Patent Description:
In the field of packaging, it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

<CIT> discloses an improved telescoping container, which is set up and collapsed flat quickly and easily, and is provided to the user in one integral piece, eliminating the necessity of a lid being assembled or maintained separately. An integral lid provides an improved amount of cushioning and strength, and does not enter the cubic volume of the container and thus reduce available storage space. In one embodiment of the invention the container gains strength from a double glued seam, having opposing edges sealed to one another with two tabs; alternatively one of the two tabs is sealed. The container sets up by having an inner portion telescope into an outer portion, and may be collapsed flat by pulling the inner portion back out of the outer portion. In one embodiment the ease of set up is further improved by forming the lid from a continuous sheet of material, so that the lid may be closed in one motion, rather than the sequence of steps required with other lids. The lid of this embodiment is composed of multiple layers connected by folds which act as springs, and thus provides a springed, cushioned barrier to protect the contents of the container. When closed, the lid keeps the inner portion in place and thus adds to the strength of the container. In another embodiment the lid may be constructed of multiple panels, extending from both the inner and outer portions. The container is intended to be cut and glued at a manufacturer's facility and shipped flat to the user, who erects the container.

<CIT>discloses a fastener assembly can include a latch of a first flap and a hole of a second flap. The latch and hole can be configured to be mated together to releasably fasten the first and second flaps to one another when the first and second flaps are in an overlapping configuration. The latch can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the first flap, and the hole can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the second flap. The fastener assembly can be a variable fastener assembly configured to be in a variety of predetermined fastened configurations for securing the first and second flaps to one another in a variety of predetermined overlapping configurations.

<CIT> to discloses a packaging container includes: first fold sections for folding therealong, each of the first fold sections being provided longitudinally in a substantially central part of the first opposing side plate; second fold sections for folding therealong, each of the second fold sections being provided on the first bottom plate forming flap as an extension of the first fold section; and third fold sections for folding therealong, each of the third fold sections being provided on the first top cover forming flap as an extension of the first fold section. The second opposing side plate is equal to or smaller than the first opposing side plate in width. This makes it possible to fold up the packaging container easily and compactly.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved locking mechanism for securing two panels together. It is desirable to provide a locking mechanism in article carriers such as those of an open-top or crate style, the locking mechanism may be employed to secure the article carrier in a flat collapsed form.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard, corrugated board or the like.

A first aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging at least one article, the carrier comprising at least four panels hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure, and a locking device for locking the tubular structure in a flat collapsed form, in which a first one of the at least four panels is in an overlapping arrangement with a second one of the at least four panels, wherein the locking device comprises at least one male locking tab formed from the first one of the at least four panels and at least one female locking opening for engaging with the at least one male locking tab, characterised by the at least one female locking opening being defined in the second one of the at least four panels so as to be in registry with the at least one male locking tab when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form.

Optionally, the second one of the at least four panels comprises at least one second male locking tab and the first one of the at least four panels comprises at least one second female locking opening for engaging with the at least one second male locking tab, the at least one second female locking opening being defined in the first one of the at least four panels so as to be in registry with the at least one second male locking tab when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form.

Optionally, the at least one first male locking tab is struck from the first one of the at least four panels and is foldably connected thereto about a first notional line, the locking device comprises at least one second tab struck from the second one of the at least four panels and foldably connected thereto about a second notional line, the first and second notional lines coextensively register with each other when the first and second ones of the at least four panels are in the overlapping arrangement, the at least one first male locking tab comprises a first engaging portion at a corner defined by a free end edge and a side edge, the at least one second tab comprises a second engaging portion defined by a non-linear side edge, wherein the at least one first male locking tab is configured and sized such that the first engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the second one of the at least four panels by the at least one second tab, and wherein the at least one second tab is configured and sized such that the second engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the first one of the at least four panels by the at least one first male locking tab.

Optionally, the first one of the at least four panels comprises a first aperture contiguously arranged with the at least one first male locking tab to expand a dimension of the opening defined by the at least one first male locking tab.

Optionally, the second one of the at least four panels comprises a second aperture contiguously arranged with the at least one second tab to expand a dimension of the opening defined by the at least one second tab.

