of Figures 1 to 6 in that the third handling arrangement 17 and the fourth handling arrangement 18 each further comprise at least one second pushable surface 17e, 18e arranged on a second edge of the aperture 17a, 18a opposing the first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a and extending toward a centre of the aperture 17a, 18a. That is, the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 each comprise an aperture 17a, 18a and at least one first pushable surface 17d, 18d arranged on a first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a and at least one second pushable surface 17e, 18e arranged on a second edge of the aperture 17a, 18a opposing the first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a, each of the first and second pushable surfaces 17d, 18d, 17e, 18e configured to be folded relative to the upper surface panel 14 to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier 10. The at least one second pushable surface 17e, 18e is defined by the aperture cut line 17b, 18b and at least one second fold line 17f, 18f.

[0084] The at least one first pushable surfaces 17d, 18d are arranged on the first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a. The first edge of the aperture 17a of the third handling arrangement 17 should be understood as an edge of the aperture 17a proximal to the first handling arrangement 15, and the first edge of the aperture 18a of the fourth handling arrangement 18 should be understood as an edge of the aperture 18a proximal to the second handling arrangement 16. The at least one first pushable surfaces 17d, 18d are configured to provide a surface for assisting the user when gripping the bottle carrier 10 using the first and third handling arrangements 15, 17 or the second and fourth handling arrangements 15, 18.

[0085] The at least one second pushable surface 17e, 18e are arranged on a second edge of the aperture 17a, 18a opposing the first edge of the aperture 17a, 18a. That is, the pushable surface 17e, 18e are arranged on an edge of the aperture 17a, 18a facing substantially toward a central point of the upper surface panel 14, and / or toward the other of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18. The at least one second pushable surfaces 17e, 18e are arranged in this way to support a user when gripping the bottle carrier 10 using a single hand to grip both the third handling arrangement 17 and the fourth handling arrangement 18. For example, a user may insert a first portion of a hand into the third handling arrangement 17 and a second portion of a hand into the fourth handling arrangement 18. The user’s hand may contact both the at least one second pushable surfaces 17e, 18e which will fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 to define a surface to aid the user’ s grip and to improve comfort. As discussed previously, this may be achieved by increasing a contact surface area between the user’s hand and the bottle carrier 10 thereby reducing a pressure on the user’s hand.

[0086] The third handling arrangement 17 and the fourth handling arrangement 18 may be spaced apart around a central region of the upper surface panel 14 such that they may be simultaneously gripped by a single hand of a user. The third handling arrangement 17 and the fourth handling arrangement 18 may each be configured to receive a portion of the user’s hand. For example, the third handling arrangement 17 and the fourth handling arrangement 18 may be configured with apertures 17a, 18a having an irregular cross section, such that the cross-section of the apertures 17a, 18a accommodates the shape of a human hand.

[0087] Although Figure 7 illustrates the first and second handling arrangements 15, 16, it should be understood that in one example these may be omitted, and the blank 22 may comprise the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 without the first and second handling arrangements 17, 18. A bottle carrier 10 according to this example may be intended to be carried by the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 which may be more suited to certain types of bottle carrier 10.

[0088] As can be seen in Figure 12, in the activated state, the at least one first and the at least one second pushable surfaces 17d, 18d, 17e, 18e of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 may fold relative to the upper surface panel 14 in the same way as the other pushable surfaces described above to improve a user’s grip and comfort when lifting the bottle carrier 10.

[0089] Figures 13 to 14 show how the blank 12 can be assembled into the bottle carrier 10. In Figure 14, it can be seen how each bottle 6 can be inserted into an opening so that at least one tab 20c of each retention arrangement 20 contacts the bottle 6 to retain it in the bottle carrier 10. The pushable surfaces of the first to fourth handling arrangements 15, 16, 17, 18 can be folded relative to the upper surface panel 14. Although Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the blank 12 of Figures 1 to 6 which does not include the second pushable surfaces 17e, 18e of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18, it should be understood that this is merely for illustration and that the blank 22 of Figures 7 to 12 may be assembled in the same way as shown in Figures 13 to 14.

[0090] As described above, the blank 12 of Figure 1 or the blank 22 of Figure 2 may be alternatively formed to accommodate a different number of bottles 6. As a result, the handling arrangements may be provided in a different arrangement to those shown in Figures 1 to 14. Further, while a bottle carrier 10 may be formed as shown in Figures 13 and 14 by assembling a blank according to Figures 1 to 12, a bottle carrier may also be formed by assembling a different blank. A bottle carrier in some examples may be formed by assembling a plurality of blanks of the same or different shape, and connecting the plurality of blanks.

