TW202438408A - Article carrier and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier (90； 190； 290； 390； 690； 790) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10； 110； 210； 310； 410； 510； 610； 710) for forming the carrier (90； 190； 290； 390； 690； 790). The article carrier (90； 190； 290； 390； 690； 790) a pair of spaced apart panels (12, 18/20； 112, 118/120； 212, 218/220； 312, 318/320； 412, 418/420； 512, 518/520； 612, 618/620； 718/720) including at least one upper panel (18/20； 118/120； 218/220； 318/320； 418/420； 518/520； 618/620； 718/720) and a lower panel (12； 112； 212； 312； 412； 512； 612； 712). The at least one upper panel (18/20； 118/120； 218/220； 318/320； 418/420； 518/520； 618/620； 718/720) comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture (A2； A2/A3； A2/A5； A10). The lower panel (12； 112； 212； 312； 412； 512； 612； 712) comprises a lower article receiving opening. The upper article receiving opening and the lower article receiving opening being disposed in vertical alignment and having respective perimeters configured and dimensioned to engage, at least in part, an article (B) at two vertically spaced elevations.

Description

Article carrier and its blanks

The present invention relates to an article carrier and a blank for forming the same, particularly but not limited to a top clamping type carrier having a joining plate including one or more openings for accommodating and holding an article therein and a top plate fixed thereto.

In the packaging world, it is known that there are those who provide cartons that can carry multiple items. Cartons are well known in the art and help consumers transport, store and access a group of items to be consumed. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers must be formed with the least amount of material possible and waste must be minimized. Other considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. The contents of the carton should be safe after packaging.

A commonly used top-clip article carrier is known in which an aperture is formed in a plate of the carrier, wherein tabs are stamped from the plate and disposed about the aperture. When an article is received in the aperture, the tabs move out of the plane of the plate and engage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cartons, which are usually made of materials such as paperboard.

A first aspect of the present invention is to provide an article carrier for engaging one or more articles, and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier includes a pair of spaced apart panels including at least one upper panel and one lower panel. The at least one upper panel includes an upper article receiving opening in the form of an orifice, and the lower panel includes a lower article receiving opening. The upper and lower article receiving openings are arranged to be vertically aligned and have a configuration and size that is arranged to have at least a portion at two vertically spaced heights to engage corresponding peripheries of an article.

Optionally, the lower item receiving opening is in the form of an item retaining structure, a portion of which is defined by one or more engaging protrusions pressed from the lower plate and hinged therein, wherein the one or more engaging protrusions are hinged to the lower plate at their proximal end by a hinge to define the periphery of the lower item receiving opening, the one or more engaging protrusions include a engaging edge at their distal end, the distal end is opposite to the proximal end, and wherein the one or more engaging protrusions are configured and sized so that at least a portion of the periphery of the lower item receiving opening is in close contact with an item, and when the item is received in the item retaining structure, the at least one engaging protrusion is bent out from the plane of the lower plate to abut against the item.

Optionally, the article is carried at two vertically spaced heights above and below a projection of the article to engage the article, the projection being supported by the engagement edges of the one or more engagement tabs to suspend the article therein.

Optionally, the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture having a substantially upright wall configured to surround the article to form a close fitting scalloped or sawn edge.

Optionally, the at least one upper panel comprises a first upper panel. The article carrier comprises a keel structure extending between the first upper panel and the lower panel. The keel structure comprises a first keel panel hinged to the first upper panel by a first hinge and extending to a floor panel disposed in face contact relationship with the lower panel.

Optionally, a portion of the keel structure defines a portion of a first tubular structure. The first tubular structure includes the upper article receiving opening in the form of an orifice in the first upper panel. The lower article receiving opening may be defined in the lower panel so as to be vertically aligned with the upper article receiving opening.

Optionally, the carrying device includes a second tubular structure having a portion of a spine for connecting the first and second tubular structures together.

Optionally, the at least one upper plate is substantially parallel to the lower plate.

Optionally, the upper article receiving opening comprises an aperture defining a non-rectilinear edge in the at least one upper panel and configured to surround a substantially upright wall of the article to form a tight fit. Optionally, the non-rectilinear edge is arcuate.

A second aspect of the present invention is to provide an article carrier for engaging at least one article. The article carrier includes separated panels including at least one upper panel, a lower panel and a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the lower panel. The keel structure includes a first keel panel hinged to a first panel of the at least one upper panel. A second panel of the at least one upper panel includes an upper article receiving opening in the form of an orifice, and the lower panel includes a lower article receiving opening. The first keel panel is hinged to a first side of the first upper panel and a floor panel. The floor panel is hinged to a second keel panel along a second, opposite side thereof. The first upper panel includes an article receiving aperture defined therein and extending into the first keel panel to interrupt the hinge therebetween. The article receiving aperture is configured to allow an upper portion of an article to pass therethrough.

Optionally, the first keel plate includes a joining edge defined by a portion of the object receiving aperture.

Optionally, the engagement edge of the first keel plate is provided by an engagement tooth pressed from the first keel plate and defining a portion of the perimeter of the article receiving opening.

The third aspect of the present invention is to provide an article carrier for joining at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier includes a plurality of plates for forming a tubular structure, and a pair of separated plates included therein include an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate includes an inner top plate and an outer top plate. The article carrier also includes an end sealing structure for sealing each end of the tubular structure. The end sealing structure includes an end plate hinged to the lower plate along one end edge thereof. The end sealing structure includes a first anchoring plate hinged to one side edge of the inner top plate and arranged in a surface contact relationship therewith, and a second anchoring plate hinged to one side edge of a first side plate and arranged in a surface contact relationship therewith. The first side plate connects the inner top plate to the lower plate. The second anchor plate is connected to the end plate by a first connecting plate. The end seal structure includes a third anchor plate hinged to one side edge of the outer top plate and arranged in a surface contact relationship therewith, and a fourth anchor plate hinged to one side edge of a second side plate and arranged in a surface contact relationship therewith. The second side plate connects the outer top plate to the lower plate. The fourth anchor plate is connected to the end plate by a second connecting plate.

Optionally, the first anchoring plate is configured and arranged to avoid shielding an item receiving opening provided in the inner top plate, and the third anchoring plate is configured and arranged to avoid shielding an item receiving opening provided in the outer top plate.

Optionally, the end plate includes a free end edge opposite to a hinge edge defined by a hinge portion hinged to the lower plate, the free end edge being arranged to contact an inner surface of each of the first and third anchor plates.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide an article carrier for joining at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier includes a plurality of plates including a joining plate and an articulated plate articulated therein by a hinge. The joining plate includes at least one article holding structure. An article accommodating opening included in the at least one article holding structure is at least partially defined by a plurality of joining teeth pressed from the joining plate and articulated therein, thereby defining at least a portion of the periphery of the article accommodating opening. The periphery of the article accommodating opening includes a toothless area, which is arranged to be adjacent to the articulation between the joining plate and the articulation plate. The toothless area interrupts the articulation between the joining plate and the articulation plate. The toothless area is defined by a cutout or gap extending between a pair of adjacent engaging teeth. The gap may be configured to be in the form of an aperture.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide an article carrier for joining at least one article and a blank for forming the same. The article carrier includes a pair of separated plates including at least one upper plate and a joining plate. The joining plate includes at least one pair of article retaining structures. At least a portion of an article accommodating opening included in each of the article retaining structures is defined by a plurality of joining teeth pressed from the joining plate and hinged therein so as to define at least a portion of the periphery of the article accommodating opening. The periphery of each article accommodating opening includes a toothless area. A first toothless area of the at least one pair of article retaining structures is arranged to be adjacent to a second toothless area of the at least one pair of article retaining structures. The article carrier includes a keel structure extending between the at least one upper plate and the joining plate. The at least one upper panel comprises first and second upper panels, which may optionally be arranged in facing relationship with each other. The keel structure comprises a first keel panel hinged to the first upper panel and a floor panel hinged to the first keel panel along a first side thereof. Optionally, the floor panel may be hinged to a second keel panel along a second, opposite side thereof. The toothless region of each of the at least one pair of article retaining structures is configured to receive a portion of one of the first and second keel panels, thereby facilitating engagement of a free edge of the first and second keel panels below an article protrusion received in each of the at least one pair of article retaining structures.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is to provide a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a plurality of panels including at least one upper panel, a lower panel and a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the lower panel. The at least one upper panel includes a first and a second upper panel. Optionally, the first and second upper panels may be arranged to be in a facing relationship with each other. The second upper panel includes an upper article receiving opening in the form of an orifice, and the lower panel includes a lower article receiving opening. The keel structure includes a first keel panel hinged to the first upper panel and a floor panel hinged to the first keel panel along its first side. Optionally, the floor panel may be hinged to a second keel panel along its second, opposite side. The first plate includes an article receiving aperture defined therein. Optionally, the article receiving aperture may extend into the first keel plate to thereby bifurcate the hinge therebetween. The article receiving aperture is configured to allow an upper portion of an article to pass through in an assembled article.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is to provide a blank for forming an item carrier. The blank includes a plurality of plates that can be used to form a pair of connected tubular structures. The plurality of plates include: a first keel plate; a first upper plate; a first side plate hinged to the first upper plate; a base plate hinged to the first side plate; a second keel plate; a second upper plate; a second side plate hinged to the second upper plate and the base plate; and a floor plate configured to extend between the first keel plate and the second keel plate. The first upper plate includes at least one first upper item receiving opening in the form of an orifice, and the second upper plate includes at least one second upper item receiving opening in the form of an orifice. The lower panel includes a lower article receiving opening configured to be vertically aligned with a corresponding at least one of the first and second upper article receiving openings on the first and second upper panels.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

Within the scope of the application of this case, various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and options contained in the aforementioned content, patent application scope and/or the following detailed description and drawings are all contemplated to be adopted individually or in combination.

