Patent Publication Number: US-6983874-B2

Title: Article carrier and blank therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/948,251 filed Sep. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,857, which in turn is a continuation of international application No. PCT/US00/05804, filed 6 Mar. 2000. The international application claims priority based upon United Kingdom patent applications serial numbers 9905057.7, filed Mar. 5, 1999, and 9930490.9, filed Dec. 23, 1999. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to an article carrier of the basket type adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, such as bottles and to a blank for forming the carrier. Normally a basket carrier for bottles includes a central (medial) partition structure which incorporates a handle structure by which the carrier can be lifted and carried and the bottles are arranged in rows on either side of the partition structure. More often than not, bottles are separated from one another by transverse partition panels extending from each side of the medial partition structure to the adjacent side wall of the carrier. Hence, in this type of arrangement the bottles are accommodated in individual cells of the carrier although such cells are not essential. 
   Known basket carriers require a series of complex folds to form partition structures, which may require the blank to be rotated or inverted during construction, thus slowing the process down. 
   One example of a basket style carrier is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,706 which discloses a carrier having side and end walls, a bottle partition structure and bottom wall with sloping panel portions provided with bottle apertures. The bottle apertures have overlying tabs to protect part of the bottle in the cut out. 
   Another example is illustrated in CH 670 432 which illustrates a carrier blank having side and end walls, a medial partition structure connected to the side wall by an internal partition and to the opposing end walls. 
   The complex structure of known basket carriers requires a large amount of board to be used with an irregular shape of blank profile, thereby resulting in material wastage, which is undesirable. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention and its preferred embodiments seek to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. A carton of the present invention can be formed in a straight line gluing machine. It is envisaged that the invention can be used in an adapted wraparound machine, thus removing the need for dedicated machinery. One aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an internal partition structure for an article carrier of the basket type including opposed end and side wall panels and a handle structure. The blank comprises a first medial panel adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the medial panel and hingedly connected thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from the blank. 
   According to an optional feature of the first aspect of the invention there may comprise a second medial panel hingedly connected to the first medial panel, which second medial panel is adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the medial panel and hingedly connected thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure when the carrier is formed from the blank. Preferably, the medial panels may be hingedly connected along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to fold lines which hingedly interconnect the transverse partition panel to the medial panel(s). Optionally, a flap may be struck from one of the medial panels, and is hingedly interconnected to the medial panel along the medial panel fold line. 
   According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the medial panels may be hingedly interconnected along a fold line arranged substantially perpendicular to fold lines which hingedly interconnect the transverse partition panel to the medial panel(s). 
   According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention each medial panel may further comprise a securing panel, each securing panel is so constructed and arranged to be secured together in a set up article carrier. 
   A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an internal partition structure wherein the transverse partition panel is pivotally connected to a medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate the opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of the medial panel when the internal partition structure is formed in a set up carrier. 
   According to an optional feature of the second aspect of the invention two transverse partition panels may be struck from the blank, and are hingedly interconnected at their end remote from the medial panel once erected by a side wall securing panel. 
   According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention there may further comprise a handle support panel extending from an upper portion of the medial partition panel which handle panel includes a hand aperture to be aligned with the handle structure of the article carrier. 
   A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier of the basket type comprising a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel and a second side panel and a third end panel hingedly connected one to the next in series, a base panel hinged to one of the side or end panels and a handle structure including a hand aperture, which handle structure comprises first and second handle panels hingedly connected to the second end panel, the first handle panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel and the second hand panel is hingedly connected to the third end panel. The first and second handle panels are so constructed and arranged to be placed in face contacting relationship to form a two ply handle when the carrier is in a set up condition. The first and second handle panels are adjacent respective first and second side panels and are separated therefrom. 
   According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention, there may further comprise a handle support panel foldably connected to the first handle panel for forming a triple ply handle in a set up condition. Preferably, there may further comprise a second handle support panel foldably connected to the second handle panel. 
   According to an optional feature of the third aspect of the invention the first and second handle panels may be co-planar and the upper edges of the handle panels are co-linear. 
   Optionally, the upper edges of the or each handle support panel may be co-linear with the handle panels. 
   According to another optional feature of the third aspect of the invention the handle panels may be shaped to marry with first and second handle panels of a next adjacent blank. Preferably, the handle panels may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
   According to a further optional feature of the third aspect of the invention there may further comprise a panel arranged so as to support at least one medial panel when the blank is erected to form a carton. Preferably, a further medial support panel may be hingedly interconnected to the opposing end of the series of panels, the support panels being so arranged as to be secured to one or more faces of the medial panel(s). 
   According to a still further optional feature of the third aspect of the invention at least one of the support panels may be provided with a hook portion, the hook being so arranged as to engage the base panel, when the blank is erected to form a carton. 
   A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier of the basket type having opposed sides and end panels, a base panel hinged to one or more of the side or end panels and a handle structure hingedly connected to the opposing end panels. There further comprises an internal partition structure formed from a separate blank which internal partition structure comprises a first medial panel adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the medial panel and hingedly connected thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure. 
   Preferably, there may comprise a second medial panel hingedly connected to the first medial panel, which second medial panel is adapted to be connected to the handle structure and to at least one end wall of the basket type carrier and transverse partition panels struck from the medial panel and hingedly connected thereto to create a plurality of article receiving cells on one side of the handle structure. 
   Optionally, the medial panels may be hingedly connected along a fold line arranged substantially parallel to fold lines which hingedly interconnect the transverse partition panel to the medial panel(s). 
   Preferably, a flap may be struck from one of the medial panels, and is hingedly interconnected to the medial panels along the medial panel fold line. 
   According to an optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention the medial panels may be hingedly interconnected along a fold line arranged substantially perpendicular to fold lines which hingedly interconnect the transverse partition panel to the medial panel(s). 
   According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention each medial panel may further comprise a securing panel, each securing panel is so constructed and arranged to be secured together. 
   According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention the transverse partition panel may be pivotally connected to a medial panel by a pair of spaced fold lines intermediate the opposing ends of the transverse partition panel thereby to create a panel which extends outwardly from both sides of the medial panel. 
   According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention two transverse partition panels may be struck from the blank, and are hingedly interconnected at their end remote from the medial panel once erected by a side wall securing panel. 
   According to another optional feature of the fourth aspect of the invention there may further comprise a handle support panel extending from an upper portion of the medial partition panel which handle panel includes a hand aperture to be aligned with the handle structure of the article carrier. 
   In one embodiment, there may further comprise a handle support panel foldably connected to the first handle panel for forming a triple ply handle. 