Optionally, the at least one first male locking tab comprises at least one nonlinear side edge so as to define a waist or wherein the at least one second tab comprises at least one nonlinear side edge so as to define a shoulder.

Optionally, the at least one first male locking tab comprises a first trapezoidal portion and a second trapezoidal portion contiguous therewith, the second trapezoidal portion being inverted with respect to the first trapezoidal portion.

Optionally, the at least one second tab comprises a first trapezoidal portion and a second trapezoidal portion contiguous therewith, the second trapezoidal portion being inverted with respect to the first trapezoidal portion.

Optionally, the first trapezoidal portion of the at least one second tab is inverted with respect to the first trapezoidal portion of the at least one first male locking tab.

Optionally, the at least one first male locking tab comprises a pair of opposed nonlinear side edges so as to define a waist or wherein the at least one second tab comprises a pair of opposed nonlinear side edges so as to define a pair of shoulders.

Optionally, the first aperture is rectangular in shape.

Optionally, the second aperture is trapezoidal in shape.

Optionally, the locking device comprises at least one third tab struck from the first one of the at least four panels and foldably connected thereto about a third notional line, the locking device comprising at least one fourth tab struck from the second one of the at least four panels and foldably connected thereto about a fourth notional line, the third and fourth notional lines coextensively register with each other when the first and second ones of the at least four panels are in the overlapping arrangement, the at least one third tab comprises a third engaging portion defined by a non-linear side edge, the at least one fourth tab comprising a fourth engaging portion at a corner defined by a free end edge and a side edge, wherein the at least one third tab is configured and sized such that the third engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the second one of the at least four panels by the at least one fourth tab, and wherein the at least one fourth tab is configured and sized such that the fourth engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the first one of the at least four panels by the at least one third tab.

Optionally, a first aperture is provided in the first one of the at least four panels and spaces apart the first male tab and third tab or wherein a second aperture is provided in the second one of the at least four panels and spaces apart the second tab and fourth tab.

Optionally, the locking device is lockable by pressing at least a portion of the at least one first male tab locking through the opening in the second one of the at least four panels or by pressing at least a portion of the at least one second tab through the opening in the first one of the at least four panels.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least four panels hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure, and a locking device for locking the tubular structure in a flat collapsed form, in which a first one of the at least four panels is in an overlapping arrangement with a second one of the at least four panels, wherein the locking device comprises at least one male locking tab formed from the first one of the at least four panels and at least one female locking opening for engaging with the at least one male locking tab, characterised in that the at least one female locking opening is defined in the second one of the at least four panels so as to be in registry with the at least one male locking tab when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form.

Optionally, the at least one first male locking tab is struck from the first one of the at least four panels and foldably connected thereto about a first notional line, the locking device comprises at least one second tab struck from the second one of the at least four panels and foldably connected thereto about a second notional line, the first and second notional lines coextensively register with each other when the first and second ones of the at least four panels are in the overlapping arrangement, the at least one first male locking tab comprises a first engaging portion at a corner defined by a free end edge and a side edge, the at least one second tab comprises a second engaging portion is defined by a non-linear side edge, wherein the at least one first male locking tab is configured and sized such that the first engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the second one of the at least four panels by the at least one second tab, and wherein the at least one second tab is configured and sized such that the second engaging portion is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the first one of the at least four panels by the at least one first male locking tab.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and carriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a plan view of a blank <NUM> which is capable of forming a carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, or a group of secondary packages each containing one or more primary product containers. The blank <NUM> forms a secondary or tertiary package for packaging at least one primary product container or secondary package.

An alternative blank <NUM> is shown in <FIG> for forming a carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, or a group of secondary packages each containing one or more primary product containers.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks <NUM>; <NUM> are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons <NUM>; <NUM> described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as corrugated board or paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. One surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

Referring to <FIG> there is shown a blank <NUM> comprising a plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, for forming walls of a carrier <NUM> (see <FIG>) hinged one to the next in a linear series.

A first main panel <NUM> is hingedly connected, along a first side, to a securing flap <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line <NUM>. The first main panel <NUM> is hingedly connected, along a second side, to a second main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line <NUM>. The second side of the first main panel <NUM> opposes the first side of the first main panel <NUM>.

