Patent Publication Number: US-2023159246-A1

Title: Packages, article carriers and blanks therefor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates packages, article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to package comprising a carrier having one or more apertures for receiving an article such that the carrier is located between opposed ends of the article. 
     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 an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier for substantially cylindrical articles having a minimalistic appearance and to retain or hold a group of those articles in a matrix or array arrangement. 
     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 a plurality of articles arranged in a group and a top-engaging device or carrier in engagement with tops or upper portions of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging device. The package comprises a bundling device or carrier spaced apart from the top-engaging device and in engagement with portions of the articles below the tops or upper portions thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the bundling device. The bundling device comprises a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposite end panels. Each of the end panels is connected to the side panels by a pair of divergent fold lines respectively such that the side panels and the end panels together define a single band structure encircling the group of the articles. 
     Optionally, each of the end panels is folded with respect to the side panels about the respective pair of divergent fold lines such that opposed end portions of each end panel are in overlapping arrangement with the side panels. 
     Optionally, the opposed end portions of each end panel are adhesively secured to the side panels. 
     Optionally, the bundling device is formed from a single blank of sheet material having first and second opposed sides, wherein the first side of the blank is exposed to view by the side panels and wherein the second side of the blank is exposed to view by the end panels. 
     Optionally, each pair of divergent fold lines extends from an upper or lower edge of a respective one of the end panels divergently toward the side panels. 
     Optionally, the bundling device comprises at least a pair of keel panels hingedly connected to each other by a keel fold line, the at least pair of keel panels being disposed between at least two adjacent ones of the articles and connecting between the side panels. 
     Optionally, the bundling device is disposed at or below a medial portion of the articles. 
     Optionally, the bundling device is initially connected to the top-engaging device. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a top-engaging device for engagement with tops of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging device and a bundling device spaced apart from the top-engaging device for engagement with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the bundling device. The bundling device comprises a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposite end panels. Each of the end panels is connected to the side panels by a pair of divergent fold lines respectively such that the side panels and the end panels together define a single band structure for encircling the group of the articles. 
     Optionally, the bundling device is separate from the top-engaging device. Optionally, the bundling device is initially connected to the top-engaging device. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides a pair of blanks for forming an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The pair of blanks comprises a first blank for forming a top-engaging device and a second blank for forming a bundling device for engaging with portions of the articles below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles are held together by the bundling device. The first blank comprises an engaging panel having one or more retention structures for engaging with tops of the articles such that the tops of the articles are connected and held together by the top-engaging device. The second blank comprise a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposite end panels. Each of the end panels is connected to the side panels by a pair of divergent fold lines respectively such that the side panels and the end panels together define a single band structure for encircling the group of the articles. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier comprising a top-engaging device-forming portion and a bundling or grouping device-forming portion detachably connected to the top-engaging device-forming portion. The bundling device-forming portion comprises opposing end panels and opposing side panels. Each end panel is connected to a side panel by a pair of divergent fold lines such that the opposing end panels and opposing side panels define a single band structure for encircling the group of articles. 
     A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier comprising a top-engaging device-forming portion and a bundling or grouping device-forming portion. The top-engaging device-forming portion comprises a main panel and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel. The bundling device-forming portion is detachably connected to each of the pair of opposed side or shoulder panels. 
     A sixth aspect of the invention provides an article top-receiving device in a main panel of an article carrier. The article top-receiving device comprising an opening and a plurality of engaging tabs. The plurality of engaging tabs comprising at least one first tab connected to the main panel by a linear fold line and at least one second tab partially connected from the main panel by a non-linear cut. 
     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 first blank for forming a first carrier according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a second carrier according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the first blank of  FIG.  1    and the second blank of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a first carrier according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the first blank of  FIG.  4    and the second blank of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a package according to a second embodiment; 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate stages of construction of a package from the blank of  FIG.  6   ; and 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view from above of a package formed from the blank of  FIG.  6   . 
     
    
    
     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 first blank  10  which is capable of forming a first carton or carrier  92 , as shown in  FIG.  3   , for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank  10  forms a part of a secondary package  90  for packaging at least one primary product container or package. A plan view of a second blank  110  is shown in  FIG.  2    which is capable of forming a second carton or carrier  94 . The blank  110  forms a part of the secondary package  90  shown in  FIG.  3   . An alternative first blank  310  is shown in  FIGS.  4   , for forming an alternative first carton or carrier  392 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     A further alternative blank  410  is shown in  FIG.  6   , for forming an alternative first carton or carrier  492  and an alternative a second carton or carrier  494 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     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 ;  110 ;  310 ;  410  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 ;  110 ;  310 ;  410  are configured to form a carton or carrier  92 ;  94 ;  392 ;  492  for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated, the arrangement is a 3×2 matrix or array. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3    and the embodiment of  FIGS.  6  to  9    three rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are bottles. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  4  and  5    three rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks  10 ;  110 ;  310 ;  410  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. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a first embodiment and shows a first blank  10  for forming a first carrier  92  shown in  FIG.  3   . The first carrier  92  takes the form of a top gripping clip. The first carrier  92  comprises openings configured to receive the articles B, the openings are arranged to accommodate a neck or upper portion of the articles B above a main body and/or shoulders of the articles B. 