   Alternatively, there may further comprise a second handle support panel foldably connected to the second handle panel. 
   According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the first and second handle panels may be co-planar and the upper edges of the handle panels are co-linear. 
   According to a further optional feature of this aspect of the invention the upper edges of the or each handle support panel may be co-linear with the handle panels. 
   According to still further another optional feature of this aspect of the invention the handle panels may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. 
   According to yet another optional feature of this aspect of the invention at least one of the support panels may be provided with a hook portion, the hook being so arranged as to engage the base panel. 
   A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of forming an article carrier of the basket type from a first blank comprising a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, a second side panel and third end panel hingedly connected one to the next in series, a handle structure hingedly connected to one or more of the end panels and a second blank for forming an internal partition structure. The method comprises the steps of:
         placing the second blank on the first blank in an aligned position;   securing the transverse partition panels to the first side wall panel;   securing the medial panel to the handle panel of the first blank;   folding the second side wall panel and second end wall panel into face contacting relationship with the internal partition structure; and   securing the first and the third end panels together to form a completed collapsed article carrier.       

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which an article carrier according to one embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 1  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which an article carrier according to another embodiment of the invention is formed; and 
       FIG. 4C  is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in  FIG. 4A  formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material; 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which an article carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material; 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blanks shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which an article carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which an article carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of adjacent blanks shown in  FIG. 10A  formed from a continuous roll of paperboard or similar sheet material; 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 10A  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which a basket carrier according to an sixth embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 14A  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which a basket carrier according to the seventh embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 17A  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which a basket carrier according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B  viewed from above and from one end; 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are plan views of blanks of paperboard from which a basket carrier according to the ninth embodiment of the invention is formed; 
       FIG. 23C  is a plan view of the blank of  FIGURE 23B , showing the bank having been folded about a bottom fold line in a direction indicated by arrow X;” 
       FIGS. 24A and 24B  are side elevation views of the blanks shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  during construction to form a flat collapsed carton; and 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an erected basket carrier formed from the blank shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  viewed from above and from one end. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the drawings an article carrier is formed from one or more blanks of paperboard, corrugated board or other suitable foldable sheet material, for example plastics material. The carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles each. It is envisaged the carrier can be adapted to accommodate a different number of bottles according to user requirements. 
   Turning to the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  there is shown a carrier formed from a three part blank. The blank  10  for forming the outer panels, includes in longitudinal series a first medial support panel  12 , first end panel  14 , first side panel  16 , second end panel  18 , second side panel  20 , third end panel  22  and second medial panel  24  hingedly connected one to the next along lateral fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  respectively. There may further comprise a lateral fold line  19  intermediate fold lines  30  and  32  for dividing second end panel  18  into two parts  18   a ,  18   b  to form an “arrow profile” basket carrier, hereinafter described. 
   A first handle panel  38  is disposed adjacent first end panel  14  and first side panel  16  and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines  40 ,  42 . Cut lines  40 ,  42  extend between fold lines  26  and  30 . Handle panel  38  is hingedly connected to first medial support panel  12  along an extension of fold line  26  which forms part of one side edge of first handle panel  38 . It will be apparent to the reader that medial support panels are not an essential feature and the handle panels could be connected directly to the end panel in some embodiments. Handle panel  38  is connected to the opposing end panel  18  by means of an intermediate panel  50  which is hingedly connected to the side edge of handle panel  38  along fold line  52 , and to end panel by a nick portion along fold line  30 , as shown in FIG.  1 A. 
   Handle panel  38  may include a hand aperture  44 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  46  is connected along fold line  48  to an upper edge of hand aperture  44 . 
   Preferably, a second handle panel  52  is provided which is disposed adjacent second side panel  20  and third end panel  22  and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines  54 ,  56 . Cut lines  54 ,  56  extend between fold lines  32  and  36 . Handle panel  52  is hingedly connected to second medial support panel  24  along an extension of fold line  36  which forms part of one side edge of second handle panel  52 . Handle panel  52  is connected to the opposing end panel  18  by means of an intermediate panel  64  which is hingedly connected to the side edge of handle panel  52  along fold line  66 , and to end panel  18  by a nick portion along fold line  32 , as shown in FIG.  1 A. 
   Handle panel  52  may include a hand aperture  58 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  60  is connected along fold line  62  to an upper edge of hand aperture  60 . 
   In this embodiment, a triple ply handle structure is provided. Handle support panel  68  is disposed adjacent part of first end panel  18  and the intermediate panel  64 . Handle support panel  68  is hingedly connected to a side edge of second handle panel  52  along fold line  66 , but is otherwise separated from the blank by cut line  65 . A hand aperture  70  is provided positioned intermediate upper and lower edges of handle support panel  68 . Preferably, hand aperture  70  is positioned to be aligned with the hand apertures  44  and  58  in a set up carton. 
   There further comprises a base structure which in this embodiment is provided by base panels  72 ,  74  foldably connected to side panels  16 ,  20  respectively. Suitable securing means is provided for securing the base panels together. For example, a glue flap  76  is connected to the base panel  72 . Alternatively, locking tabs struck from base panel and a complementary locking aperture is struck from second base panel to receive and retain the locking tabs, as is well known. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods of interlocking the base panels together during construction can be adopted and the invention is not limited to those features illustrated in the embodiments or described above. 
   In  FIGS. 1B , there is shown the partition structure of the article carrier formed from a second blank  80  and third blank  80   a.    
   The blank  80  forms one side of the partition structure and comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  82 ,  84  struck from a medial partition panel  86 . Transverse partition panel  82  is struck from medial panel  86  by cut line  87  and is connected thereto along fold line  88 . Likewise, transverse partition panel  84  is struck from medial panel  86  by cut lines  89 ,  90  and is connected thereto along fold line  92 . In this embodiment fold line  92  is interrupted by cut line  87  which extends into transverse partition panel  84  to define a glue flap  94  foldably connected to transverse partition panel  82  along fold line  96 . A second glue flap  98  may be connected to transverse partition panel  84  along fold line  99 . Optionally, the glue flaps  94 ,  98  include protruding elements  91  defined by cut line  93  which interrupts the glue flap fold line. In use, the protruding elements increase the surface area of the glue flap to be secured. A hook  97  may be provided along a lower edge of medial panel  86  to provide a detachable connection to the base structure. 