A third main panel <NUM> is hingedly connected to the second main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line <NUM>. A fourth main panel <NUM> is hingedly connected to the third main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line <NUM>.

The plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> form a tubular structure. The blank <NUM> comprises at least one end closure structure for closing at least one end of the tubular structure. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of end closure panels for closing a first or lower end of the tubular structure. In other embodiments, the blank <NUM> may comprise at least one panel (not shown) for closing a second or upper end of the tubular structure. The second end of the tubular structure opposes the first end.

A first end closure panel 22A is hingedly connected to a first end of the first main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23A. A second end closure panel 22B is hingedly connected to a first end of the second main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23B. A third end closure panel 22C is hingedly connected to a first end of the third main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23C. A fourth end closure panel 22D is hingedly connected to a first end of the fourth main panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23D.

The first end closure panel 22A comprises a first tab T1 extending from a first side edge thereof and a second tab T2 extending from a second side edge; the second side edge opposes the first side edge.

The third end closure panel 22C comprises a third tab T3 extending from a first side edge thereof and a fourth tab T4 extending from a second side edge; the second side edge opposes the first side edge.

The blank <NUM> comprises a first tab receiving aperture A5, the first tab receiving aperture A5 is struck in part from the second main panel <NUM> and in part from the second end closure panel 22B. The blank <NUM> comprises a second tab receiving aperture A6, the second tab receiving aperture A6 is struck in part from the second main panel <NUM> and in part from the second end closure panel 22B. The first and second tab receiving apertures A5, A6 interrupt the hinged connection, fold line 23B between the second main panel <NUM> and the second end closure panel 22B.

The blank <NUM> comprises a third tab receiving aperture A7, the third tab receiving aperture A7 is struck in part from the fourth main panel <NUM> and in part from the fourth end closure panel 22D. The blank <NUM> comprises a fourth tab receiving aperture A8, the fourth tab receiving aperture A8 is struck in part from the fourth main panel <NUM> and in part from the fourth end closure panel 22D. The third and fourth tab receiving apertures A7, A8 interrupt the hinged connection, fold line 23D between the fourth main panel <NUM> and the fourth end closure panel 22D.

Optionally, each of the first, second, third and fourth end closure panels 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D comprises a ventilation aperture A1, A2, A3, A4 respectively.

Optionally, the second and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> may comprises a handle aperture A9, A10 respectively. In other embodiments handle apertures may be provided in the first and third main panel <NUM>, <NUM> in addition to, or alternatively to, the handle apertures A9, A10 in the second and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

Optionally, the second and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> each comprises at least one cutaway or recess R1, R2, R3, R4 in an upper end edge. In the illustrated embodiment the second main panel <NUM> comprises a pair of cutaways or recesses R1, R2 in an upper edge, wherein the upper edge opposes a lower edge to which the second end closure panel 22B is hingedly connected. The fourth main panel <NUM> may comprise a pair of cutaways or recesses R3, R4 in an upper edge, wherein the upper edge opposes a lower edge to which the fourth end closure panel 22D is hingedly connected.

The blank <NUM> comprises a locking structure for locking a pair of panels together. The third main panel <NUM> comprises a first locking element L1, best shown in <FIG>. The fourth main panel <NUM> comprises a second locking element L2, best shown in <FIG>.

The first locking element L1 comprises a first locking tab <NUM> struck from, or defined within, the third main panel <NUM> and hingedly connected thereto. The first locking tab <NUM> is defined at least in part by a first nonlinear cut line <NUM> and by a second nonlinear cut line <NUM>. The first nonlinear cut line <NUM> and the second nonlinear cut line <NUM> define opposed side edges of the first locking tab <NUM>. Optionally, the first locking element L1 comprises a first locking tab aperture LA1. The first locking tab aperture LA1 defines a first free end edge of the first locking tab <NUM> and extends between first or distal ends of the first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In alternative embodiments the first locking tab aperture LA1 is replaced by a cutaway which may take the form of a cut line, severable line, recess, slot or slit.

Second or proximal ends of the first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a hinged connection F1 between the first locking tab <NUM> and the third main panel <NUM>.

Each of the first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E3, E4.

