Abstract:
A wrap-around article carrier has a plurality of tuck-in flaps and gussets to restrain the articles the carrier is designed to carry from falling out of the carrier. The carrier further comprises a dispensing feature, which once removed allows the articles in the carrier to be dispensed in a controlled manner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/657,133, filed Feb. 28, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/683,612, filed May 23, 2005, both of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Generally described, a wrap-around carrier is conventionally formed by wrapping a carrier blank around a set of containers, and connecting opposite ends of the blank to one another with adhesive material or mechanical locks. A conventional wrap-around carrier is typically separated at the connected blank ends, or portions of the carrier are torn at the ends of the carrier, to allow removal of the containers held within the carrier. Such conventional wrap-around carriers typically do not have a dispensing feature that is defined where containers contained in the carrier can be dispensed in a controlled manner. As a result, conventional wrap-around carriers suffer from the disadvantage that once open, they can no longer hold containers or the overall integrity of the carrier is compromised.  
         [0003]     There is therefore a need for wrap-around carriers that have dispensing features. More generally described, there is a need for wrap-around carriers that provide a new balance of properties.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     In accordance with one aspect, the present invention generally relates to a wrap-around article carrier with tuck-in flaps, gussets and a dispensing feature. The carrier generally is held together by a locking system and accommodates a plurality of containers to form a carrier package. The tuck-in flaps and gussets are proximate on the open ends of the wrap-around article carrier to retain the articles securely inside the carrier package and to allow information printed on the articles such as product information, brand information, logos, and other information to be viewed by potential customers. In addition, the carrier package may occupy less area than conventional carrier packages. In accordance with one example, when dispensing is desired, the carrier package is placed on its side panel and the dispensing feature is removed from the carrier package to form an opening from which articles are dispensed. The integrity of the carrier is substantially preserved after the dispensing feature is removed. Further, the remaining tuck-in flaps and gussets can help to retain the articles inside the carrier package so the articles can be dispensed in a controlled fashion after the removal of the dispensing feature.  
         [0005]     In one embodiment of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier package is constructed by engaging primary or secondary locks. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier package is constructed by engaging primary or secondary locks with a divider guard feature to further restrain the articles within the carrier from falling out of the carrier.  
         [0006]     In one aspect of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier in addition has push-in tabs on its rear end to further restrain the articles within the carrier from falling out of the carrier. In another aspect of the present invention, the wrap-around carrier further comprises a drop down gusset on its rear end to further restrain the articles within the carrier from falling out of the carrier. The drop down gusset provides an additional area for printed information or the like.  
         [0007]     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional aspects reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.  
         [0008]     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 invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrier package having a dispensing feature according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIGS. 2-3  are perspective views of loading and partial erection of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the erected first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a user opening the dispensing feature of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a user further opening the dispensing feature of the first carrier package embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  illustrates the first carrier package embodiment with its dispensing feature removed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrier package having a dispensing feature according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrier package having a dispensing feature according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the third carrier package embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the third carrier package embodiment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 17  is a rear view of the third carrier package embodiment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 18  illustrates the third carrier package embodiment with its dispensing feature removed.  
         [0026]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrier package having a dispensing feature according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 20  is a rear view of the fourth carrier package embodiment.  
         [0028]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the fourth carrier package embodiment.  
         [0029]      FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth carrier package embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIG. 23  illustrates the fourth carrier package embodiment with its dispensing feature removed.  
         [0031]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a blank used to form a wrap-around carrier package having a dispensing feature according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of the fifth carrier package embodiment.  
         [0033]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the fifth carrier package embodiment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 27  illustrates the fifth carrier package embodiment with its dispensing feature removed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a blank  8  used to form a carrier package  150  (illustrated in  FIGS. 4-12 ) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The blank  8  comprises a first or inner bottom panel  30  foldably connected to a first side panel  50  at a fold line  33 , a top panel  20  foldably connected to the first side panel  50  at a fold line  25 , a second side panel  60  foldably connected to the top panel  20  at a fold line  29 , and a second or outer bottom panel  40  foldably connected to the second side panel  60  at a fold line  45 . Overall, the blank  8  is generally rectangular in shape. The exterior or print side of the blank  8  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , whereas the interior side of the blank is partially shown in  FIGS. 2-3 .  
