Patent Publication Number: US-2018029768-A1

Title: Carton and carton blank

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a carton and blank for forming the same more specifically, but not exclusively, to a wraparound carton comprising a locking mechanism for locking an article retention structure in a receiving position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and for the display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage as possible in the materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. 
     It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a receiving mechanism for receiving a portion of an article and securely holding said article. It is further desirable to simplify the assembly of a carton comprising such a structure and the loading of the carton with articles. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a first side panel and a first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line. The carton may comprise at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article. The at least one article retention structure may comprise at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel. At least a portion of the first tab may be folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel. The at least a first tab comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion hingedly interconnects the upper and lower portions and may be defined by a pair of fold lines. The pair of fold lines may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. One of said pair fold lines is arranged such that the at least a first tab is foldable from a first stable position to a second stable position, in the second stable position the at least a first tab is folded internally of the carton for receiving an article. 
     In some embodiments, said one of said pair fold lines is less foldable than the other of said pair fold lines. 
     Optionally, the carton comprises a first article retention structure and a second article retention structure each comprising at least a first tab, each of the at least a first tab of each of the first and second article retention structures comprising a cutaway struck at least in part from the upper portion, the cutaways being arranged to prevent the at least a first tab of the first article retention structure overlapping with the at least a first tab of second article retention structure when the at least a first tab of the first article retention structure and the at least a first tab of the second retention structure are disposed in an open condition. 
     Optionally, the at least one article retention structure comprises a first tab and a second tab each comprising an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other and wherein an aperture is struck at least in part from the upper portion form each of the first and second tabs so as to form a cutaway in each of the first and second tabs. 
     Optionally, the lower portion of the at least a first tab is foldable into face contacting relationship with the first base panel so as to be disposable between the base panel and an article received in the at least one article retention structure. 
     In some embodiments, the lower portion of the at least a first tab is struck at least in part from the first base panel. 
     In some embodiments, the upper portion of the at least a first tab is struck at least in part from the first side panel. 
     In some embodiments, the central portion of the at least a first tab is struck at least in part from the first side panel. 
     In some embodiments, the central portion of the at least a first tab is struck at least in part from the first base panel. 
     Optionally, the pair of fold lines converge at a fold line hinging the first base panel to the first side panel. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a first side panel and first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line. The carton may comprise at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article. The article retention structure may comprise at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of the first tab being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel. The at least a first tab may comprise an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion hingedly interconnects the upper and lower portions and may be defined by a pair of fold lines. The pair of fold lines may be divergently arranged with respect to each other and one of said pair fold lines may arranged such that a portion of the at least a first tab is foldable to form an acute angle with respect to a second portion of the at least a first tab when the first side panel is folded to form an acute angle with respect to first base panel. 
     Optionally, the one of said pair fold lines is less foldable than the other of said pair fold lines. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a first side panel and first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the carton comprising a first article retention structure and a second article retention structure each for engaging a lower portion of a respective article, each of the first and second article retention structures comprising at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of each of the at least a first tabs being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein each of the at least a first tab comprise an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other and wherein each of the at least a first tab comprises a cutaway struck at least in part from their respective upper portions, the cutaways being arranged to prevent the at least a first tab of the first article retention structure overlapping with the at least a first tab of the second article retention structure when the at least a first tab of the first and second article retention structures are disposed in an open condition. 
     Optionally, the one of said pair fold lines is less foldable than the other of said pair fold lines. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a carton from a blank, the blank comprising:
         a first side panel and a first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the blank comprising at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article, the at least one article retention structure comprising at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of the first tab being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein the at least a first tab comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, the pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other; wherein the method comprises:   folding the at least a first tab out of the plane of the first side panel and a first base panel towards an inner surface thereof such that the at least one article retention structure is in an open condition;   folding the first side panel with respect to the first base panel such that an acute angle is defined therebetween;   transferring the blank to a subsequent processing station in a packaging machine whilst the at least one article retention structure is in the open condition.       

     Optionally, the method may include:
         pre-folding a hinged connection between the first side panel and a first base panel prior to folding the at least one article retention structure into the open condition.       

     In one optional variation, the blank may include a top panel and the method may include:
         transferring the blank with respect at least one article such that the top panel is disposed proximate a top of the at least one article;   folding the first side panel about a first side of the at least one article;   folding the first base panel about a base of the at least one article and in response folding the at least a first tab about a first one of the pair of fold lines;   receiving a portion of each of said at least one articles in a respective one of the at least one article retention structure and in response folding the at least a first tab about a second one of the pair of fold lines.       

