Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers can include a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The at least one central panel can include a plurality of openings and can be for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one top panel can have an outer free edge arranged to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,050, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,057, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,060, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,063, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,066, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,992, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,993, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,994, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,996, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,997, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/598,282, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/709,918, filed on Oct. 18, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on Jan. 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/985,997, filed on Mar. 6, 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/829,346, filed on Mar. 25, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,898, filed on Apr. 27, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,757, filed on May 11, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/023,442, filed on May 12, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/735,178, filed on May 19, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/031,615, filed on May 29, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,927, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,929, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,931, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,933, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,934, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,365, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/086,681, filed on Oct. 2, 2020, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one top panel has an outer free edge arranged to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, and the at least one top panel has an outer free edge for being positioned to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers comprising obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel, the at least one central panel comprising a plurality of openings, the at least one top panel has an outer free edge. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels such that the at least one attachment panel is positioned to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers and such that the at least one central panel is positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and attaching the at least one central panel to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one top panel has an outer free edge spaced apart from the vertical plane to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. 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 schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

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

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment and having a container removed therefrom.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the carrier of FIG. 4 and having a container removed therefrom.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6 and showing a container being removed therefrom.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 8 according to the second exemplary embodiment.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the 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 numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose 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 “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.

As described herein, carriers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 used to form a carrier 105 (FIG. 6) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the carrier 105 is sized to contain or support eight containers, with four containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 being attached to a front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and four containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 being attached to a back portion 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than eight containers.

In one embodiment, the front portion 106 and the back portion 108 of the carrier 105 each have four containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion 106 and the back portion 108 of the carrier 105 can carry more or less than four containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier 105 can be provided together with one or more containers as a package 110 (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 has a front portion 107 for forming the front portion 106 of the carrier 105, and a back portion 109 for forming the back portion 108 of the carrier 105. The front portion 107 and the back 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 shown. As discussed further below, the blank 103 is at least partially formed into the carrier 105 by folding the blank 103 at the fold line 112 along the centerline CL so that the front portion 107 and the back portion 109 of the blank 103 can be overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact when the carrier 105 is formed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 107 of the blank 103 comprises a front central panel 125a having a first front row RF1 of laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings 127a, and a second front row RF2 of the laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings 128a. The top edges of the respective glue openings 127a of the first row RF1 are spaced a longitudinal distance D1 apart from the fold line 112 that is less than a longitudinal distance D2 that the top edges of the respective glue openings 128a of the second row RF2 are spaced apart from the fold line 112. As shown, the top edges of the glue openings 128a of the second row RF2 can interrupt a fold line 133a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the glue openings 127a can have a generally circular profile and the glue openings 128a can have a generally semicircular/semi-ovoid configuration. It will be understood that one or more of the glue openings 127a, 128a can have a different configuration than provided in FIG. 1, e.g., generally circular, generally oblong, generally rectangular, etc., without departing from the disclosure.

A front container retention panel or front attachment panel 131a is foldably connected to the front central panel 125a at the lateral fold line 133a, and includes a container retention portion 135a that is at least partially defined between a pair of longitudinally-spaced lateral fold lines 137a, 139a that are each interrupted by respective pairs of laterally-spaced cuts 141a opposite laterally-spaced container openings 142a.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, the laterally-spaced cuts 141a can each include one or more curved and/or angled portions and define container retention tabs 148a that extend outwardly from the container retention portion 135a. As also shown, respective oblique cuts 143a, 145a extend outwardly from each respective cut 141a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel 131a that face the respective container retention tabs 148a.

As also shown, the container openings 142a can each be defined by a longitudinally interior cuts 144a in the front attachment panel 131a, e.g., cuts that are longitudinally closer to the centerline CL, with endpoints that are connected by a generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped longitudinally exterior cuts 146a, e.g., cuts that are longitudinally further from the centerline CL. The longitudinally interior cuts 144a can have a configuration that is similar to the cuts 141a opposite the container openings 142a, and can have the oblique cuts 143a, 145a extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the container openings 142a can have a generally tapered profile that narrows from the interior cuts 144a to the exterior cuts 146a. In another embodiment, the blank 103 can be devoid of container openings 142a and/or the container openings 142a can have the form of a curved cut.

