CN116710367A

CN116710367A - Article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: CN116710367A
Application number: CN202180088551.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J-M·卡尼尔
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2023-09-05
Also published as: AU2021390537A1; EP4255823A1; KR20230113763A; JP2024500061A; WO2022120151A1

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an article carrier (92; 192;292, 392) for forming a package (90; 190;290; 390) and a blank (10; 110;210; 310) for forming the article carrier (92; 192;292, 392). The article carrier (92; 192;292, 392) comprises a main panel (12; 112;212; 312) for receiving at least one article (B). A pair of opposed side panels (18, 20;118, 120;218, 220;318, 320) are hingedly connected to the main panel (12; 112;212; 312) and an end strap is secured between the pair of opposed side panels (18, 20;118, 120;218, 220;318, 320). The end strip comprises end panels (14 a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c;114, 116;214, 216;314n, 316 n) oriented obliquely relative to the main panel (12; 112;212; 312). The end panel (14 a/14B/14c, 16a/16B/16c;114, 116;214, 216;314n, 316 n) includes a first edge facing the main panel (12; 112;212; 312), at least a portion of the first edge providing a raised or crowned engagement edge for engaging an article (B).

Description

Article carrier and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to packages, article carriers and blanks for forming packages and article carriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a package comprising a tray having a main panel and a plurality of side panels adapted to follow the contours of the packaged article.

Background

In the packaging field, it is known to provide cartons for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and with as little loss of material from which they are formed as possible. A further consideration is the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting a certain weight of unitized articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton be securely held by the carton and that the carton or carrier be easy for the consumer to grasp and handle.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier for generally cylindrical articles with a reduced appearance. The article carrier takes the form of a tray, and it is an object of the present disclosure to inhibit separation of the tray from the articles disposed therein.

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 an article carrier for packaging at least one article. The article carrier includes a main panel for receiving at least one article and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel. The end straps are secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strip includes an end panel oriented obliquely relative to the main panel. The end panel includes a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge providing a raised engagement edge for engaging an article.

Advantageously, the end panel inhibits separation of the article carrier from at least one article disposed therein. The end straps may form a waist band on which the article carrier hangs when transported.

Optionally, the article carrier is a tray and the main panel is a base panel.

Optionally, the end panel includes an outer surface forming a depending face.

Optionally, the end panel is oriented obliquely relative to the main panel such that the engagement edge extends into a waist defined in the side wall of the at least one article.

Optionally, the first edge of the end panel is a hinged edge defined by a hinged connection between a distal portion of the end panel and a middle portion of the end panel.

Optionally, the end strap includes at least one corner panel hingedly connected to each end of the end panels.

Optionally, the at least one corner panel comprises an engagement edge for engaging a projection of an article.

Optionally, the protrusion of the article is disposed between the end panel or the at least one corner panel and the main panel.

Optionally, the at least one corner panel is arranged to extend around a waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article.

Optionally, the end panel comprises a second edge facing away from the main panel, the first edge of the end panel being disposed closer to the main panel than the second edge and opposite the first edge, wherein the first edge of the end panel is recessed relative to the second edge of the end panel.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises an end closure panel hingedly connected to the main panel, wherein at least a portion of the end panel is disposed inside the end closure panel.

Optionally, the portion of the end panel is recessed relative to the end closure panel.

Optionally, the end strap includes a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels.

Optionally, the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed side panels, and wherein the end closure panel is hingedly connected to the gusset panel by a web panel.

Optionally, the end panel includes a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, each of the proximal section, distal section, and intermediate section being oriented obliquely to the main panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides a package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles. The article carrier includes a base panel having a plurality of articles disposed thereon and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the base panel. The end straps are secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strip includes an end panel oriented obliquely relative to the base panel. The end panel includes a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge engaging a protrusion of at least one of the plurality of articles.

Optionally, the end strip forms a waistband around the article.

Optionally, the package includes a top portion extending around an upper portion of the article.

Optionally, a top portion is secured to each of the pair of opposing side panels.

Advantageously, the end panel inhibits or prevents removal or retrieval of the at least one item from the item carrier.

Optionally, the top portion is separate from the article carrier and engages the article.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises a main panel for receiving at least one article and a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel. The blank comprises an end strip arranged to be secured between the pair of opposed side panels. The end strap includes an end panel configured to be oriented obliquely relative to the main panel in an erect condition. The end panel includes a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge providing a raised engagement edge for engaging an article.

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, claims and/or the following description and drawings may be considered or employed, individually or in any combination thereof.

