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.

It is desirable to produce cartons with a carrying handle structure which is strong and robust enough to carry the load of the articles being packaged.

<CIT> discloses a carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least a bottom panel. A retention tab can be for engaging at least a portion of an article of the plurality of articles and can be foldably connected to at least the bottom panel adjacent an opening in at least the bottom panel. The retention tab can comprise a distal portion foldably connected to a first proximal portion along a first fold line and to a second proximal portion along a second fold line. The first fold line can be spaced apart from the second fold line. The distal portion can be generally spaced apart from the bottom panel for engaging at least a bottom portion of the at least one article, and each of the first and second proximal portions can extend from the bottom panel to the distal portion. Another example of a carrier for holding a plurality of articles is disclosed in <CIT>.

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 a carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in the heel panel. The first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, the second opening has a second maximum width measured along a notional extension of the fold line characterised in that the second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width and the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.

Optionally, the plurality of panels includes; a top panel, a base panel, the side panel as a first side panel, and a second side panel.

Optionally, the carton further comprises a handle in at least a top panel of the carton and wherein the handle is in a general vertical alignment with the second opening when the carton is viewed in a side elevation.

Optionally, the plurality of bottom-receiving openings further includes a third opening located at a third distance from the other end, the third distance being generally equal to the first distance such that the second opening is interposed between the first and third openings.

Optionally, the plurality of panels form a tubular structure and include a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line, wherein the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side panel and back onto the first fold line, wherein the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the first free edge farthermost from the second fold line, wherein the second opening has an upper end defined solely by a second free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side wall and back onto the first fold line, wherein the second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge farthermost from the second fold line and wherein the second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

Optionally, the second free edge is free of hinged connection with any other part of the carton.

Optionally, the second free edge is symmetrical about a notional line perpendicular to the first fold line and extending along the side panel.

Optionally, the carton comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line, wherein the carton comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening comprises a pair of opposed first side edges being divergently arranged with respect to each other and defining a first angle there between, and wherein the second opening comprises a pair of opposed second side edges, the pair of opposed second side edges being divergently arranged with respect to each other and defining a second angle therebetween, characterised in that the second angle is greater than a first angle defined by the pair of opposed first side edges; and the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the carton and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the carton, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton for packaging one or more articles, the blank comprises plurality of panels including a side panel and a heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel by a fold line, wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings, each being formed in part in the side panel and in part in a heel panel, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, the second opening has a second maximum width along a notional extension of the fold line characterised in that the second maximum width is greater than the first maximum width; and the first opening is disposed at a first distance from an end of the blank and the second opening is disposed at a second distance from the other end of the blank, and wherein the first distance is considerably less than the second distance.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank further comprising a base panel hingedly connected to the heel panel by a second fold line, wherein the first opening has an upper end defined by a first free edge which extends from a first fold line into the side panel and back onto the first fold line, wherein the first opening has a first maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the first free edge farthermost from the second fold line wherein the second opening has an upper end defined solely by a second free edge which extends from the first fold line into the side panel and back onto the first fold line, wherein the second opening has a maximum height extending from the second fold line to a point on the second free edge farthermost from the second fold line and wherein the second maximum height of the second opening is greater than the first maximum height of the first opening.

Optionally, wherein the second free edge is free of hinged connection with any other part of the carton.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment, as long as they fall within the scope of the invention, which is solely defined by the appended claims.

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

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a plan view of a blank <NUM> capable of forming a carton or carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in <FIG>. The blank <NUM> forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

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 <NUM> for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank <NUM> is 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 recognised 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 structure or carton <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 embodiment, the blank <NUM> is configured to form a carton or carrier <NUM> for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=<NUM>) and three columns (n=<NUM>); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles Bare <NUM> beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank <NUM> can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to <FIG>, there is illustrated a blank <NUM> for forming a carton <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to a first embodiment. The blank <NUM> comprises a plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises: a first base panel <NUM>, a first corner panel <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM>, a top panel <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM>, a second corner panel <NUM> and a second base panel <NUM>. The plurality of panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be omitted, the fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> may be omitted.

The first and second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels <NUM>, <NUM>, or alternatively of the first or second base panels <NUM>, <NUM>, to which they are hingedly connected.

