WO2013192470A1

WO2013192470A1 - Carton and carton blank

Info

Publication number: WO2013192470A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/046937
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Le Bras
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2012-06-21
Filing date: 2013-06-21
Publication date: 2013-12-27
Also published as: TW201402417A; GB201211007D0

Abstract

A carton include a first panel (212) and a second panel (214) hingedly connected to one another and a first article engagement structure (220a) for receiving a portion of an article. The first article engagement structure includes at least a first engagement tab (224) struck, in part, from the first panel and in part from the second panel. The first engagement tab is hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection (228a, 230a). The carton further includes a first relief structure (261) including a first fold line (233a) extending divergently from a first end of the first hinged connection. The first relief structure further includes a second fold line (231a) extending divergently from a second end of the first hinged connection.

Description

CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 121 1007.8, filed June 21 , 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carton, more specifically, but not exclusively to carton comprising a first component having an article engagement structure capable of adapting to engage articles of different dimension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers, such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a blank for a carton and a carton which may be adapted to accommodate articles of different dimensions.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another and a first article engagement structure for receiving a portion of an article; the first article engagement structure comprising at least a first engagement tab struck, in part, from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first engagement tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, wherein the carton comprises a first relief structure comprising a first fold line extending divergently from a first end of the first hinged connection the first relief structure comprising a second fold line extending divergently from a second end of the first hinged connection.

Optionally, the first relief structure comprises a first cutline, which defines in part a first relief tab disposed adjacent to the first engagement tab, the first relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the first engagement tab.

Optionally, the carton comprises a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels.

Optionally, the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels is non-linear.

Optionally, the cutline interrupting the first hinged connection separates the first hinged connection into a pair of fold lines, and wherein the pair of fold lines are arranged divergently with respect to each other.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second engagement tab hingedly connected by a second hinged connection to each of the first and second panels and foldable in opposition to the first engagement tab.

Optionally, the carton comprises a third fold line extending and arranged divergently, from a first end of the second hinged connection and comprising a fourth fold line extending and arranged divergently from a second end of the second hinged connection. Optionally, the first relief structure comprises a second cutline, which defines in part a second relief tab disposed adjacent to the second engagement tab, the second relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the second engagement tab.

Optionally, the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure comprises two or more fold lines, in use the first engagement tab is folded internally of the carton about the first hinged connection to the first and second panels, the first engagement tab being folded at one, or more, of said two or more fold lines defined therein in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the first article engagement structure.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second article engagement structure for receiving at least a portion of a second article; the second article engagement structure being disposed in spaced apart relationship from the first article engagement structure and comprising at least a first engagement tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, wherein the carton comprises a second relief structure comprising a first fold line extending divergently from a first end of the first hinged connection, the second relief structure comprising a second fold line extending divergently from a second end of the first hinged connection.

Optionally, the second relief structure comprises a cutline, which defines in part a first relief tab disposed adjacent to the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure, the first relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure.

Optionally, the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure comprises two or more fold lines, in use the first engagement tab is folded internally of the carton about the first hinged connection to the first and second panels, the first engagement tab being folded at one, or more, of said two or more the fold lines defined therein, in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the second article engagement structure.

Optionally, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by two or more spaced apart fold lines, wherein pairs of said two or more spaced apart fold lines define at least in part a panel portion therebetween.

Optionally, the two or more spaced apart fold lines are defined in the first and/or second relief tab of the first article engagement structure and/or in the first relief tab of the second article engagement structure.

Optionally, the first relief tab is hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a third hinged connection.

Optionally, the first relief tab is hingedly connected to the first engagement tab by the first hinged connection.

Optionally, the carton comprises a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the first engagement tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

Optionally, the carton comprises a cutline interrupting the third hinged connection hingedly connecting the second relief tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the second relief tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines. Optionally, the carton comprises a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the first engagement tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

Optionally, the second hinged connection, coupling the second engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, is non-linear.