     The first blank  10  comprises an engaging panel  12 . The engaging panel  12  comprises a plurality of retention structures RT 1 , each retention structure RT 1  provides an opening for receiving a respective article B. The retention structures RT 1  comprise an article receiving aperture AP 1  about which a plurality of teeth or tabs  14  are disposed. Each of the teeth  14  is struck from the engaging panel  12  and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth  14  is defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines  13 ,  15 . The cut lines  13 ,  15  extend radially outward from the article receiving aperture AP 1 . The cut lines  13 ,  15  may be terminated by a transverse cut  17 , a hinged connection is defined between pairs of cuts  17 . 
     Optionally, the first blank  10  comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H may comprise a pair of finger openings spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger openings are defined by a foldable tab  60  struck from the engaging panel  12  and hingedly connected thereto by hinged connections in the form of fold lines  61 . A first of the foldable tabs  60  is hinged in opposition to a second one of the foldable tabs  60 . 
     The first blank  10  forms a first carrier  92 , the first blank  10  is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each opening of the retention structures RT 1  receives one of the articles B forming the group. An end closure or upper end of the articles B passes through the openings. The tabs  14  fold out of the plane of the engaging panel  12 . The tabs  14  fold upwardly, the tabs  14  engage an article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward from the neck of the article B. The tabs  14  support the article B and inhibit movement or withdrawal of the article B from the opening. 
     The openings of the retention structures RT 1  are dimensioned to be smaller than the main body and/or shoulders of the articles B so as to prevent the first carrier  92  moving downward about the main body of the articles B. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a first embodiment and shows a second blank  110  for forming a second carrier  94  shown in  FIG.  3   . The second carrier  94  takes the form of a medial band or clip; the second carrier  94  comprises openings configured to receive the articles B, the openings are arranged to accommodate a neck and main body of the articles B. In this way the second carrier  94  can be located at any height with respect to the articles B. In some embodiments, the second carrier  94  is medially located between upper and lower ends of the articles B. 
     The second blank  110  comprises a main panel  112 ; the main panel  112  comprises opposed marginal end portions  112   a,    112   b  and keel panels  140   a,    140   b,    142   a,    142   b  disposed therebetween. 
     The second blank  110  comprises a first marginal end portion  112   a  struck from the main panel  112 ; the first marginal end portion  112   a  forms a first end wall of the second carrier  94  in a setup condition. The first marginal end portion  112   a  is also referred to herein as an end bridging strap and may serve to provide a carrying handle at a first end of the second carrier  94 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a second marginal end portion  112   b  struck from the main panel  112 ; the second marginal end portion  112   b  forms a second end wall of the second carrier  94  in a setup condition. The second marginal end portion  112   b  is also referred to herein as an end bridging strap and may serve to provide a carrying handle at a second end of the second carrier  94 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a first keel structure IS 1  and a second keel structure IS 2  each struck from the main panel  112 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a first pair of keel panels  140   a,    140   b.  The first pair of keel panels  140   a,    140   b  are struck from the main panel  112  and hingedly connected to each other by a fold line  141 . The first pair of keel panels  140   a,    140   b  is disposed adjacent to the first marginal end portion  112   a  and are separated therefrom by a cutline or severable line. 
     The second blank  110  comprises a second pair of keel panels  142   a,    142   b.  The second pair of keel panels  142   a,    142   b  are struck from the main panel  112  and hingedly connected to each other by a fold line  143 . The second pair of keel panels  142   a,    142   b  is disposed adjacent to the second marginal end portion  112   b  and are separated therefrom by a cutline or severable line. 
     The second pair of keel panels  142   a,    142   b  are disposed adjacent to the first pair of keel panels  140   a,    140   b  and are separated therefrom by a cutline or severable line  139 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a first side panel  118  and a second side panel  120  disposed on opposing sides of the main panel  112 . 
     The first marginal end portion  112   a  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  and to the second side panel  120 . 
     The first marginal end portion  112   a  is hingedly connected to a first gusset panel  122   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  121   a.  A first web panel  124   a  is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel  122   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  123   a.  The first web panel  124   a  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  (specifically to an end region  118   a ) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  117   a.    
     The first marginal end portion  112   a  is hingedly connected to a second gusset panel  122   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  121   b.  A second web panel  124   b  is hingedly connected to the second gusset panel  122   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  123   b.  The second web panel  124   b  is hingedly connected to the second side panel  120  (specifically to an end region  120   a ) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  119   a.    
     Fold line  121   b  is divergently arranged with respect to fold line  121   a.    
     The second marginal end portion  112   b  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  and to the second side panel  120 . 
     The second marginal end portion  112   b  is hingedly connected to a third gusset panel  134   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  133   a.  A third web panel  136   a  is hingedly connected to the third gusset panel  134   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  135   a.  The third web panel  136   a  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  (specifically to an end region  118   b ) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  117   b.    
     The second marginal end portion  112   b  is hingedly connected to a fourth gusset panel  134   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  133   b.  A fourth web panel  136   b  is hingedly connected to the fourth gusset panel  134   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  135   b.  The fourth web panel  136   b  is hingedly connected to the second side panel  120  (specifically to an end region  120   b ) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  119   b.    