The blank <NUM> is foldable to form a package <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall <NUM>/<NUM> of the carton <NUM>. The blank <NUM> may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel <NUM> to the first base panel <NUM>. The first base panel <NUM> may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel <NUM> may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the first base panel <NUM>. The second base panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of male tabs M, the openings in the first base panel <NUM> being configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the first base panel <NUM> to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> comprises two first apertures A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> comprises one second apertures A2. The first and second apertures A1, A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton <NUM>. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1, A2 to enable the plurality of panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first and second apertures A1, A2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to each other or to align the first part of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank <NUM> may comprise at least one heel engagement structure N1, N2 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> comprises six heel engagement structures N1, N2 each is provided for engaging a respective article B. The blank <NUM> comprises four first or outer heel engagement structures N1. The blank <NUM> comprises two second or inner heel engagement structures N2.

Each of the first heel engagement structures N1 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a first heel engagement structure N1 provided in the second side panel <NUM> and shown in detail in <FIG>.

The first heel engagement structure N1 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a first heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab <NUM>. The heel tab <NUM> is hingedly connected to the second base panel <NUM> by fold line <NUM>. The heel tab <NUM> is struck, at least in part, from the second corner panel <NUM>.

The fold line <NUM> interrupts the fold line <NUM> hingedly connecting the second base panel <NUM> to the second corner panel <NUM>. The fold line <NUM> may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line <NUM> is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other.

The heel tab <NUM> may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45a, 45b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab <NUM>.

Each of the second heel engagement structures N2 is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a second heel engagement structure N2 provided in the second side panel <NUM> and shown in detail in <FIG>.

The second heel engagement structures N2 may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a second heel aperture A5 and in part by a heel tab <NUM>. The heel tab <NUM> is hingedly connected to the second base panel <NUM> by fold line <NUM>. The heel tab <NUM> is struck, at least in part, from the second corner panel <NUM>.

The first heel aperture or opening A3 comprises a maximum width dimension W1. The maximum width dimension W1 extends along a notional line parallel to the fold line <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the maximum width dimension W1 of the first opening A3 extends along a notional extension of the fold line <NUM>.

The first heel aperture A3 comprises a pair of opposed first side edges and a first arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposed side edges are arranged to be divergent with respect to each other. The pair of opposed side edges diverge towards the top panel <NUM>. The pair of opposed side edges define a first angle θ1 therebetween.

In some embodiments the first angle θ1 may be less than <NUM>°, for example around <NUM>°. In other embodiments the pair of opposed side edges of the first heel aperture A3 may be parallel, in such embodiments first angle θ1 may be considered to be zero or undefined.

The second heel aperture or opening A5 a maximum width dimension W2. The maximum width dimension W2 extends along a notional line collinear with the fold line <NUM>. Stated differently, the maximum width dimension W2 of the second opening A5 to extends along a notional extension of the fold line <NUM>.

The second heel aperture A5 comprises a pair of opposed second side edges and a second arcuate or curved edge extending therebetween. The pair of opposed side edges are arranged to be divergent with respect to each other. The pair of opposed side edges diverge towards the top panel <NUM>. The pair of opposed side edges define a second angle θ2 therebetween.

In some embodiments the second angle θ2 may be greater than <NUM>°, in some embodiments the second angle θ2 may be greater than <NUM>°, for example around <NUM>°.

The second maximum width dimension W2 is greater than the first maximum width dimension W1.

The first heel aperture A3 comprises a first height dimension H1.

The second heel aperture A5 comprises a second height dimension H2. The second height dimension H2 may be greater than the first height dimension H1.

The second angle θ2 is greater than the first angle θ1.

The pair of opposed first side edges may define a first notional point of convergence. In embodiments in which the pair of opposed first side edges are parallel there is no first notional point of convergence.

The pair of opposed second side edges define a second notional point of convergence. The second notional point of convergence is closer to the fold line <NUM> than the first notional point of convergence.

The second arcuate edge is longer than the first arcuate edge, this is best shown in <FIG>.

The heel tab <NUM> and fold line <NUM> of the first heel engagement structure N1 is substantially the same dimensions as the heel tab <NUM> and fold line <NUM> of the second heel engagement structure N2. The first and second heel apertures A3, A5 may be substantially similar in dimension proximate the fold line <NUM>.

The top panel <NUM> may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handles structure H comprises a pair of foldable finger tabs <NUM>. The finger tabs <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. The finger tabs <NUM> are hingedly connected to the top panel <NUM> by fold lines <NUM> and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line <NUM>. A first one of the finger tabs <NUM> is hingedly connected to the top panel <NUM> in opposition to a second one of the finger tabs <NUM>.