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

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

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 2;

fig. 5 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is a top plan view of a blank for forming an article carrier according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9B illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9C illustrates an end portion of the article carrier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a package formed from the article carrier and top gripping clamp of FIG. 2; and

fig. 10B is a top perspective view of a package formed from the article carrier and strap member of fig. 4.

Detailed Description

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

Referring to fig. 1, a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 92 (as shown in fig. 2) is shown. The carrier 92 is adapted to contain and carry a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The carrier 92 may form part of a secondary package 90 (as shown in fig. 2 and 10A) that packages at least one primary product container B. An alternative blank 110;210;310 are shown in fig. 3, 5 and 7 for forming an alternative carton or carrier 192;292;392.

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

A blank 10;110;210;310 is formed from a suitable substrate. It will be appreciated that as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes a wide variety of foldable sheet materials such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It will be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be employed where appropriate, for example, to provide a carrier structure 92 described in more detail below; 192. 292;392.

The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein; 190;290;390 may be formed from a sheet material (such as paperboard) that may be made from or coated with a variety of materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant made by WestRock CompanyAnd (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 a sheet material may have different characteristics than another surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating (such as a clay coating) or other surface treatment to provide good printability. On the other hand, sheet materialThe inwardly facing surface of the material may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10;110;210;310 are configured to form an exemplary arrangement of cartons or carriers 92 for packaging exemplary articles B; 192. 292;392. in the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is a 3x 2 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment, three rows of two articles are provided, and these articles B are bottles. The article B may be formed of plastic and may include a petal-shaped substrate. The contour or shape of the side walls of the article B may be adapted to define a waist or recessed area. Alternatively, blank 10;110;210;310 can be configured to form carriers for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles and/or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment and shows a blank 10 for forming an article carrier 92 shown in fig. 2. The carrier 92 takes the form of a tray or crate for mounting to or around the base of one or more articles B. The article carrier 92 includes an open upper end configured to receive an article B.

The blank 10 includes a main or base panel 12. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels forming the side or end walls of the carrier 92. The carrier 92 includes a pair of opposed side walls 18a/18b/18c, 20a/20b/20c and a pair of opposed end walls 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 18a, 18b, 18c for forming first side walls 18a/18b/18c, including a proximal first side panel 18a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17 a. The intermediate first side panel 18b is hingedly connected to the proximal first side panel 18a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17 b. The distal first side panel 18c is hingedly connected to the intermediate first side panel 18b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17 c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 20a, 20b, 20c for forming the second side wall 20a/20b/20c, including a proximal second side panel 20a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19 a. The intermediate second side panel 20b is hingedly connected to the proximal second side panel 20a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19 b. The distal second side panel 20c is hingedly connected to the intermediate second side panel 20b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19 c.

The blank 10 comprises panels 14a, 14b, 14c for forming first end walls 14a/14b/14c, including a proximal first end panel 14a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13 a. The intermediate first end panel 14b is hingedly connected to the proximal first end panel 14a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13 b. The distal first end panel 14c is hingedly connected to the intermediate first end panel 14b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13 c. The distal first end panel 14c forms a portion of a first end strap or waistband.

The blank 10 comprises at least one first corner panel 22a hingedly connected to a first side edge of a distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23 a. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of first corner panels 22a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23 a. The plurality of first corner panels 22a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 23 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 22a includes four first corner panels 22a. The first fixed panel 24a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 22a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 a. The first fixed panel 24a is hingedly connected to the plurality of first corner panels 22a to form a linear series with the first corner panels 22a.

The blank 10 comprises at least one second corner panel 22b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23 b. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of second corner panels 22b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal first end panel 14c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23 b. The second plurality of corner panels 22b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 23 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 22b includes four second corner panels 22b. The second securing panel 24b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 22b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 b. The second fixed panel 24b is hingedly connected to the plurality of second corner panels 22b to form a linear series with the second corner panels 22b.

The blank 10 comprises panels 16a, 16b, 16c for forming the second end walls 16a/16b/16c, including a proximal second end panel 16a hingedly connected to the base panel 12 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 15 a. The intermediate second end panel 16b is hingedly connected to the proximal second end panel 16a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15 b. The distal second end panel 16c is hingedly connected to the intermediate second end panel 16b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15 c. The distal second end panel 16c forms a portion of a second end strap or waistband.

The blank 10 comprises at least one third corner panel 26a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27 a. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of third corner panels 26a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27 a. The plurality of third corner panels 26a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 27 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 26a includes four third corner panels 26a. The third securing panel 28a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 26a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29 a. The third stationary panel 28a is hingedly connected to the plurality of third corner panels 26a to form a linear series with the third corner panels 26a.