Features or elements described in conjunction with one embodiment may be applied to all other embodiments unless they are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment herein, and the features or elements from that embodiment may also be included in, added to, or substituted for one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

A certain characteristic or a combination of several characteristics of an embodiment cited herein may be used alone without using other characteristics of the embodiment. Alternatively, a certain characteristic or a combination of several characteristics of an embodiment may also be omitted from the embodiment.

Some specific embodiments of the packaging, embryos, and carriers of the present invention will now be described in detail. It is to be understood that the embodiments are merely examples of some ways in which certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented, and thus do not represent a complete list of all ways in which the present invention may be embodied. The term "example" as used herein refers generally to various embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. In fact, the packaging, embryos, carriers, and methods described herein may be implemented in various different and alternative forms. In addition, the drawings may not be in proportion, and some features may be exaggerated or reduced in order to show the details of certain specific components. Various well-known components, materials, or methods may not be described in detail so as not to interfere with the content of the present invention. Any specific details on structures and functions described herein shall not be considered as limiting, but merely as the basis for the patent claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply the present invention in various aspects.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank sheet 10 that can be formed into a carton or carrier 90 as shown in Fig. 2 for containing and carrying a group of primary products (hereinafter referred to as "articles B") such as, but not limited to, bottles and cans. The blank sheet 10 is formed into a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

As shown in Figures 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14, there are optional blanks 110; 220; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 for forming cartons or containers 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 as shown in Figures 4, 6, 9, 13 and 15 for packaging and carrying a group of primary products (hereinafter referred to as "items B") such as but not limited to bottles and cans.

In the various embodiments described in detail herein, for the purpose of illustrating various features of the present invention without limitation, the term "carton" and "carrier" refers to a container used to hold and carry items such as primary product containers. However, the teachings of the present invention are also contemplated to be applicable to a variety of product containers that may or may not be conical and/or cylindrical in shape. Other examples of containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), jars (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, pouches, and packets, etc.

The blanks 10; 110; 220; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are formed from a suitable substrate. It is to be understood that the "suitable substrate" referred to herein includes a variety of foldable sheets, such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should also be recognized that, if appropriate, the number of blanks used to produce the carrying tool structure to be described in detail later can be, for example, one or other number of sheets.

The sheet material forming the packaging structure or carton 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 described herein can be, for example, paperboard and can be made of a material that can increase its strength or be coated to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard produced by WestRock. It should be noted that more than one layer of tear-resistant material can be used to increase the tear resistance of the packaging. Typically, the properties of one side of the sheet can be different from those of the other side. For example, the surface of the sheet facing outward from the finished package can be very smooth and can have a coating such as clay coating or other surface treatment to achieve good printability. Additionally, the coating, layer or treatment on the inner surface of the sheet may have, or be otherwise prepared to have, one or more other properties, such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or other desired functionality.

In the embodiment shown, the blanks 10; 110; 220; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for packaging a certain array of articles B. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, 14 and 15, the array is a 2 x 3 matrix or array. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, 14 and 15, the array is provided with two rows each having three articles B, and the articles B are 500 ml or 591 ml (20 US fl. oz) cans. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the blank 610 is arranged to accommodate four items arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix or array, that is, the two rows provided in the configuration each have two items B and are arranged to accommodate items in the form of 591 ml (20 US fl. oz) cans.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 220; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 can also be configured to be used to package items B of other types, quantities or sizes and/or to package items B of different configurations or arrangements.

1, there is shown a blank 10, which includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, wherein a main panel 12 is included to form a lower wall panel or a joint panel of a carrier 90 (see FIG. 2).

A first side panel 14 is hinged to a first side of the main panel 12 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 13. A first top or cover panel 18 is hinged to the first side panel 14 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 17.

A second side panel 16 is hinged to a second side of the main panel 12 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 15. A second top or cover panel 20 is hinged to the second side panel 16 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 19.

The first top panels 18, the second top panels 20, the first and second side panels 14, 16 and the main panel 12 form a tubular structure. Each end of the tubular structure is closed by an end seal structure. A first end seal structure includes a first end panel 22A hinged to a first end of the main panel 12 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 21A.

A first anchoring flap 28A is hinged to a first end of the first top panel 18 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F2. The first anchoring flap 28A is hinged to a second anchoring flap 26A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 27A. The second anchoring flap 26A is hinged to a first end of the first side panel 14 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F1.

A first connecting panel 24A is hinged to the second anchoring flap 26A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 25A. The first connecting panel 24A is hinged to the first end panel 22A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 23A.

The first side plate 14 is separated from the first connecting plate 24A by a hole A1. The hole A1 separates the first connecting plate 24A and the second anchoring flap 26A from the main plate 12 respectively.

A third anchoring flap 34A is hinged to a first end of the second top panel 20 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F6. The third anchoring flap 34A is hinged to a fourth anchoring flap 32A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 33A. The fourth anchoring flap 32A is hinged to a first end of the second side panel 16 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F5.

A second connecting plate 30A is hinged to the fourth anchoring flap 32A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 31A. The second connecting plate 30A is hinged to the first end plate 22A by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 29A.

The second side plate 16 is separated from the second connecting plate 30A by a hole A1. The hole A1 separates the second connecting plate 30A and the fourth anchoring flap 32A from the main plate 12 respectively.

A second end seal structure comprises a second end plate 22B hinged to a first end of the main plate 12 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 21B.

A fifth anchoring flap 28B is hinged to a first end of the first top panel 18 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F4. The fifth anchoring flap 28B is hinged to a sixth anchoring flap 26B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 27B. The sixth anchoring flap 26B is hinged to a second end of the first side panel 14 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line F3.

A third connecting plate 24B is hinged to the sixth anchoring flap 26B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 25B. The third connecting plate 24B is hinged to the second end plate 22B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 23B.

The first side plate 14 is separated from the third connecting plate 24B by a hole A1. The hole A1 separates the third connecting plate 24B and the sixth anchoring flap 26B from the main plate 12 respectively.

A seventh anchoring flap 34B is hinged to a first end of the second top panel 20 by a hinge in the form of a fold line F8. The seventh anchoring flap 34B is hinged to an eighth anchoring flap 32B by a hinge in the form of a fold line 33B. The eighth anchoring flap 32B is hinged to a second side of the second side panel 16 by a hinge in the form of a fold line F7.

A fourth connecting plate 30B is hinged to the eighth anchoring flap 32B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 31B. The fourth connecting plate 30B is hinged to the first end plate 22B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 29B.

The second side plate 16 is separated from the fourth connecting plate 30B by a hole A1. The hole A1 separates the fourth connecting plate 30B and the eighth anchoring flap 32B from the main plate 12 respectively.

The main panel 12 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, specifically six article holding structures RT1 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article holding structures RT1 may include a first article holding receiving opening A1 at least partially defined by a pair of engaging protrusions or teeth 40, 42.

The article holding structures RT1 include a first engaging tab 40 pressed from the main sheet 12 and hinged thereto by a fold line 41. A second engaging tab 42 is pressed from the main sheet 12 and hinged thereto by a fold line 43. The second engaging tab 42 is hinged to the first engaging tab 40 in a counter manner. The second engaging tab 42 is separated from the first engaging tab 40 by a cutting line or a fragile line. The cutting line may be non-straight so as to define a tongue T extending from the second engaging tab 42 and a notch R at the free end edge of the first engaging tab 40.

The end article holding structure RT1 disposed adjacent to the first or second end panels 22A, 22B may interrupt the folding lines 21A, 21B between the main panel 12 and a corresponding first and second end panel 22A, 22B. The cutting line separating the first and second engagement protrusions 40, 42 from each other may extend to the corresponding folding lines 21A, 21B.

The first top panel 18 includes at least one second article receiving opening defined by an aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 18 includes three second article receiving openings A2; each second article receiving opening A2 is configured to be vertically aligned with an article retaining structure RT1 on the main panel 12 disposed adjacent to the first side panel 14. The aperture A2 is defined by a cutting line SE, which may define a scalloped or sawtooth-shaped joint edge on the first top panel 18.

The second top panel 20 includes at least one second article receiving opening defined by an aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second top panel 20 includes three second article receiving openings; each second article receiving opening is configured to be vertically aligned with an article retaining structure RT1 on the main panel 12 disposed adjacent to the second side panel 16. The aperture A2 is defined by a cut line SE, which may define a scalloped or sawtooth-shaped joint edge on the second top panel 20.

The apertures A2 on the first and second top panels 18 , 20 are smaller in size, diameter or width than the openings defined by the engagement tabs 40 , 42 on the main panel 12 .

The first and second top panels 18, 20 are configured to be at least partially overlapped. A portion of the first top panel 18 is configured to be in surface contact with a portion of the second top panel 20 to form a composite top panel 18/20.

The embryonic plate 10 includes a plate fixing device L, see Figure 2, the plate fixing device L includes at least one first locking component L1 on the first top plate 18, at least one second locking component L2 on the second top plate 20 and at least one third locking component RC on the main plate 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 18 includes a pair of first locking components L1, the second top panel 20 includes a pair of second locking components L2, and the main panel 12 includes a pair of third locking components RC. The pair of third locking components RC are each disposed in the middle between a group of four article holding structures RT1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking member L1 takes the form of a first locking tab 80 stamped from or defined in the first top panel 18 and hinged thereto by a hinge in the form of a fold line 81. The first locking tab 80 defines an opening in the first top panel 18, in alternative embodiments the locking tab may be omitted and replaced by an aperture to define an opening in the first top panel 18.

The second locking member L2 takes the form of a second locking tab 82 stamped from or defined in the second top panel 20 and hinged thereto by a hinge in the form of a fold line 83. The second locking tab 82 includes a head AH which may be generally arrow-shaped, that is, a portion of the head AH may be wider than the body of the second locking tab 82 so as to define a shoulder S or hook for engaging the main panel 12. When the first locking tab 80 is provided, it may likewise be arranged to include a head AH defining a shoulder S.

