Abstract:
The beverage container apparatus utilizes die cut positioning points, which are mechanically engaged to assist accurate location of a two piece package, when joined on an automatic folder/gluer. A six fold top includes four flaps in the top four corners. A horizontal score line is located at the base of each flap, so that the flaps may be reverse folded approximately 90 degrees, allowing adhesive applicator to access the upper region of the partially closed end panels. The center gusset flap crease is slightly offset, to allow a pulling action forcing a tight closure of the flap against the unglued portion of the final closure. The flaps are designed to match up with the end wall alignment, when closed. The six-fold bottom has relief edges cut on both long panels. This assists accurate location of both panels. A die cut paper handle patch, or other separate and integrated handle options are included, which provides improved tear strength. Printed end and top panels are seamless, avoiding the problem of matching the top and bottom graphics. The diagonal grain direction of the bottle beverage carrier top portion, offers balanced tear strength in critical areas, and compliments broad caliper reduction. Seamless end flaps provide more positive and secure adhesive end closure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to foldable blanks for forming a multiple container carrier apparatus and to a process and method for assembling the container carrier apparatus from a combination of two foldable blanks and a separate or integrated handle assembly.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Container carriers are known in the present state of the art and often adapted for carrying multiple beverage bottles or cans. Such container carriers are typically formed of plastic, cardboard, or other such materials. However, it remains a goal in the relevant art to develop a beverage carrier or other such container carrier apparatus which is aesthetic in appearance, provides a strong and convenient carrying handle, and is capable of supporting the required load while being easier and less expensive to manufacture than presently-available multiple container carriers.  
           [0003]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,839 issuing to William L. Brown on May 29, 2001 discloses a paper board box for transporting beverages, utilizing a single piece construction having a handle on top. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,803 issuing to James Oliff et al. on Oct. 17, 2000 discloses a beverage can carrying box utilizing a single piece construction with a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,590 issuing to Raymond R. Spivey on May 23, 2000 discloses a bottle carrier utilizing one piece construction, having an attached strap for a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,300 issuing to Robert L. Sutherland on Aug. 3, 1999 discloses a beverage can carrier of one piece construction, with holes in the top serving as a handle.  
           [0004]    Another design approach is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,051 issuing to Sylvain Tessier et al. on Apr. 27, 1999 discloses a beverage carrier utilizing two-piece construction with a bar type handle on top. U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,251 issuing to Randall L. Harris on Mar. 11, 1997 discloses a two-piece box, with the bottom piece doubling as a display tray. U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,364 issuing to Boris Plesinger on Apr. 9, 1996 discloses a two-piece box having a two piece box with a bottom display piece and a top lid portion.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,943 issuing to Patrick Bienaime on Mar. 5, 1996 discloses a beverage bottle container using a first blank for the bottom, sides and small flaps and a second blank for the top and other two sides, with four perforated holes to serve as a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,218 issuing to Elmoe Crouch et al. on Apr. 10, 1990 discloses a beverage carrier utilizing a first blank for the sides and bottom and a second top blank internally connects to the sides. A handle is also provided. U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,067 issuing to Dante Valenti on Oct. 3, 1989 discloses a beverage carrier having two blanks, each blank forms three sides of a box with flaps to connect the flaps together at assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,424 issuing to Prentice J. Wood on Sept. 26, 1989 discloses a beverage carrier utilizing a first blank forming a bottom and two sides, and a second blank forming a top and the remaining two sides.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,651 issuing to Thomas S. Hartness on Jul. 18, 1989 discloses a beverage carrier having a lid type blank utilizing flaps to secure to a rigid base portion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,636 issuing to John M. Chaffers on May 17, 1983 discloses a beverage carrier having a first blank forming the bottom and sides, and a second blank forming the top and attaching side flaps. U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,483 issuing to Dale L. Ritter on Oct. 7, 1975 discloses a two piece box cut from two separate blanks. U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,808 issuing to Arthur Bunnell on Jun. 11, 1974 discloses a two piece box having a first blank forming a bottom and two sides, and a second blank forming a top and two sides.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,573 issuing to Lee E. Russell on May 4, 1974 discloses a beverage container having a first blank with bottom and sides, and a second blank forming a top with flaps that secure to the sides. U.S. Pat. No. 3,743,167 issuing to Lee E. Russell on Jul. 3, 1973 discloses a beverage carrier with a first blank forming the bottom and sides, and a second blank forming a top with flaps to secure to the sides. As can thus be appreciated, the beverage and packaging industries are continually seeking more cost-effective bottle beverage packages while retaining the consumer-friendly features of the present beverage package.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    A container carrier apparatus is disclosed which is relatively strong, inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetic in appearance, and easy to assemble. The container carrier apparatus includes a cover portion and a bottom portion, where the cover portion includes a top portion having a handle, four cover sides connected to the top portion where two cover sides include cover flaps, and where the bottom portion includes a base portion and four bottom sides connected to the base portion, where two bottom sides include bottom flaps. Each of the bottom sides is attached to a corresponding cover side. The container carrier apparatus provides a strong, convenient handle while reducing paper board costs and improving manufacturing costs when compared container carriers fabricated in accordance with the present state of the art. The container carrier apparatus retains the size and shape demanded by the marketing needs of the container industry and improves packaging line production at the container manufacturing location.  
