Patent Publication Number: US-2023139409-A1

Title: Package, article carrier and blank therefor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/981,215 filed Feb. 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a tray for receiving a foodstuff. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the field of packaging it is known to provide 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. 
     It is well known to provide a package comprising a film sealed bag in which a tray loaded with a foodstuff is disposed. It is an object of the present disclosure to improve the accessibility of the foodstuff. 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packages, typically formed from paperboard or the like. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a film sealed bag and a carrier disposed within the film sealed bag. The carrier has an interior defined, at least in part, by a base wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls. The package comprises a plurality of articles disposed in the interior of the carrier. The carrier comprises a partition structure dividing the carrier into two or more chambers. The partition structure may comprise a portal forming a passage way between two adjacently disposed chambers for allowing articles in one of the chambers to pass into the other of the chambers. 
     Optionally, the film sealed bag comprises an access opening defined at least in part by a tear panel the access opening being arranged to fully expose at least one article disposed in one of the chambers. 
     Optionally, at least one article in the other of the chambers is at least partially obscured by a portion of the film sealed bag adjacent to the tear panel. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a carrier for a package. The carrier has an interior defined, at least in part, by a base wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls. The carrier comprises a plurality of articles disposed in the interior. The carrier comprises a partition structure dividing the carrier into two or more chambers. The partition structure may comprise a portal forming a passage way between two adjacently disposed chambers for allowing articles in one of the chambers to pass into the other of the chambers. 
     Optionally, the carrier comprises at least one gate panel translatable or transformable between a first position closing the portal in the partition structure and a second position opening the portal in the partition structure. 
     Optionally, the base wall of the carrier comprises a first base panel and a second base panel. 
     Optionally, the first base panel is coupled to the second base panel by the partition structure. 
     Optionally, the first base panel is spaced apart from the second base panel. 
     Optionally, the at least one gate panel spans a gap between the first base panel and the second base panel when in the second position. 
     Optionally, the at least one gate panel is hingedly connected to one of the first and second base panels. 
     Optionally, the partition structure comprises at least two divider panels. 
     Optionally, a cutaway is struck from the at least two divider panels to form the portal. 
     Optionally, a gate panel is struck from at least one of the at least two divider panels. 
     Optionally, the partition structure comprises a first divider panel hingedly connected to a second divider panel. 
     Optionally, the partition structure comprises two or more divider panels interconnecting the first base panel and the second base panel. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides a carrier for receiving one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming walls thereof. The walls define an interior, the interior being defined, at least in part, by a base wall, opposed side walls, and opposed end walls. The carrier comprises a partition structure dividing the carrier into two or more chambers. The partition structure may comprise a portal forming a passage way between two adjacently disposed chambers. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention provides a carrier having an interior for receiving one or more articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of wall forming panels. The plurality of wall forming panels includes a first base panel and a second base panel coupled to the first base panel by at least two foldably connected divider panels. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first base panel and a second end panel is hingedly connected to the second base panel. The second end panel is secured to the first end panel in at least partial overlapping relationship. The at least two foldably connected divider panels are disposed in face to face relationship to divide the interior into two chambers. 
     Optionally, the first and second base panels are spaced apart from each other by a gap. 
     Optionally, a gate panel is struck from the at least two foldably connected divider panels. 
     Optionally, the gate panel is hingedly connected to one of the first and the second base panels. 
     Optionally, the gate panel defines at least in part a portal between the two chambers and is foldable between a first position closing the portal and a second position opening the portal. 
     Optionally, the gate panel spans the gap between the first and second base panels when in the second position. 
     Optionally, the carrier further comprises a first side panel and a second side panel to define a tray. 
     Optionally, the first end panel comprises a first part of a complementary locking mechanism and the second end panel comprises a second part of the complementary locking mechanism for receiving at least a portion of the first part. 
     Optionally, the first part comprises a pair of end stops limiting movement between the first and second parts in a locked condition. 
     Optionally, one of the end stops defines, at least in part, the spacing between the first and second base panels. 
