CARTON, CARTON BLANK AND METHOD OF FORMING A LOADED CARTON

Abstract

A carton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels, wherein the carton comprises an end pull device for withdrawing the carton from a display apparatus wherein the end pull device comprises a first recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel whereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a carton blank for forming the same and a method for forming a loaded carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton which is divisible into at least two separate packages and a method of constructing, erecting and loading the divisible carton with articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide multi-packs with features such as, but not limited to, end pull devices such that when multiple packages are disposed in a stacked configuration in close proximity upon a shelf or other display means a consumer can readily slide one of the packages from the stack.

It is also desirable to provide a multipack which can be split or divided into two separate packages. It is desirable to automate the construction and erection of the multipack into a completed package.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a first package, and a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a second package, wherein the second tubular structure and the first package are frangibly connected together, the base wall of the first package and the base wall of the second package being formed from a unitary bottom wall of the carton whereby coupling the first package to the second package, the unitary bottom wall of the carton comprising a weakened line of severance for facilitating separation of the first package from the second package.

Optionally, the carton comprises at least one an end pull device for withdrawing the first package and/or the second package from a display apparatus wherein the end pull device comprises a first recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel.

In some embodiments, the first end closure panel comprises a second recess struck from a side edge thereof.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second end closure panel hinged to an end edge of the first side wall panel and a third recess is struck from the second end closure panel, the first recess and the third recess together forming an aperture which interrupts the hinged connection between the second end closure panel and the first side wall panel.

The first end closure panel may comprise a second recess struck from a side edge thereof arranged to be in registry with a portion of the aperture when the first end closure panel is in overlapping relationship with the second end closure panel.

Optionally, the end pull device comprises a fourth recess struck from an end of the second side wall panel.

In some embodiments the fourth recess is disposed at an elevation above the base panel substantially equal to the elevation of the first recess above the base panel.

Optionally, the second side wall panel comprises a free end edge.

In some embodiments the carton comprises two end pull devices for withdrawing each of the first and second packages from a display apparatus.

Optionally, a first end pull device is disposed at a first end of the carton and a second end pull device is disposed at second end of the carton, the second end opposing the first end.

The second side wall panel of the first package and the second side wall panel of the second package may be disposed in face contacting relationship with each other and may form an internal divider structure between two adjacent rows of articles.

The second side wall panel of the first package and the second side wall panel of the second package may be secured to each other by glue or other adhesive treatment.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging articles comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a first package, wherein the carton comprises a first end pull device for withdrawing the first package from a display apparatus wherein the first end pull device comprises a first recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel of the first tubular structure thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel of the first tubular structure, the carton comprising a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, each end of the second tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a second package, wherein the carton comprises a second end pull device for withdrawing the second package from a display apparatus and wherein the second end pull device comprises a second recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel of the second tubular structure thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel of the second tubular structure and wherein the second tubular structure and the first package are frangibly connected together, the base wall of the first package and the base wall of the second package being formed from a unitary bottom wall of the carton whereby coupling the first package to the second package, the unitary bottom wall of the carton comprising a weakened line of severance for facilitating separation of the first package from the second package.

Optionally, the first end pull device is disposed at a first end of the carton and the second end pull device is disposed at second end of the carton, the second end opposing the first end.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, the blank comprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the first tubular structure, and a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, the blank comprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the second tubular structure, wherein the second tubular structure and the first package are frangibly connected together, the base wall of the first tubular structure and the base wall of the second tubular structure being formed from a unitary panel of the blank whereby coupling the first tubular structure to the second tubular structure, the unitary bottom wall of the blank comprising a weakened line of severance for facilitating separation of a first package formed from the first plurality of panels from a second package formed from the second plurality of panels.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, the blank comprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the first tubular structure to form a first package, wherein the blank comprises a first end pull device for withdrawing the first package from a display apparatus wherein the first end pull device comprises a first recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel of the first tubular structure thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel of the first tubular structure, the blank comprising a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, the blank comprising one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the second tubular structure to form a second package, wherein the blank comprises a second end pull device for withdrawing the second package from a display apparatus and wherein the second end pull device comprises a second recess struck from an end of the first side wall panel of the second tubular structure thereby facilitating access to an edge of a first end closure panel of the second tubular structure and wherein the second tubular structure and the first package are frangibly connected together, the base wall of the first package and the base wall of the second package being formed from a unitary bottom wall panel of the blank whereby coupling the first package to the second package, the unitary bottom wall panel of the blank comprising a weakened line of severance for facilitating separation of the first package from the second package.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging articles in the carton as described in the foregoing paragraphs comprising:

• • providing cartons in a flat collapsed condition to a packaging machine;
  • erecting the cartons into a pair of open ended tubular structures such that a bottom wall of the carton is disposed lowermost, the bottom wall of the carton including a weakened line of severance for facilitating separation of a first package from a second package;
  • loading articles through at least one open end of each tubular structure;
  • closing, at least partially, each end of each tubular structure to retain the articles therein.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of the carton of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views from above of an end portion of the carton of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of end portions of a pair of packages formed from the carton of FIG. 2 and illustrates a user withdrawing one package with respect to the other package;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, cartons and methods 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 package, blanks, cartons and methods 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. 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton 90, shown in FIG. 2, for packaging one or more primary product containers such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles.

