CN114258378B

CN114258378B - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: CN114258378B
Application number: CN201980099778.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朱琳
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-25
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2024-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-23
Also published as: JP2022539520A; TW202110721A; AU2019453912A1; WO2020258545A1; CN114258378A

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an article retention device, a carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and a blank for forming the carrier. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device. The article retention device includes an anchor tab for engagement with an article. The article holding device comprises at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protective flap partially define an opening in at least one wall of the carrier. A portion of the article may protrude through the opening. The anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to its free end edge. The at least one protective flap is spaced from at least a middle portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab when the carrier is in the form of a blank.

Description

Carton and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming a carton. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wrapped carrier having an article engagement structure for securing an end of an article.

Background

In the packaging field, it is known to provide cartons for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling a consumer to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and with as little loss of material from which they are formed as possible. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for containing and transporting heavy weight articles. The contents of the carton are desirably safe within the carton.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article engagement structure for securing an end of an article such that the article is less prone to damage or failure when in use.

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

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device. The article retention device may include an anchor tab for engagement with the article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protective flap partially define an opening in at least one wall of the carrier. A portion of the article may protrude through the opening. The anchor tab may be hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to its free end edge. The at least one protective flap may be spaced apart from at least a middle portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab when the carrier is in the form of a blank.

Optionally, the at least one protective flap is hingedly connected to at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.

Optionally, the polyline is non-linear.

Optionally, the fold line is interrupted by a first cut line.

Optionally, the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.

Optionally, the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection is terminated by a first cut line.

Optionally, the article holding device comprises a second cut line spaced from the first cut line.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a second fold line extending between the terminal ends of the first cut line and the second cut line.

A second aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article holding means. The article retention device may include an anchor tab for engagement with the article. The article retention device may comprise at least one protection flap for protecting the article. The anchor tab and the at least one protective flap partially define an opening in the blank for receiving a portion of an article. The anchor tab may be hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The anchor tab extends from the fold line to its free end edge. The at least one protective flap may be spaced apart from at least a middle portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab.

A third aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article. The article retention device may include at least one protective flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protective flap may protect a portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and is extendable into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line may be interrupted by the article receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protective flap. A tear blocking region may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap. The second fold line may extend from the at least one protective flap into the tear barrier region. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

Optionally, the polyline is non-linear.

Optionally, the fold line is interrupted by a first cut line.

Optionally, the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, the hinged connection being terminated by a first cut line.

Optionally, a second fold line extends between the terminal end portions of the first cut line and the second cut line.

Optionally, the lower portion comprises a slit arranged divergently with respect to the hinged connection.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a folding structure arranged between the article holding means and the free edge of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the folded structure comprises at least one protruding tab (relief tab) extending from the second cut line.

A fourth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article. The article retention device may include at least one protective flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protective flap may protect a portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and is extendable into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article receiving opening. The first fold line includes a terminal portion spaced apart from the at least one protective flap to provide a tear blocking region between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap. The second fold line may extend from the at least one protective flap into the tear barrier region. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A fifth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article holding device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article. The article retention device may include at least one protective flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protective flap may protect a portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and is extendable into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protective flap. A tear blocking region may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap. The second fold line may extend from the at least one protective flap into the tear barrier region. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A sixth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article holding device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article. The article retention device may include at least one protective flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening. The at least one protective flap may protect a portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and is extendable into the side panel. The heel panel may be hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article receiving opening. The first fold line includes a terminal portion spaced apart from the at least one protective flap. A tear blocking region may be provided between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap. The second fold line may extend from the at least one protective flap into the tear barrier region. The second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

A seventh aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including side panels and a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protective flap can include a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line. The side flaps are foldable outwardly from the carrier about the non-linear fold line when the article is received in the article receiving opening.

Optionally, the non-linear polyline is curved.

Optionally, the carrier comprises an inclined heel wall provided by a corner panel hingedly connected between the side panel and the bottom panel, and wherein the article receiving opening is defined in the corner panel and extends into the side panel.

Optionally, the side flap is hingedly connected to the corner panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a pair of side flaps, each side flap being hingedly connected to the side panel along a respective non-linear fold line in an opposed manner to each other.

Optionally, the pair of side flaps are separated from each other by a dividing line.

Optionally, a first non-linear fold line that articulates a first one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel is separated from a second non-linear fold line that articulates a second one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel by a cut line.

An eighth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and extends into the side panel. The heel panel is hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article receiving opening. The carrier includes an article retention device including an article receiving opening. The article retention device includes a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line. The side flaps are foldable outwardly from the carrier about the non-linear fold line when the article is received in the article receiving opening.

Optionally, the side flap is hingedly connected to the heel panel and the side panel by the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the non-linear fold line provides a biasing means to cause the side flaps to resist outward folding while providing a flexible, cushioned article bottom retention feature.

A ninth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a carrier for packaging one or more items. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including side panels and a bottom panel. The plurality of panels form a wall of the tubular structure. The carrier includes an article retention device having an article-receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article-receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protective flap includes a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and at least partially spaced from a bottom engagement tab defining a portion of an opening also partially defined by the side flap.

A tenth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising side panels and a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article holding device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protective flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and which is foldable outwardly about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article receiving opening.

An eleventh aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising a side panel, a bottom panel, and a heel panel. The heel panel is disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel. The blank comprises an article holding device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the heel panel and extends into the side panel. The heel panel is hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line. The first fold line is interrupted by the article receiving opening. The article retention device includes a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and which is foldable outwardly about the non-linear fold line when the article is received in the article receiving opening.

A twelfth aspect or embodiment of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the walls of the tubular structure, the plurality of panels comprising side panels and a bottom panel. The blank comprises an article holding device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article, and at least one protection flap defining a portion of the article receiving opening to protect the portion of the article. An article receiving opening is defined in the side panel. The at least one protective flap includes a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and at least partially spaced from a bottom engagement tab defining a portion of an opening that is also partially defined by the side flap.

Within the scope of the present application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims and/or the following description and drawings are contemplated or intended to be taken separately or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with or in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of the features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, which features or elements may be included in addition to or in place of one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

The features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be extracted independently of the other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, the features or combinations of features of the embodiments may be omitted from the embodiments.