The blank 10 comprises at least one fourth corner panel 26b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27 b. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of fourth corner panels 26b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the distal second end panel 16c by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27 b. The fourth plurality of corner panels 26b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 27 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fourth corner panels 26b includes four fourth corner panels 26b. The fourth stationary panel 24b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 26b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29 b. The fourth stationary panel 24b is hingedly connected to the plurality of fourth corner panels 26b to form a linear series with the fourth corner panels 26b.

The blank 10 is assembled about a set of articles B that are lowered relative to the base panel 12 upon which the articles B are to be disposed.

The first end wall panels 14a, 14b, 14c are folded about fold line 13a relative to the base panel 12 to be disposed about the first end of the group of articles. The proximal first end panel 14a may be folded through an angle α (see fig. 9A), which may be less than 90 ° to be tilted relative to the base panel 12. In this manner, the outer surface of the proximal first end panel 14a may define or provide a depending surface. The inner surface of the proximal first end panel 14a and the base panel 12 define an interior angle μ, which may be greater than 90 °.

The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded about fold line 13b relative to the proximal first end panel 14 a. The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded through an angle β (see fig. 9A) to be inclined at an angle δ relative to the base panel 12. The intermediate first end panel 14b is folded such that the inner surface of the intermediate first end panel 14b defines or provides a depending surface.

The distal first end panel 14c is folded about fold line 13c relative to the intermediate first end panel 14 b. The distal first end panel 14c is folded to define an angle ω to the vertical or to an imaginary line perpendicular to the base panel 12. The outer surface of the distal first end panel 14c defines or provides a depending surface.

The lower edge of the distal first end panel 14c (defined by the hinged connection 13c to the intermediate first end panel 14 b) may provide a joining edge; the engagement edge may engage a portion of the article B to inhibit movement of the article B perpendicular to the base panel 12.

The article B includes a waist portion defining a hip or shoulder, and the intermediate first end panel 14B at least partially covers and is contactable with the hip or shoulder. The intermediate first end panel 14B may inhibit movement of the article B perpendicular to the base panel 12.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first and second fixed panels 24a, 24b or to the corresponding areas of the first and second distal side panels 18c, 20 c.

The first corner panel 22a and the second corner panel 22b are folded around the corners of the group of articles.

The second end wall panels 16a, 16b, 16c are folded similar to the first end wall panels 14a, 14b, 14 c.

The first side panels 18a/18b/18c and the second side panels 20a/20b/20c are folded about fold lines 17a, 19a, respectively, relative to the base panel 12.

The first side wall panels 18a, 18b, 18c are folded about fold line 17a relative to the base panel 12 to be disposed about a first side of the group of articles. The proximal first side panel 18a is folded to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. In this manner, the outer surface of the proximal first side panel 18a defines or provides a depending surface. The intermediate first side panel 18b is folded about fold line 17b relative to the proximal first side panel 18 a. The intermediate first side panel 18b is folded to be inclined with respect to the base panel 12. The distal first side panel 18c is folded relative to the intermediate first side panel 18b to be inclined relative to the base panel 12.

The proximal second side panel 20a (along with the intermediate first side panel 18b and the distal first side panel 18 c) is folded about fold line 19a to be inclined relative to the base panel 12. In this manner, the outer surface of the proximal second side panel 20a defines or provides a depending surface. The intermediate second side panel 20b is folded about fold line 19b relative to the proximal second side panel 20 a. The intermediate second side panel 20b is folded to be inclined relative to the base panel 12. The distal second side panel 20c is folded relative to the intermediate second side panel 20b to be inclined relative to the base panel 12.

The first distal side panel 18c is brought into contact with the first and third fixed panels 24a, 28 a. The second distal side panel 20c is brought into contact with the second and fourth fixed panels 24b, 28 b. The first and third securing panels 24a, 28a are secured to the first distal side panel 18c. The second and fourth securing panels 24b, 28b are secured to the second distal side panel 20c.

The assembled carrier 92 is shown in fig. 2, with the distal side panels 18c, 20c and distal end panels 14c, 16c forming a belt around the group of articles. The medial side panels 18b, 20b, medial end panels 14b, 16b, proximal side panels 18a, 20a, and proximal end panels 14a, 16a form an enlarged or bulged skirt.

