Patent Publication Number: US-2023150742-A1

Title: Package, article carrier and blank therefor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to article top engaging devices, packages, article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining an article therein. 
     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 top gripping article carriers in which an aperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said panel. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabs engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article. 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a package comprising at least one article and an article carrier. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having at least one article-receiving aperture disposed in engagement with a part of the at least one article. The engaging panel comprises a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side and end edges and a corner area. The article-receiving aperture comprises a first engaging edge at a position across the corner area from the corner. The corner area is defined at least partially by the first engaging edge. An end portion of the first side edge extends from the corner and an end portion of the first end edge extends from the corner. The corner area is folded with respect to the remainder of the engaging panel such that the end portion of the first side edge is angled with respect to an adjoining portion of the first side edge. 
     Optionally, the end portion of the first end edge is angled with respect to an adjoining portion of the first end edge. 
     Optionally, the corner area is further defined at least in part by first and second fold lines, the first fold line connects the corner area with the remainder of the engaging panel, and the second fold line connects the corner area with the remainder of the engaging panel. 
     Optionally, the first fold line extends from the first side edge toward the at least one article-receiving aperture and the second fold line extends from the first end edge toward the at least one article-receiving aperture. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and at least one article. The at least one article has an upwardly tapered upper portion. The carrier comprises an engaging panel comprising a first, upper, ply and a second, lower, ply. The lower ply includes at least one lower aperture having an annular series of lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower aperture. The lower ply tabs are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel such that the lower ply tabs are in face-contacting engagement with the upper portion of the at least one article. The upper ply includes at least one upper aperture arranged substantially coaxially with the at least one lower aperture and has an annular series of upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper aperture. The upper ply tabs are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel such that at least some of the upper ply tabs each is in face-contacting engagement with a respective adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs. 
     Optionally, the lower ply tabs each has a base and an inner edge opposite said base, the at least one lower aperture has a notional lower outer circle defined by the bases of lower ply tabs, the notional lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. The upper ply tabs each has a base and an inner edge opposite said base of each upper ply tab, the at least one upper aperture has a notional upper outer circle defined by the bases of the upper ply tabs, the notional upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is equal to or less than the lower outer circle diameter. 
     Optionally, the at least one lower aperture has a notional lower inner circle defined by the inner edges of the lower ply tabs, the notional lower inner circle has a lower inner circle diameter. The at least one upper aperture has a notional upper inner circle defined by the inner edges of the upper ply tabs, the notional upper inner circle has an upper inner circle diameter. The upper inner circle diameter is greater than the lower inner circle diameter. 
     Optionally, each of the upper ply tabs is spaced apart by a recess from an adjacent one of the upper ply tabs and at least some of the recesses each is aligned with a respective one of the lower ply tabs. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel comprising a first upper ply and a second lower ply secured together in face contacting arrangement. The upper ply includes at least one upper aperture having an annular series of upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper aperture. The upper ply tabs each have a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The upper ply tabs are folded upwardly with respect to the engaging panel when a portion of at least one article is received in the at least one upper aperture. The lower ply includes at least one lower aperture substantially coaxial with the at least one upper aperture. The at least one lower aperture has an annular series of lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower aperture. The lower ply tabs each has a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The at least one lower aperture has a notional lower outer circle defined by the bases of lower ply tabs. The notional lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. The upper ply tabs each has a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The at least one upper aperture has a notional upper outer circle defined by the bases of the upper ply tabs. The notional upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is equal to or less than the lower outer circle diameter. 
     Optionally, the at least one lower aperture has a notional lower inner circle defined by the inner edges of the lower ply tabs, the notional lower inner circle has a lower inner circle diameter. The at least one upper aperture has a notional upper inner circle defined by the inner edges of the upper ply tabs, the notional upper inner circle has an upper inner circle diameter. The upper inner circle diameter is greater than the lower inner circle diameter. 