   The blank  80   a  is similar to blank  80  and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral with addition of letter “a”. Therefore, only the differences between blank  80  and blank  80   a  are described in more detail. An end flap  95   a  may be provided which is foldably connected to medial panel  86   a  along fold line  79   a . In use, end flap  95   a  is secured to end panel  18 . In use, tab  93   a  is adapted to be secured to medial support panel  12 ,  24  described below. 
   It is envisaged that the number and position of the transverse partition panels of each blank can be changed according to the number of article receiving cells required. 
   The construction of a completed carrier of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  in a flat collapsed condition from the blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line gluing machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching although it is envisaged that other embodiments of blank can be glued at other positions, if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. 
   Thus, blanks  80  and  80   a  are secured to blank  10 . In this embodiment, the flaps  94 ,  98  are secured to side panel  16  and medial panel  86  is secured to handle panel  38  by glue or other suitable means. Likewise, glue flaps  94   a  and  98   a  are secured to side panel  20  and medial partition panel  86   a  is secured to handle panel  52  by glue or other suitable means. Thus the carton is at a first stage of construction, shown in FIG.  2 A. Thereafter, handle support panel  68  is folded about fold line  66  and into face contacting relationship with handle panel  52  so that apertures  70  and  58  are aligned. End panel  18  is folded out of alignment with the adjacent side panels  16 ,  20  along fold lines  30 ,  19 ,  32  respectively such that intermediate panels  50 ,  64  are in face contacting relationship with each part  18   a ,  18   b  of end panel respectively. In some embodiments, intermediate panels  50 ,  64  are secured to end panel  18  by glue or other suitable means in the art. 
   Medial support panels  12 ,  24  are also folded into face contacting relationship with respective end panels  14 ,  22  and handle panels  38 ,  58  and may be secured together by glue or other suitable means in the art. The outer panels  18   b ,  20 ,  22  forming one side of the partition are folded into face contacting relationship with the outer panels  18   a ,  16 ,  14  forming the other side of the partition. 
   By folding the panels in this way, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into a face to face relationship with each other and the handle panels  52 ,  68  are secured together with the inner face of handle panel  38  by glue or other means known in the art. Preferably, tab  93   a  is secured to medial panel  86  and medial support panels  12 ,  24  may be secured to the portions of respective medial panels  86 ,  86   a  respectively by glue or other means known in the art. In those embodiments with flap  95   a , it is secured to end panel  18 . 
   The carton is then at an intermediate stage, shown in FIG.  2 B: a completed collapsed article carrier whereby second end panel  22 , second side panel  20  and outer handle panel  52  are placed in a face to face relationship with first end wall  14 , first side panel  16  and handle panel  38  respectively. The carton of the first embodiment is commonly referred to as an “arrow profile” pack, because the end panels are folded about a central fold line to define a leading edge  37  and two trailing edges defined by fold lines  30  and  32 . 
   To erect the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly towards each other. This causes end panels  14 ,  22  and  18 , and side panels  16  and  20  moved from a flat collapsed condition into a substantially rectangular configuration which facilitates the construction of individual cells. Thus, transverse partition panels  82 ,  84  are automatically deployed by moving out of alignment with first side panel  16  and handle panel  38 ; and are folded about fold lines  88  and  92  respectively such that transverse partition panels  82 ,  84  are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  38  and side panel  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , three cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3  are thus formed. Similarly, transverse partition panels  82   a ,  84   a  are moved out of alignment with second side panel  20  and handle panel  52  and are folded about fold lines  88   a ,  92   a  respectively so that transverse partition panel  82   a ,  84   a  are in a perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  52  and side wall panel  20 , so that three further cells are formed. In use, the transverse partition panels may separate and support the articles in adjacent cells. 
   The carton is then ready to receive articles which are loaded by relative vertical movement between the articles and carrier during forward feed movement well known in the art by which the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. 
   Thereafter, the base is formed whereby base panels  72  and  74  are brought into an overlapping relationship and connected together by securing means well known in the art. In this embodiment glue flap  76  is glued to base panel  74 . The base panels may be held in place prior to loading and/or after loading by engagement of the base panels  72 ,  74  with the hooks  97 ,  97   a  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
   In use, handle tabs  46 ,  60  are folded about handle panels  38 ,  52  to further secure hand structure H and the carton. Thus the carton of the first embodiment is in a set up condition as shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. 
   Turning to the construction of the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  there is shown an article carrier formed from a two part blank. The blanks are capable of forming a “parallelogram profile” pack, described below. Blank  110 , shown in  FIG. 4A , provides the outer panels of the carrier and includes in longitudinal series, a first medial support panel  112 , first side panel  116 , first end panel  118 , second side panel  120  and second end panel  122  foldably connected one to the next along lateral fold lines  126 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  respectively. 
   A first handle panel  138  is disposed adjacent first end panel  118  and first side panel  116  and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines  140 ,  142  extending from fold line  126  and into end panel  118 . Handle panel  138  is hingedly connected to an upper edge of end panel  118  by a nick portion. The point of connection should be in a central part, if it is desired for the handle to be centrally located. Handle panel  138  is foldably connected along its opposing edge to medial support panel  112  by an intermediate panel  150 . In this embodiment, intermediate panel  150  is hingedly connected to a side edge of handle panel  138  along fold line  151 , and to medial support panel along fold line  30  as shown in FIG.  4 A. Handle panel  138  may include a hand aperture  144 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  146  is connected along fold line  148  to an upper edge of hand aperture  44 . 
   Preferably, a second handle panel  152  is provided which is disposed adjacent a second side panel  120  and second end panel  122  and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines  154  and  156  respectively which extend from fold lines  132  and into end panel  122 . Handle panel  152  is hingedly connected to an upper edge of end panel  122  by a nick portion and to the opposing end panel  118  by an intermediate panel  164 . In this embodiment, intermediate panel  164  is foldably connected to a side edge of handle panel  152  along fold line  165  and to end panel  118  along fold line  132 , shown in FIG.  4 A. Second handle panel  152  includes a hand aperture  158 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  160  is connected along fold line  162  to an upper edge of hand aperture  158 . 
   In this embodiment, a triple ply handle structure is provided which includes a pair of handle support panels  168 ,  169 . Each support panel  168 ,  169  is foldably connected to opposing side edges of handle panel  138  and are foldable so that the opposing side edges of each support panel are brought into abutment when the support panels are brought into face contacting relationship with handle panel  138 . More particularly, handle support panel  168  is foldably connected to handle panel  138  along fold line  155  and includes a hand aperture  170 , positioned intermediate upper and lower edges of handle support panel  168 . Hand aperture  170  is positioned to be aligned with hand apertures  154 ,  158  in a set up carton. Similarly, handle support panel  169  includes hand aperture  171 . 