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, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 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 recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blank is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In a first illustrated exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×6 matrix and the articles are cans. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels for forming a carton 90. The carton 90 is divisible into two separate cartons or packages. A first set of panels P1 of the blank 10 forms a first carton or first package 91b (see FIG. 6) and a second set of panels P2 of the blank 10 forms a second carton or second package 91a (see FIG. 6).

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 for forming a first package 91b. The first package 91b comprises: a first or inner base wall 12, a first side wall 14, a top wall 16, a second side wall 18 and a second or outer base wall 20 in a set-up condition. The inner base wall panel 12 is hinged to the first side wall panel 14 by a fold line 11. The first side wall panel 14 is hinged to the top wall panel 16 by a fold line 13. The top wall panel 16 is hinged to the second side wall panel 18 by a fold line 15. The outer base wall panel 20 is hinged to the second side wall panel 18 along a fold line 17.

The blank 10 also comprises a plurality of main wall panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 for forming a second package 91a. The second package 91a comprises: a first or inner base wall 30, a first side wall 28, a base wall 26, a second side wall 24 and a second or outer base wall 22 in a set-up condition. The outer base wall panel 22 is hinged to the second side wall panel 24 by a fold line 21. The second side wall panel 24 is hinged to the top wall panel 26 by a fold line 23. The top wall panel 26 is hinged to the first side wall panel 28 by a fold line 25. The inner base wall panel 30 is hinged to the first side wall panel 28 along a fold line 27.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the first package 91b form a first tubular structure in a set-up condition. Each of the ends of the tubular structure of the first package 91b are at least partially closed by end closure panels 32a, 34a, 36a, 38a, 32b, 34b, 36b, 38b. End closure panels 32a, 34a, 36a, 38a are configured to close a first end of the tubular structure and end panels 32b, 34b, 36b, 38b are configured to close a second end of the tubular structure. A first end closure panel 32a is hinged to a first end of inner base wall panel 12 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 31a. A second end closure panel 34a is hinged to a first end of top panel 16 by a fold line 33a. A third end closure panel 36a is hinged to a first end of second side wall panel 18 by a fold line 35a. A fourth end closure panel 38a is hinged to a first end of the outer base wall panel 20 by a fold line 37a.

A fifth end closure panel 32b is hinged to a second end of inner base wall panel 12 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 31b. A sixth end closure panel 34b is hinged to a second end of top wall panel 16 by a fold line 33b. A seventh end closure panel 36b is hinged to a second end of second side panel 18 by a fold line 35b. An eighth end closure panel 38b is hinged to a second end of the outer base wall panel 20 by a fold line 37b.

The third end closure panel 36a and the seventh end closure panel 36b each form a side end closure panel of the first package 91b. The second end closure panel 34a and the sixth end closure panel 34b each form an upper end closure panel of the first package 91b. The fourth end closure panel 38a along with the first end closure panel 32a forms an inner lower end closure panel of the first package 91b. The eighth end closure panel 38b along with the fifth end closure panel 32b forms an outer lower end closure panel of the first package 91b. The outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 38a, 38b have glue application areas G1a, G1b for being secured to the inside surfaces of the upper end closure panels 34a, 34b respectively. Alternatively, the inside surfaces of the upper end closure panels 34a, 34b have glue application areas A1a, A1b for being secured to the outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 38a, 38b respectively. By this means, the upper end closure panels 34a, 34b are allowed to be secured in face-contacting relationship to the outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 38a, 38b respectively when the blank is erected into a carton. The inner lower end closure panels 32a, 32b are disposed in face-contacting relationship with the inside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 38a, 38b respectively when the carton is erected.

The plurality of main panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 of the second package 91a form a second tubular structure in a set-up condition. Each of the ends of the tubular structure of the second package 91a are at least partially closed by end closure panels 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b. End closure panels 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a are configured to close a first end of the tubular structure and end panels 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b are configured to close a second end of the tubular structure. A first end closure panel 40a is hinged to a first end of second or outer base wall panel 22 by a fold line 39a. A second end closure panel 42a is hinged to a first end of second side panel 24 by a fold line 41a. A third end closure panel 44a is hinged to a first end of top wall panel 26 by a fold line 43a. A fourth end closure panel 46a is hinged to a first end of the inner base wall panel 30 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 47a.

A fifth end closure panel 40b is hinged to a second end of second or outer base wall panel 22 by a fold line 39b. A sixth end closure panel 42b is hinged to a second end of second side wall panel 24 by a fold line 41b. A seventh end closure panel 44b is hinged to a second end of top panel 26 by a fold line 43b. An eighth end closure panel 46b is hinged to a second end of the inner base wall panel 30 by a pair of arcuate fold lines 47b.