Optionally, the first hinged connection, coupling the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure to the first and second panels, is non-linear.

Optionally, the cutline is non-linear.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article engagement structure for a carton, the article engagement structure comprising a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another; a first tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel and a second tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel, which first and second tabs together define an aperture in the first and second panels, the first tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, the second tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a second hinged connection, the second tab being hingedly connected in opposition to the first tab, the first and second tabs comprising two or more fold lines, in use the first and second tabs are folded about the respective hinged connections to the first and second panels, the first and second tabs being folded at one or more of the two or more fold lines defined therein in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the article engagement structure and wherein each of the first and second tabs are asymmetrical in shape and different in shape to each other, the first and second tabs are separated by a nonlinear cutline, wherein the hinged connection between one of the first or second tabs and the first and second panels defines a first edge of the aperture and wherein said one of the first or second tabs also comprises a free edge defining a second opposing edge of the aperture .

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising the article engagement structure as described in the foregoing paragraphs wherein said one of the first or second tabs is disposed adjacent to an end of the carton.

Optionally, said one of the first or second tabs is disposed in closer proximity to an end of the carton than the other of the first or second tabs.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton or an article engagement structure as described hereinabove.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGURE 1 . is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2. is a perspective view from above of a stage of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carton;

FIGURE 3. is a perspective view from above of a further stage of construction of the blank of Figure 1 into a carton;

FIGURE 4. is a cut away perspective view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 into which an article has been placed; FIGURE 5. is an alternative perspective view from above of Figure 3;

FIGURE 6. is a perspective view from above of carton formed form the blank of Figure

1 ;

FIGURE 7. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8. is a perspective view from above of a stage of construction of the blank of Figure 7 into a carton;

FIGURE 9. is a plan view from above of a further stage of construction of the blank of Figure 7 into a carton;

FIGURE 10. is a perspective view from above of a still further stage of construction of the blank of Figure 7 into a carton;

FIGURE 1 1 . is a plan view from above of yet a further stage of construction of the blank of Figure 7 into a carton;

FIGURE 12. is a cut away perspective view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 7 into which an article has been placed;

FIGURE 13A. is an end view of the blank of Figure 7 into which an article, having a first dimension, has been placed;

FIGURE 13B. is an end view of the blank of Figure 7 into which an article, having a second dimension, has been placed;

FIGURE 14. is a perspective view from one end of the blank of Figure 7 into which a group of articles have been placed;

FIGURE 15. is a perspective view from one end of the blank of Figure 7 in which the group of articles have been removed;

FIGURE 16. is a side view of the blank of Figure 7 into which a group of articles have been placed; and

FIGURE 17. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment of the invention.

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

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 for forming a first component of a carton, shown in Figure 6, the first component together with a second component form a carton capable of accepting an input of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles. Co-pending GB patent application filed on the same day by the same applicant as the present application which is directed to a "METHOD OF PACKAGING AN ARTICLE AND PACKAGE SYSTEM THEREFOR" and having the application number GB1210999.7, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein, discloses suitable blanks for forming the second component of the carton.

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

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

Referring now to the first component in more detail, the first component is optionally formed from the exemplary blank 10 shown in plan view in Figure 4. It will be recognized that various features of the first blank 10 may be altered, replaced or adjusted in other envisaged embodiments, providing that the blank 10 comprises fold lines to enable it to be formed into first components for accommodating articles of at least two different sizes.

First blank 10, comprises: a first side panel 12, a base panel 14 and a second side panel 16. First side panel 12 is hingedly connected to base panel 14 by a first fold line 13 and by a second fold line 15. First and second fold lines 13, 15 define, in part, a first floating panel 8 which may form part of the first side panel 12 or which may form part of the base panel 14 depending upon the dimensions of the articles to be accommodated.