The top panel <NUM> may comprise a detachable portion D in the form of a tear strip. The detachable portion D is defined by a first tear or severance line 62a and by a second tear or severance line 62b. The first and second severance lines 62a, 62b extend generally longitudinally across the top panel <NUM>. The second severance line 62b is laterally spaced apart from the first severance line 62a. A tear initiation device in the form of a pull tab 60a, 60b may be provided at each end of the tear strip. The pull tabs 60a, 60b are hingedly connected to the tear strip by respective fold lines 61a, 61b, and may be defined in part by weakened lines which are more readily torn than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b, that is to say the weakened lines offer less tear resistance than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b.

The detachable portion D may facilitate access to the contents, articles B, of the carton <NUM> upon removal thereof.

Each of the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed with a pair of cut-outs or recesses. The cut-outs are defined in opposed end edges of the blank <NUM>. The cut-outs comprise full, major cut-outs and partial or minor cut-outs.

A first major cut-out is defined in the top panel <NUM> around midway along each of its opposed end edges. A second major cut-out is defined in each end edge of the first side panel <NUM>. A third major cut-out is defined in each end edge of the second side panel <NUM>.

A minor cut-out is defined in each of the opposed end edges of each of the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

As a result, the blank <NUM> is provided along either longitudinal edge thereof with four tabs each interposed between adjacent ones of the cut-outs.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first upper tab is sandwiched and defined by the adjacently disposed first and third cut-outs. A second upper tab is sandwiched and defined by the first and second cut-outs. A first lower tab is sandwiched and defined by the second cut-out and by a first one of the partial cut-outs, defined in the first base panel <NUM>. A second lower tab is sandwiched and defined by the third cut-out and by a second one of the partial cut-outs, defined in the second base panel <NUM>.

The first upper tab is positioned astride the adjacent fold line <NUM>. The second upper tab is positioned astride the adjacent fold line <NUM>.

The first lower tab is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The second lower tab is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the first and second upper tabs forms, or assists in forming of, an end retention structure for preventing the contents of the carton <NUM> from dislodging from the carton <NUM> when said blank <NUM> is erected into the carton <NUM>. Each of the first and second upper tabs is provided with cut and fold lines to form a top-engaging structure when it is folded along the fold lines.

More specifically, each upper tab comprises an anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel <NUM>, <NUM> along a fold line 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b. Each upper tab comprises a gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly connected to the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.

Each upper tab comprises a web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b hingedly connected to the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along an extension 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b of respective one of the fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. Each upper tab comprises a covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b that is integrally formed with the top panel <NUM>. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hingedly connected to the respective covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b by a fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b.

An optional aperture A4 may be struck in part from the top panel <NUM>, in part from the first or second side panel <NUM>, <NUM> and in part from the respective adjacent upper tab. The aperture A4 defines a terminus of each of the fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b and is disposed at a vertex of aforesaid fold lines.

Folding of each upper tab is achieved during the erection of the carton. To form a top engaging structure out of each upper tab, the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is folded about <NUM> degrees to bring it into a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the adjacent side panel <NUM>, <NUM>. The anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is held in the folded position by being pressed by one of the packaged articles B against the adjacent side panel <NUM>, <NUM>. The folding of the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to be folded outwardly about the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b so that the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extends outwardly from the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the side wall of the one packaged article B. At the same time, the web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is caused to fold downwardly along the fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and is thereby brought to a folded position where it extends between the fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and the outer edge of the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The top-engaging structure thus completed is illustrated in <FIG> wherein the structure is shown as tightly engaging the top of the one article B.

Each lower tab serves to provide sufficient material in which the adjacent first or endmost heel aperture A3 is defined. More particularly, the first heel aperture A3 adjacent to each lower tab is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the first heel aperture A3 even when the first heel aperture A3 extends into that lower tab. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank <NUM> is manipulated so that each first heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton <NUM>. The heel tabs <NUM> are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B.

Each lower tab comprises a deformable of foldable structure FS forming a foldable corner region of a carton <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>. The deformable structure FS takes the form of an arrangement of fold lines and is suitable for removing or mitigating against creation of a sharp corner or edge of the carton <NUM>. This may be advantageous when the carton <NUM> is transported or carried in a carrier bag, particularly, but not exclusively, those formed from plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The deformable structure FS prevents or reduces the likelihood of the carton <NUM> perforating, tearing or otherwise piercing the material from which the carrier bag is formed. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag will compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag, and once compromised a tear is likely to propagate which may lead to egress of the carton <NUM> or other items disposed in the carrier bag and the consequent possibility of damage thereto.