   A base structure is formed from panels  172 ,  174  and securing means which in this embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment and is not, therefore described in any greater detail. 
   The partition structure of the article carrier is formed from a second blank  180 . The blank  180  comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  182 ,  184  struck from a medial partition panel  186 . Transverse partition panel  182  is struck from medial panel  186  by cut lines  185 ,  187  and  190  and is foldably connected thereto along interrupted fold line  188 . It will be seen from  FIG. 4B  that interrupted fold line  188  is positioned intermediate the opposing ends of transverse partition panel  182  to define a two part partition panel,  114  and  189 . Fold line  188  can be moved to any position intermediate the ends to alter the respective lengths of each part of the panel  182 . Transverse partition panel  182  may further comprise glue flap  194  foldably connected thereto along fold line  195 . Like the first embodiment, it is envisaged the number and position of the transverse panels can be altered according to the number of article receiving cells required. 
   Likewise, transverse partition panel  196  is struck from medial panel  186  by cut lines  191 ,  193  and  195  and is foldably connected thereto along fold line  192 . Interrupted fold line  192  is disposed intermediate the opposing ends of transverse partition panel  184  to define a two part partition panel  115 ,  196 . There may further comprise glue flap  198  foldably connected to transverse partition panel  184  along fold line  197 . 
   There may further comprise medial glue flaps  176 ,  178  foldably connected to opposing side edges of medial panel  186  along fold lines  177  and  179  respectively. 
   The construction of the carton is substantially identical to that described in the fifth embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10  to  13  below and is not, therefore, described in any greater detail. 
   A common feature shared by both the first and second embodiments relates to the handle panel structure H. More particularly, the handle panels and, as the case may be, the handle support panels are co-planar. The upper edges of the handle panels are co-linear as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 4A , so as to minimise the paperboard wasted because adjacent blanks can be struck from a continuous roll with their respective upper edges in abutment.  FIG. 4C  illustrates adjacent blanks  110  of the second embodiment and it will be seen that an efficient use of board is achieved. Preferably, the base panels  172 ,  174  of the blanks are shapes to marry with base panels from the next adjacent blank: again to minimise the board wastage. 
   The construction of the third embodiment is described by reference to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  8 . As shown in these drawings an article carrier formed from a three part blank the carrier, is an “arrow profile” pack, similar to the first embodiment described above and therefore, like panels are designated by the same reference numeral prefixed by the numeral “2”. Therefore only the differences between the first and third embodiments are described in more detail. 
   It will be seen from  FIG. 5A  that medial support panels  212 ,  224  are, in this embodiment wider, to provide a large surface to be secured to the corresponding medial panels  286 ,  286   a.    
   In this embodiment, hooks  297  and  297   a  are provided along lower edge of medial support panels  212  and  224  to be engaged in corresponding apertures in the base structure, thereby to maintain the carton in a set up condition prior to loading and/or after loading. 
   In this embodiment, the handle H ( FIG. 8 ) is a four ply structure provided by outer handle panels  238 ,  252  and handle support flaps  268  and  268   a  shown in FIG.  5 A. Each handle flap  268  and  268   a  is foldably connected to an upper edge of corresponding handle panel  238 ,  252  along fold lines  270  and  270   a  respectively to be foldable about their respective fold lines so that, during construction, the handle support flaps can be placed into face contacting relationship with their adjacent handle panel, shown in FIG.  7 B. 
   The blanks  280 ,  280   a  for forming the medial transverse partition structures, shown in  FIG. 5B , differ from the blanks  80 ,  80   a  of the first embodiment blanks in that there comprises medial support flaps  295  and  295   a  that are foldably connected to medial panels  286  and  286   a  respectively along fold lines  279  and  279   a . There may further comprise tab  293  struck from medial panel  286  and tab  293   a  struck from medial panel  296   a . Each tab  293 ,  293   a  is adapted to be secured to the other medial panel  286   a ,  286  by glue or other suitable means, which is illustrated in more detail in FIG.  7 B. The profile of the free edge of tabs  293 ,  293   a  is defined by cut lines  289  and  289   a , which in this embodiment include three protruding elements to enlarge the surface area to separate adjacent cells. 
   The shape of the upper edges of the blank and more particularly the handle support panel  268 , handle panel  238  and intermediate panel  250  and end panel  218   a  are shaped to receive the corresponding panels of the next adjacent blank  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , adjacent blanks are struck from a continuous roll of sheet material whereby adjacent blanks are formed as mirror images, such that they marry together thereby achieving an efficient use of the paperboard. Thus, in this embodiment, the waste material is illustrated by hatch section marked by the letter W. Beneficially, the shape of the handle structure minimises the amount of paperboard wasted and, advantageously provides aesthetically pleasing shape of handle. 
   Preferably, the shape of the base panels  274 ,  272  are substantially trapezoidal so that the lower edges of adjacent blanks marry up thereby to minimise the amount of board required. 
   The construction of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment whereby the medial support panels  212 ,  224  are folded into face contacting relationship the medial panel  286  is secured to medial support panel  212 , handle panel  238  and glue flaps  294 ,  298  are secured to side panel  216 , but medial panel is otherwise unconnected to blank  210 , as shown in FIG.  7 A. Likewise, medial panel  286   a  is secured to medial support panel  224 , handle panel  252  and the glue flaps  294   a  and  298   a  are secured to side panel  220 . Thus, the carton is at a first stage of construction, shown in FIG.  7 A. 
   Thereafter the blank is folded about fold lines  230 ,  219  and  232  so that second end panel  222 , second side panel  220  and second handle panel  252  are placed in a face to face relationship with first end wall  214 , first side panel  216  and handle panel  238  respectively to provide a package in a flat collapsed condition in an “arrow profile” and lead edge is defined by fold line  226 ,  236  and there comprises two trailing edges defined by fold lines  230  and  232  respectively. In those embodiments with medial support flaps  295  and  295   a  they are secured to end panel  218  as shown in FIG.  7 B. 
   To erect the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier moved inwardly towards each other, as described above in the first embodiment to construct the individual cells. The articles enter their respective cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3  to complete the load process, ready to be supplied to the user, and the handle structure H and base structure are also formed in like manner to provide a carton similar to that illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
   The fourth embodiment of the carton is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . As shown in these drawings an article carrier formed from a three part blank the carrier, is an “arrow profile” pack, similar to the third embodiment described above and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral prefixed by the numeral “3” to replace numeral “2”. Therefore only the differences between the third and fourth embodiments are described in more detail. It can be seen from  FIG. 9A  that the handle is a triple ply structure, provided by outer handle panels  338 ,  352  formed from blank  310  and a handle support panel  368  formed from one of the medial panels  386   a . There may further comprise a hand aperture  370  struck from handle support panel  368  to be aligned with hand apertures  344  and  358 . The construction of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the third embodiment and is not therefore described in any more detail. Of course, the advantages of the third embodiment apply to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the handle structure of this embodiment results in a shorter folding time because there are no handle support panels connected to handle panels  338 ,  352  that need to be folded. 
