WO2024238100A1

WO2024238100A1 - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2024238100A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/025760
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno M. LEITE; Pablo S. Requena; Elina BLEHM
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2023-05-12
Filing date: 2024-04-23
Publication date: 2024-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-12

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a collapsible article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier comprises a handle panel is hingedly connected to an end panel via a bridging strip. The bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel when the article carrier is in an erected form. The bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit.

Description

ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier having a partition structure feature defining cells or compartments within an interior of a carrier of the basket-style.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging, it is known to provide article carriers or cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton

It is an object of the present invention to provide to a basket carrier having a carrying handle coupled to an end panel by a connecting panel or reinforcing panel, which is substantially in face contacting relationship with an end wall of the basket carrier.

It is desirable that the blank from which the carrier is formed can be readily assembled into a carrier in a simple and efficient manner.

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

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel by a bridging strip. The bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel. The bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit.

Optionally, the non-linear slit comprises a "C” shaped slit.

Optionally, the hinged connection further comprises a fold line interrupted by the non-linear slit.

Optionally, the non-linear slit comprises a lateral component extending in a transverse direction with respect to an adjacent free edge of the handle panel.

Optionally, the non-linear slit further comprises a longitudinal component extending in a direction parallel with the free edge of the handle panel.

Optionally, the longitudinal component is offset from the free edge of the handle panel.

Optionally, the longitudinal component is longitudinally aligned with the free edge of the handle panel. Optionally, the “C” shaped slit defines a tab extending from the bridging strip toward the end panel I.

Optionally, the handle panel is hingedly connected to a second handle panel, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to a securing panel along a second hinged connection, wherein the second hinged connection comprises an opening for receiving the tab when the article carrier is in an erected form.

Optionally, the opening is defined by a second “C” shaped slit.

Optionally, the opening is defined by an aperture.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels providing walls of a tubular structure and defining an interior of the article carrier, the walls including first and second opposed side walls and first and second opposed end walls, and wherein the handle panel extends between the first and second opposed end walls.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises first and second base panels closing an end of the tubular structure.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging one or more articles. The article carrier comprises a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel via a bridging strip. The bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel. The bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which extends in substantially the same direction as an adjacent free edge of the handle panel. A recess is formed along the free edge such that the recess is disposed next to the bridging strip to be contiguous therewith.

Optionally, the hinged connection comprises a non-linear slit.

Optionally, the non-linear slit comprises a longitudinal component generally aligned with the free end edge of the handle panel.

Optionally, the non-linear slit further comprises a lateral component extending in a transverse direction with respect to the free end edge of the handle panel.

Optionally, the longitudinal component of the non-linear slit is offset from a bottom of the recess.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure defining an interior chamber. The plurality of primary panels includes an end panel and a handle panel hingedly connected to the end panel by a bridging strip. The bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel when the article carrier is in an erected form. The bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure defining an interior chamber. The plurality of primary panels includes an end panel and a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel via a bridging strip. The bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel when the article carrier is in an erected form. The bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which extends in substantially the same direction as an adjacent free edge of the handle panel. A recess is formed along the free edge such that the recess is disposed next to the bridging strip to be contiguous therewith. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

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

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate stages of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carrier;

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate further stages of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carrier;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an alternative perspective view of the carrier formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second embodiment;

Figure 8A is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third embodiment;

Figure 8B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of Figure 8A;

Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view of a partition structure of the blank of Figure 8A;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of Figure 8A; and

Figure 11 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles. The blank 10 forms a secondary package of the basket-carrier style for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Alternative blanks 10’; 210; 310 are illustrated in Figures 7, 8A, and 11 respectively.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 290 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 10; 10'; 210; 310 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 10’; 210; 310 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiments, 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 articles are provided, and the articles are 355ml bottles, the bottles may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, Aluminium or PET (polyester - polyethylene terephthalate). The blanks 10; 10'; 210; 310 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figures 5 and 6) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 25 respectively.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18 comprises a first end panel 12. A first side panel 14 is hingedly connected to the first end panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A second end panel 16 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A second side panel 18 is hingedly connected to the second end panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17.

The blank 10 comprises a first base panel 36 hinged to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35. The blank 10 comprises a second base panel 38 hinged to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37. The first and second base panels 36, 38 are also referred to herein as end closure flaps since they close an end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18.

The first and second base panels 36, 38 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 36/38 of the carrier 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism M/F for securing the second base panel 38 to the first base panel 36. The first base panel 36 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism M/F. The second base panel 38 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism M/F In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 36 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 38. The second base panel 38 comprises a plurality of male tabs M; and the openings in the first base panel 36 are configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. Each of the female tabs F is arranged to be displaced out of the first base panel 36 to form an opening and to bear against a male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted; and the first and second base panels 36, 38 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples

The complementary locking mechanism M/F illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 may comprise an assembly device. The assembly device facilitates tightening of the blank 10 about the group of articles B. The assembly device may comprise an alignment feature. The assembly device takes the form of at least one opening in the first base panel 36 and at least one opening in the second base panel 38. The opening (also referred to herein as a machine pull opening) may be defined by an aperture A1 , the aperture A1 may be substantially triangular in shape.

The blank 10 comprises a divider for dividing the interior of the tubular structure into two chambers. The divider comprises a first divider panel 22 (also referred to as an intermediate or medial panel). The first divider panel 22 is coupled to the second side panel 18 by a first inner end panel 20. The first divider panel 22 is hingedly connected, along a first side thereof, to the first inner end panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21 The first inner end panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. The first inner end panel 20 is configured to space apart the first divider panel 22 from the second side panel 18.

A securing flap 26 is hingedly connected to a second side of the first divider panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25. The second side opposes the first side.

A second divider panel 24 (also referred to as an intermediate or medial panel) is hingedly connected to an end edge of the first divider panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. The end edge forms a lower edge in a setup carrier 90 in normal use.