     Fold line  133   b  is divergently arranged with respect to fold line  133   a.    
     Optionally, a fold line may extend across each end region  118   a,    118   b,    120   a,    120   b.  An optional fold line may extend across end region  118   a  from an outer end of fold line  117   a  to an outer end of fold line F 1 . An optional fold line may extend across end region  120   a  from an outer end of fold line  119   b  to an outer end of fold line F 3 . An optional fold line may extend across end region  118   b  from an outer end of fold line  117   b  to an outer end of fold line F 2 . An optional fold line may extend across end region  120   b  from an outer end of fold line  119   b  to an outer end of fold line F 4 . 
     The first pair of keel panels  140   a,    140   b  are hingedly connected to each of the first and second side panels  118 ,  120 . A first strut panel  144   a  is hingedly connected to a first end of a first keel panel  140   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  145   a.  A second strut panel  146   a  is hingedly connected to a second end of the first keel panel  140   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  145   b.    
     The first strut panel  144   a  is hingedly connected to a first brace panel  148   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  147   a.  The second strut panel  146   a  is hingedly connected to a second brace panel  148   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  147   b.    
     A third strut panel  144   b  is hingedly connected to a first end of a second keel panel  140   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  145   c.  A fourth strut panel  146   b  is hingedly connected to a second end of the second keel panel  140   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  145   d.    
     The third strut panel  144   b  is hingedly connected to the first brace panel  148   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  147   c.  The fold line  147   c  is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line  147   a.  The first brace panel  148   a  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  117   c.  The first brace panel  148   a  may be substantially triangular in shape. The first and second strut panels  144   a,    146   a  may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
     The fourth strut panel  146   b  is hingedly connected to the second brace panel  148   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  147   d.  The fold line  147   d  is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line  147   b.  The second brace panel  148   b  is hingedly connected to the second side panel  118  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  119   c.  The second brace panel  148   b  may be substantially triangular in shape. The third and fourth strut panels  144   b,    146   b  may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
     The second pair of keel panels  142   a,    142   b  are hingedly connected to each of the first and second side panels  118 ,  120 . A fifth strut panel  150   a  is hingedly connected to a first end of a fourth keel panel  142   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  149   a.  A sixth strut panel  152   a  is hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth keel panel  142   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  149   b.    
     The fifth strut panel  150   a  is hingedly connected to a third brace panel  154   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  151   a.  The sixth strut panel  152   a  is hingedly connected to a fourth brace panel  154   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  149   b.    
     A seventh strut panel  150   b  is hingedly connected to a first end of a third keel panel  142   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  149   c.  An eighth strut panel  152   b  is hingedly connected to a second end of the third keel panel  142   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  149   d.    
     The seventh strut panel  150   b  is hingedly connected to the third brace panel  154   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  151   c.  The fold line  151   c  is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line  151   a.  The third brace panel  154   a  is hingedly connected to the first side panel  118  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  117   d.  The third brace panel  54   a  may be substantially triangular in shape. The fifth and sixth strut panels  150   a,    152   a  may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
     The eighth strut panel  152   b  is hingedly connected to the fourth brace panel  154   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  151   d.  The fold line  149   d  is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line  151   b.  The fourth brace panel  154   b  is hingedly connected to the second side panel  118  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  119   d.  The fourth brace panel  154   b  may be substantially triangular in shape. The seventh and eighth strut panels  150   b,    152   b  may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
     The second blank  110  comprises a plurality of cutaways in the form of apertures A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 . A first aperture Al separates the first gusset panel  122   a  from the first strut panel  144   a  and separates a portion of the first marginal end portion  112   a  from the first strut panel  144   a  and a portion of the first keel panel  140   a.  A second aperture A 2  separates the second gusset panel  122   b  from the second strut panel  146   a  and separates a portion of the first marginal end portion  112   a  from the second strut panel  146   a  and a portion of the first keel panel  140   a.  A third aperture A 3  separates the third strut panel  144   b  from the seventh strut panel  150   b,  and separates a portion of the second keel panel  140   b  from a portion of the third keel panel  142   b.  A fourth aperture A 4  separates the fourth strut panel  146   b  from the eighth strut panel  152   b , and separates a portion of the second keel panel  140   b  from a portion of the third keel panel  142   b.  A fifth aperture A 5  separates the third gusset panel  134   a  from the fifth strut panel  150   a  and separates a portion of the second marginal end portion  112   b  from the fifth strut panel  150   a  and a portion of the fourth keel panel  142   a.  A sixth aperture A 6  separates the fourth gusset panel  134   b  from the sixth strut panel  152   a  and separates a portion of the second marginal end portion  112   b  from the eighth strut panel  152   b  and a portion of the fourth keel panel  142   a.    
     The first, third, and fifth apertures A 1 , A 3 , A 5  separate portions of the first side panel  118  from the main panel  112 . The second, fourth, and sixth apertures A 2 , A 4 , A 6  separate portions of the second side panel  120  from the main panel  112 . 
     The fold lines  145   a,    145   c,    149   a  and the fold line  149   c  are offset with respect to the fold line  121   a  and the fold line  133   a.    
     The fold line  145   a  is collinear with the fold line  145   c,  the fold line  149   c  and the fold line  149   a.    
