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 a weight of grouped articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are securely held by the carton and that the cartons or carriers are easy for a consumer to grasp and carry.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier for substantially cylindrical articles having a minimalistic appearance and having improved tear resistance and/or reduced deformation.

<CIT> discloses a top engaging carrier includes a main panel which has an aperture for receiving a portion of an article. The main panel includes an annular series of tabs formed around the aperture. Tabs disposed in higher stress areas may be smaller in width than tabs subject to lesser stress. The aperture defines a first edge of each of the tabs of the annular series. The tabs are hingedly connected to the main panel such that they yield out of the plane of the main panel when an article is received in the aperture. One of the tabs of the annular series is defined at least in part by a first cutline extending from the aperture into the main panel. The first cutline separating at least a portion of the one tab from an adjacent tab. The main panel also includes a second cutline. The second cutline defines a portion of a second edge of each of the one tab and the adjacent tab, wherein the second edge opposes the first edge. Each second cutline is spaced apart from an end of the first cutlines so as to define a connecting portion between a pair of adjacent article tabs.

<CIT> discloses a can holder of card comprises a top panel and depending side panels which form a skirt wall. The rims of the cans are received in apertures and held in place by resiliently deformable retaining tongues positioned at load bearing areas of the top panel. The skirt wall closely embraces the straight sides of the can to support the top panel and to stabilise the cans. The holder is erected from a blank. In one embodiment, the cans are first fitted into the apertures of the blank, after which the side panels are folded downwardly and are secured to fit tightly around the cans.

<CIT> discloses a bottle carrier having a central or upper panel of paperboard and at least one lower panel or layer. Each panel has a plurality of bottle neck receiving openings. The periphery of each opening of each panel is defined by the tips of a plurality of radially extending fingers, the tips of the fingers of the upper panel engaging beneath a portion of an abutment associated with each bottle neck. Each finger is bent upwardly at about <NUM> degrees after insertion of a bottle into a respective opening. Each upper panel radial finger is provided at its widest portion with a base slit extending through the paperboard. Another and intermediate slit is located about half way along the length of each upper panel finger, the intermediate slit also extending through the paperboard. The base slit permits bending of each finger upwardly upon bottle insertion, while the intermediate slit facilitates removal of each bottle from its respective opening. The lower panel is provided with reinforcing fingers which are in surface and reinforcing contact with the radially outermost portions only of the upper radial fingers, namely, from the base of each upper finger to its respective intermediate slit. These lower reinforcing fingers permit significant reduction in thickness of the paperboard stock which forms the carrier.

<CIT> discloses a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton includes a top retainer having a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel includes at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers, and the at least one retaining portion is removable from the carton. The carton further includes a tray having a bottom panel and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap cooperate to form a closed end of the carton.

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

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one panel having at least one article engaging structure. The at least one article engaging structure comprises an article receiving aperture and an annular series of tabs formed around the article receiving aperture. The annular series of tabs is defined at least in part by a plurality of radial cut lines. The annular series of tabs is also defined at least in part by a plurality of circumferential cut lines. At least a first one of the radial cut lines extends to a corresponding circumferential cut line and at least a second one of the radial cut lines stops short of a respective circumferential cut line.

Advantageously, deformation of a corner region of the main panel is reduced by providing at least one T-shaped cut in the article receiving structure. The T-shaped cut is provided in the corner region.

Optionally, the at least one article receiving aperture is a corner aperture, and the at least first one of the radial cut lines is positioned across from the respective corner of the at least one panel such that the at least first one of the radial cut lines extends from the corner aperture toward the corner.

Optionally, the at least one article receiving aperture is a corner aperture, and at least two of the annular series of tabs are separated by a tabless area, the at least first one of the radial cut lines defines part of at least one of the at least two of the annular series of tabs.

Optionally, the tabless area is positioned across from the respective corner of the at least one panel.

Optionally, the at least two of the annular series of tabs each have a width dimension which is less than a width dimension of at least another one of the annular series of tabs.

Optionally, the at least first one of the radial cut lines defines part of each of at least two of the annular series of tabs, at least one of the at least two of the annular series of tabs has a width dimension which is less than a width dimension of at least another one of the annular series of tabs.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier comprises at least one panel having at least one article engaging structure. The at least one article engaging structure comprises an article receiving aperture and an annular series of tabs formed around the article receiving aperture. The annular series of tabs comprises a plurality of annularly connected tabs and a plurality of annularly disconnected tabs.