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an alternative perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 3;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 6; and

Fig. 9 is an alternative perspective view of a portion of the carton of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the manner in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used in a broad sense 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 minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any 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 present 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. 3 for containing and carrying a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in fig. 3. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to fig. 6, there is shown a plan view of a blank 110 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190 as shown in fig. 8 for containing and carrying a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as article B, as shown in fig. 8. The blank 110 can be assembled to form a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to containers 90, 190 for engaging and carrying an article B (such as a primary product container B). It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to a variety of product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), cans, cups, kettles, bags, pouches, and the like.

The blank 10, 110 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate material. It will be appreciated that as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes a wide variety of foldable sheet materials such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It will be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be employed where appropriate, for example to provide a carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90, 190 described herein may be formed from a sheet material (such as paperboard) that may be made from or coated with a variety of materials to increase the strength thereof. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK cardboard manufactured by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant material may be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, one surface of a sheet material may have different characteristics than another surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth, and may have a coating (such as a clay coating or other surface treatment) to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inwardly facing surface of the sheet material may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good tackiness, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, the blank 10 is configured to form an exemplary arrangement of cartons or carriers 90 for packaging exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, 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 two items B are provided, and these items B are 500 ml beverage cans.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 8, the blank 110 is configured to form a carton or carrier 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiment, two rows of three items B are provided, and these items B are 330 ml beverage cans.

Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110 can be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles B and/or for packaging the articles B in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B can be bottles or cans.

Turning to fig. 1, a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see fig. 3) according to a first embodiment is illustrated. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 include: a first base panel 12, a first bevel or corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second bevel or corner panel 18, a top panel 20, a third bevel or corner panel 22, a second side panel 24, a fourth bevel or corner panel 26, and a second base panel 28. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged to hinge one to the next in a linear series (LINEAR SERIES) by means of the corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 27, 29, 31.

In alternative embodiments, any of the first, second, third, and fourth corner panels 14, 18, 22, 26 may be omitted, and the fold lines 15, 17, 27, 29 may be omitted.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 may be considered to form a lower portion of a respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels 12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 are folded about the lower portion or heel of the article B and are also referred to herein as heel panels 14, 26.

The second and third corner panels 18, 22 may be considered to form an upper portion of a respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 24, or alternatively form part of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in fig. 3. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are engageable with one another in a stacked relationship to form a composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the first base panel 12. The second base panel 28 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 12 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 28 includes a plurality of female tabs F that define openings in the second base panel 28. The first base panel 12 includes a plurality of male tabs M; and the opening in the second base panel 28 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the male tabs M. The female tab F is arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 28 to form an opening and to press against the male tab M when the male tab M is received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and second base panels 12, 28 may be secured to one another by other means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

Alternatively, the first and second base panels 12, 28 may include at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 includes two first apertures A1. The first aperture A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. The packer element is engageable with the first aperture A1 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be tightened around a group of articles B. The first aperture A1 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 28 relative to one another or to align the first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism with the second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The complementary locking mechanisms illustrated and described are fully optional.

Optionally, the top panel 20 includes a pair of fold lines 21, 23 extending between opposite edges of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 includes at least one article-engaging structure N1, N2, N3, N4 for engaging the heel, end, or lower portion of the article B. The blank 10 illustrated in fig. 1 includes four heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4, each for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4 are substantially similar in construction and will be described only by reference to the heel engagement structure N3 provided in the second side panel 24 as shown in fig. 2, 4 and 5.

The heel engagement structure N3 includes an opening for receiving a portion of the article B. The opening is defined in part by the heel aperture A3 and in part by at least one heel tab 50a, 50b, 52a/56a, 52b/56b, 54.

The first heel tab 54 (also referred to herein as an anchor tab) is hingedly connected to the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 is at least partially stamped from the fourth corner panel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heel tab 54 is stamped partially from the fourth corner panel 26 and partially from the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55, which in the illustrated embodiment is arcuate or curvilinear. The first and second side edges of the first heel tab 54 are defined by a first cut or split line 65a and a second cut or split line 65b, respectively. The first end portion 65c of the first cut line 65a separates the first marginal portion of the first heel tab 54 from the second base panel 28. The second end portion 65d of the second cut line 65b separates the second marginal portion of the first heel tab 54 from the second base panel 28. The first and second end portions 65c, 65d separate the fold line 55 from the fold lines 31, 31a, the fold lines 31, 31a hinge the fourth corner panel 26 to the second base panel 28. The first heel tab 54 may include a pair of fold lines 63a, 63b that may define a foldable portion of the first heel tab 54; each of the fold lines 63a, 63b may be formed by a cut line. The fold lines 63a, 63b may be divergently disposed relative to one another and may be disposed divergently toward the fold line 55 and may define the foldable corner portion of the first heel tab 54. Each of the fold lines 63a, 63b may be arranged to terminate at a respective one of the terminal ends of the fold line 55.

The first heel tab 54 forms a lower or engaging heel tab. The first heel tab 54 is configured to engage with a recess or indent in the base of the article B.

The first heel tab 54 defines the lower edge of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structure N3 includes second tabs 50a, 50b, and the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of second tabs 50a, 50b separated from one another by an optional cut or split line 51. In other embodiments, the cut line 51 is omitted and the second tabs 50a, 50b are integral. The second heel tab 50a, 50b defines an upper edge of the heel aperture A3. The second tabs 50a, 50b are integral with the second side panel 24. The second tabs 50a, 50b are at least partially stamped from the second side panel 24. In some embodiments, the second tabs 50a, 50b are partially punched from the fourth corner panel 26.

The heel engagement structure N3 includes a pair of opposed heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b, also referred to herein as protective flaps.

The third heel tab 52a/56a is partially punched from the second side panel 24 and partially from the fourth corner panel 26. The third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to at least one panel of the blank 10 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 53a/57 a. The hinged connection or fold line 53a/57a is interrupted by a cut line 58 a. Cut line 58a abuts upper portion 57a of fold line 53a/57 a. Cut line 58a abuts lower portion 53a of fold line 53a/57 a.

The lower portion 53a of the fold line 53a/57a may include or may be defined in part by a cut line. The cut line may be collinear with the lower portion 53a of the fold line 53a/57 a.

The third heel tab 52a/56a includes an upper portion 52a and a lower portion 56a, the upper portion 52a being hingedly connected to the lower portion 56a by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 59 a. The upper portion 52a of the third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to the second side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57 a. The lower portion 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56a is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53 a.