         [0036]     The top panel  20  has a generally rectangular shape with truncated corners and curved cut outs  21   a,    21   b.  The curved cut outs  21   a,    21   b  can be shaped and sized so that the top panel  20  generally conforms to shapes of the containers C held within the finished carrier package  150  ( FIG. 7 ).  
         [0037]     The inner bottom panel  30  includes cut outs forming primary female locking edges  38   a,    38   b,    38   c  that are adapted to respectively engage primary male locking tabs  48   a,    48   b,    48   c  of the outer bottom panel  40 . The inner bottom panel  30  also includes slits  32   a,    32   b,    32   c  adapted to respectively receive secondary male locking flaps  42   a,    42   b,    42   c  extending from the outer bottom panel  40 . The outer bottom panel  40  includes a fold line  47  which is interrupted by the slits that define the primary male locking tabs  48   a,    48   b,    48   c.  The secondary male locking flaps  42   a,    42   b,    42   c  are connected along the interrupted fold line  47  and each flap includes an intermediate fold line  43   a - c.  Although the locking elements are illustrated to demonstrate a typical bottom panel locking arrangement suitable for use with the carrier package of the present invention, it should be understood that any desired form of bottom panel locking means may be employed. For example, glue or other adhesive material, or other suitable fastening means, may be used to secure the bottom panels  30 ,  40  together. For example, a description of an alternative locking system is discussed below with reference to  FIG. 14 .  
         [0038]     A first front tuck-in panel  52   a  is foldably connected to the front end of the first side panel  50  at a fold line  51   a.  A first rear tuck-in panel  52   b  is foldably connected to the rear end of the first side panel  50  at a fold line  51   b.  A second front tuck-in panel  62   a  is foldably connected to the front end of the second side panel  60  at a fold line  61   a.  A second rear tuck-in panel  62   b  is foldably connected to the rear end of the second side panel  60  at a fold line  61   b.    
         [0039]     A first front retaining panel  56   a  is foldably connected to a right front truncated corner of the inner bottom panel  30  at a fold line  53   a,  and to the first front tuck-in panel  52   a  at a fold line  55   a.  A first rear retaining panel  56   b  is foldably connected to a right rear truncated corner of the inner bottom panel  30  at a fold line  53   b,  and to the first rear tuck-in panel  52   b  at a fold line  55   b.  A second front retaining panel  54   a  is foldably connected to the first front tuck-in panel  52   a  at a fold line  57   a,  and to a left front truncated corner of the top panel  20  at a fold line  59   a.  A second rear retaining panel  54   b  is foldably connected to the first rear tuck-in panel  52   b  at a fold line  57   b,  and to a left rear truncated corner of the top panel  20  at a fold line  59   b.    
         [0040]     A third front retaining panel  64   a  is foldably connected to a right front truncated corner of the top panel  20  at a fold line  63   a,  and to the second front tuck-in panel  62   a  at a fold line  65   a.  A third rear retaining panel  64   b  is foldably connected to a right rear truncated corner of the top panel  20  at a fold line  63   b,  and to the second rear tuck-in panel  62   b  at a fold line  65   b.  A fourth front retaining panel  66   a  is foldably connected to the second front tuck-in panel  62   a  at a fold line  67   a,  and to a left front truncated corner of the outer bottom panel  40  at a fold line  69   a.  A fourth rear retaining panel  66   b  is foldably connected to the second rear tuck-in panel  62   b  at a fold line  67   b  and to a left rear truncated corner of the outer bottom panel  40  at a fold line  69   b.    
         [0041]     One or more of the fold lines  55   a,    57   a,    55   b,    57   b,    65   a,    67   a,    65   b,    67   b  may include, for example, one or more slits. The slits may extend to the respective edges of the blank  8  to facilitate folding of the tuck-in panels.  
