CN113195371B

CN113195371B - Carrier for containers

Info

Publication number: CN113195371B
Application number: CN201980082217.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·麦克里; B·斯莫利; S·M·古尔德
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2018-12-14
Filing date: 2019-05-30
Publication date: 2022-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-30
Also published as: CN113165780B; BR112020015244A2; JP2022514235A; JP7367025B2; WO2020122984A1; CN113195370A; BR112020015215A2; CA3123202A1; JP2022513840A; BR112020015218A2; WO2020122983A1; BR112020015211A2; WO2020122982A1; WO2020122981A1; CN113195371A; KR20210092316A; SG11202105670UA; JP2022513841A; MX2021006906A; SG11202105669UA

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one center panel is for positioning between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one center panel. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position in which the at least one attachment panel overlies and engages a portion of one or more containers in a container and a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one center panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

Description

Carrier for containers

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of each of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/779,689 filed on day 14 of year 12 of 2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/783,752 filed on day 21 of month 12 of 2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/796,830 filed on day 25 of month 1 of 2019, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/797,585 filed on day 28 of month 1 of 2019, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/810,015 filed on day 25 of month 2 of 2019, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/814,412 filed on day 6 of month 3 of 2019, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/817,120 filed on day 12 of month 3 of 2019, and U.S. provisional patent application No.62/841,449 filed on day 1 of month 5 of 2019.

Incorporation by reference

U.S. provisional patent application No.62/779,689 filed on day 14 of year 12 of 2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/783,752 filed on day 21 of year 12 of 2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/796,830 filed on day 25 of month 1 of 2019, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/797,585 filed on day 28 of year 1 of 2019, U.S. patent application No.62/810,015 filed on day 25 of month 2 of 2019, U.S. patent application No.62/814,412 filed on day 6 of month 3 of 2019, U.S. patent application No.62/817,120 filed on day 12 of month 3 of 2019, and U.S. patent application No.62/841,449 filed on day 1 of month 5 of 2019, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if set forth herein.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to carriers or cartons for holding, displaying and/or transporting containers.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one center panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one center panel is for positioning between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one center panel. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position wherein the at least one attachment panel covers and engages a portion of one or more containers in the container and a second position wherein the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one center panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one central panel, and the at least one central panel is for being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position in which the at least one attachment panel overlies and engages a portion of one or more containers in the container when the carrier is formed from the blank, and a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one center panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the carrier formed from the blank.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one center panel. The method also includes positioning the at least one center panel between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, positioning the at least one attachment panel in a first position wherein the at least one attachment panel overlies and engages a portion of one or more containers in the container, and positioning the at least one attachment panel in a second position wherein the at least one attachment panel is folded and in an upright position relative to the at least one center panel to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a plurality of containers and a carrier. The carrier includes a plurality of panels including at least one center panel and at least one attachment panel that receives a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one center panel is positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one center panel. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position wherein the at least one attachment panel covers and engages a portion of one or more containers in the container and a second position wherein the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one center panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the package.

Drawings

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. The aspects discussed above may be provided within the scope of the present disclosure, both individually and in various combinations.

In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of fig. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of fig. 1 in a first configuration with a pair of containers removed according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of fig. 3 including a pair of containers removed.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of fig. 4 in a second configuration.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of fig. 6 according to a first exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front view of the package and carrier of fig. 6 in a first configuration with a pair of containers removed according to the second exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of fig. 8 including a pair of containers removed.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of fig. 9 in a second configuration.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to carriers, packages, constructions, sleeves, cartons, or the like for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, and the like. For example, the containers may be used for packaging food and beverage products. The container may be made of a material having ingredients suitable for packaging the particular food or beverage, and materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH and nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof.

Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms "lower", "bottom", "upper", "top", "front" and "rear" denote an orientation determined with respect to a fully upright carrier.

As described herein, the carrier may be formed from a plurality of overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank may be designated with relative terms to one another, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., referenced sequentially or non-sequentially, without departing from the disclosure.

Fig. 1 illustrates a plan view of an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 for forming a handle assembly or carrier 105 (fig. 4) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 4, the carrier 105 is sized to receive or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 attached to the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 attached to the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be beverage cans, or may be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 may be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105 can carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 may be provided with one or more containers as a package 110 (fig. 4).

