CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of flanged articles (B), a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The carrier comprises a top panel (18), a bottom panel (12/14) and first (16) and second (20) side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to a first side panel along a first fold line (15) and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature (H2) is disposed in at least at the second side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion (14) hingedly connected to a distal panel portion (12) along a second fold line (13). The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced from the first fold line. The bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab (40) for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier having a retention feature for stabilising or securing an article within the carrier.

BACKGROUND

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 an object of the present invention to provide to a carrier having a retention feature for stabilising or securing an article within the carrier. It is desirable to minimise or reduce the material required to produce the carrier for economic and environmental benefit.

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

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature is disposed in at least at the second side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

Optionally, the common notional line may pass through a longitudinal mid-point of the hinged connection between the retention assisting tab and the distal panel portion.

Optionally, the common notional line may pass through a centre of the article being engaged by the retention assisting tab.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels. The bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extends toward the second side panel. A retention feature is disposed in at least at the second side panel for engaging an article. The bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line. The second fold line extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the first fold line. The bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal panel portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure which may include a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall. A first retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a first row of articles and comprises a first retention tab. A second retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a second row of articles. The second row of articles is disposed adjacent to the first row of articles. The second retention feature has a second retention tab. The second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab. The first base panel comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature. The third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a top engaging device for flanged articles.

Optionally, the articles are disconnected.

Optionally, the articles are connected to each other via their respective flanges.

Optionally, the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

Optionally, the first retention tab engages with a first article in a radially outward direction with respect to the first article.

Optionally, the retention assisting tab engages with a second article, adjacent the first article, in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article.

Optionally, the second retention tab engages with the second article in a radially outward direction a with respect to the second article.

Optionally, the articles comprise an internal surface and wherein the first, second and third retention features engage said internal surface.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure which may include a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall. The carrier comprises a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall. A first retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a first row of articles and comprises a first retention tab. A second retention feature is provided for engaging an article in a second row of articles. The second row of articles is disposed adjacent to the first row of articles. The second retention feature has a second retention tab. The second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab. The first base panel comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature. The third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article. The retention assisting tab is formed from at least the proximal portion and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion. The retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged 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

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;

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

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A and 5B are perspective views from below of stages of construction of the carton of FIG. 2 from the blank of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, flanged containers, cups or yoghurt pots, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 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 90 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, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 10 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 90 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 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 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=2) and two columns (n=2); in the illustrated embodiment two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are individual 112 g cups with a cover or film lid a metallic or plastic material such as, but not limited to, Aluminium or PET (polyester—polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blank 10 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. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIG. 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 comprises a first base panel (or outer layer) 12/14 having a distal portion 12 and proximal portion 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, and a second base panel or securing flap (or inner layer) 22. The plurality of panels 12/14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first and second base panels 12/14, 22 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/14/22 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first base panel 12/14 to the second base panel 22. The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 may comprise at least one first part M of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 22 may comprise at least one second part F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 comprises a male tab M extending from a free end edge opposing fold line 13 hingedly connecting the distal portion 12 to the proximal portion 14. The male tab M is hingedly connected to the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 11.

The second part F of the complementary locking mechanism forms a receiver for receiving the male tab M.

The second base panel 22 comprises a female tab defining an opening or slot in the second base panel 22 forming at least in part the receiver. The opening in the second base panel 22 is configured to receive the male tabs M. The female tab is arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 22 to form an opening and to bear against the male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels 12, 20 may be secured to each other by other means, such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

In the illustrated embodiment the second part F comprises a plurality of cut lines 60, 62, 64, 66, 68. A first cut line 60 is disposed collinearly with the fold line 21 hingedly connecting the second base panel 22 to the second side panel 20. The first cut line 60 interrupts the fold line 21. A first pair of fold lines 62, 64 extend from opposed ends of the first cut line 60 into the second side panel 20. The first pair of fold lines 62, 64 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The first pair of fold lines 62, 64 define a first displaceable portion provided in the second side panel 20. A second pair of fold lines 66, 68 extend from opposed ends of the first cut line 60 into the second base panel 22. The second pair of fold lines 66, 68 may be arranged in parallel with respect to each other. The second pair of fold lines 66, 68 define a second displaceable portion provided in the second base panel 22.

The blank 10 is adapted to accommodate four articles B arranged in a 2×2 matrix or array. The blank 10 comprises four top engaging structures T. Each of the top engaging structures T is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to a top engaging structure T provided in the second side panel 20.