[0091] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a bottle carrier 3 formed as a connected carrier comprising a plurality of separate upper surface panels configured to receive bottles 6. In the example of Figure 15, the bottle carrier 3 is formed as a connected carrier comprising a four- bottle carrier 3a and a two-bottle carrier 3b. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a bottle carrier 3 may be formed of carriers supporting a different number of bottles 6. For example, a bottle carrier 3 may be formed of two four-bottle carriers, or may be formed of three two-bottle carriers. The bottle carrier 3 of Figure 15 may be formed by assembling a plurality of blanks. For example, the bottle carrier 3 of Figure 15 may be formed by assembling a four-bottle blank and a two-bottle blank.

[0092] The connected bottle carrier 3 illustrated in Figure 15 may also comprise one or more handling arrangements having at least one pushable surface to support a user’s grip. In the example of Figure 15, the four-bottle carrier 3a comprises a handling arrangement 5a which has opposing folding surfaces surrounding an aperture in the upper surface panel, similar to the third or fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 of Figure 7. The two-bottle carrier 3b comprises a handling arrangement 5b having a pushable surface arranged on an edge of the two-bottle carrier 3b and configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel of the two- bottle carrier 3b. The handling arrangement 5b of the two-bottle carrier 3b may be considered similar to the first or second handling arrangement 15, 16 of Figures 1 to 14. In the example of Figure 15, the handling arrangement 5b of the two-bottle carrier 3b is shown to be provided on an edge of the two-bottle carrier 3b facing toward the four-bottle carrier 3a, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another example, a handling arrangement comprising a pushable surface may be provided on an outer edge of one or both of the four-bottle carrier 3a or the two-bottle carrier 3b.

[0093] In some examples, the four-bottle carrier 3a may be formed as two connected two-bottle carriers 3b attached along at least one edge. The attachment may be frangible such that the four-bottle carrier 3a can be separated into two two-bottle carriers 3b. The handling arrangement 5a of the four-bottle carrier 3 a may correspond to two handling arrangements 5b of the two-bottle carrier 3b, although the disclosure should not be considered limited thereto.

[0094] In some examples, the bottle carrier 3 may further comprise one or more finger apertures 5c provided on the upper surface panel. The finger apertures 5c comprise a pushable surface defined by at least one cut line and one fold line in the upper surface panel, and are configured to receive at least one finger of the user’s hand to further support grip. In the example of Figure 15, the connected bottle carrier 3 comprises three finger apertures 5c to support a variety of user grips, although it should be understood that this is an example only and that a different number of finger apertures 5c may be provided or the finger apertures 5c may be omitted.

[0095] Figure 16 illustrates three possible grip positions supported by the handling arrangements 15, 16, 17, 18 of the blanks 12, 22 of Figures 1 to 14. In the first grip position (a), the user holds the package 2 by the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18. In this grip position, the user’s grip and comfort can be improved by the second pushable surfaces 17e, 18e of the third and fourth handling arrangements 17, 18 of the blank 22 of Figures 7 to 12.

[0096] In the second grip position (b), the user holds the package 2 by the first and second handling arrangements 15, 16. In this grip position, the user’s grip and comfort can be improved by the pushable surfaces 15c, 16c of the first and second handling arrangements 15, 16.

[0097] In the third grip position (c), the user holds the package 2 by the first (or second) and third (or fourth) handling arrangements 15, 17. In this grip position, the user’s grip and comfort can be improved by the pushable surfaces 15c of the first handling arrangements 15 and the first pushable surface 17d of the third handling arrangement 17.

[0098] In each of the grip positions described above and shown in Figure 16, the user’s hand is supported by one or more pushable surface configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel. Thus, a pressure can be reduced on the user’s hand as the weight of the package 2 can be distributed across a greater area of the user’s hand compared to an edge or aperture which does not include one or more pushable surface. Further, the user’s grip can be maintained during rotation of the package 2 as the pushable surface can fold to a different angle to accommodate changes in position of the package 2. Further, by providing multiple handling arrangements, the user has flexibility in how to hold the package 2. It should be understood that some grip positions may have advantages in some situations while other grip positions may be advantageous in other situations. For example, grip positions (a) and (c) enable the user to hold the package 2 comfortably with a single hand, which allows a free hand to carry a second package 2 or to unload the package 2. Grip position (b) enables the user to hold the package 2 with two hands and thus carry the package 2 for longer without tiring.

[0099] In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 16, the blanks 12, 22 each include a plurality of retention arrangements 20 for locating the bottles 6. It will be appreciated that the blanks 12, 22 can be adapted as necessary to provide bottle carriers 10 suitable for holding two bottles, four bottles, six bottles or any suitable number of bottles.

[0100] A package may be provided that includes a bottle carrier according to any previous embodiment, a plurality of bottles; and a retaining band for engaging the bottles to help retain them. An example retaining band 4 is shown in Figure 14.

[0101] The blanks 12, 22 are formed from a paper-based material such as card or paperboard. Optionally, the blanks 12, 22 are formed from fluted paperboard. Fluted paperboard advantageously has sufficient strength to provide a stable bottle carrier 10. As the bottle carriers 10 are formed from a paper-based material, it is recyclable.