     According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first side panel and a first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the blank comprising at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article, the at least one article retention structure comprising at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of the first tab being foldable into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein the at least a first tab comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, the pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other and wherein one of said pair fold lines is arranged such that the at least a first tab is foldable from a first stable position to a second stable position, in the second stable position the at least a first tab is folded internally of the carton for receiving an article. 
     According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first side panel and first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the blank comprising at least one article retention structure for engaging a lower portion of an article, the article retention structure comprising at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of the first tab being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein the at least a first tab comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other and wherein one of said pair fold lines is arranged such that a portion of the at least a first tab is foldable to form an acute angle with respect to a second portion of the at least a first tab when the first side panel is folded to form an acute angle with respect to first base panel. 
     According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first side panel and first base panel hingedly connected by a fold line, the blank comprising a first article retention structure and a second article retention structure each for engaging a lower portion of a respective article, each of the first and second article retention structures comprising at least a first tab struck from, and hingedly connected to, the first side panel and/or the first base panel, at least a portion of each of the at least a first tab being folded into overlapping relationship with the first side panel or first base panel wherein each of the at least a first tab comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, the central portion hingedly interconnecting the upper and lower portions and being defined by a pair of fold lines, pair of fold lines being divergently arranged with respect to each other and wherein each of the at least a first tab comprises a cutaway struck at least in part from their respective upper portions, the cutaways being arranged to prevent the at least a first tab of the first article retention structure overlapping with the at least a first tab of the second article retention structure when the at least a first tab of the first and second article retention structures are disposed in an open condition. 
     Within the scope of this application it is envisaged 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1 a    is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the carton of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are enlarged perspective views from above of a portion of the carton of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view from above of an internal portion of the carton of  FIG. 2  in which the articles have been removed to illustrate the internal structure; 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the carton shown in  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIGS. 6A to 6E  are perspective views of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 1  during stages of assembly of the carton. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons 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. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  there is shown a blank  10  for forming a carton  90  capable of accepting an input of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles A. 
     The blank  10  comprises a series of main panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first base panel  12 , which forms part of a composite base panel  12 / 24  of the carton  90 , is hinged to a first lower side wall panel  14  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  13 . First lower side wall panel  14  is hinged to a first upper side wall panel  16  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  17 . First upper side wall panel  16  is hinged to top panel  18  along a hinged connection such as a fold line  19 . Top panel  18  is hinged to second upper side wall panel  20  along a hinged connection such as a fold line  21 . Second upper side wall panel  20  is hinged to second lower side wall panel  22  along a hinged connection such as a fold line  23 . Second lower side wall panel  22  is hinged to second base panel  24  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  27 . Second lower side wall panel  22 , together with first base panel  12 , forms the composite base panel  12 / 24  of a carton  90 . 
     First base panel  12  comprises male tabs M; second base panel  24  comprises female tabs F Together, the male and female tabs M, F form a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first and second base panels  12 ,  24  together. 
     Top panel  18  comprises a carrying handle H, formed from a pair of finger tabs  72 . Each of the finger tabs  72  is defined by an outline or severance line  73  and by a hinged connection such as a fold line  71 . In alternative embodiments alternative handle structures may be employed. 
     Top panel  18  also comprises a pair of transverse hinged connections such as fold lines  29 ,  39  which extend between fold line  19  and fold line  21 ; in other words, between the first and second upper side wall panels  16 ,  20 . Transverse fold lines  29 ,  39  each define in part a respective top end flap  36 ,  38  for at least partially closing an end of the carton  90 . 
     First and second upper side wall panels  16 ,  20  comprise one or more upper article retention structures  34 . Each upper article retention structure  34  comprises a substantially U-shaped aperture Al. Optionally, each U-shaped aperture Al is disposed adjacent to a respective one of fold lines  19 ,  21 ; optionally, each U-shaped aperture Al interrupts the respective fold line  19 ,  21 . The upper article retention structures  34  also comprise first, second and third severance line or cut lines  28 ,  30 ,  32 . 
     First cut line  28  extends from a lowermost portion of the U-shaped aperture A 1 ; optionally, the first cut line  28  is substantially perpendicular to a respective one of fold lines  19 ,  21 . 
     Second and third cut lines  30 ,  32  each comprise first portions which are convergently orientated with respect to one another, and optionally are additionally convergently orientated with respect to first cut line  28 . Second and third cut lines  30 ,  32  may optionally comprise second portions which are orientated substantially parallel with respect to one another and optionally are substantially parallel with respect to first cut line  28 . 
     First cut line  28  and second cut line  30  define in part a first flap. First cut line  28  and third cut line  32  define in part a second flap. 