     Optionally, each of the upper ply tabs is spaced apart by a recess from an adjacent one of the upper ply tabs. At least some of the recesses each is aligned with a respective one of the lower ply tabs. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging at least one article. The carrier comprises an engaging panel comprising a first upper ply and a second lower ply. The lower ply includes at least one lower aperture having a series of first lower ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one lower aperture and at least one second lower tab formed around a second portion of the at least one lower aperture. The upper ply includes at least one upper aperture arranged substantially coaxially with the at least one lower aperture. The at least one upper aperture comprises a series of first upper ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one upper aperture and at least one second upper tab formed around a second portion of the at least one lower aperture. The first lower ply tabs are offset with respect to the first upper ply tabs the at least one second lower tab is aligned in registry with the at least one second upper tab. 
     Optionally, the first lower ply tabs are offset circumferentially with respect to the first upper ply tabs. 
     Optionally, a cutline which separates two adjacently disposed ones of the first lower ply tabs from each other substantially bisects one of the first upper ply tabs. 
     Optionally, the first lower ply tabs are offset radially with respect to the first upper ply tabs. 
     Optionally, inner edges of the first lower ply tabs are inset with respect to inner edges of the first upper ply tabs. 
     Optionally, the at least one second lower tab is aligned in registry with the at least one second upper tab so to form a common engaging edge. 
     Optionally, the at least one second lower tab is aligned in circumferentially and radially with respect to the at least one second upper tab. 
     Optionally, a first recess separates a first one of the series of first lower ply tabs from the at least one second lower tab. 
     Optionally, a second recess separates a second one of the series of first lower ply tabs from the at least one second lower tab. 
     Optionally, a third recess separates a first one of the series of first upper ply tabs from the at least one second upper tab. 
     Optionally, a fourth recess separates a second one of the series of first upper ply tabs from the at least one second upper tab. 
     A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a first panel for forming an upper ply of an engaging panel and a second panel for forming a lower ply of the engaging panel. The second panel includes at least one lower aperture having a series of first lower ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one lower aperture and at least one second lower tab formed around a second portion of the at least one lower aperture. The first panel includes at least one upper aperture arranged to be substantially coaxial with the at least one lower aperture in a setup condition. The first panel has a series of first upper ply tabs formed around a first portion of the at least one upper aperture and at least one second upper tab formed around a second portion of the at least one upper aperture. The first lower ply tabs are arranged to be offset with respect to the first upper ply tabs and the at least one second lower tab is aligned in registry with the at least one second upper tab when the blank is a setup condition. 
     A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel comprising a first panel for forming an upper ply and a second panel for forming a lower ply. The second panel is hinged to the first panel for being secured together in face contacting arrangement thereto. The upper ply includes at least one upper aperture having an annular series of upper ply tabs formed around the at least one upper aperture. The upper ply tabs each have a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The upper ply tabs are foldable upwardly with respect to the engaging panel when a portion of at least one article is received in the at least one upper aperture. The lower ply includes at least one lower aperture arranged to be substantially coaxial with the at least one upper aperture in a setup condition. The at least one lower aperture has an annular series of lower ply tabs formed around the at least one lower aperture. Each of the lower ply tabs has a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The at least one lower aperture has a notional lower outer circle defined by the bases of lower ply tabs. The notional lower outer circle has a lower outer circle diameter. Each of the upper ply tabs has a base and an inner edge opposite said base. The at least one upper aperture has a notional upper outer circle defined by the bases of the upper ply tabs. The notional upper outer circle has an upper outer circle diameter. The upper outer circle diameter is equal to or less than the lower outer circle diameter. 
     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 plurality of blanks, each capable of forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment, connected together in an array; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view from above of a carrier, formed from one of the blanks of  FIG.  1   , engaging a group of articles; 
         FIG.  3    is an alternative perspective view of the carrier of  FIG.  2   , 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view from above of one of the blanks of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a plan view from above of a stage of construction the blank of  FIG.  4    into a carrier; 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks, each capable of forming an article carrier according to a second embodiment, connected together in an array; 
         FIG.  7    is a plan view from above of a plurality of blanks, each capable of forming an article carrier according to a third embodiment, connected together in an array; and 
         FIG.  8    is cutaway view of a portion of a package comprising the carrier of  FIG.  2    and an article. 
     
    
    
     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 minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a plan view of a plurality of connected blanks  10   a  to  10   f  referred to generally by reference sign  1 ; an individual blank  10  is shown in  FIG.  4    which is capable of forming a carton or carrier  90 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in  FIG.  2   . The blank  10  forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks  110   a - 110   f ;  210   a - 210   f  are shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . 