The first end closure panel 40a along with the fourth end closure panel 46a forms an outer lower end closure panel of the second package 91a. The second end closure panel 42a and the sixth end closure panel 42b each form a side end closure panel of the second package 91a. The third end closure panel 44a and the seventh end closure panel 44b each form an upper end closure panel of the second package 91a. The fifth end closure panel 46b along with the eighth end closure panel 46b also forms an inner lower end closure panel of the second package 91a. The outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 40a, 40b have glue application areas G2a, G2b for being secured to the inside surfaces of the upper end closure panels 44a, 44b respectively. Alternatively, the inside surfaces of the upper end closure panels 44a, 44b have glue application areas A2a, A2b for being secured to the outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 40a, 40b respectively. By this means, the upper end closure panels 44a, 44b are allowed to be secured in face-contacting relationship to the outside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 40a, 40b respectively when the blank is erected into a carton. The inner lower end closure panels 46a, 46b are disposed in face-contacting relationship with the inside surfaces of the outer lower end closure panels 40a, 40b respectively when the carton is erected.

The outer top panel 20 of the first package 91b is coupled to the outer top panel 22 of the second package 91a by a frangible line 19. The outer top panel 20 of the first package 91b and the outer top panel 22 of the second package 91a form a common top wall 20/22 of the carton 90.

The second side wall panel 18 of the first package 91b forms a first outer side wall 18 of the carton 90. The second side wall panel 24 of the second package 91a forms a second outer side wall 24 of the carton 90.

The top panel 16 of the first package 91b forms a first part 16 of a base wall 16/26 of the carton 90. The top panel 26 of the second package 91a forms a second part 26 of a base wall 16/26 of the carton 90.

The end closure panels 32a, 34a, 36a, 38a of the first package 91b and the end closure panels 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a of the second package 91a form a first end wall of the carton 90.

The end closure panels 32b, 34b, 36b, 38b of the first package 91b and the end closure panels 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b of the second package 91a form a second end wall of the carton 90.

The first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b and the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a form an internal divider structure in the set-up carton 90. The internal divider structure separates a first row of articles disposed in the first package 91b from a second row of articles disposed in the second package 91a.

The blank 10 comprises a pair of handle structures H1, H2. A first handle structure H1 is provided in the first package 91b, which comprises a pair of elongate tabs 60, 62, which are defined in part by a severance line 64. The severance line 64 extends transversely across the second side wall panel 18 and into each of the top wall panel 16 and the outer base wall panel 20. A first elongate tab 60 is defined in part by a first fold line 63, which is disposed in a spaced apart parallel relationship to the severance line 64. A second elongate tab 62 is defined in part by a second fold line 65 which is disposed in a spaced apart parallel relationship to the severance line 64. The first and second fold lines 63, 65 are disposed on opposing sides of the severance line 64. A first arcuate cutline 61 defines first ends of each of the first and second elongate tabs 60, 62. The first arcuate cutline 61 extends between a first end of the first fold line 63 and a first end of the second fold line 65, across the severance line 64. A second arcuate cutline 67 defines second ends of each of the first and second elongate tabs 60, 62. The second arcuate cutline 67 extends between a second end of the first fold line 63 and a second end of the second fold line 65, across the severance line 64.

The first handle structure H1 comprises a pair of fold lines or crease lines 69a, 69b at a first end of weakened line of severance 64. The first end of the severance line 64 is disposed in the top wall panel 16 and terminates in a “V” shaped cutline wherein each of the arms of the “V” shaped cutline form a vertex, the vertex being disposed at the first end of the severance line 64.

A first crease line 69a commences from a first end of the V″ shaped cutline towards the fold line 15 between the top wall panel 16 and the second side wall panel 18. A second crease line 69b commences from a second end of the V″ shaped cutline towards the fold line 15 between the top wall panel 16 and the second side wall panel 18. The first and second crease lines 69a, 69b together with the “V” shaped cutline form a “V” shape which converges at the first end of the severance line 64.

The first handle structure H1 comprises a second pair of fold lines or crease lines 68a, 68b at a second end of weakened line of severance 64. The second end of the severance line 64 is disposed in the outer base wall panel 20 and terminates in “V” shaped cutline wherein each of the arms of the “V” shaped cutline form a vertex, the vertex being disposed at the second end of the severance line 64.

A third crease line 68a commences from a first end of the “V” shaped cutline towards the fold line 17 between the outer base wall panel 20 and the second side wall panel 18. A crease line 68b commences from a second end of the V″ shaped cutline towards the fold line 17 between the outer base wall panel 20 and the second side wall panel 18. The third and fourth crease lines 68a, 68b together with the “V” shaped cutline form a “V” shape which converges at the second end of the severance line 64.

A second handle structure H2 is provided in the second package 91a is substantially the same in construction as the first handle structure H1.

The blank 10 comprises a pair of access devices D1, D2. A first access device D1 is provided in the portion of the blank 10 forming the first package 91b. A second access device D2 is provided in the portion of the blank 10 forming the second package 91a. The first access device D1 is substantially the same as the second device D2, and the access devices D1, D2 will be described by reference to the second access device D2.