         [0042]     According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a dispenser pattern  100  is defined in the blank  8 . The dispenser pattern  100  may be defined by tear lines  71  and  75 . The illustrated dispenser pattern  100  extends across a portion of each of the top panel  20 , the second side panel  60  and the outer bottom panel  40  proximate the front end of the blank  8 . The dispenser pattern  100  defines a dispensing feature  70 . The illustrated dispenser pattern  100  also includes a fold line  73 , a curved fold line  77 , and slits  78  respectively extending from the two ends of the curved fold line  77  to the tear line  75 . The lines  73 ,  77  define a pulling tab  74  in the dispensing feature  70 . The portion of the dispensing feature  70  that is surrounded by cut lines  71  and the fold line  73  forms an extension pulling tab  72  that is an extension of the pulling tab  74 .  
         [0043]     Cut outs  84   a - g  are respectively formed between each retaining panel and associated side panel. Compressing cut outs  82   a - f  are respectively formed in the inner bottom panel  30  and the outer bottom panel  40  along fold lines  33  and  45 . The compressing cut outs  82   a - f  can receive the heels of the containers C retained in the erected carrier  150 . A viewing aperture  80  can be formed in the blank  8  by removing a portion of the outer bottom panel  40 . Apertures  80   a,    80   b  can also be formed in the top panel  20  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) or in the first side panel  50  (not shown).  
         [0044]     An exemplary method of erecting the carrier  150  will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an initial step in erection of the carrier package  150 , in which containers C are placed top side down on the interior side of the top panel  20  of the blank  8 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the side panels  50 ,  60  are then folded upwardly toward the containers C. As the side panels  50 ,  60  are folded upwardly, the tuck-in panels  52   a,    52   b,    62   a,    62   b  are tucked inwardly about the fold lines  51   a,    51   b,    61   a,    61   b  respectively. At the same time and as a result, the retaining panels  54   a,    54   b,    56   a,    56   b,    64   a,    64   b,    66   a,    66   b  are drawn inwardly so as to respectively partially wrap around portions of the containers C and to form gussets. After the outer bottom panel  40  is secured to the inner bottom panel  30  as discussed below, the tuck-in panels  52   a,    52   b,    62   a,    62   b  and retaining panels  54   a,    54   b,    56   a,    56   b,    64   a,    64   b,    66   a,    66   b  are held in place by virtue of the tuck-in panels  52   a,    52   b,    62   a,    62   b  being respectively sandwiched between the cans C and the side panels  50 ,  60 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the outer bottom panel  40  is secured to the inner bottom panel  30  by first respectively engaging primary male locking tabs  48   a,    48   b,    48   c  with primary female locking edges  38   a,    38   b,    38   c.  The male locking flaps  42   a,    42   b,    42   c  are respectively inserted through, and cooperatively interact with, the slits  32   a,    32   b,    32   c  to further secure the outer bottom panel  40  to the inner bottom panel  30 . The secured together inner bottom panel  30  and outer bottom panel  40  form a bottom panel  125 . The heels of containers C are respectively associated with the compressing cut outs  82   a - f  to allow tighter wrapping of the carrier package  150  around containers C.  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the erected carrier package  150 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the tuck-in panel  52   a  is folded inwardly about the fold line  51   a,  the retaining panels  54   a,    56   a  respectively abut the containers C adjacent thereto and form a pair of gussets  54   a,    56   a.  When the tuck-in panel  62   a  is folded inwardly about the fold line  61   a,  the retaining panels  64   a,    66   a  respectively abut the adjacent containers C and form a pair of gussets  64   a,    66   a.  The gussets  54   a,    64   a  secure the top portion of the containers C from the front end. The gussets  56   a,    66   a  secure the bottom portion of the containers C from the front end.  FIG. 6  is a rear view of the erected carrier package  150 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , when the tuck-in panel  52   b  is folded inwardly about the fold line  51   b,  the retaining panels  54   b,    56   b  respectively abut the adjacent containers C and form a pair of gussets  54   b,    56   b.  When the tuck-in panel  62   b  is folded inwardly about the fold line  61   b,  the retaining panels  64   b,    66   b  respectively abut the adjacent containers C and form a pair of gussets  64   b,    66   b.  The upper gussets  54   b,    64   b  secure the top portion of the containers C from the rear end. The lower gussets  56   b,    66   b  secure the bottom portion of the containers C from the rear end.  