[0102] The blanks 12, 22 could be any suitable type and shape. In some embodiments, recessed portions are provided, as shown in the Figures, in the outer perimeter of the blanks between adjacent panels, to reduce material use and help avoid sharp corners and edges.

[0103] Advantageously, no gluing is required to assemble the bottle carriers 10. However, in some alternative embodiments, gluing or other suitable methods of adhesion may be used, for example to reinforce the bottle carriers 10.

[0104] Where the word 'or' appears this is to be construed to mean 'and / or'. This is such that items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be used in any appropriate combination.

[0105] The invention has been described above with reference to one specific embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0106] The appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these particular combinations claimed. Instead, the scope of the present disclosure extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A blank for forming a bottle carrier, the blank comprising: an upper surface panel for defining an upper surface of the bottle carrier; at least one retention arrangement for retaining a bottle in the upper surface panel; and a first handling arrangement comprising at least one pushable surface of the upper surface panel arranged on a first edge of the upper surface panel and configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the at least one pushable surface is defined by a fold line extending across the upper surface panel parallel to the first edge of the upper surface panel, and one or more cut lines extending between the first edge of the upper surface panel and the fold line.

3. The blank of any previous claim, wherein the first edge of the upper surface panel extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel.

4. The blank of any previous claim, further comprising a second handling arrangement configured as a reflection of the first handling arrangement about an axis extending through a centre of the upper surface panel and parallel to the first edge, the second handling arrangement comprising at least one second pushable surface of the upper surface panel arranged on a second edge of the upper surface panel opposing the first edge, and the at least one second pushable surface configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a second surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

5. The blank of any previous claim, further comprising a third handling arrangement comprising at least one aperture arranged on the upper surface panel and configured to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand, wherein the at least one aperture is distanced from the first handling arrangement such that the first and third handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

6. The blank of claim 5, wherein the at least one aperture is defined by an aperture cut line extending along a closed circuit in the upper surface panel.

7. The blank of any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first and third handling arrangements are provided along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel.

8. The blank of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the third handling arrangement comprises at least one third pushable surface arranged on a first edge of the aperture proximal to the first edge of the upper surface panel, the at least one third pushable surface extending toward the centre of the aperture and defined by a fold line extending between two points on the first edge of the aperture, wherein the at least one third pushable surface is configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a third surface for helping the user grip the bottle carrier.

9. The blank of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the third handling arrangement comprises at least one fourth pushable surface arranged on a second edge of the aperture distal to the first edge of the upper surface panel, the at least one fourth pushable surface extending toward the centre of the aperture and defined by a fold line extending between two points on the first edge of the aperture, wherein the at least one third pushable surface is configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a fourth surface for helping the user grip the bottle carrier.

10. The blank of any of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a fourth handling arrangement configured as a reflection of the third handling arrangement about an axis extending through a centre of the upper surface panel and parallel to the first edge.

11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface portion perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are distanced from one another such that the third and fourth handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

12. The blank of claim 11, wherein a point on the upper surface panel equidistant between the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement is located centrally on the longitudinal axis of the upper surface panel.

13. The blank of any previous claim, wherein the retention arrangement comprises: an aperture provided in the upper surface panel and configured to receive the bottle; and at least one tab extending from an edge of the aperture toward a centre of the aperture and configured to fold relative to the upper surface panel, wherein the at least one tab is configured to engage against a bottle received through the aperture.

14. The blank of any previous claim, wherein the blank comprises a plurality of retention arrangements for locating bottles.

15. A blank for forming a bottle carrier, the blank comprising: an upper surface panel for defining an upper surface of the bottle carrier; at least one retention arrangement for retaining a bottle in the upper surface panel; and a first handling arrangement and a second handling arrangement, each comprising an aperture and at least one first pushable surface arranged on a first edge of the aperture and at least one second pushable surface arranged on a second edge of the aperture opposing the first edge of the aperture, each of the first and second pushable surfaces configured to be folded relative to the upper surface to define a surface for helping a user grip the bottle carrier.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the first handling arrangement and the second handling arrangement are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the upper surface portion, and wherein the third handling arrangement and the fourth handling arrangement are distanced from one another such that the third and fourth handling arrangements are configured to be gripped simultaneously by the user’s hand.

17. A bottle carrier formed by assembling the blank of any previous claim.

18. The bottle carrier of claim 17, further formed by assembling a second blank according to any of claims 1 to 16.

19. A method of assembling the bottle carrier of claim 17, the method comprising: providing a blank according to any of claims 1 to 16; and inserting a bottle into the retention arrangement.

20. A package comprising: a bottle carrier according to claim 17 or 18; a plurality of bottles; and a retaining band for engaging the bottles to help retain them.

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