A portion of the first divider panel 22 forms a first handle panel 28 and comprises a handle opening. The handle opening is defined at least in part by a handle aperture A2. The handle opening may be defined in part by a handle flap 60 (see Figure 2), the handle flap 60 is struck from, or defined in, the first handle panel 28 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 .

The first handle panel 28 forms part of a carrying handle for transportation of the carrier 90. The carrying handle comprises a second handle panel 32. The second handle panel 32 is hingedly connected to the first handle panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27. Fold line 27 is colinear with fold line 21 hinging the first divider panel 22 to the first inner end panel 20. The second first handle panel 32 is disposed alongside the first inner end panel 20 and a portion of the second side panel 18 and is separated therefrom by a cut line 41 . The second handle panel 32 comprises a handle opening. The handle opening is defined at least in part by a handle aperture A2. The handle opening may be defined in part by a handle flap 60 (see Figure 2), the handle flap 60 is struck from, or defined in, the second handle panel 32 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61.

The second handle panel 32 is coupled to the second end panel 16 by a connecting panel 34 (also referred to herein as a second inner end panel or bridging panel). The second handle panel 32 is hingedly connected to the connecting panel 34 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31 . The connecting panel 34 is hingedly connected to the second end panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33.

A portion of the second divider panel 24 forms a handle reinforcing panel 30 and comprises a handle opening The handle opening is defined at least in part by a handle aperture A3.

Figure 2 shows the divider panels 22, 24 in more detail; the first divider panel 22 comprises a first partition structure P1 for dividing a first chamber into three cells on a first side of the divider. The second divider panel 24 comprises a second partition structure P2 for dividing a second chamber into three cells on a second, opposing, side of the divider.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition panel 50 struck from the first divider panel 22. The first partition panel 50 is hingedly connected, at a first end thereof, to the first divider panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The first partition structure P1 comprises a second partition panel 54 struck from the first divider panel 22. The second partition panel is hingedly connected, at a first end thereof, to the first divider panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55. The second partition panel 54 is spaced apart from the first partition panel 50. A first securing panel 52 is hingedly connected at a first end to a second end of the first partition panel 50 and is hingedly connected to a second end of the second partition panel 54. The first partition panel 50 is hingedly connected to the first securing panel 52 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 53. The second partition panel 54 is hingedly connected to an end portion 52B of the first securing panel 52 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 57. The end portion 52B of the first securing panel 52 is struck from material which would otherwise form the first inner end panel 20. A cutaway in the form of an aperture CA separates the end portion 52B of the first securing panel 52 from the first inner end panel 20.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a third partition panel 70 struck from the second divider panel 24. The third partition panel 70 is hingedly connected, at a first end thereof, to the second divider panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 71 . The first partition structure P1 comprises a fourth partition panel 74 struck from the second divider panel 24. The fourth partition panel 74 is hingedly connected, at a first end thereof, to the second divider panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 75. The fourth partition panel 74 is spaced apart from the third partition panel 70. A second securing panel 72 is hingedly connected at a first end to a second end of the third partition panel 70 and is hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth partition panel 74. The third partition panel 70 is hingedly connected to the second securing panel 72 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 73. The fourth partition panel 74 is hingedly connected to an end portion 72B of the second securing panel 72 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 77.

A second glue flap 40 is hingedly connected to the second divider panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39. Fold line 39 is colinear with the fold line 21 hinging the first divider panel 22 to the first inner end panel 20. The second glue flap 40 is struck, in part, from material which would otherwise form part of the first inner end panel 20 and is separated therefrom by a cut line.

The connecting panel 34 is hinged to the second handle panel 32 by a hinged connection formed by the fold line 31. The fold line 31 is interrupted by a cut line C1. The cut line C1 is non-linear and may be “C” or “U" shaped and defines, at least in part, a first tab T1. The cutline C1 extends from the connecting panel 34 into the second handle panel 32 such that the first tab T1 is struck in part from the connecting panel 34 and in part from the second handle panel 32. Terminal ends of the cut line C1 are disposed in the connecting panel 34; a medial portion of the cut line C1 is disposed in the second handle panel 32.

The blank 10 comprises a tab receiver defined in part in the first handle panel 28 and in part in the securing flap 26. The tab receiver comprises an opening defined, at least in part by a cut line C2. The cut line C2 is non-linear and may be “C” or “U” shaped and defines, at least in part, a second tab T2. The cutline C2 extends from the securing flap 26 into the first handle panel 28 such that the second tab T2 is struck in part from the securing flap 26 and in part from the first handle panel 28. Terminal ends of the cut line C2 are disposed in the securing flap 26; a medial portion of the cut line C2 is disposed in the first handle panel 28. The second tab T2 is integral with the securing flap 26 and when the securing flap 26 is folded with respect to the first handle panel 28 and first divider panel 22 creates an opening through which the first tab T1 can pass during erection of the carrier 90.

The cut line C1 has the effect of reducing the fold resistance of the fold line 31, defining short connecting portions either side thereof, between connecting panel 34 and the second handle panel 32. This may allow a localised deformation of the connecting panel 34 in a region surrounding, or regions adjacent to, the cut line C1. This deformation may result in compression or reduction of the length of the connecting panel 34. A region of the connecting panel 34 provided by the first tab T 1 may pass through an opening in the divider panels 22, 24 and/or handle panels 28, 32. The arrangement may allow or facilitate the connecting panel 34 to be in face contacting relationship with the second end panel 16 and/or the securing flap 26 in a setup condition, and may reduce the likelihood of the connecting panel 34 bowing or separating away from the second end panel 16 and/or the securing flap 26. This may have the effect of allowing improved bonding of the connecting panel 34 to the securing flap 26 and/or the second end panel 16.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4A to 40, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first handle panel 28 and first divider panel 22. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the second handle panel 28 and handle reinforcing panel 30.

The second medial panel 24 and the handle reinforcing panel 30 are folded, with respect to the first medial panel 22 about fold line 23, as shown in Figure 3B. The second medial panel 24 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first medial panel 22 and the handle reinforcing panel 30 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first handle panel 28. The second medial panel 24 is secured to the first medial panel 22 and the handle reinforcing panel 30 is secured to the first handle panel 28.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second handle panel 32 or alternatively to the handle reinforcing panel 30. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the connecting panel 34 or alternatively to the first securing flap 26. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second securing panel 72 or alternatively to the second side panel 18.