   The fifth embodiment is illustrated by reference to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  11 ,  12 A,  12 B and  13 . Turning first to the features of the fifth embodiment of article carrier by reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B  there is shown two part blank. The blanks are capable of forming a “parallelogram profile” pack similar to the second embodiment described above and, therefore, like panels are designated by the same reference numeral but prefixed by the numeral “4” instead of “1”. Therefore, only the differences between the second and fifth embodiments are described in any greater detail. It will be seen from  FIG. 10A  that the handle H is a triple ply structure, provided by outer handle panels  438  and  452  formed from blank  410 . The handle support panel  468  is formed from the medial panel  486  and may further comprise a hand aperture  470  so positioned to be aligned with hand apertures  444  and  458  in a set up carton. Beneficially, the handle structure of this embodiment enables the handle to be formed quicker because there are no handle support panels connected to the handle panel, that need to be folded. 
   The shape of the upper edges of the blank  410  and more particularly handle panels  438 ,  452 , intermediate panels  450 ,  464  and end panels  418  and  422  are shaped to receive corresponding panels of the next adjacent blank  410 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , adjacent blanks are struck from a continuous roll of sheet material whereby adjacent blanks are formed as mirror images, such that they marry together, thereby achieving efficient use of the paperboard. Beneficially, the shape of the handle structure minimises the amount of paperboard wasted and advantageously, provides aesthetically pleasing shape of handle. Preferably the shape of the base panels  472 ,  474  are substantially trapezoidal so that the lower edges of the blank marry up thereby to minimise the amount of board required. 
   The construction of the completed carrier of the fifth embodiment shown, in  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b  and  13 , from a blank form to a flat collapsed condition and into a set up carton a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line gluing machine, so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching, although it is envisaged that other blanks can be glued at other positions if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. 
   Thus, blank  480  is secured to blank  410 . In this embodiment, glue flap  494  is secured to side panel  416  and medial panel  486  is secured to handle panel  438  so that handle support panel  468  is aligned with handle panel  438 . Medial support flap  478  is secured to end panel  418  by glue or other suitable means known in the art. Thus, the carton is at a first stage of construction shown in FIG.  12 A. Thereafter glue flap  412  is folded about fold line  426  into face contacting relationship with side panel  416  and the outer panels  420  and  422  are folded about fold line  432  into face contacting relationship with medial panel  406 . End panel  422  is secured to glue flap  412  and transverse glue flap  498  is secured to side wall  420 . Handle panel  452  is secured to the opposing face of handle support panel  468  and medial support panel  476  is secured to end panel  422 . 
   By folding and securing the panels in this way the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into face to face relationship such that the article carrier is in a completed and collapsed condition, shown in  FIG. 12B , to be supplied to the end user of the carton, for example a bottler. The carton of the fifth embodiment is, commonly, referred to as a “parallelogram profile” pack because the leading edge is defined by fold line  432  and the trailing edge is defined by diametrically opposed edge provided by fold line  426 . 
   To erect the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly towards each other, this causes end panels  422  and  418  and side panels  416  and  420  to be moved from a flat collapsed condition into a rectangular configuration which facilitates automatic construction of the individual cells. Thus, transverse partition panels  482  and  484  are moved out of alignment with first and second side panels  416 ,  420  respectively and are folded about fold lines  488  and  492  such that the transverse partition panels are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  468  and side panels  416  and  420 . It will be seen from  FIG. 13  that each part  414 ,  490 ;  415 ,  496  extends from each side of the medial panel to form two rows of three cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . In effect, fold lines  488 ,  492  act as pivot points for the partition panels. In use, the transverse partition panels may separate and support the articles in adjacent cells. 
   The carton is then ready to receive articles which are loaded a relative vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during forward feed movement well known in the art by which the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. Thereafter the base is formed in substantially the same manner as described above whereby base panels  472 ,  474  are connected together by securing means. Similarly handle tabs  446 ,  460  are folded about handle  468 ,  452  to further secure hand structure H and the carton. Thus the carton of the fifth embodiment is in a set up condition as shown in  FIG. 13  of the drawings. 
   The sixth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  15 A,  15 B and  16 . As shown in these drawings an article carrier is formed from a three part blank: the carrier is a parallelogram profile pack similar to the fifth embodiment described above and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral prefixed with the numeral “5” instead of “4”. Therefore only the differences between the sixth and fifth embodiments are described in more detail. 
   As regards the blank  510  for forming the outer panels, it will be seen from  FIG. 14A  that the handle is a four ply structure provided by outer handle panels  538 ,  552  and handle support flaps  568  and  568   a . Each handle flap  568 ,  568   a  is foldably connected to an upper edge of corresponding handle panel  538 ,  552  along fold lines  570 ,  570   a  respectively to be foldable about their adjacent fold lines so that, during construction, the handle flaps can be placed in face contacting relationship with their adjacent handle panel, shown in FIG.  15 B. 
   A two part blank  580 ,  580   a  is provided for forming the medial and transverse partition structures shown in FIG.  14 B and is substantially similar to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG.  5 B. It will be seen that the position of tabs  593 ,  593   a  differ from the third embodiment although each tab is adapted to be secured to the other medial panel  586 ,  582  by glue or other suitable means known in the art and to separate adjacent cells. In this embodiment, the protruding elements E of each tab overlap to be secured together, shown in FIG.  15 B. 
   The construction of the sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment described above whereby the transverse partition panels are secured to respective side panels, the medial panel is secured to the handle panel and the medial support flaps secured to respective end panels shown in FIG.  15 A. Thereafter one side of the basket carrier is folded about fold line  532  into face contacting relationship with the medial structure and is secured together as described above to form a flat collapsed carrier illustrated in FIG.  15 B. 
   To erect the carrier of the sixth embodiment, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier move inwardly towards each other as described above in the fifth embodiment to construct individual cells and the articles enter their respective cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3  to complete the loading process, ready to be supplied to the user. The handle structure H and base structure are also formed in like manner to provide a fully erected carton similar to that illustrated in FIG.  16 . The advantages of the shape of the upper edges of the blank and base of the present embodiment have already been referred to in respect of the fifth embodiment above and are not therefore described in any greater detail. 
