CN117412906A

CN117412906A - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: CN117412906A
Application number: CN202280039382.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·N·切斯内特
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2021-04-01
Filing date: 2022-03-31
Publication date: 2024-01-16
Also published as: CA3214053A1; EP4313795A1; AU2022252308A1; KR20230162655A; US20240190631A1; WO2022212623A1; MX2023011568A; TW202248092A; JP2024512746A

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a top-engaging article carrier (90) for packaging one or more article blanks (10 a,10b,10c,10 d) for forming the carrier (90) and a method of forming the carrier (90). One aspect provides a plurality of connected blanks (1), including two or more blanks (10 a,10b,10c,10 d), each blank for forming an article carrier (90). Each blank (10 a,10b,10c,10 d) includes an engagement panel (12) having at least one article receiving means (RT 1) and a pair of side or shoulder panels (20, 22) hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel (12). A first side panel (20) of a first of the two or more blanks (10A, 10B,10C, 10D) is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed side panel (22) of a second of the two or more blanks (10A, 10B,10C, 10D) by one or more frangible connections (N). In response to the application of a plurality of connected blanks (1) to a group of articles (B), the frangible connection (N) is automatically broken.

Description

Article carrier and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article top engagement device, an article carrier, and a blank for forming the article carrier. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to blanks forming top gripping article carriers having one or more apertures for receiving and retaining articles therein.

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 may be used to enable a consumer to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. Such cartons or carriers need to be made of as little material as possible and waste as little material as possible to form them for cost and environmental reasons. An additional consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy weight articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton be secured within the carton.

It is known to provide top gripping article carriers in which apertures are formed in the carrier plate from which tabs are punched and which define the apertures. When an article is received in the aperture, the tab is moved out of the plane of the plate, wherein the tab engages the article generally about the flange or lip of the article.

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 of the invention provides a plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers. Each blank comprises an engagement panel having at least one article receiving means, and at least one shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel. At least one shoulder panel of a first one of the plurality of connected blanks is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed at least one shoulder panel of a second one of the plurality of connected blanks by one or more frangible connections.

Advantageously, the plurality of connected blanks do not require cutting tools or performing cutting steps when the blanks are applied to articles to form a plurality of secondary packages around a primary product container or article.

Optionally, the frangible connection automatically breaks in response to folding the shoulder plate relative to an engagement plate to which the shoulder plate is hinged.

Optionally, the frangible connection is automatically broken in response to engagement or application of the plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

A second aspect of the invention provides a plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers. Each blank comprises an engagement panel having at least one article receiving means, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel. The plurality of connected blanks includes at least one pair of frangibly connected side panels. The at least one pair of frangibly connected side panels includes a first side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel of a first one of the plurality of connected blanks and a second side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel side panel of an adjacently disposed second one of the plurality of connected blanks.

Optionally, the one or more frangible connections between the first side panel and the second side panel are automatically broken in response to folding of the side panel relative to the engagement panel to which the side panel is hinged.

Optionally, the article receiving means in a first one of the plurality of connected blanks is spaced apart from the article receiving means in a second one of the plurality of connected blanks by a first distance. The first distance is equal to or less than the maximum diameter of an article receivable in the article receiving means of the first and second blanks.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article top receiving device in a main panel of an article carrier. The article top receiving device includes an opening and a plurality of engagement tabs. The plurality of engagement tabs includes at least one first tab connected to the main panel by a linear fold line and at least one second tab partially connected from the main panel by a non-linear cut.

Optionally, the plurality of engagement tabs includes at least one third tab punched out from the main panel and integral with a side panel hingedly connected to the main panel.

Optionally, each of the plurality of engagement tabs is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

Optionally, a side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs abuts a side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs.

Optionally, the free end edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs provides an engagement edge for engaging an article.

Optionally, the article top receiving means comprises a plurality of second tabs disposed substantially around a portion of the perimeter of the receiving aperture opposite the side panel from which the third tab extends.

Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "T" shaped cut line.

Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "L" shaped cut line.

Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "J" shaped cut line.

Optionally, the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion.

Optionally, the first radial cut line portion extends along an imaginary radial line extending from a center of the article top receptacle.