In some embodiments, the first locking tab 80 or opening may be larger in size, length and/or width than the second locking tab 82 to facilitate the second locking tab 82 to easily pass through the first top panel 18.

The third locking member RC takes the form of an opening in the main sheet 12, which opening can be defined at least in part by at least one receiving tab 70, 72. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the opening is defined by a pair of receiving tabs 70, 72 each pressed from the main sheet 12 and hinged therein by a hinge in the form of a fold line 71, 73. A first receiving tab 70 is hinged to a second receiving tab 72 in an opposing manner. The second receiving tab 72 is greater in length than the first receiving tab 70, the length of which is defined between a hinge edge defined by a fold line 71, 73 and an opposing free end edge of the receiving tabs 70, 72.

Turning now to the manufacture of the carrier 90 formed from the blank 10, the blank 10 may be formed into an assembled carrier 90 as shown in FIG.

The blank sheet 10 is applied to a group of articles B. The blank sheet 10 is lowered onto the group of articles B. The article holding structures RT1 of the blank sheet 10 are aligned with a corresponding article B of the group. The articles B themselves partially pass through the main sheet 12. At this time, the engaging protrusions 40, 42 of the article holding structures RT1 can be bent out from the plane of the main sheet 12.

The embryonic sheet 10 is bent about the folding lines 13, 15 so that the first side panel 14 and the first top panel 18 are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the main panel 12, and the second side panel 16 and the second top panel 20 are in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the main panel 12. In doing so, the first and second end panels 22A, 22B are bent inwardly relative to the main panel 12, and the first and second end panels 22A, 22B can be bent at an angle greater than 90 degrees so as to be inclined with respect to the main panel 12. The first and second end panels 22A, 22B can each define an inner angle with the corresponding main panel 12, and the angle can be less than 90 degrees. In this way, an upper free edge of the end panels 22A, 22B can provide a supporting edge for the first and second top panels 18, 20.

The first and fifth anchoring flaps 28A, 28B are bent to be in a face-to-face relationship with the first top panel 18, and the second and sixth anchoring flaps 26A, 26B are bent to be in a face-to-face relationship with the first side panel 14.

The fold line 27A at which the first and fifth anchor flaps 28A, 28B are hinged to each other is aligned with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14. The fold line 27B at which the second and sixth anchor flaps 26A, 26B are hinged to each other is aligned with the fold line 17 between the first top panel 18 and the first side panel 14.

The first connecting plate 24A and the second anchoring flap 26A are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship. The third connecting plate 24B and the sixth anchoring flap 26B are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship.

The third and seventh anchoring flaps 34A, 34B are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship with the second top panel 20, and the fourth and eighth anchoring flaps 32A, 32B are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship with the second side panel 16.

The fold line 33A at which the third and seventh anchor flaps 34A, 34B are hinged to each other is aligned with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16. The fold line 33B at which the fourth and eighth anchor flaps 32A, 32B are hinged to each other is aligned with the fold line 19 between the second top panel 20 and the second side panel 16.

The second connecting plate 30A and the fourth anchoring flap 32A are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship. Then, the fourth connecting plate 30B and the eighth anchoring flap 32B are folded to be in a face-to-face relationship.

Around the folding line 17, the first top panel 18 and the corresponding first side panel 14 are bent to be arranged on the main panel 12. In doing so, the first anchoring flap 28A and the corresponding second anchoring flap 26A are bent and the fifth anchoring flap 28B and the corresponding sixth anchoring flap 26B are bent.

The upper ends of the objects B are accommodated in the openings A2 on the first top plate 18.

The second top panel 20 and the corresponding second side panel 16 are bent around the folding line 19 to be disposed on the main panel 12 and at least partially overlapped with the first top panel 18. In doing so, the fourth anchoring flap 34A and the corresponding eighth anchoring flap 32B are bent, and the seventh anchoring flap 34B and the corresponding eighth anchoring flap 32B are bent.

The upper ends of the objects B are accommodated in the openings A2 on the second top plate 20.

The embryo sheet 10, in the partially assembled condition, can be lowered onto the corresponding articles B so that the engagement edges of the engagement tabs 40, 42 engage under a protrusion or flange of the articles B. The protrusion can be formed by a ridge or undercut of the article B, or by an end closure of the article B, such as but not limited to a crown cork, a tamper-proof screw cap or other closure. In this way, the engagement edges clamp or fix the article B and prevent or stop it from being accidentally separated from the main sheet 12.

The second locking tab 82 is bent inwardly from the carrying tool 90 and passes through the first top plate 18 (the first locking tab 80 is then bent inwardly). A distal end, head AH, of the second locking tab 82 is passed through the third locking components RC on the main plate 12, and the receiving tabs 70, 72 are moved downwardly and outwardly from the interior of the carrying tool 90. The shoulder S of the head AH is engaged with a lower or outer surface of the main plate 12 to prevent or at least inhibit the second locking tab 82 from falling out of the receiving opening. When the first locking tab 80 is provided, it is also passed through and engaged with the main plate 12, and the shoulder S of the head AH is also engaged with a lower or outer surface of the main plate 12.

When accommodated in the accommodating opening, the accommodating protrusions 70, 72 can interact with the locking protrusions 80, 82, and the free end edges of one or both of the accommodating protrusions 70, 72 can engage or contact the locking protrusions 80, 82 to prevent or stop the locking protrusions 80, 82 from unfolding.

By using or activating the pair of panel fixing devices L, the opening created in the composite top panel 18/20 can form a carrying handle for transporting the package.

Preferably, the carrier 90 can be assembled or constructed without the use of glue or adhesive to secure the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 in an upright position.

The carrier 90 can help hide a portion of the items B from being seen. The composite roof panel 18/20 can hide and/or protect a top or upper area of the items B.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 13 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments shown, similar reference numbers are used to represent similar components, where possible, with additional numbers such as "100", "200", "300", "400", "500", "600" in front to indicate that the components belong to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments, respectively. These alternative embodiments share many common components with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 , and therefore only the differences from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3 , there is shown a blank sheet 110 including a plurality of sheets 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, wherein a main sheet 112 is included to form a lower wall or joining sheet of a carrier 190 (see FIG. 4 ). The blank sheet 110 is substantially the same in construction as the blank sheet 10 of FIG. 1 , except that the first and second top sheets 118, 120 are configured to accommodate an upper portion of each packaged article B. The second top sheet 120 includes six second article receiving openings arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array; each of the second article receiving openings is configured to be vertically aligned with an article retaining structure RT1 on the main sheet 112. The aperture A2 is defined by a cut line SE, which may define a scalloped or sawtoothed edge on the second top panel 120. The first top panel 118 includes six third article receiving openings arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array; each of the third article receiving openings is configured to be vertically aligned with an article retaining structure RT1 on the main panel 112 and a second article receiving opening on the second top panel 120. Each of the third article receiving openings includes a second aperture A3 defined by a cut line, which may be circular in shape, thereby defining a circular edge on the second top panel 120.

5, shown is a blank 210, which includes a plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, including a main panel 212 to form a lower wall or joint panel of a carrier 290 (see FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the main panel 212 includes an optional article retaining structure RT1 .

The article holding structures RT1 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 are in the form of a plurality of teeth 240 or protrusions arranged in a series of rings around the aperture A4 to form a portion of a first article receiving opening.

The plurality of teeth 240 are provided by the main sheet 212. Each of the teeth is hinged to the main sheet 212 by a hinge. The hinge may be defined by a plurality of cutting lines 241, 243. The plurality of cutting lines 241, 243 may be arranged as a series of annular cuts around an opening A4.

The plurality of cutting lines 241 , 243 may define a circle or a portion of a polygon similar thereto, such as but not limited to an octagon as shown in FIG. 5 .

The series of annular protrusions 240 can be arranged to separate the hinges, fold lines 213, 215 between the main panel 212 and one of the first and second side panels 214, 216. The end article holding structure RT1 can be arranged to separate the hinges, fold lines 222A, 222B between the main panel 212 and one of the first and second end panels 222A, 222B.

Each of the plurality of teeth 240 includes a joint edge opposite to a hinge edge. The joint edges are defined by a straight line segment of a cutting line defining the aperture A4. Each of the joint edges may define a portion of a polygon. In the illustrated embodiment, it includes eight teeth 240 that together define an octagon. Each of the teeth 240 includes a pair of side edges defined by cutouts 245 extending radially outward from corresponding vertices of the octagon, that is, corresponding vertices between a pair of adjacent straight line segments of a cutout defining a portion of the octagon. The cutouts 245 are arranged to diverge from each other and define an angle therebetween, which may be 45 degrees.

The second top panel 220 includes six second article receiving openings defined by an aperture A2, arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array; each second article receiving opening A2 is configured to be vertically aligned with an article retaining structure RT1 on the main panel 212. The aperture A2 is defined by a cut line SE, which can define a scalloped or sawtooth-shaped joint edge on the second top panel 220.

The blank 210 includes a plurality of plates 218B, 218C, 218D for forming a support arm or keel structure to increase the rigidity of the carrier 290. The support arm or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally from the carrier 290.

The plurality of panels 218B, 218C, 218D are hinged to the first top panel 218. A first beam panel 218B is hinged to the first top panel 218 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 217B. A second beam panel 218C, also referred to herein as a floor panel 218C, is hinged to the first beam panel 218B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 217C. A third beam panel 218D is hinged to the second beam panel 218C by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 217D.

The first top panel 218 includes at least one third article receiving opening A5, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes three third article receiving openings A5, each of which receives a corresponding article B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 214. The third article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 218B and may be generally elliptical or egg-shaped. Each of the third article receiving openings A5 may include an engagement tooth 244, which is press-formed from the first beam panel 218B and extends from the first beam panel 218B into the third article receiving opening A5.