   The seventh embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 17A ,  17 B,  18 A,  18 B and  19 . As shown in these drawings an article carrier is formed from a three part blank: the carrier is a parallelogram profile pack similar to the sixth embodiment described above and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral prefixed with the numeral “6” instead of “5”. Therefore only the differences between the seventh and sixth embodiments are described in more detail. 
   It can be seen from  FIG. 17A  that the handle is a four ply structure provided by outer handle panels  638 ,  652  and handle support flaps  668  and  668   a . Each handle flap  668 ,  668   a  is foldably connected to an upper edge of corresponding handle panel  638 ,  652  along fold lines  670 ,  670   a  respectively to be foldable about their adjacent fold lines so that, during construction, the handle flaps can be placed in face contacting relationship with their adjacent handle panel, shown in FIG.  18 B. 
   In this embodiment, the outer blank further comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  631 ,  633  foldably interconnecting handle panel  638  and side panel  616 . There further comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  651 ,  653  foldably interconnecting handle panel  652  and side panel  620 . Glue flaps  650  and  664  are provided to be secured to the adjacent end panel  622 ,  618  respectively. 
   A two part blank  680 ,  680   a  is provided for forming the medial and transverse partition structures shown in FIG.  17 B and is substantially similar to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG.  5 B. Therefore, only the differences are described. The transverse partition panels  682 ,  684 ;  682   a ,  684   a  are constructed in a different manner and, indeed, it is not necessary for glue flaps to be included because these panels can be secured to panels  631 ,  633 ;  651 ,  653  respectively. It will be seen that the position of tabs  693 ,  693   a  differ from the third embodiment although each tab is adapted to be secured to the other medial panel  686 ,  686   a  by glue or other suitable means known in the art by the protruding elements shown in FIG.  18 B. 
   The construction of the seventh embodiment is similar to the some of the preceding embodiments described above, whereby the transverse partition panels are secured to respective side panels, the medial panel is secured to the handle panel and the medial support flaps secured to respective end panels shown in FIG.  18 A. Furthermore, the transverse partition panels  684 ,  682 ;  684   a ,  682   a  are secured to the adjacent transverse partition panels  633 ,  631 ;  651 ,  653  of the outer blank  610 . Thereafter one side of the basket carrier is folded about fold line  632  into face contacting relationship with the medial structure and is secured together as described above to form a flat collapsed carrier illustrated in FIG.  18 B. 
   To erect the carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier move inwardly towards each other as described above in the fifth embodiment to automatically construct individual cells and the articles enter their respective cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3  to complete the loading process, ready to be supplied to the user. The handle structure H and base structure are also formed in like manner to provide a fully erected carton similar to that illustrated in FIG.  19 . The advantages of the shape of the upper edges of the blank and base of the present embodiment have already been referred to in respect of the fifth embodiment above and are not therefore described in any greater detail. A further advantage of the present invention is that the blanks forming the partition structure can be reduced in width because, it is not necessary for the transverse partition panels  682 ,  684  to extend the width W of the cell as the outer transverse panels provide the rigidity. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 20A and 20B , there is shown an eighth embodiment of the invention. An article carrier is formed from one or more blanks  710  of paperboard or other suitable foldable sheet material. The carrier is adapted to accommodate a plurality of articles, for example six bottles arranged in two rows of three bottles each. It is envisaged the carrier can be adapted to accommodate a different number of articles according to user requirements. 
   In this embodiment, the carrier is formed from a two part blank and the blank  710 , forming the outer panels, includes in longitudinal series a first medial support panel  712 , first end panel  714 , first side panel  716 , second end panel  718 , second side panel  720 , third end panel  722  and second medial panel  724  hingedly connected one to the next along lateral fold lines  726 ,  728 ,  730 ,  732 ,  734  and  736  respectively. There may further comprise a lateral fold line  719  intermediate fold lines  730  and  732  for dividing second end panel  718  into two parts ( 718   a ,  718   b ) to form an “arrow profile” basket carrier, hereinafter described. 
   A first handle panel  738  is disposed adjacent second end panel  718  and first side panel  716  and is separated from these side and end panels by cut line  742 . Cut line  742  extends between fold lines  728  and  719 . Handle panel  738  is hingedly connected to second end panel  718  along an extension of fold line  719  which forms part of one side edge of first handle panel  738 . Handle panel  738  is connected to the first end panel  714  by means of an intermediate panel  750  which is hingedly connected to the side edge of handle panel  738  along fold line  751 , and to first end panel  714  along fold line  728 . 
   Handle panel  738  may include a hand aperture  744 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  746  is connected along fold line  748  to an upper edge of hand aperture  744 . 
   A second handle panel  752  is disposed adjacent second side panel  720  and second end panel  718  and is separated from these side and end panels by cut lines  754 ,  765 . Cut lines  754 ,  756  extend between fold lines  719  and  734 . Handle panel  752  is hingedly connected to handle panel  738  along fold line  719 . Handle panel  752  is connected to the third end panel  722  by means of an intermediate panel  764  which is hingedly connected to the side edge of handle panel  752  along fold line  766 , and to end panel  722  along fold line  734 . 
   Handle panel  752  may include a hand aperture  758 . In this embodiment, a hand cushioning flap  760  is connected along fold line  762  to an upper edge of hand aperture  760 . 
   In this embodiment, a triple ply handle structure is provided. Handle support panel  768  is disposed adjacent part of intermediate panel  750  and the medial support panel  712 . Handle support panel  768  is hingedly connected to a side edge of first handle panel  738  along fold line  751 , but is otherwise separated from the blank. In alternative embodiments, handle support panel may alternatively be connected to second handle panel  752 . A hand recess  770  is provided and is preferably positioned to be aligned with the hand apertures  744  and  758  in a set up carton. 
   Hooks  797 ,  797   a  may be provided along lower edges of first and second medial panels  712  and  724  to provide a detachable connection to the base structure. 