     Each of the upper article retention structures  34  is arranged to accommodate a respective article A of a group of articles A which form a package with the carton  90 . In the illustrated embodiment the carton  90  is arranged to accommodate six articles arranged in two rows of three articles. The blank  10  comprises six article retention structures arranged in a 2×3 array for receiving an outermost region of upper portions of each article. In embodiments with more than two rows of articles, it is envisaged that only those articles in the outermost rows will be received in a respective upper article retention structure  34 . In yet further alternative embodiments it is envisaged that only those articles disposed adjacent the ends of the carton  90  may be retained in a respective upper article retention structure  34 . 
     Optionally, the first upper side wall panel  16  comprises a hinged connection such as a first fold line  31 . First fold line  31  extends from fold line  19  to an adjacent free end edge of first upper side wall panel  16 . First fold line  31  defines in part a gusset panel struck from first upper side wall panel  16 , which gusset panel is hinged to first top end flap  36 . A hinged connection such as a second fold line  35  disposed adjacent a second free end edge, opposing the first free end edge, is provided in the first upper side wall panel  16  and defines a second gusset panel hinged to the second top end flap  38 . Likewise second upper side wall panel  20  comprises hinged connections such as a third and a fourth fold line  33 ,  37  respectively. Each of third and fourth fold lines  33 ,  37  defines in part a third and fourth gusset panel hinged to a respective one of the first or second top end flaps  36 ,  38 . 
     The blank  10  comprises a plurality of lower retention structures L. In the illustrated embodiment the blank  10  comprises six lower article retention structures L. Each of the lower retention structures L are substantially similar in construction and will described by reference to the lower retention structures L shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Each lower retention structure L comprises two tabs  42 ,  44 . First tab  42  comprises three components: upper portion  42   b , lower portion  42   a  and central portion  42   c . Upper portion  42   b  is hinged to central portion  42   c  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  41   a . Central portion  42   c  is hinged to lower portion  42   a  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  43   a.    
     Second tab  44  comprises three components: upper portion  44   b , lower portion  44   a  and central portion  44   c . Upper portion  44   b  is hinged to central portion  44   c  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  41   b . Central portion  44   c  is hinged to lower portion  44   b  by a hinged connection such as a fold line  43   b.    
     First and second tabs  42 ,  44  are hinged to the blank  10  along hinged connections such as fold lines  59   a ,  59   b . Optionally, each fold line  59   a ,  59   b  is non-linear, or arcuate. 
     Optionally, the fold lines  59   a ,  59   b  comprise two or more linear sections defining an angle therebetween as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Fold lines  41   a  and  43   a  are arranged to be convergent with respect to one another. Fold lines  41   b  and  43   b  are arranged to be convergent with respect to one another. Fold line  41   a  comprises a first end disposed substantially on fold line  27  and extends therefrom. Fold line  43   a  comprises a first end disposed substantially on fold line  27  and extends therefrom. Fold line  41   b  comprises a first end disposed substantially on fold line  27  and extends therefrom. Fold line  43   b  comprises a first end disposed substantially upon fold line  27  and extends therefrom. Optionally, fold lines  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a ,  43   b  are defined by cut lines in the blank  10 . In alternative embodiments the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a ,  43   b  may be defined by score lines, partial cuts, embossed or debossed lines formed in the blank  10 . In the illustrated embodiments the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a ,  43   b  are defined in part by cut lines extending partially across the first tab  42  or the second tab  44  respectively. The cut lines are optionally arranged to be convergently orientated with respect to one another such that they converge towards a hinged connection of the first tab  42  to the blank  10 . 
     First upper portion  42   b  and second upper portion  44   b  are struck at least in part from material forming the second lower side wall panel  22 . First lower portion  42   a  and second lower portion  44   a  are struck from material forming the second base panel  24 . First central portion  42   c  and second central portion  44   c  are struck in part from material forming the second lower side wall panel  22  and in part from material forming the second base panel  24 . 
     First tab  42  is separated from second tab  44  by a cut line or severance line  49   a ,  49   b  and by an aperture  46 . Aperture  46  is disposed substantially between the first upper portion  42   b  and the second upper portion  44   b . Optionally, aperture  46  is tear drop shaped. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the first central portion  42   c  and second central portion  44   c  are each substantially triangular in shape. 
     The lower article retention structures L may also comprise a first, upper, aperture  48  disposed adjacent to and defining an upper edge of each of the first and second upper portions  42   b ,  44   b.    
     The lower article retention structures L may further comprise a second, lower aperture  40  disposed adjacent to and defining a lower edge of each of the first and second lower portions  42   a ,  44   a.    