           [0009]    In particular, the disclosed container carrier apparatus utilizes die-cut positioning points which are mechanically engaged to assist accurate location of a two-piece package when joined on an automatic folder/gluer. Four-fold and six-fold embodiments are disclosed, where the six fold embodiment also includes four gussets proximate the top four corners. A fold line is located in each end flap, enabling a reverse fold to allow adhesive to be applied to the upper region of the partially closed end panels. A center flap crease is slightly offset, to allow a pulling action forcing a tight closure of the end flap against the unglued portion of the final closure. The six-fold embodiment utilizes relief edges to assist in accurate location of the cover and the bottom. A die cut handle or pre-assembled handle patch provides second ply tear strength, for an alternative handle design. Printed end and top panels are seamless, avoiding the problem of matching cover and bottom graphics. The diagonal grain direction of the bottle beverage carrier cover offers balanced tear strength in critical areas and compliments board caliper reduction. Seamless end flaps provide more positive and secure adhesive end closure. Each of the cover and bottom blanks is preferably formed as a die cut sheet, which is then accurately joined by adhesive applied to designated locations, and then folded to form a collapsed (i.e., unfolded) container carrier apparatus. The unfolded container carrier apparatus can be delivered to the container manufacturing location in the collapsed state and unfolded to allow insertion of containers as needed. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective diagrammatical view of an assembled and folded container carrier apparatus including a cover portion with a handle and a bottom portion, in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a view of the exterior surface of a first embodiment of an unfolded cover portion of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a view of the exterior surface of an unfolded bottom portion of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a view of exterior surfaces of the unfolded cover portion of FIG. 2 attached to the unfolded bottom portion of FIG. 3;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a view of the exterior surface of the cover portion and the bottom portion of FIG. 4 folded into an unassembled first embodiment of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a view of the exterior surface of a second embodiment of an unfolded cover portion of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a view of the exterior surface of a third embodiment of an unfolded cover portion of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a view of the exterior surface of the cover portion of FIG. 7 and the bottom portion of FIG. 4 folded into an unassembled second embodiment of the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a detail view of positioning notches used in the assembly of the cover portion of FIG. 2 to the bottom portion of FIG. 3;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the bottom portion of FIG. 3 including a handle reinforcement strip;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the cover portion and the bottom portion of FIG. 5;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of the handle and handle reinforcement strip of FIG. 11;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a second embodiment of the handle of FIG. 1;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is a third embodiment of the handle of FIG. 1;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is a fourth embodiment of the handle of FIG. 1; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is an alternative method of assembling the container carrier apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]    There is shown in FIG. 1 a container carrier apparatus  10 , including a cover portion  20  and a bottom portion  70 . The container carrier apparatus  10  is typically used to hold and transport containers (not shown) within the volume interior to the cover portion  20  and the bottom portion  70 . Parts of the exterior surfaces of the cover portion  20  and the bottom portion  70  are visible in the illustration, while the interior surfaces of the cover portion  20  and the bottom portion  70  form the inside of the container carrier apparatus  10  and are, accordingly, hidden from view. The container carrier apparatus  10  is shown in an assembled and folded state with the exception that a fourth cover side  60  is shown detached and positioned away from the bottom portion  70  for clarity of illustration. An integral handle  16 , or other handle as described in greater detail below, is provided in a top portion  29  of the cover portion  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the assembled and folded container carrier apparatus  10  is configured to enclose and retain multiple containers, for example, as many as twelve cans or bottles containing a beverage or other product.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 shows the exterior surface of the cover portion  20  in a flat, unfolded configuration, here including a flexible carrying strap  18 , which is an alternative handle embodiment. The cover portion  20  comprises the top portion  29  and, extending therefrom, a first cover side  30 , a second cover side  40 , a third cover side  50 , and the fourth cover side  60 . A first cover flap  32  and a second cover flap  34  extend from opposite ends of the first cover side  30 . A third cover flap  52  and a fourth cover flap  54  extend from opposite ends of the third cover side  50 .  