The first locking tab <NUM> may be substantially hexagonal in shape and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the hinged connection F1 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the hinged connection F1. The first proximal trapezoidal portion is tapered and tapers or narrows towards the hinged edge of the first locking tab <NUM>. The second proximal trapezoidal portion is tapered and tapers or narrows towards the free end edge of the first locking tab <NUM>.

The first locking tab aperture LA1 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The first locking tab aperture LA1 may be narrower in width proximate to the end edge of the first locking tab <NUM>. That is to say the first locking tab aperture LA1 is tapered and tapers towards the end edge of the first locking tab <NUM>.

The first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> together with the first locking tab aperture LA1 define an opening in the third main panel <NUM>.

The first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> together with the first locking tab aperture LA1 define a pair of opposed catches or detents S1, S2 on opposing side edges of the opening in the third main panel <NUM>.

The second locking element L2 comprises a second locking tab <NUM> struck from, or defined within, the fourth main panel <NUM> and hingedly connected thereto. The second locking tab <NUM> is defined at least in part by a third nonlinear cut line <NUM> and by a fourth nonlinear cut line <NUM>. The third nonlinear cut line <NUM> and the fourth nonlinear cut line <NUM> define opposed side edges of the second locking tab <NUM>. Optionally, the second locking element L2 comprises a second locking tab aperture LA2. The second locking tab aperture LA2 defines a first free end edge of the second locking tab <NUM> and extends between first or distal ends of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In alternative embodiments the second locking tab aperture LA2 is replaced by a cutaway which may take the form of a cut line, severable line, recess, slot or slit.

Second or proximal ends of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a second hinged connection F2 between the second locking tab <NUM> and the fourth main panel <NUM>.

Each of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions being divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first and second nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a waist.

The second locking tab <NUM> may be substantially hour glass shaped and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the hinged connection F1 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the hinged connection F1. The first proximal trapezoidal portion is tapered and flares or widens towards the hinged edge of the second locking tab <NUM>. The second proximal trapezoidal portion is tapered and flares or widens towards the free end edge of the second locking tab <NUM>.

The first proximal trapezoidal portion of the second locking tab <NUM> is inverted with respect to the first proximal trapezoidal portion of the first locking tab <NUM>. The second distal trapezoidal portion of the second locking tab <NUM> is inverted with respect to the second distal trapezoidal portion of the first locking tab <NUM>.

The first proximal trapezoidal portion of the second locking tab <NUM> may be substantially similar in dimension to the first proximal trapezoidal portion of the first locking tab <NUM>.

The second distal trapezoidal portion of the second locking tab <NUM> may be substantially similar in dimension to the second distal trapezoidal portion of the first locking tab <NUM>.

The second locking tab aperture LA2 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> together with the second locking tab aperture LA2 define an opening in the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a pair of opposed catches or detents S3, S4 on opposing side edges of the opening in the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The third and fourth nonlinear cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 in a distal portion of the second locking tab <NUM>. The shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 are disposed adjacent to a free end edge of the second locking tab <NUM>.

The pair of opposed catches or detents S3, S4 on opposing side edges of the opening are disposed between the pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 and the hinged connection F2 between the second locking tab <NUM> and the fourth main panel <NUM>.

When the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into face-to-face relationship with each other, each of the pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 provided by the second locking tab <NUM> is disposed in vertical alignment or registry with at least a portion of a respective one of the pair of opposed catches or detents S1, S2 in the third main panel <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>.

When the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into face to face relationship with each other, each of a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E3, E4 provided by the first locking tab <NUM> is disposed in vertical alignment or registry with at least a portion of a respective one of the pair of opposed catches or detents S3, S4 in the fourth main panel <NUM>, best shown in <FIG> in which the first locking element L1 is shown in phantom (dot-dash line) disposed below the second locking element L2.

When the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into face-to-face relationship with each other, the first hinged connection F1 and the second hinged connection F2 are substantially disposed in vertical registry with each other.

When the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into face-to-face relationship with each other, the first locking tab aperture LA1 is disposed in vertical registry with the second locking tab aperture LA2. A portion of each of the pair of opposed catches or detents S1, S2 in the third main panel <NUM> partially closes or constricts the second locking aperture LA2.