As shown in fig. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L2 and a transverse axis L1. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 (fig. 4) for forming the front portion 106 of the carrier 105, and a rear portion 109 (fig. 4) for forming the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105. As shown, the front portion 107 and the rear portion 109 of the blank 103 are foldably connected at a lateral fold line 112 that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank 103. As discussed further below, the blank 103 is at least partially formed into the carrier 105 by folding the blank 103 along the centerline CL at fold line 112 such that one or more portions of the front portion 107 and the rear portion 109 of the blank 103 overlap in at least partial face-to-face contact.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 107 of the blank 103 includes a front central panel 125a having an adhesive or glue opening 127a at a central portion thereof. The first and

second divider flaps

131a, 133a are foldably connected to the front central panel 125a at respective

lateral fold lines

135a, 137a and are defined by

respective cuts

139a, 141a and 143a, 145a that extend from a free edge of the front central panel 125a to an end point of the

respective fold lines

135a, 137 a. In one embodiment, one or more of the

respective cuts

139a, 141a, 143a, 145a may include a curved portion, for example, adjacent the

respective fold line

135a, 137 a.

As shown, each

divider flap

131a, 133a includes a glue opening 127a in an interior portion thereof. As shown, glue openings 127a may have a similar configuration, such as an oval configuration as shown, or one or more of glue openings 127a may have a different configuration, such as a circular, square, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal or closed curved profile.

A front handle panel or front attachment panel 147a is foldably connected to the front center panel 125a at a lateral top or fold line 149 a. A plurality of

handle reinforcement flaps

151a, 153a, 155a are foldably connected to the front attachment panel 147a at respective oblique fold lines 157a, lateral fold lines 159a, and oblique fold lines 161a and extend into handle openings 167a in the attachment panel 147 a. Handle reinforcement flap 151a is separated from handle reinforcement flap 153a at oblique cut 163a, and handle reinforcement flap 153a is separated from handle reinforcement flap 155a at oblique cut 165 a. Respective curved cuts 166, 168 may also be provided, for example, intersecting the

respective fold lines

157a, 161a and handle openings 167a to provide separation of the respective

handle reinforcement flaps

151a, 155a from respective portions of the attachment panel 147 a. The handle opening 167a extends from a free edge of the

handle reinforcement flap

151a, 153a, 155a to the central panel 125a to define a free edge 169a of the interrupted fold line 149a of the central panel 125a.

The container-receiving or attachment features in the front portion 107 of the blank 103 include a front bevel panel or front retention flap 171a foldably connected to the front attachment panel 147a at a lateral fold line 173a that is interrupted by a curved cut 175a extending toward the front retention flap 171a, and the curved cut defines a retention tab 177a that protrudes from the front attachment panel 147 a. The cutout 175a can have one or more curved or angled portions, as well as one or more relief cuts 179a extending obliquely from one or more portions thereof into the front retention flap 171a to provide flexible reconfiguration of one or more portions of the attachment features of the blank 103 when receiving one or more containers.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 109 of the blank 103 includes a rear central panel 125b, a rear attachment panel 147b, a rear retention flap 171b, and rear divider flaps 131b, 133b that have associated features that are generally mirror images of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion 107 of the blank 103. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) are indicated by corresponding reference numerals distinguished with the suffix "a" or "b", wherein the "a" component corresponds to the front portion 107 of the blank 103 and the "b" component corresponds to the rear portion 109 of the blank 103.

Any panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank 103 without departing from the disclosure. The blank 103 may be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, and with additional reference to fig. 2 and 3, the front and

rear attachment panels

147a, 147b are configured to receive a portion of one or more of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB 3. In this regard, the exterior surface of the blank 101 at the respective front and

rear attachment panels

147a, 147b can be placed over the top portion T (e.g., rim) of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 such that the top portion T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 extends through the

respective cutouts

175a, 175b to be at least partially engaged by the adjacent edges of the

respective attachment panels

147a, 147b and the

respective retention flaps

171a, 171 b. Further, the

respective retention flap

171a, 171b may be pushed or otherwise folded downwardly at the

respective fold line

173a, 173b to be obliquely disposed relative to the

respective attachment panel

147a, 147b such that the

respective retention tab

177a, 177b is at least partially detached from the

respective retention flap

171a, 171 b. In this arrangement, the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 is at least partially retained between the

respective retention tab

177a, 177b and the

respective retention flap

171a, 171 b. In one embodiment, one or more of the

retention tabs

177a, 177b can engage a portion of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, e.g., a recessed portion of the respective top adjacent the respective container rim.