The second beam plate 218C includes at least one first locking member L1, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes two first locking members L1. The first locking members L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 280 stamped from or defined in the second beam plate 218C and hinged therein using a hinge in the form of a fold line 281. The first locking tab 280 includes a head or distal end opposite the fold line 281, the head or distal end being wider than a proximal end or middle portion of the first locking tab 280. As such, the locking tab receiving opening includes a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or limit. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 280 is substantially equal to or may be larger than, wider than, the second beam plate 218C. The locking tab receiving opening and/or the first locking tab 280 or at least a portion thereof interrupts the hinge between the second beam plate 218C and each of the first and third beam plates 218B, 218D.

The second top panel 220 includes at least one second locking member L2, and in the illustrated embodiment, two second locking members L2. The second locking members L2 take the form of a second locking tab 284, which is stamped from or defined in the second top panel 220 and hinged therein using a hinge in the form of a fold line 283. The second locking tab 284 includes a head 288, which can be wider than a body of the second locking tab 284 so as to define a shoulder or hook to engage the main panel 212. The second locking tab 284 includes a pair of wings 286 that are hinged to opposite sides of the body or proximal end of the second locking tab 284 using a hinge in the form of a fold line 285. The wings 286 are separated from the head 288 by a cut line 287 that defines the shoulders or barbs.

Each of the second locking tabs 284 is configured to be vertically aligned with a locking tab receiving opening of a first locking member L1. Each of the second locking tabs 284 is configured to be hinged to the first locking tab 280 of the first locking member L1 in an opposing manner so as to be vertically aligned. The term "opposing manner" used herein to describe the relationship between each second locking tab 284 and the associated first locking tab 280 refers to the relationship between the two spaced-apart, vertically aligned tabs 284 and 280 when they are in the initial deployed position, and they extend from their corresponding proximal ends in opposing directions.

The main sheet 212 comprises at least one third locking member RC, in the embodiment shown, two third locking members RC. The third locking members RC take the form of an opening on the main sheet 212, which opening may be defined by a corresponding receiving lug 270 pressed from the main sheet 212 and hinged therein by a hinge in the form of a fold line 271. Each receiving lug is hinged to the associated second locking lug 284 in an opposing manner. The term "opposite manner" used herein to describe the relationship between each receiving protrusion 270 and the associated second locking protrusion 284 is equivalent to the relationship shown above, and refers to the relationship between the two spaced-apart, vertically aligned protrusions 284 and 270 when they are in the initial expanded position, and they extend from their corresponding proximal ends in opposite directions.

Figure 6 shows the assembled blank 210, which is used to form a carrier 290 and a group of articles B to form a package. Figures 7A and 7B show a perspective view of the carrier 290, with a portion of the carrier 290 removed for illustration purposes.

The first top panel 218 is bent inward from the second top panel 220. An article B is accommodated in each of the article accommodation openings A5 and a portion of the article B passes through the first top panel 218 and the first beam panel 218B. The first beam panel 218B and the corresponding first top panel 218 are bent to be inclined so as to extend substantially between the composite top panel 218/220 and the main panel 212. The second beam panel 218C is disposed between adjacent pairs of articles B and/or article retaining structures RT1. The second beam panel 218C may be in surface contact with the main panel 212. The third beam plate 218D and the corresponding second beam plate 218C are bent to be inclined. A free end edge of the third beam plate 218D is configured to engage with a protrusion or flange FL below the adjacent row of the articles B accommodated in the first top plate 218 and the first beam plate 218B.

The second locking tab 284 is bent downwardly and inwardly from the carrier 290. A distal end portion opposite a proximal end portion of the second top plate 220 hinged to the second locking tab 284 passes through openings in the second beam plate 218C and the main plate 212. The shoulder S of the head or distal end portion 288 engages a lower or outer surface of the main plate 212. The first locking tab 280 is displaced downwardly over the opening in the main plate 212, and the receiving tab 270 is also moved downwardly out of the plane of the main plate 212. The second locking tab 284 can be bent sufficiently so that the tab 284 is received at a wider distal end of the opening of the second beam plate 218C, so that the second beam plate 218C engages with the second locking tab 284 near a waist or limit of the opening.

The size and arrangement of the head of the first locking tab 280 can be set to ensure that the first locking tab 280 is engaged across the width of the head 288 of the second locking tab 284 to prevent or inhibit bending or deformation of the marginal side of the head 288, which would otherwise allow the second locking tab 284 to exit through the openings on the second beam plate 218C and the main plate 212.

7A and 7B show the carrier 290 engaging the articles B at two different heights. The main panel 212 engages the articles B at a first, lower height around a neck of the articles B. The article holding structures RT1 define an article receiving opening on the main panel 212, the main panel 212 having a perimeter defined by a hinge between the plurality of teeth 240 and the main panel 212, and at least a portion of the perimeter or edge of the main panel 212 is defined by the article receiving openings engaging an adjacent region of the article B passing through the article receiving opening.

The second top panel 220 engages the articles B at a second, higher elevation. The second top panel 220 engages the articles B above the flange or projection FL of the articles B. The apertures A2 may be sized smaller than above the flange or projection FL of the articles B to prevent or inhibit movement of the articles B past the second top panel 220. When an article B is received therein, an annular region on the top panel 220 surrounding the apertures A2 may deform or shift upward. This may wrap around the article B at the second, higher elevation, thereby creating a tight fit.

By engaging the articles B with a pair of spaced apart panels 212, 220 at two different height positions, the carrier 90 can prevent or reduce the articles B from rotating or tipping over, and when multiple articles B are packaged, this can prevent or stop the articles from spreading out from each other.

The engaging teeth 240 and the first and third beam plates 218B, 218D engage the objects B at a third, intermediate height disposed between the first and second heights, and the teeth 240 and the first and third beam plates 218B, 218D engage the objects B below a flange or protrusion FL of the objects B. The teeth 240 suspend or support the objects B and prevent or block the objects B from exiting the carrier 290.

Referring to Fig. 8, there is shown a blank 310, which includes a plurality of plates 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, wherein a main plate 312 is included to form a lower wall or joint plate of a carrier 390 (see Fig. 9). The blank 310 is substantially smaller in structure than the blank of Fig. 5, and the only difference will be described in detail later.

The main sheet 312 includes a plurality of article retaining structures RT1 that are substantially smaller in structure than those of the blank sheet of FIG. 1 .

The blank 310 includes a plurality of plates 318B, 318C, 318D for forming a support arm or keel structure to increase the rigidity of the carrier 390. The support arm or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally from the carrier 390.

The plurality of panels 318B, 318C, 318D are hinged to the first top panel 318. A first beam panel 318B is hinged to the first top panel 318 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 317B. A second beam panel 318C, also referred to herein as a floor panel 318C, is hinged to the first beam panel 318B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 317C. A third beam panel 318D is hinged to the second beam panel 318C by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 317D.

The second beam plate 318C includes at least one first locking member L1, and in the illustrated embodiment, two first locking members L1. The first locking members L1 take the form of a locking tab receiving opening and may be defined by a first locking tab 380 stamped from or defined in the second beam plate 318C and hinged therein using a hinge in the form of a fold line 318. The first locking tab 380 includes a head or distal end opposite the fold line 381, the head or distal end being wider than a proximal end or middle portion of the first locking tab 380. Thus, the locking lug accommodating opening includes a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or limit portion. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 8, the locking lug accommodating opening and/or the first locking lug 380 are substantially smaller in width than the second beam plate 318C.

The second top panel 320 includes at least one second locking member L2, and in the illustrated embodiment, two second locking members L2. The second locking members L2 take the form of a second locking tab 384, which is stamped from or defined in the second top panel 320 and hinged therein by a hinge in the form of a fold line 383. The second locking tab 384 includes a head 388 defining a shoulder or hook to engage the main panel 312. The second locking tab 284 includes a pair of wings along opposite sides of a body or proximal end of the second locking tab 384. The wings are integral with the body, that is, the fold line 285 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 has been omitted. The wings are separated from the head 388 by a cut line 387, which defines the shoulders or hooks. The second locking tab 384 is hinged to the first locking tab 380 in an opposing manner.

The main sheet 312 includes at least one third locking component RC, and in the embodiment shown, two third locking components RC. The third locking components RC take the form of an opening in the main sheet 312, which opening can be defined by a single receiving tab 370 pressed from the main sheet 312 and hinged therein by a hinge in the form of a fold line 371. The receiving tab 370 includes a head or distal end opposite the fold line 371, which is wider than a proximal end or middle portion of the receiving tab 370, so that the receiving tab receiving opening includes a wider portion at one end thereof and defines a waist or limit portion.

FIG9 shows the assembled blank 310 to form a carrier 390, with item B removed from FIG9 for illustration purposes. FIG9 shows the first, second and third locking components L1, L2, RC cooperating to form a panel fixing device, with the receiving tab 370 displaced outward from the carrier 390 and downwardly below the main panel 312. The second locking tab 384 also displaces downwardly and passes through the receiving opening of the main panel 312.

The head or distal end of the first locking tab 380 is received in the receiving opening of the main sheet 312. The shoulder of the head engages with the lower surface of the main sheet 312. The receiving tab 370 and the second locking tab 384 (if provided) engage with the head or distal end of the first locking tab 380, thereby urging the first locking tab 380 toward one end of the receiving opening on the main sheet 312.

Referring to Fig. 10, a blank 410 is shown, which includes a plurality of plates 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, wherein a main plate 412 is included to form a lower wall or joint plate of a carrier (not shown). The blank 410 is substantially the same in structure as the blank of Fig. 8, and the only difference is that it will be described in detail later.