The first medial panel 22 and first handle panel 28, along with the second medial panel 24 and handle reinforcing panel 30, are folded about fold lines 21 , 27, as shown in Figure 4A.

The second medial panel 24 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first inner end panel 20 and with the second side panel 18. The handle reinforcing panel 30 is brought into face contacting relationship with the second handle panel 28. The first securing flap 26 is brought into face contacting relationship with the connecting panel 34 and with the second side panel 18. The second medial panel 24 is secured to the first inner end panel 20 and with the second side panel 18. The handle reinforcing panel 30 is secured to the second handle panel 28. The first securing flap 26 is secured to the connecting panel 34.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first securing flap 26 or alternatively or a corresponding region of the second end panel 16. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first securing panel 52 or alternatively or corresponding regions of the first side panel 14.

The second side panel 18 is folded with respect to the second end panel 16 about fold line 17 as shown in Figure 4B. In doing so the medial panels 22, 24 and handle panels 28, 30, 32 are also folded about fold line 17.

The first medial panel 22 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 14 and with the second end panel 16. The first securing flap 26 is brought into face contacting relationship with the second end panel 16.

The first securing panel 52 is secured to the first side panel 14. The first securing flap 26 is secured to the second end panel 16.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner end panel 20 and to the second securing flap 40 or alternatively or corresponding regions of the first end panel 12.

The first end panel 12 is folded with respect to the first side panel 14 about fold line 13 as shown in Figure 4C to form a flat collapsed carrier.

The first end panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first inner end panel 20 and to the second securing flap 40.

The first end panel 12 is secured to the first inner end panel 20 and to the second securing flap 40.

A flat collapsed carrier is shown in Figure 4G, the flat collapsed carrier can be readily shipped or distributed in the flat condition to a plant for erecting and loading with primary product containers.

The flat collapsed carrier can be opened into a basket-style article carrier 90, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, by separating the first and second side panels 14, 18 to form a tubular structure defined by the outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18. The outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18 define an interior divided into two chambers, one chamber on each side of the divider. The partition structures P 1 , P2 are automatically erected when the flat collapsed carrier is opened out or erected into the tubular form and divide each chamber into a plurality of cells

Once the flat collapsed carrier is erected into a tubular structure the first base panel 36 is folded with respect to the first side panel 14, about fold line 35, to partially close an end of the tubular structure. The second base panel 38 is then folded with respect to the second side panel 18, about fold line 37, to close the end of the tubular structure. The first base panel 36 and second base panel 38 form a composite base panel 36/38 upon which articles (not shown) can be loaded.

The carrier 90 may be loaded with a group of articles; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 and 6 six articles (not shown) are arranged in a 3 x 2 array. The group of articles may be loaded through an upper end of the tubular structure formed by the outer panels 12, 14, 16, 18.

Figure 5 shows the carrier 90 and illustrates a first side of the divider, second tab T2 has been folded out of the plane of the first handle panel 28 and is disposed in face contacting relationship, or close proximity, with the second end panel 16; in doing so an opening OT is created. A portion of the first tab T1 may pass through the opening OT. Figure 6 shows the carrier 90 and illustrates a second side of the divider; the connecting panel 34 is subject to localised deformation in the regions above and below the first tab T1.

Referring now to Figures 7, there are shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. The second illustrated embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of shown in Figures 1 and 2 those features which differ have been given the suffix The blank 10' comprises a first handle panel 28' and a first medial panel 22’. A first securing flap 26’ is hingedly connected to the first handle panel 28’ and to a first medial panel 22' by a fold line 25. The fold line 25 is interrupted by cutaway in the form of an aperture AT. The second tab T2 has been replaced with the aperture AT and creates an opening through which the first tab T1 may pass.

Referring now to Figures 8A and 8B, there is shown a further additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8A, shows a blank 210 for forming a carton or carrier 290 (see Figure 10) according to a third embodiment. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 , 223, 225, 227 respectively. The blank 210 is configured to form a basket carrier 290 of the “arrow-head” design, that is to say in a flat collapsed condition a first side panel 218 is disposed in vertical registry with a second side panel 224, the blank 10 comprises panels 220, 220, 216, 226 which form foldable end walls, that is to say a first portion of each end wall is foldable with respect to a second portion of said end wall. The blanks 10, 10' of Figures 1 and 7 and described above form basket carriers 90 of a “parallelogram” design that is to say the end walls do not fold about themselves and the opposed side panels are not in vertical registry with each other in a flat collapsed form.

The plurality of outer panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 form a tubular structure. The plurality of outer panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 comprises a first end panel 216. A first side panel 218 is hingedly connected to the first end panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. A second end panel 220 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. A third end panel 222 is hingedly connected to the second end panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221. A second side panel 224 is hingedly connected to the third end panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223 and a fourth end panel 226 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 225.

The blank 210 comprises a first base panel 238A/238C hinged to the first side panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 237 A. The first base panel 238A/238C comprises a fold line 239 extending in a longitudinal direction x across the first base panel 238A/238C so as to define first and second portions 238A, 238C respectively. The first and second portions 238A, 238C are also referred to herein as proximal and distal portions respectively. The blank 210 comprises a second base panel 238B hinged to the second side panel 224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 237B. The first and second base panels 238A/238C, 238B are also referred to herein as end closure flaps since they close an end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226.

The first and second base panels 238A/238C, 238B are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 238A/238C/238B of the carrier 290.

Optionally, the first base panel 238A/238C may comprise at least one cutaway struck from an end edge. The cutaway is engageable with a hook or catch provided by at least one of the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228.

The blank 210 may comprise a medial structure including a first medial panel 214 and a second medial panel 228. Medial panels 214, 228 are also referred to herein as intermediate panels.