Referring to fig. 10A, an embodiment is shown in which the carrier 92 forms part of a package 490 and the package has a top engagement clamp 494 and a plurality of articles B. The engagement panel 450 includes a plurality of article retention features, each article retention feature providing an article receiving opening for receiving a respective article B. The article retention structures may include an article receiving aperture about which a plurality of teeth or tabs (tabs) may be disposed. Each of the teeth is stamped from and hingedly connected to the engagement panel 450. Each article-receiving opening of the retaining structure receives one of the articles B forming the group of articles B. The end closure or upper end of the article B passes through the article receiving opening. The tab is folded out of the plane of the engagement panel 450. The tab is folded upward. The tab engages article B below a flange or projection extending radially outward from article B. The tab supports the article B and inhibits the article B from moving or retrieving from the opening.

Referring now to fig. 3-8, 9B, 9C, and 10B, additional embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the second, third and fourth illustrated embodiments, like reference numerals have been used to denote like parts where possible, except that the prefixes "100", "200", "300" have been added to indicate that these features belong to the second, third or fourth embodiments, respectively. These additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment, and thus only differences from the embodiments illustrated in fig. 1, 2, 9A, and 10A will be described in detail.

Fig. 3 illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank 110 for forming an article carrier 192 as shown in fig. 4.

The blank 110 includes a main or base panel 112. The blank 110 comprises a first side panel 118 hingedly connected to a first side edge of the base panel 112 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. The blank 110 comprises a second side panel 120 hingedly connected to a second side edge of the base panel 112 opposite the first side edge by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 119.

The blank 110 comprises a first end wall structure in the form of a strip or ribbon. The first end wall structure is hingedly connected between the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120.

The first end wall structure includes a plurality of panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 118 and at a second end to the second side panel 120. The plurality of panels are separated from the base panel 112 by a cut-out in the form of an aperture A1.

The first end wall structure includes a first end panel 114. At least one first corner panel 122a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of first end panel 114 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 123 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of first corner panels 122a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123 a. The plurality of first corner panels 122a are hinged one to the next in a linear series fashion by fold lines 123 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 122a includes four first corner panels 122a. The first securing panel 124a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 122a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125 a. The first fixed panel 124a is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 130a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 a. The first gusset panel 130a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the first side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133 a.

The first end wall structure includes at least one second corner panel 122b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123 b.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of second corner panels 122b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the first end panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123 b. The plurality of second corner panels 122b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 123 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 122b includes four second corner panels 122b. The second fixed panel 124b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 122b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125 b. The second securing panel 124b is hingedly connected to the second gusset panel 130b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131 b. The second gusset panel 130b is hingedly connected to the first end edge of the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133 b.

The blank 110 comprises a second end wall structure in the form of a strip or ribbon. The second end wall structure is hingedly connected between the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120.

The second end wall structure includes a plurality of panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 118 and at a second end to the second side panel 120. The plurality of panels are separated from the base panel 112 by a cut-out in the form of a second aperture A2.

The second end wall structure includes a second end panel 116. At least one third corner panel 126a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of third corner panels 126a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127 a. The plurality of third corner panels 126a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 127 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 126a includes four third corner panels 126a. The third fixed panel 128a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 126a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129 a. Third securing panel 128a is hingedly connected to third gusset panel 132a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 135 a. Third gusset panel 132a is hingedly connected to a second end edge of first side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 137 a.

The second end wall structure includes at least one fourth corner panel 126b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127 b.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of fourth corner panels 126b hingedly connected to the second side edge of the second end panel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 127 b. The fourth plurality of corner panels 126b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 127 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 126b includes four fourth corner panels 126b. The fourth stationary panel 128b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 126b by a hinge connection in the form of a second fold line 129 b. The fourth stationary panel 128b is hingedly connected to a fourth corner panel 132b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135 b. The fourth corner panel 132b is hingedly connected to the second end edge of the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 137 b.

The gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b include a pair of hinged edges defined by pairs of fold lines 131a/133a, 131b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137 b. The fold lines of each of these pairs of fold lines 131a/133a, 131b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137b are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Each pair of fold lines 131a/133a, 131b/133b, 135a/137a, 135b/137b defines an angle θ therebetween.

When the gusset panels 130a, 130B, 132a, 132B are folded into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the first and second side panels 118, 120 to which they are hinged and the securing panels 124a, 124B, 128a, 128B are folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the gusset panels 130a, 130B, 132a, 132B to which they are hinged, as shown in fig. 3B (the folded panels are shown in phantom/dashed lines), an angle ω is defined between the hinged edge of the securing panels 124a, 124B, 128a, 128B and the end edge of the one of the first and second side panels 118, 120.