The blank 410 includes a plurality of plates 418B, 418C, 418D for forming a support or keel structure to increase the rigidity of the carrier. The support or keel structure may take the form of a beam extending longitudinally from the carrier.

The plurality of panels 418B, 418C, 418D are hinged to the first top panel 418. A first beam panel 418B is hinged to the first top panel 418 by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 417B. A second beam panel 418C, also referred to herein as a floor panel 418C, is hinged to the first beam panel 418B by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 417C. A third beam panel 418D is hinged to the second beam panel 418C by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 417D.

The first top panel 418 includes at least one third article receiving opening A5, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes three third article receiving openings A5, each receiving a corresponding article B disposed adjacent to the first side panel 414. The third article receiving openings A5 extend into the first beam panel 418B. Each of the third article receiving openings A5 may include a pair of engaging teeth 446, whereby pressed from the first beam panel 418B adjacent to the receiving opening A5. The pair of engaging teeth 446 are partially defined and separated by a cut line 447 defined in the first beam panel 418B and extending outwardly from a portion of the article receiving opening A3 disposed therein.

The main plate 412 includes a plurality of article retaining structures RT1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the article retaining structures RT1 are in the form of a plurality of teeth or protrusions 440 arranged in a series of rings around an opening A6 to form a portion of a first article receiving opening.

The plurality of teeth 440 are provided by the main plate 412. Each of the teeth 440 is hinged to the main plate 412 by a hinge. The hinge may be defined by a plurality of cutting lines 441, 443. The plurality of cutting lines 441, 443 may be configured as a series of annular cuts around the aperture A6. The plurality of cutting lines 441, 443 may define a circle or a portion thereof.

The end article holding structure RT1 may be configured to interrupt the hinge, fold line 421A, 421B between the main panel 412 and one of the first and second end panels 422A, 422B.

Each of the plurality of teeth 440 includes a joint edge opposite to a hinge edge. The joint edges are defined by a straight line segment of a cutting line defining the orifice A6. Each of the joint edges may define a portion of a polygon. In the illustrated embodiment, it includes seven teeth 440 that together define an octagon. Each of the teeth 440 includes a pair of side edges defined by cutouts 445 extending radially outward from corresponding vertices of the orifice A6, that is, from a corresponding vertex between a pair of adjacent straight line segments of a cutout defining the orifice A6. The cutouts 445 are arranged to diverge from each other and define an angle therebetween, which may be 45 degrees.

The series of annular teeth 440 includes a gap or toothless area G, which may be equal in size to a single tooth and defines an extension of the orifice A6, so that the shape adopted by the orifice A6 is a "keyhole" shape.

The gap G is provided on a portion of the periphery of the opening A6 that is closely adjacent to a longitudinal imaginary line that divides the main plate 412 into two halves.

The gap G is disposed at a portion of the periphery of the article holding structures RT, and is in contact with or in close proximity to one of the first or third beam plates 418B, 418D. Thus, a joint tooth is not provided below the first or third beam plates 418B, 418D, so that only a single layer of sheet material is joined to the articles B, which can promote or enhance the joining of the first or third beam plates 418B, 418D and the articles B.

Referring to Fig. 11, a blank 510 is shown, which includes a plurality of plates 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, wherein a main plate 512 is included to form a lower wall or joint plate of a carrier (not shown). The blank 510 is substantially the same in structure as the blank of Fig. 10, except that the main plate 512 includes optional article holding structures RT1, RT2, and the only difference will be described in detail later.

The main plate 512 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, RT2. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the article holding structures RT1, RT2 are in the form of a plurality of teeth or protrusions 540 arranged in a series of rings around an opening A7, A8, thereby forming a part of an article receiving opening.

The blank 510 includes four first or end article holding structures RT1, each of which includes a first opening or orifice A7. The blank 510 includes two second, middle or intermediate article holding structures RT2, each of which includes a second opening or orifice A8. The shape of the second orifice A8 can be square, diamond or kite-shaped.

Each of the second article retaining structures RT2 includes four engaging teeth 540 provided by the main plate 512. Each of the teeth 540 is separated from its adjacent portion by a first cutting line 545. The cutting line 545 extends radially outward from the second opening A8, specifically, when the second opening A8 is a quadrilateral, it extends from the vertex or corner of the second opening A8. Each of the teeth 540 is hinged to the main plate 512 by a hinge. The hinge can be defined between pairs of second cutting lines 543. A portion of the second cutting lines 543 defines the periphery of the article receiving opening of the second article retaining structures RT2. Each second cutting line 543 and a first cutting line 545 together define a "T-shaped" incision. The pairs of "T-shaped" cuts are arranged opposite to each other, and a first pair of "T-shaped" cuts are configured to be orthogonal to a second pair of "T-shaped" cuts, so that a cross intersection and the second orifice A8 are defined in the middle.

The first cutting lines 545 of a first pair of “T-shaped” cuts are arranged to extend laterally from the main plate 512 , while the first cutting lines 545 of a second pair of “T-shaped” cuts are arranged to extend longitudinally from the main plate 512 .

Each first or terminal article holding structure RT1 is substantially identical to the second article holding structure RT2 except that a "T-shaped" cutout has been omitted and replaced by a notch G, which may be in the form of a substantially triangular cutout intersecting a first aperture A7. The shape of the first aperture A7 may be square, rhombus or kite-shaped.

The gap G can be considered as a gap formed by removing a portion of each of a pair of engaging teeth 540 disposed adjacent to each other.

Each notch G is configured to be disposed adjacent to a folding line 521A, 521B between the main plate 512 and a corresponding one of the first and second end plates 522A, 522B. The notch G may extend into a corresponding one of the first and second end plates 522A, 522B to interrupt the folding lines 521A, 521B.

As such, the terminal article holding structures RT1 are arranged to interrupt the hinge, fold line 521A, 521B between the main plate 512 and one of the first and second end plates 522A, 522B.

The plurality of engagement teeth 540 include a gap or toothless area G around the second aperture A8, the gap G defining an extension of the aperture A8, so that the aperture A6 takes the shape of a "keyhole".

The gap or toothless area G can be considered as removing the wing or edge side of each of a pair of adjacently disposed engaging teeth 540, which would otherwise abut or otherwise contact one of the first and second end plates 522A, 522B when the corresponding main plate 512 is bent. In this way, the first and second end plates 522A, 522B can be bent freely without being hindered by the engaging teeth 540. Advantageously, the first and second end plates 522A, 522B do not engage or contact the engagement teeth 540 of the end object retaining structures RT1, thereby preventing or inhibiting the engagement teeth 540 from falling off or other damage to the safety of the end object retaining structures RT1.

Referring to Fig. 12, a blank 610 is shown, which includes a plurality of plates 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, wherein a main plate 612 is included to form a lower wall or joint plate of a carrier 690 (see Fig. 13). The blank 610 is substantially the same in structure as the blank of Fig. 3, except that the blank 610 is for accommodating four articles B arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array, and the main plate 612 includes an optional article holding structure RT1, and the only difference will be described in detail later.

The main panel 612 includes a plurality of article holding structures RT1, specifically four article holding structures RT1. The article holding structures RT1 include an article receiving opening partially defined by an aperture A9 and a pair of opposing engagement protrusions 640, 642 separated from each other by the aperture A9. The aperture A9 is configured and shaped so that a side or edge of each of the pair of opposing engagement protrusions 640, 642 is separated from the edge of the article receiving opening and/or from a fold line 621A, 621B between the main panel 612 and a corresponding one of the first and second end panels 622A, 622B. As a result, the first and second end plates 622A, 622B do not contact the engaging teeth 640, 642 of the article holding structures RT1, nor do they prevent the first and second end plates 622A, 622B from bending with the corresponding main plate 612, nor do they affect the engagement of the engaging teeth 640, 642 with the articles B. The openings A9 interrupt a corresponding folding line 621A, 621B between the main plate 612 and the first and second end plates 622A, 622B hinged thereto.

Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the eighth embodiment shown, similar reference numbers are used to represent similar components, where possible, with the addition of a "700" in front to indicate that the components belong to the eighth embodiment. This alternative embodiment shares many common components with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13 , and thus only the differences from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a blank 710 is shown, which includes a plurality of main panels 718D, 718C, 718B, 718, 714, 712, 716, 720, 720B, which are hinged together into a series of linear combinations using a corresponding one of a plurality of fold lines 717D, 717C, 717B, 717, 713, 715, 719, 719B. A main panel 712 included in the plurality of main panels 718D, 718C, 718B, 718, 714, 712, 716, 720, 720B forms a lower wall or joint panel of a carrier 790 (see FIG. 15 ).

A first side panel 714 is hinged to a first side of the joining panel 712 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 713. A first top panel 718 is hinged to the first side panel 714 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 717. A first keel panel 718B is hinged to the first top panel 718 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 718B. A first floor panel 718C is hinged to the first keel panel 718B by a hinge in the form of a fold line 717C. A first fixing panel 718D is hinged to the first floor panel 718C by means of a hinge in the form of a fold line 717D.

A second side panel 716 is hinged to a second, opposite side of the engagement panel 712 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 715. A second top panel 720 is hinged to the second side panel 720 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 719. A second keel panel 720B is hinged to the first top panel 720 by a hinge in the form of a fold line 719B.

The engaging plate 712 of the embryonic plate 710 includes at least one article retaining structure RT1. The main plate 712 includes a plurality of article retaining structures RT1, specifically six article retaining structures RT1 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array. Each of the article retaining structures RT1 includes an article receiving opening at least partially defined by a pair of engaging protrusions or teeth 740, 742.

The article holding structures RT1 include an opening partially defined by a pair of apertures A11, A12 and partially defined by a pair of engagement tabs 740, 742. A first aperture A11 is disposed on a first side of the pair of engagement tabs 740, 742, and a second aperture A12 is disposed on a second, opposite side of the pair of engagement tabs 740, 742.