Turning to the construction of the carrier <NUM> from the blank <NUM>, the blank <NUM> may be formed into an assembled carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The blank <NUM> is folded about fold line <NUM> to bring the first main panel <NUM> into substantially face contacting relationship with the second main panel <NUM>. The securing flap <NUM> is brought substantially into face contacting relationship with the third main panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing flap <NUM> or to a corresponding region of the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> is folded about fold line <NUM> to bring the fourth main panel <NUM> into overlapping relationship with the third main panel <NUM> and into face contacting relationship with the securing flap <NUM>. The fourth main panel <NUM> is secured to the securing flap <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open-ended tubular structure, closed at one end and loaded with articles (not shown).

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open-ended tubular structure by unfolding the first main panel <NUM> with respect to the second main panel <NUM> such that the first main panel <NUM> is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the second main panel <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM>, in its open-ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles through one or both open ends thereof. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one of the open ends of the carrier <NUM> may be closed before loading the interior with articles through the remaining open end.

A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the first end closure panel 22A about fold line 23A and by folding the third end closure panel 22C about fold line 23C.

The second end closure panel 22B is then folded about fold line 23B and the fourth end closure panel 22D is then folded about the fold line 23D. In doing so the first tab T1 engages with the fourth tab receiving aperture A8 and the fourth tab T4 engages with the third tab receiving aperture A7. The second tab T2 engages with the first tab receiving aperture A5 and the third tab T3 engages with the second tab receiving aperture A6. In this way the end closure panels 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are secured in position without any adhesive.

The assembled carrier <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The carrier <NUM> can be employed to transport one or more articles (not shown).

The carrier <NUM> may be unloaded, removing the articles, at a delivery destination, then the carrier <NUM> may be collapsed to a flat condition substantially as illustrated in <FIG>.

In order retain or secure the carrier <NUM> in this flat collapsed state the locking structure may be employed. One of the first or second locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> may be displaced or folded out of the plane of the one of the third or fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> to which it is hinged, said one of the first or second locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> is inserted into the locking aperture LA1, LA2 of the other one of the third or fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The other one of first or second locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> is displaced or folded out of the plane of the third or fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> to which it is hinged.

The locking structure is configured such that the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM> can be secured to each other by engaging the flat collapsed carrier from either side thereof.

The locking structure can be engaged by pressing or punching the second locking tab <NUM> through the third main panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this configuration the engaging portions E1, E2 of the second locking tab <NUM> engage with the detents S1, S2 on opposing side edges of the opening in the third main panel <NUM> created by displacement of the first locking tab <NUM>. The second locking tab <NUM> is sandwiched between the third main panel <NUM> and the first locking tab <NUM>.

The natural or inherent resilience of the material from which the blank <NUM> is constructed may bias the second locking tab <NUM> to return to a coplanar relationship with the third main panel <NUM>. The engaging portions E1, E2 and the detents S1, S2 prevent, or inhibit, this from happening. The first locking tab <NUM> may encourage the second locking tab <NUM> to return to a coplanar relationship with the third main panel <NUM>, since it is inherently biased to return to a coplanar relationship with the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The locking structure can be engaged by pressing or punching the first locking tab <NUM> through the fourth main panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this configuration the engaging portions E3, E4 of the first locking tab <NUM> engage with the detents S3, S4 on opposing side edges of the opening in the fourth main panel <NUM> created by displacement of the second locking tab <NUM>. The first locking tab <NUM> is sandwiched between the fourth main panel <NUM> and the second locking tab <NUM>.

The natural or inherent resilience of the material from which the blank <NUM> is constructed may bias the first locking tab <NUM> to return to a coplanar relationship with the fourth main panel <NUM>. The engaging portions E3, E4 and the detents S3, S4 prevent or inhibit this from happening. The second locking tab <NUM> may encourage the first locking tab <NUM> to return to a coplanar relationship with the fourth main panel <NUM>, since it is inherently biased to return to a coplanar relationship with the third main panel <NUM>.

The used and collapsed carriers <NUM> when locked in the flat collapsed condition may be collected in a stack with other flat collapsed carriers <NUM>. The collapsed carriers <NUM> may be placed into a bin or hopper in a stacked arrangement. The stack of carriers <NUM> may be stabilized by providing for interaction of the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of a first carrier <NUM> with an opening in a second carrier <NUM> disposed adjacent to the first carrier <NUM> in the stack; said opening may be provided by displacement of locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> provided in the second carrier <NUM> for securing the second carrier <NUM> in a flat collapsed condition.