Fold line 59a may be interrupted by cut line 58 a. The cut line 58a may define or intersect the first or proximal end of the fold line 59 a.

Fold line 59a may be substantially collinear with fold line 29.

The fold line 59a may comprise or may be defined in part by a cut line arranged co-linear with the fold line 59 a.

The upper portion 52a and the lower portion 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56a may assume a non-coplanar relationship with one another when the heel engagement structure N3 engages the article B in use.

The third heel tab 52a/56a may include an optional fold line 61a. A fold line 61a is defined in the lower portion 56a of the third heel tab 52a/56 a. Fold line 61a is divergently disposed with respect to fold line 59 a. The fold line 61a may be defined in part by a cut line.

The fourth heel tab 52b/56b is partially punched from the second side panel 24 and partially from the fourth corner panel 26. The fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to at least one panel of the blank 10 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 53b/57 b. The hinged connection or fold line 53b/57b is interrupted by a cut line 58 b. Cut line 58b abuts upper portion 57b of fold line 53b/57 b. Cut line 58b abuts lower portion 53b of fold line 53b/57 b.

The lower portion 53b of the fold line 53b/57b may include or may be defined in part by a cut line. The cut line may be collinear with the lower portion 53b of the fold line 53b/57 b.

The fourth heel tab 52b/56b includes an upper portion 52b and a lower portion 56b, the upper portion 52b being hingedly connected to the lower portion 56b by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 59 b. The upper portion 52b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to the second side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57 b. The lower portion 56b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56b is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53 b.

The fold line 59b may be interrupted by a cut line. Cut line 58b may define or intersect the first or proximal end of fold line 59 b.

Fold line 59b may be substantially collinear with fold line 29.

The fold line 59b may comprise or may be defined in part by a cut line arranged co-linear with the fold line 59 b.

The upper portion 52B and the lower portion 56B of the fourth heel tab 52B/56B may assume a non-coplanar relationship with each other when the heel engagement structure N3 engages the article B in use.

The fourth heel tab 52b/56b may include an optional fold line 61b. A fold line 61b is defined in the lower portion 56b of the fourth heel tab 52b/56 b. Fold line 61b is divergently disposed with respect to fold line 59 b. The fold line 61b may be defined in part by a cut line.

The third heel tab 52a/56a and the fourth heel tab 52b/56b define side edges of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structure N3 includes a first boss cutout 62a. First tab cut 62a is oriented substantially perpendicular to fold line 29.

The first projection slit 62a may be disposed substantially parallel to the cutting line 58 a. The first raised cut 62a is spaced from the cut line 58 a.

The end portion 29a of the fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 terminates at a first raised cut 62 a. The first raised cut 62a and the cut line 58a at least partially define an area α1 therebetween. Region α1 interrupts end portion 29a of fold line 29 and fold line 59a or spaces end portion 29a of fold line 29 from fold line 59 a. The region α1 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting region.

An optional fold line 64a extends between the first tab cut 62a and the cut line 58 a. Fold line 64a is offset from fold line 29 and fold line 59 a. The fold line 64a may extend from a first or upper end of the first tab cutout 62a to a first or upper end of the cut line 58 a.

A fold line 64a may be defined in the second side panel 26. Fold line 64a may be substantially parallel to fold line 29 or to fold line 59a or to fold line 29 and fold line 59 a.

The heel engagement structure N3 includes a second raised cutout 62b. The second raised cut 62b is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 29.

The second raised cut 62b may be disposed substantially parallel to the cut line 58 b. The second raised cut 62b is spaced from the cut line 58 b.

The fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 terminates at a second raised cut 62 b. The second raised cut 62b and the cut line 58b at least partially define an area α2 therebetween. Region α2 interrupts fold line 29 and fold line 59a or separates fold line 29 from fold line 59 a. The region α2 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting region.

An optional fold line 64b extends between the second tab cut 62b and the cut line 58 b. Fold line 64b is offset from fold line 29 and fold line 59 b. Fold line 64b may extend from a first or upper end of second raised cut 62b to a first or upper end of cut line 58 b.

A fold line 64b may be defined in the second side panel 26. Fold line 64b may be substantially parallel to fold line 29 or to fold line 59b or to fold line 29 and fold line 59 b.

The heel engagement structure N3 interrupts the fold line 29.

The heel engagement structure N3 interrupts the fold line 31.

Fold lines 53a, 57a, 59a, 64a all terminate at cut line 58 a.

Fold lines 53b, 57b, 59b, 64b all terminate at cut line 58 b.

During erection and packaging of the articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated such that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain the article B within the carton 90. The first heel tab 54 is folded to assist in retaining the article B. This can be achieved by: the first and second base panels 12, 28 are folded outwardly such that the first heel tab 54 extends inwardly, the first heel tab 54 being disposed under the respective article B when the first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded about the group of articles. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are then subsequently folded about the bases of the article groups, and in so doing, the first heel tab 54 engages with the respective article B and is folded relative to the respective one of the first and second base panels 12, 28 to which they are hingedly connected by the fold line 55.

The first heel tab 54 facilitates securing or locking the heel or base of the article B in place.

The second tab 50a, 50B and the pairs of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52B/56B are deformed or folded outwardly about the received article B. The second tab 50a, 50B and the pairs of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52B/56B may protect the heel or lower portion of the article B received in the heel opening. The second tab 50a, 50b and the pairs of opposing heel tabs 52a/56a, 52b/56b may reduce stress or redirect forces in the substrate to reduce the likelihood of tear propagation when the carton 90 is in use.

The blank 10 may include at least one deformable or folding structure FS. The illustrated blank 10 includes a plurality of fold structures FS, optionally four fold structures FS. Each fold FS forms a deformable corner region, optionally a bottom or bottom corner region, of the carton 90. The fold structure FS includes an arrangement of fold lines and is adapted to eliminate or reduce the sharpness and/or rigidity of the corners or edges of the carton 90. This may be advantageous when transporting or carrying the carton 90 in a carrier bag (particularly, but not exclusively, a carrier bag formed of plastic, paper or similar sheet material). The fold structure FS may prevent or reduce the likelihood that the carton 90 will puncture, tear or otherwise pierce or damage the material forming the carrier bag. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag may compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag; and once damaged, the tear is likely to propagate. This may lead to failure of the carrier bag and undesired breaking out (egress) of the carton 90 or other articles disposed therein and thus the possibility of damage thereto.