The first medial panel 214 is hingedly connected at a first end of the plurality of outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, to the first end panel 216, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215

The second medial panel 228 is hingedly connected at a second, opposing, end of the plurality of outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, to the fourth end panel 226, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 227.

The first and second medial panels 214, 228 form a divider (or planar medial wall structure) extending longitudinally between the end walls of the carrier.

The first medial panel 214 provides a first handle panel portion 214A. The second medial panel 228 provides a second handle panel portion 228A. Together the first and second medial panels 214, 228 provide a two-ply handle structure, the second ply reinforcing the first ply.

The first handle panel portion 214A comprises a first handle opening.

The first handle opening may be defined at least in part by a first handle aperture A2 struck from an upper portion of the first medial panel 214.

The second handle panel portion 228A comprises a second handle opening.

The second handle opening may be defined at least in part by a second handle aperture A3 struck from, or defined within, an upper portion of the second medial panel 228.

The second handle opening is arranged to be disposed in registry or alignment with the first handle opening in a setup condition.

The blank 210 comprises a securing panel in the form of a medial partition glue flap 212 hingedly connected to an end of the first medial panel 214 (said end opposes an opposing end of the first medial panel 214 to which the first end panel 216 is hingedly connected, defined by fold line 215) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213 The fold line 213 may be interrupted by at least one cutaway in the form of an aperture A1 , in the illustrated embodiment two apertures A1 interrupt fold line 213 so as to reduce the folding resistance. Optionally, the blank 210 comprises a handle reinforcing structure comprising a first and second handle reinforcing panels 232, 234.

The first handle reinforcing panel 232 is disposed adjacent to the second end panel 220 and to the first side panel 218. First handle reinforcing panel 232 is separated from second end panel 220 by a first outline. The first handle reinforcing panel 232 is separated from first side panel 218 by a second cutline 251 .

The first handle reinforcing panel 232 is hingedly connected to second handle reinforcing panel 234 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233.

The second handle reinforcing panel 234 is disposed adjacent to the third end panel 222 and to the second side panel 224. Second handle reinforcing panel 234 is separated from third end panel 222 by a third cutline. The second handle reinforcing panel 234 is separated from second side panel 224 by a fourth cutline 253. The second handle reinforcing panel 234 is connected to second end panel 220 at a first side edge of the second handle reinforcing panel 234 by a connecting portion 244 in the form of a hinged connection collinearly arranged with fold line 233 and fold line 221. The connecting portion 244 is sufficient to maintain the connection between the second handle reinforcing panel 234 and the second end panel 220 during handling of the blank 210 prior to assembly and optionally during at least a portion of the assembly process.

The handle structure comprises a first bridging panel 230, the first bridging panel 230 is disposed adjacent to the first side panel 218 and is separated therefrom by the second outline 251 . A first side edge of the first bridging panel 230 is coupled to a side edge of the first handle reinforcing panel 232 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 231. A second side edge of the first bridging panel 230 is coupled to a side edge of the first end panel 216 by a connecting portion in the form of a hinged connection collinearly arranged with fold line 217. The connecting portion is sufficient to maintain the connection between the first bridging panel 230 and the first end panel 216 during handling of the blank 210 prior to assembly and optionally during at least a portion of the assembly process.

The handle structure comprises a second bridging panel 236, the second bridging panel 236 is disposed adjacent to the second side panel 224 and is separated therefrom by the fourth cutline 253. A first side edge of the second bridging panel 236 is coupled to a side edge of the second handle reinforcing panel 234 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 235 A second side edge of the second bridging panel 236 is coupled to a side edge of the fourth end panel 226 by a connecting portion 246 in the form of a hinged connection collinearly arranged with fold line 225. The connecting portion 246 is sufficient to maintain the connection between the second bridging panel 236 and the fourth end panel 226 during handling of the blank 210 prior to assembly and optionally during at least a portion of the assembly process.

The hinged connection 235 between the second bridging panel 236 and the second handle reinforcing panel 234 is interrupted by a cut line C3, best shown in Figure 8B.

The cut line C3 is non-linear and may be “C” or “U” shaped and defines, at least in part, a first tab T3. The cutline C3 extends from the second bridging panel 236 into the second handle reinforcing panel 234 such that the first tab T3 is struck in part from the second bridging panel 236 and in part from the second handle reinforcing panel 234. Terminal ends of the cut line C3 are disposed in the second bridging panel 236; a medial portion of the cut line C3 is disposed in the second handle reinforcing panel 234.

The hinged connection 231 between the first bridging panel 230 and the first handle reinforcing panel 232 is similarly arranged to the hinged connection 235 between the second bridging panel 236 and the second handle reinforcing panel 234 and is interrupted by a cut line C4 defining, at least in part a second tab T4.

The first handle reinforcing panel 232 comprises a third handle opening. The third handle opening may be defined by an optional first cushioning flap 240 struck from the first handle reinforcing panel 232 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 241. The first cushioning flap 240 defines at least a part of the third handle opening.

The second handle reinforcing panel 234 comprises a fourth handle opening. The fourth handle opening may be defined by an optional second cushioning flap 242 struck from the second handle reinforcing panel 234 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 243. The second cushioning flap 242 defines at least a part of the fourth handle opening.

The third and fourth handle openings are arranged to be disposed in registry or alignment with the first and second handle openings in a setup carrier.

The blank 210 may comprise a partition structure P1 , P2 which defines or creates a plurality of cells disposed on one or both sides of the divider formed by first and second medial panels 214, 228.

The blank 210 comprises a first partition structure P1 , best illustrated in Figure 9. The first partition structure P1 defines or creates a plurality of cells disposed between the first side panel 218 and the first medial panel 214. The first partition structure P1 is defined in a first partition panel portion 214B provided by a lower portion of the first medial panel 214.

The blank 210 comprises a second partition structure P2. The second partition structure P2 defines or creates a plurality of cells disposed between the second side panel 224 and the second medial panel 228. The second partition structure P2 is defined in a second partition panel portion 28B provided by a lower portion of the second medial panel 228.