Also as shown, the front and

rear attachment panels

125a, 125b can be folded at the fold line 112, and the

center panels

125a, 125b can be moved into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A1, A2, and with the

glue openings

127a, 127b in the

respective center panels

125a, 125b generally aligned such that the front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and the rear portion of the carrier 105 are in communication through the

respective glue openings

127a, 127b in the

respective center panels

125a, 125 b. Such movement of the front and

rear attachment panels

125a, 125b may include the respective front and

rear attachment panels

125a, 125b folding downward at the

respective fold lines

149a, 149 b.

As shown in fig. 3, with the containers CA2, CB2 removed for clarity of illustration, the

divider flaps

131a, 133a and

divider flaps

131b, 133b may be separated from the respective front and rear

central panels

125a, 125b at

respective cuts

139a, 141a, 143a, 145a and 139b, 141b, 143b, 145b and folded away from the respective front and rear

central panels

125a, 125b at

respective fold lines

135a, 137a and 135b, 137b to be positioned in a generally perpendicular and outwardly extending arrangement relative to the respective front and rear

central panels

125a, 125b such that the

divider flaps

131a, 133a may be placed between respective adjacent containers. In this regard, container receiving spaces 181 can be defined in the front and

rear portions

106, 108 of the carrier 105 adjacent the

respective divider flaps

131a, 131b, 133a, 133 b. In one embodiment, respective container receiving spaces 181 may be provided for respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 (broadly, respective "first container receiving spaces", "second container receiving spaces", and "third container receiving spaces") and containers CB1, CB2, CB3 (broadly, respective "first container receiving spaces", "second container receiving spaces", and "third container receiving spaces"). Although only the containers CA1, CA3, CB1, CB3 are shown in fig. 3 for clarity of illustration, it should be understood that all of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and containers CB1, CB2, CB3 can be engaged with the

respective handle panels

147a, 147b as described above.

Thus, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be loaded into the container receiving space 181 of the carrier 105 to form the package 110. In the illustrated carrier 105, the containers CA1, CA2, and CA3 are located in the container receiving spaces 181 of the front portion 106 of the carrier 105, and the containers CB1, CB2, and CB3 are located in the container receiving spaces 181 of the rear portion 108 of the carrier 105. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the glue openings 127a in the

respective divider flaps

131a, 133a, 131b, 133b provide communication between adjacent container receiving spaces 181 and the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that a line or other arrangement of adhesive, such as glue G, can be applied across the respective glue openings 127a and onto adjacent portions of the

respective divider flaps

131a, 133 a. In this regard, glue G is provided to adhere the containers CA1 and CA2 to the divider flap 133a and to each other through the respective glue openings 127a, and glue G is provided to adhere the containers CA2 and CA3 to the divider flap 131a and to each other through the respective glue openings 127a. It should be understood that containers CB1, CB2, and CB3 are adhered to each other and to the respective divider flaps 133b, 131b with lines of glue G in a substantially similar or identical manner as containers CA1, CA2, and CA3 described above.

Further, at least the centrally disposed containers CA2 and CB2 are adhered to each other through

respective glue openings

127a, 127b in the respective front and rear

central panels

125a, 125b, with a line of glue G spanning the

respective glue openings

127a, 127b, such that each container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 is adhered to each other, directly or indirectly, through the other containers, and to one or more portions of the carrier 105. The line of such glue G bonding the containers CA2, CB2 to one another through the central glue opening 127a may also extend onto respective portions of the respective

central panels

125a, 125b such that one or both of the containers CA2, CB2 may additionally be bonded to portions of the respective

central panels

125a, 125 b. It should be understood that additional adhesive lines or arrangements may be provided between portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and/or the carrier 105. For example, in one embodiment, glue G may be provided between containers CA1, CB1 or CA3, CB3 through openings in the

center panels

125a, 125b formed by separating the

respective divider flap

133a, 133b or 131a, 131b therefrom.