Each fold FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to the fold FS provided in the second side panel 20 and shown in fig. 2.

The folded structure FS includes raised tabs 60, 66, 68 formed by marginal portions of the second side panel 24 and the fourth corner panel 26. The folded structure FS includes a first raised tab 68 and a second raised tab 66 formed from the second side panel 24. The third raised tab 60 is formed from the fourth corner panel 26.

In embodiments in which the corner panel 26 is omitted, the third raised tab 60 may be formed at least partially from the second side panel 24 and partially from the second base panel 28, or alternatively, entirely from the second side panel 24.

The first raised tab 68 is defined in part by a first fold line 69 disposed in the second side panel 24 and in part by a second fold line 67 disposed in the second side panel 24.

The second raised tab 66 is defined in part by the second fold line 67 and in part by the end portion 29a of the fold line 29 that hinges the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26.

The third raised tab 60 is defined in part by the end portion 29a of the fold line 29 hinging the second side panel 24 to the fourth corner panel 26 and in part by the third fold line 49.

The third fold line 49 extends from the second or lower end of the first relief cut 62 a. The third fold line 49 may extend to a first or outer end of the end portion 31a of the fold line 31 that articulates the fourth corner panel 26 to the second base panel 28.

The first fold line 69 is divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line 67. The first fold line 69 and the second fold line 67 diverge toward the longitudinal or free side edges of the blank 10. The first and second fold lines 69 and 67 include a first end portion disposed close to each other (proximal to) and a second end portion disposed away from each other (distal from).

The first fold line 69, the second fold line 67, and the third fold line 49 each extend inwardly from the free end edge E1 of the blank 10.

The raised tabs 60, 66, 68 are disposed between the longitudinal or free end edge E1 of the blank 10 and the adjacent heel engaging structure N3.

The folding structure FS enables a portion of the second side panel 24 (and optional second corner panel 26 when provided) to fold or deform about the end of the endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of the portion into closer proximity with the endmost article B. Which reduces the rigidity of the outer or end region of the portion so that it is easily deformed. In this way, the likelihood of the lower corner portion of the carton 90 puncturing or otherwise damaging the walls of the carrier bag when disposed internally during loading or any of the carrier bags is reduced. This may reduce the practice of "double-sided bagging," i.e., placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag to form a stronger double-walled carrier bag.

The top panel 20 may include an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a finger tab 70. The finger tab 70 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a fold line 71 and is defined in part by a cut or split line 73. Parting line 73 may include extensions 73a, 73b that extend outwardly from finger tab 70 (substantially from fold line 71). The extensions 73a, 73b may each terminate in a "J" or "C" shaped cut. The extensions 73a, 73b may provide a raised means for controlling or guiding the load force when the handle H is in use. This may alleviate tear propagation in the top panel 20 when the handle is in use.

Optionally, the top panel 20 includes a first cutout or recess R1 punched from the first free end edge. Optionally, the top panel 20 includes a second cutout or recess R2 punched from the second free end edge. The second free end edge is opposite the first free end edge. The first recess R1 and the second recess R2 may be configured to be aligned with a gap or void provided between a pair of adjacent articles B. One or both of the recesses R1, R2 may be employed to grip the carton 90. The user may grasp the carton by either simultaneously engaging both recesses R1, R2, or by engaging one of the first recess R1 and the second recess R2 in conjunction with a handle opening formed by folding tab 70 out of the plane of top panel 20.

Each end of the blank 10 includes an end retaining structure to prevent the contents of the carton 90 from being pulled out of the carton 90 when the blank 10 is erected into the carton 90.

Each end retention structure includes an anchor portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b hingedly connected to an adjacent side panel 16, 24 along fold line 33a, 33b, 47a, 47 b. Each end retention structure includes a web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b hingedly connected to an anchor portion 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b along a fold line 35a, 35b, 45a, 45 b. Each web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by gusset panels 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b. Each web portion 32a, 32b, 38a, 38b is hingedly connected to a respective gusset panel 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37a, 37b, 43a, 43 b. Gusset panels 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b are hingedly connected to top panel 20 by respective hinged connections in the form of fold lines 39a, 39b, 41a, 41 b.

The optional aperture A2 may be punched partially from the top panel 20, partially from the first side panel 16 or the second side panel 24 or the second corner panel 18 and the third corner panel 22, and partially from portions of the end retention structure. The aperture A2 defines fold lines 17, 19, 33a, 35a, 37a, 39a; 17. 19, 33b, 35b, 37b, 39b; 25. 27, 41a, 43a, 45a, 47a; 25. 27, 41b, 43b, 45b, 47b, and is disposed at the vertex of the fold line.

Folding of the end retention structure is achieved during erection of the carton 90. To form a top engagement structure from each end retention structure, the anchor portions 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b are folded about 180 degrees into face contacting relationship with the inner surfaces of the adjacent side panels 16, 24. The anchor portions 30a, 30B, 40a, 40B are held in the folded position by one of the packaged articles B being pressed against the adjacent side panel 16, 24. The folding of the anchor portions 30a, 30B, 40a, 40B causes the web portions 32a, 32B, 38a, 38B to fold outwardly about the fold lines 35a, 35B, 45a, 45B such that the web portions 32a, 32B, 38a, 38B extend outwardly from the fold lines 35a, 35B, 45a, 45B along the side walls of the one packaged item B and are caused to fold about the one packaged item B so as to extend from the fold lines 35a, 35B, 45a, 45B toward the top panel 20 to which it is hinged by one of the gusset panels 34a, 34B, 36a, 36B, respectively. The thus completed top engagement structures are illustrated in fig. 3, wherein each structure is shown as tightly engaging the top of the endmost article B.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in fig. 3, the carton 90 can be formed in a linear machine through a series of sequential folding operations such that the carton 90 does not need to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may vary according to specific manufacturing requirements.

Assembling a group of articles B; in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, four articles B are arranged in a 2 x 2 array. The top panel 20 of the blank 10 is disposed over the group of articles B to provide the top wall 20 of the carton 90.

The second corner panel 18 and the third corner panel 22 are folded about fold lines 19, 25, respectively, relative to the top panel 20 about an upper or shoulder portion of an adjacently disposed article B.

The first side panel 16 and the second side panel 24 are folded about fold lines 17, 27, respectively, relative to the top panel 20 about opposite sides of the group of articles B to be disposed about opposite sides of the group of articles B to form the first side wall 16 and the second side wall 24 of the carton 90.