The annularly disconnected tabs are partial tabs, wherein each annularly disconnected tab occupies a smaller portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure than a portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure occupied by one of the annularly connected tabs.

Optionally, an engaging edge of a first one of the partial tabs is collinear with an engaging edge of a second adjacent one of the partial tabs.

Optionally, the partial tabs are arranged in pairs, each partial tab of a pair comprises an engaging edge arranged collinearly with an engaging edge of the other one of the pair.

Optionally, the partial tabs are dimensioned such that an integer number of partial tabs is equivalent to an integer number of annularly connected tabs.

Optionally, the annular series of tabs is interrupted by a cutaway, the cutaway occupies a portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure disposed in closest proximity to a point of intersection between a first notional line collinear with an end edge of the at least one panel and a second notional line collinear with a side edge of the at least one panel.

Optionally, the point of intersection is a notional corner of the at least one panel.

Optionally, the cutaway is a T-shaped cut line.

Optionally, the cutaway interrupts the annularly disconnected tabs.

Optionally, the annularly disconnected tabs define a sector of the at least one article engaging structure disposed adjacent to a corner of the at least one panel.

Optionally, the annularly disconnected tabs define a sector of the at least one article engaging structure disposed proximate to a corner of the at least one panel.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one panel having at least one article engaging structure. The at least one article engaging structure comprises an article receiving aperture and an annular series of tabs formed around the article receiving aperture. The annular series of tabs is defined at least in part by a plurality of radial cut lines. The annular series of tabs is also defined at least in part by a plurality of circumferential cut lines. At least a first one of the radial cut lines extends to a corresponding circumferential cut line and at least a second one of the radial cut lines stops short of a respective circumferential cut line.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises at least one panel having at least one article engaging structure. The at least one article engaging structure comprises an article receiving aperture and an annular series of tabs formed around the article receiving aperture. The annular series of tabs comprises a plurality of annularly connected tabs and a plurality of annularly disconnected tabs. The annularly disconnected tabs are partial tabs, that is, each occupies a smaller portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure than a portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure occupied by one of the annularly connected tabs.

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

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the 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 unclaimed 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 carton or carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The carrier <NUM> is suitable for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank <NUM> forms a secondary package <NUM> that packages at least one primary product container B. An alternative blank <NUM> is shown in <FIG> for forming an alternative carton or carrier <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

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 (articles B). 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 may 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 <NUM>; <NUM> described in more detail below.

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

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks <NUM>; <NUM> are configured to form a carton or carrier <NUM>; <NUM> for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiments illustrated, the arrangement is a <NUM> x <NUM> matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiments four rows of two articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks <NUM>; <NUM> can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a first embodiment and shows the blank <NUM> for forming the article carrier <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The carrier <NUM> takes the form of a top gripping clip. The article carrier <NUM> comprises openings configured to receive the articles B. The openings are arranged to accommodate a neck or upper portion of an article B, above a main body and/or shoulders of the article B.

The blank <NUM> comprises a main or engaging panel <NUM>. The main panel <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2. The main panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, RT2, specifically eight article retention structures RT1, RT2 arranged in <NUM> x <NUM> matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2 comprises an article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 about which a plurality of teeth or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed. Each of the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> is struck from the engaging panel <NUM> and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth <NUM>, <NUM> may be defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> extend radially outward from a centre of the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2. The teeth or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in an annular series about the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 to form part of an article receiving opening.

The plurality of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> are provided by the main panel <NUM>. Each of the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> is hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM>, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The plurality of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2.

The plurality of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> may define or approximate a portion of circle.

The blank <NUM> comprises four endmost article retention structures RT1 each comprising a first article receiving aperture AP1. The blank <NUM> comprises four medial or intermediate article retention structures RT2 each comprising a second article receiving aperture AP2.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise an article receiving opening defined in part by the first article receiving aperture AP1 which is defined in, or struck from, the main panel <NUM>.