     The fold line  145   b  is collinear with the fold line  145   d,  the fold line  149   d  and the fold line  149   b.    
     The fold lines  145   b,    145   d,    149   b  and the fold line  149   d  are offset with respect to the fold line  121   b  and the fold line  133   b.    
     In this way the keel panels  140   a,    140   b,    142   a,    142   b  are shorter in length in the transverse direction than the first and second end panels  112   a,    112   b.    
     Optionally, the first side panel  118  may comprise a first fold line F 1  extending transversely thereacross. The first fold line F 1  defines at least in part a first end region  118   a  of the first side panel  118 . The first fold line F 1  extends from an inner end of the fold line  117   a,  at the point it meets the fold line  123   a.    
     Optionally, the first side panel  118  may comprise a second fold line F 2  extending transversely thereacross. The second fold line F 2  defines at least in part a second end region  118   b  of the first side panel  118 . The second fold line F 2  extends from an inner end of the fold line  117   b,  at the point it meets the fold line  135   a.    
     The first and second fold lines F 1 , F 2  each define, at least in part, side end portions  118   a,    118   b  which may fold about the respective one of the first and second fold lines F 1 , F 2  to tighten the second carrier  94  about the corner or endmost articles B. 
     Optionally, the second side panel  120  may comprise a third fold line F 3  extending transversely thereacross. The third fold line F 3  defines at least in part a first end region  120   a  of the second side panel  120 . The third fold line F 3  extends from an inner end of the fold line  119   a,  at the point it meets the fold line  123   b.    
     Optionally, the second side panel  120  may comprise a fourth fold line F 4  extending transversely thereacross. The fourth fold line F 4  defines at least in part a second end region  120   b  of the second side panel  120 . The fourth fold line F 4  extends from an inner end of the fold line  119   b,  at the point it meets the fold line  135   b.    
     The third and fourth fold lines F 3 , F 4  each define, at least in part, side end portions  120   a,    120   b  which may fold about the respective one of the third and fourth fold lines F 3 , F 4  to tighten the second carrier  94  about the corner or endmost articles B. 
     In a setup condition, the first side panel  118  is folded with respect the main panel  112  about fold lines  117   a,    117   b,    117   c,    117   d  such that a first, printed, or finished surface thereof is disposed outermost and the second side panel  120  is folded with respect the main panel  112  about fold lines  119   a,    119   b,    119   c,    119   d  such that a first, printed, or finished surface thereof is disposed outermost. 
     The first end panel  112   a  is folded about fold lines  123   a,    123   b  such that a second, reverse, or unfinished surface thereof is disposed outermost. The second inner end panel  112   b  is folded about fold lines  135   a,    135   b  such that a second, reverse, or unfinished surface thereof is disposed outermost. 
     The first and second keel panels  140   a,    140   b  are folded, about fold line  141 , with respect to each other to be substantially in face-to-face relationship. The third and fourth keel panels  142   b,    142   a  are folded, about fold line  143 , with respect to each other to be substantially in face-to-face relationship. 
     The first and third brace panels  148   a,    154   a  are folded at an oblique angle to the first side panel  118 . 
     The second and fourth brace panels  148   b,    154   b  are folded at an oblique angle to the second side panel  120 . 
     The first and third strut panels  144   a,    144   b  extend divergently from the first and second keel panels  140   a,    140   b  to the first brace panel  148   a.  The second and fourth strut panels  146   a,    146   b  extend divergently from the first and second keel panels  140   a,    140   b  to the second brace panel  148   b.    
     The fifth and seventh strut panels  150   a,    150   b  extend divergently from the fourth and third keel panels  142   a,    142   b  to the third brace panel  154   a.  The sixth and eighth strut panels  152   a,    152   b  extend divergently from the fourth and third keel panels  142   a,    142   b  to the fourth brace panel  154   b.    
     Glue G or other adhesive treatment, for example, but not limited to hot melt glue, is applied to an inner surface of the first side panel  118  (more specifically side end portions  118   a,    118   b ), or alternatively to outer surfaces (reverse surfaces) of the first and third gusset panels  122   a,    134   a.  The first and third gusset panels  122   a,    134   a  are secured to the first side panel  118 . 
     Glue G or other adhesive treatment, for example, but not limited to hot melt glue, is applied to an inner surface of the second side panel  120  (more specifically side end portions  120   a,    120   b ), or alternatively to outer surfaces (reverse surfaces) of the second and fourth gusset panels  122   b,    134   b.  The second and fourth gusset panels  122   b,    134   b  are secured to the second side panel  120 . 
     Optionally, a fugitive glue G 2  may be employed to secure the first and second side panels  118 ,  120  directly to the articles B. An example of a specific glue is Swift 7044 manufactured by HB Fuller. Use of a fugitive glue is optional, an advantage of a fugitive glue is its tendency to remain attached to the second carrier  94  when the articles B are disengaged from the second carrier  94  (this may be more desirable than having the glue G 2  remain attached to the articles B). In alternative embodiments other adhesives maybe employed such as, but not limited to, hot-melt glue. 