The glue G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high viscosity glue, an epoxy, a polymer cement, or the like, or a combination thereof.

As shown in fig. 4, in the first configuration of the carrier 105, such as in the storage and/or transport configuration of the carrier 105, the

attachment panels

147a, 147b are in a first position folded down at the

respective fold lines

149a, 149b to at least partially cover and engage the top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 to receive portions therethrough, as described above.

With additional reference to fig. 5, in a second configuration of the carrier 105, such as a shipping configuration of the carrier 105, the

attachment panels

147a, 147b and

retention flaps

171a, 171b can be disengaged or separated from the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, and the

handle panels

147a, 147b can be folded upwardly at the

respective fold lines

149a, 149b in the direction of the respective arrows A3, A4 into at least partial face-to-face or otherwise overlapping contact and such that the

handle openings

167a, 167b are generally aligned. This upright position and arrangement of the

attachment panels

147a, 147b (broadly, "the second position" of the

attachment panels

147a, 147 b) provides a handle 111 that a consumer can grasp, for example, through

handle openings

167a, 167b to carry the package 110/carrier 105. In this regard, the

attachment panels

147a, 147b can be repositioned relative to the

respective center panels

125a, 125b such that in the first configuration of the carrier 105, the

respective attachment panels

147a, 147b are configured as attachment panels for engaging and receiving a portion of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and one or more of CB1, CB2, CB3, and in the second configuration of the carrier 105, the

respective attachment panels

147a, 147b are configured as handle panels that provide a handle 111 for carrying the carrier 105.

One or more of the

handle reinforcing flaps

151a, 153a, 155a, 151b, 153b, 155b may be at least partially folded at

respective fold lines

157a, 159a, 161a, 157b, 159b, 161b into at least partially overlapping relationship with the

respective attachment panels

147a, 147b, e.g., to provide a layered structure, e.g., having a 4-ply structure, which provides additional shipping strength and/or comfort to the consumer.

The package 110 described above provides a carrier 105 having a compact structure that, for example, saves material and reduces waste. Additionally, the arrangement of glue G between containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and

divider flaps

131a, 131b, 133a, 133b and

center panels

125a, 125b provides a plurality of attachment points that enable a robust structure for holding and carrying containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB 3. Further, exposing one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 on exterior portions of the carrier 105/package 110 provides consumers with a clear view of the label or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and provides convenient access for removing one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 from the carrier 105/package 110, such as by peeling the respective container away from an adjacent container and/or a portion of the carrier 105 to overcome the adhesion of the respective glue G that adheres the respective container to the respective portion of the package 110. In one embodiment, glue G may be selected to remain on the

respective center panel

125a, 125b and/or the

respective divider flap

131a, 133a, 131b, 133b, e.g., such that substantially little or no glue remains on the container when the glue G is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be thereby reattached to the

respective center panel

225a, 225b by pressing the containers against the respective areas of glue G.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of an exterior side 201 of a blank 203 for forming a handle assembly or carrier 205 (fig. 9) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 203, carrier 205, and associated package 210 including one or more containers may have one or more features that are substantially similar to the features of the respective blanks 103 (fig. 1), carrier 105, and package 110 (fig. 4) of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar features.

As shown in fig. 6, the blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 203 has a front portion 207 (fig. 9) for forming a front portion 206 of the carrier 205, and a rear portion 209 for forming a rear portion 208 of the carrier 205. As shown, the front portion 207 and the back portion 209 of the blank 203 are foldably connected at a lateral fold line 212 that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank 203. As discussed in further detail below, the blank 203 is partially formed into the carrier 205 by folding the blank 203 along the centerline CL at fold line 212 such that the front portion 207 and the rear portion 209 of the blank 203 overlap in at least partial face-to-face contact.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 207 of the blank 203 includes a front central panel 225a having a pair of adhesive or glue openings 227a in an interior portion thereof and a pair of surface features 229a adjacent the respective glue openings 227 a. The surface features 229a may be, for example, embossed features or other at least partially raised or recessed surface configurations. As shown, the top edge of respective glue opening 227a is spaced from centerline CL by a longitudinal distance D1 that is greater than a longitudinal distance D2 that the top edge of respective glue opening 227b of rear portion 209 of blank 203 is spaced from centerline CL. As further described herein, central glue opening 227a intersects handle opening 230a extending into attachment panel 231a such that central glue opening 227a and handle opening 230a communicate with one another.