     In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. 
     The blanks  10   a - 10   f ;  110   a - 110   f ;  210   a - 210   f  are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. 
     The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks  10   a - 10   f ;  110   a - 110   f ;  210   a - 210   f  are configured to form a carton or carrier  90  for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated, the arrangement is a 2×2 matrix or array; two rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks  10   a - 10   f ;  110   a - 110   f ;  210   a - 210   f  can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1    there is shown a plurality of connected blanks  1 , specifically there are six blanks  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d ,  10   e ,  10   f  arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each blank  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d ,  10   e ,  10   f  comprises a pair of main panels  12 A,  12 B for forming a top wall or engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B of a carrier  90  (see  FIG.  2   ). Each blank  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d ,  10   e ,  10   f  is connected to at least two adjacent blanks  10  by frangible connections F 2 . 
     The pair of main panels  12 A,  12 B comprises a first main panel  12 A for forming a lower layer or ply of the carrier  90  and a second main panel  12 B for forming an upper layer or ply of the carrier  90 . Each first main panel  12 A is hingedly connected to a respective second main panel  12 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line F 1 . 
     The pair of main panels  12 A,  12 B includes at least one article retention structure RT, see  FIG.  5   . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  5    the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT, specifically four article retention structures RT arranged in 2×2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT comprises an aperture A 1 /A 2 . 
     The article retention structure RT comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by a first aperture A 1  defined in, or struck from, the first main panel  12 A. 
     The article receiving opening is defined in part by a second aperture A 2  defined in, or struck from, the second main panel  12 B. 
     The article retention structures RT comprise a plurality of teeth or tabs  16 ,  18  disposed about the aperture A 1 /A 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4    there is shown a plan view of a blank  10 , the first main panel  12 A comprises a first plurality of teeth  16  (also referred to herein as inner or lower teeth  16 ) disposed about a part of the circumference or border of the first aperture A 1 . The first plurality of teeth  16  are provided by the first main panel  12 A. Each of the lower teeth  16  is hingedly connected to the first main panel  12 A, by hinged connection. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of cut lines  13 ,  19 . The plurality of cut lines  13 ,  19  may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the first aperture A 1 . 
     The plurality of cut lines  13 ,  19  may define or approximate a portion of circle. 
     Each of the plurality of first teeth  16  comprises an engaging edge E 1  opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges E 1  are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the aperture A 1 . Each engaging edge E 1  defines a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises eleven lower teeth  16  together defining a substantial portion of a hexadecagon. Each lower tooth  16  comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cut lines  15 ,  17  extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon. That is to say from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut line defining the portion of a hexadecagon. The cut lines  15 ,  17  are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about 22.5°. 
     The plurality of cut lines  13 ,  19  comprises a plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13 . Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13  is aligned with one of the radial cut lines  15 ,  17  such that said one of the radial cut lines  15 ,  17 , or a notional extension thereof, bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13 . 
     Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13  is spaced apart from said one of the radial cut lines  15 ,  17  bisecting it so as to define a connecting nick or bridge portion between a pair of adjacently disposed lower teeth  16 . 
     Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13  may be linear in shape. 
     The article retention structures RT comprise a plurality of second circumferential cut lines  19 . Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines  19  is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13  and is spaced apart therefrom so as to define a pair of connecting nick or bridge portions between each lower tooth  16  and the first main panel  12 A. The pair of connecting nick or bridge portions provide a hinged or foldable connection between each lower tooth  16  and the first main panel  12 A. 
     Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines  19  may be linear in shape. 
     In alternative embodiments each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  13  may be arcuate or curved. The first circumferential cut lines  13  may comprise a radius of curvature which is equal to half the diameter of the article receiving openings. The first circumferential cut lines  13  may comprise a radius of curvature which is greater than half the article receiving openings. 
     In alternative embodiments each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines  19  may be arcuate or curved. The second circumferential cut lines  19  may comprise a radius of curvature which is equal to half the diameter of the article receiving openings. The second circumferential cut lines  19  may comprise a radius of curvature which is greater than half the diameter of the article receiving openings. 