The second access device D2 is provided for removal of a portion 56 of the second side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a. Removal of said portion 56 facilitates access to the contents of the second package 91a.

The second access device D2 comprises a plurality of weakened lines of severance 51, 53, 54 which define at least in part a removable portion 56 of the first side wall panel 28. The plurality of weakened lines of severance 51, 53, 54 includes: a first weakened line of severance 53 which extends from an end edge of the first side wall panel 28 along a portion of the fold line 25 between the top panel 26 and the first side wall panel 28; a second weakened line of severance 54 extends from an end of first weakened line of severance 53 across the first side wall 28 from the fold line 25 to the fold line 27 between the first side wall panel 28 and the inner base wall panel 30; and a third weakened line of severance 51 extends from an end of second weakened line of severance 54 along a portion of the fold line 27, between the first side wall panel 28 and the inner base wall panel 30, to the end edge of the first side wall panel 28.

The access device D2 comprises an optional tear initiation tab 50 defined in part by the second weakened line of severance 54 and in part by a fold line 52. The tear initiation tab 50 is hinged to the removable portion 56 of the first side wall panel 28 by the fold line 52. The tear initiation tab 50 is detachable from the second package 91a along with the removable portion 56.

Optionally, the fourth end closure panel 38a is tapered in shape. The fourth end closure panel 38a comprises first side edge and a second side edge which opposes the first side edge. The second side edge is arranged so as to converge towards the first side edge. In this way, the free end edge of the fourth end closure panel 38a is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the outer base wall panel 20 of the first package 91b. A corresponding second side edge of the second end closure panel 34a is arranged to be contiguous with the second side edge of the fourth end closure panel 38a in a set-up carton. The second end closure panel 34a is also tapered in shape, such that the free end edge of the second end closure panel 34a is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the top wall panel 16 of the first package 91b. In some embodiments the second side edges of the fourth and second end closure panels 38a, 34a are arcuate. In other embodiments it will be appreciated that the second side edge of the fourth and second end closure panels 38a, 34a may be linear. In some of those embodiments in which the second side edge of the fourth and second end closure panels 38a, 34a is linear the second side edge may be substantially parallel to the first side edge and/or substantially parallel to the fold line 13 or frangible line 19 respectively; in such embodiments, the second side edge is offset with respect to the fold line 13 or frangible line 19. The fourth and second end closure panels 38a, 34a may not be tapered in such embodiments.

Optionally, the fifth end closure panel 40b is tapered in shape. The fifth end closure panel 40b comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, which opposes the first side edge. The second side edge is arranged so as to converge towards the first side edge. In this way, the free end edge of the fifth end closure panel 40b is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the outer base wall panel 22 of the second package 91a. A corresponding second side edge of the seventh end closure panel 44b is arranged to be contiguous with the second side edge of the fifth end closure panel 40b in a set-up carton. The seventh end closure panel 44b is also tapered in shape, such that the free end edge of the seventh end closure panel 44b is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the top wall panel 26 of the second package 91a. In some embodiments the second side edges of the fifth and seventh end closure panels 40b, 44b are arcuate.

In other embodiments it will be appreciated that the second side edge of the fifth and seventh end closure panels 40b, 44b may be linear. In some of those embodiments in which the second side edge of the fifth and seventh end closure panels 40b, 44b is linear, the second side edge may be substantially parallel to the first side edge and/or substantially parallel to the fold line 23 or frangible line 19 respectively; in such embodiments the second side edge is offset with respect to the fold line 23 or frangible line 19. The fifth and seventh end closure panels 40b, 44b may not be tapered in such embodiments.

In some embodiments the articles being packaged have a substantially circular cross section, that is to say the articles are, at least in part, cylindrical, having a tubular axis which is orientated substantially parallel to the first and second side wall panels 14, 28, 18, 24. In these embodiments a void is provided in the corner of the package adjacent the end pull device. The void or gap is provided between the endmost article in the package and the end wall and/or between the endmost article in the package and the side wall. This void facilitates a user inserting a finger or thumb into the package.

The first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b comprises a free end edge, that is to say there is no end closure panel hinged to the end edge of the first side wall panel 14. The first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a comprises a free end edge, that is to say there is no end closure panel hinged to the end edge of the first side wall panel 28. In alternative embodiments the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b and the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a may comprise a minor end closure panel hinged to each end edge thereof. In embodiments comprising a minor end closure panel, the minor end closure panel may be arranged to facilitate access to the side edge of the adjacent major upper, or lower, end closure panel; for example, but not limited to, the minor end closure panel may comprise an aperture or recess; alternatively the minor end closure panel may not extend fully between the top wall and the base wall, that is to say the minor end closure panel may be shorter in height than the side wall to which it is hinged.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 it is envisaged that the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line packaging machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

In order to form the carton 90, in a first stage the blank 10 is folded to bring the inner base wall panel 12 of the first package 91b into face contacting relationship with the first side wall panel 14 folding the first base wall panel 12 about the fold line 11.