A front handle panel or front attachment panel 231a is foldably connected to the front central panel 225a at a lateral fold line 233a that is interrupted by a top edge of the respective glue opening 227a and/or a portion of the handle opening 230 a. Front attachment panel 231a includes a container holding portion 235a that is at least partially defined between a pair of longitudinally spaced apart

lateral fold lines

237a, 239a (broadly, "second fold line" and "first fold line," respectively). As shown, the lateral fold line 239a is interrupted by a set of three longitudinally spaced cuts 241a, each of which may include one or more curved and/or angled portions, and the lateral fold line 237a is interrupted by a pair of longitudinally spaced cuts 241a that are opposite the respective longitudinally outermost cuts 241a of the interrupted fold line 239 a. A

respective oblique cut

243a, 245a extends outwardly from each respective cut 241a to allow flexible reconfiguration of one or more portions of the attachment panel 231a when receiving one or more containers. As shown, inner edge portion 267a of attachment panel 231a is defined between

fold lines

237a, 233a, and fold line 239a defines a front bevel panel or front retention flap or outer edge portion 269a of attachment panel 231 a. In this regard, the longitudinally spaced cutouts 241a extend toward respective portions of the inner edge portion 267a and the front retention flap or outer edge portion 269a and define respective retention tabs 277a extending from the container retention portion 235 a.

As also shown, the blank 203 includes handle features including a plurality of

handle reinforcement flaps

251a, 253a, 255a foldably connected to the attachment panel 231a at respective oblique fold lines 254a, transverse fold lines 256a, and oblique fold lines 258a and extending into the handle opening 230 a. The handle reinforcement flap 251a is separated from the handle reinforcement flap 253a at the oblique cut 263a, and the handle reinforcement flap 253a is separated from the handle reinforcement flap 255a at the oblique cut 265 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the free edges of the

handle reinforcement flaps

251a, 253a, 255a form a curved edge 260a adjacent the handle opening 230 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 209 of the blank 203 comprises a rear central panel 225b and a rear handle panel or rear attachment panel 231b that have associated features that are generally mirror images of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion 207 of the blank 203. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) are indicated by corresponding reference numerals distinguished by the suffix "a" or "b", wherein the "a" component corresponds to the front portion 207 and the "b" component corresponds to the rear portion 209 of the blank 203.

Also as shown, glue G may be applied to one or more portions of the

center panels

225a, 225b, e.g., across the respective surface features 229a, 229 b. While glue G is shown in fig. 6 on the outer surface 201 of the blank 203, it should be understood that glue G may be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the

central panels

225a, 225b without departing from the disclosure.

Any panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features may be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank 203 without departing from the disclosure. The blank 203 may be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, with additional reference to fig. 7-9 (and note that glue G is omitted in fig. 7 for clarity of illustration), the inner surfaces or undersides of front and

rear attachment panels

231a, 231b may be placed over top portions T of respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 such that top portions T of respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 are received by

respective cutouts

241a, 241b to be at least partially engaged by adjacent edges of

respective attachment panels

231a, 231b, respective

inner edge portions

267a, 267b, and respective retention flaps or

outer edge portions

269a, 269 b. Further, the respective

inner edge portion

267a, 267b and the respective

outer edge portion

269a, 269b can be pushed or otherwise folded down at the

respective fold line

237a, 237b, 239a, 239b such that they are obliquely arranged relative to the respective

container holding portion

235a, 235b of the

respective attachment panel

231a, 231 b.