As shown, an interior marginal portion 136a of the attachment panel 131a is defined between the fold lines 137a, 133a, and an exterior marginal portion 138a of the attachment panel 131a is defined between the fold line 139a and a lateral fold line 140a.

A bevel or front side panel 151a, as shown, is foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at the lateral fold line 140a, and a front top panel 153a is foldably connected to the front side panel 151a at a lateral fold line 155a. The top panel 153a, as shown, defines a laterally outer free edge 157a

The blank 103 can include handle features that include at least a pair of handle openings 130a that interrupts the fold line 133a and that extends from a portion of the front central panel 125a into a portion of the front attachment panel 131a. The handle openings 130a can be formed by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A handle reinforcement tab 161a, as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at respective longitudinal fold lines 163a and can be positioned to extend into the respective handle openings 130a.

As also shown, the handle features can include a handle opening 132a that can be positioned between the handle openings 130a, and is formed in the front central panel 125a by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A pair of handle reinforcement tabs 165a can also be at least partially formed by respective curved cuts 167a and separated from one another at a longitudinal cut. The handle reinforcement tabs 165a, as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at respective longitudinal fold lines 169a and can be positioned abutting the handle opening 132a.

The carrier 105 can have a different arrangement of handle features, or can be devoid of handle features, without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion 109 of the blank 103 includes a back central panel 125b a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 131b, a back bevel panel or back side panel 151b, and a back top panel 153b having associated features that are generally a mirror-image 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.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion 107 of the blank 103 and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion 109 of the blank 103. The features of the cuts 141b and the container openings 142b of the back attachment panel 131a are best shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown, the back central panel 125a includes a first back lateral row of glue openings 128b that at least partially interrupt the fold line 112 and have an upper edge spaced a longitudinal distance D3 from the fold line 112. The back central panel 125b also includes a second back lateral row RB2 of glue openings 127b with an upper edge spaced apart a longitudinal distance D4 from the fold line 112, the longitudinal distance D4 being greater than the longitudinal distance D3.

In this regard, the blank 103 is provided with front rows RF1 and RF2 of respective laterally-spaced front glue openings 127a, 128a that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D1, D2 from the centerline CL, and back rows RB1 and RB2 of respective laterally-spaced back glue openings 128b, 127b that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D3, D4 from the centerline CL. The glue openings 127a, 127b have a longitudinally staggered arrangement such that D2>D4>D1>D3. Upon formation of the carrier 105 from the blank 103, the longitudinal centerline CL/fold line 112 can form a bottom edge of the central panels 125a, 125b.

As described herein, the arrangement of the glue openings 127a, 127b, 128a, 128b is such that, upon erection of the carrier 105, the glue openings 127a, 128a provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel 125b upon which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be attached and the glue openings 128b, 127b provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel 125a upon which the respective containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be attached. Such an arrangement of the glue openings 127a, 127b, 128a, 128b enhances retention and support of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 by the carrier 105. It will be understood that the glue openings 127a, 127b, 128a, 128b can be provided in a different number or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 103 can be inverted such that the exterior surface 101 faces downwardly and such that an interior surface 102 faces upwardly. The exterior surface 101 of the blank 103 can be placed atop the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 such that the container retention portion 135a of the front attachment panel 131a overlies the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and such that the container retention portion 135b of the back attachment panel 131b overlies the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Further downward positioning of the attachment panels 131a, 131b over the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can activate the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b to engage respective containers.

For example, as the front attachment panel 131a is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the container retention portion 135a can at least partially separate from the remainder of the front attachment panel 131a at the cuts 141a. In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts 141a such that the container retention tabs 148a can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and such that a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the exterior marginal portion 138a can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

In addition, the top portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can protrude through/be partially exposed through the respective container openings 142a, with the edges of the front attachment panel 131a defined by the longitudinally interior cuts 146a and the oblique cuts 143a, 145a engaged with a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

Such reconfiguration of the corresponding portions of the back attachment panel 131b can occur as the back attachment panel 131b is lowed or urged downwardly onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. During the above-described engagement of the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b with the respective containers, the marginal portions 136a, 138a of the attachment panel 131a can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 137a, 139a in such a configuration, and, similarly, the marginal portions 136b, 138b of the attachment panel 131b can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 137b, 139b.