     The first plurality of teeth  16  is interrupted by at least one recess or cutaway  26   a ,  26   b . A first recess  26   a  is provided at a location about the circumference of the first aperture A 1  disposed in closest proximity to a side edge Se of the first main panel  12 A. A second recess  26   b  is provided at a location about the circumference of the first aperture A 1  disposed in closest proximity to an end edge Ee of the first main panel  12 A. A single second lower tooth  20  may be provided between the first recess  26   a  and the second recess  26   b . The second lower tooth  20  is defined in part by the first recess  26   a  and in part by the second recess  26   b.    
     The second lower tooth  20  is located in or at a corner region of the first main panel  12 A. The second lower tooth  20  is part of a corner tab CT, the corner tab CT is foldable out of the plane of the first main panel  12 A. A first foldable region may be defined between the first recess  26   a  and the side edge Se. A second foldable region may be defined between the second recess  26   b  and the end edge Ee. 
     The second lower tooth  20  comprises a lower engaging edge E 2  for engaging with an article B. The lower engaging edge E 2  may be linear in shape; alternatively it may be non-linear or arcuate. The second lower tooth  20  may occupy a larger portion of the circumference of the article receiving openings than each of the lower teeth  16 . 
     The second main panel  12 B comprises a second plurality of teeth  18  (also referred to herein as outer or upper teeth  18 ) disposed about a part of the circumference or border of the second aperture A 2 . The second plurality of teeth  18  are provided by the second main panel  12 B. Each of the upper teeth  18  is foldably or deformably coupled or connected to the second main panel  12 B. In some embodiments a hinged connection may be provided by a fold, crease, score or other suitable device. In the illustrated embodiment the upper teeth  18  are integral with the second main panel  12 B, that is to say they have an uninterrupted connection thereto—no fold or other hinge defining device is provided. 
     The illustrated embodiment comprises twelve upper teeth  18 . Each upper tooth  18  is defines in part by a cutaway C 1  in the form or a notch or recess. The cutaways C 1  are substantially “U” shaped. The cutaways C 1  define an arcuate free edge of the second main panel  12 B; the arcuate edge has a radius of curvature much less than the radius of curvature of the article receiving opening. 
     The second plurality of teeth  18  is interrupted by at least one recess or cutaway C 2 , C 3 . A third recess C 2  is provided at a location about the circumference of the second aperture A 2  disposed in closest proximity to a side edge Se 2  of the second main panel  12 B. A fourth recess C 3  is provided at a location about the circumference of the second aperture A 2  disposed in closest proximity to an end edge Ee 2  of the second main panel  12 B. A single second upper tooth  22  may be provided between the third recess C 2  and the fourth recess C 3 . The second upper tooth  22  is defined in part by the third recess C 2  and in part by the fourth recess C 3 . 
     The second upper tooth  22  is located in or at a corner region of the second main panel  12 B. The tooth  22  is part of a corner tab CT, the corner tab CT is foldable out of the plane of the second main panel  12 B. A third foldable region may be defined between the third recess C 2  and the side edge Se 2 . A fourth foldable region may be defined between the fourth recess C 3  and the end edge E e2 . 
     The second upper tooth  22  comprises an upper engaging edge E 3  for engaging with an article B. The upper engaging edge E 3  may be linear in shape; alternatively it may be non-linear or arcuate. The second upper tooth  22  may occupy a larger portion of the circumference of the article receiving openings than each of the upper teeth  18 . 
     The second upper tooth  22  is arranged to be in registry with the first lower tooth  20  when the second main panel  12 B is folded about fold line F 2  to be in face contacting relationship with the first main panel  12 A, as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     The third recess C 2  is arranged to be in registry with the first recess  26   a . The fourth recess C 3  is arranged to be in registry with the second recess  26   b . In this way the third foldable region is in registry with the first foldable region and the second foldable region is in registry with the fourth foldable region. 
     The lower teeth  18  of the first plurality of teeth  16  are circumferentially offset from the upper teeth  18  of the second plurality of teeth  18 , best illustrated in  FIG.  5   . Each of the lower teeth is in an overlapping relationship with two adjacently disposed upper teeth  18 . The upper teeth  18  each comprises a free edge E 4  defined between a pair of recesses C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . 