         [0047]      FIGS. 7-9  are perspective views of the erected carrier package  150 . In  FIG. 7 , the carrier package  150  rests on its bottom panel  125 . In  FIG. 8 , the carrier package  150  rests on its first side panel  50  with the dispensing feature  70  facing upwardly. The dispensing panel  70  is defined by the dispenser pattern  100 . The containers C are retained by gussets  64   a,    66   a,    54   a,    56   a  from the front end, and by gussets  64   b,    66   b,    54   b,    56   b  from the rear end.  
         [0048]     An exemplary method of opening of the dispensing feature  70  will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 10-12 . In  FIG. 10 , the carrier package  150  rests on the first side panel  50 . A user starts to open the dispensing feature  70  by pulling the pulling tab  74  and the extension pulling tab  72  outwardly.  FIG. 11  illustrates the dispensing feature  70  being further pulled away from the carrier  150 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the dispensing feature  70  being completely removed with the containers C retained within the carrier package  150 .  
         [0049]     According to one aspect of the present invention, the carrier package  150  can be opened to allow dispensing of individual containers in a controlled manner. In addition, because the carrier is wrapped very tightly around the containers, the package allows for efficient use of shipping, storage, and display space.  
         [0050]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a blank  208  used to form a carrier package according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of the present invention is like the first embodiment of the present invention, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. The dispensing panel of the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the dispensing panel in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the dispensing panel  270  has the pulling tab  274  but does not include the extension pulling tab  72  ( FIG. 1 ). The pulling tab  274  is defined by a portion of the cut line  275  and the curved fold line  277 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , in addition to aperture  80 , there are two additional apertures  80   a,    80   b.  The apertures  80   a,    80   b  are each shown to be removably obstructed by a flap, but the apertures as well as the flaps covering them are optional.  
         [0051]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of a blank  408  used to form a wrap-around carrier package  550  (illustrated in  FIGS. 15-18 ) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The blank  408  of the third embodiment is identical to the blank  8  of the first embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Some of the features of the third embodiment that have some general similarity to, or are identical to, features of the first embodiment are respectively identified with the same reference numbers except that four hundred has been added to the subject reference numbers of the third embodiment.  
         [0052]     The locking system of the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the locking system in the first embodiment of the present invention. On a related note and for example, the carrier  550  formed from the blank  408  includes divider guards  128   a,    128   b  ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ) that serve to further retain containers C within the carrier  550 .  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the blank  408  comprises a first or inner bottom panel  430  foldably connected to a first side panel  50  at a fold line  33 , a top panel  20  foldably connected to the first side panel  50  at a fold line  25 , a second side panel  60  foldably connected to the top panel  20  at a fold line  29 , and a second or outer bottom panel  440  foldably connected to the second side panel  60  at a fold line  45 .  
         [0054]     The inner bottom panel  430  includes cutouts forming primary female locking edges  438   a,    438   b,    438   c  that are adapted to engage primary male locking tabs  448   a,    448   b,    448   c  respectively on the outer bottom panel  440 . The inner bottom panel  430  also includes slits  432   a,    432   b,    432   c  adapted to respectively receive secondary male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b,    442   c  extending from the outer bottom panel  440 . The outer bottom panel  440  includes a fold line  447  which is interrupted by the slits that define the primary male locking tabs  448   a,    448   b,    448   c.  The secondary male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b,    442   c  are connected along the interrupted fold line  447  and each flap includes an intermediate fold line  443   a - c.    