Optionally, the second circumferential cut line portion is linear.

Optionally, the circumferential cut line portion comprises at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

Optionally, the outermost ends of the first radial cut line portions define an imaginary circle centered at an intersection between imaginary extensions of two or more of the first radial cut line portions.

Optionally, the second circumferential cut line portion is tangential to the imaginary circle and includes a terminal end disposed outside the imaginary circle.

Optionally, the non-linear slit is disposed within an imaginary circle.

Optionally, a bridging connection is defined between the terminal end of the non-linear cut and the terminal end of the adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

Optionally, an outermost terminal end of the radial cut line defining the at least one first tab is disposed outside the imaginary circle.

Optionally, an outermost terminal end of a radial cut line defining the at least one third tab is disposed outside the imaginary circle.

Optionally, the linear fold line of the at least one first tab is disposed outside the imaginary circle.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of forming two or more article carriers from a plurality of connected blanks. The plurality of connected blanks includes two or more blanks, each blank forming an article carrier. Each blank comprises an engagement panel having at least one article receiving means, and at least one side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel. The side panel of a first of the two or more blanks is frangibly connected to the side panel of a second of the two or more blanks by one or more frangible connections. The method includes forming a set of articles, applying a plurality of connected blanks to the set of articles, and pressing the plurality of connected blanks around the ends of the articles forming the set of articles.

The method includes folding the side panels of the first and second blanks relative to a joint panel to which the side panels are hinged. The frangible connection between the side panels of the first and second blanks automatically breaks in response to folding the side panels. The method includes receiving an article in each of at least one article receiving device such that two or more different article carriers are formed.

Optionally, the method of forming two or more article carriers comprises packaging articles, each article comprising an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter, and a shoulder portion disposed between the main body and the upper end. The body diameter is larger than the end diameter such that when two articles are juxtaposed there is a void in the area between the shoulder portions of the articles. The method includes moving the side panels of the first and second blanks into the void, the movement facilitating separation of the first blank from the second blank.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier of the top engagement type comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving means punched from the engagement panel and at least one side panel comprising a divided frangible connection along an edge of the at least one side panel opposite its hinged connection to the engagement panel.

Optionally, the at least one side panel includes a tab punched out of the engagement panel and interrupting the hinged connection between the at least one side panel and the engagement panel.

Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or employed separately or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with or relating to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or in combination with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and the features or elements extracted from the one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in place of, the 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 from the other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, features or combinations of features of an embodiment may be omitted from this embodiment.

Drawings

Exemplary 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 plurality of connected blanks, each blank capable of forming a carrier, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of one of the blanks of FIG. 1, showing an article retaining structure;

FIG. 1C is a top plan view of a plurality of connected blanks, showing the position of articles superimposed thereon; and

fig. 2 and 3 are top perspective views of a carrier formed from one of the blanks in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, carriers, and methods 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 do not represent an exhaustive list of all the ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as a description, sample, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, carriers, and methods described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been 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 plurality of connected blanks 1, each blank 1 being capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, for the non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to containers for engaging and carrying items, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal-containing, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tiners, bags, pouches, and the like.

The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It is to be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes all forms of foldable sheet material 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 as 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 from or coated with a material that increases its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant manufactured by WestRock corporationAnd (3) paper board. 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 the sheet material may have different characteristics than the other 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 glueability, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 2×3 matrix or array; two rows of three items are provided and item B is a beverage can. Alternatively, the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D may be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles and/or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations.

Referring to fig. 1, there is shown a plurality of connected blanks 1, in particular, there are four blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix or array. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or joint panel of the carrier 90 (see fig. 2 and 3). Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is connected to at least two adjacent blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by frangible connections 25, 27.

The blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a first side panel or shoulder panel 20 which first side panel or shoulder panel 20 is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a second side panel or shoulder panel 22, the second side panel or shoulder panel 22 being hingedly hinged to a second side edge of the main panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second side edge is opposite to the first side edge.