     Optionally, the first and second base panels are spaced apart such that the at least two foldably connected divider panels are divergently arranged with respect to each other. 
     Optionally, the at least two foldably connected divider panels comprises two divider panels hingedly connected to each other to define an inverted “V” shape. 
     Optionally, the at least two foldably connected divider panels diverge towards the first and second base panels. 
     Optionally, the carrier further comprises a third base panel coupled to the second base panel by at least two foldably connected second divider panels and a third end panel hingedly connected to the third base panel, the third end panel is secured to the second end panel in at least partial overlapping relationship such that the at least two foldably connected second divider panels are disposed in face to face relationship and divide the interior to define, at least in part, a third chamber. 
     Optionally, the third end panel comprises a third part of the complementary locking mechanism receivable in the second part of the complementary locking mechanism provided by the second end panel. 
     A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier. The plurality of panels includes at least one base panel, first and second side panels, at least one first end panel for forming a first end wall of the carrier and at least one second end panel for forming a second end wall of the carrier. The blank comprises at least one divider panel for forming a partition structure dividing the carrier, in a set up condition, into two or more chambers. The at least one divider panel may comprise a cutaway for forming a portal in the set up carrier to provide a passage way between two adjacently disposed chambers. 
     Optionally, the cutaway comprises a feature selected from the group consisting of a cut line, severance line, aperture, slot and slit. 
     Optionally, the cutaway defines, at least in part, a gate panel. 
     Optionally, at least one base panel comprises a first base panel and a second base panel and the gate panel is hingedly connected to one of the first and second base panels. 
     A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier. The plurality of panels includes a first base panel and a second base panel coupled to the first base panel by at least two foldably connected divider panels. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first base panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second base panel and configured to be securable to the first end panel in at least partial overlapping relationship in a set up carrier. The at least two foldably connected divider panels are foldable into a face to face relationship to divide an interior of a setup carrier into two chambers. 
     Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. 
     Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment. 
     A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier or tray according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a film sealed bag and a tray formed from the blank of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view from above of the package of  FIG.  1    in which an access device or dispenser has been deployed; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view from above of a tray formed from the blank of  FIG.  1    in a first condition; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view from above of a tray formed from the blank of  FIG.  1    in a second condition; and 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier or tray according to a second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the 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 minimised 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. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a plan view of a blank  10  which is capable of forming a tray or carrier  80 , as shown in  FIG.  4   , for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, cookies or biscuits, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in  FIG.  2   . The tray  80  forms part of a package  90  also including a film sealed bag  50  as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . An alternative blank  110  for forming an alternative tray is shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     The blanks  10 ;  110  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 recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1    there is shown a blank  10  comprising a plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 . The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27 . The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  includes a first side panel  12  hingedly connected to a first base panel  14  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  13 . The first base panel  14  is hingedly connected to a first divider or partition panel  16  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  15 . The first divider panel  16  is hingedly connected to a second divider panel  18  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  17 . The second divider panel  18  is hingedly connected to a second base panel  20  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  19 . The second base panel  20  is hingedly connected to a third divider or partition panel  22  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  21 . The third divider panel  22  is hingedly connected to a fourth divider or partition panel  24  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  23 . The fourth divider panel  24  is hingedly connected to a third base panel  26  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  25 . The third base panel  26  is hingedly connected to a second side panel  28  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  27 . 
     The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  form at least one trough C 1 , C 2 , C 3  for receiving an article B. The illustrated embodiment comprises three troughs C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . In other embodiments two troughs may be provided or more than three troughs may be provided. The first divider panel  16  and the second divider panel  18  provide a first partition extending longitudinally across the tray  80 . 
     The third divider panel  22  and the fourth divider panel  24  provide a second partition extending longitudinally across the tray  80 . 
     The first side panel  12  and first divider panel  16  define, at least in part, a first trough or chamber C 1 . 
     The second divider panel  18  and third divider panel  22  define, at least in part, a second trough or chamber C 2 . 
     The second side panel  28  and fourth divider panel  24  define, at least in part, a third trough or chamber C 3 . 