In this regard, the

respective retention tabs

277a, 277b may be at least partially separate from the respective

inner edge portions

267a, 267b and the respective

outer edge portions

269a, 269 b. In this arrangement, the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 is at least partially retained between the

respective retaining tab

277a, 277b and the

respective edge portion

267a, 269a and 267b, 269 b. In one embodiment, one or more of the

retention tabs

277a, 277b may engage a portion of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, e.g., a recessed portion of the respective top adjacent the container rim.

The front 225a and rear 225b center panels may be folded at fold line 212, and the

center panels

225a, 225b may be moved into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of respective arrows A5, A6, such that the front 225a and rear 225b center panels are at least partially in face-to-face contact, and such that the

respective glue openings

227a, 227b and the respective surface features 229a, 229b in the

respective center panels

225a, 225b are positioned in general alignment so as to be laterally aligned, but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the

respective glue openings

227a, 227b from the centerline CL.

In this regard, the

center panels

225a, 225b are arranged such that a portion of the front center panel 225a overlaps each of the glue openings 227b and a portion of the rear center panel 225b overlaps each of the glue openings 227a to provide a respective surface upon which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be bonded or otherwise attached, as further described herein. For example, glue G may be aligned with glue opening 227a to provide an adhesive surface on a corresponding portion of the rear center panel 225b, and glue G may be aligned with glue opening 227b to provide an adhesive surface on a corresponding portion of the front center panel 225a. Glue G may cover at least a portion of surface features 229a, 229b such that one or more of surface features 229a, 229b present an additional surface for adhesion and/or spacing between front portion 206 and back portion 208 of carrier 205.

Attaching the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 to the

respective center panels

225a, 225b may provide for the retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not detach from the carrier 205 under their own weight in addition to or instead of the container retention and support provided by the respective

container retention portions

235a, 235 b. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be attached to the

respective center panel

225a, 225b with glue G without the need for additional retention and support provided by the container retaining portions as described above, as discussed further below.

Such enhanced attachment of the respective containers to the

respective center panels

225a, 225b with glue G may also provide enhanced integrity to the carrier 205, for example by providing opposing adhesive forces on the

respective center panels

225a, 225b such that the

center panels

225a, 225b are compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, if carrier 205 is lifted, containers CA1, CA2, CA3 may, under at least a portion of the weight of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, pull the portions of rear center panel 225b to which they are attached at least partially toward front center panel 225a through respective glue openings 227 a. Respective portions of the front center panel 225a can be pulled toward the rear center panel 225b by the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 through respective glue openings 227b in a similar manner.

Thus, the attachment panels 247a, 247b can be positioned relative to the

respective center panels

125a, 125b such that in the first configuration of the carrier 205, for example in the storage and/or transport configuration of the carrier 205, the

respective attachment panels

231a, 231b are in the first position to cover and receive a portion of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3 extending thereunder. In this arrangement, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 extend below the container holding portion 235a in the front portion 206 of the carrier 205, and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 extend below the container holding portion 235b in the rear portion 208 of the carrier 205.

With additional reference to fig. 10, in a second configuration of the carrier 205, such as in a shipping configuration of the carrier 205 (fig. 18-20), the

attachment panels

231a, 231b are detachable from the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and CB1, CB2, CB3, and the

attachment panels

231a, 231b can be repositioned relative to the respective

central panels

225a, 225b by folding the

attachment panels

231a, 231b upwardly into at least partial face-to-face or otherwise overlapping contact at the

respective fold lines

233a, 233b in the direction of the respective arrows A6, A7, and with the

handle openings

230a, 230b generally aligned. This upright arrangement of the

attachment panels

231a, 231b (broadly, "the second position" of the

attachment panels

231a, 231 b) provides a handle 211 that a consumer can grasp, for example, through the

handle openings

230a, 230b, the handle 211. For example, one or more of the

handle reinforcement flaps

251a, 253a, 255a, 251b, 253b, 255b can be at least partially folded at respective portions of the

respective fold lines

256a, 256b into at least partially overlapping relationship with the respective attachment panels 231, 231b to provide a layered structure that provides additional carrying strength and/or comfort. It should be understood that the carrier 205 may be selectively reconfigured between the first configuration and the second configuration to accommodate the desired application of the carrier 205.