         [0055]     Primary female locking edges  438   a  proximate the front end of the blank  408  and primary locking edge  438   b  proximate the rear end of the blank  408  respectively have flaps  120   a  and  120   b  associated therewith. The flaps  120   a  and  120   b  are separated from the inner bottom panel  430  by cut lines  127   a  and  127   b  respectively and are foldably connected to the inner bottom panel  430  at fold lines  121   a  and  121   b,  respectively. On flap  120   a,  two additional fold lines  123   a  and  125   a  converge at a slit  113   a,  generally forming a triangle with the fold line  121   a.  On flap  120   b,  two additional fold lines  123   b  and  125   b  converge at a slit  113   b,  generally forming a triangle with the fold line  121   b.  The male locking flap  442   a  has two asymmetrical edges  112   a  and  114   a.  The male locking flap  442   b  has two asymmetrical edges  112   b  and  114   b.    
         [0056]     When the carrier  550  is erected, the flaps  120   a,    120   b  are folded inwardly so that they each engage a respective outer pair of the containers C, and at least the male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b  are folded about ninety degrees about their fold lines  443   a,    443   b  so that the locking flaps  442   a,    442   b  respectively extend between adjacent containers C. Each of the flaps  120   a,    120   b  will respectively engage lower portions of two adjacent cans, as illustrated in at least  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Typically the male locking flap  442   c  is also folded about ninety degrees about its fold line  443   c  so that the locking flap  442   c  extends between the interior pair of adjacent containers C. The erected carrier  550  is held closed, in part, by the edge  114   b  of the male locking flap  442   b  engaging the inner bottom panel  430  proximate a curved end portion of the slit  432   b,  the edges  115   a,    115   b  of the male locking flap  442  respectively engaging the inner bottom panel  430  proximate the opposite curved end portions of the slit  432   c,  and the edge  114   a  of the male locking flap  442   a  engaging the inner bottom panel  430  proximate an end portion of the slit  432 . The edges  112   a  and  112   b  respectively of the male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b  respectively engage with the slits  113   a  and  113   b  of the flaps  120   a,    120   b  to secure the flaps in their erected positions and thereby form divider guards  128   a  (shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 ) and  128   b  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) respectively. The edges  112   a  and  112   b  of the male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b  can be at least somewhat hook-shaped to enhance their respective holding of the flaps  120   a,    120   b  in their erected positions to thereby form the divider guards  128   a,    128   b    
         [0057]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the carrier package  550  erected from the blank  408 . The outer bottom panel  440  engages the inner bottom panel  430  to form a bottom panel  525 . Erecting the divider guards  128   a  and  128   b  leaves apertures  88   a  and  88   b  respectively in the bottom panel  525 . The fold lines  443   a,    443   b,    443   c  are in line with slits  432   a,    432   b,    432   c,  to facilitate the male locking flaps  442   a,    442   b,    442   c  being erected to be upright or substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel  525 .  
         [0058]      FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate opposite ends of the carrier package  550  showing the divider guards  128   a  and  128   b  respectively. The divider guards  128   a  and  128   b  in the carrier package  550  further restrain the containers C so the containers C can be dispensed in a controlled manner.  
         [0059]      FIG. 18  illustrates the carrier package  550  in its dispensing configuration. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the edge  112   a  of erected male locking flap  442   a  extends into the slit  113   a  to engage and secure the flap  120   a  to thereby form the divider guard  128   a.  This arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 18  is representative of the manner in which the edge  112   b  of the erected male locking flap  442   b  engages with respect to the slit  113   b  in the flap  120   b  to form the divider guard  128   b.    
         [0060]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of a blank  608  used to form a wrap-around carrier package  750  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of the present invention is like the first embodiment of the present invention, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Some of the features of the fourth embodiment that have some general similarity to, or are identical to, features of the first embodiment are respectively identified with the same reference numbers except that six hundred has been added to selected reference numbers of the fourth embodiment.  
         [0061]     The fourth embodiment of the present invention has cut lines  23  and  43  respectively in the top panel  20  and bottom panel  40  of the blank  608 , to define push-in tabs  24  and  44 . The carrier  750  formed from the blank  608  includes the push-in tabs  24  and  44  because they further retain containers C within the carrier  750 .  