As also shown in FIG. 2, and with additional reference to FIG. 3, the front central panel 125a and the back central panel 125b can be folded at the fold line 112 such that the front central panel 125a and the back central panel 125b are brought into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A1, A2 to be positioned between respective adjacent containers and such that the respective glue openings 127a, 128a and glue openings 128b, 127b are positioned so as to be laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the respective rows RF1, RF2 of respective front glue openings 127a, 128a and the respective rows RB1, RB2 of respective back glue openings 128b, 127b away from the fold line 112/lateral centerline CL as described above.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the front side panel 151a can be folded upwardly at the fold line 140a in the direction of the arrow A3, for example, to be at an oblique arrangement relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 and the top panel 153a can be folded at the fold line 155a in the direction of the arrow A3 into at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attachment panel 131a.

Similarly, the back side panel 151b can be folded upwardly at the fold line 140b in the direction of the arrow A4 into an oblique arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 and the top panel 153b can be folded at the fold line 155b in the direction of the arrow A4 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the attachment panel 131b, as shown in FIG. 6. Such an arrangement can be maintained with an adhesive such as glue G.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the central panels 125a, 125b are thus arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 125a overlaps each of the glue openings 128b, 127b and a portion of the back central panel 125b overlaps each of the glue openings 127a, 128a to provide communication between the central panels 125a, 125b and respective surfaces upon which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be adhered or otherwise attached, as described further herein. Such rearrangement of the central panels 125a, 125b can also cause the respective central panels 125a, 125b to be folded downwardly relative to the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b at the respective fold lines 133a, 133b.

An adhesive glue G can be provided to adhere the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 to respective portions of the central panel 125b exposed through the respective glue openings 127a, 128a and the glue G can be provided to adhere the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 to respective portions of the central panel 125a exposed through the respective glue openings 128b, 127b. The arrangement of multiple rows of respective glue openings 127a, 127b, 128a, 127b provides multiple points of attachment of each respective container to the respective opposite central panel 125a, 125b such that each container is provided with a robust attachment to a respective central panel 125a, 125b.

The attachment of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 to the respective central panel 125a, 125b can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not detach from the carrier 105 under their own weight, in addition to or alternative to the container retention and support provided by the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be attached to a respective central panel 125a, 125b with glue G, without additional retention and support provided by a container retention portion as described above.

Such enhanced attachment of the respective containers to the respective central panels 125a, 125b with the glue G can also provide enhanced integrity to the carrier 105, e.g., by providing opposing adhesive forces on the respective central panels 125a, 125b such that the central panels 125a, 125b are compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, as the carrier 105 is lifted, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can at least partially pull the portions of the back central panel 125b to which they are attached through the respective glue openings 127a, 128a toward the front central panel 125a under the at least partial weight of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4. Respective portions of the front central panel 125a can be pulled toward the back central panel 125b through the respective glue openings 128b, 127b by the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a similar manner.

The glue G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high tack glue, an epoxy, a polymeric cement, etc., or combinations thereof. The glue G can have a different arrangement without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the interior surface of the blank 103/carrier 105.

In another embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such that pockets of fluids such as gas are interspersed with solid, semi-solid, and/or liquid components of adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected/infused with a fluid, e.g., gaseous, component that influences the glue G to expand from an originally-defined volume, over a change in time, to occupy a larger volume. In one embodiment, the glue G can comprise about 50% solid/semi-solid/liquid adhesive and about 50% gaseous components.