The angle ω is equal to the difference between 90 ° and twice θ (ω=90° -2θ). The angle θ is less than 45 °.

The fold line 129b between the fourth securing panel 128b and the fourth corner panel 126b is perpendicular to the fold line 137b between the fourth corner panel 132b and the second side panel 120.

The blank 110 is assembled into a carrier 92, as shown in fig. 4, with a set of articles B being lowered relative to a base panel 112 upon which the articles B are to be disposed. The carrier 192 is assembled by folding the first and second end structures about fold lines 133a, 133b, 137a, 137b relative to the first and second side panels 118, 120. The first end panel 114 and the second end panel 116 may be brought into substantial contact with the ends of the article group.

Corner panels 122a, 122b, 126a, 126b are folded at least partially around the corners of the article group. The fixed panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are at least partially folded relative to the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b to which they are hinged.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the fixed panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b or to corresponding areas of the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120.

The first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120 are folded about fold lines 117, 119 relative to the base panel 112 to be disposed about the sides of the group of articles. In so doing, the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b are brought into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120 to which they are hinged. The securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are brought into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b to which they are hinged. The securing panels 124a, 124b, 128a, 128b are secured in face contacting relation with a respective one of the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120.

The assembled carrier 192 is shown in fig. 4 and 9B. The end walls 114, 116 are disposed at an angle ω to the vertical or to an imaginary line y-y' perpendicular to the base panel 112. The outer surface of the first end panel 114 defines or provides a overhanging surface. The angle ω is defined by the angle θ.

The lower edge of the end panel 114 provides a joining edge; the engagement edge engages a portion of the article B to inhibit movement of the article B perpendicular to the base panel 112.

The article B includes a waist defining a shelf (shell) or shoulder with which a lower edge of the first end panel 114 at least partially engages and is in contact or close proximity. The lower edge of the first end panel 114 inhibits the article B from moving perpendicular to the base panel 112 along the imaginary line y-y'. The second end panel 316 is similarly arranged.

Referring to fig. 10B, an embodiment is shown in which the carrier 192 forms part of a package 590 having a strip or top portion 552 and a plurality of articles B. The top portion 552 may include an article-receiving opening for receiving a corresponding article B. The top portion 552 may include a handle structure for carrying the package 590. The top portion 552 is secured to the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120 of the article carrier 192. The first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120 can include optional windows or openings that are exposed to view at least a lower portion of an adjacently disposed article B. In the illustrated embodiment, the central section of the top portion 552 is disposed at a height below the upper end of the article B. In other embodiments, the central section may extend over or be disposed above the upper end of the article B.

The top portion 552 may be generally "bow tie" shaped, that is, the end sections of the top portion 552 are wider than the middle section. In other embodiments, the shape of the top portion 552 may be generally rectangular and may be wide enough to cover some or all of the group or article B.

Fig. 5 illustrates a third embodiment and shows a blank 210 for forming an article carrier 292 as shown in fig. 6.

The blank 210 includes a main or base panel 212 and is generally similar to the blank 110 of fig. 3; except that the first and second end panels 214, 216 have been adapted to include tabs or projections 214p, 216p. The tabs 214p, 216p extend to the base panel 212 and are frangibly connected thereto by frangible connections 213, 215. In other embodiments, the tabs 214p, 216p are separated from the base panel 212 by cut-outs in the form of cuts, slots, or slits. The tabs 214p, 216p are defined in part by a pair of apertures A1, A2, the pair of apertures A1, A2 defining opposite side edges of a respective one of the tabs 214p, 216p.

The tabs 214p, 216p may be used to stabilize the end structure (at least when handled in blank form).

Fig. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment and shows a blank 310 for forming an article carrier 392 as shown in fig. 8.

The blank 310 includes a main or base panel 312. The blank 310 comprises a first side panel 318 hingedly connected to a first side edge of the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 317. The blank 310 comprises a second side panel 320 hingedly connected to a second side edge of the base panel 312, opposite the first side edge, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 319.

The blank 310 includes a first end wall structure in the form of a strip or ribbon.

The first end wall structure includes a plurality of outer end wall panels including: a first outer end wall panel 314x (also referred to herein as a first end closure panel 314 x) hinged to base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 313; a first web panel 334a hinged to a first side of first outer end wall panel 314x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 341 a; and a second web panel 334b hinged to a second side of the first outer end wall panel 314x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 341 b.

The first end wall structure includes a plurality of inner end wall panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 318 and at a second end to the second side panel 320. The plurality of inner end wall panels includes a first inner end wall panel 314n.