Referring now to <FIG> there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "<NUM>" to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of <FIG>, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> will be described in any greater detail.

<FIG> shows a blank <NUM> comprising a plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, for forming walls of a carrier <NUM> (see <FIG>) hinged one to the next in a linear series.

The plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> form a tubular structure. The blank <NUM> comprises at least one end closure structure for closing at least one end of the tubular structure. The illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of end closure panels for closing a first or lower end of the tubular structure. In other embodiments the blank <NUM> may comprise at least one panel (not shown) for closing a second or upper end of the tubular structure. The second end of the tubular structure opposes the first end.

The first main panel <NUM> comprises an optional handle aperture A11. The third main panel <NUM> comprises an optional handle aperture A12.

The blank <NUM> may comprise a pair of apertures A13, A14 struck in part from the first main panel <NUM> and in part from a first end closure panel 122A. The blank <NUM> may comprise a pair of apertures A15, A16 struck in part from the third main panel <NUM> and in part from a third end closure panel 122C. The apertures A13, A16 may be employed to facilitate access to an inner surface of a fourth end closure panel 122D. The apertures A14, A15 may be employed to facilitate access to an inner surface of a second end closure panel 122B. This may be advantageous for disassembly of the carrier <NUM> into the flat collapsed form after use of the carrier <NUM>. A finger or tool may be inserted into the apertures A13, A14, A15, A16 to engage an inner surface of second or fourth end closure panel 122B, 122D to unfold said panel 122B, 122D.

Optionally, the blank <NUM> comprises locking flap <NUM>, defined, at least in part, by a pair of cut or severance lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The cut lines are defined in the first main panel <NUM>. The locking flap <NUM> is configured to be disposed in vertical registry with a first one R1 of the recesses R1, R2 provided in the second main panel <NUM>. Edges of the locking flap <NUM> are tapered or divergently arranged with respect to each other. One or both edges of the locking flap <NUM> may engage with a corresponding edge of the first recess R1.

The blank <NUM> comprises an alternative locking structure L1/L2 for locking a pair of panels together. The third main panel <NUM> comprises a first locking element L1. The fourth main panel <NUM> comprises a second locking element L2. The first and second locking elements L1, L2 are substantially similar in construction. In the blank form the first and second locking elements L1, L2 are oriented in the same direction. When in the flat collapsed form, the second locking element L2 is inverted with respect to the first locking element L1.

The first locking element L1 comprises a first locking tab 150A and a second locking tab 152A. The first locking tab 150A is separated from the second locking tab 152A by a cutaway in the form of an aperture LA1.

The first locking tab 150A is defined in part by a first pair of non-linear cut lines 151A, 153A. A first cut line 151A opposes a second cut line 153A.

The second locking tab 152A is defined in part by a second pair of non-linear cut lines 155A, 157A. A third cut line 155A opposes a fourth cut line 157A.

The first nonlinear cut line 151A and the second nonlinear cut line 153A define opposed side edges of the first locking tab 150A.

The aperture LA1 defines a first free end edge of the first locking tab 150A and extends between first or distal ends of the first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A. In alternative embodiments the aperture LA1 may be replaced by an alternative cutaway which may take the form of a cut line, severable line, recess, slot or slit.

Second or proximal ends of the first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A define a hinged connection F1 between the first locking tab 150A and the third main panel <NUM>.

Each of the first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A define a pair of opposed catches or detents S1, S2 on opposing side edges of the opening in the third main panel <NUM>.

The first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A define a waist.

The first locking tab 150A may be substantially hour glass shaped and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the hinged connection F1 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the hinged connection F1.

The first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 in a distal portion of the first locking tab 150A. The shoulders or engaging portions E1, E2 are disposed adjacent to a free end edge of the first locking tab 150A.

The aperture LA1 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The third nonlinear cut line 155A and the fourth nonlinear cut line 157A define opposed side edges of the second locking tab 152A.

Each of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions being divergently arranged with respect to each other. The third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E3, E4.

The aperture LA1 defines a first free end edge of the second locking tab 152A and extends between first or distal ends of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A.