The inner base wall panel 30 of the second package 91a is folded about the fold line 27 to bring the inner base wall panel 30 of the second package 91a into face contacting relationship with the first side wall panel 28.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner base wall panel 12 of the first package 91b.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the inner base wall panel 30 of the second package 91a.

In alternative embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the corresponding portions of each of the outer base wall panels 20, 22 of the first and second packages 91a, 91b respectively.

The inner base wall panel 12, first side wall panel 14 and the top panel 16 of the first package 91b are folded about the fold line 15 such that the top panel 16 is in overlying relationship with the second side wall panel 18. This brings the inner base wall panel 12 into face contacting relationship with the outer base wall panel 20. Pressure may be applied to the first side panel 14 of the first package 91b to secure the inner base wall panel 12 to the outer base wall panel 20.

The inner base wall panel 30, first side wall panel 28 and the top panel 26 of the second package 91a are folded about the fold line 23 such that the top panel 26 is in overlying relationship with the second side wall panel 24. This brings the inner base wall panel 30 into face contacting relationship with the outer base wall panel 22. Pressure may be applied to the first side panel 28 of the second package 91a to secure the inner base wall panel 30 to the outer base wall panel 22.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b and/or to an outer surface of the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a adjacent to the top wall panel 16, 26.

The blank 10 may then be folded about the frangible line 19 to bring the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b into contacting relationship with the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a.

In an alternative embodiment, the second side panel 24 of the second package 91a may be folded with respect to the outer base wall panel 22 about the fold line 21. Simultaneously the first side wall panel 28 may be folded with respect to inner base wall panel 30 by unfolding the first side wall panel 28 about the fold line 27. The top wall panel 26 may be folded with respect to the first side wall panel 28 by folding about the fold line 25 to place the top wall panel 26 in face contacting relationship with the first side wall panel 28. Simultaneously, the top wall panel 26 is folded with respect to the second side wall panel 24, by unfolding the top wall panel 26 about the fold line 23. In this way the portion of the blank 10 forming the second package 91a is folded into a flat collapsed state which overlies the portion of the blank 10 forming the first package 91b which is also in folded, flat collapsed condition. This provides a carton 90, which is in a flat collapsed state in which it can be shipped and distributed to a converter plant. It will be appreciated that this alternative folding method could be readily modified to bring the portion of the blank 10 forming the first package 91b into a flat, folded, collapsed state which overlies the portion of the blank 10 forming the second package 91a which is also in a folded, flat, collapsed condition. These alternative methods avoid folding the blank 10 about the frangible line 19 and thus reduce the risk of the first and second packages 91a, 91b becoming separated during assembly and filling of the carton 90.

The flat collapsed carton 90 may be erected into a tubular structure by engaging with a pair of adjacent walls of the carton 90 (such as one of the side wall panels 18/24 and one of the top wall panels 16/26) and folding said adjacent walls with respect to one another such that they are disposed perpendicularly with respect to each other. Alternatively or simultaneously, the flat collapsed carton 90 may be engaged by suction cups at a pair of opposed walls of the carton 90 (such as the bottom wall 20 and 22 and one of the top wall panels 16/26) and moving those opposed walls away from one another such that they are disposed parallel with one another with a space therebetween.

The erected tubular structure is placed with the bottom wall 20 and 22 down onto a supporting surface such as a belt conveyer and then loaded with articles through one or both open ends of each package while the tubular structure is being moved. One or more of the end closure panels 32a, 34a, 36a, 38a, 32b, 34b, 36b, 38b, 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b may be folded outwardly to act as a funnel to facilitate insertion of the articles into the carton 90. The articles are slid over the inner surface of the bottom wall 12/20, 22/30 formed by the inner base wall panels 12, 30 and the outer base wall panels 20, 22.

Once the articles are loaded into the tubular structure, the ends of the tubular structure are closed. A first end of the first package 91b is closed by folding the third end closure panel 36a about fold line 35a. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the second end closure panel 34a. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the corresponding region of the first, second and fourth end closure panels 32a, 34a, 38a.

The fourth end closure panel 38a is folded about fold line 37a and is optionally secured to the third end closure panel 36a. The first end closure panel 32a, which is secured to the inner surface of the fourth end closure panel 38a, is folded about arcuate fold lines 31a, simultaneously with the fourth end closure panel 38a being folded about fold line 37a. Glue or adhesive treatment is applied to the glue application area G1a of the fourth end closure panel 38a. In an alternative embodiment glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area A1a of the second end closure panel 34a.

The second end closure panel 34a is then folded about the fold line 33a and brought into contact with the fourth end closure panel 38a such that the lower part of the second end closure panel 34a is in overlapping relationship with the upper part of the fourth end closure panel 38a and is secured and affixed thereto.

A second end of the first package 91b is closed by folding the seventh end closure panel 36b about fold line 35b. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the seventh end closure panel 36b. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner or outer surface of the corresponding regions of the fifth, sixth and eighth end closure panels 32b, 34b, 38b.