The first side panel 218 and the second medial panel 214 along with the first and second end panels 216, 220 define a tubular structure or first compartment on a first side of the medial structure or divider.

The second side panel 224, the second medial panel 228 along with the third and fourth end panels 222, 226 and a portion of the first medial panel 214 define a tubular structure or second compartment on a second side of the medial structure or divider.

The first compartment provides an interior for receiving at least a lower portion of one or more articles. The second compartment provides an interior for receiving at least a lower portion of one or more articles

The first and second partition structures P1 , P2 are substantially similar in construction, albeit the second partition structure P2 is a mirror image (in blank form) of the first partition structure P1 . In this way the first and second partition structures P1 , P2 are disposed substantially in registry with each other when the blank 210 is folded into a flat collapsed form. The first and second partition structures P1 , P2 will be described in further detail by reference to the first partition structure P1 , as illustrated in Figure 9.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition panel 264 struck from, or defined in, the first medial panel 214 and hingedly connected, at a first or proximal end, thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 263.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a second partition panel 268 struck from, or defined in, the first medial panel 214 and hingedly connected, at first or a proximal end, thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 269.

The first and second partition panels 264, 268 are dimensioned to extend, laterally, between the first medial panel 214 and the first side panel 218 in a set up condition.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first glue panel 272 to which the first partition panel 264 is each coupled by a distal end joint. The first partition structure P1 comprises a second glue panel 266 to which the second partition panel 268 is each coupled by a distal end joint.

The first partition panel 264 is defined by a cutline 273 The first partition panel 264 is hingedly connected, at a distal end, to the first glue panel 272 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 267. Fold line 267 defines an outer end of the first partition panel 264, fold line 263 defines an inner end of the first partition panel 264 a linear dimension is defined therebetween.

The second partition panel 268 is defined by a cutline 271. The second partition panel 268 is hingedly connected to the second glue panel 266 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 277. The second partition panel 268 comprises an outer end, defined by a portion of cutline 271 , said portion may be collinear, coincident or coextensive with the fold line 215 between the first medial panel 214 and the first end panel 216. Fold line 277 is offset, inset from, the outer end of the second partition panel 268. Fold line 269 defines an inner end of the second partition panel 268. The outer end of the second partition panel 268 and the fold line 269 define a linear dimension therebetween.

The first partition panel 264 is separated from the first glue panel 272 along or by a cut line or severance line 265; the severance line 265 may be substantially “U” or “C” shaped. The first glue panel 272 can be considered to be struck from or defined in, at least in part, the first partition panel 264.

The second partition panel 268 is separated from the second glue panel 266 by a cut line or severance line 279; the severance line 265 may be substantially “U” or “C” shaped. The second glue panel 266 can be considered to be struck from or defined in, at least in part, the second partition panel 268.

The second glue panel 266 is coupled to the second partition panel 268 by a connecting portion 270 (also referred to herein as joint panel 270). The connecting portion 270 is hinged to the second glue panel 266 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 277.

The connecting portion 270 is hinged to the second partition panel 268 by at least one hinged connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 270 is hinged to the second partition panel 268 by a pair of fold lines 275A, 275B. A first one 275A of the pair of fold lines 275A, 275B may be divergently arranged with respect to a second one 275B of the pair of fold lines 275A, 275B.

Each end of the cutline 279 may extend beyond a respective one of the pair of fold lines 275A, 275B into the connecting portion 270 and may terminate with a "J' shaped cut.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a second substantially ‘U’ shaped outline 261 defining a tab or projection 262 of the first medial panel 214 which is struck from or defined in the first partition panel 264. The cutline 261 interrupts the fold line 263 hinging the first partition panel 264 to the first medial panel 214.

Each end of the cutline 261 may extend beyond fold line 263 into the first medial panel 214, to define cut line extensions 261 A, 261 B, and may terminate with a “J' shaped cut.

Each end of the cutline 271 may extend beyond fold line 269 into the first medial panel 214, to define cut line extensions 271A, 271 B, and may terminate with a “J’ shaped cut.

Each end of the cutline 273 may extend beyond fold line 263 into the first medial panel 214, to define cut line extensions 273A, 273B, and may terminate with a “J’ shaped cut.

The fold lines 275A, 275B define, at least in part an end portion or region of the second partition panel 268, more specifically an end portion or region of the connecting portion 270. The end portion may be defined between the fold lines 275A, 275B and the portion of the cut line 271 which is coextensive with the fold line 215.

The connecting portion 270 may rotate out of the plane of the second partition panel 268. In this way a hinge is created between the second glue panel 266 and the second partition panel 268.

The hinge may be resiliently biased, due to the inherent resilience of the substrate.

The hinge may provide resistance to tearing or severance of the connecting portion 270 from the second partition panel 268. For example, when load forces cause movement of the side walls 218, 224 in an outward direction or to allow movement of the joint panel 270 towards a coplanar arrangement with the remainder of the glue panel 266.

Turning to the construction of the carton 290 as illustrated in Figures 10, the carton 290 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 290 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first and second glue panels 272, 266 of the second partition structure P2 provided by the second medial panel 228. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the second side panel 224.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second handle panel portion 228A. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the second handle reinforcing panel 234.

The second medial panel 228 and the fourth end panel 226 are folded, with respect to the second side panel 224 about fold line 225. The second medial panel 228 is brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the second side panel 224 and the third end panel 222, the fourth end panel 226 is brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the second side panel 224.

The second handle panel portion 228A is brought into face contacting relationship with the second handle reinforcing panel 234.

The first and second glue panels 272, 266 of the second partition structure P2 are secured to the second side panel 224 in face contacting relationship therewith.

The second handle panel portion 228A is secured to the second handle reinforcing panel 234.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first and second glue panels 272, 266 of the first partition structure P1 provided by the first medial panel 214. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the first side panel 218.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the glue flap 212. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the third end panel 222.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first handle panel portion 214A. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the first handle reinforcing panel 232.

The first medial panel 214, glue flap 212 and the first end panel 216 are folded, with respect to the first side panel 218 about fold line 217. The first medial panel 214 is brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the first side panel 218 and the second end panel 220. The first end panel 216 is brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the first side panel 218. The glue flap 212 is brought into face contacting relationship with a portion of the third end panel 222.