Second side panel 16 is hingedly connected to base panel 14 by a third fold line 17 and a fourth fold line 19. Third and fourth fold lines 17, 19 define, in part, a second floating panel 6 which may form part of the second side panel 16 or base panel 14 depending upon the dimension of the articles to be accommodated.

When the first blank is folded about fold lines 13, 19 the base panel 14 includes first and second floating panels 8, 6; the base panel 14 has a first width dimension and can accommodate articles having a first width or diameter. When the first blank is folded about fold lines 15, 17 the first side wall panel 12 includes first floating panels 8 and the second side wall panel 16 includes the second floating panel 6; the base panel 14 has a second width dimension and can accommodate articles having a second width or diameter. The second width or diameter is smaller than the first width or diameter.

Optionally, the first blank 10 may be folded about fold lines 15, 19 or about fold lines 13, 17 to produce a base panel 14 which includes a respective one of the first or second floating panels 8, 6; in this configuration the base panel 14 has a third width dimension which is greater than the second width dimension and less than the first width dimension. The blanks can be employed to accommodate articles having a third width or diameter; alternatively the blank may accommodate two or more articles having two or more different width or diameter dimensions.

Further optionally, the first floating panel 8 may form a bevelled panel between the first side panel 12 and base panel 14 and the second floating panel 6 may form a bevelled panel between the second side panel 16 and base panel 14 so as to accommodate articles of a yet a further width or diameter that is greater than the second width or diameter but less than the first width or diameter.

First blank 10 comprises first and second article heel engagement structures 20a, 20b and optional third heel engagement structure 22.

First heel engagement structure 20a comprises a pair of tabs 24a, 26a separated by a cut line or weakened line of separation 34a. The pair of tabs 24a, 26a define an aperture for receiving a portion of an article A1 , A2. Cut line 34a is preferably non-linear. Optionally, the tabs 24a, 26a are of non-equal size, preferably the outer tab 24a, disposed proximate a free end of first blank 10, is larger in dimension than the inner tab 26a, optionally to provide tighter or stronger retention of the endmost article. Outer tab 24a is hinged to the first side panel 12 by a fold line 28a and is hinged to the base panel 14 by a fold line 30a. Preferably, the fold lines 28a and 30a are arranged to be divergent with respect to one another. Fold lines 28a, 30a are linear, but it is envisaged in alternative embodiments that fold lines 28a, 30a may be non-linear. Fold line 28a and fold line 30a are arranged at opposing ends of a cut line 32a which separates a portion of the outer tab 24a from the first blank 10. Optionally, cut line 32a is non-linear, and is preferably arcuate in shape. Optionally this may create a degree of resistance as the tab 24a, 25a is folded out of the plane of the blank 10 such that the folded tabs 24a, 25a are resiliently biased to return to their unfolded state and thereby tighten about an article when disposed in the article heel engagement structure 20a formed from the blank 10.

Outer tab 24a comprises a first cut line 36a and a second cut line 38a; first and second cut lines define in part a respective first and second fold line extending across the outer tab 24a. Preferably, the cut lines 36a, 38a are parallel with each other. First cut line 36a defines a fold line which intersects with first fold line 13 and second cut line 38a defines a fold line which intersects with fold line 15. First cut line 36a is arranged to be divergent with respect to first fold line 13 and second cut line 38a is arranged to be divergent with respect to second fold line 15. In alternative embodiments first and second cut lines 36a, 38a may be arranged to be co-linear with a respective one of the first or second fold lines 13, 15. Outer tab 24a comprises an upper portion 27a disposed above the cutline 36a and a lower portion 25a disposed below the cut line 38a.

Inner tab 26a comprises a pair of cut lines 40a, 42a; a third cut line 40a is substantially parallel to a fourth cut line 42a. Third cut line 40a defines a fold line which intersects with a fourth fold line 13; fourth cut line 42a defines a fold line which intersects with second fold line 15. Optionally, the third cut line 40a is arranged to be divergent with respect to the first fold line 13 and the fourth cut line 42a is arranged to be divergent with respect to second fold line 15.