The first blank 10A is frangibly connected to the second blank 10B by a first frangible connection 25, and more specifically, the second side or shoulder panel 22 of the first blank 10A is frangibly connected to the first side or shoulder panel 20 of the second blank 10B. The first frangible connection 25 may include a plurality of cut lines spaced apart from one another by a connecting bridge or gap N. The first frangible connection 25 may include two or more bridges or notches N.

The third blank 10C is frangibly connected to the fourth blank 10D by a second frangible connection 25, and more specifically, a second side or shoulder panel 22 of the third blank 10C is frangibly connected to the first side or shoulder panel 20 of the fourth blank 10D. The second frangible connection 25 may include a plurality of cut lines spaced apart from one another by a connecting bridge or gap N. The second frangible connection 25 may include two or more bridges or notches N.

The first blank 10A is frangibly connected to the third blank 10C by a third frangible connection 27. The third frangible connection 27 can include a plurality of cut lines spaced from one another by a connecting bridge or gap N. The end edge of the main panel 12 of the first blank 10A is frangibly connected to the end edge of the main panel 12 of the third blank 10C by two or more connecting bridges or notches N.

The second blank 10B is frangibly connected to the fourth blank 10D by a fourth frangible connection 27. The fourth frangible connection 27 can include a plurality of cut lines spaced from one another by a connecting bridge or gap N. The end edge of the main panel 12 of the second blank 10B is frangibly connected to the end edge of the main panel 12 of the fourth blank 10D by two or more connecting bridges or notches N.

The plurality of connected blanks 1 may comprise cut-outs in the form of apertures. The cut-out interrupts or spaces the first frangible connection 25 from the second frangible connection 25. The cut-out interrupts or spaces the third frangible connection 27 from the fourth frangible connection 27. The cut-out separates a portion of each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D from each other blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

Each main panel 12 includes at least one article retention feature RT1, see fig. 1B. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the engagement plate 12 comprises a plurality of article-holding structures RT1, in particular six article-holding structures RT1 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array.

The article retention structure RT1 includes an article receiving opening defined in part by an aperture AP1, the aperture AP1 being defined in the main plate 12 or punched out of the main plate 12. Each article retention structure RT1 includes a plurality of teeth or tabs 14a, 14b, 16 disposed about aperture AP 1.

Each of the teeth 14a, 14b, 16 is punched out of the joint plate 12 and is hingedly connected to the joint plate 12. Each tooth 14a, 14b, 16 is defined in part by a pair of cut lines 13, 15. The cut lines 13, 15 extend substantially radially outwardly from the article receiving aperture AP 1.

The illustrated embodiment includes eight teeth 14a, 14b, 16 defined about the receiving aperture AP 1. Each tooth 14a, 14b, 16 includes a free engagement edge opposite the hinged connection between each tooth 14a, 14b, 16 and the main plate 12. Each free engagement edge defines a portion of the receiving aperture AP 1. The shape of the receiving aperture AP1 may be substantially octagonal.

The retention structure RT1 comprises at least one first tab 14a, which first tab 14a is coupled or connected to the main or engagement panel 12 by a linear fold line 17. The linear fold line 17 may be at least partially defined by a linear cut line. The linear fold line 17 may be non-parallel to the opposing free engagement edges of the at least one first tab 14 a.

The retention structure RT1 includes at least one second tab 14b that is coupled or connected to the main or engagement panel 12. The at least one second tab 14b is partially disconnected from the main panel 12 by a non-linear, optionally arcuate cut line 19. The non-linear cut 19 defines a projection 18 punched from the at least one second tab 14b.

The retention feature RT1 may include a plurality of second tabs 14b, each second tab 14b having a projection 18. The plurality of second tabs 14B may be arranged around the opening such that when the article B is received in the opening, the projection 18 urges the article B toward the first or second side edge of the main panel 12.

Optionally, the radial cut lines 13, 15 defining the side edges of the teeth 14a, 14b, 16 may terminate at the circumferential cut line 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential cut line 11 is linear in shape so as to form a "T" shaped cut line. In other embodiments, the circumferential cut line 11 may be nonlinear or curved; the circumferential cut line 11 may define a portion of an "L" or "J" shaped cut line. In the illustrated embodiment, only those radial cut lines 13, 15 provided between the pair of second tabs 14b terminate in the circumferential cut line 11. In other embodiments, the radial cut lines 13, 15 between the first tab 14a and the second tab 14b may additionally or alternatively terminate at the circumferential cut line 11.