     Second lower aperture  40  may comprise a substantially V-shaped portion wherein the vertex of the aperture  40  is disposed closest to a free edge of base panel  24  opposing an edge comprising the hinged connection to the second lower side wall panel  22 . These lower apertures  40  may be engaged by machine tools for facilitating assembly and/or alignment of the carton  90 . 
     Turning to the construction of the carton  90  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 6E , it is envisaged that the carton  90  can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton  90  is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates base panel  24  of the blank  10  being pre-folded (as indicated by direction arrow F 1 ) with respect to lower side panel  22  along fold line  27 , prior to opening of the lower article retention structures L. In  FIG. 6A , the article retention structures are in a first stable position or in a closed condition. Similarly, the blank  10  may be folded along fold line  13 , prior to opening of the lower article retention structures at the other end of the blank  10 . 
     In  FIG. 6B  there is shown the second lower side panel  22  and the second base panel  24  of the blank  10 . The lower article retention structures L have been opened, the first tabs  42  have been folded internally of the carton  90  about fold lines  59   a  as indicated by the direction arrow F 2 , and the second tabs  44  have been folded internally of the carton  90  about fold lines  59   b  as indicated by the direction arrow F 3 . Similarly (not shown), the lower article retention structures L formed in the first lower side panel  14  and first base panel  12  of the blank  10  may be opened. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the second lower side panel  22  and the second base panel  24  of the blank  10  being further folded toward each other about fold line  27  as indicated by direction arrow F 4  such that the lower side panel  22  and the base panel  24  define an acute angle therebetween. In  FIG. 6C , the lower article retention structures L are in an open condition wherein the first and second lower portions  42   a ,  44   a  and the first and second central portions  42   c ,  44   c  may be brought into a face-contacting arrangement with the second base panel  24 . The first and second tabs  42 ,  44  are folded about the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  respectively such that the lower portion  42   a  defines an acute angle with respect to the upper portion  42   b  while the lower portion  44   a  defines an acute angle with respect to the upper portion  44   b.    
     The blank  10  is then released from the folding force which brought the base and side panels  24 ,  22  into the acute angle condition of  FIG. 6C  and conveyed to a group of articles. Being released from the folding force, the base panel  24  is allowed to be unfolded to some extent, or otherwise to be folded in a reverse direction (as indicated by the arrow F 5  in  FIG. 6D ) such that an angle greater than aforementioned acute angle is defined between the base panel  24  and the side panel  22 . Even after released from the folding force, however, the lower article retention structures L remain in an open condition, as shown in  FIG. 6D . This is because arrangement of the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  allows the second base panel  24  to be folded at an acute angle with respect to the second lower side wall panel  22 . Such an arrangement allows the lower article retention structures L to remain in an open condition (or in a second stable position) whilst being transferred by a packaging machine to the next processing station. There is no requirement for a machine element or tool to hold the lower article retention structures L in the open condition to retain the lower article retention structures L in the open condition. In other words, the first and second tabs  42 ,  44  comprise an over-centre or bi-stable spring mechanism by which the first and second tabs  42 ,  44  are stable in both a closed condition (the first stable position of  FIG. 6A ) and an open condition (the second stable position of  FIG. 6D ). In some embodiments, when the blank is formed form a paperboard or cardboard material, the fibres of the material may be broken along the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  during the acute angle folding step of  FIG. 6C , such that the inherent resilience of the material is reduced. In this way, the likelihood to the lower article retention structures L returning to the closed condition, or otherwise to an unfolded condition, is reduced. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments when the carton  90  is formed from alternative materials such as, but not limited to, plastics materials the inherent resilience of the material can be reduced by folding the material through a greater angle, for example but not limited to greater than 90°, 120°, 135°. 
     The fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  are arranged, positioned and orientated, such that the first and second upper portions  42   b ,  44   b  can be folded about fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  with respect to the first and second central portions  42   c ,  44   c  and/or to the first and second lower portions  42   a ,  44   a  through an angle greater than 90° when the first or second base panel  12 ,  24  is folded, about respective fold lines  13 ,  27 , with respect to the first or second lower side wall panels  14 ,  22  through an angle greater than 90° ( FIG. 6C ). An inside surface of the first and second base panels  12 ,  24  is folded towards an inside surface of the respective adjacent first or second lower side wall panel  14 ,  22 . 
     Optionally, fold line  43   a  is arranged to be structurally weaker or less resistant to external folding force than the fold line  41   a . Optionally, fold line  43   b  is arranged to be structurally weaker or less resistant to external folding force than the fold line  41   b.    