     The blank  10  comprises a plurality of end flaps or panels for closing ends of the troughs or chambers C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . The end flaps may also serve to secure the blank  10  in an erected form. In the illustrated embodiment the blank  10  comprises a mechanical locking device for securing the tray  80  in an erected condition. In other embodiments the tray  80  may be secured with other mechanical devices such as, but not limited to, staples or with glue or other adhesive treatment. 
     The blank  10  comprises a first plurality of end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A hinged to a first end edge of the blank  10  and a second plurality of end closure flaps  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B hinged to a second, opposing, end edge of the blank  10 . 
     The first plurality of end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A are arranged to close an end of the tray  80  at a first end thereof. 
     A first side end closure flap  38 A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side panel  12  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  39 A. 
     A first base end closure flap  30 A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first base panel  14  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  31 A. 
     A second base end closure flap  32 A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second base panel  20  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  33 A. A first securing flap  34 A is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the second base end closure flap  32 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  35 A. The first end edge of the second base end closure flap  32 A opposes a second end edge of the second base end closure flap  32 A at which second end edge the second base end closure flap  32 A is hinged to the second base panel  20 . 
     A third base end closure flap  36 A is hingedly connected to a first end of the third base panel  26  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  37 A. 
     A second side end closure flap  40 A is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side panel  28  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  41 A. 
     The second plurality of end closure flaps  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B are arranged to close an end of the tray  80  at a second end thereof. 
     A third side end closure flap  38 B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side panel  12  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  39 B. 
     A fourth base end closure flap  30 B is hingedly connected to a second end of the first base panel  14  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  31 B. 
     A fifth base end closure flap  32 B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second base panel  20  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  33 B. A second securing flap  34 B is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the fifth base end closure flap  32 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  35 B. The first end edge of the fifth base end closure flap  32 B opposes a second end edge of the fifth base end closure flap  32 B at which second end edge the fifth base end closure flap  32 B is hinged to the second base panel  20 . 
     A sixth base end closure flap  36 B is hingedly connected to a second end of the third base panel  26  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  37 B. 
     A fourth side end closure flap  40 B is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side panel  28  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  41 B. 
     The blank  10  may comprise one or more locks for securing the end closure flaps together in an erected state. 
     Each of the first, second, third and fourth side end closure flap  38 A,  40 A,  38 B,  40 B comprises a first or male part T 7 , T 9 , T 8 , T 10  of a first complementary locking device having a latch or shoulder L 7 , L 9 , L 8 , L 10 . Each of the first, third, fifth and sixth base end closure flap  30 A,  36 A,  30 B,  36 B comprises a second or female part  43 A,  45 A,  43 B,  45 B of the first complementary locking device. 
     Each of the first complementary locking devices are substantially similar in construction and will be described with in more detail with reference to the first complementary locking device provided by the first side end closure flap  38 A and the first base end closure flap  30 A. 
     The first side end closure flap  38 A comprises a tab or projection T 7  which forms the first part of a first complementary locking device. The tab T 7  is defined in part by a cutaway or recess struck from the first side end closure flap  38 A so as to define a latch or shoulder L 7 . 
     The first base end closure flap  30 A comprises a cutaway which forms the second part of a first complementary locking device and may take the form of a cutline  43 A. The cutaway forms a receiver or keeper for receiving the tab T 7 . The cutline  43 A provides an opening into which the tab T 7  is inserted. The cutline  43 A may be non-linear, it may comprise two or more linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment the cutline  43 A comprises a first portion and a second portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion. A third portion may couple the first portion to the second portion, the third portion being divergently arranged with respect to the first portion and to the second portion. A fourth portion may extend form the first portion, the fourth portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion. In the illustrated embodiment the cutline  43 A may be substantially “L” shaped. The cutline  43 A may be substantially “S” or “Z” shaped. 
     In a setup condition the shoulder or latch L 7  provided by the first side end closure flap  38 A may engage with a portion of the first base end closure flap  30 A, said portion may be defined in part by the cutline  43 A, in the illustrated embodiment the shoulder or latch L 7  engages with a portion of the first base end closure flap  30 A defined, at least in part, by the third portion of the cutline  43 A. 