Optionally, the retention feature RT1 includes a third tab 16. The third tab 16 is integral with one of the first and second side panels 20, 22 and interrupts the hinged connection 21, 23 between said one of the first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 and the main panel 12.

The third tab 16 is arranged to fold simultaneously with one of the first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 from which they extend.

When the third tab 16 is folded relative to the main panel 12 from which the one of the first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 extends, the third tab 16 may move out of the plane of the main panel 12.

Alternatively, when the blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is lowered relative to the set of articles B and the articles B are received by the retention structure RT1, the articles B may move the third tab 16 out of the plane of the main panel 12, with the third tab 16 being punched out of the main panel 12. The first and second shoulder panels 20, 22 may fold in response to receipt of the article B in the retention structure RT 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, each retention feature RT1 includes a pair of first tabs 14a disposed on opposite sides of the third tab 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, each retention structure RT1 includes a plurality (specifically, but not limited to five) of second tabs 14b, the second tabs 14b being disposed substantially about the inner half of the receiving aperture AP 1.

Optionally, each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes a handle structure H. The handle structure H may include a pair of handle openings spaced apart from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle opening is defined in part by the handle aperture A1 and in part by one or more foldable tabs 60 punched from the engagement plate 12. Each of the one or more foldable tabs 60 is hingedly connected thereto by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 61. In the illustrated embodiment, each handle opening includes a pair of foldable tabs 60. The first pair of foldable tabs 60 of the first handle opening are substantially hinged relative to the second pair of foldable tabs 60 of the second handle opening. The first handle opening is centrally disposed in the first set of four article retention devices RT 1. The second handle opening is centrally disposed in the second set of four article retention devices RT 1.

The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D include at least a paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight from about 10pt (0.010 "/-0.25 mm) upwards, preferably from about 16pt (0.016"/-0.41 mm) to about 28pt (0.028 "/-0.7 mm). An example of such a substrate is a substrate made of 27 Point (pt.2) (0.027'/approximately 0.69 mm) SBS board manufactured by Corp (solid bleached sulfate board coated on one side, trade name>) Or->Board (coated natural->(Coated Natural/>) Unbleached kraft board having clay coating on one side, trade name of carrier kote ^TM ). The paperboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side, optionally on the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing process and the board composition.

The blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D include a tear resistant layer laminated to a paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear resistant layer may be disposed on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear resistant laminate sheet materials, such asIt may comprise a layer of n-axis oriented film, e.gWhich is a biaxially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminate structure of these materials contributes to the tear resistance characteristics. In addition, tear resistance can be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material, such as extruded metallocene catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) layer. In embodiments using Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE, the addition of an adhesive layer is not necessary. Other suitable materials having a high level of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of a polyolefin material, such as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). An adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, a plurality of connected blanks 1 may be applied to a group of articles B. The plurality of connected blanks 1 is lowered relative to the group of articles B. Each article retention feature RT of each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is aligned with a corresponding article B in the group. Part of the article B passes through the engagement plate 12.

The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are folded relative to the main panel 12 to which they are hinged. The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are folded about the sides or shoulders of the article B.

The frangible connection or gap N breaks automatically in response to folding of the first and second side panels 20, 22.

The first and second side panels 20, 22 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D may be folded simultaneously with the third tab 16.

As indicated in fig. 1C, article B has a maximum diameter d. The article retention device RT1 of the second side panel 22 adjacent the first blank 10A is spaced apart from the article retention device RT1 of the first side panel 20 adjacent the second blank 10B by a distance w, as also shown in fig. 1C. The distance w is measured between the center or middle of the article holder RT1 in the first blank 10A and the center or middle of the article holder RT1 in the second blank 10B.

The article retention device RT1 adjacent the second side panel 22 of the third blank 10C is spaced from the article retention device RT1 adjacent the first side panel 20 of the fourth blank 10D by a distance w, again measured between the centers of the article retention devices RT 1.