     For example, but not limited to, the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b  may be formed of a series of aligned short slits while the fold lines  43   a ,  43   b  may be formed of one or more short slits each having a greater length than each of those slits forming the fold lines  41   a ,  41   b.    
     The number of the short slits provided in the fold line  43   a  may be greater than the number of the short slits in the fold line  41   a  and wherein the length of the fold line  43   a  may be substantially equal to the length of the fold line  41   a . Similarly, the number of the short slits provided in the fold line  43   b  may be greater than the number of the short slits in the fold line  41   b  and wherein the length of the fold line  43   b  may be substantially equal to the length of the fold line  41   b.    
     In this way, the fold line  43   a  is more readily foldable than the fold line  41   a  and the fold line  43   b  is more readily foldable than the fold line  41   b.    
     The aperture  46  defines a recess R 1 , R 2  in each of the first and second tabs  42 ,  44 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . The recess R 1  in a second tab  44  of a first lower article retention structure L and the recess R 2  in a first tab  42  of a second, adjacent, lower article retention structure L cooperate so as to allow both tabs to be folded without overlapping or otherwise interfering with each other. In particular this is advantageous when folding the blank  10  so as to reduce the inherent resilience of the material forming the blank  10 . 
     The blank  10  may be partially unfolded from the condition shown in  FIG. 6C , as indicated by direction arrow F 5 . The second base panel  24  is partially unfolded about fold line  27 , with respect to the second lower side panel  22 . 
     The carton  90  is constructed about a group of articles by folding the first and second upper side wall panels  16 ,  20  about the group of articles by placing the top panel  18  over the group of articles A and folding about respective fold lines  19 ,  21 . 
     The optional fold lines  17 ,  23 , when provided, allow the lower side wall panels  14 ,  22  to be folded about the lower regions of the group of articles A. It is envisaged that in embodiments for accommodating articles having substantially parallel sides fold lines  17 ,  23  may be omitted. 
     The first and second base panels  12 ,  24  are then brought about the base of the group of articles.  FIG. 6E  illustrates the second base panel  24  being moved into position below the bases of a selection of the group of articles A. The first and second base panels  12 ,  24  are brought into at least partial overlapping arrangement such that male tabs M may be inserted through apertures in the second base panel  24  defined by female tabs F. Preferably the second base panel  24  is disposed innermost. 
     Each of the lower article retention structures L receives a portion of a respective article in an opening O (see  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) created by folding the first and second tabs  42 ,  44  internally of the carton  90 . Each of the first tabs  42  substantially engages with a first side of an article A and each of the second tabs  44  substantially engages with a second side of an article A. As the lower article retention structures L receive a portion of a respective article A the first and second tabs  42 ,  44  are folded about the fold lines  43   a ,  43   b  as the first and second tabs  42 ,  44  are brought into contact with the article A; in this way the article acts as a mandrel for folding the first and second tabs  42 ,  44 . 
     First and second top end flaps  36 ,  38  are folded downwardly about upper ends of the fold lines  29 ,  39  respectively. Preferably, this is done simultaneously with folding the first and second upper side wall panels  16 ,  20  about the group of articles A. The gusset panels are folded into flat face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first or second upper side wall panels  16 ,  20  from which they are struck. 
     The assembled carton  90  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate the lower article retention structures L in use. The first and second upper portions  42   b ,  44   b  are disposed adjacent to the side walls of the articles A. The first and second lower portions  42   a ,  44   a  are disposed under the article A. The first and second lower portions  42   a ,  44   a  are disposed between the base of the article A and the second base panel  24 . 
     The first and second central portion  42   c ,  44   c  are formed about the article A, the article A comprises a transition region between the side wall and the base the transition region may be curved or bevelled. The first and second central portion  42   c ,  44   c  each form a transition tab which is disposed adjacent to and in close proximity to the transition region of the article A. In this way a close fit is formed between the lower article retention structures L and the article A, this increases the security of the article A within the carton. 
     It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. 
     Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a wraparound style carton it is envisaged that the article retention structure may be employed in cartons of alternative design, such as but not limited to fully enclosed cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips. 
     It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” 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 a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. 
     As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate of sheet material. 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 one or more fold lines. 
     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 cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the term “severance line” may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options. 
     It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines and severance lines can each includes elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, 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 provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line. 
     As used herein, the term “wraparound carrier” typically refers to a carrier having four primary walls (top, first side, base and second side) that form a sleeve style structure generally having open ends. An article group is tightly wrapped by the carrier which is held in place about the article group by means of a tightly assembled composite top wall or a composite base wall.