     The upper teeth  18  are shorter in height than the lower teeth  16 . The lower teeth  16  have larger radial dimension than the upper teeth  18 . In this way the first aperture A 1  comprises a smaller radius than the second aperture A 2 , best shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     Each of the upper teeth  18  may have the effect of applying a load or force upon at least one side edges of a lower tooth  16 . All but the endmost upper teeth in the series or plurality of teeth  18  may have the effect of applying a load or force upon a side edge of each of a pair of adjacent lower teeth  16 . 
     In this way the upper teeth  18  may encourage the lower teeth  16  towards the article B when in use. The offset arrangement may also encourage the lower teeth  16  to bend or deform about the article B. The lower teeth  16  may adopt a curved or arcuate shape complementary to the outer wall of the article B. In this way a greater extent of the engaging edge E 1  of the lower teeth  16  may be held in engagement beneath a flange or other projection provide by the article B. The cutaways C 1  between the upper teeth  18  may facilitate the lower teeth  16  adopting a non-planar shape, providing a region of each lower tooth  16  over which a lower force or load is exerted an may create a space for a central or intermediate region of each lower tooth  16  to deform or fold into—acting as a guide or mandrel. 
     The blank  10  may optionally comprise a handle structure. The handle structure may comprise a first handle opening H 1  provided in the first main panel  12 A and a second first handle opening H 2  provided in the second main panel  12 B. The first handle opening H 1  is struck from or defined in region of the first main panel  12 A between a pair of first apertures A 1  and a second pair of first apertures A 1 . The second first handle opening H 2  is struck from or defined in region of the second main panel  12 B between a pair of second apertures A 2  and a second pair of second apertures A 2 . The first handle opening H 1  may be defined, at least in part, by a first finger tab  60 A hingedly connected to the first main panel  12 A by fold line  61 A. The second handle opening H 2  may be defined, at least in part, by a second finger tab  60 B hingedly connected to the second main panel  12 B by fold line  61 B. The first handle opening H 1  and second first handle opening H 2  are arranged to be in registry with each other when the second main panel  12 B is folded about fold line F 2  to be in face contacting relationship with the first main panel  12 A. 
     Each of the first and second finger tabs  60 A,  60 B may comprise a pair of fold or crease lines. The fold lines may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. Each of the fold lines may be arcuate in shape. 
     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 20 point (pt.) (0.020″/˜0.5 mm) 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 tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant 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. 
     Turning to the construction of the carrier  90  from the blank  10 , glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a surface of one or both of the first and second main panels  12 A,  12 B. The blank  10  is folded about fold line F 1  to bring the first main panel  12 A into face contacting relationship with the second main panel  12 B. The first main panel  12 A is secured to the second main panel  12 B. 
     In the case of the plurality of connected blanks  1  the blanks  10   a  to  10   c  may be folded simultaneously and the blanks  10   d  to  10   f  may be folded simultaneously. In this way a plurality of connected carriers  90  is formed. 
     The blank  10  may be applied to a group of articles B. The blank  10  is lowered with respect to the group of articles B. Each of the article retention structures RT of the blank  10  is aligned with a respective article B in the group. Portions of the articles B pass through the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B. The lower teeth  16  are folded out of the plane of the first main panel  12 A, the upper teeth  18  may be deformed or displaced out of the plane of the second main panel  12 B. 
     The engaging edges E 1  of the lower teeth  16  engage beneath a projection. The projection may be located about the neck or chime (which may provide a flange) of an article B. When the article B is can the projection may be provided by a canner&#39;s end seam. In other embodiments it may be provided by a ridge or undercut shaping of the article B or by an end closure of the article B for example but not limited to a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engaging edges E 1  grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B from unintentionally separating from the main panel  12 . The assembled carrier  90  is shown in  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  8    shows a partial view of the carrier  90 , a section of the carrier has been shown in section to illustrate that the lower teeth  16  deform upwardly and engage beneath a flange of the article B. The upper teeth  18  are displaced upwardly and are in close proximity to the lower teeth  16 . The upper teeth follow the contour of a portion of the lower teeth  16 . The upper teeth  18  do not engage or contact with the article B but rather support or brace the lower teeth  16  against the article B. 