The center or middle of the article-holding device RT1 may, but need not, coincide with the center or middle of the aperture AP 1.

The distance w may be equal to or less than the maximum article diameter d.

The teeth 14a, 14B, 16 of the article retention feature RT may be folded out of the plane of the main plate 12 when the main plate 12 is pushed or pressed against the article B or immediately before.

Each tooth 14a, 14B, 16 folds around a respective article B received in a respective one of the article retention structures RT.

The engagement edges of the teeth 14a, 14B, 16 engage under the projections of the article B. The projection may be located around the neck or collar (which may provide a flange) of the article B. When the article B is a can, the projection may be provided by an end seam of the can. When the article B is a bottle, the projection may be provided by the cap or a tamper evident device attached to the cap, or by a flange provided under the cap. In other embodiments, it may be provided by a ridge or undercut formation of article B, or by an end closure of article B, such as, but not limited to, a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engagement edge grips or holds the article B and prevents or inhibits the article B from being accidentally separated from the engagement plate 12. Fig. 3 shows the carrier 90 assembled.

The present disclosure provides a top-engaging article carrier 90 comprising an engaging plate 12. The engagement plate 12 includes at least one article receiving means RT1 punched out of the engagement plate 12. The article carrier 90 includes a pair of side or shoulder panels hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel 12.

The present disclosure provides a plurality of connected blanks 1, including two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, each blank for forming an article carrier 90. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes an engagement panel 12 having at least one article receiving means RT1, and a pair of side panels or shoulder panels hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel 12. A first side panel of a first one of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed side panel of a second one of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by one or more frangible connections. The frangible connection is automatically broken in response to application of the plurality of connected blanks 1 to a group of articles.

In some embodiments, the article receiving device RT1 in a first of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is spaced apart from the article receiving device RT1 in a second of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by a distance w. The distance w may be equal to or less than the maximum diameter D of the articles B receivable in the article receiving devices RT1 of the blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

The top-engaging article carrier 90 forms a package having two or more articles B. Each article B includes an upper end, which may be provided by an end closure or cap, having an end diameter. The article B includes a main body having a body diameter and a neck or shoulder portion disposed between the main body and an upper end. The body diameter is greater than the end diameter. When two articles B are placed side by side, there is a gap or void in the area between the neck or shoulder portions of the articles B. The side or shoulder panels 20, 22 are movable into this region, which movement assists in separating one blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D from another blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

The present disclosure also provides an article top receptacle that is located in the main panel 12 and includes an opening AP1 and a plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16. The plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 includes at least one first tab 14a connected to the main panel 12 by a linear fold line 17 and at least one second tab 14a connected from the main panel 12 portion by a non-linear cut 19. The plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may include at least one third tab 16 that is punched out of the main panel 12 and is integral with the side or shoulder panels 20, 22, that is, without a predetermined hinge connection, the side or shoulder panels 20, 22 being hingedly connected to the main panel 12.

Each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

The side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may abut the side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16.

The free end edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may provide an engagement edge or a support edge for engaging or supporting an article.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an article retention structure RT1 having a plurality (particularly, but not limited to, five) of second tabs 14b disposed substantially around a portion of the perimeter of the receiving aperture AP1, opposite the side or shoulder plates 20, 22 from which the third tabs 16 of the article retention structure RT1 extend.

The second tab 14b may be defined in part by at least one "T", "L" or "J" shaped cut line. The second tab 14b may be at least partially defined by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion. The first radial cut line portion extends along an imaginary radial line extending from the center of the article-holding structure RT 1. The second circumferential cut line portion may be arcuate or linear. The circumferential cut line portion may comprise at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

The outermost ends of the plurality of first radial cut line portions define an imaginary circle NC centered at an intersection between imaginary extensions of the two or more first radial cut line portions. The second circumferential cut line portion may be tangential to the imaginary circle NC, and may include a terminal end disposed outside the imaginary circle NC.

The non-linear or arcuate cut line 19 may be provided within the notional circle NC. A hinge or bridge connection is defined between the end of the non-linear or arcuate cut line 19 and the end of the adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

The outermost terminal ends of the radial cut lines 13, 15 defining the first and/or third tabs 14a, 16 may be arranged outside the imaginary circle NC.