The first handle panel portion 214A is brought into face contacting relationship with the first handle reinforcing panel 232.

The first handle panel portion 214A is secured to the first handle reinforcing panel 232.

The first and second glue panels 272, 266 of the first partition structure P1 are secured to the first side panel 218 in face contacting relationship therewith.

The glue flap 212 is secured to the third end panel 222 in face contacting relationship therewith.

The first base panel 238A/238C is folded about fold line 239. The second portion 238C of first base panel 38A/38C is folded with respect to the first portion 238A of first base panel 238A/238C. The second portion 238C of first base panel 238A/238C is brought into face contacting relationship with the first portion 238A of first base panel 238A/238C.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second portion 238C of first base panel 238A/238C. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the second base panel 238B.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first medial panel 214. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding regions of the second medial panel 228.

The blank 210 is folded about fold line 221 to bring the first medial panel 214 into face contacting relationship with the second medial panel 228. The second base panel 238B is brought into face contacting relationship with the second portion 238C of first base panel 238A/238C.

The first medial panel 214 is secured to the second medial panel 228.

The second base panel 238B is secured to the second portion 238C of first base panel 238A/238C. In this way a flat collapsed tubular structure is formed.

The flat collapsed carrier can be opened into a basket-style article carrier 290, as shown in Figure 10, by separating the first and second side panels 218, 224 to form a tubular structure defined by the outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226. The outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 define an interior chamber. The partition structures P1 , P2 are automatically erected when the flat collapsed carrier is opened out or erected into the tubular form.

The first base panel 238A/238C and second base panel 238B form a composite base panel 238A/238C/238B which is automatically erected when the flat collapsed carrier is opened out.

Once the carrier 290 is erected, the first and second medial panels 214, 228 form a partition, that is disposed medially within the interior of the carrier 290 formed by the outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226. The partition divides the interior of the carrier 290 into two separate compartments on opposing sides of the first and second medial panels 214, 228. The partition extends longitudinally of the carrier 290.

The first partition structure P1 is automatically erected to form a first plurality of cells in a first compartment disposed on a first side of the first and second medial panels 214, 228.

The second partition structure P2 is automatically erected to form a second plurality of cells in a second compartment disposed on a second side of the first and second medial panels 214, 228.

The first and second partition structures P1 , P2 extend transversely of the carrier 290.

The carrier 290 may be loaded with a group of articles; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 six articles (not shown) are arranged in a 3 x 2 array.

The group of articles may be loaded through an upper end of the tubular structure formed by the outer panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226.

Referring now to Figure 11 , there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the replacement of the prefix "200” with the prefix “300” to indicate that these features belong to the fourth embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the third embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A to 10 will be described in detail.

Figure 11 illustrates a fourth embodiment and shows a blank 310 having a plurality of panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 313, 315, 317, 319, 321 , 323, 325, 327 respectively.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of outer panels 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of outer panels 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 comprises a first end panel 316. A first side panel 318 is hingedly connected to the first end panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. A second end panel 320 is hingedly connected to the first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319. A third end panel 322 is hingedly connected to the second end panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 321. A second side panel 324 is hingedly connected to the third end panel 322 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323 and a fourth end panel 326 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 324 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 325.

The blank 310 comprises a first base panel 338A/338C hinged to the first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 337 A. The first base panel 338A/338C comprises a fold line 339 extending in a longitudinal direction across the first base panel 338A/338C so as to define first and second portions 338A, 338C respectively. The blank 310 comprises a second base panel 338B hinged to the second side panel 324 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 337B. The first and second base panels 338A/338C, 338B are also referred to herein as end closure flaps since they close an end of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of outer panels 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326.

The blank 310 comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking tab Lt extending from an end edge of the second or distal portion 338C of the first base panel 338A/338C. The end edge opposes a hinged edge defined by fold line 339. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises two locking tabs Lt.

The locking mechanism comprises at least one receiver Rc struck from, or defined in, the second base panel 338B. Each receiver Rc is configured to receive a respective one of the locking tabs Lt. The receiver may comprise an opening defined, at least in part by a cutaway, in the illustrated embodiment the cutaway takes the form of a cutline and may define a portion of a female or receiver tab. The female or receiver tab is hingedly connected to the second base panel 338B.

The locking mechanism may also comprise at least one auxiliary tab defined by a cut line Ct. The cut line Ct interrupts the fold line 339 hinging the first and second portions 338A, 338C of the first base panel 338A/338C together. The illustrated embodiment comprises three auxiliary tabs. Each auxiliary tab is struck from, or defined in, the first portion 338A and extends integrally from the second portion 338C.

The locking mechanism may also comprise alignment or assembly apertures A1. The assembly apertures A1 are substantially triangular in shape and facilitate assembly of the composite base panel 338A/338C/338B. Additionally or alternatively, the assembly apertures A1 may also be configured to receive a respective one of the auxiliary tabs.

The first and second base panels 338A/338C, 338B may also comprises at least one ventilation aperture, in the illustrated embodiment the first and second base panels 338A/338C, 338B comprise five ventilation apertures, and the ventilation apertures are rectangular in shape.

The first partition panel portion 314B provided by a lower portion of the first medial panel 314 may comprise at least one recess to accommodate the locking mechanism, specifically the locking tabs Lt when engaged in the receivers Rc. The second partition panel portion 328B provided by a lower portion of the second medial panel 328 may comprise at least one recess to accommodate the locking mechanism, specifically the locking tabs Lt when engaged in the receivers Rc.

The blank 310 comprises a handle structure, the handle structure comprises a first bridging panel 330. The first bridging panel 330 is disposed adjacent to the upper edge of the first side panel 318 and is separated therefrom by a cutline 351 . A first side edge of the first bridging panel 330 is coupled to a side edge of the first handle reinforcing panel 332 by a hinged connection 331. A second side edge of the first bridging panel 330 is coupled to a side edge of the first end panel 316 by a connecting portion in the form of a hinged connection collinearly arranged with fold line 317. The connecting portion is sufficient to maintain the connection between the first bridging panel 330 and the first end panel 316 during handling of the blank 310 prior to assembly and optionally during at least a portion of the assembly process.