The article holding structures RT1 include a first engaging protrusion 740 pressed from the engaging plate 712 and hinged thereto by a fold line 741. A second engaging protrusion 742 is pressed from the engaging plate 712 and hinged thereto by a fold line 743. The second engaging protrusion 742 is hinged to the first engaging protrusion 740 in a facing manner. The second engaging protrusion 742 is separated from the first engaging protrusion 740 by a cutting line or a fragile line. The cutting line can be a straight line so as to define a tongue T extending from the second engaging protrusion 742 and a notch R at the free end edge of the first engaging protrusion 740.

The joining plate 712 of the embryo 710 includes at least one first handle opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining plate 712 of the embryo 710 includes a pair of first handle openings. A first one of the first handle openings is disposed in the middle of a first group of four article holding structures RT1 in the array of the article holding structures RT1. A second one of the first handle openings is disposed in the middle of a second group of four article holding structures RT1 in the array of the article holding structures RT1. The first and second groups of four article holding structures RT1 can share a pair of common article holding structures RT1. Each handle opening takes the form of an orifice A13 pressed from the joining plate 712.

The floor panel 718C includes at least one second handle opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining panel 712 of the blank 710 includes a pair of second handle openings. A first one of the second handle openings is configured to be vertically aligned with a first one of the pair of first handle openings. A second one of the second handle openings is configured to be vertically aligned with a second one of the pair of first handle openings.

Each second handle opening may be partially defined by a handle flap 760, which may form a cushioning bulge of a carrying handle. The handle flap 760 is pressed from or defined in the floor panel 718C and hinged therein using a hinge in the form of a fold line 761. The flap 760 may be sized to pass through the aperture A13 on the engagement panel 712. The handle flap 760 passes through the aperture A13 to form a first handle opening and may be secured or locked to the base panel 712 by the floor panel 718C. In some embodiments, the floor panel 718C may be secured to the base panel 712 using glue or other adhesive treatments.

The first top panel 718 includes at least one article receiving opening A10. In the illustrated embodiment, it includes a plurality of article receiving openings A10, specifically, but not limited to, three article receiving openings A10. The article receiving opening takes the form of an orifice A10 pressed from the first top panel 718. The orifice A10 may extend laterally across the first top panel 718 and into each of the first side panels 714 and the first keel panel 718B.

The aperture A10 may include a middle portion TA pressed from the first top plate 718, at least a portion of which is wider in size than the portions SA, KA of the aperture A10 defined by the first side plate 714 and the first keel plate 718B. The middle portion TA of the aperture A10 is defined by curved cutting line portions CC1, CC2.

The opening 10 is included at the opposite ends of each of the first side panels 714 and the first keel panel 718B, and the opposite ends may be defined by straight cut line portions CE1, CE2. The straight cut line portions CE1, CE2 may define article joining edges, which are configured to be disposed under a flange or protrusion of the article B so that at least a portion thereof supports the article B. The opening 10 is sized and arranged so that an upper end of the article B, but not limited to a can lid or closure C, passes through the first top panel 718.

The second top panel 720 includes at least one article receiving opening A10. In the illustrated embodiment, it includes a plurality of article receiving openings A10, specifically, but not limited to, three article receiving openings A10. The article receiving opening takes the form of an orifice A10 pressed from the second top panel 720. The orifice A10 may extend laterally across the second top panel 720 and into each of the second side panels 716 and the second keel panel 720B. The article receiving openings A10 on the second top panel 720 are substantially identical in structure to those of the article receiving openings A10 of the first top panel 718, and therefore will not be described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. 15 shows an article carrier 790, which is used to form a package with a plurality of articles B, and the blank 710 has been bent to form the article carrier 790. The article carrier 790 includes a tubular structure formed by a top plate 718, 720, a side plate 714, 716, and a keel plate 718B, 720B/718D. The top plate 718, 720 is arranged substantially parallel to the portion of the base plate 712 and is generally horizontal in a general or static state. That is, the articles B include a generally cylindrical shape with a cylindrical axis perpendicular to the plane of the top plate 718, 720.

The article carrier 790 includes a pair of tubular structures extending parallel to each other and connected by a spine. The spine is formed by the floor panel 718C and a portion of the base panel 712 disposed in a lower layer relationship with the floor panel 718C. In this way, the spine is two-layered in structure.

Each tubular structure includes at least one first opening on the opposing portion of the base plate 712 and a second opening on the top plate 718, 720 thereof. An article B is received in the at least one first opening and partially passes therethrough, and the article B is received in the at least one second opening and partially passes therethrough so as to protrude above the top plate 718, 720. The at least one second opening is shaped to form a tight fit with the article B and to frictionally engage a side wall of the article B at a pair of opposing locations. The apertures A10 define non-linear contact edges on the top plates 718, 720, which non-linear contact edges may be curved and complementary to the shape of the side wall of the portion of the article passing through the aperture 10.

The at least one first opening is at least partially defined by a pair of opposing tabs 740, 742. The pair of opposing tabs 740, 742 are hinged to the base panel 712 using a hinge substantially orthogonal to a tubular axis of the corresponding tubular structure. The pair of opposing tabs 740, 742 engage the article B at a location below where the top panel 718, 720 engages the article B.

The at least one second opening extends into the side panels 714, 716 and the keel panels 718B, 720B/718D of the corresponding tubular structure and is provided with a pair of opposing supporting edges. A portion of the article B protrudes or projects outwardly from the side panels 714, 716 and the keel panels 718B, 720B/718D through the at least one second opening.

The cross-section of each tubular structure may be substantially trapezoidal.

The green sheets 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 include at least one paperboard substrate. The material of the paperboard substrate can be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, a weight range of about 10 pt. or more, and preferably about 16 pt. to 28 pt. (0.028"/~0.7 mm). Examples of such a substrate are a 23-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate board with a coating on one side, trade name PrinKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - an unbleached kraft board with a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKote ^™ ) produced by Westrock Corporation. The paperboard substrate can be a bleached or unbleached board, and can also be coated on at least one side, or optionally on the side opposite to the lamination, with a conventional coating selected to be compatible with the printing method and board composition.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 may also include a tear-resistant layer bonded to the paperboard layer. An adhesive layer may be optionally provided between the paperboard substrate and the tear-resistant layer. The tear-resistant layer may be provided on the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of a polymer and fixed to the substrate. The tear-resistant layer provides toughness to the laminated structure. Suitable tear-resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, tear-resistant laminated sheets, such as NATRALOCK®, which may contain a layer of biaxially oriented polyester, stretched nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin, or n-axially oriented film of high-density polyolefin, such as MYLAR®. The stretched orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear-resistant properties. In addition, the chemical properties of tear-resistant materials such as extruded metallocene polyethylene (mPE) are also the main reason for their inherent tear resistance.

Alternatively, the tear-resistant layer may be replaced by a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In each embodiment using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE, it is not necessary to add an adhesive layer. In addition, other suitable materials with high tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of a polyolefin material such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be disposed between the substrate and the tear-resistant layer to fix the tear-resistant layer to the substrate.

The present invention provides an article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for connecting one or more articles B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620; 712, 718/720 comprising an upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and a lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712.

The upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 includes an upper article receiving opening in the form of an aperture A2; A2/A3; A2/A5; A10. The lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 includes a lower article receiving opening. The upper article receiving opening and the lower article receiving opening are arranged to be vertically aligned and have a configuration and size that is arranged to have at least a portion at two vertically spaced heights for engaging an article B.

The lower article receiving opening may be in the form of an article retaining structure RT1, RT2, which is partially defined by one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 pressed from and hinged to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The one or more engaging tabs 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 are hinged to the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 at their proximal ends by a hinge. The one or more engagement tabs 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 include an engagement edge at a distal end thereof, the distal end being opposite to the proximal end. The configuration and size of the one or more engaging protrusions 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 are set so that at least a portion of the periphery of the lower item accommodating opening is in close contact with the item B, and when the item B is accommodated in the item holding structure RT1, RT2, the at least one engaging protrusion 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742 is bent out from the plane of the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 to abut against the item B.

The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 is engaged with an article B at two vertically spaced heights above and below a flange or protrusion FL of an article B, and is supported or engaged by the engaging edge of one or more engaging protrusions 40, 42; 140, 142; 240; 340, 342; 440; 540; 640, 642; 740, 742, so that the article B is suspended therein.

The upper article receiving opening may comprise an aperture A2 having a scalloped or sawtoothed edge SE configured to surround a substantially upright wall, the upright wall being provided by an end seal of the article B disposed above the flange or projection FL of the article B.

In the embodiment of the present invention, there is also a keel structure extending between the upper plate 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712.

The keel structure may include a pair of keel plates 718B, 720B, which are hinged to the upper plate 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 by a first hinge and extend to a floor plate 718C which is arranged in surface contact with the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712.

The keel structure may define a portion of each of a pair of first tubular structures, each tubular structure including at least one upper item receiving opening in the form of an aperture in the upper panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and a lower item receiving opening in the lower panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712, so as to be vertically aligned with the upper item receiving opening. The floor panel 718C is provided with a portion of a ridge so as to connect the pair of tubular structures together.

In some embodiments, the arm or keel structure includes an inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518, which is arranged to be in a facing relationship with an outer top panel 220; 320; 420; 520. The outer top panel 220; 320; 420; 520 includes the upper item receiving opening. The support arm or keel structure further includes a first beam or keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B hinged to the inner top plate 218; 318; 418; 518, a floor plate 218C; 318C; 418C; 518C (also referred to as the second beam plate herein) hinged to the first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B along its first side and hinged to a second keel plate 218D; 318D; 418D; 518D (also referred to as the third beam plate herein) along its second, opposite side. The inner top plate 218; 318; 418; 518 includes an article receiving opening A5 defined therein and extending into the first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B, thereby interrupting the hinge therebetween, and the article receiving opening A5 is configured to allow an upper portion of an article B to pass therethrough.