     Each of the first, third, fifth and sixth base end closure flap  30 A,  36 A,  30 B,  36 B comprises a first or male part of a respective second complementary locking device. 
     The second base end closure flap  32 A and the first securing flap  34 A provide a second or female part of the second complementary locking device for securing the first and third base end closure flaps  30 A,  36 A in an erected condition. 
     The fifth base end closure flap  32 B and the second securing flap  34 B provide a second or female part of the second complementary locking device for securing the fifth and sixth base end closure flaps  30 B,  36 B in an erected condition. 
     The second complementary locking device will be described in further detail with reference to second base end closure flap  32 A, the first securing flap  34 A and the first and third base end closure flaps  30 A,  36 A. 
     The first base end closure flap  30 A comprises a tab or projection T 3  which forms the first part of a second complementary locking device. The tab T 3  extends from a side edge of the first base end closure flap  30 A, the tab T 3  is provided from material disposed adjacent to a first end edge of the first divider panel  16 . The tab T 3  is integral with first base end closure flap  30 A. A cutaway in the form of a recess is struck from an end edge of the first base end closure flap  30 A so as to define, at least in part, a latch or shoulder L 3 . 
     The third base end closure flap  36 A comprises a tab or projection T 5  which forms the first part of a second complementary locking device. The tab T 5  extends from a side edge of the third base end closure flap  36 A, the tab T 5  is provided from material disposed adjacent to a first end edge of the fourth divider panel  24 . The tab T 5  is integral with third base end closure flap  36 A. A cutaway in the form of a recess is struck from an end edge of the third base end closure flap  36 A so as to define, at least in part, a latch or shoulder L 5 . 
     The second base end closure flap  32 A comprises a cutaway in the form of a cutline  49 A. The cutline  49 A may be substantially “U” shaped. The cutline  49 A interrupts the hinged connection between the second base end closure flap  32 A and the first securing flap  34 A so as to form a first and second hinge portion spaced apart from each other. The cutaway partially separates second base end closure flap  32 A from the first securing flap  34 A. When the first securing flap  34 A is folded about fold line  35 A into face to face relationship with the second base end closure flap  32 A an opening is formed. The opening provides a receiver. The opening receives a portion of each of the tabs T 3 , T 5  of the first and third base end closure flaps  30 A,  36 A. The latches or shoulders L 3 , L 5  engage with a portion of the second base end closure flap  32 A. The cutline  49 A may provide or define, at least in part, a projection integral with the second base end closure flap  32 A and extending therefrom, the projection may protect or reinforce the latches or shoulders L 3 , L 5  when engaged within the opening. The projection is formed form material which would otherwise form part of the first securing flap  34 A. 
     The first securing flap  34 A comprises tongue T 1  extending from a free end edge, the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined in part by the hinged connection between first securing flap  34 A and the second base end closure flap  32 A. The tongue T 1  forms first or male part of a third complementary locking device. The tongue T 1  engages with a second or female part of the third complementary locking device. The second part of the third complementary locking device is provided by an opening between the second base end closure flap  32 A and the second base panel  20 . The opening may be formed by a cutaway in the form of a cutline  47 A, the cutline  47 A may be substantially “U” shaped and interrupts the hinged connection between the second base end closure flap  32 A and the second base panel  20 . The cutline  49 A may provide or define, at least in part, a second projection integral with the second base end closure flap  32 A and extending therefrom, the second projection may protect or reinforce the tongue T 1  when engaged within the opening. The second projection is formed from material which would otherwise form part of the second base panel  20 . 
     In an erected condition the tabs T 3 , T 5 , or at least portions thereof, are disposed or sandwiched between the first securing flap  34 A and the second base end closure flap  32 A. 
     The third complementary locking device secures the first securing flap  34 A and the second base end closure flap  32 A in a folded condition. 
     A first portion of the fold line  49 A is received in the recess struck from the free end edge of the tab T 3  of the first base end closure flap  30 A. 