         [0062]     In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the cut lines  23  and  43  do not extend all the way to the rear edge of the blank  608 . That is, the opposite ends of each of the cut lines  23  and  43  terminate proximate, yet distant from, the rear edge of the blank  608 . In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, fold lines  131  and  133  respectively extend from the opposite ends of the cut line  23  to the rear edge of the blank  608 , and fold lines  135  and  137  respectively extend from the opposite ends of the cut line  43  to the rear edge of the blank  608 . The push-in tab  24  is foldably connected to the top panel  20  at fold lines  131  and  133 . The push-in tab  44  is foldably connected to the outer bottom panel  40  at fold lines  135  and  137 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 20  illustrates the two push-in tabs  24  and  44  respectively restraining the top and bottom portions of containers C.  FIG. 21  is a rear view of the erected carrier package  750  showing the two push-in tabs  24  and  44 .  FIG. 22  illustrates carrier package  750  resting on its first side panel  50 , so that the push-in tab  44  on the bottom panel  40  is seen.  FIG. 23  illustrates the carrier package  750  after the dispensing feature  70  ( FIGS. 19, 21  and  22 ) has been removed.  
         [0064]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a blank  808  used to form a wrap-around carrier package  950  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment of the present invention is like the first embodiment of the present invention, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Some of the features of the fifth embodiment that have some general similarity to, or are identical to, features of the first embodiment are respectively identified with the same reference numbers except that eight hundred has been added to selected reference numbers of the fifth embodiment.  
         [0065]     The fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a drop down gusset  90 . More specifically, the carrier  950  formed from the blank  808  includes the drop down gusset  90  to further retain containers C within the carrier  950 .  
         [0066]     The blank  808  comprises a first or inner bottom panel  30  foldably connected to a first side panel  50  at a fold line  33 , a top panel  820  foldably connected to the first side panel  50  at a fold line  25 , a second side panel  60  foldably connected to the top panel  820  at a fold line  29 , and a second or outer bottom panel  40  foldably connected to the second side panel  60  at a fold line  45 . The top panel  820  has truncated corners defined by fold lines  59   a,    63   a,    859   b  and  863   b  respectively. A portion of the top panel  820  defined by the area between the fold lines  859   b  and  863   b  is separated from the top panel  820  by a cut line  27  and forms the drop down gusset  90 . In accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the cut line  27  is a slit in the top panel  820  that extends continuously between the fold lines  25 ,  29  by way of which the top panel  820  is respectively foldably connected to the side panels  50 ,  60 .  
         [0067]     A first rear tuck-in panel  852   b  is foldably connected to the rear end of the first side panel  50  at a fold line  551   b.  A second rear tuck-in panel  862   b  is foldably connected to the rear end of the second side panel  60  at a fold line  661   b.    
         [0068]     The area between the first rear tuck-in panel  852   b  and the drop down gusset  90  is divided into two foldably connected portions  92  and  94  along a fold line  91 . The portion  92  is foldably connected to the first rear tuck-in panel  852   b  at a fold line  857   b.  The portion  94  is foldably connected to the drop down gusset  90  at the fold line  859   b.  Similarly, The area between the drop down gusset  90  and the second rear tuck-in panel  862   b  is divided into two foldably connected portions  96  and  98  along a fold line  97 . The portion  96  is foldably connected to the drop down gusset  90  at the fold line  863   b.  The portion  98  is foldably connected to the second rear tuck-in panel  862   b  at a fold line  865   b.    
         [0069]     Cut out  884   d  is formed at an area that is generally between the first rear tuck-in panel  852   b,  the panels  92 ,  94  and the first side panel  50 . Cut out  884   f  is formed at an area that is generally between the second rear tuck-in panel  862   b,  the panels  96 ,  98  and the second side panel  60 . In addition, cut outs  84   a - c, e, g, h  are respectively formed between each retaining panel and associated side panel.  
         [0070]     As part of erecting the carrier package  950  from the blank  808 , the tuck-in panels  852   b,    862   b  are respectively tucked inwardly about the fold lines  551   b,    661   a.  As part of this process, folding respectively occurs along fold lines  857   b,    91 ,  859   b,    863   b,    97 ,  865   b  so that the drop down gusset  90  and portions  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  become arranged as illustrated in  FIGS. 25-27 .  