         [0029]    The cover portion  20  includes scored crease lines  84   a - d  to induce predetermined creasing in the cover portion  20  when the container carrier apparatus  10  is lifted by the flexible strap  18 . The cover portion  20  also includes scored cover side fold lines  85   a - d  to facilitate downward bending of the first cover side  30 , the second cover side  40 , the third cover side  50 , and the fourth cover side  60  respectively to form the container carrier apparatus  10 , as described in greater detail below. The cover portion  20  further includes scored cover flap fold lines  85   e - h  to facilitate inward bending of the first cover flap  32 , the second cover flap  34 , the third cover flap  52 , and the fourth cover flap  54  respectively to form the container carrier apparatus  10 . The cover portion  20  is fabricated from a sturdy flexible material, such as paper or cardboard, preferably having a grain direction  81  oriented approximately 40°-50° to any one of the cover side fold lines  85   a - d  or to the long axis of the handle  18 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 shows the exterior surface of the bottom portion  70  in a flat, unfolded configuration. The bottom portion  70  comprises a base portion  79  and extending therefrom a first bottom side  72 , a second bottom side  74 , a third bottom side  76 , and a fourth bottom side  78 . A first bottom flap  71  and a second bottom flap  73  extend from opposite ends of the first bottom side  72 . A third bottom flap  75  and a fourth bottom flap  77  extend from opposite ends of the third bottom side  76 .  
         [0031]    The bottom portion  70  includes scored bottom side fold lines  87   a - d  to facilitate downward bending of the first bottom side  72 , the second bottom side  74 , the third bottom side  76 , and the fourth bottom side  78  respectively when the container carrier apparatus  10  is formed. The bottom portion  70  also includes scored bottom flap fold lines  87   e - h  to facilitate inward bending of the first bottom flap  71 , the second bottom flap  73 , the third bottom flap  75 , and the fourth bottom flap  77  respectively to form the container carrier apparatus  10 . The bottom portion  70  is fabricated from a sturdy flexible material, such as paper or cardboard, preferably having a grain direction  82  oriented approximately parallel to either of the bottom side fold lines  87   b  or  87   d,  or alternatively, parallel to either of the bottom side fold lines  87   a  or  87   c.  It can thus be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art that the material from which the bottom portion  70  is fabricated need not be the same as the material from which the cover portion  20  is fabricated. In way of example, the bottom portion  70  can be fabricated from 0.026 inch thick carrier-grade board to provide adequate support for enclosed containers, while the cover portion  20  can be fabricated from 0.020 inch thick board to reduce cost.  
         [0032]    In a first embodiment, herein referred to as a “four-fold” configuration, an unfolded container carrier assembly  10 ′ is formed by attaching the unfolded cover portion  20  to the unfolded bottom portion  70 . In a first attachment step, shown in FIG. 4, a part of the interior surface of the third cover side  50  is attached to a part of the exterior surface of the first bottom side  72  by a suitable attachment method known in the relevant art, such as applying an adhesive, a glue or otherwise bonding the parts to be attached. In a second attachment step, the bottom portion  70  is folded at the bottom fold line  87   a  and the cover portion  20  is folded at the cover side fold line  85   a.  A part of the interior surface of the first cover side  30  is then attached to a part of the exterior surface of the third bottom side  76 , as shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the four-fold container carrier assembly  10 ′ presents a flat configuration with the cover side fold line  85   c  and the bottom fold line  87   c  unfolded, and the cover side fold line  85   a  and the bottom fold line  87   a  folded 180°.  
         [0033]    With additional reference to FIG. 1, the four-fold container carrier assembly  10 ′ is subsequently formed into the container carrier apparatus  10  by performing a further series of folding and attachment operations. The series of folding operations includes folding the cover portion  20  at the cover side fold lines  85   b - h  approximately 90° and folding the bottom portion  70  at the bottom fold lines  87   b - h  approximately 90°.  
         [0034]    The attachment operations include attaching the exterior surfaces of the first cover flap  32  and the third cover flap  52  to the interior surface of the second cover side  40 , and attaching the exterior surfaces of the second cover flap  34  and the fourth cover flap  54  to the interior surface of the fourth cover side  60 . The attachment operations also include attaching the exterior surfaces of the first bottom flap  71  and the third bottom flap  75  to the interior surface of the second bottom side  74 , and attaching the exterior surfaces of the second bottom flap  73  and the fourth bottom flap  77  to the interior surface of the fourth bottom side  78 . The attachment operations further include attaching part of the interior surface of the second cover side  40  to the exterior surface of the second bottom side  74  and attaching part of the interior surface of the fourth cover side  60  to the exterior surface of the fourth bottom side  78 .  