     The second carrier  94  is shown in  FIG.  3   ; the second carrier  94  is mounted to the articles B so as to be disposed about a main body of the article B, below a neck. The second carrier  94  may be mounted to the articles B at any position along the cylindrical axis of the articles B, such that when the second carrier  94  and articles B are at rest as shown in  FIG.  3   , with their cylindrical axes generally upright, the second carrier  94  may be disposed at any height between upper and lower ends of the articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the second carrier  94  is located below a medial portion of the articles B. 
     Together the first and second carriers  92 ,  94  and the articles B form a package  90 . The first and second carriers  92 ,  94  are separate from each other or that is to say they are independent of one another. The second carrier  94  can be moved with respect to the articles B and the first carrier  92 . The second carrier  94  is shown in  FIG.  3    disposed below a medial portion of the articles B, although in other embodiments the second carrier  94  may be located closer to the upper or lower ends of the articles B, and may be or disposed closer to, or further away from, the first carrier  92 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “300” 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  3    will be described in detail. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a second embodiment and shows an alternative first blank  310  for forming an alternative first carrier  392  as shown in  FIG.  5   . The first blank  310  is employed with the second blank  110  of  FIG.  2    to form a package  390  according to a second illustrated embodiment. 
     The first carrier  392  takes the form of a top gripping clip. The first carrier  392  comprises openings configured to receive the articles B which are beverage cans, the openings are arranged to accommodate a neck of the articles B above a main body and/or shoulders of the articles B. 
     The first blank  310  comprises an engaging panel  312 . The engaging panel  312  comprises a plurality of retention structures RT 2 , each retention structure RT 2  provides an opening for receiving a respective article B. The retention structures RT 2  comprise an article receiving aperture AP 2  about which a plurality of teeth or tabs  314  are disposed in an annular series. Each of the teeth  314  is struck from the engaging panel  312  and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth  314  is defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines  313 ,  315 . The cut lines  313 ,  315  extend radially outward from the article receiving aperture AP 2 . A circumferential fold line  319  surrounds the annular series of tabs  314 . The cut lines  313 ,  315  terminate at the circumferential fold line  319 . 
     The end most retention structures RT 2  disposed adjacent to corners of the engaging panel  312  each comprise eleven tabs  314 , each tab  314  comprises a linear engaging edge which defines a part of the article receiving aperture AP 2 . The article receiving aperture AP 2  is a polygon, in the illustrated embodiment, a hendecagon. 
     The intermediate or medial retention structures RT 2  disposed between the end most retention structures RT 2  each comprise twelve tabs  314 , each tab  314  comprises a linear engaging edge which defines a part of the article receiving aperture AP 2 . The article receiving aperture AP 2  is a polygon, in the illustrated embodiment, a dodecagon. 
     Optionally, the first blank  310  comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H may comprise a pair of finger openings spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger openings are defined by apertures HA 1 , HA 2 . The apertures HA 1 , HA 2  may be substantially diamond shaped. 
     The first blank  310  forms a first carrier  392 , the first blank  310  is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each opening of the retention structures RT 2  receives one of the articles B forming the group. An upper end of the articles B passes through the openings. The tabs  314  fold out of the plane of the engaging panel  312 . The tabs  314  fold upwardly, the tabs  314  engage an article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward from the neck of the article B. The flange may be provided by an end seam or chime of a can. The tabs  314  support the article B and inhibit movement or withdrawal of the article B from the opening. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  to  9   , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “400” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1  to  5    will be described in detail. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a blank  410  for forming a first carrier  492  and a second carrier  494 , together forming a package  490  as shown in  FIG.  9   . The first carrier  492  takes the form of a top gripping clip. The first carrier  492  comprises openings configured to receive the articles B, the openings are arranged to accommodate a neck or upper portion of the articles B above a main body and/or shoulders of the articles B. 
     The blank  410  comprises a first portion for forming a first carrier  492 , the first portion includes a main or engaging panel  412 . 
     The first portion comprises a first side or shoulder panel  420  hingedly connected to a first side edge of the main panel  412  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  421 . 
     The first portion comprises a second side or shoulder panel  422  hingedly connected to a first side edge of the main panel  412  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  423 . 
     The engaging panel  412  comprises a plurality of retention structures RT 1 , each retention structure RT 1  provides an opening for receiving a respective article B. The retention structures RT 1  comprise an article receiving aperture AP 1  about which a plurality of teeth or tabs  414   a,    414   b,    416  are disposed. Each of the teeth  414   a,    414   b ,  416  is struck from the engaging panel  412  and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth  414   a,    414   b,    416  is defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines  413 ,  415 . The cut lines  413 ,  415  extend radially outward from the article receiving aperture AP 1 . 
     The illustrated embodiment comprises eight teeth  414   a,    414   b,    416  defined about the receiving aperture API, each tooth  414   a,    414   b,    416  comprises a free engaging edge opposing a hinged connection between each tooth  414   a,    414   b,    416  and the main panel  412 . Each free engaging edge defines a portion the receiving aperture AP 1 , the receiving aperture AP 1  may be substantially octagonal in shape. 
     The retention structures RT 1  comprise at least one first tab  414   a  coupled or connected to the main or engaging panel  412  by a linear fold line  417 . The linear fold line  417  may be defined in part by a linear cut line. The linear fold line  417  may be non-parallel to an opposing free engaging edge of the at least one first tab  414   a.    