The handle structure comprises a second bridging panel 336, the second bridging panel 336 is disposed adjacent to the second side panel 324 and is separated therefrom by the fourth cutline 353. A first side edge of the second bridging panel 336 is coupled to a side edge of the second handle reinforcing panel 334 by a hinged connection 335. A second side edge of the second bridging panel 336 is coupled to a side edge of the fourth end panel 326 by a connecting portion 346 in the form of a hinged connection collinearly arranged with fold line 325. The connecting portion 346 is sufficient to maintain the connection between the second bridging panel 336 and the fourth end panel 326 during handling of the blank 310 prior to assembly and optionally during at least a portion of the assembly process.

The hinged connection 331 between the first bridging panel 330 and the first handle reinforcing panel 332 is defined in part by a slit or cut line C5.

The cut line C5 is non-linear and may be “C” or “U” shaped and defines, at least in part, a first tab T5. The cutline C5 extends from the first handle reinforcing panel 332 into the first bridging panel 330 such that the first tab T5 is struck from the first bridging panel 330. Terminal ends of the cut line C5 are disposed at the interface or junction between the first bridging panel 330 and the first handle reinforcing panel 332; a medial portion of the cut line C5 is disposed in the first bridging panel 330. The first handle reinforcing panel 332 comprises a cutaway in the form of a recess R1 struck from a side free edge “Fe” thereof. The recess R1 is disposed adjacent to the first bridging panel 330. The recess R1 is proximate or contiguous with the hinged connection 331 and is defined in part by the upper edge of the first bridging panel 330 such that the recess R1 extends upward from the upper edge of the bridging panel 330 toward the upper end of the first handle reinforcing panel 332. The recess R1 is disposed at a position where the recess R1 faces the inside surface of the end panel 316/326 when the blank 310 1s assembled or erected into an article carrier. The position of the recess R1 is located at an elevation of the upper end of the end panel 316 such that the upper end of the end panel 316 reaches that position when the carrier is erected The non-linear slit C5 defines a tab T5 formed from the handle reinforcing panel 332. The tab T5 extends from the handle panel 332 toward the end panel 316 when the blank is erected into the carrier. In an erected carrier, the tab T5 may, optionally, be disposed in abutment on the inside surface of the end panel 316/326 The non-linear slit C5 comprises a longitudinal component which is generally aligned longitudinally with the free side edge "Fe” of the handle panel 332 while the longitudinal component may be offset from the bottom of the recess R1 .

A similar recess R2 is defined in the handle panel 334. The features of the recess R2 is similar to that of R1 in relation to its associated portions of the carrier, e.g., the bridging panel 336, the end panel 326, the hinged connection 335, the non-linear slit C6, the tab T6 and the free side edge “Fe” of the handle panel 334..

The recess R1 may have the effect of reducing the fold resistance of the hinged connection 331.

The recess R1 may also facilitate assembly of the carrier, by preventing or reducing the likelihood of the first handle reinforcing panel 332 catching, snagging or otherwise interfering with first end panel 316 when the carrier is erected from a flat collapsed form into a tubular structure.

The hinged connection 333 between the second bridging panel 336 and the second handle reinforcing panel 334 is defined in part by a cut line C6.

The cut line 06 is non-linear and may be “C” or “U” shaped and defines, at least in part, a second tab T6. The cutline C6 extends from the second handle reinforcing panel 334 into the second bridging panel 336 such that the second tab T6 is struck from the second bridging panel 336. Terminal ends of the cut line 06 are disposed at the interface or junction between the second bridging panel 336 and the second handle reinforcing panel 334; a medial portion of the cut line 06 is disposed in the second bridging panel 336.

The second handle reinforcing panel 334 comprises a cutaway in the form of a recess R2 struck from a side edge thereof. The recess R2 is disposed adjacent to the second bridging panel 336. The recess R2 is proximate or contiguous with the hinged connection 335 between the second bridging panel 336 and the second handle reinforcing panel 334. The recess R2 may have the effect of reducing the fold resistance of the hinged connection 335.

The recess R2 may also facilitate assembly of the carrier, by preventing or reducing the likelihood of the second handle reinforcing panel 334 catching, snagging or otherwise interfering with fourth end panel 324 when the carrier is erected from a flat collapsed form into a tubular structure.

The present disclosure provides a collapsible article carrier 90; 290 comprising a collapsible tubular structure 12/14/16/18; 216/218/220/222/224/226; 316/318/320/322/324/326. The collapsible article carrier 90; 290 may comprise a foldable or collapsible end closure.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90; 290 and blank 10; 10’; 210; 310 forming the same in which the article carrier 90; 290 comprises a handle panel 32; 232; 332 is hingedly connected to an end panel 16; 216; 316 via a bridging strip 34; 230; 330. The bridging strip 34; 230; 330 extends along an inside surface of the end panel 16; 216; 316 when the article carrier 90; 290 is in an erected form. The bridging strip 34; 230; 330 is connected to the handle panel 32; 232; 332 by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit C1 ; C4; C5. The non-linear slit C1 ; C4; C5 may reduce the folding resistance of the material around the hinged connection.

The non-linear slit may comprise a “C” shaped slit C1; C4; C5. The hinged connection may further comprise a fold line 31 ; 231 interrupted by the non-linear slit C1; 04; 05.

The non-linear slit 01 ; 04; 05 may comprise a lateral component extending in a transverse direction with respect to an adjacent free edge Fe of the handle panel 32; 232; 332.

The non-linear slit 01; 04; C5 may further comprise a longitudinal component extending in a direction parallel with the free edge Fe of the handle panel 32; 232; 332.

The longitudinal component may be offset from the free edge Fe of the handle panel 32; 232; 332.

The longitudinal component may be longitudinally aligned with the free edge Fe of the handle panel 32; 232; 332.