   There further comprises a base structure which in this embodiment is provided by base panels  772 ,  774  foldably connected to side panels  716 ,  720  respectively. Suitable securing means is provided for securing the base panels together. For example, a glue flap  776  is connected to the base panel  772 . Alternatively, locking tabs struck from base panel and a complementary pair of locking apertures are struck from second base panel to receive and retain the locking tabs, as is well known. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods of interlocking the base panels together during construction can be adopted and the invention is not limited to those features illustrated in the embodiments or described above. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 20B , both sides of a partition structure of the article carrier are preferably formed from a second blank  780 . The blank  780  comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  782 ,  784  struck from a medial partition panel  786 . Transverse partition panel  782  is struck from medial panel  786  by cut line  787  and is connected thereto along fold line  788 . Likewise, transverse partition panel  784  is struck from medial panel  786  by cut lines  789 ,  790  and is connected thereto along fold line  792 . In this embodiment fold line  792  is interrupted by cut line  787  which extends into transverse partition panel  784  to define a glue flap  794  foldably connected to transverse partition panel  782  along fold line  796 . A second glue flap  798  may be connected to transverse partition panel  784  along fold line  799  Fold lines  799  and  796  are preferably interrupted by cut lines  799  and  796  respectively. A tab  795  is preferably struck from medial partition panel  786  is defined by cut line  783  and fold line  791 . A further tab  793  is preferably struck from transverse panel  782  and is defined by a cut line  793  and fold line  788 . 
   A second medial partition panel  786   a  substantially mirrors the first  786 , along fold line  791  and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral with addition of letter “a”. Therefore, only the differences between blank  780  and blank  780   a  are described in more detail. 
   A projecting portion  785  of panel  786   a  is provided so as to cooperate with handle support panel  768  and thereby ensure that the handle is triple ply throughout. A corresponding cutaway portion is included in the opposite edge of the blank to minimise paperboard wastage if multiple blanks are struck in a tessellating pattern. 
   It is envisaged that the number and position of the transverse partition panels of each blank can be changed according to the number and size of article receiving cells required. 
   The construction of a completed carrier of the eighth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B  in a flat collapsed condition from the blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line gluing machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching although it is envisaged that the blanks can be glued at other positions, if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. Thus, blank  780  is secured to blank  710 . 
   In this embodiment, the flaps  794 ,  798  are secured to side panel  716  and medial panel  786  is secured to handle panel  738  by glue or other suitable means. Likewise, glue flaps  794   a  and  798   a  are secured to side panel  720  and medial partition panel  786   a  is secured to handle panel  752  by glue or other suitable means. Thus the carton is at a first stage of construction, shown in FIG.  21 A. 
   Thereafter, handle support panel  768  is folded about fold line  751  and into face contacting relationship with handle panel  738  so that recess  770  and aperture  758  are aligned. First and third end panels  714  and  722  are folded inwardly along fold lines  728  and  734  respectively, such that medial support panels  712  and  724  may be secured to medial panels  786  and  768   a  respectively using glue or other suitable means known in the art. Second end panel  718  is folded in half along fold line  719  such that intermediate panels  750 ,  764  are in face contacting relationship with first end panel  714 . In some embodiments, intermediate panels  750 ,  764  are secured to first end panel  714  by glue or other suitable means in the art. 
   Handle panels  738 ,  752  may be secured together by glue or other suitable means in the art. The outer panels  718   b ,  720 ,  722  forming one side of the partition are folded into face contacting relationship with the outer panels  718   a ,  716 ,  714  forming the other side of the partition. 
   By folding the panels in this way, the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into a face to face relationship with each other and the handle panels  752 ,  768  are secured together with the inner face of handle panel  738  by glue or other means known in the art. Preferably, tab  793   a  is secured to tab  793 . 
   The carton is then at an intermediate stage, shown in FIG.  21 B: a completed collapsed article carrier whereby third end panel  722 , second side panel  720  and outer handle panel  752  are placed in a face to face relationship with first end panel  714 , first side panel  716  and handle panel  738  respectively. The carton of the first embodiment is commonly referred to as an “arrow profile” pack, because the end panels are folded about a central fold line to define two trailing edges  736 ,  726  and a leading edge defined by fold lines  719 . 
   To erect the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly towards each other. This causes end panels  714 ,  722  and  718 , and side panels  716  and  720  moved from a flat collapsed condition into a rectangular configuration which facilitates the construction of individual cells. As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , three cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3  are thus formed. Similarly, transverse partition panels  782   a ,  784   a  are moved out of alignment with second side panel  720  and handle panel  752  and are folded about fold lines  788   a ,  792   a  respectively so that transverse partition panels  794   a ,  798   a  are in a perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  752  and side wall panel  720 . Thus, transverse partition panels  794 ,  798  are moved out of alignment with first side panel  716  and handle panel  738  and are folded about fold lines  788  and  792  respectively such that transverse partition panels  782 ,  784  are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  738  and side panel  716  such that three further cells are formed. In use, the transverse partition panels may separate and support the articles in adjacent cells. 
   The carton is then ready to receive articles which are preferably loaded by relative vertical movement between the articles and carrier during forward feed movement as is well known in the art, by which the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. 
   Thereafter, the base is formed whereby base panels  722  and  724  are brought into an overlapping relationship and connected together by securing means well known in the art. In this embodiment glue flap  776  is glued to base panel  774 . The base panels may be held in place prior to loading and/or after loading by engagement of the base panels  772 ,  774  with the hooks  797 ,  797   a  shown in  FIGS. 20A and 21A . 
   In use, handle tabs  746 ,  760  are folded about handle panels  738 ,  752  to further secure hand structure H and the carton. Thus the carton of the first embodiment is in a set up condition as shown in  FIG. 22  of the drawings. 
   Turning to the construction of the ninth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  there is shown an article carrier formed from a two part blank. The blanks are capable of forming a “parallelogram profile” pack, described below. Blank  810 , shown in  FIG. 23A , provides the outer panels of the carrier and includes in longitudinal series, a glue flap  812 , first side panel  816 , first end panel  818 , second side panel  820  and second end panel  822  foldably connected one to the next along lateral fold lines  826 ,  830 ,  832 ,  834  respectively. 
   A first handle panel  838  is disposed adjacent first end panel  818  and first side panel  816  and is separated from the side and end panels by cut line  842  extending from fold line  826  and into end panel  818 . Handle panel  838  is hingedly connected to an upper edge of end panel  818 . The point of connection should be in a central part, if it is desired for the handle to be centrally located. Handle panel  838  is foldably connected along its opposing edge to glue flap  812  by an intermediate panel  850 . In this embodiment, intermediate panel  850  is hingedly connected to a side edge of handle panel  838  along fold line  851 , and to glue flap along fold line  826  as shown in FIG.  23 A. Handle panel  838  may include a pair of hand/finger apertures  844 ,  844   a . In this embodiment, a pair of hand cushioning flaps  846 ,  846   a  are connected along fold lines  848 ,  848   a  to upper edges of respective hand apertures  844 ,  844   a.    
