Packaging system

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a packaging system, method of packaging, apparatus, handle structure, an article carrier ( 90 ) for packaging a plurality of articles (B), and to a blank ( 10; 110; 210; 410; 510; 610; 710 ) for forming the handle structure or article carrier ( 90 ). The packaging system provides an apparatus ( 1000 ) for applying the handle structure or article carrier ( 90 ) to one of more articles (B). The apparatus ( 1000 ) provides component ( 1020; 1120 ) adapted to engage the handle structure or article carrier ( 90 ) so as to displace a first side of the handle structure or article carrier ( 90 ), disposed on a first side of an article retention structure RT to a greater extent than a second side of the handle structure or article carrier ( 90 ), disposed on a second, opposing, side of an article retention structure RT.

1 . A method of packaging at least one article comprising:
 applying an article carrier to at least one article with an applicator comprising:
 displacing a first side of a primary panel from a planar condition by a first distance; 
 displacing a second opposing side of a primary panel from the planar condition by a second distance, 
   wherein the second distance is less than the first distance;   engaging the article carrier with at least one article;   receiving the at least one article in an opening in the primary panel.   
     
     
         2 . A method of packaging at least one article comprising;
 engaging an article carrier with an applicator;   bringing a first limb of the applicator into contact with a first side of a primary panel of the article carrier and applying a force to the first side of a primary panel of the article carrier, adjacent to an article retention structure comprising an opening for receiving the at least one article, so as to displace the first side of a primary panel from a planar condition by a first distance;   bringing a second limb of the applicator into contact with a second, opposing, side of a primary panel of the article carrier and applying a force to the second side of a primary panel of the article carrier, adjacent to an article retention structure comprising an opening for receiving the at least one article, so as to displace the second side of a primary panel from a planar condition by a second distance, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance,   bringing the article carrier into contact with at least one article;   receiving the at least one article in the opening in the primary panel.   
     
     
         3 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 2 , further comprising folding one or more engaging teeth outwardly of the primary panel to engage a flange of the at least one article. 
     
     
         4 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more engaging teeth are disposed about an end edge of the opening adjacent to the first and second sides. 
     
     
         5 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more engaging teeth are folded between a pair of spaced apart limbs each of which is in contact with one of the first and second sides of the primary panel. 
     
     
         6 . A method of packaging at least one article comprising;
 bringing an article carrier into contact with at least one article;   applying a force to a first side of a primary panel of the article carrier, adjacent to an article retention structure comprising an opening for receiving the at least one article;   receiving a first side of the at least one article in the opening adjacent to the first side of the primary panel;   applying a force to a second, opposing, side of the primary panel of the article carrier, adjacent to an article retention structure comprising an opening for receiving the at least one article;   receiving a second, opposing, side of the at least one article in the opening adjacent to the second side of the primary panel.   
     
     
         7 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 6 , further comprising folding one or more engaging teeth outwardly of the primary panel to engage a flange of the at least one article. 
     
     
         8 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 7 , wherein the one or more engaging teeth are disposed about an end edge of the opening adjacent to the first and second sides. 
     
     
         9 . A method of packaging at least one article according to  claim 7 , wherein the one or more engaging teeth are folded between a pair of spaced apart limbs each of which is in contact with one of the first and second sides of the primary panel. 
     
     
         10 . A component for an applicator device comprising a first limb having a first end and a second, opposing, end disposed a first distance from the first end, the first end providing a first abutment surface, and a second limb having a first end and a second, opposing, end disposed a second distance from the first end, the first end providing a second abutment surface, wherein the first limb is spaced apart from the second limb, and wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for forming a package, the apparatus includes an applicator comprising an applicator plate for engaging an article carrier, the applicator plate having a component mounted thereto, the component comprising a first limb having a first end and a second, opposing, end disposed a first distance from the first end, the first end providing a first abutment surface, and a second limb having a first end and a second, opposing, end disposed a second distance from the first end, the first end providing a second abutment surface, wherein the first limb is spaced apart from the second limb, and wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     
     
         12 . A bushing for mounting in an opening of an applicator device comprising an annular wall having opposed ends, a first end providing a pair of spaced apart abutment regions diametrically opposed to each other, a first one of the abutment regions being disposed a first distance from the second end of the annular wall, the second end of the annular wall opposing the first end, wherein a second one of the abutment regions is disposed a second distance from the second end of the annular wall, and wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for forming a package, the apparatus includes an applicator comprising an applicator plate for engaging an article carrier, the applicator plate having at least one aperture and a bushing mounted in the at least one aperture, the bushing comprising an annular wall having opposed ends, a first end providing a pair of spaced apart abutment regions diametrically opposed to each other, a first one of the abutment regions being disposed a first distance from the second end of the annular wall, the second end of the annular wall opposing the first end, wherein a second one of the abutment regions is disposed a second distance from the second end of the annular wall, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the bushing comprises a saddle disposed between the pair of abutment regions providing a recess defining at least in part void for receiving a portion of an article carrier. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 12 , further comprising an engagement device for holding at least one article carrier in engagement with the applicator plate. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the engagement device comprises a vacuum system. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the saddle is defined by portions of the annular wall disposed between the pair of abutment regions and wherein said portions of the of the annular wall are chamfered. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the saddle is defined by portions of the annular wall disposed between the pair of abutment regions and wherein said portions of the of the annular wall are filleted. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the saddle is defined by portions of the annular wall disposed between the pair of abutment regions and wherein said portions of the of the annular wall are inclined with respect to surfaces of the pair of abutment regions. 
     
     
         20 . An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising at least one primary panel forming a handle structure, the at least one primary panel comprising a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier, the at least one article retention structure comprising a receiving opening having a boundary including a first edge and second opposing edge, wherein the second edge is defined by a series of distal ends of engaging teeth providing engaging edges thereof, the first edge is arranged to be closer to the handle portion than the second edge, the first edge is curved such that the centre of curvature of the first edge is located closer to the second edge than to the first edge, the boundary further includes a pair of third and fourth opposing edges which continuously connect the first and second edges such that each of the third and fourth edges provides a smooth transition between the first and second edges. 
     
     
         21 . An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the article carrier comprising at least one primary panel forming a handle structure, the at least one primary panel comprising a handle portion and at least one article retention structure for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier, the at least one article retention structure comprising a top-receiving opening, the article carrier comprising a release device including a pull tab and cut, wherein the cut is disposed between the pull tab and the top-receiving opening of the at least one article retention structure. 
     
     
         22 . A package comprising at least one article and an article carrier, the article carrier comprising at least one primary panel forming a handle structure, the at least one primary panel comprising a handle portion and at least one article retention structure in engagement with the at least one article, the at least one article retention structure comprising a receiving opening having a boundary including a first edge and second opposing edge, wherein the second edge is defined by a series of distal ends of engaging teeth providing engaging edges which are in engagement with the at least one article below an radially protruding portion of the at least one article, the first edge is arranged to be closer to the handle portion than the second edge, the boundary further includes a pair of third and fourth opposing edges which continuously connect the first and second edges, the third and fourth edges being spaced apart such that a maximum distance therebetween is less than a lateral dimension of the radially protruding portion of the at least one article.