         [0035]    It should be noted that in certain applications, the size of the top portion  29  is not the same as the size of the base portion  79 . By way of example, if the unfolded container carrier assembly  10 ′ has been configured to enclose and carry “longneck” beverage bottles (not shown), the top portion  29  will be somewhat smaller in both dimensions than the size of the base portion  79 . This configuration serves to accommodate the smaller total area presented by the enclosed array of bottle tops in comparison to the size of the array of bottle bottoms supported by the base portion  79 . Accordingly, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, the cover flap fold lines  85   e  and  85   g  will not lie along a common straight line with the cover side fold line  85   b,  and the cover flap fold lines  85   f  and  85   h  will not lie along a common straight line with the cover side fold line  85   d.    
         [0036]    In a preferred embodiment, the cover portion  20  and the bottom portion  70  also include optional positioning notches so as to provide for precise registration of the cover portion  20  with the bottom portion  70  to assure optimal alignment when the cover portion  20  is attached to the bottom portion  70 . As best seen in FIG. 4, a first bottom positioning notch  80   a  (n.b, all optional notches are indicated by the dashed lines) may be provided on a corner of the first bottom flap  71  approximately as shown. Similarly, a second bottom positioning notch  80   b  may be provided on the second bottom flap  73 , a third bottom positioning notch  80   c  may be provided on the third bottom flap  75 , and a fourth bottom positioning notch  80   d  may be provided on the fourth bottom flap  77 .  
         [0037]    Likewise, a first cover positioning notch  90   a  may be provided on the tip of the first cover flap  32 , a second cover positioning notch  90   b  may also be provided on the tip of the second cover flap  34 , a third cover positioning notch  90   c  may be provided on the tip of the third cover flap  52 , and a fourth cover positioning notch  90   d  may also be provided on the tip of the fourth cover flap  54 . The positioning notches  80   a - d  and  90   a - d  can be formed by a die-cutting operation, as is well-known in the relevant art. Note that, for purpose of illustration, the four-fold container carrier assembly  10 ′, in FIG. 5, is shown with all the positioning notches  80   a - d  and  90   a - d  provided on the respective flaps but it should be understood that fewer than all eight of the positioning notches  80   a - d  and  90   a - d  can be utilized on fewer than all eight of the flaps  32 ,  34 ,  52 ,  53 , and  71 - 75  without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an unfolded cover portion  20 ′ including a first cover flap  32 ′ and a second cover flap  34 ′ extending from opposite ends of the first cover side  30 , and a third cover flap  52 ′ and a fourth cover flap  54 ′ extending from opposite ends of the second cover side  50 . The unfolded cover portion  20 ′ includes a plurality of cover positioning notches  90   a′ - 90   d′  located in the side edges of the respective flaps  32 ′,  34 ′,  52 ′, and  54 ′ as shown. The third cover flap  52 ′ also includes a slot  95  which receives a tab  91  extending from the first cover flap  32 ′ when the cover portion  20 ′ is folded. Preferred grain direction  81  is oriented approximately 40°-50° to any one of the cover side fold lines  85   a - d  or to the long axis of the handle  18 .  
         [0039]    During the folding of the cover portion  20 ′, the first cover flap  32 ′ and the third cover flap  52 ′ are folded inward, the first cover side  30  and the second cover side  50  are folded downward, and the tab  91  mates with the slot  95 . This serves to facilitate the attachment of the interior surface of the second cover side  40  with both the exterior surface of the first cover flap  32 ′ and the exterior surface of the third cover flap  52 ′. Similarly, the fourth cover flap  54 ′ includes a slot  97  which receives a tab  93  extending from the second cover flap  34 ′ when the interior surface of the fourth cover side  60  is attached to both the exterior surface of the second cover flap  34 ′ and the exterior surface of the fourth cover flap  54 ′.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 7 shows the exterior surface of another alternative embodiment of a cover portion  120  in a flat, unfolded configuration. The cover portion  120  comprises a top portion  129  and, extending therefrom, a first cover side  139  and first cover panel  130 , a second cover side  142  and a second cover panel  140 , a third cover side  159  and a third cover panel  150 , and a fourth cover side  162  and a fourth cover panel  160 . A first cover flap  132  and a second cover flap  134  extend from opposite ends of the first cover side  139 . A third cover flap  152  and a fourth cover flap  154  extend from opposite ends of the second cover side  159 . A first gusset  144  connects the first cover flap  132  and the cover side  142 . Similarly, a second gusset  146  connects the second cover flap  134  and the cover side  162 , a third gusset  164  connects the third cover flap  152  and the cover side  142 , and a fourth gusset  166  connects the fourth cover flap  154  and the fourth cover side  162 .  