     The corner tab CT is folded downwardly about a corner or shoulder of an article B, best illustrated in  FIG.  3   . The corner tab CT is disposed in close proximity to an adjacent portion of the article B. The corner tab CT may follow the contour of the article B, such that it does not project outwardly beyond the footprint of the article B, or at least not significantly. 
     The upper and lower second teeth  22 ,  20  are secured together and engage with flange of the article B. The upper and lower second teeth  22 ,  20  may fold with respect to the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B of the carrier  90 , the degree or angle of the fold may be less than that of the lower and/or upper first teeth  16 ,  18  since the corner portion of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B to which they are coupled is folded downwardly. 
     In some embodiments the upper and lower second teeth  22 ,  20  may not fold with respect to the corner tab CT. The corner tab CT may adopted or conform to the shape of the article B, folds develop in the foldable regions of the first and second main panels  12 A,  12 B allowing the corner tab CT to be moved out of the plane of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B of the carrier  90 . 
     In some embodiments the plurality of carriers is applied simultaneously to a first group of articles B. The first group of articles B is divisible into a plurality of second groups of articles B. Each second group of articles B is thus formed from a subset of the first group of articles B. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1    the first group of articles B comprises twenty-four articles arranged in a 4×6 matrix or array, and each individual blank  10 A to  10 L accommodates four articles in a 2×2 matrix or array. 
     The frangible connections F 2  between the individual blanks  10  may separate upon application of the plurality of blanks  1  to the first group of articles B. Alternatively, the frangible connections F 2  may remain intact, individual blanks  10  may be separated from the others at a point of sale or distribution. 
     Another optional feature of the carrier  90  is that the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B is defined by a perimeter to which no other part of the carrier  90  is connected. That is to say, the carrier  90  is free of connection to other panels for example, but not limited to, side or end wall panels which extend about the sides of the article group. The perimeter of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B is therefore defined in its entirety by free, cut or unhinged edges. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”, “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiments respectively. The additional embodiments share 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 plurality of connected blanks referred to generally by reference sign  101 , specifically there are six blanks  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f  arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each blank  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f  comprises a pair of main panels  112 A,  112 B for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f  is connected to at least two adjacent blanks  110  by frangible connections. 
     The pair of main panels  112 A,  112 B comprises a first main panel  112 A for forming a lower layer or ply of the carrier and a second main panel  1128  for forming an upper layer or ply of the carrier. Each first main panel  112 A is hingedly connected to a respective second main panel  112 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. 
     The pair of main panels  112 A,  112 B provide at least one article retention structure. In the embodiment of  FIG.  6    each of the blanks  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f  is arranged to provide a plurality of article retention structures, specifically four article retention structures arranged in 2×2 matrix or array. 
     The article retention structure comprises an article receiving opening defined in part by a first aperture A 1  defined in, or struck from, the first main panel  112 A. 
     The article receiving opening is defined in part by a second aperture A 2  defined in, or struck from, the second main panel  1128 . Each of the second apertures A 2  and the plurality of teeth  18  disposed thereabouts is substantially the same in construction, albeit the number teeth disposed about each second aperture A 2  is reduced to nine teeth, as described above in relations to the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  5   . 
     The first aperture A 1  comprises a plurality of teeth or tabs  116  disposed thereabouts. 
     The first main panel  112 A comprises a first plurality of teeth  116  (also referred to herein as inner or lower teeth  116 ) disposed about a part of the circumference or border of the first aperture A 1 . The first plurality of teeth  116  are provided by the first main panel  112 A. Each of the lower teeth  116  is hingedly connected to the first main panel  112 A, by hinged connection. The hinged connection is defined by a plurality of cut lines  113 . The plurality of cut lines  113  may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the first aperture A 1 . 
     Each of the plurality of lower teeth  116  comprises an engaging edge. The engaging edges may be defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the first aperture A 1 . Each engaging edge defines a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises ten lower teeth  116  together defining a substantial portion of a dodecagon. Each lower tooth  116  comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cut lines  115 ,  117  extending radially outward from respective vertices of the dodecagon. That is to say from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut line defining the portion of a dodecagon. The cut lines  115 ,  117  are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about 30°. 