Second or proximal ends of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A define a second hinged connection F2 between the second locking tab 152A and the third main panel <NUM>.

The second locking tab 152A may be substantially hexagonal in shape and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the second hinged connection F2 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the second hinged connection F2.

The third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A together with the aperture LA1 define a pair of opposed catches or detents S3, S4 on opposing side edges of the opening in the third main panel <NUM>.

The second locking element L2 comprises a third locking tab 150B and a fourth locking tab 152B struck from, or defined within, the fourth main panel <NUM> and each hingedly connected thereto.

The third locking tab 150B is separated from the fourth locking tab 152B by a cutaway in the form of a second aperture LA2.

The third locking tab 150B is defined in part by a third pair of non-linear cut lines 151B, 153B. A fifth cut line 151B opposes a sixth cut line 153B.

The fourth locking tab 152B is defined in part by a fourth pair of non-linear cut lines 155B, 157B. A seventh cut line 155B opposes an eighth cut line 157B.

The fifth nonlinear cut line 151B and the sixth nonlinear cut line 153B define opposed side edges of the third locking tab 150B.

The second aperture LA2 defines a first free end edge of the third locking tab 150B and extends between first or distal ends of the fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B. In alternative embodiments the second aperture LA1 may be replaced by an alternative cutaway which may take the form of a cut line, severable line, recess, slot or slit.

Second or proximal ends of the fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B define a third hinged connection F3 between the third locking tab 150B and the fourth main panel <NUM>.

Each of the fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions being divergently arranged with respect to each other. The fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B define a pair of opposed catches or detents S5, S6 on opposing side edges of the opening in the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B define a waist.

The third locking tab 150B may be substantially hour glass shaped and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the third hinged connection F3 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the third hinged connection F3.

The fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E5, E6 in a distal portion of the third locking tab 150B. The shoulders or engaging portions E5, E6 are disposed adjacent to a free end edge of the third locking tab 150B.

The second aperture LA2 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The seventh nonlinear cut line 155B and the eighth nonlinear cut line 157B define opposed side edges of the fourth locking tab 152B.

Each of the seventh and eighth nonlinear cut lines 155B, 157B is defined by a first linear portion contiguously arranged with a second linear portion. The first and second linear portions being divergently arranged with respect to each other. The seventh and eighth nonlinear cut lines 155B, 157B define a pair of opposed shoulders or engaging portions E7, E8.

The second aperture LA2 defines a first free end edge of the fourth locking tab 152B and extends between first or distal ends of the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A.

Second or proximal ends of the seventh and eighth nonlinear cut lines 155B, 157B define a fourth hinged connection F4 between the fourth locking tab 152B and the fourth main panel <NUM>.

The fourth locking tab 152B may be substantially hexagonal in shape and comprise a first proximal trapezoidal portion proximate to the fourth hinged connection F4 and a second distal trapezoidal portion distal from the fourth hinged connection F4.

The seventh and eighth nonlinear cut lines 155B, 157B together with the second aperture LA2 define a pair of opposed catches or detents S7, S8 on opposing side edges of the opening in the fourth main panel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the locking structure in a locked condition, the first locking element L1 is disposed in face-to-face relationship with the second locking element L2. The first locking element L1 is inverted with respect to the second locking element L2. The first locking tab 150A is disposed in vertical registry with the fourth locking tab 152B. The second locking tab 152A is disposed in vertical registry with the third locking tab 150B.

The first locking tab 150A is hinged in sympathy with the fourth locking tab 152B. The second locking tab 152A is hinged in sympathy with the third locking tab 150B.

The first locking tab 150A is hinged in opposition to the second locking tab 152A. The third locking tab 150B is hinged in opposition to the fourth locking tab 152B.

The first hinged connection F1 is disposed substantially in alignment with the fourth hinged connection F4. The second hinged connection F2 is disposed substantially in alignment with the third hinged connection F3.

The second locking tab 152A may be pressed or punched through the fourth panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fourth locking tab 152B may be pressed or punched through the third panel <NUM>.

Each of the engaging portions E3, E4 of the second locking tab 152A engages with a respective one of the detents S5, S6 provided by the fourth panel <NUM> and defined by the fifth and sixth nonlinear cut lines 151B, 153B.