Each of the top engaging structures T comprises an opening A1 (see FIG. 2) defined by a cut line or severable line 30. The cut line 30 is struck from at least the second side panel 20. Optionally, the cut line 30 is curved or arcuate in shape. The cut line 30 interrupts the fold line 19 between the top panel 18 and the second side panel 20. When the second side panel 20 is folded with respect to the top panel 18, about fold line 19, the cut line 30 opens up to form the opening A1 which can receive a portion of an article B. In the illustrated embodiment the opening Al1receives a flange F of an article B, best illustrated in FIG. 2.

The cut lines 30 each define a protrusion P (see FIG. 2) extending from the side edges of the top panel 18 and integrally formed therewith. The protrusions P are struck from material which would otherwise form the second side panel 20. In this way protrusions P may be considered to be struck from one of the first and second side panels 16, 20. The protrusions P each form a protective top cover fora portion of an article B which is received in the opening A1 formed by folding the side panels 16, 20, see FIG. 2.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure H1/H2 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises four heel engagement structures H1/H2 each is provided for engaging a respective article B. The blank 10 comprises a pair of first heel engagement structures H1 and a pair of second heel engagement structures H2. Each of the first heel engagement structures H1 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to one of the first heel engagement structures H1 provided in the first side panel 16. Each of the second heel engagement structures H2 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to one of the second heel engagement structures H2 provided in the second side panel 20.

The first heel engagement structure H1 comprises a retention tab 44. The retention tab 44 is defined at least in part by a first cut line or severable line 47. The first cut line 47 interrupts the fold line 15 hingedly connecting the first side panel 16 to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The first cut line 47 may be non-linear, formed from at least two linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 47 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the first cut line 47 is substantially ‘U’ shaped. A second cutline or severance line 49 may extend from the first cut line 47; the second cutline or severance line 49 may extend from the middle or centre of the first cut line 47. The second cutline or severance line 49 may be arranged to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 15.

The first retention tab 44 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged cut lines 45a, 45b which define fold lines so that corner portions of the first retention tab 44 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 45a, 45b are arranged to converge toward the first cut line 47. It will be appreciated that cut lines 45a, 45b may be replaced with fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the first retention tab 44.

The first retention tab 44 is hingedly connected to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43. The fold line 43 may be nonlinear or curvilinear in shape.

The second heel engagement structure H2 comprises a second retention tab 50. The second retention tab 50 is defined at least in part by a first cut line or severable line 53. The first cut line 53 interrupts the fold line 21 hingedly connecting the second side panel 20 to the second base panel 22. The first cut line 53 may be non-linear, formed from at least two linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 53 may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the first cut line 53 is substantially ‘U’ shaped. A second cutline or severance line 57 may extend from the first cut line 53; the second cutline or severance line 57 may extend from the middle or centre of the first cut line 53. The second cutline or severance line 57 may be arranged to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 21.

The second retention tab 50 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged cut lines 53, 55 which define fold lines so that corner portions of the second retention tab 50 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 53, 55 are arranged to converge toward the first cut line 53. It will be appreciated that cut lines 53, 55 may be replaced with fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the second retention tab 50.

The second retention tab 50 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The fold line 51 may be nonlinear or curvilinear in shape.

The second retention tabs 50 may be smaller in dimension than the first retention tabs 44. The pair of second retention tabs 50 are spaced apart from each other.

The receiver of the complementary locking mechanism may be provided between an adjacently disposed pair of second retention tabs 50.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one further or third heel engagement structure H3 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two further heel engagement structures H3 each is provided for engaging a respective article B. Each of the further heel engagement structures H3 is substantially similar in construction and will be described in further detail by reference to one of the further heel engagement structures H3 provided in the first base panel 12/14.

The third heel engagement structure H3 comprises a retention assisting tab 40. The retention assisting tab 40 is defined at least in part by a first cut line or severable line 42a. The first cut line 42a interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 to the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The first cut line 42a may be non-linear, formed from at least two linear cut lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other, alternatively the first cut line 42a may be curved or arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the first cut line 42a is substantially ‘U’ shaped.

The retention assisting tab 40 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged cut lines 41a, 41b which define fold lines so that corner portions of the retention assisting tab 40 may be folded thereabout. The cut lines 41a, 41b are arranged to converge toward the first cut line 42a. It will be appreciated that cut lines 41a, 41b may be replaced with fold or score lines to provide a hinged connection between each corner portion and the retention assisting tab 40.

The retention assisting tab 40 is hingedly connected to the distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 42b. The fold line 42b may be nonlinear or curvilinear in shape.

Optionally, the blank 10 may comprise an access device in the form of a tear strip. The tear strip is defined at least in part by a pair of severance lines T1, T2 defined in the first side panel 16. The tear strip may comprise a tear initiation tab I defined by a cutline interrupting the fold line 17 hingedly connecting the first side panel to the top panel 18.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line 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.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 four articles B are arranged in a 2×2 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90. In FIG. 3A the group of articles B and top panel 18 are illustrated from below, so as to give the impression that inverted articles B have been placed upon the inner surface of the top panel 18.