     The plurality of cut lines  113  comprises a plurality of arcuate cut lines  113 . Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  113  is aligned with a radial cut line  115 ,  117  such that said one of the radial cut lines  115 ,  117 , or a notional extension thereof, bisects a respective one of the plurality of arcuate cut lines  113 . 
     Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines  113  is spaced apart from said one of the radial cut lines  115 ,  117  bisecting it so as to define a connecting nick or bridge portion between a pair of adjacently disposed lower teeth  116 . 
     Each of the cut lines  113  is curvilinear or arcuate in shape. The cutlines  113  have radius of curvature substantially smaller than a radius of curvature of the article receiving opening. 
     The cut lines  19  of the embodiment of  FIG.  1    have been omitted from the embodiment of  FIG.  6   . 
     First and second recesses  126   a ,  126   b  have been reduced in dimension compared to the first and second recesses  26   a ,  26   b  of the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , specifically the first and second recesses  126   a ,  126   b  of  FIG.  6    occupy a smaller arc or portion of the circumference of the article receiving opening. 
     The plurality of lower teeth  116  are offset, circumferentially, with respect to the plurality of upper teeth  118 . The plurality of lower teeth  116  occupy a larger sector of the article receiving opening than the plurality of upper teeth  118 . (In the embodiment of  FIG.  1    the plurality of upper teeth  118  occupy a larger sector of the article receiving opening than the plurality of lower teeth  116 .) 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a third embodiment and shows a plurality of connected blanks referred to generally by reference sign  201 , specifically there are six blanks  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c ,  210   d ,  210   e ,  210   f  arranged in a 2×3 matrix or array. Each blank  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c ,  210   d ,  210   e ,  210   f  comprises a pair of main panels  212 A,  212 B for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier (not shown). Each blank  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c ,  210   d ,  210   e ,  210   f  is connected to at least two adjacent blanks  210  by frangible connections. 
     The pair of main panels  212 A,  212 B comprises a first main panel  212 A for forming a lower layer or ply of the carrier and a second main panel  212 B for forming an upper layer or ply of the carrier. Each first main panel  212 A is hingedly connected to a respective second main panel  212 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. 
     The pair of main panels  212 A,  212 B provide at least one article retention structure. In the embodiment of  FIG.  7    each of the blanks  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c ,  210   d ,  210   e ,  210   f  is arranged to provide a plurality of article retention structures, specifically four article retention structures arranged in 2×2 matrix or array. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  7    the article retention structures are substantially similar in construction to the article retention structure of the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , albeit the first and second recesses  126   a ,  126   b  have been omitted from the first apertures A 1 . The third and fourth recesses C 2 , C 3  have been omitted from the second apertures A 2  and the second upper and lower teeth  122 ,  120  have also been omitted. In this way the plurality of lower teeth  216  extend about the entire circumference of the first apertures A 1  and the plurality of upper teeth  218  extend about the entire circumference of the second apertures A 2 . The upper teeth  218  are circumferentially offset with respect to the lower teeth  216  such that each lower tooth is in partial overlapping relationship with two adjacent upper teeth  218 . 
     The present disclosure provides a carrier  90  of the top engaging type having improved article retention structures or article top engaging devices RT. 
     The article top engaging device RT comprises an engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B having at least one top-receiving opening. 
     A package comprises at least one article B and an article carrier  90 . The article carrier  90  comprises an engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B which comprises at least one article-receiving aperture RT disposed in engagement with a part of the at least one article B. The engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B has a first side edge Se, a first end edge Ee, a corner CN defined by the first side and end edges and a corner area CT. The article-receiving aperture RT comprises a first engaging edge E 2  at a position across the corner area CT from the corner CN. The corner area CT is defined at least partially by the first engaging edge E 2 , an end portion Se a  of the first side edge Se extending from the corner CN and an end portion Ee a  of the first end edge Ee extending from the corner CN and wherein the corner area CT is folded with respect to the remainder of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B such that the end portion Se a  of the first side edge Se is angled with respect to an adjoining portion of the first side edge Se. 
     The end portion Ee a  of the first end edge Ee is angled with respect to an adjoining portion of the first end edge Ee. 