     A second portion of the fold line  49 A is received in the recess struck from the free end edge of the tab T 5  of the third base end closure flap  36 A. 
     The recesses in each of the first and third base end closure flap  30 A,  36 A each provide a first end stop ES 1  and a second end stop ES 2 . The first end stop ES 1  prevents or inhibits movement of the first and third base end closure flap  30 A,  36 A in a first direction. The second end stop ES 2  prevents or inhibits movement of the first and third base end closure flap  30 A,  36 A in a second, opposing direction. In this way, in an erected tray  80  the first base panel  14  is secured in an erected position relative to the second base panel  20 . The third base panel  26  is similarly secured in an erected position relative to the second base panel  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment the first base panel  14  is arranged to be spaced apart from and parallel to the second base panel  20 . The third base panel  26  is arranged to be spaced apart from and parallel to the second base panel  20 . The position of the first end stop ES 1  relative to the fold line defines at least in part the spacing between first or third base panel  14 ,  26  and the second base panel  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel  32 A comprises a pair of opposed side edges. Each of the pair of opposed side edges may be non collinear with respect to one of the fold lines  19 ,  21 . In this way a lateral offset is provided, the lateral offset, when present, defines at least in part the spacing between first or third base panel  14 ,  26  and the second base panel  20 . 
     The second end stop ES 2  prevents or inhibits separation of the first or third base panel  14 ,  26  from the second base panel  20 , and therefore prevents or inhibits unfolding of a divider structure described in more detail below. 
     The first, second, third and fourth divider panel  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24  comprise opposed free end edges. The free end edges are non-collinear with respect to the end edges of the first, second and third base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . 
     Each of the free end edges of the first divider panel  16  may be arranged divergently with respect to the first or second end of the first base panel  14 . 
     Each of the free end edges of the second divider panel  18  may be arranged divergently with respect to the first or second end of the second base panel  20 . 
     Each of the free end edges of the third divider panel  22  may be arranged divergently with respect to the first or second end of the second base panel  20 . 
     Each of the free end edges of the fourth divider panel  24  may be arranged divergently with respect to the first or second end of the third base panel  26 . 
     A first free end edge of the first divider panel  16  may be divergently arranged with respect to a first free end edge of the second divider panel  18 . A second free end edge of the first divider panel  16  may be divergently arranged with respect to a second free end edge of the second divider panel  18 . 
     A first free end edge of the third divider panel  22  may be divergently arranged with respect to a first free end edge of the fourth divider panel  24 . A second free end edge of the third divider panel  22  may be divergently arranged with respect to a second free end edge of the fourth divider panel  24 . 
     The first free end edges of the divider panels  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24  are longitudinally offset (at least in part) with respect to the first end edges of the first, second and third base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . The second free end edges of the divider panels  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24  are longitudinally offset (at least in part) with respect to the second end edges of the first, second and third base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . This offset limits or defines the extent to which the end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A,  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B can be folded with respect to the base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . The offset can be considered to limit or define an angle through which the end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A,  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B can be folded with respect to the base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . In the illustrated embodiment the end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A,  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B are inclined with respect to base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26 . The end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A,  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B and the base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26  define and angle therebetween, in the illustrated embodiment the angle is greater than 90°. The angle may be in the range 90°-120°, it may be in the range 90°-110° and in some embodiments may be around 95°. 
     The fold lines  38 A,  39 B may be obliquely oriented with respect to fold line  13 , the fold lines  41 A,  41 B may be obliquely oriented with respect to fold line  27  in order that the end walls formed from the first plurality of end closure flaps  38 A,  30 A,  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  40 A and the second plurality of end closure flaps  38 B,  30 B,  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  40 B are inclined with respect to the base wall formed by the first, second and third base panel  14 ,  20 ,  26 . In this way first and second end walls are divergently arranged with respect to each other in a set up condition. 