The intermediate article retention structures RT2 comprise an article receiving opening defined in part by the second article receiving aperture AP2 which is defined in, or struck from, the main panel <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a first plurality of teeth or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> disposed about the first article receiving aperture AP1, best shown in <FIG>. Each of the first plurality of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the first article receiving aperture AP1. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises nineteen teeth <NUM>, <NUM> together defining a substantial portion of hexadecagon. The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise eleven full teeth <NUM> and eight half or partial teeth <NUM>. The partial teeth <NUM> occupy a smaller circumferential region of the article receiving opening than the full teeth <NUM>. Each full tooth <NUM> comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts <NUM> extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon forming the first article receiving aperture AP1, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of a hexadecagon. The cuts <NUM> are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about <NUM>°. Each partial tooth <NUM> comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts <NUM> extending radially outward from the first article receiving aperture AP1. The cuts <NUM> are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about <NUM>°. Adjacently disposed pairs of the partial teeth <NUM> define a linear portion of the cut defining the portion of a hexadecagon, that is to say the engaging edges of each of the pairs of partial teeth <NUM> are collinear.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> is aligned with one of the radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> such that said one of the radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> or a notional extension thereof bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>.

Each of the radial cut lines <NUM> defining a full tooth <NUM> is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each radial cut line <NUM> is arranged with respect to one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> so as to bisect first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. In this way a connecting nick or bridge portion is provided between a pair of adjacently disposed full teeth <NUM>. The radial cut lines <NUM> and first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define disconnected T-shaped cuts.

Each of the radial cut lines <NUM> defining a partial tooth <NUM> is connected to, or contiguous with, a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each radial cut line <NUM> is arranged with respect to one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> so as to bisect first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. In this way each partial tooth <NUM> is disconnected from the adjacently disposed teeth <NUM>, <NUM>. The radial cut lines <NUM> and first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define connected T-shaped cuts.

Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be linear in shape.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> and is spaced apart therefrom so as to define a pair of connecting nick or bridge portions between each full tooth <NUM> and the main panel <NUM>. The pair of connecting nick or bridge portions provide a hinged or foldable connection between each full tooth <NUM> and the main panel <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be linear in shape.

The partial teeth <NUM> are connected to the main panel <NUM> by a hinged or foldable connection between formed by a connecting nick or bridge portion provided between an adjacent pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be arcuate or curved. In alternative embodiments each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be arcuate or curved.

The plurality of teeth <NUM>, <NUM> is interrupted by a first recess or cutaway R. The first recess R lies upon a first notional line n-n. First notional line n-n extends radially from the centre C of the apertures AP1 and passes through a notional corner of the main panel <NUM>.

The first recess R may be dimensioned to be equivalent to a pair of partial teeth <NUM>, and is centered upon the first notional line n-n. In alternative embodiments the first recess R may be replaced with a pair of partial teeth <NUM> separated by a radial cut line <NUM> lying upon the first notional line n-n, to form a connected T-cut with a first circumferential cut line <NUM>.

The partial teeth <NUM> and first recess R define a first or minor arc. The full teeth extend about or occupy a second or major arc. The minor arc defines a sector which subtends a first angle θ. The first angle θ may be about <NUM>° or equivalent to five full teeth <NUM> or ten partial teeth <NUM>.

The intermediate article retention structures RT2 comprise a second plurality of teeth or tabs <NUM> disposed about the second article receiving aperture AP2.

Each of the second plurality of teeth <NUM> comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the second article receiving aperture AP2. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises sixteen full teeth <NUM> together defining a hexadecagon. Each full tooth <NUM> comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts <NUM> extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon forming the second article receiving aperture AP2, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of a hexadecagon. The cuts <NUM> are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about <NUM>°.

The intermediate article retention structures RT2 comprise a plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> is aligned with one of the radial cut lines <NUM> such that said one of the radial cut lines <NUM> or a notional extension thereof bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>.

Each of the radial cut lines <NUM> defining a full tooth <NUM> is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. In this way a connecting nick or bridge portion is provided between pairs of adjacently disposed full teeth <NUM>. The radial cut lines <NUM> and first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define disconnected T-shaped cuts.

The intermediate article retention structures RT2 comprise a plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> and is spaced apart therefrom so as to define a pair of connecting nick or bridge portions between each full tooth <NUM> and the main panel <NUM>. The pair of connecting nick or bridge portions provide a hinged or foldable connection between each full tooth <NUM> and the main panel <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> may comprise a handle structure. The handle structure comprises one, two, three or more handle or finger openings spaced apart from each other.

The handle or finger openings are disposed on a longitudinal axis bisecting the engaging panel <NUM>.