Each deformable structure FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a deformable structure FS provided in one of the second lower tabs shown in.

The second lower tab is formed in part from the second side panel <NUM>, in part from the optional second corner panel <NUM> and in part from the second base panel <NUM>.

The deformable structure FS comprises a relief tab <NUM> formed in part from the second side panel <NUM> and in part from the second corner panel <NUM>. In embodiments in which the first or second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM> are omitted, the relief tab <NUM> may be formed in part from the second side panel <NUM> and in part from the second base panel <NUM>.

The relief tab <NUM> is defined in part by a first fold line <NUM> provided in the second side panel <NUM> and in part by a second fold line <NUM> provided in the second corner panel <NUM>.

The first fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line <NUM>. The first and second fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> diverge towards the longitudinal or free side edge of the blank <NUM>. The first and second fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> comprises first ends disposed proximal to each other and second ends disposed distal from each other.

The relief tab <NUM> is defined in part by a cutline or severable line <NUM>. The cutline <NUM> may extend from the first end of first fold line <NUM> towards the first end of the second fold line <NUM>. The cutline <NUM> may substantially extend between the first, proximal, end of first fold line <NUM> and the first, proximal, end of the second fold line <NUM>. The cutline <NUM> may connect the first end of first fold line <NUM> with the first end of the second fold line <NUM> so as to be contiguous therewith. The cutline <NUM> may be arranged to be substantially parallel to an adjacent portion of the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab. The relief tab <NUM> may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

An extension or portion of fold line <NUM> defines a third fold line <NUM> that substantially bisects the relief tab <NUM>. In other embodiments the third fold line <NUM> may be off centre such that the relief tab <NUM> is asymmetrical with respect to the third fold line <NUM>.

The relief tab <NUM> may comprise a first cutaway or recess R1 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of <FIG> the recess R1 is substantially triangular so as to define a "V" shaped free edge. The recess R1 interrupts the third fold line <NUM>. The third fold line <NUM> terminates at the vertex of the "V" shape. The recess R1 removes material astride the third fold line <NUM> so as to reduce the prominence of the third fold line <NUM> proximate the free edge of the second lower tab. The recess R1 provides a clipped edge of the third fold line <NUM>.

The relief tab <NUM> is disposed between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab 72c and the adjacent first heel aperture A3.

The deformable structure FS may comprise a web structure comprising a pair of flaps <NUM>, <NUM>. A first flap <NUM> is hinged to the second side panel <NUM> by a fourth fold line <NUM>. The fourth fold line <NUM> may be substantially collinear with a longitudinal free edge of the third major cut-out or maybe offset therefrom. A second flap <NUM> is hingedly connected to the first flap <NUM> by a fifth fold line <NUM>. The fifth fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the fourth fold line <NUM>. The first flap <NUM> is substantially triangular in shape. The second flap <NUM> is hingedly connected to the relief tab <NUM> by the first fold line <NUM>. The fifth fold line <NUM> is divergently arranged with respect to the first fold line <NUM>. The second flap <NUM> is substantially triangular in shape.

The first and second flaps <NUM>, <NUM> interconnect the relief tab <NUM> to the second side panel <NUM>.

The deformable structure FS enables the portion of the second lower tab provided by the second side panel <NUM> (and by the optional second corner panel <NUM> when provided) to be folded or deformed about the end of an endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of said portion of the second lower tab into closer proximity with said endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer region of said portion of the second lower tab such that it is readily deformed. In this way the likelihood of the second lower tab puncturing the wall of a carrier bag when disposed inside, either during loading or carrying of the carrier bag, is reduced. This may reduce the practice of "double bagging" placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag to create two ply wall.

The deformable structure FS may comprise a second cutaway or recess R2 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of <FIG> the second recess R2 is substantially triangular so as to define a "V" shaped free edge portion. The second recess R2 interrupts the fold line <NUM> coupling the second base panel <NUM> to the second corner panel <NUM>. The fold line <NUM> terminates at the vertex of the "V" shape. The second recess R2 removes material astride the fold line <NUM> so as to reduce the prominence of the fold line <NUM> proximate the free edge of the second lower tab. The second recess R2 provides a clipped edge of the fold line <NUM>.