Substantially simultaneously with the folding of the first and second side panels 16, 24 relative to the top panel 20, the anchor portions 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b can be folded into face contacting relation with a respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 to form a top engagement structure as described above.

Alternatively, the top engagement structure may be formed after erecting the carton 90 into a tubular form. The anchor portions 30a, 30B, 40a, 40B are foldable between a respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24 to which they are hingedly connected and the adjacently disposed article B.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 are folded about fold lines 15, 29, respectively, relative to a respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24, about the heel or lower portion of an adjacently disposed article B.

The first heel tab 54 can be folded out of the plane of the first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 about the fold line 55 prior to folding the first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 relative to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 24.

In some embodiments, this is achieved by: the first and second base panels 12, 28 are folded outwardly such that the first heel tab 54 extends inwardly under the group of articles to engage one of the articles B, and then the first and second base panels 12, 28 are folded in opposite directions under the base of the group of articles.

The second base panel 28 is then folded about fold line 31 so as to lie adjacent the base of the group of articles B. Folding the first base panel 12 about the fold line 13 so as to be in at least partially overlapping relationship with the second base panel 28; in so doing, each of the first heel tabs 54 may be engaged with the base of the corresponding article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the first base panel 12. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly, thereby forming a corresponding opening in the second base panel 24. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings to lock the first and second base panels 12, 28 together. In this way, a tubular structure is formed around the group of articles B.

An assembled carton 90 is shown in fig. 3. Fig. 4 and 5 show an enlarged view of one of the folding structures FS and one of the heel engagement structures N3 in the erected carton 90.

The second heel tab 50a, 50B, the third tab 52a/56a and the fourth heel tab 52B/56B are folded outwardly outside the article B, the second heel tab 50a, 50B, the third tab 52a/56a and the fourth heel tab 52B/56B protecting a lower portion of the article B, and more particularly, but not exclusively, protecting a portion of the article B protruding through the article receiving opening.

Referring now to fig. 6-9, additional embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the additional illustrated embodiment, like numerals have been used to denote like parts, where possible, except that the prefix "100" has been added to indicate that these features belong to the additional embodiment. This additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment, and thus only differences from the embodiments illustrated in fig. 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 includes: a first base panel 112, a first bevel or corner panel 114, a first side panel 116, a second bevel or corner panel 118, a top panel 120, a third bevel or corner panel 122, a second side panel 124, a fourth bevel or corner panel 126, and a second base panel 128. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 16, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be arranged to hinge one to the next in a linear series manner by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 125, 127, 129, 131.

In alternative embodiments, any (one or more) of the first, second, third, and fourth corner panels 114, 118, 122, 126 may be omitted, and the corresponding fold lines 115, 117, 127, 129 may be omitted.

The first corner panel 114 and the fourth corner panel 126 (also referred to herein as lower corner panels) may be considered to form lower portions of respective ones of the first side panel 116 or the second side panel 124, or alternatively form portions of the first base panel 112 or the second base panel 128 to which they are hingedly connected.

The first corner panel 114 and the fourth corner panel 126 are folded about the lower portion or heel of the article B and are also referred to herein as heel panels 114, 126.

The second corner panel 118 and the third corner panel 122 may be considered to form an upper portion of a respective one of the first side panel 116 or the second side panel 124, or alternatively form part of the top panel 120.

The pair of fold lines 21, 23 provided in the top panel 20 of the embodiment of fig. 1 have been omitted from the top panel 120 of the embodiment of fig. 8, but may be incorporated into the top panel 120 in other embodiments (not shown).

The blank 110 may be folded to form a package 190 as illustrated in fig. 8. The first and second base panels 112, 128 can be joined to one another in a stacked relationship to form the composite base wall 112/128 of the carton 190. The blank 110 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 128 to the first base panel 112. The second base panel 128 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 112 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism.

Alternatively, the first and second base panels 112, 128 may include at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 112, 124 includes three first apertures A1.

The top panel 120 may include an optional handle structure H. The handle structure H includes a pair of finger tabs 170 arranged in opposition to each other. Each finger tab 170 is hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 171 and is defined in part by a cut or split line 173. The split line 173 may include extension portions 173a, 173b extending outwardly from the respective finger tab 170 generally from the fold line 171. The extensions 173a, 173b may each terminate in a "J" or "C" shaped cut. The extensions 173a, 173b may provide a raised means for controlling or guiding the loading force when the handle H is in use. This may alleviate tear propagation in the top panel 120 when the handle is in use.

The blank 110 may include at least one deformable or folding structure FS. The illustrated blank 110 includes a plurality of fold structures FS, optionally four fold structures FS. Each fold FS forms a deformable corner region, optionally a bottom or bottom corner region, of the carton 190. The fold structure FS includes an arrangement of fold lines and is adapted to eliminate or reduce the sharpness and/or rigidity of the corners or edges of the carton 190. This may be advantageous when transporting or carrying the carton 190 in a carrier bag, particularly but not exclusively formed of plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The fold structure FS may prevent or reduce the likelihood that the carton 90 will puncture, tear or otherwise pierce or damage the material forming the carrier bag. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag may compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag; and once damaged, the tear is likely to propagate. This may lead to failure of the carrier bag and undesired breach of the carton 190 or other item disposed therein and, thus, the possibility of damage thereto.

Each of the fold structures FS is substantially similar in construction and will be described with reference to the fold structure FS disposed in the second side panel 120 and shown in fig. 7.

The folded structure FS includes raised tabs 160, 166 formed by marginal portions of the second side panel 124 and the fourth corner panel 126. The fold formation FS includes a first raised tab 166 formed from the second side panel 124. The second raised tab 160 is formed from the fourth corner panel 126.

In embodiments in which corner panel 126 is omitted, second raised tab 160 may be formed at least partially from second side panel 124 and partially from second base panel 128, or alternatively, entirely from second side panel 124.

The first raised tab 166 is defined in part by the first fold line 167 and in part by the end portion 129a of the fold line 129 that hinges the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126.

The second raised tab 60 is defined in part by the end portion 129a of the fold line 129 that hinges the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 and in part by the second fold line 149.

The second fold line 149 extends from a second or lower end of the raised cut 162 a. The second fold line 149 may extend to a first or outer end of the end portion 131a of the fold line 131 that articulates the fourth corner panel 126 to the second base panel 128.