The plurality of inner end wall panels are at least partially separated from the plurality of outer end wall panels by a pair of cut-outs in the form of apertures A1.

The plurality of inner end wall panels includes at least one first corner panel 322a hingedly connected to a first side edge of first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of first corner panels 322a hingedly connected to a first side edge of first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 323 a. The plurality of first corner panels 322a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 323 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first corner panels 322a includes four first corner panels 322a. The first securing panel 324a is hingedly connected to the at least one first corner panel 322a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 325 a. The first fixed panel 324a is hingedly connected to a first gusset panel 330a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 331 a. The first gusset panel 330a is hingedly connected to a first end edge of the first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 333 a.

The first end wall structure includes at least one second corner panel 322b hingedly connected to a second side edge of first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 323 b.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of second corner panels 322b hingedly connected to a second side edge of first inner end wall panel 314n by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 323 b. The plurality of second corner panels 322b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 323 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 322b includes four second corner panels 322b. The second stationary panel 324b is hingedly connected to the at least one second corner panel 322b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 325 b. The second fixed panel 324b is hingedly connected to the second gusset panel 330b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 331 b. The second gusset panel 330b is hingedly connected to the first end edge of the second side panel 320 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 333 b.

The first web panel 334a is hinged to the first gusset panel 330a by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 339 a. The second web panel 334b is hinged to the second gusset panel 330b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 339 b.

Apertures A3 are punched partially from the first web panel 334a and partially from the first gusset panel 330a and are disposed at a first corner of the base panel 312. Apertures A3 are punched partially from the second web panel 334b and partially from the second gusset panel 330b and are disposed at the second corner of the base panel 312.

The blank 310 includes a second end wall structure in the form of a strip or ribbon.

The second end wall structure includes a plurality of outer end wall panels including: a second outer end wall panel 316x (also referred to herein as a second end closure panel 316 x) hinged to the base panel 312 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 315; a third web panel 336a hinged to a first side of the second outer end wall panel 316x by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 345 a; and a fourth web panel 336b hinged to a second side of the second outer end wall panel 316x by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 345 b.

The second end wall structure includes a plurality of inner end wall panels hinged at a first end to the first side panel 318 and at a second end to the second side panel 320. The plurality of inner end wall panels includes a second inner end wall panel 316n.

The plurality of inner end wall panels are at least partially separated from the plurality of outer end wall panels by a pair of cut-outs in the form of apertures A2.

The plurality of inner end wall panels includes at least one third corner panel 326a hingedly connected to a first side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of third corner panels 326a hingedly connected to a first side edge of second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 327 a. The plurality of third corner panels 326a are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 327 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of third corner panels 326a includes four third corner panels 326a. The third stationary panel 328a is hingedly connected to the at least one third corner panel 326a by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 329 a. Third securing panel 328a is hingedly connected to third triangle panel 332a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 335 a. Third gusset panel 332a is hingedly connected to a second end edge of first side panel 318 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 337 a.

The second end wall structure includes at least one fourth corner panel 326b hingedly connected to a second side edge of the second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 327 b.

The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of fourth corner panels 326b hingedly connected to a second side edge of second inner end wall panel 316n by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 327 b. The fourth plurality of corner panels 326b are hinged one to the next in a linear series by fold lines 327 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second corner panels 326b includes four fourth corner panels 326b. The fourth stationary panel 328b is hingedly connected to the at least one fourth corner panel 326b by a hinge connection in the form of a second fold line 329 b. The fourth stationary panel 328b is hingedly connected to a fourth corner panel 332b by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 335 b. The fourth corner panel 332b is hingedly connected to the second end edge of the second side panel 320 by a hinge connection in the form of fold line 373 b.

The gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b include a pair of hinged edges defined by pairs of fold lines 331a/333a, 331b/333b, 335a/337a, 335b/337 b. The fold lines of each of these pairs of fold lines 331a/333a, 331b/333b, 335a/337a, 335b/337b are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Each of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b includes at least one glue aperture or cut-out GA. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b includes two glue apertures GA.

The glue apertures GA facilitate securing the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b to a respective one of the first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320. The glue apertures GA enable the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b and gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to be secured to the respective first and second side panels 318, 320 by a single application of glue or other adhesive treatment. In other embodiments, a two-stage gluing process may be employed, with a first adhesive application securing the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to be secured to the respective first side panel 318 and second side panel 320, and a second adhesive application securing each securing panel 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b to a respective one of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which it is hinged.