     The retention structures RT 1  comprise at least one second tab  414   b  coupled or connected to the main or engaging panel  412 . The at least one second tab  414   b  is partially disconnected from the main panel  412  by a non-linear, optionally arcuate, cut line  419 . The non-linear cut line  419  defines a lobe  418  struck from the at least one second tab  414   b.    
     The retention structure RT 1  may comprise a plurality of second tabs  414   b  each having a lobe  418 . The plurality of second tabs  414   b  may be arranged about the opening such that the lobes  418  encourage an article B, when received in the opening, towards the first or second side edges of the main panel  412 . 
     Optionally, the retention structures RT 1  comprise a third tab  416 . The third tab  416  is integral with one of the first and second side panel  420 ,  422  and interrupts the hinged connection  421 ,  423  between said one of the first and second side/shoulder panels  420 ,  422  and the main panel  412 . 
     The third tabs  416  are arranged to fold simultaneously with the one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  from which they extend. 
     The third tabs  416  may be displaced out of the plane of the main panel  412  when said one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  from which they extend is folded with respect to the main panel  412 . 
     Alternatively, when the blank  410  is lowered with respect to a group of articles B, and the articles B are received by the retention structures RT 1 , the articles B may displace the third tabs  416  out of the plane of the main panel  412 . The first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  may be fold in response to receipt of the articles B in the retention structures RT 1 . 
     Alternatively, the third tabs  416  are arranged to fold independently of the one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  from which they extend. The third tabs  416  may be folded out of the plane of the main panel  412  while the one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  remains in the plane of the main panel  412 . When the third tabs  416  are folded, creases may be naturally formed between the one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  and the third tabs  416 . Alternatively, fold lines may be pre-formed between them to facilitate folding of the third tabs  416  along such fold lines. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each retention structure RT 1  comprises a pair of first tabs  414   a  disposed on opposing sides of the third tab  416 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each retention structure RT 1  comprises a plurality—specifically, but not limited to, five- of second tabs  414   b  disposed substantially about in inner half of the perimeter of the receiving aperture AP 1   
     Optionally, the first portion comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H may comprise a pair of handle openings spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle openings are defined in part by a handle aperture AH and in part by a foldable tab  460  struck from the engaging panel  412  and hingedly connected thereto by hinged connections in the form of fold lines  461 . A first of the foldable tabs  460  is hinged in opposition to a second one of the foldable tabs  460 . 
     The blank  410  comprises a second portion including a plurality of panels for forming a second carrier  494  shown in  FIG.  9   . The second carrier  494  takes the form of a medial band or clip. The second carrier  494  can be located at any height with respect to the articles B, about a main body portion thereof. In some embodiments, the second carrier  494  is medially located between upper and lower ends of the articles B. 
     The second portion comprises first and second end panels  482   a,    482   b  and first and second side panels  480   a,    480   b  extending therebetween. 
     The second portion is disposed about the first portion. The second portion surrounds the first portion. The second portion is frangibly connected to the first portion. The first and second end panels  482   a,    482   b  are severably connected to the main panel  412  by frangible connections  483   a,    483   b  respectively. The first and second side panels  480   a ,  480   b  are severably connected to a respective one of the first and second shoulder panels  420 ,  422  by frangible connections  481   a,    481   b  respectively. 
     The frangible connections  481   a,    481   b  may be oriented substantially parallel to the hinged connections  481   a,    481   b  between the shoulder panels  420 ,  422  and the main panel  412 . 
     The first portion defines, at least a part of, an opening in the second portion; said opening being dimensioned sufficient to accommodate the footprint of the article group—that is to say the opening is sufficient to allow the article group to pass therethrough, best shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     The first end panel  482   a  is securable to the first side panel  480   a  by a first securing panel  486   a.  The first securing panel  486   a  may be hingedly connected to a first corner panel  484   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  487   a.  The first corner panel  484   a  is hingedly connected to a first side of the first end panel  482   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  485   a.  In some embodiments, the first end panel  482   a  is directly hinged to the first securing panel  486   a.    
     A first web panel  488   a  may couple the first securing panel  486   a  to the first side panel  480   a.  The first web panel  488   a  may be hingedly connected to the first securing panel  486   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  489   a.  The first web panel  488   a  may be hingedly connected to the first side panel  480   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  491   a.    
     The first end panel  482   a  is securable to the second side panel  480   b  by a second securing panel  486   b.  The second securing panel  486   b  may be hingedly connected to a second corner panel  484   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  487   b.  The second corner panel  484   b  is hingedly connected to a second side of the first end panel  482   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  485   b.  In some embodiments, the first end panel  482   a  is directly hinged to the second securing panel  486   b.    
     A second web panel  488   b  may couple the second securing panel  486   b  to the second side panel  480   b.  The second web panel  488   b  may be hingedly connected to the second securing panel  486   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  489   b . The second web panel  488   b  may be hingedly connected to the second side panel  480   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  491   b.    
     The second end panel  482   b  is securable to the first side panel  480   a  by a third securing panel  486   c.  The third securing panel  486   c  may be hingedly connected to a third corner panel  484   c  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  487   c.  The third corner panel  484   c  is hingedly connected to a first side of the second end panel  482   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  485   c.  In some embodiments, the second end panel  482   b  is directly hinged to the third securing panel  486   c.    