The first and second side walls 16, 20 are folded, with respect to the top panel 18 about fold lines 17, 19 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, as shown in FIG. 3B. A flange or skirt S of each article B is received in a respective one of the openings A1 of the top engaging structures T created when first and second side walls 16, 20 are folded, best shown in FIG. 2.

The second base panel 22 is folded about the fold line 21 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of the second retention tabs 50 engages with an adjacently disposed article B. The articles B may comprise a recessed base or a lip or chime C, as shown in FIG. 2, with which the second retention tabs 50 engages.

The first base panel 12/14 is folded about the fold line 15 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Each of the first retention tabs 44 engages with an adjacently disposed article B. The articles B comprise a recessed base, a lip, rim or chime C with which the first retention tabs 44 engages. In this way the articles B comprise an engageable internal edge or surface.

The distal portion 12 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded with respect to the proximal portion 14, about the fold line 15, such that the retention assisting tabs 40 are displaced out of the plane of the proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14. The proximal portion 14 of the first base panel 12/14 is folded to be disposed adjacent the base of the pair of articles B adjacent to the first side panel 16. In doing so each of the retention assisting tabs 40 is brought into engagement with a respective one of the pair of articles B adjacent to the second side panel 20. Each retention assisting tab 40 is laterally aligned with the article B with which it is engaged.

The retention assisting tabs 40 engage with articles B disposed in a row of articles B adjacent to the row of articles B which are engaged by the first retention tabs 44.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may engage with articles B disposed in a different row of articles B to the row of articles B which are engaged by the first retention tabs 44.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may engage with articles B disposed in the same row of articles which are engaged by the second retention tabs 50.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIGS. 2. The flange F of each article B has been at least partially received in the opening A1 of the top engaging structure T. In the illustrated embodiment the articles B are disconnected or individual cups which are disposed in close proximity to their adjacent neighbours. The articles B are tapered in shape, they can be considered to be substantially frusto-conical in shape, albeit inverted such that the end having the smaller diameter is in contact with the composite base panel 12/14/22 and the end having the larger diameter is in contact with the top panel 18.

A void or gap exists between lower portions of two adjacent articles B.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may encourage the articles B adjacent to the second side panel 20 towards the articles B adjacent to the first side panel 16 and hence towards the first side panels 16.

The second retention tabs 50 may encourage, push or force, the articles B adjacent to the second side panel 20 in an opposing direction, towards the second side panel 20. The second retention tabs 50 may encourage the articles B adjacent to the second side panel 20 into engagement with the opening A1 of the top engaging structures T provided in second side panel 20.

The first retention tabs 44 may encourage, push or force, the articles B adjacent to the first side panel 16 in towards the first side panel 16. The first retention tabs 44 may encourage the articles B adjacent to the first side panel 16 into engagement with the openings Al of the top engaging structures T provided in first side panel 16.

Each of the retention assisting tabs 40 may have the effect of encouraging an article B in a first row, adjacent to the second side panel 20, and an article B in an adjacent row towards each other. In the illustrated embodiment the adjacent row is disposed adjacent to the first side panel 16.

The retention assisting tabs 40 have the effect of encouraging the articles in a transverse direction, which is to say in a direction perpendicular to a tubular axis of the carton 90.

In this way the retention assisting tabs 40 may be advantageous in maintaining secure engagement of the articles with their respective top engaging structure T. This may ensure the articles B are securely held within the carton 90 during transportation.

The retention assisting tabs 40 may have the effect of preventing or inhibiting tilting or rotation of the articles B, which is to say in a direction perpendicular to a tubular axis of the carton 90.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90 for packaging articles B. The carton 90 may comprise a top engaging device T for flanged articles B, such as flanged cups. The cups may be disconnected or may connected to each other via their respective flanges. The carton 90 comprises a composite wall 12/14/22 formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer 22 and an outer layer 12/14. The carton 90 comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure which may include a top wall 18, a first side wall 16, a base wall 12/14/22, and a second side wall 20, optionally hingedly connected to each other in a linear series.

The carton 90 comprises a first retention feature H1 for engaging an article Bin a first row of articles B and a second retention feature H2 for engaging an article B in a second row of articles B, the second row of articles B being disposed adjacent to the first row of articles B.

The first retention feature H1 comprising a first retention tab 44. The second retention feature

H2 comprising a second retention tab 50. The first retention tab 44 is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab 50.

The base panel 12/14 comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal by a first hinged connection 13, and a third retention feature H3. The third retention feature H3 comprises a retention assisting tab 40 for engaging an article B. The retention assisting tab 40 is formed from at least the proximal panel portion 14 and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion 12.