The first end inner panel 314n and the second end inner panel 316n may include tabs or protrusions. The tab extends to a respective one of the adjacent first end outer panel 314x and second end outer panel 316x and is frangibly connectable thereto by a frangible connection. In other embodiments, the tab may be separated from the first end outer panel 314x or the second end outer panel 316x by a cut-out in the form of a cut, groove, or slit. The tab is defined in part by a pair of apertures A1, A2, the pair of apertures A1, A2 defining opposite side edges of a respective one of the tabs. The tabs may be used to stabilize the end structure, at least when handled in the form of a blank.

The blank 310 is assembled into a carrier 392, as shown in fig. 8, with a set of articles B being lowered relative to the base panel 312 upon which the articles B are to be disposed. The carrier 392 is assembled by folding the first and second end structures about fold lines 313, 315, 333a, 333b, 337a, 337b relative to the first and second side panels 318, 320. The first inner end wall panel 314n, the second inner end wall panel 316n, the first outer end wall panel 314x, and the second outer end wall panel 316x may be brought into substantial contact with the ends of the article group.

Corner panels 322a, 322b, 326a, 326b are folded at least partially around the corners of the article group.

The web panels 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b are folded at least partially around the corners of the article groups.

The first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320 are partially folded about fold lines 317, 319 relative to the base panel 312. The gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b are partially folded relative to the first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320 to which they are hinged.

The fixed panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b and the web panels 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b are at least partially folded relative to the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which they are hinged.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b or to corresponding areas of the first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320.

The first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320 are further folded about fold lines 317, 319 relative to the base panel 312 to be disposed about the sides of the group of articles. In so doing, the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b are brought into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the first side panel 318 and the second side panel 320 to which they are hinged. The securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b are brought into face contacting relationship with a respective one of the gusset panels 330a, 330b, 332a, 332b to which they are hinged. The securing panels 324a, 324b, 328a, 328b are secured to a respective one of the first side panel 118 and the second side panel 120 by glue apertures GA.

The assembled carrier 392 is shown in fig. 8 and 9C. The inner end walls 314n, 316n are disposed at an angle to the vertical or to an imaginary line perpendicular to the base panel 312. The outer surface of the first inner end wall 314n defines or provides a depending surface and the second inner end wall 316n is similarly disposed. The outer end walls 314x, 316x are disposed generally perpendicular to the base panel 312. The inner end walls 314n, 316n are at least partially recessed relative to the adjacent outer end walls 314x, 316 x.

The lower edge of the inner end wall 314n provides a joint edge; the engagement edge engages a portion of article B to inhibit movement of article B perpendicular to base panel 312.

The article B includes a waist defining a shelf or shoulder, and a lower edge of the first inner end wall 314n at least partially engages and is in contact or close proximity with the shelf or shoulder. The lower edge of the first inner end wall 314n inhibits movement of the article B perpendicular to the base panel 312. The second inner end wall 316n is similarly arranged.

The present disclosure provides a package 90;190;290;390, one for forming the package 90;190;290; a carrier or tray 92 that is part of 390; 192. 292. 392, and a method for forming the carrier 92; 192. 292. 392, blank 10;110;210;310. a carrier 92; 192. 292. 392 has a main panel 12 for receiving at least one article B; 112;212;312. a pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118. 120; 218. 220; 318. 320 are hingedly connected to the main panel 12;112;212;312 and the end strips are secured to the pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118. 120; 218. 220; 318. 320.

The end strips include a pair of opposed major panels 12;112;212;312, end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c oriented obliquely; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n. End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n include a facing main panel 12;112;212;312, a first edge 13c, 15c;114a, 116a;214a, 216a;314a, 316a, at least a portion of which provides an engagement edge for engaging a protrusion or bump of article B.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n include outer surfaces that form a depending surface.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n relative to the main panel 12;112;212;312 are oriented obliquely such that the engagement edge extends into a recess or waist defined in the side wall of the at least one article B.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n, a first edge 13c, 15c;114a, 116a;214a, 216a;314a, 316a may be hinged edges defined by end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216; the articulation connection between the distal portions 14c, 16c and the intermediate portions 14b, 16b of 314n, 316n is defined.

The end straps include a pair of end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c hingedly connected thereto; 114. 116; 214. 216; at least one corner panel 22a, 22b, 26a, 26b at each end of 314n, 316 n; 122a, 122b, 126a, 126b;222a, 222b, 226a, 226b;322a, 322b, 326a, 326b.