In other embodiments, the glue G can comprise a different ratio of adhesive to gaseous components, for example, about 10% adhesive/about 90% gaseous components, about 20% adhesive/about 80% gaseous components, about 30% adhesive/about 70% gaseous components, about 40% adhesive/about 60% gaseous components, about 60% adhesive/about 40% gaseous components, about 70% adhesive/about 30% gaseous components, about 80% adhesive/about 20% gaseous components, about 90% adhesive/about 10% gaseous components, or other integer or non-integer percentage ratios therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable adhesive without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the aforementioned formation of the package 110/carrier 105 is such that the laterally outer free edges 157a, 157b of the respective top panels 153a, 153b are positioned respective longitudinal distances D5, D6 from a vertical plane P partially defined by the central panels 125a, 125b and extending along the centerline of the package 110/carrier 105. In this regard, at least the interior marginal portions 136a, 136b and at least a portion of the attachment portions 135a, 135b of the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b are exposed facing upwardly upon formation of the package 110/carrier 105.

Such a configuration of the top panels 153a, 153b, e.g., in overlying arrangement with the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b so as to extend less than fully to the vertical plane P defined by the central panels 125a, 125b, can provide material cost savings as compared to, for example, a carrier having longer top panels that require additional material. In addition, the aforementioned arrangement of the top panels 153a, 153b over the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b is such that the top panels 153a, 153b at least partially overlies and at least partially exposes respective portions of the respective container openings 142a, 142b. In this regard, at least a portion of the top portions T of the respective containers can be viewed through the container openings 142a, 142b from a top or elevated perspective.

In this regard, a viewer can readily recognize the number, type, and arrangement of containers in the package 110. In one embodiment, multiple packages 110 can be provided in an outer container, e.g., a shipping crate or outer display, and visualization of the exposed portions of the attachment panels 131a, 131b and top portions T of the respective containers can provide distinction among separate packages 110 to a viewer.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, upon formation of the package 110/carrier 105 respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be removed from the carrier 105 by disengaging the container from a respective attachment panel 131a, 131b, for example, by withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through an opening formed by a respective cut 141a, 141b and a respective container opening 142a, 142b along the respective attachment panel 131a, 131b, and peeling the respective container away from the respective central panel 125a, 125b. Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 away from a respective central panel 125a, 125b can involve pulling the respective container with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesive bond of the respective container and the respective central panel 125a, 125b provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected so as to remain on a respective central panel 125a, 125b, e.g., such that substantially little or no glue G remains on the container as it is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be reattached to a respective central panel 125a, 125b following therefrom by pressing the container against a respective region of glue G.

It will be understood that a different number of rows or arrangements of glue openings can be provided without departing from the disclosure, and that the central panels can be sized and configured to accommodate such arrangements. In one embodiment, the central panels 125a, 125b can be devoid of glue openings such that the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 are adhered only to the respective central panel 125a, 125b. In another embodiment, glue G can be provided both on portions of the respective central panels 125a, 125b exposed through the respective glue openings 128b, 127b and glue openings 127a, 128a as well as portions of the respective central panels 125a, 125b adjacent the respective glue openings such that each container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be adhered to portions of both central panels 125a, 125b.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the package 110/carrier 105 can be grasped by a consumer by inserting one or more of his or her fingers in one or more of the both handle openings 130a, 132a, 130b, 132b and engaging, for example, a portion of an underside of a respective attachment panel 131a, 131b and/or an edge of the respective handle openings 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b. The respective handle openings 130a, 132a, 130b, 132b can be configured so as to provide a consumer multiple edges and surfaces by which to engage and lift the carrier 105 such that the consumer can engage the carrier from multiple orientations, e.g., a lateral orientation or a longitudinal orientation, or orientations therebetween.

In addition, one or more portions of the respective handle reinforcement tabs 161a, 165a, 161b, 165b can fold downwardly at one or more of the respective fold lines 163a, 171a, 163b, 171b upon engagement with one or more of a user's fingers, for example, to provide a buffer or protective layer of material to protect a user's finger in the course of gripping the carrier 105 and/or to provide separation among adjacent containers.

The carrier 105/package 110 described above has a compact structure that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Additionally, the arrangement of the glue G among the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 as well as the central panels 125a, 125b provides multiple points of attachment that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Further, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 on exterior portions of the package 110/carrier 105 as well as exposure of the top portions T of the respective containers through the container openings 142a, 142b provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 from the carrier 105/package 110.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, blank 203 and a carrier 205 and package 210 formed from the blank 203 are illustrated according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the package 210 can include the carrier 205 receiving up to eight containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4.