A first opening Ha1 is provided between a first group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2. The first group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2 is provided adjacent a first end of the engaging panel <NUM>. The first opening Ha1 is disposed between a first row of endmost article retention structures RT1 and a second row of intermediate article retention structures RT2. The first opening Ha1 is located at the centre of the first group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2.

A second opening Ha2 is provided between a second group of four article retention structures RT2. The second group of four article retention structures RT2 is provided medially of the engaging panel <NUM>. The second opening Ha2 is disposed between the second row of intermediate article retention structures RT2 and a third row of intermediate article retention structures RT2. The second opening Ha2 is located at the centre C of the second group of four article retention structures RT2.

A third opening Ha3 is provided between a third group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2. The third group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2 is provided adjacent a second end of the engaging panel <NUM>. The third opening Ha3 is disposed between the third row of intermediate article retention structures RT2 and a fourth row of endmost article retention structures RT1. The third opening Ha3 is located at the centre of the third group of four article retention structures RT1, RT2.

The first, second and third openings Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 lie, at least in part, between a first column of article retention structures RT1, RT2 and a second column of article retention structures RT1, RT2.

Each of the handle openings Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 is defined by a plurality of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second handle openings Ha1, Ha2 are substantially similar in construction to each other. The third handle opening Ha3 is substantially similar in construction to the first and second handle openings Ha1, Ha2 albeit a mirror image thereof. The handle openings Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 will be described in further detail by reference to the second handle opening Ha2 shown in <FIG>.

Each handle opening Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 comprises four tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each tab <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is hinged to the engaging panel <NUM> by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. An arcuate or curvilinear cut line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided between each fold line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to define a corner or vertex of the handle openings Ha1, Ha2, Ha3. Each of the handle openings Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 is substantially rhombus or diamond shaped, in other embodiments other shapes may be employed such as, but not limited to square. Each handle opening Ha1, Ha2, Ha3 comprises a pair of major tabs <NUM>, <NUM> and a pair of minor tabs <NUM>, <NUM>.

A first major tab <NUM> is separated from a second major tab <NUM> by a first cut line or severable line <NUM>. A first minor tab <NUM> is separated from a second minor tab <NUM> by the first cut line or severable line <NUM>.

The first and second minor tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from the first and second major tabs <NUM>, <NUM> by a second cut line or severable line <NUM>.

The first cut line <NUM> is colinear with a notional line passing though the centre C of the group of four intermediate article retention structures RT2.

The first cut line <NUM> may be linear in shape and may extend between a first pair of opposed vertices of the handle opening Ha1, Ha2, Ha3.

The second cut line <NUM> may be non-linear in shape and may extend between a second pair of opposed vertices of the handle opening Ha1, Ha2, Ha3. The second cut line <NUM> intersects the first cutline <NUM>, the second cut line <NUM> comprises an inverted "V" shaped medial portion; a vertex of the "V" shaped portion intersects the first cutline <NUM>.

The first major tab <NUM> is hinged to the engaging panel <NUM> by a first fold line <NUM>. The second major tab <NUM> is hinged to the engaging panel <NUM> by a second fold line <NUM>.

The first minor tab <NUM> is hinged to the engaging panel <NUM> by a third fold line <NUM>. The second minor tab <NUM> is hinged to the engaging panel <NUM> by a fourth fold line <NUM>.

The first fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line <NUM>.

The first fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the third fold line <NUM>.

The second fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the fourth fold line <NUM>.

The third fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the fourth fold line <NUM>.

Optionally, the blank <NUM> comprises a first recess or cutaway R1 struck from a first side edge (see <FIG>). The first finger recess or cutaway R1 lies upon a notional line extending laterally of the blank <NUM> and bisecting the blank <NUM>. In this way the first finger recess or cutaway R1 lies between the second and third rows of article retention structures RT1.

Optionally, the blank <NUM> comprises a second finger recess or cutaway R2 struck from a second side edge. The second side edge opposes the first side edge. The second finger recess or cutaway R2 lies upon a notional line extending laterally of the blank <NUM> and bisecting the blank <NUM>. In this way the second finger recess or cutaway R2 lies between the second and third rows of article retention structures RT1.

The second handle opening Ha2 is collinear with the first and second finger recesses R1, R2.