The first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B includes a joining edge defined by a portion of the article receiving opening A5. The joining edge of the first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B is provided by a joining tooth 244; 344; 446; 546 pressed from the first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B and defining a portion of the perimeter of the article receiving opening A5.

The present invention provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for connecting at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 includes a plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220; 312, 314, 316, 318, 320; 412, 414, 416, 418, 420; 512, 514, 516, 518, 520; 612, 614, 616, 618, 620; 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, which includes A pair of spaced apart plates 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620; 712, 718/720 include an upper plate 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720; and a lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The upper plate 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 includes an inner top plate 18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518; 618; 718 and an outer top plate 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 further includes an end sealing structure for sealing each end of a tubular structure, the end sealing structure including an end plate 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B hinged to the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 along one end edge thereof. The end seal structure includes a first anchor plate 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B; and a first anchor plate 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B; and a first anchor plate 28B, ...28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B; and a first anchor plate 28B, 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A 8; 618; 718 is connected to a second anchoring plate 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B; 326A, 326B; 426A, 426B; 526A, 526B; 626A, 626B at one side edge of a first side plate 14; 114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614 of the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The second anchoring plate 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B; 326A, 326B; 426A, 426B; 526A, 526B; 626A, 626B is connected to the end plate 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B by means of a first connecting plate 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B; 224A, 224B; 324A, 324B; 424A, 424B; 524A, 524B; 624A, 624B. The end seal structure includes a third anchor plate 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B hinged to one side edge of the outer top plate 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720 and a third anchor plate 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B hinged to the outer top plate 20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520 ; 620; 720 is connected to a fourth anchoring plate 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B; 332A, 332B; 432A, 432B; 532A, 532B; 632A, 632B at one side of a second side plate 16; 116; 216; 316; 416; 516; 616 of the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The fourth anchoring plate 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B; 332A, 332B; 432A, 432B; 532A, 532B; 632A, 632B is connected to the end plate 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B by means of a second connecting plate 30A, 30B; 130A, 130B; 230A, 230B; 330A, 330B; 430A, 430B; 350A, 530B; 630A, 630B.

The first anchoring plate 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B and the third anchoring plate 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434 B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B are each configured and arranged to avoid shielding an article receiving opening of a corresponding piece of the inner and outer top panels 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420; 518, 520; 618, 620; 718, 720 or overlapping therewith.

The end plate 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B includes a free end edge, which is opposite to the hinge edge defined by the hinge portion hinged to the lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712, and the free end edge is arranged to contact the first anchor An inner surface of each of the fixing plates 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B and the third anchoring plate 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B.

The present invention provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for connecting at least one object B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a pair of spaced apart plates 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620 comprising an upper plate 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and a lower plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 comprises a plate locking device L comprising spaced apart locking tabs arranged in vertical alignment. The spaced-apart locking tabs include a first locking tab 82;182;284;384;484;584;682 pressed from and hinged to the upper plate 18/20;118/120;218/220;318/320;418/420;518/520;618/620;718/720, and a second locking tab 80;180;280;380;480;580;680 pressed from and hinged to the lower plate 12;112;212;312;412;512;612;712. The second locking protrusion 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680 is hinged to the first locking protrusion 82; 182; 284; 384; 484; 584; 682 in an opposing manner. The first locking tab 82;182;284;384;484;584;682 extends between the upper plate 18/20;118/120;218/220;318/320;418/420;518/520;618/620;718/720; and the lower plate 12;112;212;312;412;512;612;712, and passes through an opening on the lower plate 12;112;212;312;412;512;612;712 created by the displacement of the second locking tab 80;180;280;380;480;580;680. The plate locking device L can be arranged in the middle between a set of four object holding structures RT1, RT2, and form a carrying handle in the initial or unfolded state.

The present invention further provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for connecting at least one article B. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 includes a plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120; 212, 214, 216, 218, 220; 312, 314, 316, 318, 320; 412, 414, 416, 418, 420; 512, 514, 516, 518, 520; 612, 614, 616, 618, 620 includes a connecting plate A joint plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and a hinged plate 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B hinged thereto by a hinge. The joint plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 includes at least one article retaining structure RT1, RT2. An article accommodating opening included in at least one article retaining structure RT1, RT2 is at least partially defined by a plurality of engaging teeth 240; 440; 540; 640 pressed from the joining plates 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and hinged therein, thereby defining at least a portion of the periphery of the article accommodating opening. The periphery of the article receiving opening includes a toothless area which is arranged to be adjacent to the hinge between the joining plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; and the hinged portion between the joining plate 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B. The toothless area interrupts the hinge between the joining plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and the hinged plate 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 216, 222A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B. The toothless area is defined by a notch in the form of an opening pressed from each of a pair of adjacent engaging teeth 240; 440; 540; 640, that is, by the sheet forming the adjacent engaging teeth 240; 440; 540; 640.

The present invention further provides a carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 for connecting at least one object B. The article carrying device 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 includes a pair of spaced apart panels 12, 18/20; 112, 118/120; 212, 218/220; 312, 318/320; 412, 418/420; 512, 518/520; 612, 618/620; 712, 718/720 including a top panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and a joining panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The joining plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 includes at least one pair of article holding structures RT1, RT2. An article receiving opening included in each of the article holding structures RT1, RT2 is at least partially defined by a plurality of joining teeth 240; 440; 540; 640 pressed from the joining plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712 and hinged therein, so as to define at least a portion of the periphery of the article receiving opening. The periphery of each of the article receiving openings includes a non-toothed area, and the non-toothed area of a first one of the at least one pair of article retaining structures RT1, RT2 is arranged to be adjacent to or close to the non-toothed area of a second one of the at least one pair of article retaining structures RT1, RT2. The article carrier 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790 includes a support arm or keel structure extending between the top panel 18/20; 118/120; 218/220; 318/320; 418/420; 518/520; 618/620; 718/720 and the joint panel 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712. The support arm or keel structure includes an inner top panel 218; 318; 418; 518 arranged to be in a facing relationship with the top panel 220; 320; 420; 520. The support arm or keel structure includes a first beam or keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B hinged to the inner top plate 218; 318; 418; 518 and a floor plate (also referred to as a second beam plate herein) hinged to the first keel plate 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B along its first side and hinged to a second keel plate 218D; 318D; 418D; 518D (also referred to as a third beam plate herein) along its second, opposite side. The toothless areas of each of the at least one pair of article retaining structures RT1, RT2 are configured to accommodate a portion of one of the first and second keel plates 218B; 218D; 318B; 318D; 418B; 418D; 518B; 518D, thereby promoting the engagement of a free edge of the first and second keel plates 218B; 218D; 318B; 318D; 418B; 418D; 518B; 518D under a flange or protrusion FL of an article B.

It will now be recognized that the various directional terms referred to herein, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inside", "outside", "upper" and "lower", etc., do not necessarily limit the associated panels to that orientation, but are merely used to distinguish between the panels.

The terms "hinge" and "fold line" as used herein refer to the various lines which define the hinges on the blank, which facilitate the bending of the parts of the blank relative to each other, or to the appropriate bending positions of the panels to which the blank belongs. Any reference to a "hinge" is not to be construed as necessarily being limited to a single fold line; in fact, a hinge may be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein the shape of each of the fold lines may be straight/rectangular or curved/curved. If the hinge is formed by straight fold lines, they may be arranged to be parallel to each other or to be slightly angled. Furthermore, if the hinge is formed by curved fold lines, they may be arranged to intersect each other, thereby defining a formed panel in the area they surround. A typical example of such a hinge may include a pair of arched or curved fold lines that intersect at two points to define an elliptical rounded sheet between each other. Furthermore, another typical example of such a hinge may include a combination of a straight fold line and an arched or curved fold line that intersect at two points to define a half-moon shaped sheet between each other.

The term "fold line" as used herein may refer to one of the following: a score line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, an intermittent cut line, a row of alignment cracks, a row of scores, and any combination thereof.

It should also be understood that the hinge and fold line may each include elements formed on the substrate of the blank, such as perforations, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half cuts, a single half cut, a cut line, a continuous cut line, a crack, a notch, a convex line, a concave line, and any combination thereof. Such elements may be sized and configured according to the intended function. For example, a row of perforations may be sized or designed to have a degree of weakening that defines a fold line and/or a cut line. In addition, the row of perforations may be designed to be easy to bend and resistant to breaking, easy to bend and easy to break with more force, or easy to break with less force.

As used herein, "alignment" and similar or variant terms refer to the alignment of two or more elements in an assembled carton, such as aligning an aperture formed on a first sheet of two stacked panels with a second aperture formed on a second sheet. The 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 on a first panel is "aligned" with a second aperture on a second panel configured to overlap the panel, the edge of the aperture may extend along the edge of at least a portion of the second aperture and may be aligned with the second aperture in the thickness direction of the first and second panels.