The first and second fold lines 167, 149 each extend inwardly from the free end edge E1 of the blank 110.

The raised tabs 160, 166 are disposed between the longitudinal or free end edge E1 of the blank 110 and the adjacent heel engagement structure N3.

The fold structure FS enables a portion of the second side panel 124 (and optional second corner panel 126 when provided) to fold or deform about the end of the endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of the portion into closer proximity with the endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer or end region of the portion so that it is easily deformed. In this way, the likelihood of the lower corner portion of the carton 190 puncturing or otherwise damaging the walls of the carrier bag when disposed internally during loading or any of the carrier bags is reduced. This may reduce the practice of "double-sided bagging," i.e., placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag, so as to form a stronger double-walled carrier bag.

The blank 110 includes at least one article-engaging structure N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 for engaging the heel, end, or lower portion of the article B. The blank 110 illustrated in fig. 8 includes six heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, each for engaging a respective article B. The blank 110 includes four endmost heel engagement structures N1, N3, N4, N6 and two intermediate heel engagement structures N2, N5. In other embodiments, the carton 190 may be configured to carry more than six articles B, in which embodiments the blank (not shown) would include a greater number of intermediate heel engagement structures.

The heel engagement structure N4 shown in fig. 7 includes an opening for receiving a portion of an article B. The opening is defined in part by the heel aperture A3 and in part by at least one heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b, 154.

The heel engagement structure N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 includes a first heel tab 154 (also referred to herein as an anchor tab), the first heel tab 154 being hingedly connected to the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 is at least partially stamped from the fourth corner panel 126. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7, the first heel tab 154 is stamped partially from the fourth corner panel 126 and partially from the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 128 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 155, which in the illustrated embodiment is arcuate or curvilinear.

The first and second side edges of the first heel tab 154 are defined by a first cut or split line 165a and a second cut or split line 165b, respectively. The first end portion 165c of the first cut line 165a separates the first marginal portion of the first heel tab 154 from the second base panel 128. The second end portion 165d of the second cut line 165b separates the second marginal section of the first heel tab 154 from the second base panel 128. The first and second end portions 165c, 165d separate the fold line 155 from the fold lines 131, 131a, the fold lines 131, 131a hinge the fourth corner panel 126 to the second base panel 128. The first heel tab 154 may include a pair of fold lines 163a, 163b, which may define a foldable portion of the first heel tab 154; each of the fold lines 163a, 163b may be formed by a cut line. The fold lines 163a, 163b may be divergently disposed relative to one another and may be disposed divergently toward the fold line 155 and may define the foldable corner portion of the first heel tab 154. Each of the fold lines 163a, 163b may be arranged to terminate at a respective one of the terminal ends of the fold line 155.

The first heel tab 154 forms a lower or engaging heel tab. The first heel tab 154 is configured to engage with a recess or indent in the base of the article B.

The first heel tab 154 includes a free end edge E2 opposite the hinge edge defined by the fold line 155, the free end edge E2 defining the lower edge of the heel aperture A3.

The heel engagement structure N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 includes at least one second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b. The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b defines an upper edge of the heel aperture A3.

The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b is at least partially stamped from one of the side panels 116, 124, which in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7 is the second side panel 124. The or each second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b may be stamped in part from the one of the side panels 116, 124 and in part from one of the lower corner panels 114, 126.

Referring to fig. 7, the heel engagement structure N4 may include a pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b separated from each other by a cut or split line 151 a.

The pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b define the upper edge of the heel aperture A3. The pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b are at least partially stamped from the second side panel 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b are stamped partially from the second side panel 124 and partially from the fourth corner panel 126.

Each of the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b includes an upper portion 150a, 150b hingedly connected to a lower portion 152a, 152b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The fold line may be defined in part by cut lines 159a, 159 b; alternatively, the fold line may be defined in part by a crease, score, or embossed line disposed in series with cut lines 159a, 159 b. The fold lines may be collinear with the fold lines 131, 131 a.

Each lower portion 152a, 152b is hingedly connected to the fourth corner panel 126 by a respective lower second tab fold line 153a, 153 b.

Each upper portion 150a, 150b is hingedly connected to the second side panel 124 by a respective upper second tab fold line 157a, 157 b. Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be non-linear. A first one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be separated from a second one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b by a cut line 151 b. The cutting line 151b intersects a first or upper end portion of the cutting line 151 b. The cut line 151a may bisect the cut line 151 b.

Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b is disposed in series with a respective one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153 b.

Each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b is divergently disposed with a corresponding one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153 b.

Each of the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152b is hingedly connected to the blank 110 or carton 190 by a non-linear fold line 153a/157a, 153b/157 b.

The shape of the heel aperture A3 may be generally triangular. In this manner, at least a medial or central portion of the heel tab 154 is spaced apart from the pair of second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150b/152 b.

When the heel engagement structure N4 engages the article B in use, the upper portions 150a, 150B of the second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150B/152B may assume a non-coplanar relationship with the lower portions 152a, 152B of a respective one of the second heel tabs 150a/152a, 150B/152B.

The heel engagement structure N4 is spaced apart from the boss cutout 162 a. The raised cut 162a is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fold line 129 a.

The end portion 129a of the fold line 129 that hinges the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 terminates at a raised cutout 162 a. The raised cut 162a and fold line 153a/157a at least partially define an area α2 therebetween. Region α2 interrupts end portion 129a of fold line 129 and fold line 159a or spaces end portion 129a of fold line 129 from fold line 159 a. The region α2 may form a tear blocking or inhibiting region.

The heel engagement structure N4 is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the folded structures FS.

The fold line 129 that hinges the second side panel 124 to the fourth corner panel 126 terminates at fold line 153b/157 b. The fold line 129 can be considered to be contiguous with a fold line defined in part by cut line 159 b.

The endmost heel engagement structures N4, N6, N1, N3 may be spaced apart from an adjacent one of the folded structures FS.

The fold lines 115, 129 can be considered to be contiguous with the fold lines defined in part by cut lines 159a, 159b, which are disposed in the second heel tab of the mid-heel engagement structure N2, N5, respectively.

The heel engagement structures N4, N5, N6 interrupt the fold line 129.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3 interrupt the fold line 115.

The heel engagement structures N4, N5, N6 interrupt the fold line 131.

The heel engagement structures N1, N2, N3 interrupt the fold line 113.