     The corner area CT is further defined at least in part by first P 1  and second P 2  fold lines. The first fold line P 1  connects the corner area CT with the remainder of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B. The second fold line P 2  connects the corner area CT with the remainder of the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B. 
     The first fold line P 1  extends from the first side edge Se toward the at least one article-receiving aperture RT and the second fold line P 2  extends from the first end edge Ee toward the at least one article-receiving aperture RT. 
     The present disclosure also provides a package comprising an article carrier  90  and at least one article B, in which the at least one article B has an upwardly tapered upper portion or neck N. The carrier  90  comprises an engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B comprising a first upper ply  12 B;  112 B;  212 B and a second lower ply  12 A;  112 A;  212 A. The lower ply  12 A includes at least one lower aperture A 1  having an annular series of lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  formed around the at least one lower aperture A 1 . The lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B such that the lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are in face-contacting engagement with the upper portion N of the at least one article B. The upper ply  12 B;  112 B;  212 B includes at least one upper aperture A 2  substantially coaxial with the at least one lower aperture A 1  and having an annular series of upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  formed around the at least one upper aperture A 2 . The upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B such that at least some of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  each is in face-contacting engagement with a respective adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216 . 
     The lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  each have a base and an inner edge E 1  opposite said base. The at least one lower aperture A 1  has a notional lower outer circle N c2  defined by the bases of lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216 . The notional lower outer circle N c2  has a lower outer circle diameter Dio. The upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  each have a base and an inner edge opposite said base of each upper ply tab  18 ;  118 ;  218 . The at least one upper aperture A 2  has a notional upper outer circle N c3  defined by the bases of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . The notional upper outer circle N c3  has an upper outer circle diameter Duo. The upper outer circle diameter Duo is equal to or less than the lower outer circle diameter Dio. 
     The at least one lower aperture A 1  has a notional lower inner circle N c1  defined by the inner edges E 1  of the lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216 . The notional lower inner circle N c1  has a lower inner circle diameter Dii. The at least one upper aperture A 2  has a notional upper inner circle defined by the inner edges of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . The notional upper inner circle N c1  has an upper inner circle diameter Dui. The upper inner circle diameter Dui is greater than the lower inner circle diameter Dii. 
     Each of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  is spaced apart by a recess C 1  from an adjacent one of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . At least some of each of the recesses C 1  is aligned with a respective one of the lower ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . 
     A carrier  90  is disclosed herein that comprises an engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B comprising a first upper ply  12 B;  112 B;  212 B and a second lower ply  12 A;  112 A;  212 A. The lower ply  12 A includes at least one lower aperture A 1  having an annular series of first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  formed around a first portion of the at least one lower aperture A 1  and at least one second lower tab  20  formed around a second portion of the at least one lower aperture A 1 . The upper ply  12 B;  112 B;  212 B includes at least one upper aperture A 2  substantially coaxial with the at least one lower aperture A 1  and having an annular series of first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  formed around a first portion of the at least one upper aperture A 2  and at least one second upper tab  22  formed around a second portion of the at least one upper aperture A 2 . 
     The first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are offset with respect to the first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . 
     The first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are offset circumferentially with respect to the first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . A cutline  15 ,  17 ;  115 , 117  separating the first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  from each other substantially bisects one of the first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . 
     The first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are offset radially with respect to the first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . The inner edges E 1  of the first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are inset with respect to the inner edges of the first upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218 . 
     The at least one second lower tab  20  is aligned in registry with the at least one second upper tab  22  to form a common engaging edge E 2 /E 3 . The at least one second lower tab  20  is aligned in circumferentially and radially with respect to the at least one second upper tab  22 . 
     The first lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B such that the lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216  are in face-contacting engagement with the upper portion N of the at least one article B. The upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  are angled upwardly with respect to the engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B such that at least some of the upper ply tabs  18 ;  118 ;  218  each is in face-contacting engagement with a respective adjacent pair of the lower ply tabs  16 ;  116 ;  216 . 
     The article carrier  90  comprises an engaging panel  12 A/ 12 B;  112 A/ 112 B;  212 A/ 212 B comprising a first upper ply  12 B;  112 B;  212 B and a second lower ply  12 A;  112 A;  212 A secured together in face contacting arrangement. 
     It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. 
     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.