The blank <NUM> forms a carrier <NUM>, the blank <NUM> is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each opening of the retention structures RT1, RT2 receives one of the articles B forming the group. An end closure or upper end of the articles B passes through the openings. The tabs <NUM>, <NUM> fold out of the plane of the engaging panel <NUM>. The tabs <NUM>, <NUM> fold upwardly, the tabs <NUM>, <NUM> engage an article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward from the neck of the article B. The tabs <NUM>, <NUM> support the article B and inhibit movement or withdrawal of the article B from the opening, best shown in <FIG>.

The first recess R has the benefit of reducing deformation of a corner region 12C of the main panel <NUM>. The connected T-cuts provided by the radial cut lines <NUM> and first circumferential cut lines <NUM> reduce stress in the corner region 12C of the main panel <NUM>. The absence of connecting portions between the partial teeth <NUM> has been found to reduce the likelihood of tear propagation in the main panel <NUM>.

The connecting nicks between full teeth <NUM> may increase the security of the article B within the article receiving structure RT1, and may increase biasing of the tabs <NUM> against the article B so as to improve article retention.

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

<FIG> illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank <NUM> for forming an article carrier <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The blank <NUM> comprises an engaging panel <NUM>. The engaging panel <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes at least one article retention structure RT1, RT2, each retention structure RT1, RT2 provides an article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 for receiving a respective article. The engaging panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT1, RT2, specifically eight article retention structures RT1, RT2 arranged in <NUM> x <NUM> matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2 comprises an opening or aperture AP1, AP2 about which a plurality of teeth or tabs <NUM> may be disposed. Each of the teeth <NUM> is struck from the engaging panel <NUM> and is hingedly connected thereto. Each tooth <NUM> may be defined, in part, by a pair of cut lines <NUM>. The cut lines <NUM> extend radially outward from a centre of the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2. The teeth or tabs <NUM> are arranged in an annular series about the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 to form part of an article receiving opening.

The plurality of teeth <NUM> are provided by the engaging panel <NUM>. Each of the teeth <NUM> is hingedly connected to the engaging panel <NUM>, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The plurality of cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise an article receiving opening defined in part by the first article receiving aperture AP1 which is defined in, or struck from, the engaging panel <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a first plurality of teeth or tabs <NUM> disposed about the first article receiving aperture AP1, best shown in <FIG>. Each of the first plurality of teeth <NUM> comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the first article receiving aperture AP1. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises sixteen teeth <NUM> together defining a hexadecagon. Each tooth <NUM> comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts <NUM>, <NUM> extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon forming the first article receiving aperture AP1, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of a hexadecagon. The cuts <NUM>, <NUM> are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about <NUM>°.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> is aligned with one of the radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise first radial cut lines <NUM> and second radial cut lines <NUM>. Each of the second radial cut lines <NUM> is connected to, or contiguous with, a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the second radial cut lines <NUM> bisects and intersects with a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. A notional extension of each of the first radial cut lines <NUM> bisects a respective one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise five second radial cut lines <NUM> each defining at least in part one of four annularly disconnected teeth or tabs 114A.

Each of the first radial cut lines <NUM> is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. In this way a connecting nick or bridge portion is provided between a pair of adjacently disposed full teeth <NUM>. The first radial cut lines <NUM> and respective first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define disconnected T-shaped cuts.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise eleven first radial cut lines <NUM> each defining at least in part one of twelve annularly connected teeth <NUM>.

The second radial cut lines <NUM> and respective first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define connected T-shaped cuts.

Each of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be linear or arcuate in shape.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprise a plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> and is spaced apart therefrom so as to define a pair of connecting nick or bridge portions between each full tooth <NUM> and the engaging panel <NUM>. The pair of connecting nick or bridge portions provide a hinged or foldable connection between each full tooth <NUM> and the engaging panel <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> may be linear or arcuate in shape.

The first recess or cutaway R of the embodiment of <FIG> has been omitted, the first article receiving aperture AP1 is surrounded by teeth <NUM>, 114A.

The arrangement of teeth <NUM>, 114A, the cut pattern of radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>, has been rotated about the centre of the first article receiving aperture AP1 with respect to the arrangement of teeth <NUM>, the cut pattern of radial cut lines <NUM>, about the second article receiving aperture AP2 of the intermediate article retention structures RT2, best illustrated in <FIG>. The endmost article retention structures RT1 are rotated through an angle β with respect to intermediate article retention structures RT2. The angle of rotation β may be about <NUM>° or equivalent to half a tooth <NUM>.