The first cut line 36a as arranged to be divergent with respect to the third cut line 40a and the second cut line is arranged to be divergent with respect to the fourth cut line 42a. Inner tab 26a is hingedly connected to the first blank 10 by a pair of fold lines 39a, 41 a. Fold line 39a hingedly connects the inner tab 26a to the first side panel 12 and fold line 41 a hingedly connects the inner tab to at least the base panel 14. Fold lines 39a, 41 a are disposed at opposing ends of a cut line 43a.

Second heel engagennent structure 20b is of substantially the same construction as first heel engagement structure 20a, albeit the second heel engagement structure 20b is a mirror image of first heel engagement structure 20a, such that the tab 24b is disposed outermost.

Third heel engagement structures 22 may optionally be different in structure to the first and second heel engagement structures 20a, 20b that are disposed outermost. Third heel engagement structures 22 each comprise a pair of tabs 46a, 46b hinged to the respective one of the first or second side wall panels 12, 16. The tabs 46a, 46b of third heel engagement structures 22 are each hinged to the base panel 14.

The first tab 46a is separated from the second cut tab 46b by cut line 48. An aperture 44 is preferably disposed at one end of the first and second tabs 46a, 46b. Aperture 44 and first and second tabs 46a, 46b define an aperture for receiving a portion of an article. Each of the first and second tabs 46a, 46b comprises a pair of cut lines 47a, 49a; 47b, 49b respectively.

Cut lines 47a, 49a; 47b, 49b define fold lines about which the first and second tabs 46a, 46b fold. The fold lines are preferably disposed at an angular relationship to a respective one of the fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19.

The first tab 46a is hinged to the first or second side wall panel 12, 16 by a fold line 53a, and is hinged to the base panel 14 by a fold line 51 a. The second tab 46b is hinged to the first or second side wall panel 12, 16 by a fold line 53b, and is hinged to the base panel 14 by a fold line 51 b. Optionally, fold line 53a is disposed at an angular relationship to fold line 51 a. Optionally fold line 53b is disposed at angular relationship to fold line 51 b. Preferably, a cut line or weakened line of severance is disposed between the fold line 53a and fold line 51 a. Preferably, a cut line or weakened line of severance is disposed between the fold line 53b and the fold line 51 b.

The first, second and third heel engagement structures 20a, 20b, 22 each comprise a pair of pre-defined fold lines, along which the tabs 24a, 26a, 24b, 26b, 46a, 46b may fold depending upon the dimension of the articles being accommodated. The predefined fold lines are defined in a part by the cut lines 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b, 47a, 47b, 49a, 49b.

Turning to the construction of the carton as illustrated in Figures 6 it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

To form a first component that is suitably sized for forming the package of Figure 6, the blank 10 is folded to form the first component; first by folding the tabs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 246a, 46b of the article heel engagement structures 20b, 22, 20a, out of the plane of the first blank 10 as shown in Figure 2. The first and second side panels 12 and 16 are folded about the fold lines 13 and 19 (see Figure 3) and articles B are loaded onto the base panel 14, as shown in Figure 4, of the first blank 10 and. This forms a first component having a bottom wall of maximum width, to accommodate the article B of the greatest diameter. Each article B is seated in an article heel engagement structure 20b, 22, 20a. In this way, the blank 10 is folded so as to accommodate the width dimension of the articles B.

When the blank 10 is being employed to accommodate smaller dimension article then the assembly process is modified to select an appropriate pair of fold lines from the available fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19. The package is completed by selecting a second blank or second component, positioning it and/or folding it relative to the first component and article group and affixing the second component to the first component in an overlapped fashion, the extent of which overlap d1 is determined by the article height.

Second blank 1 10 as shown is Figure 6 comprises a top panel 1 18, hinged to which along a first side edge, by a first fold line, is a first side wall panel 1 12. A second side wall panel 1 16 is hinged, by a second fold line, to top panel 1 18 along a second side edge.