110; 220; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710: embryonic plate 12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712: main plate (lower plate, joint plate) : main plate (lower plate, joint plate) 13, 15, 17, 19, 21A, 21B, 23A, 23B, 25A, 25B, 27A, 27B, 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B, 41, 43, 71, 73, 81, 83, 213, 215, 217B, 217C, 217D, 222A, 222B, 271, 281, 283, 285, 287, 317 B, 317C, 317C, 318, 371, 383, 417B, 417C, 417D, 421A, 421B, 521A, 521B, 621A, 621B, 713, 715, 717, 717D, 717C, 717B, 719, 719B, 741, 743, 761, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8: Main board Piece (lower plate, joint plate) 14, 16, 22A, 22B; 114, 116, 122A, 122B; 214, 21622A, 222B; 314, 316, 322A, 322B; 414, 416, 422A, 422B; 514, 516, 522A, 522B; 614, 616, 622A, 622B, 714, 716: side panels (hinge panels) 18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420; 518, 520; 618, 620; 718, 720: top panels (upper panels, covering panels) 22A, 22B; 122A, 122B; 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B; 422A, 422B; 522A, 522B; 622A, 622B: end plates 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B; 224A, 224B; 324A, 324B; 424A, 424B; 524A, 524B; 624A, 624B: first connecting plates 30A, 30B; 130A, 130B; 230A, 230B; 330A, 330B; 430A, 430B; 350A, 530B; 630A, 630B: second connecting plates 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B; 228A, 228B; 328A, 328B; 428A, 428B; 528A, 528B; 628A, 628B: first anchor plate 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B; 326A, 326B; 426A, 426B; 526A, 526B; 626A, 626B: second anchor plate 34A, 34B; 134A, 134B; 234A, 234B; 334A, 334B; 434A, 434B; 534A, 534B; 634A, 634B: third anchor plate 32A, 32B; 132A, 132B; 232A, 232B; 332A, 332B; 432A, 432B; 532A, 532B; 632A, 632B: fourth anchoring plate 40, 42; 140, 142; 240, 244; 340, 342, 344; 440, 446; 540, 546; 640, 642; 740, 742: engaging protrusions (teeth-shaped objects) 70, 72, 370: accommodating protrusions 82; 182; 284; 384; 484; 584; 682: first locking protrusions 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680: second locking protrusions 90; 190; 290; 390; 690; 790: Carrying bag 218B; 318B; 418B; 518B, 718B, 720B: First keel plate (first beam plate) 218C; 318C; 418C; 518C, 718C: Floor plate (second beam plate) 218D; 318D; 418D; 518D: Second keel plate (third beam plate) 241, 243, 387, 441, 443, 447, 543, 545, SE: Cutting line (scalloped or sawtooth edge) 245, 445: Incision 288, 388, AH: Head 286: Wings 760: Handle flap A1, A2; A3, A4, A5, A6; A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13: Hole or opening B: Object CC1, CC2: Cutting line FL: Flange or protrusion G: Toothless area (gap, notch) L: Plate locking device L1, L2, RC: Locking component R: Notch RT1, RT2: Object holding structure S: Shoulder SA, KA: Part T: Tongue TA: Middle part

The present invention is described in detail below by enumerating embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a top three-dimensional view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a top three-dimensional view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the third embodiment; FIG. 6 is a top three-dimensional view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG. 5; FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are three-dimensional views of one end of the carrier of FIG. 6, and the carrier portion has been removed for illustration purposes; FIG8 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the fourth embodiment; FIG9 is a bottom perspective view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG5; FIG10 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the fifth embodiment; FIG11 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the sixth embodiment; FIG12 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the seventh embodiment; FIG13 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG12; FIG14 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to the eighth embodiment; and FIG15 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed by the blank of FIG14.

10: Embryo slice

12: Mainboard

13, 15, 17, 19, 21A, 21B, 23A, 23B, 25A, 25B, 27A, 27B, 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B, 41, 43, 71, 73, 81, 83, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8: Folding line

14, 16: Side panels

18, 20: Top plate or covering plate

22A, 22B: End plate

24A, 24B, 30A, 30B: Connecting plates

26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B: Anchoring the collar

40, 42: Engaging protrusions or teeth

70, 72: Accommodating convex pieces

80, 82: Locking tabs

A1, A2: hole or opening

AH:Head

L1, L2, RC: Locking parts

R: Notch

RT1: Object holding structure

S: Shoulder

SE: cutting line

T:Tongue

Claims (23)

A kind of article carrier for engaging at least one article, the article carrier comprises at least one upper plate and a lower plate separated from the at least one upper plate, the at least one upper plate comprises an upper article receiving opening in the form of a hole, the lower plate comprises a lower article receiving opening, the upper and lower article receiving openings are arranged to be vertically aligned and the shape and size of the periphery of each are arranged to engage an article at least partially at two vertically spaced heights. As described in item 1 of the patent application, the lower item receiving opening is in the form of an item retaining structure, a portion of which is defined by one or more engaging protrusions pressed from the lower plate and hinged therein, wherein the one or more engaging protrusions are hinged to the lower plate at their proximal end by a hinge to define the periphery of the lower item receiving opening, the one or more engaging protrusions include a joining edge at their distal end, the distal end is opposite to the proximal end, and the configuration and size of the one or more engaging protrusions are set to make at least a portion of the periphery of the lower item receiving opening close to an item, and when the item is received in the item retaining structure, the at least one engaging protrusion is bent out from the plane of the lower plate to abut against the item. An article carrier as described in item 2 of the patent application, wherein the article carrier engages the article at two vertically spaced heights above and below a protrusion of the article, the protrusion being supported by the engaging edges of the one or more engaging protrusions, so as to suspend the article therein. An article carrier as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the upper article receiving opening includes an orifice having a substantially upright wall panel configured to surround the article to form a tightly fitting scalloped edge. An article carrier as described in claim 1, wherein the upper article receiving opening includes an orifice having a substantially upright wall configured to surround the article to form a tight-fitting sawtooth edge. An article carrier as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the at least one upper panel includes a first upper panel, the article carrier includes a keel structure extending between the first upper panel and the lower panel, the keel structure includes a first keel plate hinged to the first upper panel by a first hinge portion and a floor panel arranged in surface contact with the lower panel, the first keel plate extending to the floor panel and hinged thereto. An article carrier as described in item 6 of the patent application, wherein a portion of the keel structure defines a portion of a first tubular structure including the first upper plate and the first keel plate, and the first tubular structure includes the upper article receiving opening. An article carrier as described in Item 7 of the patent application, wherein the at least one upper panel further includes a second upper panel, wherein the carrier further includes a second tubular structure extending along and adjacent to the first tubular structure, the second tubular structure including the second upper panel and a second keel panel, wherein the floor panel is provided with a portion of a ridge to connect the first and second tubular structures together. An article carrier as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the upper article receiving opening includes an orifice defining a non-linear edge on the at least one upper plate and configured as a substantially upright wall panel around the article to form a tight fit. A kind of article carrier for joining at least one article, the article carrier includes a plurality of plates including a joining plate and a hinged plate hinged thereto by a first hinge, the joining plate includes at least one article holding structure, wherein an article accommodating opening included in the at least one article holding structure is at least partially defined by a plurality of joining teeth pressed from the joining plate and hinged thereto by a second hinge, thereby defining at least a portion of a periphery of the article accommodating opening, the periphery of the article accommodating opening includes a toothless area, which is arranged to be adjacent to the first hinge, so that the toothless area interrupts the first hinge. An article carrying device as described in claim 10, wherein the toothless area is defined by a cut extending between corresponding second hinge portions of two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth. An article carrying device as described in item 10 of the patent application, wherein the toothless area is defined by a notch in the form of an opening extending between two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth. An article carrying device as described in claim 12, wherein the plurality of engaging teeth include larger and smaller teeth, and wherein the smaller teeth include two adjacent teeth among the plurality of teeth. An article carrying device as described in claim 13, wherein two adjacent ones of the plurality of engaging teeth are each connected by a larger tooth. A carrier for joining at least one article, the carrier comprising at least one upper plate and a joining plate separated from the at least one upper plate, the joining plate comprising at least one article holding structure including an article receiving opening, at least a portion of which is defined by a plurality of joining teeth pressed from the joining plate, the joining teeth being hinged to the joining plate so as to define at least a portion of a periphery of the article receiving opening, wherein the periphery of the article receiving opening includes a plurality of joining teeth pressed from the joining plate, the joining teeth being hinged to ... The article holding device further includes a keel structure extending between the at least one upper panel and the joining panel, the keel structure including a first keel panel and a floor panel, the first keel panel being hinged to the at least one upper panel, the floor panel being hinged to the first keel panel along one of its first and second opposing sides, the toothless region of the at least one article holding structure being located proximate to a portion of one of the first and second opposing sides of the floor panel. An article carrying device as described in claim 15, wherein the toothless area is defined by a cutout or opening extending between two adjacent ones of the engaging teeth. An article carrier as described in claim 15, wherein the first keel plate is hinged to a first side of the floor panel, the toothless region of the at least one article retaining structure is located near a portion of the first side of the floor panel, and wherein the first keel plate includes a coupling member for coupling the at least one article, so that the toothless region promotes coupling of the coupling member with the at least one article. An article carrier as described in item 15 of the patent application, wherein the keel structure further includes a second keel plate hinged to the floor panel, the first keel plate is hinged to a first side of the floor panel, the second keel plate is hinged to a second side of the floor panel, the toothless area of the at least one article retaining structure is located near a portion of the second side of the floor panel, and wherein the second keel plate includes a free end edge configured to engage with the at least one article. An article carrier as described in item 15 of the patent application, wherein the at least one article holding structure includes a first and a second article holding structure, wherein the periphery of the article receiving opening of each of the first and second article holding structures includes a toothless area, and the toothless area of the first article holding structure is configured to be adjacent to the toothless area of the second article holding structure. A material carrier comprising a pair of upper and lower spaced apart panels, wherein an access opening is defined in an upper panel for access to a handle opening in the lower panel, wherein at least two panels extend at least partially between the upper and lower panels, so that the at least two panels are provided with an inner surface of a structure extending at least partially between the access opening and the handle opening. An article carrier as described in claim 20, wherein the at least two plates are arranged adjacent to each other so as to define an angle therebetween. An article carrier as described in claim 20, wherein the at least two plates include three plates that together provide the inner surface of the structure, and wherein two of the three plates each extend completely between the upper and lower plates. An article carrier as described in claim 20, wherein the at least two plates include four plates that together provide the inner surface of the structure, and wherein three of the four plates each extend completely between the upper and lower plates.

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