One of the second radial cut lines <NUM> lies upon a notional line n-n passing through the centre C of the first article receiving aperture AP1 and through a real, or notional, corner of the engaging panel <NUM> - the real or notional corner being defined by the intersection of a pair of notional lines collinear with a respective one of the end and side edges of the main panel <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprises a first second radial cut line <NUM> which lies upon a notional line y-y extending longitudinally of the blank <NUM>; said first second radial cut line <NUM> is oriented perpendicular with respect to an end edge of the engaging panel <NUM> and is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the engaging panel <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprises a second second radial cut line <NUM> which lies upon a notional line x-x extending transversely of the blank <NUM>; said second second radial cut line <NUM> is oriented perpendicular with respect to a side edge of the engaging panel <NUM> and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engaging panel <NUM>.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprises a first radial cut line <NUM> which lies upon the notional line y-y extending longitudinally of the blank <NUM>; said first radial cut line <NUM> lies upon a notional radial line extending from the centre of the second article receiving aperture AP2 of the adjacent intermediate article retention structures RT2. The notional radial line extends through the centre or middle of one of the teeth <NUM> surrounding the second article receiving aperture AP2.

The annularly disconnected teeth 114A define a first or minor arc. The annularly connected teeth <NUM> extend about or occupy a second or major arc. The minor arc defines a sector which subtends a first angle θ. The first angle θ may be about <NUM>° or equivalent to four teeth 114A.

Each of the second plurality of teeth <NUM> comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the second article receiving aperture AP2. Each engaging edge may define a part of a polygon. The illustrated embodiment comprises sixteen teeth <NUM> together defining a hexadecagon. Each tooth <NUM> comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts <NUM> extending radially outward from respective vertices of the hexadecagon forming the second article receiving aperture AP2, that is to say, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of a hexadecagon. The cuts <NUM> are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about <NUM>°.

Each of the radial cut lines <NUM> defining a tooth <NUM> is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM>. In this way a connecting nick or bridge portion is provided between pairs of adjacently disposed full teeth <NUM>. The radial cut lines <NUM> and first circumferential cut lines <NUM> define disconnected T-shaped cuts.

The intermediate article retention structures RT2 comprise a plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM>. Each of the plurality of second circumferential cut lines <NUM> is disposed between a pair of the plurality of first circumferential cut lines <NUM> and is spaced apart therefrom so as to define a pair of connecting nick or bridge portions between each full tooth <NUM> and the engaging panel <NUM>. The pair of connecting nick or bridge portions provide a hinged or foldable connection between each full tooth <NUM> and the engaging panel <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a carrier <NUM>; <NUM>, and a blank <NUM>; <NUM> for forming the carrier <NUM>; <NUM>, having a main panel <NUM>; <NUM> with openings for receiving at least one article B. The main panel <NUM>; <NUM> may comprise a handle structure.

The present disclosure provides a blank <NUM>; <NUM> for forming an article carrier <NUM>; <NUM> of the top engaging type. The blank <NUM>; <NUM> or article carrier <NUM>; <NUM> comprises at least one panel <NUM>; <NUM> having at least one article engaging structure RT1, RT2. The at least one article engaging structure RT1, RT2 comprises an article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 and an annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A formed around the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2. The annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A is defined at least in part by plurality of radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>. The annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A is defined at least in part by plurality of circumferential cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>. At least a first one <NUM>, <NUM> of the radial cut lines extends to a corresponding circumferential cut line <NUM>, <NUM> and at least a second one <NUM>; <NUM> of the radial cut lines stops short of a respective circumferential cut line <NUM>, <NUM>.

Optionally, the at least one article receiving aperture AP1 may be a corner aperture, and the at least first one of the radial cut lines <NUM> may be positioned across from the respective corner of the at least one panel <NUM>; <NUM> such that the at least first one of the radial cut lines <NUM> extends from the corner aperture toward the corner.

Optionally, the at least one article receiving aperture AP1 may be a corner aperture, and at least two of the annular series of tabs <NUM> may be separated by a toothless or tabless area or recess R. The at least first one <NUM> of the radial cut lines may define part of at least one of the at least two of the annular series of tabs <NUM>. The tabless area or recess R may be positioned across from the respective corner of the at least one panel <NUM>; <NUM>.