Blank 1 10 comprises a plurality of article retention structures 120. Article retention structure 120 comprises an aperture struck from, in part, the first or second side wall panels 1 12, 1 16 and in part, from the top panel 1 18. The apertures interrupt the first and second fold lines. Article retention structure 120 comprises a first cut line or weakened line of severance 127 which extends from the aperture. Pairs of further cut lines 123, 125 are provided in the first and second side wall panels 1 12, 1 16 and are disposed on opposing sides of cut lines 127, which are optionally arcuate in shape and disposed divergently towards the aperture with respect to the first cut line 127.

Cut lines 123, 125, 127 define in part tabs 122, 124 which may be deformed or folded out of the plane of the first or second side panels 1 12, 1 16 so as to enlarge the aperture when accommodating larger dimensioned articles.

The exemplary second component formed from the second blank 1 10, is formed about an article group. To form the finished package shown in Figures 6, the top panel 1 18 of the blank 1 10 is placed on top of an article group comprising articles B disposed in the first component constructed from the first blank 10. The first and second side panels 1 12, 1 16 are then folded about their respective first or second fold lines. The upper ends of the articles B are received in an article receiving aperture 120, such that a portion of each article B protrudes through part of the upper, second, portions 1 16, 1 12 of the first and second side walls 16/1 16, 12/1 12 of the finished package. The first and second side panels 1 12, 1 16 are overlapped a distance d1 and affixed to the first and second side walls 12, 16 of the first component to thereby form the first finished package for a group of the articles B from the blanks 10, 1 10. Adhesive may be applied to either an inner surface of the side panels 1 12, 1 16 of the second blank 1 10 or to an outer surface of the side panels 12, 16 of the first blank 10. The side panels 1 12, 1 16 of the second blank 1 10 are brought into overlapping relationship, at least in part, with the side panels 12, 16 of the first blank 10, to be secured thereto. Optionally, pressure may be applied to the second blank 1 10 in the region of overlap with the first blank 10 so as to ensure it is securely adhered thereto.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blank is configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. For example, the arrangement is a matrix including rows and columns such as a 2X3 arrangement of articles. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other articles and/or different arrangements of articles.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 17, there is shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second and third illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "200" or "300" to indicate that these features belong to the second or third embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 7 illustrates a first alternative first blank 210 for forming a first alternative first component, which may be employed with the second blank 1 10 of Figure 6 or with another suitable blank. First alternative first blank 210 comprises a first side panel 212, a base panel 214 and a second side panel 216. First side panel 212 is hingedly connected to base panel 214 by a first fold line 213 and by a second fold line 215. First and second fold lines 213, 215 define, in part, a first floating panel 208 which may form part of the first side panel 212 or which may form part of the base panel 214 depending upon the dimensions of the articles to be accommodated.

Second side panel 216 is hingedly connected to base panel 214 by a third fold line 217 and a fourth fold line 219. Third and fourth fold lines 217, 219 define, in part, a second floating panel 206 which may form part of the second side panel 216 or base panel 214 depending upon the dimension of the articles to be accommodated.

First alternative blank 210 comprises first and second article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b and optional third heel engagement structure 222.

The first, second and third article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 each comprise a cutline defined within a respective one of the first or second side wall panels 212, 216 which cutline defines an upper end of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b. In the embodiment of Figure 7 the cutline is arcuate and preferably is an inverted U shape; whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the cutline was linear.