The blank 203, carrier 205, and package 210 can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the blank 103, carrier 105, and package 110 of the first exemplary embodiment, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The package 210/carrier 205 can be configured to accommodate more than eight or less than eight containers, in uniform and non-uniform arrangements, without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, the blank 203 and the package 210/carrier 205 includes top panels 253a, 253b that are similar to the top panels 153a, 153b described above, but which have respective laterally outer free edges 257a, 257b of a preselected shape/configuration that can include, for example, one or more angled portions, curved portions, and/or straight portions.

In this regard, the package 210/carrier 205 can be configured such that one or both of the laterally outer free edges 257a, 257b can be provided with a selected shape, for example, to conform to or provide a preselected area, for example, for being printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. Such an arrangement can enhance product visibility to a customer and facilitate display of the unique promotional material via the structure of the carrier 205. It will be understood that one or both of the laterally outer free edges 257a, 257b can be spaced a non-uniform longitudinal distance from a plane defined by the central panels 125a, 125b, but are sufficiently spaced therefrom to expose portions of the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b and top portions T of respective containers through the respective container openings 142a, 142b.

It will be understood that the blanks, carriers, and packages described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the disclosure.

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

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend 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 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 nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the 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 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 disclosure.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel,the at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers,the at least one top panel being in at least partial face to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel and having an outer free edge arranged to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one central panel defines a vertical plane and the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is spaced apart from the vertical plane.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel is a container retention portion of the at least one attachment panel.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is a lateral free edge spaced apart from the vertical plane in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the lateral free edge.

5. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention openings for receiving at least a portion of respective containers of the plurality of containers.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the at least one top panel at least partially overlies the plurality of container retention openings.

7. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises the container retention portion, an interior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a first fold line, and an exterior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a second fold line, the plurality of container retention openings interrupt the first fold line.

8. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably connected to the front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back side panel foldably connected to the back attachment panel, and the at least one top panel is a front top panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel.

9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is at least partially curved.

10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings spaced apart from the first row of openings, the first row of openings is spaced a first distance from a bottom edge of the at least one central panel, and the second row of openings is spaced a second distance from the bottom edge of the at least one central panel, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front central panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the plurality of openings is a first plurality of openings in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises a second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings are in communication with the back central panel and the second plurality of openings are in communication with the front central panel.

12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of openings is offset from the second plurality of openings.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the front central panel and the back central panel are in at least partial face-to-face contact such that a respective portion of the back central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings and a respective portion of the front central panel is exposed through the second plurality of openings, the respective portion of the front central panel and the respective portion of the back central panel are for receiving an adhesive.

14. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel,the at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank,the at least one top panel for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel when the carrier is formed from the blank, the at least one top panel having an outer free edge for being positioned to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one central panel is for defining a vertical plane when the carrier is formed for the blank and the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is for being spaced apart from the vertical plane when the carrier is formed from the blank.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel is a container retention portion of the at least one attachment panel.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is a lateral free edge for being spaced apart from the vertical plane in a longitudinal direction that is generally perpendicular to the lateral free edge when the carrier is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 16, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention openings for receiving at least a portion of respective containers of the plurality of containers.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises the container retention portion, an interior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a first fold line, and an exterior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a second fold line, the plurality of container retention openings interrupt the first fold line.

20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably connected to the front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back side panel foldably connected to the back attachment panel, and the at least one top panel is a front top panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel.

21. The blank of claim 14, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is at least partially curved.

22. The blank of claim 14, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings spaced apart from the first row of openings, the first row of openings is for being spaced a first distance from a bottom edge of the carrier formed from the blank, and the second row of openings is spaced a second distance from the bottom edge of the carrier formed from the blank, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front central panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the plurality of openings is a first plurality of openings in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises a second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings are in communication with the back central panel and the second plurality of openings are in communication with the front central panel when the carrier is formed from the blank.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the first plurality of openings is for being offset from the second plurality of openings when the carrier is formed from the blank.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the front central panel and the back central panel are for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact such that a respective portion of the back central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings and a respective portion of the front central panel is exposed through the second plurality of openings when the carrier is formed from the blank, the respective portion of the front central panel and the respective portion of the back central panel are for receiving an adhesive.