Turning to the construction of the carton <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the carton <NUM> can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton <NUM> is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> six articles B are arranged in a <NUM> x <NUM> array. The top panel <NUM> of the blank <NUM> is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall <NUM> of the carton <NUM>.

The first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> are folded, with respect to the top panel <NUM> about fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. Of the carton <NUM>.

The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, <NUM> may be folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> substantially simultaneously with folding the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the top panel <NUM>, to form the top engaging structures described above.

Alternatively, the top engaging structures may be formed subsequent to erection of the carton <NUM> into a tubular form. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, <NUM> may be tucked between the respective one of the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> to which they are hingedly connected and an adjacently disposed article B.

The first and second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM> are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> about fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs <NUM> may folded out of the plane of the first and second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM>, about fold lines <NUM>, prior to folding the first and second corner panels <NUM>, <NUM> the respective one of the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first base panel <NUM> is folded about the fold line <NUM> so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B, the second base panel <NUM> is then folded about the fold line <NUM> so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel <NUM>; in doing so each of the heel tabs <NUM> may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel <NUM>. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel <NUM>. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a side view of the carton <NUM>.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carton <NUM> for packaging articles B. The carton <NUM> comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second apertures or openings A3, A5. Each of the first and second apertures A3, A5 is formed in part in a side wall <NUM>, <NUM> and in part in a heel panel <NUM>, <NUM> hingedly connected to the side wall <NUM>, <NUM> by a fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The first aperture A3 has a maximum width W1 dimension along a notional line parallel to the fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The second opening A5 has a maximum width W2 dimension along a notional extension of the fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The maximum width W2 of the second aperture A5 is greater than the maximum width W1 of the first opening A3.

The first and second apertures A3, A5 are widest at, or about, the fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

The maximum width dimensions W1, W2 of the first and second apertures A3, A5 are measured along an axis or notional line which extends longitudinally of the carton <NUM>, that is to say along a tubular axis of the tubular structure defined by the plurality of main panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The axis or notional line may be transversely oriented with respect to the blank <NUM>, the transverse axis of the blank is denoted by reference x in <FIG>, a longitudinal axis denoted by reference y. The transverse axis of the blank extends between opposed end retention structures. The longitudinal axis extends between the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a set up carton <NUM> the tubular axis may be referred to or considered to be a longitudinal axis of the carton <NUM>. A transverse axis or direction may extend between opposed side panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> may be formed from a material having a grain or machine direction, the grain direction, the grain direction may extend between the first and second base panels <NUM>, <NUM> parallel with direction arrow y in <FIG>.

It has been found that increasing the width of the second aperture A5 can increase the strength or robustness of the carton <NUM> when employing the carrying handle H. It may reduce the likelihood of tears propagating from the aperture A5. It is believed that increasing the width of the second aperture A5 allows the material forming the carton <NUM> to stretch or deform to a greater extent than it would otherwise. The shape of the aperture A5 may also distribute load forces over a larger or wider area of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The second aperture A5 may distribute load forces onto the adjacent article B, such as a beverage can or bottle to a greater degree than the first aperture A3.

By providing inner or centrally located second apertures A5 with an increased width and outer or endmost first apertures A3 having a narrower width dimension, the strength or robustness of the carton <NUM> is increased without compromising the integrity of the carton <NUM> or the retention of the articles B in the carton <NUM>. It will be appreciated that providing first apertures A3 which are smaller, narrower in width and / or shorter in height, that the end regions of the side panel <NUM>, <NUM> of the carton <NUM> do not stretch of deform as readily as an inner region in which larger second apertures A5 are provided.

In some embodiments the carton <NUM> may comprise a one or more second apertures A5 in a region of the side panel <NUM>, <NUM> substantially below or aligned with a carrying handle H in the top panel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the carton <NUM> may comprise a plurality of second apertures A5 disposed between a pair of first apertures A3 each located adjacent an end of the carton <NUM>. In some embodiments the carton <NUM> may comprise at least one second apertures A5 disposed between a two or more first apertures A3 located adjacent a first end of the carton <NUM> and two or more first apertures A3 located adjacent a second, opposing, end of the carton <NUM>.

The first opening A3 is disposed at a first distance D1 from an end E1 of the carton <NUM> or blank <NUM> and the second opening A5 is disposed at a second distance D2 from the other end E2 of the carton. The first distance D1 is considerably less than the second distance D2.