The package 210 described above provides a carrier 205 having a compact structure that, for example, saves material and reduces waste. In addition, the arrangement of glue G between containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and respective

central panels

225a, 225b provides a plurality of attachment points, which enables a robust structure for holding and carrying containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB 3. Further, exposing one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 on exterior portions of the carrier 205/package 210 provides a consumer with a clear view of the labels or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 and provides easy access for removing one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 from the carrier 205/package 210, for example, by peeling the respective containers away from the carrier 205 and/or adjacent portions or portions of adjacent containers.

Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 away from the

respective center panels

225a, 225b may include pulling the respective containers with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesion of the respective containers and the

respective center panels

225a, 225b provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, glue G may be selected to remain on the

respective center panel

225a, 225b, e.g., such that substantially little or no glue remains on the container when glue G is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 may be thereby reattached to the

respective center panel

225a, 225b by pressing the container against the respective area of glue G.

Generally, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a thickness such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank may also be constructed of other materials, such as paperboard, or any other material having properties suitable to enable the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank may be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. A varnish may then be applied to the blank to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer on either or both sides of the blank. The blank may also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

As an example, the tear line may include: a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness; and/or a series of spaced slits extending partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a forming score (e.g., a small piece of slightly bridge-like material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material on both sides of the tear line. During tearing along the tear line, the nicks break. The nicks typically comprise a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nicks may be omitted from or torn in the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to replace each tear line with a continuous slit or the like. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from the disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a fold line may be any substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding along itself. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, the fold lines include: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, which produces a crushed or recessed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness; and/or a series of cuts extending into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause an unscrupulous user to mistakenly view the fold line as a tear line.

The above embodiments may be described as one or more panels being glued together during erection of the carrier embodiment. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, etc. may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising:

a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers and at least one attachment panel for positioning between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one attachment panel being foldably connected to the at least one central panel,

the at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position in which the at least one attachment panel covers and receives a portion of and attaches to one or more of the plurality of containers and a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is detached from the plurality of containers and folded with respect to the at least one center panel and in an upright position while the at least one attachment panel is configured as a handle panel to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprising a rear center panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein each of the front and rear center panels includes a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are longitudinally offset.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein each of the front and rear central panels includes a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are aligned such that the front portion of the carrier and the rear portion of the carrier communicate through the aligned glue openings.

5. The carrier of claim 4 wherein at least one divider flap is foldably connected to each of the front and rear central panels.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the at least one divider flap defines at least a first container-receiving space and a second container-receiving space in respective front and rear portions of the carrier.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the at least one divider flap comprises a glue opening such that the first container-receiving space and the second container-receiving space are in communication through the glue opening.

8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises a handle opening.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprising a rear center panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front center panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel foldably connected to the rear center panel.

10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises a retention flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel.

11. The carrier of claim 10 wherein at least one cut extends into the retention flap.

12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein in the first position of the attachment panel, one or more containers of the plurality of containers are at least partially received through the at least one cutout.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the retention flap is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a fold line, and the at least one cut interrupts the fold line.

14. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the fold line is a first fold line and a second fold line extends through the at least one attachment panel such that a container holding portion of the at least one attachment panel is defined between the first fold line and the second fold line.

15. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising:

a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel for being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank,

the at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position in which, when the carrier is formed from the blank, the at least one attachment panel overlies and receives a portion of and is attached to one or more of the plurality of containers, and a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is detached from the plurality of containers and folded relative to the at least one central panel and in an upright position while the at least one attachment panel is configured as a handle panel to form a handle for carrying the carrier formed from the blank.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the blank further comprises a rear center panel for being positioned at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel when the carrier is formed from the blank, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel, and the blank further comprises a rear attachment panel.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein each of the front and rear central panels comprises a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are positioned longitudinally offset when the carrier is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 16, wherein each of the front and rear central panels comprises a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are positioned to align when the carrier is formed from the blank.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein at least one divider flap is foldably connected to each of the front and rear central panels.

20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the at least one divider flap comprises a glue opening.

21. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises a handle opening.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the blank further comprises a rear center panel for at least partial face-to-face contact with the front center panel when the carrier is formed from the blank, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front center panel, and the blank further comprises a rear attachment panel foldably connected to the rear center panel.

23. The blank of claim 15, wherein the blank further comprises a retention flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein at least one cut extends into the retention flap.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the retention flap is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a fold line, and the at least one cut interrupts the fold line.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the fold line is a first fold line and a second fold line extends through the at least one attachment panel such that a container holding portion of the at least one attachment panel is defined between the first fold line and the second fold line.

27. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising:

obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one attachment panel being foldably connected to the at least one central panel;

positioning the at least one central panel between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers;

positioning the at least one attachment panel in a first position in which the at least one attachment panel covers and receives a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers and the at least one attachment panel is attached to one or more containers of the plurality of containers; and

positioning the at least one attachment panel in a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is detached from the plurality of containers and folded relative to the at least one central panel and in an upright position while the at least one attachment panel is configured as a handle panel to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprises a rear center panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein each of the front and rear central panels includes a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are longitudinally offset.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein each of the front and rear center panels includes a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are aligned such that the front portion of the carrier and the rear portion of the carrier communicate through the aligned glue openings.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein at least one divider flap is foldably connected to each of the front and rear central panels.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the at least one divider flap defines at least a first container-receiving space and a second container-receiving space in respective front portions of the carrier and rear portions of the carrier.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the at least one divider flap comprises a glue opening such that the first container-receiving space and the second container-receiving space are in communication through the glue opening.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises a handle opening.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprises a rear center panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front center panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel foldably connected to the rear center panel.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the carrier further comprises a retention flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein at least one cut extends into the retention flap.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein in the first position of the attachment panel, one or more containers of the plurality of containers are at least partially received through the at least one cutout.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the retention flap is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a fold line, and the at least one cut interrupts the fold line.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the fold line is a first fold line and a second fold line extends through the at least one attachment panel such that a container holding portion of the at least one attachment panel is defined between the first fold line and the second fold line.

41. A package, comprising:

a plurality of containers; and

a vector, the vector comprising:

a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel, the at least one attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel,

the at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position in which the at least one attachment panel covers and receives a portion of and attaches to one or more of the plurality of containers and a second position in which the at least one attachment panel is detached from the plurality of containers and folded with respect to the at least one central panel and in an upright position while the at least one attachment panel is configured as a handle panel to form a handle for carrying the package.

42. The package of claim 41, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprises a rear center panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel.

43. The package of claim 42, wherein each of the front and rear central panels includes a respective glue opening, the respective glue openings being longitudinally offset.

44. The package of claim 42, wherein each of the front and rear central panels comprises a respective glue opening, and the respective glue openings are aligned such that the front portion of the carrier and the rear portion of the carrier communicate through the aligned glue openings.

45. The package of claim 44, wherein at least one divider flap is foldably connected to each of the front and rear central panels.

46. The package of claim 45 wherein the at least one divider flap defines at least a first container-receiving space and a second container-receiving space in the respective front portion of the carrier and rear portion of the carrier.

47. The package of claim 46 wherein the at least one divider flap comprises a glue opening such that the first container-receiving space and the second container-receiving space are in communication through the glue opening.

48. The package of claim 41, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises a handle opening.

49. The package of claim 48, wherein the at least one center panel is a front center panel, the carrier further comprises a rear center panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the front center panel, the attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front center panel, and the carrier further comprises a rear attachment panel foldably connected to the rear center panel.

50. The package of claim 41 wherein the carrier further comprises a retention flap foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel.

51. The package of claim 50 wherein at least one cut extends into the retention flap.

52. The package of claim 51, wherein in the first position of the attachment panel, one or more containers of the plurality of containers are at least partially received through the at least one cut-out.

53. The package of claim 52, wherein the retention flap is foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel at a fold line, and the at least one cut interrupts the fold line.

54. The package of claim 53 wherein the fold line is a first fold line and a second fold line extends through the at least one attachment panel such that a container holding portion of the at least one attachment panel is defined between the first fold line and the second fold line.