Each of the engaging portions E7, E8 of the fourth locking tab 152B engages with a respective one of the detents S1, S2 provided by the third panel <NUM> and defined by the first and second nonlinear cut lines 151A, 153A.

In this way the locking structure can be deployed from either side of the pair of panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The third and fourth panels <NUM>, <NUM> can be secured together by displacing at least two of the locking tabs 150A, 152A, 150B, 152B.

In some embodiments the third locking tab 150B may be pressed or punched through the third panel <NUM>; engaging portions E5, E6 of the third locking tab 150B may engage with detents S3, S4 provided by the third panel <NUM> and defined by the third and fourth nonlinear cut lines 155A, 157A.

In some embodiments the first locking tab 150A may be pressed or punched through the fourth panel <NUM>; engaging portions E1, E2 of the first locking tab 150A may engage with detents S7, S8 provided by the fourth panel <NUM> and defined by the seventh and eighth nonlinear cut lines 155B, 157B.

In some embodiments, the horizonal lengths of two adjacent ones of the main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially different such that the cross section of the resultant tubular structure takes a rectangular shape. In such embodiments, the first and second locking elements L1, L2 may not be formed in adjacent main panels such as the third and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> respectively but in the first and third panels <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> respectively or in the second and fourth main panels <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> respectively.

The present disclosure provides a carrier <NUM>; <NUM> comprising at least four panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure. The carrier <NUM>; <NUM> comprises a locking device L1/L2 for locking the tubular structure in a flat collapsed form. In the flat collapsed form, a first one of the at least four panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is in an overlapping arrangement with a second one of the at least four panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking device comprises at least one male locking tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B formed from the first one of the at least four panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and at least one female locking opening for engaging with the at least one male locking tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B. The at least one female locking opening is defined in the second one of the at least four panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at such a position that the at least one female opening registers with the at least one male locking tab when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form <NUM>; 150A, 150B.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier <NUM>; <NUM> comprising at least a first panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, a second panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> and a locking device L1/L2 for interconnecting the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> in an overlapping arrangement. The locking device L1/L2 comprises at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B struck from the first panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> and foldably connected thereto about a first notional line n<NUM>; m<NUM>, m<NUM>. The locking device L1/L2 comprises at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B struck from the second panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> and foldably connected thereto about a second notional line n<NUM>; m<NUM>, m<NUM>. The first and second notional lines n<NUM>, n<NUM>; m<NUM>, m<NUM>, m<NUM>, m<NUM> coextensively register with each other when the first and second panel <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> are in the overlapping arrangement. The at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B comprises a first engaging portion E1, E2; E1, E2, E5, E6 at a corner defined by a free end edge and a side edge. The at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B comprises a second engaging portion E3, E4; E3, E4, E7, E8 defined by a non-linear side edge. The at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B is configured and sized such that the first engaging portion E1, E2; E1, E2, E5, E6 is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the second panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> by the at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B. The at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B is configured and sized such that the second engaging portion E3, E4; E3, E4, E7, E8 is engageable with the perimeter of an opening defined in the first panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> by the at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B.

The first panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an aperture LA1; LA1, LA2 contiguously arranged the at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B to expand a dimension, a linear dimension or length of the opening defined by the at least one first tab <NUM>; 150A, 150B so as to facilitate the locking process.

The second panel <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an aperture LA2; LA1, LA2 contiguously arranged the at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B to expand a dimension, a linear dimension or length of the opening defined by the at least one second tab <NUM>; 152A, 152B so as to facilitate the locking process.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

Claim 1:
A carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) for packaging at least one article, the carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising at least four panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure, and a locking device (L1/L2) for locking the tubular structure in a flat collapsed form, in which a first one (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least four panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is in an overlapping arrangement with a second one (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least four panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the locking device comprises at least one male locking tab (<NUM>; 150A, 150B) formed from the first one (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least four panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one female locking opening for engaging with the at least one male locking tab (<NUM>; 150A, 150B), characterised by the at least one female locking opening being defined in the second one (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least four panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) so as to be in registry with the at least one male locking tab (<NUM>; 150A, 150B) when the tubular structure is in the collapsed form.