The eighth end closure panel 38b is folded about fold line 37b and is optionally secured to the seventh end closure panel 36b. The fifth end closure panel 32b, which is secured to the inner surface of the eighth end closure panel 38b, is folded about arcuate fold lines 31b, simultaneously with the eighth end closure panel 38b being folded about fold line 37b. Glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area G1b of the eighth end closure panel 38b. In an alternative embodiment glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area A1b of the sixth end closure panel 34b.

The sixth end closure panel 34b is then folded about the fold line 33b and brought into contact with the eighth end closure panel 38b such that the lower part of the sixth end closure panel 34b is in overlapping relationship with the upper part of the eighth end closure panel 38b and is secured and affixed thereto.

A first end of the second package 91a is closed by folding the second end closure panel 42a about fold line 41a. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the second end closure panel 42a. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner or outer surface of the corresponding regions of the first, third and fourth end closure panels 40a, 44a, 46a.

The first end closure panel 40a is then folded about the fold line 39a and is optionally secured to the outer surface of the second end closure panel 42a. The fourth end closure panel 46a, which is secured to the inner surface of the first end closure panel 40a, is folded about arcuate fold lines 47a, simultaneously with the first end closure panel 40a being folded about fold line 39a.

Glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area G2a of the first end closure panel 40a. In an alternative embodiment, glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area A2a of the third end closure panel 44a. The third end closure panel 44a is folded about fold line 43a and brought into contact with the first end closure panel 40a such that the lower part of the third end closure panel 44a is in overlapping relationship with the upper part of the first end closure panel 40a and is secured and affixed thereto.

A second end of the second package 91a is closed by folding the sixth end closure panel 42b about fold line 41b. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the sixth end closure panel 42b. In alternative embodiments the glue or adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner or outer surface of the corresponding regions of the fifth, seventh and eighth end closure panels 40b, 44b, 46b.

The fifth end closure panel 40b is then folded about the fold line 39b and is optionally secured to the outside surface of the sixth end closure panel 42b. The eighth end closure panel 46b, which is secured to the inner surface of the fifth end closure panel 40b, is folded about arcuate fold lines 47b, simultaneously with the fifth end closure panel 40b being folded about fold line 39b.

Glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area G2b of the fifth end closure panel 40b. In an alternative embodiment, glue or adhesive treatment is applied to glue application area A2b of the seventh end closure panel 44b. The seventh end closure panel 44b is folded about fold line 43b and brought into contact with the fifth end closure panel 40b such that the lower part of the seventh end closure panel 44b is in overlapping relationship with the upper part of the fifth end closure panel 40b and is secured and affixed thereto.

In some embodiments one end of the tubular structure may be closed before loading articles through a remaining open end of the tubular structure.

It has been found that the carton 90 can be erected and loaded in a packaging machine (not shown) wherein the carton 90 is orientated within the packaging machine such that the base wall 20/22 of the carton 90, formed by the second base wall panel 20 of the first package 91b and by the second base wall panel 22 of the second package 91a, is lowermost such that the articles may be inserted into the first and second packages 91a, 91b by sliding the articles over the base wall 20/22 of the carton 90. The carton 90 does not require glue or other adhesive between the outer surface of the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b and the outer surface of the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a to maintain the first and second packages 91a, 91b in close proximity and/or to avoid severance of the frangible line 19. It will be appreciated that this has several advantages, including: removing a gluing station form the packaging machine which converts the flat collapsed blank into the assembled carton; the appearance of the first and second packages 91a, 91b is improved when in a separated condition; the appearance of the carton 90 and of the first and second packages 91a, 91b when separated is improved since the frangible line 19 is concealed from view in normal use since the frangible line 19 is provided on the base wall 20/22, the torn edges created by severance of the frangible line 19 when separating the first and second packages 91a, 91b are concealed, or are at least less prominent than if located on the top wall of the first or second packages 91a, 91b; the cost of producing the cartons is reduced since the process is simplified and the gluing process has been removed.

In some embodiments glue may be applied between the outer surface of the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b and the outer surface of the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first and second packages 91a, 91b in a separated condition. A retailer has severed the frangible line 19 such that the first package 91b is separate to the second package 91a. In those embodiments in which the first side wall panel 14 of the first package 91b is glued to the first side wall panel 28 of the second package 91a, the retailer severs or breaks the glue connection. In some embodiments the first side wall panel 14, 28 of the first and/or second package 91a may comprise one or more glue locations which are surrounded by a half-cut perforation. In this way the retailer may readily, controllably and neatly tear an outer layer or skin of the substrate forming the first side wall panel 14, 28.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user U grasping an end of the first package 91b, the user U has pinched the end wall formed by the sixth end closure panel 34b and the eighth end closure panel 38b between their index finger and thumb. The user U has employed to the end wall to withdraw the first package 91b from a shelf or display apparatus (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described in any greater detail.