The blank 210 comprises a plurality of relief structures 261 ; a relief structure 261 is provided on opposing sides of each of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222. Each relief structure 261 comprises a first fold line 233a, 233b, 263, 265, defined in a respective one of the first or second side wall panels 212, 216, extending from an upper portion of a respective one of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222. Preferably, the first fold line 233a, 233b, 263, 265 extends for a vertex between a fold line 228a, 228b hinging the upper portion of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b to the respective one of the first or second side wall panels 212, 216 and the cutline defining the upper end of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b. A second fold line 231 a, 231 b, 267, 269 defined in the base panel 214 extends from a lower end of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b. The relief structures 261 separate the first, second and third article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 from their adjacent neighbouring article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222. The relief structures 261 increase the flexibility of the carton, in particular the side panels 212, 216 and allow each article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 to be moved or manipulated substantially independently of the adjacent neighbouring article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222. The article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 can be pivoted, in particular the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b when folded out of the blank can be rotationally moved so as to pivot about the fold lines 231 a, 231 b, 233a, 233b, 263, 265, 267, 269 to adjust the position, size and/or shape of a window or aperture, created by folding the respective tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement, structures 220a, 220b, 222 with respect to the articles A, in this way the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 can be self-adjustable.

The fold lines 231 a, 231 b, 233a, 233b, 263, 265, 267, 269 are used as a pivot to correctly place the windows of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 with respect to the articles A.

The relief structures 261 allow the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b to be rotated with respect to the side panels 212, 216 and/or base panel 214 by a greater amount than if when the relief structures 261 are absent. In particular in those embodiments in which the fold lines 228a, 228b are arranged divergently with respect to fold lines 230a, 230b the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b are restricted from, or resiliently biased against, being allowed to fold into face contacting relationship with the adjacent portion of the side panels 212, 216 or base panel 214. The relief structures 261 allow the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b to be rotated when in the biased or folded condition.

A cutline 260 extends from a first end of each of the first fold lines 233a, 233b, 263, 265, the first end opposes a second end; the second end is disposed proximate or intersects the respective fold lines 228a, 228b hinging the upper portion of the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b to the respective one of the first or second side wall panels 212, 216.

Optionally, the relief structures 261 which are disposed between a pair of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 comprises a second cut line 262 extending from the second fold line 267, 269. Preferably, the first cut line 260 extends between a pair of the first fold lines 263, 265 extending from a pair of adjacent tabs 226a/246a, 246b/226b. Preferably, the second cutline 262 extends between a pair of the first fold lines 263, 265 extending from a pair of adjacent tabs 226a/246a, 246b/226b. Preferably, a third cutline 264 extends between the first cutline 260 and the second cutline 262 so as to create a relief tab 268, 266 hinged to a respective one the tabs 226a, 246a, 246b, 226b of the pairs of adjacent tabs 226a/246a, 246b/226b. In the illustrated embodiment a pair of relief tabs 268, 266 is disposed between each pair of article heel engagement structures 220a/222, 222/220b and the pair of relief tabs 268, 266 are disposed adjacent to one another such that they share a common third cutline 264. In alternative embodiments the pair of relief tabs 268, 266 may be spaced apart from one another; for example by a portion of the sheet material from which blank 210 is formed or alternatively by an aperture struck from the blank 210.

The relief structures 261 define a portion of the blank 210 which may fold, about the first and second fold lines 233a, 233b, 263, 265 and 231 a, 231 b, 267, 269, in response to folding the tabs 224a, 226a, 224b, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 out of the plane of the blank 210.

Figures 8 to 16 illustrate construction of the first alternative first blank 210 of form a first alternative first component for use with the second blank 1 10 or other suitable blank to form a carton for packaging one or more articles.

To form a first alternative first component, illustrated in Figure 14 that is suitably sized for forming an alternative package, the first alternative first blank 210 is folded to form the first alternative first component; first by folding the tabs 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 out of the plane of the first alternative first blank 210 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In response to folding the tabs 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222, the relief tabs 266, 268 are displaced form the plane of the sheet material of the blank 21 , so to create window or aperture between the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 and allowing end portions of the first alternative first blank 210 adjacent the endmost article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b to deform.