     Side edges of the first, third, fifth and sixth base end closure flaps  30 A,  36 A,  30 B,  36 B which oppose the side edges from which the tabs T 3 , T 5 , T 4 , T 6  extend may be non-collinear with respect to fold line  13  or fold line  27  and may be divergently arranged thereto. In this way the angle through which the first and second side panel  12 ,  28  can be folded with respect to the base panels  14 ,  20 ,  26  is limited. The first side panel  12  is arranged to be inclined or obliquely oriented with respect to the first base panel  14 . The second side panel  28  is arranged to be inclined or obliquely oriented with respect to the third base panel  26 . In this way the first and second side panel  12 ,  28  are divergently arranged with respect to each other in a set up condition. 
     The blank  10  may comprise a gate or door in each of the partition structures. The first and second divider panels  16 ,  18  form a first partition structure and may comprise a first gate G 1 . 
     The third and fourth divider panels  22 ,  24  form a second partition structure and may comprise a second gate G 2 . 
     The first gate G 1  comprises an opening and a first gate panel  16 B struck from the first divider panel  16  and hinged to the first base panel  14  by hinged connection in the form of fold line  15 B. Fold line  15 B is collinear with fold line  15  hinging the first divider panel  16  to the first base panel  14 . The first gate panel  16 B is defined in part by a cutaway in the form of at least one aperture A 1 . Aperture A 1  defines opposed side edges of the first gate panel  16 B. The aperture A 1  may also define a free end edge, the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by fold line  15 B. The aperture A 1  extends into the second divider panel  18 . The portion of the aperture A 1  struck from the second divider panel  18  is dimensioned to accommodate or receive the first gate panel  16 B in an open condition. In this way the first gate panel  16 B acts like a draw bridge spanning or crossing a space or gap between the first and second base panels  14 ,  20 . 
     The second gate G 2  comprises an opening and a second gate panel  24 B struck from the fourth divider panel  24  and hinged to the third base panel  26  by hinged connection in the form of fold line  25 B. Fold line  25 B is collinear with fold line  24  hinging the fourth divider panel  24  to the third base panel  24 . The second gate panel  24 B is defined in part by a cutaway in the form of at least one aperture A 2 . Aperture A 2  defines opposed side edges of the second gate panel  24 B. The aperture A 2  may also define a free end edge, the free end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by fold line  25 B. The aperture A 2  extends into the third divider panel  22 . The portion of the aperture A 2  struck from the third divider panel  22  is dimensioned to accommodate or receive the second gate panel  24 B in an open condition. In this way the second gate panel  24 B acts like a draw bridge spanning or crossing a space or gap between the third and second base panels  26 ,  20 . 
     The first and second gate panel  16 B,  24 B are translatable or transformable between first and second positions or orientations. In  FIG.  5    the first gate panel  16 B has been transformed by pivoting or rotating the first gate panel  16 B about the fold line  15 B. Direction arrow D 1  indicates folding or unfolding the first gate panel  16 B with respect to the first base panel  14 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the gate panels  16 B,  24 B may be defines by one or more cut lines or severance line. In some embodiments gate panels may be struck from the second or third divider panels  18 ,  22  and hingedly connected to the second base panel  20  in addition to or replacement of the first and second gate panels  16 B,  24 B. In some embodiments the first or second gate panels  16 B,  24 B may comprise an extension portion struck from the respective one of the second and third divider panels  18 ,  22  and hingedly connected to said first or second gate panel  16 B,  24 B. 
     The blank  10  includes at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10 pt., preferably from about 16 pt. to about 28 pt. (0.028″/˜0.7 mm). An example of such a substrate is a 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft®—an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote™) manufactured by WestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition. 
     The blank  10  may include a coating or layer laminated to the paperboard layer. The coating or laminated layer may provide oil and grease resistance or tear resistance. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the laminated layer. 