During erection and packaging of the articles B, the blank 110 is manipulated such that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain the article B within the carton 190. The first heel tab 154 is folded to assist in retaining the article B. This can be achieved by: the first and second base panels 112, 128 are folded outwardly such that the first heel tab 154 extends inwardly, the first heel tab 154 being disposed under the respective article B when the first and second side panels 116, 124 are folded about the group of articles. Then, the first and second base panels 112, 128 are then subsequently folded about the bases of the article groups, and in so doing, the first heel tab 154 engages with the respective article B and folds relative to the respective one of the first and second base panels 112, 128 to which they are hingedly connected by the fold line 155.

The first heel tab 154 facilitates securing or locking the heel or base of the article B in place.

The second heel tab 150a/152a, 150B/152B is deformed or folded outwardly about the received article B. The second heel tab 150a/152a, 150B/152B may protect the heel or lower portion of the article B received in the heel opening. The second heel tab 150a/152a, 150b/152b may reduce stress or redirect forces in the substrate to reduce the likelihood of tear propagation when the carton 190 is in use.

In some embodiments, the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be substantially linear. The upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be arranged converging with respect to each other. Optionally, each of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b may be defined in part by or include one or more cut lines.

In some embodiments, the cut line 151b may be omitted.

In some embodiments, a cut line (not shown) may space the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b from their respective adjacent lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153 b. The cut line may be non-linear and define an apex, for example, but not limited to, the cut line may be shallow "V" shaped. The fold line may extend from the vertex of the cut line between the upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a toward the cut line 162 a. The fold line 129 may intersect or meet the lower second tab fold line 153b below the apex with the upper second tab fold line 157 b.

In some embodiments, the fold line may extend from one of the upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a to the cut line 162a.

In some embodiments, the fold line may extend from the intersection or vertex between the upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a to the cut line 162a, which may meet or intersect the upper end of the cut line 162 a.

Alternatively, the cut lines 159a, 159b may be divergently disposed with respect to each other. The cut lines 159a, 159b may be arranged so as to diverge away from the heel aperture A3. Cut lines 159a, 159b may be arranged to extend from the apex between a respective one of the upper second tab fold lines 157a, 157b and an adjacent one of the lower second tab fold lines 153a, 153 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper second tab fold line 157b and the lower second tab fold line 153b meet at an apex located on the fold line 129. In other embodiments, the vertex may be offset from polyline 129.

The upper second tab fold line 157a and the lower second tab fold line 153a meet at an apex, which may be collinear with the fold line 129 and/or the fold line 129 a; in other embodiments, the vertex may be offset.

In alternative embodiments, the shape of the heel aperture A3 may be different, such as, but not limited to, a generally trapezoidal shape, rather than the triangular shape illustrated.

The present disclosure provides a carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 that includes article retention devices N1, N2, N3, N4 (also referred to herein as article engagement structures). The article retention devices N1, N2, N3, N4 include an anchor or heel tab 54 for engagement with the article B and at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52B/56B for protecting the article B. The anchor tab 54 and the at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52B/56B partially define an opening in the carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 through which a portion of the article B protrudes. The at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52B/56B is disposed outside the article B. The anchor tab 54 is hingedly connected to the bottom panel 28 along fold line 55 and extends from the fold line 55 to its free end edge E2. When the carrier 90 is in the form of a blank, the at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b is spaced apart from at least a middle portion (and optionally the entirety) of the free end edge E2 of the anchor tab 54.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 90 or carrier blank 10 comprising an article holding device N1, N2, N3, N4 comprising an article receiving opening A3. The article receiving opening A3 is configured for receiving a portion of an article B. The article holding means N1, N2, N3, N4 comprise at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b. The at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b defines a portion of the article receiving opening A3. The at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52B/56B protects a portion of the article B when in use. The article receiving opening A3 is defined in a heel or corner panel 26 that is disposed between the bottom panel 28 and the side panels 24. The article receiving opening A3 extends into the side panel 24. The heel or corner panel 26 is hingedly connected to the side panel 24 along a first fold line 29. The first fold line 29 is interrupted by the article receiving opening A3 such that the first fold line 29 stops short of the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b in order to provide or define a tear blocking area α1, α2 between the first fold line 29 and the at least one protection flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b. The second fold line 64a, 64b extends from the at least one protective flap 52a/56a, 52b/56b into the tear blocking region α1, α2. The second fold lines 64a, 64b are offset from the first fold line 29.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 190 or carrier blank 110 that includes an article holding device N1, N2, N3, N4 having an article receiving opening A3. The article retention devices N1, N2, N3, N4 may include side flaps 150a/152a, 150b/152b hingedly connected to the carton side walls 116, 124 along non-linear or curved fold lines 157a/153a, 157b/153b to fold outwardly from the carton 190 about the non-linear or curved fold lines. In some embodiments, the side flaps 150a/152a, 150b/152b may be hingedly connected to the carton side walls 116, 124 and the angled heel walls of the carton provided by the corner panels 114, 126. The non-linear or curved fold lines may provide a biasing or resistance means to cause the side flaps 150a/152a, 150b/152b to resist outward folding while providing a stretchable or flexible, shock absorbing article bottom retaining feature.

The present disclosure also provides a carrier 190 or carrier blank 110 that includes an article holding device N1, N2, N3, N4 having an article receiving opening A3. The article retention devices N1, N2, N3, N4 may include side flaps 150a/152a, 150b/152b hingedly connected to the carton side walls 116, 124 and at least partially spaced from a bottom engagement tab 154 defining a portion of a common opening A3 that is also partially defined by the side flaps 150a/152a, 150b/152 b.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. The illustrated embodiment shows a carton or blank for forming an article carrier of wrap style; in other embodiments, the article carrier may take alternative formats or styles, and may take one or more of the features of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that directional references (such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "rear", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower") as used herein do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but may be used only to distinguish the panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to various lines that define the hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding of portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicate the optimal panel folding position of the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in practice, the hinged connection can be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be rectilinear/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When the linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled with respect to each other. When the fold lines of the curves form the hinge connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel in the area enclosed by the fold lines of the curves. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a pair of arcuate or arched fold lines that intersect at two points such that they define an oval panel therebetween. The hinged connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a combination of linear fold lines and arcuate or arched fold lines, where the fold lines intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term "polyline" may refer to one of the following: score lines, embossed lines, recessed lines, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, interrupted cut lines, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores, and any combination of the foregoing.