The first and second side panels 212 and 216 are folded about the fold lines 213 and 219 (see Figure 12 and 13A) and articles B are loaded onto the base panel 214, as shown in Figure 12 and 14, of the first alternative first blank 210 and. This forms a first alternative first component having a bottom wall 214 of maximum width, to accommodate the articles B of the greatest diameter. Each article B is seated in an article heel engagement structure 220b, 222, 220a. In this way, the first alternative first blank 210 is folded so as to accommodate the width dimension of the articles B. The tabs 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 are folded about fold lines defined by the cut lines 236a, 240a, 247a, 247b, 236b, 240b.

When the first alternative first blank 210 is being employed to accommodate smaller dimension article then the assembly process is modified to select an appropriate pair of fold lines from the available fold lines 213, 215, 217,219. Figure 13B illustrates the first alternative first blank 210 accommodating articles B having a smaller width or diameter dimension, in this configuration the first alternative first blank 210 is folded about fold Iines215, 217; the tabs 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b, 246a, 246b of the article heel engagement structures 220a, 220b, 222 are folded about fold lines defined by the cut lines 238a, 242a, 249a, 249b, 238b, 242b.

The relief tabs 266, 268 are folded about an appropriate one of the fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219 defined therein and return back into position to close the window or aperture created during the folding process, such that the relief tabs 266, 268 are flush with the respective one of first or second side wall panels 212,216 above the employed one of the fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219 and the base panel 214 below the employed one of the fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219, as illustrated in Figure 15 and 16.

The package is completed by selecting a second blank or second component, positioning it and/or folding it relative to the first component and article group and affixing the second component to the first component in an overlapped fashion, the extent of which overlap is determined by the article height.

Figure 17 illustrates a second alternative first blank 310 for forming a second alternative first component, which may be employed with the second blank 1 10 of Figure 6 or with another suitable blank. Second alternative first blank 310 comprises a first side panel 312, a base panel 314 and a second side panel 316. First side panel 312 is hingedly connected to base panel 314 by a first fold line 313 and by a second fold line 315. First and second fold lines 313, 315 define, in part, a first floating panel 308 which may form part of the first side panel 312 or which may form part of the base panel 314 depending upon the dimensions of the articles to be accommodated.

The first and second article heel engagement structures 320a, 320b are symmetrical, that is to say the inner tab 326a and outer tab 324a are equal in size and are symmetrical about a cutline separating inner tab 326a and outer tab 324a. The relief structures 361 are symmetrical about cutline 364 which separates first relief tab 366 from second relief tab 368.

A second cutline extends from a first end of second fold line 331 a and second fold line 331 b, the firs end opposes a second end which intersects the fold line 330a, 330b of the outer most tabs 324a, 326b disposed adjacent the ends of the blank 310. The second cutline extends to the end of the blank 310 proximate the respective one of the outermost tabs 324a, 326b. Preferably, second cutline extends parallel to the fold lines 313, 315, 317, 319 and optionally the second cutline extends parallel to the first cutline extending from the respective first fold line 333a, 333b.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

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

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term "severance line" refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

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

Claims

1 . A carton comprising a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another and a first article engagement structure for receiving a portion of an article; the first article engagement structure comprising at least a first engagement tab struck, in part, from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first engagement tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, wherein the carton comprises a first relief structure comprising a first fold line extending divergently from a first end of the first hinged connection, the first relief structure comprising a second fold line extending divergently from a second end of the first hinged connection.

2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first relief structure comprises a first cutline, which defines in part a first relief tab disposed adjacent to the first engagement tab, the first relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the first engagement tab.

3. The carton of claim 1 comprising a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels.

4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels is non-linear.

5. The carton of claim 3 wherein the cutline interrupting the first hinged connection separates the first hinged connection into a pair of fold lines, and wherein the pair of fold lines are arranged divergently with respect to each other.

6. The carton of claim 1 comprising a second engagement tab hingedly connected by a second hinged connection to each of the first and second panels and foldable in opposition to the first engagement tab.

7. The carton of claim 6 comprising a third fold line extending and arranged divergently, from a first end of the second hinged connection and comprising a fourth fold line extending and arranged divergently from a second end of the second hinged connection.