In package 90;190;290;390, the end strip forms a waistband around article B.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n include a back-facing main panel 12;112;212; 312.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n, a first edge 13c, 15c;114a, 116a;214a, 216a;314a, 316a are disposed closer to the main panel 12 than the second edge; 112;212;312.

end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n, a first edge 13c, 15c;114a, 116a;214a, 216a;314a, 316a and end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n are opposite.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n, a first edge 13c, 15c;114a, 116a;214a, 216a;314a, 316a relative to the end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316 n.

A carrier 92; 192. 292. 392 may comprise a hinge connected to the main panel 12;112;212;312 closing the panels 14a, 16a;314x, 316x, wherein the end panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n are disposed on the end closure panels 14a, 16a;314x, 316 x. End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n may be opposite the end closure panels 14a, 16a;314x, 316x are concave.

The end straps may include gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b at each end thereof; 230a, 230b, 232a, 232b;330a, 330b, 332a, 332b, the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b;230a, 230b, 232a, 232b;330a, 330b, 332a, 332b are hingedly connected to the pair of opposed side panels 18, 20; 118. 120; 218. 220; 318. 320, respectively.

End closure panels 14a, 16a;314x, 316x may be hingedly connected to the gusset panels 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b by web panels 334a, 334b, 336a, 336 b;230a, 230b, 232a, 232b;330a, 330b, 332a, 332b.

A package 90;190;290;390 may include top portions 494, 552 that engage or cover an upper portion of article B. Top portions 494, 552 may be secured to the pair of opposing side panels 18, 20; 118. 120; 218. 220; 318. 320, or may be associated with the carrier 92; 192. 292. 392 separate from and engage article B.

End panels 14a/14b/14c, 16a/16b/16c; 114. 116; 214. 216;314n, 316n may include a proximal section 14a, 16a, a distal section 14c, 16c, and an intermediate section 14b, 16b hingedly connected therebetween. Each of the proximal section 14a, 16a, distal section 14c, 16c, and intermediate section 14b, 16b may be opposite the main panel 12;112;212;312 are oriented obliquely.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes or shapes of articles, greater or lesser numbers of articles, and/or arranged in different array configurations.

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising a main panel for receiving at least one article, a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel, and an end strap secured between the pair of opposed side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel oriented obliquely relative to the main panel, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge providing an engagement edge for engaging a protrusion of an article.

2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end panel comprises an outer surface forming a depending surface.

3. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end panel is oriented obliquely relative to the main panel such that the engagement edge extends into a waist defined in a side wall of the at least one article.

4. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the first edge of the end panel is a hinged edge defined by a hinged connection between a distal portion of the end panel and a middle portion of the end panel.

5. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end strap comprises at least one corner panel hingedly connected to each end of the end panels.

6. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end panel includes a second edge facing away from the main panel, a first edge of the end panel disposed closer to the main panel than the second edge and opposite the first edge, and wherein the first edge of the end panel is recessed relative to the second edge of the end panel.

7. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the article carrier comprises an end closure panel hingedly connected to the main panel, wherein at least a portion of the end panel is disposed inside the end closure panel.

8. The article carrier of claim 8, wherein the portion of the end panel is recessed relative to the end closure panel.

9. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposing side panels.

10. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end strap comprises a gusset panel at each end thereof, the gusset panel being hingedly connected to a respective one of the pair of opposing side panels, and wherein the end closure panel is hingedly connected to the gusset panel by a web panel.

11. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end panel comprises a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, each of the proximal section, distal section, and intermediate section oriented obliquely relative to the main panel.

12. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein the end panel comprises a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section hingedly connected therebetween, the distal section and the intermediate section each oriented obliquely relative to the main panel.

13. A package comprising an article carrier and a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising a base panel having the plurality of articles disposed thereon, a pair of opposing side panels hingedly connected to the base panel, and an end strap secured between the pair of opposing side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel oriented obliquely relative to the base panel, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge engaging a protrusion of at least one of the plurality of articles.

14. The package of claim 13, wherein the end strip forms a waistband around the article.

15. The package of claim 13, wherein the package includes a top portion extending around an upper portion of the article.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein the top portion is secured to each of the pair of opposing side panels.

17. The package of claim 15, wherein the top portion is separate from the article carrier and is engaged with the article.

18. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising a main panel for receiving at least one article, a pair of opposed side panels hingedly connected to the main panel, and an end strap arranged to be secured between the pair of opposed side panels, the end strap comprising an end panel configured to be oriented obliquely relative to the main panel in an erect condition, wherein the end panel comprises a first edge facing the main panel, at least a portion of the first edge providing an engagement edge for engaging a protrusion of an article.