     A third web panel  488   c  may couple the third securing panel  486   c  to the first side panel  480   a.  The third web panel  488   c  may be hingedly connected to the third securing panel  486   c  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  489   c.  The third web panel  488   c  may be hingedly connected to the first side panel  480   a  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  491   c.    
     The second end panel  482   b  is securable to the second side panel  480   b  by a fourth securing panel  486   d.  The fourth securing panel  486   d  may be hingedly connected to a fourth corner panel  484   d  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  487   d.  The fourth corner panel  484   d  is hingedly connected to a second side of the second end panel  482   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  485   d.  In some embodiments, the second end panel  482   b  is directly hinged to the fourth securing panel  486   d.    
     A fourth web panel  488   d  may couple the fourth securing panel  486   d  to the second side panel  480   b.  The fourth web panel  488   d  may be hingedly connected to the fourth securing panel  486   d  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  489   d.  The fourth web panel  488   d  may be hingedly connected to the second side panel  480   b  by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  491   d.    
     The web panels  488   a,    488   b,    488   c,    488   d  may be separated from the first portion, specifically, but not limited to, the shoulder panels  420 ,  422  by a cutaway in the form of an aperture AC. 
     Each aperture AC defines a corner of one of the shoulder panels  420 ,  422 . The corner may be beveled, chamfered or filleted. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a stage of construction of the blank  410  into a package  490 . The blank  410  has been applied to a group of articles B. Upper ends—specifically, but not limited to, end closures- have been received in the article retention structures RT 1 . The tabs  414   a,    414   b,    416  engage an article B below a flange or projection extending therefrom. During the process of receiving the upper ends of the articles B in the retention structures RT 1 , the first and second portions of the blank  410  may yet be fully connected and thus may remain in the same plane. Alternatively, the shoulder panels  420 ,  422  may be folded downwards about their respective fold lines  421 ,  423  as the third tabs  416  are thrust aside by the upper ends of the articles B. Such downward movement of the shoulder panels  420 ,  422  may take place while the first and second side panels  480   a,    480   b  are yet in the plane of the main panel  412 , which may cause separation of the shoulder panels  420 ,  422  from the side panels  480   a,    480   b  along the frangible connections  481   a,    481   b.    
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the second portion has been partially separated from the first portion in preparation for construction about the group of articles B below the first portion. 
     Upon separation of the second portion from the first portion the second portion is moved downwardly about the group of articles B, as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     The end panels  482   a,    482   b  are folded such that an inner surface is brought into face-to-face relationship with a respective end of the article group. The corner panel  484   a ,  484   b,    48   c,    48   d  are folded about corners of the article group. The securing panels  486   a ,  486   b  , 486   c,    486   d  are folded about respective sides of the article group. Glue or other adhesive is applied to the securing panels  486   a,    486   b  , 486   c,    486   d.  The side panels  480   a,    480   b  are folded downwardly to bring inner faces thereof into face-to-face relationship with a respective side of the article group. The web panels  488   a,    488   b ,  488   c,    488   d  are tucked in between the securing panel  486   a,    486   b  , 486   c,    486   d  and the side panel  480   a,    480   b  to which they are hinged. 
     Portions of the side panels  480   a,    480   b  are brought into face contacting relationship with the securing panels  486   a,    486   b  , 486   c,    486   d  and secured thereto, as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     The present disclosure provides a carrier  94  having a main panel  112  with openings for receiving at least one article B and at least one keel structure IS 1 , IS 2  for spacing apart or separating a pair of adjacent articles B. 
     The present disclosure provides a package  90 ;  390 ;  490  comprising a plurality of articles B arranged in a group. The package  90 ;  390 ;  490  comprises a top-engaging device  92 ;  392 ;  492  in engagement with tops of the articles B such that the tops of the articles B are connected and held together by the top-engaging device  92 ;  392 ;  492 . The package  90 ;  390 ;  490  comprises bundling device  94 ;  494  spaced apart from the top-engaging device  92 ;  392 ;  492  and in engagement with portions of the articles B below the tops thereof. In this way the portions of the articles B engaged by the bundling device  94 ;  494  are held together by the bundling device  94 ;  494 . The bundling device  94 ;  494  comprises a pair of opposed side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b  and a pair of opposite end panels  112   a,    112   b;    482   a,    482   b.  Each of the end panels  112   a ,  112   b;    482   a,    482   b  is connected to each of the side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b,  via a pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b,    135   a / 135   b;    489   a / 491   a,    489   b / 491   b,    489   c / 491   c ,  489   d / 491   d.  A first one  123   a,    135   a;    489   a,    489   c  of the pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b,    135   a / 135   b;    489   a / 491   a,    489   b / 491   b,    489   c / 491   c,    489   d / 491   d  connects a first end of the end panels  112   a,    112   b;    482   a,    482   b  to a first side panel  118 ;  480   a.  A second one  123   b,    135   b;    489   b,    489   d  of the pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b,    135   a / 135   b ;  489   a / 491   a,    489   b / 491   b,    489   c / 491   c,    489   d / 491   d  connects a second end of the end panels  112   a,    112   b;    482   a,    482   b  to a second side panel  120 ;  480   b.  The side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b  and the end panels  112   a,    112   b;    482   a,    482   b  together define a single band structure encircling the group of the articles B. 