     The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g. MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE). Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used. The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate a package  90 , the package comprises a film sealed bag  50  having a top panel or surface  54 . The top panel  54  comprises a dispenser D. The dispenser D comprises a tear panel  56  defined, at least in part, by a severance line  51 . In the illustrated embodiment the top panel  54 , or at least part thereof comprises a two ply structure. The severance line  51  defines a first opening in an outer ply. A second opening is provided in an inner ply  60  and is defined at least in part by a second severance line  53  in the inner ply  60 . The second opening may dimension smaller than the first opening. A peripheral region of the tear panel  56 , provided by the outer ply is secured to a peripheral region of the inner ply  60  surrounding the second opening in the top panel  54 . The peripheral region of the tear panel  56  is secured to the peripheral region of the inner ply  60 . The peripheral region of the tear panel  56  may be adhesively secured to the peripheral region of the inner ply  60  using a suitable adhesive such that the tear panel  56  is separable from the top panel  54 . In this way the tear panel  56  may be peeled apart from the package to create an access opening O into the interior of the film sealed bag  50 . The dispenser D may comprises a tear initiation device  52 . The tear initiation device  52  may take the form of a tab provided by the outer ply of the top panel  54  which is unsecured or unglued to the inner ply  60 . In some embodiments the tab may be adhesively secured employing an adhesive with a lower bond strength or low tack such that the tab region of the tear panel  54  is more easily separated compared to the remainder of the tear panel  54 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates the package  90  in an opened condition, the dispenser D has been deployed to expose the articles A within the package  90 . The articles A are loaded onto the tray  80 , in the illustrated embodiment three rows of articles A are disposed in a side by side relationship within the film sealed bag  50 . Articles A in the at least a portion of a central row are fully exposed. Articles A in the outer rows are at least partially concealed by marginal regions of the top panel  54 . 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate the tray  80  in an erected condition, articles A have been omitted or removed for clarity. In  FIG.  4    the gate panels  16 B,  24 B are shown in a closed condition. In  FIG.  5    the first gate panel  16 B is shown in an open condition. The    
     The partition structure comprises an opening or gap allowing articles A to pass from one trough or chamber into an adjacent trough or chamber. A first article A in a first trough may be removed by a consumer creating a space or void in the first trough. A second article A in an adjacently disposed second trough may pass from the second trough through the opening in the partition structure into the void the first trough created upon removal of the first article A. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the first gate panel  16 B retains or maintains the articles A in the first and second troughs when in a closed condition. In the closed condition the gate panel  16 B is folded about fold line  15 B to extend upwardly from the first base panel  14 . When sufficient articles A have been removed from the second trough C 2  the first gate panel  16 B can be folded, as indicated by direction arrow D 1 , into an open condition. A portion of the first gate panel  16 B may overly or overlap the second base panel  20 . In the open condition articles A disposed in the first trough may pass into the second trough C 2 . 
     The second gate panel  24 B similarly retains or maintains the articles A in the second and third troughs C 2 , C 3  when in a closed condition and allows passage of articles A though a gap or opening in the partition structure when in an open condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1  to  5    will be described in detail. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank  110  comprising a plurality of panels  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . The plurality of panels  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  includes a first side panel  112  hingedly connected to a first base panel  114  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  113 . The first base panel  114  is hingedly connected to a first divider or partition panel  116  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  115 . The first divider panel  116  is hingedly connected to a second divider panel  118  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  117 . The second divider panel  118  is hingedly connected to a second base panel  120  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  119 . The second base panel  120  is hingedly connected to a third divider or partition panel  122  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  121 . The third divider panel  122  is hingedly connected to a fourth divider or partition panel  124  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  123 . The fourth divider panel  124  is hingedly connected to a third base panel  126  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  125 . The third base panel  126  is hingedly connected to a second side panel  128  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  127 . 
     In the second illustrated embodiment a first gate panel  116 B is struck from the first divider panel  116  and a second gate panel  124 B is struck from the fourth divider panel  124 . 
     Opposed side edges of the first gate panel  116 B are defined by a first pair of cut lines or severance lines  161 A,  161 B. The first pair of cut lines or severance lines  161 A,  161 B may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first pair of cut lines or severance lines  161 A,  161 B may be arranged to diverge towards the first base panel  114 . 
     A first aperture A 1  is struck from the second divider panel  118  and defines an end edge of the first gate panel  116 B. The first aperture Al may be longer in a longitudinal direction than at least a portion of the first gate panel  116 B. The free end edge of the first gate panel  116 B is shorter than an adjacent portion of the first aperture A 1 . 