The at least two of the annular series of tabs <NUM> each may have a width dimension which is less than a width dimension of at least another one of the annular series of tabs <NUM>.

The at least first one of the radial cut lines <NUM> may define part of each of at least two of the annular series of tabs <NUM>, at least one of the at least two of the annular series of tabs <NUM> may have a width dimension which is less than a width dimension of at least another one of the annular series of tabs <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a blank <NUM>; <NUM> for forming an article carrier <NUM>; <NUM> of the top engaging type. The blank <NUM>; <NUM> or article carrier <NUM>; <NUM> comprises at least one panel <NUM>; <NUM> having at least one article engaging structure RT1, RT2. The at least one article engaging structure RT1, RT2 comprises an article receiving aperture AP1, AP2 and an annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A formed around the article receiving aperture AP1, AP2. The annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A comprises a plurality of annularly connected tabs <NUM>; <NUM> and a plurality of annularly disconnected tabs <NUM>; 114A.

The annularly disconnected tabs <NUM> are partial or half tabs <NUM>, that is to say each annularly disconnected tab <NUM> occupies a smaller portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure RT1 than a portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure RT1 occupied by one of the annularly connected tabs <NUM>; <NUM>.

Optionally, an engaging edge of a first one of the partial or half tabs <NUM> is colinear with an engaging edge of a second adjacent one of the partial or half tabs <NUM>.

Optionally, the partial or half tabs <NUM> are arranged in pairs, each partial or half tab <NUM> of a pair comprising an engaging edge arranged collinearly with an engaging edge of the other one of the pair. The partial tabs <NUM> may be dimensioned such that an integer number of partial tabs <NUM> is equivalent to an integer number of annularly connected tabs <NUM>; <NUM>.

Optionally, the annular series of tabs <NUM>, <NUM> is interrupted by a cutaway or recess R. The cutaway or recess R occupies a portion of the circumference of the at least one article engaging structure RT1 disposed in closest proximity to a point of intersection or vertex between a first notional line collinear with an end edge of the at least one panel <NUM> and a second notional line collinear with a side edge of the at least one panel <NUM>. The point of intersection being a real or notional corner of the at least one panel <NUM>. The cutaway maybe a T-shaped cut line.

The cutaway or recess R may interrupt the annularly disconnected tabs <NUM>.

The annularly disconnected tabs <NUM> may define a sector or quadrant of the at least one article engaging structure RT1 disposed adjacent, or proximate, to the real or notional corner of the at least one panel <NUM>; <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a blank <NUM> for forming an article carrier <NUM> of the top engaging type. The blank <NUM> or article carrier <NUM> comprises at least one panel <NUM> having at least two article engaging structures RT1, RT2. A first one of the at least two article engaging structure RT1, RT2 comprises a first article receiving aperture AP1 and a first annular series of tabs <NUM>, 114A formed around the first article receiving aperture AP1. A second one of the at least two article engaging structure RT2 comprises a second article receiving aperture AP2 and a second annular series of tabs <NUM> formed around the second article receiving aperture AP2.

The first annular series of tabs <NUM>, 114A is defined at least in part by first plurality of radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> defining a first cut pattern. The second annular series of tabs <NUM> is defined at least in part by a second plurality of radial cut lines <NUM> defining a second cut pattern. The first cut pattern is rotated about its centre through a first angle with respect to the second cut pattern. The first annular series of tabs <NUM>, 114A may be defined at least in part by plurality of circumferential cut lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The first plurality of radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one radial cut line extending to a corresponding circumferential cut line <NUM> to be contiguous therewith and at least another one of the first plurality of radial cut lines <NUM>, <NUM> stops short of, or is spaced apart from, a respective circumferential cut line <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

Claim 1:
An article carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) for packaging at least one article (B), the article carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising at least one panel (<NUM>; <NUM>) having at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2), the at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2) comprising an article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2) and an annular series of tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A) formed around the article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2), the annular series of tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A) being defined at least in part by a plurality of radial cut lines (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), the annular series of tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 114A) being also defined at least in part by a plurality of circumferential cut lines (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein at least a second one (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the radial cut lines (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) stops short of a corresponding circumferential cut line (<NUM>; <NUM>), characterised in that at least a first one (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the radial cut lines (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> extends to a respective circumferential cut line (<NUM>; <NUM>).