The linear crease line 17 of the first tab 14a and/or the linear incision defining said linear crease line 17 may be arranged outside the imaginary circle NC.

The free end edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 defines an aperture AP1 having a polygonal shape. The free end edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs 14a, 14b, 16 may provide at least two pairs of substantially or generally opposed free or engagement edges. A first one of the at least two pairs of generally opposed free or joined edges may be substantially orthogonal to a second one of the at least two pairs of opposed free or joined edges.

The present disclosure also provides a method of providing two or more article carriers 90 from a plurality of connected blanks 1. The plurality of connected blanks 1 includes two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, each blank forming an article carrier 90. Each blank 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D includes an engagement panel 12, the engagement panel 12 having at least one article receiving means RT1 and at least one side or shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel 12. The side panels of a first one of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are frangibly connected to the side panels of a second one of the two or more blanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D by one or more frangible connections. The method comprises applying a plurality of connected blanks 1 to a group of articles B, applying a plurality of connected blanks 1 to a group of articles B comprising squeezing a plurality of connected blanks 1 around the ends of articles B forming the group of articles B, and receiving articles B in each of at least one article receiving device RT1, wherein frangible connections between side panels of a first and second blank are automatically broken in response to folding the side panels or shoulder panels relative to an engagement panel 12 to which the side panels are hinged. In this way, a plurality of connected blanks 1 are separated to form different or separate article carriers 90.

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 plates to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish the plates from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define the hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding 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 may be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be straight/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 relative to each other. When the curvilinear crease lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect one another to define a shaped panel in the area enclosed by the curvilinear crease lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arcuate or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical plate 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 that intersect at two points such that a meniscus is defined therebetween.

As used herein, the term "polyline" may refer to one of the following: score lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, perforated lines, short slits, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, intermittent cut lines, aligned slits, scored lines, and any combination of the foregoing.

It should be appreciated that the hinged connection and the fold line may each include elements formed in the base material of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, intermittent cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide a desired function. For example, the perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold lines and/or cut lines. The perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and to facilitate breaking with greater force, or to facilitate breaking with less force.

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

Claims

1. A plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device, and at least one shoulder panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel, wherein at least one shoulder panel of a first one of the plurality of connected blanks is frangibly connected to an adjacently disposed at least one shoulder panel of a second one of the plurality of connected blanks by one or more frangible connections.

2. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 1, wherein the one or more frangible connections automatically break in response to folding the shoulder panel relative to an engagement panel to which the shoulder panel is hinged.

3. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 1, wherein the one or more frangible connections are automatically broken in response to application of the plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

4. A plurality of connected blanks for forming two or more article carriers, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to opposite sides of the engagement panel, the plurality of connected blanks comprising at least one pair of frangibly connected side panels through one or more frangibly connected portions, the at least one pair of frangibly connected side panels comprising a first side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel of a first one of the plurality of connected blanks and a second side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel of an adjacently disposed second one of the plurality of connected blanks.

5. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 5 wherein the one or more frangible connections between the first and second side panels automatically break in response to folding the side panels relative to an engagement panel to which the side panels are hinged.

6. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 5, wherein the one or more frangible connections are automatically broken in response to application of the plurality of connected blanks to a group of articles.

7. The plurality of connected blanks of claim 5, wherein the article receiving device in a first one of the plurality of connected blanks is spaced apart from the article receiving device in a second one of the plurality of connected blanks by a first distance, and wherein the first distance is equal to or less than a maximum diameter of an article receivable in the article receiving devices of the first and second blanks.

8. An article top receiving device in a main panel of an article carrier, the article top receiving device comprising an opening and a plurality of engagement tabs including at least one first tab hingedly connected to the main panel by a linear fold line and at least one second tab partially disconnected from the main panel by a non-linear cut.

9. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of engagement tabs includes at least one third tab punched out of the main panel and integral with a side panel hingedly connected to the main panel.

10. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of engagement tabs is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

11. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein a side edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs abuts a side edge of an adjacent one of the plurality of engagement tabs.

12. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein a free end edge of each of the plurality of engagement tabs provides an engagement edge for engaging an article.

13. The article top receiving device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second tab comprises a plurality of second tabs disposed substantially around a portion of a perimeter of the receiving aperture opposite the side plate from which the third tab extends.

14. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "T" shaped cut line.

15. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "L" shaped cut line.

16. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one "J" shaped cut line.

17. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the at least one second tab is defined in part by at least one cut line having a first radial cut line portion and a second circumferential cut line portion.

18. The article top receptacle of claim 17, wherein the first radial cut line portion extends along an imaginary radial line extending from a center of the article top receptacle.

19. The article top receptacle of claim 17, wherein the second circumferential cut line portion is linear.

20. The article top receptacle of claim 17, wherein the second circumferential cut line portion comprises at least a portion perpendicular to the first radial cut line portion.

21. The article top receiving device of claim 17, wherein the at least one second tab comprises a plurality of second tabs, and wherein the first radial cut line portion defines an imaginary circle.

22. The article top receptacle of claim 21, wherein an outermost end of the first radial cut line portion is located on an imaginary circle having a center disposed at an intersection between imaginary extensions of two or more first radial cut line portions.

23. The article top receptacle of claim 21, wherein the second circumferential cut line portion is tangential to the imaginary circle and includes a terminal end disposed outside the imaginary circle.

24. The article top receptacle of claim 21, wherein the non-linear cutout is disposed within an imaginary circle.

25. The article top receptacle of claim 23, wherein a bridging connection is defined between a terminal end of the non-linear cut and a terminal end of an adjacent second circumferential cut line portion.

26. The article top receptacle of claim 21, wherein an outermost terminal end of a radial cut line defining the at least one first tab is disposed outside of the imaginary circle.

27. The article top receptacle of claim 21, wherein an outermost terminal end of a radial cut line defining the at least one third tab is disposed outside of the imaginary circle.

28. The article top receiving device of claim 21, wherein the linear fold line of the at least one first tab is disposed outside of the imaginary circle.

29. The article top receiving device of claim 21, wherein the linear fold line of the at least one first tab comprises a linear cutout that partially disconnects the at least one first tab from the main panel.

30. The article top receiving device of claim 29, wherein the linear cutout of the at least one first tab is disposed outside of the imaginary circle.

31. The article top receiving device of claim 8, wherein the linear fold line of the at least one first tab comprises a linear cutout that partially disconnects the at least one first tab from the main panel.

32. A method of forming two or more article carriers from a plurality of connected blanks, the plurality of connected blanks comprising two or more blanks, each blank forming an article carrier, each blank comprising an engagement panel having at least one article receiving device and at least one side panel hingedly connected to the engagement panel, a side panel of a first of the two or more blanks being frangibly connected to a side panel of a second of the two or more blanks by one or more frangible connections, the method comprising:

Forming a group of articles;

applying the plurality of connected blanks to the set of articles;

extruding the plurality of connected blanks around the ends of the articles forming the group of articles;

folding the side panels of the first and second blanks relative to an engagement panel to which the side panels are hinged, wherein a frangible connection between the side panels of the first and second blanks automatically breaks in response to folding the side panels;

receiving articles in each of the at least one article receiving device such that two or more different article carriers are formed.

33. A method of forming two or more article carriers according to claim 32 wherein each article comprises an upper end having an end diameter, a main body having a body diameter and a shoulder portion disposed between the main body and the upper end, the body diameter being greater than the end diameter such that when two articles are juxtaposed there is a void in the area between the shoulder portions of the articles, and wherein the method comprises moving the side panels of the first and second blanks into the void, the movement facilitating separation of the first blank from the second blank.

34. An article carrier of the top engagement type comprising an engagement plate having at least one article receiving means punched out of the engagement plate and at least one side plate comprising a frangible connection divided along an edge of the at least one side plate opposite its hinged connection to the engagement plate.

35. The article carrier of claim 34, wherein the at least one side panel comprises a tab that is punched out of the engagement panel and interrupts the hinged connection between the at least one side panel and the engagement panel.