It should be understood that the hinge connection and the fold line can each comprise an element formed in the base material of the blank, including perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, a broken cut line, a slit, a score, any combination thereof, and the like. These elements can be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a row of perforations can be sized or designed with a weakness to define a fold line and/or a split line. The row of perforations can be designed to promote folding and resist breaking, to promote folding and breaking with more effort, or to promote breaking with less effort.

The phrase "aligned 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 stacked panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two stacked panels. Those elements that are aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the stacked panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "aligned" with a second aperture in a second panel placed in a stacked 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 with the second aperture in a thickness direction of the first and second panels.

Claims

1. A carrier for packaging one or more articles, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including a bottom panel, the plurality of panels forming a wall of a tubular structure, the carrier comprising an article retention device having an anchor tab for engaging an article and at least one protection flap for protecting the article, wherein the anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line and extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof, the free end edge at least partially defining an aperture such that when the carrier is in a blank form, the at least one protection flap is spaced from at least a middle portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab via the aperture, wherein the anchor tab, the aperture and the at least one protection flap at least partially define an article receiving opening in at least one wall of the carrier, the article receiving opening being configured to receive a portion of the article.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one protective flap is hingedly connected to the at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the fold line is non-linear.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the fold line is interrupted by a first cut line.

5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.

6. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, and wherein the hinged connection is terminated by the first cut line.

7. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the article retention device comprises a second cut line spaced apart from the first cut line.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the article retention device comprises a second fold line extending between terminal ends of the first cut line and the second cut line.

9. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a wall of a tubular structure and comprising a bottom panel, the blank comprising an article retaining device having an anchor tab for engaging an article and at least one protection flap for protecting the article, wherein the anchor tab is hingedly connected to the bottom panel along a fold line and extends from the fold line to a free end edge thereof, the free end edge at least partially defining an aperture such that the at least one protection flap is spaced from at least a middle portion of the free end edge of the anchor tab via the aperture, wherein the anchor tab, the aperture and the at least one protection flap are configured to at least partially define an article receiving opening in the at least one wall for receiving a portion of the article.

10. The carrier of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a side panel and a heel panel disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the article-receiving opening defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line interrupted by the article-receiving opening such that the first fold line stops short of the at least one protective flap to provide a tear-blocking region between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap, wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protective flap into the tear-blocking region, and the second fold line is offset from the first fold line.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the at least one protective flap is hingedly connected to at least one wall of the carrier by a fold line.

12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the fold line is non-linear.

13. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the fold line is interrupted by a first cut line.

14. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection.

15. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion by a hinged connection, the hinged connection being terminated by the first cut line.

16. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the article retention device comprises a second cut line spaced apart from the first cut line.

17. The carrier of claim 16, wherein the second fold line extends between terminal ends of the first cut line and the second cut line.

18. The carrier of claim 14, wherein the lower portion comprises cutouts arranged divergently with respect to the hinged connection.

19. The carrier of claim 16, comprising a folding structure disposed between an article holding device and a free edge of the tubular structure.

20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein the fold structure comprises at least one raised tab extending from the second cut line.

21. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the first fold line includes a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protective flap to provide a tear-blocking region between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap.

22. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a wall of a tubular structure and comprising a side panel, a bottom panel and a heel panel, the heel panel being disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the blank comprising an article retention device having an article receiving opening for receiving a portion of an article and at least one protective flap defining a portion of the article receiving opening to protect the portion of the article, the article receiving opening being defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel being hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line being interrupted by the article receiving opening such that at least a middle portion of the first fold line stops short of the at least one protective flap to provide a tear blocking region between the at least middle portion of the first fold line and the at least one protective flap, wherein a second fold line extends from the at least one protective flap into the tear blocking region and is offset from the first fold line.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the first fold line comprises a terminal end portion spaced apart from the at least one protective flap to provide a tear blocking region between the first fold line and the at least one protective flap.

24. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises a side panel, the at least one protective flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line, and the side flap is configured to fold outwardly from the carrier about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article receiving opening.

25. The carrier of claim 24, wherein the non-linear fold line is curved.

26. The carrier of claim 24, wherein the carrier comprises an inclined heel wall provided by a corner panel hingedly connected between the side panel and the bottom panel, and wherein the article receiving opening is defined in the corner panel and extends into the side panel.

27. The carrier of claim 26, wherein the side flaps are hingedly connected to the corner panels and the side panels by the non-linear fold lines.

28. The carrier of claim 24, wherein the article retention device comprises a pair of side flaps, each side flap being hingedly connected to the side panels along a respective non-linear fold line in opposition to each other.

29. The carrier of claim 28, wherein the pair of side flaps are separated from each other by a split line.

30. The carrier of claim 28, wherein a first non-linear fold line that articulates a first one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel is separated from a second non-linear fold line that articulates a second one of the pair of side flaps to the side panel by a cut line.

31. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a side panel and a heel panel disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the article receiving opening defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line interrupted by the article receiving opening, the article retaining device comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and configured to fold outwardly from the carrier about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article receiving opening.

32. The carrier of claim 31, wherein the side flaps are hingedly connected to the heel panel and the side panels by the non-linear fold lines.

33. The carrier of claim 31, wherein the non-linear fold line provides a biasing means to cause the side flaps to resist outward folding while providing a flexible, cushioned article bottom retention feature.

34. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a side panel in which the article-receiving opening is at least partially defined, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and at least partially spaced from the anchor tab defining a portion of the article-receiving opening, the article-receiving opening also being partially defined by the side flap.

35. The blank of claim 9, further comprising a side panel, the article receiving opening being at least partially defined in the side panel, the at least one protective flap comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and configured to be foldable outwardly about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article receiving opening.

36. The blank of claim 9, further comprising a side panel and a heel panel disposed between the bottom panel and the side panel, the article receiving opening defined in the heel panel and extending into the side panel, the heel panel hingedly connected to the side panel along a first fold line, the first fold line interrupted by the article receiving opening, the article retaining device comprising a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel along a non-linear fold line and configured to fold outwardly about the non-linear fold line when an article is received in the article receiving opening.

37. The blank of claim 9, further comprising a side panel in which the article-receiving opening is at least partially defined, wherein the at least one protective flap comprises a side flap hingedly connected to the side panel and at least partially spaced from the anchor tab defining a portion of the article-receiving opening, the opening also being partially defined by the side flap.