8. The carton of claim 7 wherein the first relief structure comprises a second cutline, which defines in part a second relief tab disposed adjacent to the second engagement tab, the second relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the second engagement tab.

9. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure comprises two or more fold lines, in use the first engagement tab is folded internally of the carton about the first hinged connection to the first and second panels, the first engagement tab being folded at one, or more, of said two or more fold lines defined therein in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the first article engagement structure.

10. The carton of claim 1 comprising a second article engagement structure for receiving at least a portion of a second article; the second article engagement structure being disposed in spaced apart relationship from the first article engagement structure and comprising at least a first engagement tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, wherein the carton comprises a second relief structure comprising a first fold line extending divergently from a first end of the first hinged connection, the second relief structure comprising a second fold line extending divergently from a second end of the first hinged connection.

1 1 .The carton of claim 10 wherein the second relief structure comprises a cutline, which defines in part a first relief tab disposed adjacent to the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure, the first relief tab being foldable outwardly of the carton in response to folding the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure.

12. The carton of claim 10 or 1 1 wherein the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure comprises two or more fold lines, in use the first engagement tab is folded internally of the carton about the first hinged connection to the first and second panels, the first engagement tab being folded at one, or more, of said two or more the fold lines defined therein, in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the second article engagement structure.

13. The carton of claims 1 to 12 wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by two or more spaced apart fold lines, wherein pairs of said two or more spaced apart fold lines define at least in part a panel portion therebetween.

14. The carton of claim 12 when dependent upon claim 2 and/or 7 and/or 1 1 wherein the two or more spaced apart fold lines are defined in the first and/or second relief tab of the first article engagement structure and/or in the first relief tab of the second article engagement structure.

15. The carton of claim 2 wherein the first relief tab is hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a third hinged connection.

16. The carton of claim 2 wherein the first relief tab is hingedly connected to the first engagement tab by the first hinged connection.

17. The carton of claim 13 comprising a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the first engagement tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

18. The carton of claim 13 and 15 comprising a cutline interrupting the third hinged connection hingedly connecting the second relief tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the second relief tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

19. The carton of claim 13, when dependent upon claim 7 comprising a cutline interrupting the first hinged connection hingedly connecting the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure to the first and second panels, such that the first engagement tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

20. The carton of claim 6 wherein the second hinged connection, coupling the second engagement tab of the first article engagement structure to the first and second panels, is non-linear.

21 . The carton of claim 10 wherein the first hinged connection, coupling the first engagement tab of the second article engagement structure to the first and second panels, is non-linear.

22. The carton of claim 17 to 19 wherein the cutline is non-linear.

23. An article engagement structure for a carton, the article engagement structure comprising a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another; a first tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel and a second tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel, which first and second tabs together define an aperture in the first and second panels, the first tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, the second tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a second hinged connection, the second tab being hingedly connected in opposition to the first tab, the first and second tabs comprising two or more fold lines, in use the first and second tabs are folded about the respective hinged connections to the first and second panels, the first and second tabs being folded at one or more of the two or more fold lines defined therein in dependence upon the dimensions of an article being received in the article engagement structure and wherein each of the first and second tabs are asymmetrical in shape and different in shape to each other, the first and second tabs are separated by a nonlinear cutline, wherein the hinged connection between one of the first or second tabs and the first and second panels defines a first edge of the aperture and wherein said one of the first or second tabs also comprises a free edge defining a second opposing edge of the aperture .

24. A carton comprising the article engagement structure of claim 23 wherein said one of the first or second tabs is disposed adjacent to an end of the carton.

25. A carton according to claim 24 wherein said one of the first or second tabs is disposed in closer proximity to an end of the carton than the other of the first or second tabs.

26. A blank for forming a carton or an article engagement structure according to any preceding claim.

27. An article engagement structure, a relief structure, a carton, a blank or a method of packaging one or more articles substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated by the accompanying Figures.