The plurality of bottom-receiving openings may include a third opening located at a third distance D3 from the other end E2, the third distance D3 may be generally equal to the first distance D1 such that the second opening A5 is interposed between the first and third openings A3.

The first opening A3 is disposed at a first distance D1 from a first end E1 of the carton <NUM> or blank <NUM> and the second opening A5 is disposed at a fourth distance D4 from the first end E1 of the carton. The first distance D1 is considerably less than the second distance D2.

The carton <NUM> may comprise a handle H in at least the top panel <NUM> of the carton <NUM> and wherein the handle H is in a vertical alignment with the second aperture A5 when the carton <NUM> is viewed in a side elevation.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a carton comprising a plurality of bottom-receiving openings including first and second openings A3, A5, each being formed in part in a side wall <NUM>, <NUM> and in part in a heel panel <NUM>, <NUM>. The heel panel <NUM>, <NUM> being hingedly connected to the side wall <NUM>, <NUM> by a first fold line <NUM>, <NUM> and to a bottom panel <NUM>, <NUM> by a second fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the second opening A5 has an upper end defined solely by an arched free edge FE2 which extends from the first fold line <NUM>, <NUM> into the side wall <NUM>, <NUM> and back onto the first fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The second opening A5 has a maximum height H2 extending from the second fold line <NUM>, <NUM> to a point on the arched free edge FE2 furthermost from the second fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The first opening A3 has a maximum height H1 extending from the second fold line <NUM>, <NUM> to a point on a free edge FE <NUM> furthermost from the second fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. The maximum height H2 of the second opening A5 is greater than the maximum height H1 of the first opening A3. The arched free edge FE2 of the second opening A5 may be free of hinged connection with any other part of the carton, and/or the arched free edge FE2 of the second opening A5 may be symmetrical about a notional line perpendicular to the first fold line <NUM>, <NUM> and extending along the side wall <NUM>, <NUM>.

Optionally, the second opening may have its upper end in an alternative shape. Such alternative forms of the second opening are shown in <FIG> shows an alternative second opening A6 having an upper end defined by a generally squared free edge FE2. The free edge EF2 of the second opening A6 extends upwards from the first fold line <NUM> into the side wall <NUM>, turns to extend generally horizontally and then extends downwards back to the first fold line <NUM>. <FIG> shows another alternative second opening A7 similar to that of <FIG> but the free edge FE2 of the second opening A7 has its vertical segments intersecting with the first fold line <NUM> as opposed to emanating from the first fold line <NUM> which is the case in <FIG>. Each of the second openings A6, A7 has a maximum height H2 extending from the second fold line <NUM>, <NUM> to the horizontally extending segment of the respective squared free edge FE2. The maximum height H2 of the second opening A6, A7 is greater than the maximum height of the associated first opening.

The carton <NUM> is formed from a blank <NUM> which can be nested with like blanks each forming a carton <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> comprises longitudinal edges having a plurality of recesses defining tabs therebetween. The recesses may be arranged to allow the blank <NUM> to be nested with similar blanks <NUM>. The tabs provide upper and lower corner portions of the carton <NUM>. The lower corner portions may comprise a deformable, folding, structure FS which enables the lower corner portions to be deformed or folded for reducing the sharpness of the lower corner portions of the carton <NUM>. The deformable, folding, structure FS enable the lower corner portions to be readily folded to become rounded in nature when load forces are applied thereto.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised 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, 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 carton (<NUM>) for packaging one or more articles (B), the carton (<NUM>) comprising plurality of panels including a side panel (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a heel panel (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) hingedly connected to the side panel (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) by a fold line (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the carton (<NUM>) further comprises a plurality of bottom-receiving openings (A3, A5; A6; A7) including first and second openings (A3, A5; A6; A7), each being formed in part in the side panel (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and in part in the heel panel (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the first opening (A3) has a first maximum width (W1) measured along a notional line parallel to the fold line, the second opening (A5, A6, A7) has a second maximum width (W2) measured along a notional extension of the fold line (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) characterised in that the second maximum width (W2) is greater than the first maximum width (W1) and the first opening (A3) is disposed at a first distance (D1) from an end (E4) of the carton (<NUM>) and the second opening (A5, A6, A7) is disposed at a second distance (D2) from the other end of the carton (E2), and wherein the first distance (D1) is considerably less than the second distance (D2).