The blank 110 comprises a pair of end pull devices, see FIG. 8. The first package comprises a first end pull device comprising an aperture A1 and a recess R1. The aperture A1 is struck in part from the second side wall panel 118 of the first package and in part from the seventh end closure panel 136b. The aperture A1 interrupts the fold line 135b between the second side wall panel 118 and seventh end closure panel 136b. The recess R1 is struck from a first side edge of the sixth end closure panel 134b. The aperture A1 and the recess R1 are arranged such that when the blank 110 is assembled into a carton 190, the recess R1 is in registry with a portion of the aperture A1. Aperture A1 may be considered as a recess struck from an end edge of the second side wall panel 118 and a recess struck from a side edge of the seventh end closure panel 136b, the recesses together forming an aperture which interrupts the fold line 135b.

Optionally, the sixth end closure panel 134b is tapered in shape. The sixth end closure panel 134b comprises a second side edge which opposes the first side edge from which the recess R1 is struck. The second side edge is arranged so as to converge towards the first side edge. In this way, the free end edge of the sixth end closure panel 134b is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the top wall panel 116 of the first package. A corresponding second side edge of the eighth end closure panel 138b is arranged to be contiguous with the second side edge of the sixth end closure panel 134b in a set-up carton 190. The eighth end closure panel 138b is also tapered in shape, such that the free end edge of the eighth end closure panel 138b is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the outer base wall panel 120 of the first package. In some embodiments the second side edges of the sixth and eighth end closure panels 134b, 138b are arcuate. In other embodiments it will be appreciated that the second side edge of the sixth and eighth end closure panels 134b, 138b a may be linear. In some of those embodiments in which the second side edge of the sixth and eighth end closure panels 134b, 138b is linear the second side edge may be substantially parallel to the first side edge and/or substantially parallel to the fold line 113 or frangible line 119 respectively; in such embodiments, the second side edge is offset with respect to the fold line 113 or frangible line 119. The sixth and eighth end closure panels 134b, 138b may not be tapered in such embodiments.

The second package comprises a second end pull device comprising an aperture A2 and a recess R2. The aperture A2 is struck in part from the second side wall panel 124 of the second package and in part from the second end closure panel 142a. The aperture A2 interrupts the fold line 141a between the second side wall panel 124 and the second end closure panel 142a. The recess R2 is struck from a first side edge of the third end closure panel 144a. The aperture A2 and the recess R2 are arranged such that when the blank 110 is assembled into the carton 190, the recess R2 is in registry with a portion of the aperture A2.

Optionally, the third end closure panel 144a is tapered in shape. The third end closure panel 144a comprises a second side edge, which opposes the first side edge from which the recess R2 is struck. The second side edge is arranged so as to converge towards the first side edge. In this way, the free end edge of the third end closure panel 144a is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the top wall panel 126 of the second package. A corresponding second side edge of the first end closure panel 140a is arranged to be contiguous with the second side edge of the third end closure panel 144a in a set-up carton 190. The first end closure panel 140a is also tapered in shape, such that the free end edge of the first end closure panel 140a is shorter in length dimension than the hinged end edge which is hinged to the outer base wall panel 122 of the second package. In some embodiments the second side edges of the third and first end closure panels 144a, 140a are arcuate.

In other embodiments it will be appreciated that the second side edge of the third and first end closure panels 144a, 140a may be linear. In some of those embodiments in which the second side edge of the third and first end closure panels 144a, 140a is linear the second side edge may be substantially parallel to the first side edge and/or substantially parallel to the fold line 125 or frangible line 119 respectively; in such embodiments, the second side edge is offset with respect to the fold line 125 or frangible line 119. The third and first end closure panels 144a, 140a may not be tapered in such embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first and second packages in a connected condition. It is envisaged that a retailer may sever the frangible line 119 such that the first package is separated from the second package. In those embodiments in which the first side wall panel 114 of the first package is glued to the first side wall panel 128 of the second package, the retailer severs or breaks the glue connection. In some embodiments the first side wall panel 114, 128 of the first and/or second package may comprise one or more glue locations which are surrounded by a half-cut perforation. In this way the retailer may readily, controllably and neatly tear an outer layer or skin of the substrate forming the first side wall panel 114, 128.

Once the retailer has separated the first package from the second package, the retailer rotates the first package with respect to the second package such that the end pull device of each of the first and second packages face the same direction. In this way, when the first and second packages are disposed upon a shelf (not shown), or other display apparatus, both the end pull devices face the consumer. Thus, when the consumer wishes to withdraw one package from the shelf, they may employ the end pull device of either one of the packages located on the shelf.

Optionally, the blank 110 may comprise a third recess (not shown) struck from the first side wall panel 114 of the first package and a fourth recess (not shown) struck from the first side wall panel 128 of the second package.

The third recess is located on an end edge of the first side wall panel 114 of the first package. The third recess is disposed adjacent to the fold line 113 such that in a set-up carton the third recess is at substantially the same elevation and at the same end of the first package as the recess R1 and the aperture A1.

The fourth recess is located on an end edge of the first side wall panel 128 of the second package. The fourth recess is disposed adjacent to the fold line 125 such that in a set-up carton the fourth recess is at substantially the same elevation and at the same end of the second package as the recess R2 and the aperture A2.

