Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90; 190) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110) for forming the article carriers (90; 190). The blank (10; 110) comprises at least one panel (12; 112) having at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2) comprises an article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2) and an annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114 A) formed around the article receiving aperture (AP1, AP2). The annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114A) is defined at least in part by plurality of radial cut lines (15, 31; 115, 131). The annular series of tabs (14, 30; 114, 114A) is defined at least in part by plurality of circumferential cut lines (9, 11; 109, 111). At least a first one (31, 131) of the radial cut lines extends to a corresponding circumferential cut line (9, 109) and at least a second one (15; 115) of the radial cut lines stops short of a respective circumferential cut line (9, 109).

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier 90; 290 comprises a pair of spaced panels including a cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 and an engaging panel 12; 112; 212. A male locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 formed from the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 connects the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 with the engaging panel 12; 112; 212. The locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 is hingedly connected to the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 along a fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581. The fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581 lies upon a notional line n-n which extends obliquely with respect to at least one of an end edge M1, M2 and a side edge 19; 119 of the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254.

Abstract: An article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier are disclosed. The carrier (90) comprises an engaging panel (12) having at least one article-engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The carrier (90) comprises a bundling structure having first and second segments. The first segment includes a first panel (14) hinged to the engaging panel (12) and abridging portion (22A, 26A) hinged to the first panel (14). The second segment includes a second panel (18A) hinged to the engaging panel (12), a third panel (18B) hinged to the second panel (18A) in overlapping position therewith and a bridge-engaging feature engaging the bridging portion (22A, 26A). The bridge-engaging feature is provided at least by the second and third panels (18A, 18B) such that art of the bridging portion (22A, 26A) is disposed between the second and third panels (18A, 18B).

Abstract: A packaging carton for packaging one or more articles and to blanks (100, 200, 1000) for forming the packaging carton. The carton and blanks comprise a plurality of panels for forming the carton including a top panel (108), a bottom panel (112), a first side panel (110), and a pair of partial side panels (106, 114). Each of the bottom panel, the first side panel, and the first partial side panel has a first and a second end flap hingedly connected thereto in opposition from each other, and the partial side panels adhere together to form a complete second side panel to enclose an interior volume for containing articles. The end flaps of the blank (100, 200, 1000) define an edge shape which is configured to be nested with the edge of an identical blank.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a main conveyor configured to convey cartons and containers in a conveyance direction from a first end of the main conveyor where partially erected cartons and containers enter the conveyor to a second end where containers inside the cartons exit the conveyor. A plunger is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to plunge in a plunge direction lateral to the conveyance direction to position a group of containers within a carton. A carton maintaining tool is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to engage the carton to maintain position of the carton along the plunge direction in opposition to the plunger as the plunger positions the group of containers within the carton.