26. 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, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel, the at least one central panel comprising a plurality of openings, the at least one top panel has an outer free edge;folding the plurality of panels such that the at least one attachment panel is positioned to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers and such that the at least one central panel is positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one top panel folded into at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel such that the outer free edge is arranged to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel; andattaching the at least one central panel to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the at least one central panel to define a vertical plane and positioning the at least one top panel so that the outer free edge is spaced apart from the vertical plane.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel is a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is a lateral free edge, the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the outer free edge spaced apart from the vertical plane in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the lateral free edge.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention openings for receiving at least a portion of respective containers of the plurality of containers.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the at least one top panel to at least partially overlie the plurality of container retention openings.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises the container retention portion, an interior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a first fold line, and an exterior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a second fold line, the plurality of container retention openings interrupt the first fold line.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably connected to the front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back side panel foldably connected to the back attachment panel, and the at least one top panel is a front top panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel.

34. The method of claim 26, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is at least partially curved.

35. The method of claim 26, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings spaced apart from the first row of openings, the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the first row of openings spaced a first distance from a bottom edge of the at least one central panel, and the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the second row of openings spaced a second distance from the bottom edge of the at least one central panel, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front central panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the plurality of openings is a first plurality of openings in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises a second plurality of openings, the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the first plurality of openings in communication with the back central panel and positioning the second plurality of openings in communication with the front central panel.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first plurality of openings is offset from the second plurality of openings.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the front central panel and the back central panel in at least partial face-to-face contact such that a respective portion of the back central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings and a respective portion of the front central panel is exposed through the second plurality of openings, the respective portion of the front central panel and the respective portion of the back central panel are for receiving an adhesive.

39. A package, comprising; a plurality of containers; anda carrier holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel, and at least one top panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel,the at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers,the at least one top panel being in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel and having an outer free edge arranged to expose a portion of the at least one attachment panel.

40. The package of claim 39, wherein the at least one central panel defines a vertical plane of the package and the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is spaced apart from the vertical plane.

41. The package of claim 40, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel is a container retention portion of the at least one attachment panel.

42. The package of claim 41, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is a lateral free edge spaced apart from the vertical plane in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to the lateral free edge.

43. The package of claim 41, wherein the portion of the at least one attachment panel comprises a plurality of container retention openings receiving at least a portion of respective containers of the plurality of containers.

44. The package of claim 43, wherein the at least one top panel at least partially overlies the plurality of container retention openings.

45. The package of claim 44, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel foldably connected to the front central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the at least one side panel is a front side panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back side panel foldably connected to the back attachment panel, and the at least one top panel is a front top panel and the plurality of panels further comprises a back top panel foldably connected to the back side panel.

46. The package of claim 43, wherein the at least one attachment panel comprises the container retention portion, an interior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a first fold line, and an exterior marginal portion foldably connected to the container retention portion at a second fold line, the plurality of container retention openings interrupt the first fold line.

47. The package of claim 39, wherein the outer free edge of the at least one top panel is at least partially curved.

48. The package of claim 39, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first row of openings and a second row of openings spaced apart from the first row of openings, the first row of openings is spaced a first distance from a bottom edge of the at least one central panel, and the second row of openings is spaced a second distance from the bottom edge of the at least one central panel, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

49. The package of claim 48, wherein the at least one central panel is a front central panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a back central panel, the at least one attachment panel is a front attachment panel foldably connected to the front central panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a back attachment panel foldably connected to the back central panel, the plurality of openings is a first plurality of openings in the front central panel, and the back central panel comprises a second plurality of openings such that the first plurality of openings are in communication with the back central panel and the second plurality of openings are in communication with the front central panel.

50. The package of claim 49, wherein the first plurality of openings is offset from the second plurality of openings.

51. The package of claim 50, wherein the front central panel and the back central panel are in at least partial face-to-face contact such that a respective portion of the back central panel is exposed through the first plurality of openings and a respective portion of the front central panel is exposed through the second plurality of openings, the respective portion of the front central panel and the respective portion of the back central panel are for receiving an adhesive.