     Opposed side edges of the second gate panel  124 B are defined by a second pair of cut lines or severance lines  163 A,  163 B. The second pair of cut lines or severance lines  163 A,  163 B may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The second pair of cut lines or severance lines  163 A,  163 B may be arranged to diverge towards the third base panel  126 . 
     A second aperture A 2  is struck from the third divider panel  122  and defines an end edge of the second gate panel  124 B. The second aperture A 2  may be longer in a longitudinal direction than at least a portion of the second gate panel  124 B. The free end edge of the second gate panel  124 B is shorter than an adjacent portion of the second aperture A 2 . 
     The first gate panel  116 B may be severably connected to the first divider panel  116 . The second gate panel  124 B may be severably connected to the fourth divider panel  124 . In this way when the carrier is erected the first and second gate panels  116 B,  124 B are folded simultaneously with the respective one of the first and fourth divider panels  116 ,  124 . The gate panel  116 B,  124 B can be separated from the respective one of the first and fourth divider panels  116 ,  124  when it is desired to open a portal in the partition structures created by the divider panels  116 ,  118 ,  122 ,  124 . 
     The present disclosure provides a package  90  comprising carrier  80  having a base wall  14 ,  20 ,  26 ;  114 ,  120 ,  126 , opposed side walls  12 ,  28 ;  112 ,  128  and opposed end walls to define an interior. The carrier  80  may take the form of an open topped tray. The package  90  further comprises a plurality of articles A disposed in the interior of the carrier  80 . The package  90  comprises a partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  dividing the interior into two or more chambers C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . The partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  may be integral with the carrier  80 . 
     The partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  may comprise an opening or portal providing a passageway between two adjacently disposed chambers C 1 /C 2 , C 2 /C 3 . The opening may be defined or controlled, at least in part by, a gate panel  16 B,  24 B;  116 B,  124 B. 
     The gate panel  16 B,  24 B;  116 B,  124 B is translatable or transformable between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition the gate panel  16 B,  24 B;  116 B,  124 B substantially closes the opening in the partition structure. In the second condition the portal is open such that articles may pass between the two adjacently disposed chambers. 
     In some embodiments, the base wall  14 ,  20 ,  26 ;  114 ,  120 ,  126  of the carrier may comprise a pair of spaced apart base panels  14 / 20 ,  20 / 26 ;  114 / 120 ,  120 / 126  and the gate panel  16 B,  24 B;  116 B,  124 B, in the second condition spans or crosses a gap between the pair of spaced apart base panels  14 / 20 ,  20 / 26 ;  114 / 120 ,  120 / 126 . 
     The partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  may couple a first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  to a second base panel  20 ;  120 . The partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  may span or cross a gap between the first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  and the second base panel  20 ;  120 . The carrier  80  may comprise a two or more divider panels  16 ,  18 ,  22 ,  24 ;  116 ,  118 ,  122 ,  124  coupling the first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  to the second base panel  20 ;  120 . The carrier  80  may comprise a pair of divider panels  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  coupling the first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  to the second base panel  20 ;  120 . 
     The end walls of the carrier may be formed from a first end panel  30 A,  36 A;  130 A,  136 A hinged to the first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  and a second end panel  32 A;  132 A hinged to the second base panel  20 ;  120 . The first end panel  30 A,  36 A;  130 A,  136 A is secured to the second end panel  32 A;  132 A in at least partial overlapping relationship such that the first base panel  14 ,  26 ;  114 ,  126  is spaced apart from the second base panel  20 ;  120 . 
     The package may comprise a film sealed bag  50  in which the carrier  80  is disposed, the film sealed bag  50  comprises a first panel  54  having a tear panel  56  defining an access opening O for gaining access to the interior of the carrier  80 . The portal in the partition structure  16 / 18 ,  22 / 24 ;  116 / 118 ,  122 / 124  may facilitate alignment of the articles A with the access opening O for removal from the package  90 . 
     It will be recognised 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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, embossed lines, debossed lines, 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 and/or a severance line. 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. 
     The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.