   A second handle panel  852  is disposed adjacent a second side panel  820  and second end panel  822  and is separated from the side and end panels by cut lines  854  and  856  respectively which extend from fold lines  832  and into end panel  822 . Handle panel  852  is hingedly connected to an upper edge end panel  822  and to the opposing end panel  818  by an intermediate panel  864 . In this embodiment, intermediate panel  864  is foldably connected to a side edge of handle panel  852  along fold line  865  and to end panel  818  along fold line  832 . Second handle panel  852  preferably includes a pair of hand/finger apertures  858 ,  858   a . In this embodiment, hand cushioning flaps  860 ,  860   a  are connected along fold lines  862  and  862   a  to an upper edge of respective hand apertures  858 ,  858   a.    
   In this embodiment, a triple ply handle structure is provided which includes a handle support panel  868 , hingedly connected to a side edge of handle panel  852  along fold line  855 . Support panel  868  further includes a hand aperture  870 , positioned intermediate upper and lower edges of handle support panel  868 . Hand aperture  870  is positioned to be aligned with hand apertures  854 ,  858  in a set up carton. In alternative classes of embodiment, two apertures may be provided in handle support panel  868  that are arranged to be in register with the apertures on the handle panels in a set up carton. 
   A base structure is formed from panels  872 ,  874  which in this embodiment is substantially the same as the eighth embodiment and is not, therefore described in any greater detail. 
   The partition structure of the article carrier is formed from a second blank  880 . The blank  880  comprises a pair of transverse partition panels  882 ,  884  struck from a medial partition panel  886 . Transverse partition panel  882  is struck from medial panel  886  by cut lines  885  and  881  and is foldably connected thereto along fold line  888 . Transverse partition panel  882  is further hingedly connected to glue flap  894  along fold line  896 . As in the first embodiment, it is envisaged the number and position of the transverse panels can be altered according to the number of article receiving cells required. 
   Likewise, transverse partition panel  884  is struck from medial panel  886  by extensions of cut lines  885  and  881  and is foldably connected thereto along fold line  892 . Transverse panel  884  is further hingedly connected to glue flap  894  along fold line  899 . Medial partition panel is further hingedly connected at opposing edges thereof to glue flaps  883 ,  887  and  889 . 
   A second medial panel  886   a  is hingedly connected to panel  886  along fold line  891 . The second medial panel  886   a  is similar to panel  786 , and therefore like panels are designated by the same reference numeral with the addition of the letter “a”. The only difference between the panels is that glue panel  894   a  does not in this embodiment extend into panel  886 , in contrast to panel  894  which does extend into panel  886   a.    
   The construction of the completed carrier of the ninth embodiment shown, in  FIGS. 23C ,  24 A and  24 B, in a flat collapsed condition from the blank requires a series of sequential folding and gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line gluing machine, so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The gluing positions of the blanks are highlighted by hatching, although it is envisaged that other blanks can be glued at other positions if desired. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. 
   Thus, referring to  FIG. 23C , blank  880  is folded about fold line  891  in a direction indicated by arrow X such that panel  886   a  substantially overlies panel  886 . The folded blank  880  is secured to blank  810 . In this embodiment, glue flap  894   a  is secured to side panel  816 , medial panel  886   a  is secured to handle panel  838  and glue flap  883   a  is secured to first end panel  818 . Thus, the carton is at a first stage of construction shown in FIG.  24 A. Thereafter handle support panel  868  is folded so as to overlie handle panel  852  and glue flap  812  is folded about fold line  826  into face contacting relationship with side panel  816  and the outer panels  820  and  822  are folded about fold line  832  into face contacting relationship with medial panel  886 . End panel  822  is secured to glue flap  812  and transverse glue flap  894  is secured to side wall  820 . Handle panel  852  is preferably secured to the opposing face of handle support panel  868  and glue flaps  887  and  889  are secured to end panel  822 . 
   By folding and securing the panels in this way the two sides of the basket carrier are brought into face to face relationship such that the article carrier is in a completed and collapsed condition, shown in FIG.  24 B. The carton of the ninth embodiment is, commonly, referred to as a “parallelogram profile” pack because the leading edge is defined by fold line  432  and the trailing edge is defined by diametrically opposed edge provided by fold line  426 . 
   To erect the article carrier, the leading and trailing edges of the collapsed carrier are moved inwardly towards each other, this causes end panels  822  and  818  and side panels  816  and  820  to be moved from a flat collapsed condition into a rectangular configuration which facilitates construction of the individual cells. Thus, transverse partition panels  882 ,  884 ,  882   a ,  884   a  are moved out of alignment with first and second side panels  820 ,  816  respectively and are folded about fold lines  888 ,  892 ,  888   a  and  892   a , such that the transverse partition panels are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to handle panel  868  and side panels  816  and  820 . It will be seen from  FIG. 25  that each part  882 ,  884 ;  882   a ,  884   a  extends from each side of the medial panel to form two rows of three cells C 1 , C 2 , C 3 . In use, the transverse partition panels may separate and support the articles in adjacent cells. 
   The carton is then ready to receive articles which are preferably loaded a relative vertical movement between the articles and the carrier during forward feed movement well known in the art by which the articles enter their respective cells through the open bottom of the carrier. Alternatively, the bottles can enter their respective cells through the top of the carrier. Thereafter the base is formed in substantially the same manner as described above whereby base panels  472 ,  474  are connected together by securing means. Similarly handle tabs  446 ,  460  are folded about handle  468 ,  452  to further secure hand structure H and the carton. Thus the carton of the ninth embodiment is in a set up condition as shown in  FIG. 25  of the drawings. 
   A common feature shared by both the eighth and ninth embodiments relates to the handle panel structure H. More particularly, the handle panels and, as the case may be, the handle support panels are co-planar. The upper edges of the handle panels are co-linear as shown in  FIGS. 20A and 23A , so as to minimise the paperboard wasted because adjacent blanks can be struck from a continuous roll with their respective upper edges in abutment. 
   A further common feature is the use of a single medial blank which is folded along one edge to form the medial and transverse panels along both sides of the handle panel. In certain circumstances this may simply mechanisation of the erection process. 
   It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “end”, and “side” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention. 
   The present invention and its preferred embodiments relate to an article carrier which is shaped to provide satisfactory strength to hold the bottle securely but with a degree of flexibility so that load transferred to the handle is absorbed by the carrier. The shape of the blank minimises the amount of paperboard required. The carrier can be applied to an array of bottles by hand or automatic machinery. It is anticipated that the particular features of each of the embodiments described above are interchangeable, without departing from the scope of the invention.