         [0071]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of a carrier package  950  erected from the blank  808  showing the drop down gusset  90 .  FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of the carrier package  950  showing the drop down gusset  90 . The drop down gusset  90  runs across the top of containers C and thus further restrains the containers C. In addition, the drop down gusset  90  as a unique design feature can be utilized to display information.  FIG. 27  is a top view of the erected carrier package  950  resting on its first side panel, and this view illustrates that the drop down gusset  90  function to at least partially retain containers C (e.g.,  FIG. 27 ) in the carrier package  950  after the removal of the dispensing feature  70  (e.g.,  FIGS. 24 and 27 ). Referring to  FIG. 26 , the drop down gusset  90  can also be folded inwardly so that the outwardly facing side of the gusset  90  shown in  FIG. 26  abuts the containers C.  
         [0072]     In summary and generally described,  FIGS. 1-12  illustrate a first aspect of the present invention that relates to the dispensing feature  70 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a second aspect of the present invention, wherein the pulling tab of the dispensing feature does not have an extension pulling tab.  FIGS. 14-18  illustrate a third aspect of the present invention, wherein an alternative type of locks are used to additionally form divider guards.  FIGS. 19-23  illustrate a fourth aspect of the present invention wherein push-in tabs as a portion of the rear ends of the top panel and the outer bottom panel are used to further secure the containers inside the carrier packages.  FIGS. 24-27  illustrate a fifth aspect of the present invention wherein a drop down gusset is used to further secure the containers inside the carrier package and as a site to display information. Although specific examples of aspect of the present invention are identified in the foregoing, it is to be understood that there are other aspects of the present invention. In addition, these and other aspects of the present invention can be combined in various combinations to create other blanks and packages that are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a blank utilizing locks disclosed in the blank  408  ( FIG. 14 ) can be combined with the dispensing feature from the blank  208  ( FIG. 13 ) and can also have the drop down gusset feature from the blank  808  ( FIG. 24 ), with the rest of the features being the same as in the blank  8  ( FIG. 1 ). As another example, a blank utilizing the drop down gusset feature from the blank  808  ( FIG. 24 ) can be combined with a push-in tab on the outer bottom panel as in the blank  608  ( FIG. 19 ), with the rest of the features being the same as in the blank  8 .  
         [0073]     It is also understood that although only exemplary types of locking systems are discussed in the specification, the inner bottom panel and the outer bottom panel can be locked together using other known locking systems. Although pluralities of cut outs, panels, gussets, fold lines, flaps, slits, cuts, or openings may appear identical in size in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the sizes of the cut outs, panels, gussets, fold lines, flaps, slits, cuts, or openings can vary.  
         [0074]     In the above embodiments, the carrier packages are shown as accommodating beverage containers. Other types of containers, however, can be accommodated within a carrier package according to the present invention. The dimensions of the blank  8  may also be altered, for example, to accommodate various container forms. In addition, various numbers of containers C can be accommodated in a carrier package according to principles of the present invention, for example, by adjusting the size of the blank  8 . For example, the top panel  20  and the first and second bottom panel  50 ,  60  can be enlarged or reduced in order to accommodate additional or less containers C. In one such embodiment, a carrier may be constructed to accommodate four containers arranged in two columns and two rows (2×2). In another embodiment, a carrier may be constructed that accommodates eight containers arranged in two columns and four rows (2×4). In a preferred embodiment, a carrier may be constructed that accommodates six contains arranged in two columns and three rows (2×3).  
         [0075]     The blanks according to the present invention can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any 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.  
         [0076]     In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier package to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections. Also according to the first embodiment, the carrier can be constructed from a blank that occupies less area than conventional carriers, and the blank may be stagger nested with similar blanks during production.  
         [0077]     In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a fold line can be any at least somewhat line-like arranged, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong; and a tear line can be any at least somewhat line-like arranged, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates tearing therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, conventional fold lines include: a crease, such as formed by folding; a score line, such as formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; 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. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, conventional tear lines 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.  
         [0078]     As a more specific example, one type of conventional 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 invention for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like.  
         [0079]     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present invention has been discussed above with reference to exemplary embodiments, various additions, modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.