The retention assisting tab 40 is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab 50.

The retention assisting tab 40 is disposed in alignment with the retention feature H2 such that the retention assisting tab 40 and the retention feature H2 are disposed on a common notional line L perpendicular to the first fold line, shown in FIG. 5B. The common notional line L extends through the centre of an articles B in each of the rows of articles B said articles being adjacent each other in a transverse direction with respect to the tubular structure of the carton 90.

The first retention tab 44 engages with a first article B in a radially outward direction with respect to the first article B.

The retention assisting tab 40 engages with a second article B, adjacent the first article B, in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article B.

The second retention tab 50 engages with the second article B in a radially outward direction a with respect to the second article B.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 for packaging articles comprising a top panel 18, a bottom panel 12/14 and first and second side panels 16,20. The bottom panel 12/14 is hingedly connected to a first side panel 16 along a first fold line 15 and extends toward the second side panel 20. A retention feature H2 is disposed in at least at the second side panel for engaging an article. T bottom panel 12/14 comprises a proximal panel portion 14 hingedly connected to a distal panel portion 12 along a second fold line 13 extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line 15. The bottom panel 12/14 comprises a retention assisting tab 44 for engaging an article B. The retention assisting tab 44 is formed from at least the proximal panel portion 14 and is hingedly connected to the distal panel portion 12. The retention assisting tab 44 is disposed in alignment with the retention feature H2 such that the retention assisting tab 44 and the retention feature H2 are disposed on a common notional line L perpendicular to the first fold line.

The common notional line L may pass through a longitudinal mid-point of the hinged connection between the retention assisting tab and the distal panel portion 12.

The common notional line L may pass through a centre of the article B being engaged by the retention assisting tab 44.

An advantage of the present disclosure is that the requirement for a centre keel or spacer structure to be provided in the void between articles B in adjacent rows is avoided or negated, this reduces the material required to produce the carton 90 and blank 10.

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.

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

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging articles comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extending toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is disposed in at least the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal panel portion and hingedly connected to the distal panel portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the common notional line passes through a longitudinal mid-point of the hinged connection between the retention assisting tab and the distal panel portion.

3. An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the common notional line passes through a center of the article being engaged by the retention assisting tab.

4. A blank for forming a carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and first and second side panels wherein the bottom panel is hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first fold line and extending toward the second side panel, wherein a retention feature is disposed in at least the second side panel for engaging an article, wherein the bottom panel comprises a proximal panel portion hingedly connected to a distal panel portion along a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced from the first fold line, wherein the bottom panel comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal panel portion and hingedly connected to the distal panel portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

5. An article carrier for packaging articles in a first row of one or more articles and a second row of one or more articles disposed adjacent to the first row, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the carrier comprising:

a composite base wall formed from two at least partially overlapping layers of sheet material and including an inner layer provided by the second base wall and an outer layer provided by the first base wall;

a first retention feature for engaging an article in the first row and comprising a first retention tab;

a second retention feature for engaging an article in the second row and comprising a second retention tab, wherein the second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab;

wherein the first base panel comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature;

wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal portion and hingedly connected to the distal portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab.

6. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the carrier comprises a top engaging device for flanged articles.

7. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the articles are disconnected.

8. An article carrier according to claim 6, wherein the articles are connected to each other via their respective flanges.

9. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the retention assisting tab is disposed in alignment with the retention feature such that the retention assisting tab and the retention feature are disposed on a common notional line perpendicular to the first fold line.

10. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the first retention tab engages with a first article in a radially outward direction with respect to the first article.

11. An article carrier according to claim 10, wherein the retention assisting tab engages with a second article, adjacent the first article, in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article.

12. An article carrier according to claim 11, wherein the second retention tab engages with the second article in a radially outward direction with respect to the second article.

13. An article carrier according to claim 5, wherein the articles comprise an internal surface and wherein the first, second and third retention features engage said internal surface.

14. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a first base wall, a second side wall and a second base wall, the second base wall arranged to provide an inner layer of a composite base wall and the first base wall arranged to provide an outer layer of the composite base wall and configured to be in at least partially overlapping arrangement with the second base wall; the blank further comprising:

a first retention feature for engaging an article in a first row of one or more articles and comprising a first retention tab;

a second retention feature for engaging an article in a second row of one or more articles, the second row being disposed adjacent to the first row, the second retention feature comprising a second retention tab, wherein the second retention tab is hinged in opposition to the first retention tab;

wherein the first base panel comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion hingedly connected to the proximal portion by a first hinged connection; and a third retention feature;

wherein the third retention feature comprises a retention assisting tab for engaging an article, the retention assisting tab being formed from at least the proximal portion and hingedly connected to the distal portion, and wherein the retention assisting tab is hinged in opposition to the second retention tab.