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 appreciated that the end pull device of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in a carton which is not divisible.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “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. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “weakened line of severance” or “frangible line” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Weakened lines of severance may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

It should be understood that hinged connections, severance lines and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, 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.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as a recess formed in a first of two overlapping panels and an aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when a recess in a first panel is “in registry with” an aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the recess may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the aperture.

Claims

1. A carton for packaging articles, the carton comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a first package, and a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, each end of the second tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a second package, wherein the first package and the second package are connected together by a unitary bottom wall of the carton formed from the base walls of the first and second packages, the unitary bottom wall of the carton comprising a frangible line along which the base walls of the first and second packages are detachably connected.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carton comprises at least one an end pull device for withdrawing the first package and/or the second package from a display apparatus wherein the end pull device comprises a first recess defined at an end of the first side wall panel of at least one of the first and second tubular structures so as to facilitate access to an edge of the one or more end closure panels at an adjacent end of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures.

3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the one or more end closure panels at the adjacent end of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures comprises a first end closure panel, and wherein the first end closure panel comprises a second recess defined along a side edge thereof.

4. A carton according to claim 3 wherein the one or more end closure panels at the adjacent end of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures further comprises a second end closure panel hinged to the end of the first side wall panel of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures, and wherein a third recess is defined in the second end closure panel, the first recess and the third recess together forming an aperture which interrupts the hinged connection between the second end closure panel and the first side wall panel of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures.

5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the second recess is arranged to be in registry with at least a portion of the aperture when the first end closure panel is in overlapping relationship with the second end closure panel.

6. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the end pull device comprises a fourth recess defined at an end of the second side wall panel of the at least one of the first and second tubular structures.

7. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the second side wall panel comprises a free end edge which is connected to no other part of the carton.

8. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the at least one end pull device comprises two end pull devices for withdrawing each of the first and second packages from a display apparatus.

9. A carton according to claim 8 wherein a first one of the two end pull device is disposed at a first end of the carton and a second one of the two end pull device is disposed at second end of the carton, the second end opposing the first end.

10. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the second side wall panel of the first package and the second side wall panel of the second package are disposed in face contacting relationship with each other to form an internal divider structure between two adjacent rows of articles to be received in the carton.

11. A carton according to claim 10 wherein the second side wall panel of the first package and the second side wall panel of the second package are secured to each other by glue or other adhesive treatment.

12. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall, for forming a first tubular structure, one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the first tubular structure, a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall, for forming a second tubular structure, and one or more end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the second tubular structure, wherein the base walls of the first and second plurality of walls are frangibly connected together by a frangible line such that the base walls of the first and second plurality of walls form a unitary panel by which the first and second tubular structures are connected together when the blank is erected into a carton.

13. A blank according to claim 12 wherein the one or more end closure panels for closing each end of the first and second tubular structures includes an upper end closure panel and a lower end closure panel, the upper end closure panel is hingedly connected to a respective one of the top walls, the lower end closure panel is hingedly connected to a respective one of the base walls, an outside surface of the lower end closure panel for each end has a glue application area for being secured to an inside surface of a respective one of the upper end closure panels.

14. A blank according to claim 12 wherein the one or more end closure panels for closing each end of the first and second tubular structures includes an upper end closure panel and a lower end closure panel, the upper end closure panel is hingedly connected to a respective one of the top walls, the lower end closure panel is hingedly connected to a respective one of the base walls, an inside surface of the upper end closure panel for each end has a glue application area for being secured to an outside surface of a respective one of the lower end closure panels.

15. A method of packaging articles in the carton of claim 1 comprising:

providing the carton in a flat collapsed condition to a packaging machine;

erecting the carton into an open ended double tube structure including the first and second tubular structures;

placing the carton with the bottom wall down onto a supporting surface of the packaging machine;

loading articles into the carton through at least one open end of each of the first and second tubular structures; and

closing, at least partially, each end of the first and second tubular structures to retain the articles therein.

16. A method of forming a loaded carton using a divisible carton, the divisible carton comprising:

a first plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a first tubular structure, each end of the first tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a first package, and a second plurality of walls including a top wall, base wall, first side wall and second side wall forming a second tubular structure, each end of the second tubular structure being at least partially closed by one or more end closure panels to form a second package, wherein the first package and the second package are connected together by a unitary bottom wall of the carton formed from the base walls of the first and second packages, the unitary bottom wall of the carton comprising a frangible line along which the base walls of the first and second packages are detachably connected, the method comprising:

forming the carton in a flat collapsed condition;

feeding the flat carton to a packaging machine;

erecting the carton into an open ended double tube structure including the first and second tubular structures;

placing the carton with the unitary bottom wall down onto a supporting surface of the packaging machine;

loading articles into the carton through at least one open end of each of the first and second tubular structures; and

closing, at least partially, each end of the first and second tubular structures to retain the articles therein, whereby a divisible, loaded carton is formed with the first and second packages detachably connected together along the frangible line.