The “C” shaped slit 01 ; 04; 05 may define a tab T1 ; T4; T5 extending from the bridging strip 34; 230; 330 toward the end panel end panel 16; 216; 316.

The handle panel 32; 232; 332 may be hingedly connected to a second handle panel 28; 28'; 234; 334. The second handle panel 28; 28’; 234; 334 may be hingedly connected to a securing panel 26; 26' along a second hinged connection 25. The second hinged connection 25 comprises an opening for receiving the tab T1 ; T4; T5 when the article carrier 90; 290 is in an erected form. The opening may be defined by a second “C” shaped slit 02. The opening may be defined by an aperture AT

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 290 and blank 10; 10'; 210; 310 forming the same in which the article carrier 90; 290 comprises a handle panel 332, 334 is hingedly connected to an end panel 316, 326 via a bridging strip 330, 336. The bridging strip 330, 336 extends along an inside surface of the end panel 316, 326 when the article carrier 90; 290 is in an erected form. The bridging strip 330, 336 is connected to the handle panel 332, 334 by a hinged connection 331 , 335 which extends in substantially the same direction as an adjacent free edge Fe of the handle panel 332, 334. A recess R1 , R2 is formed along the free edge Fe such that the recess R1 , R2 is disposed next to the bridging strip 330, 336 to be contiguous therewith. The recess R1 , R2 may mitigate against interference between the handle panel 332, 334 and the end panel 316, 326.

The hinged connection 331 , 335 may comprise a non-linear slit C5, C6.

The non-linear slit C5, C6 comprises a longitudinal component extending in a direction generally longitudinally aligned with the free edge Fe of the handle panel 332, 334.

The non-linear slit C5, C6 may further comprise a lateral component extending in a transverse direction with respect to the free edge Fe of the handle panel 332, 334.

The longitudinal component of the non-linear slit C5, C6 is offset from a bottom of the recess R1, R2.

A plurality of primary panels provide walls of the tubular structure and define an interior of the carrier 90; 290. The walls include first and second opposed side walls 14, 18; 218, 224; 318, 324 and first and second opposed end walls 12, 16; 216/226, 220/222; 316/326, 320/322.

The tubular structure may be closed at one end by first and second panels 36, 38; 238A/238C, 238B; 338A/338C, 338B which may be bottom panels of the carrier 90; 290. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. The present invention is not limited to cartons of the basket carrier style, the invention may be employed with other carton styles such as, but not limited to, open top crates, lidded or closed top crates and fully enclosed cartons.

In one embodiment the medial panels may omitted, the partition structure may be formed from a first one of a pair of opposing wall panels or may be omitted.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvil inear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single halfcut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line or a severance line or both. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

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

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel by a bridging strip, the bridging strip extending along an inside surface of the end panel, wherein the bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit.

2. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the non-linear slit comprises a “C" shaped slit.

3. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the hinged connection further comprises a fold line interrupted by the non-linear slit.

4. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein the non-linear slit comprises a lateral component extending in a transverse direction with respect to an adjacent free edge of the handle panel.

5. An article carrier according to claim 4 wherein the non-linear slit further comprises a longitudinal component extending in a direction parallel with the free edge of the handle panel.

6. An article carrier according to claim 5 wherein the longitudinal component is offset from the free edge of the handle panel.

7. An article carrier according to claim 5 wherein the longitudinal component is longitudinally aligned with the free edge of the handle panel.

8. An article carrier according to claim 2 wherein the “C” shaped slit defines a tab extending from the bridging strip toward the end panel.

9. An article carrier according to claim 8 wherein the handle panel is hingedly connected to a second handle panel, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to a securing panel along a second hinged connection, wherein the second hinged connection comprises an opening for receiving the tab when the article carrier is in an erected form.

10. An article carrier according to claim 9 wherein the opening is defined by a second “C” shaped slit.

11. An article carrier according to claim 9 wherein the opening is defined by an aperture.

12. An article carrier according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of primary panels providing walls of a tubular structure and defining an interior of the article carrier, the walls including first and second opposed side walls and first and second opposed end walls, wherein one of the first and second end walls comprises said end panel, and wherein the handle panel extends between the first and second opposed end walls.

13. An article carrier according to claim 12 comprising first and second base panels closing an end of the tubular structure.

14. An article carrier for packaging one or more articles, the article carrier comprising a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel via a bridging strip, the bridging strip extending along an inside surface of the end panel, wherein the bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which extends in substantially the same direction as an adjacent free edge of the handle panel and wherein a recess is formed along the free edge such that the recess is disposed next to the bridging strip.

15 An article carrier according to claim' 14 wherein the recess is defined in part by an upper edge of the bridging strip.

16 An article carrier according to claim 14 wherein the recess is disposed at a position where the recess faces the inside surface of the end panel.

17 An article carrier according to claim 16 wherein the position is located at an elevation of an upper end of the end panel such that the upper end reaches the position.

18. An article carrier according to claim 14 wherein the hinged connection comprises a non-linear slit.

19 An article carrier according to claim 18 wherein the non-linear slit defines a tab formed from the handle panel, the tab extends from the handle panel toward the end panel such that the tab is disposed in abutment on the inside surface of the end panel.

20. An article carrier according to claim 14 wherein the non-linear slit comprises a longitudinal component generally aligned longitudinally with the free edge of the handle panel and wherein the longitudinal component is offset from a bottom of the recess.

21 . A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure defining an interior chamber, the plurality of primary panels including an end panel and a handle panel hingedly connected to the end panel by a bridging strip, wherein the bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel when the article carrier is in an erected form, and wherein the bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which comprises a non-linear slit.

22. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure defining an interior chamber, the plurality of primary panels including an end panel and a handle panel hingedly connected to an end panel via a bridging strip, wherein the bridging strip extends along an inside surface of the end panel when the article carrier is in an erected form, wherein the bridging strip is connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection which extends in substantially the same direction as an adjacent free edge of the handle panel and wherein a recess is formed along the free edge such that the recess is disposed next to the bridging strip.