     Each of the end panels  112   a,    112   b  is folded with respect to the side panels  118 ,  120  about the respective pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b,    135   a / 135   b  such that opposed end portions of each end panel  112   a,    112   b  are in overlapping arrangement with the side panels  118 ,  120 . 
     The opposed end portions of each end panel  112   a,    112   b  may be adhesively secured to the side panels  118 ,  120 . 
     The bundling device  94  is formed from a single blank  110  of sheet material having first and second opposed sides. The first side of the blank  110  is exposed to view by the side panels  118 ,  120  and the second side of the blank  310  is exposed to view by the end panels  112   a,    112   b.  That is to say a first side or surface of the side panels  118 ,  120  is externally facing and a second opposing side or surface of the end panels  112   a ,  112   b  is externally facing. 
     Each fold line  123   a,    123   b,    135   a,    135   b  of the pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b ,  135   a / 135   b  extends from an outer edge of a respective one of the end panels  112   a ,  112   b  divergently toward one of the side panels  118 ,  120 . 
     The bundling device  94  may further comprise at least a pair of keel panels  140   a / 140   b ,  142   a / 142   b  hingedly connected to each other by a keel fold line  141 ,  143 . Each of the keel panels  140   a,    140   b,    142   a,    142   b  connects between the side panels  118 ,  120 . 
     The keel structure IS 1 , IS 2  may comprise a pair of keel panels  140   a / 140   b,    142   a / 142   b  hingedly connected to each other by a fold line  141 ,  143 . The keel structure  1 S 1 , IS 2  may comprise a pair of strut panels  144   a,    144   b,    146   a,    146   b,    150   a,    150   b,    152   a,    152   b  hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of keel panels  140   a / 140   b ,  142   a / 142   b.  A brace panel  148   a,    148   b,    154   a,    154   b  couples a first one of the pair of strut panels  144   a,    144   b,    146   a,    146   b,    150   a,    150   b,    152   a,    152   b  to the other one of the pair of strut panels  144   a,    144   b,    146   a,    146   b,    150   a,    150   b,    152   a,    152   b.  An aperture may be struck in part from each of the pair of keel panels  140   a / 140   b,    142   a / 142   b,  the pair of strut panels  144   a,    144   b,    146   a,    146   b,    150   a,    150   b,    152   a,    152   b  and the brace panel  148   a,    148   b,    154   a,    154   b.    
     The carrier  94  may be formed from material having a first, printed, or finished surface and a second, reverse, or unfinished surface opposing the first surface. The second, reverse, surface of the end bridging strap  112   a,    112   b  is arranged to face outwardly to provide an external face of the carrier  94 . The first, printed, or finished surface of the side panel or strap  118 ,  120  is arranged to face outwardly to provide an external face of the carrier  94 . 
     Glue or adhesive treatment (such as hot-melt glue) may be applied to the second, reverse, surface of the end bridging strap  112   a,    112   b.  The second, reverse, surface of the end bridging strap  112   a,    112   b  may be secured to the second, reverse, surface of the adjacent side panel or strap  118 ,  120 . 
     The present disclosure also provides an article carrier  490  comprising a top-engaging device  492  and a bundling or grouping device  494 . The bundling device  494  is initially connected to the top-engaging device  492 . 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide a blank  10 ,  110 ;  10 ,  310 ;  410  for forming an article carrier  90 ;  390 ;  490  comprising a top-engaging device-forming portion  92 ;  392 ;  492  and a bundling or grouping device-forming portion  94 ;  494  detachably connected to the top-engaging device-forming portion  92 ;  392 ;  492 . The bundling device-forming portion  94 ;  494  comprises opposing end panels  112   a , 112   b;    482   a,    482   b  and opposing side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b.  Each end panel  112   a , 112   b;    482   a,    482   b  is connected to the side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b  by a pair of divergent fold lines  123   a / 123   b,    135   a / 135   b;    489   a / 489   b,    489   c / 489   d  such that the opposing end panels  112   a , 112   b;    482   a,    482   b  and opposing side panels  118 ,  120 ;  480   a,    480   b  define a single band structure for encircling the group of articles B. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure also provide a blank  10 ,  110 ;  10 ,  310 ;  410  for forming an article carrier  90 ;  390 ;  490  comprising a top-engaging device-forming portion  92 ;  392 ;  492  and a bundling or grouping device-forming portion  94 ;  494 . The top-engaging device-forming portion  92 ;  392 ;  492  comprises a main panel  412  and a pair of opposed side or shoulder panels  420 ,  422  hingedly connected to the main panel  412 . The bundling device-forming portion  94 ;  494  is detachably connected to each of the pair of opposed side or shoulder panels  420 ,  422 . 
     The present disclosure also provides an article top-receiving device in a main panel  412  and comprising an opening AP 1  and a plurality of engaging tabs  414   a,    414   b,    416 . The plurality of engaging tabs  414   a,    414   b,    416  comprises at least one first tab  414   a  connected to the main panel  412  by a linear fold line  417  and at least one second tab  414   a  partially connected from the main panel  412  by a non-linear cut  419 . 
     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.