         [0041]    The cover portion  120  includes scored crease lines  184   a - d  to induce predetermined creasing in the top portion  129 . The cover portion  120  also includes scored cover side fold lines  185   a - d  to facilitate downward bending of the first cover side  139 , the second cover side  142 , the third cover side  159 , and the fourth cover side  162  respectively. The first cover side  139  includes scored cover flap fold lines  131  and  133  to facilitate inward bending of the first cover flap  132  and the second cover flap  134  respectively, and includes scored cover flap fold lines  151  and  153  to facilitate inward bending of the third cover flap  152  and the fourth cover flap  154  respectively. Preferred grain direction  181  is oriented approximately 40°-50° to any one of the cover side fold lines  185   a - d  or to the long axis of the handle  18 .  
         [0042]    A first longitudinal fold line  135  is provided approximately between the intersections of the cover flap fold lines  131  and  133  with the outer edge of the first cover panel  130 . A second longitudinal fold line  155  is provided approximately between the intersections of the cover flap fold lines  151  and  153  with the outer edge of the third cover panel  150 . Fold lines  135 ,  155 ,  185   a,  and  185   c  are thus substantially parallel to one another. Gusset fold lines  145   a - d  are provided to allow flexing of the gussets  144  and  146 , and gusset fold lines  165   a - d  are provided to allow flexing of the gussets  164  and  166 .  
         [0043]    There is shown in FIG. 8 a second embodiment of a container carrier assembly  110 , herein referred to as a “six-fold” configuration, which can be formed into a second embodiment of the container carrier apparatus  10  of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 8, the six-fold container carrier assembly  10  includes a partially-folded cover portion  120  attached to an unfolded bottom portion  70 . For assembly, the cover portion  120  is positioned over the bottom portion  70  such that the first longitudinal fold line  135  is substantially aligned with the outside edge of the third bottom side  76 , and the second longitudinal fold line  155  is substantially aligned with the outside edge of the first bottom side  72 . In a preferred embodiment, optional first and second relief edges  88   a  and  88   b  (not shown in FIG. 8 for purpose of clarity and shown as dashed lines in FIG. 3) are provided on the bottom portion  70  to improve the positioning of the cover portion  120  relative to the bottom portion  70  during assembly of the six-fold container carrier assembly  110 .  
         [0044]    The first relief edge  88   a  serves to more positively position the third cover panel  150  between the first bottom flap  71  and the second bottom flap  73 , and the second relief edge  88   b  serves to more positively position the first cover panel  130  between the third bottom flap  75  and the fourth bottom flap  77 .  
         [0045]    The first cover panel  130  is folded over 180° at the first longitudinal fold line  135  and the third cover panel  150  is folded over 180° at the second longitudinal fold line  155 . The interior surface of the folded-over third cover panel  150  is then attached to the exterior surface of the first bottom side  72 , and the interior surface of the folded-over first cover panel  130  is attached to the exterior surface of the third bottom side  76 . When in a flat configuration, the six-fold container carrier assembly  110  presents the cover side fold lines  185   a  and  185   c  unfolded (see FIG. 7), the bottom fold lines  87   a  and  87   c  unfolded, and the longitudinal fold lines  135  and  155  folded 180°.  
         [0046]    Gusset fold lines  145   b,    145   d,    165   b,  and  165   d  located at the respective bases of gussets  144 ,  146 ,  164 , and  166  can be reverse-folded approximately 90°. In the present state of the art, such reverse folding may provide for an adhesive applicator to access the cover side  142  and the cover side  162  when the second cover panel  140  and the fourth cover panel  160  are positioned away from the second bottom side  74  and the fourth bottom side  78 , respectively. The gusset fold lines  145   a,    145   c,    165   a,  and  165   c  are slightly offset (e.g., approximately one to two degrees). When the second cover side  142  and the fourth cover side  162  are closed, this offset results in a pulling action forcing a tight closure of the gussets  144 ,  146 ,  164 , and  166  against the respective unglued portions of the second cover side  142  and the fourth cover side  162 . Preferably, the gussets  144 ,  146 ,  164 ,  166  are each designed to match up with the end wall alignment, when closed. This feature provides registration between the fourth cover panel  160  and the cover flaps  134  and  154 .  
         [0047]    In yet another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a set of positioning notches  89   a - d  are provided to more accurately register the third cover side  50  with the first bottom side  72  before attaching the cover portion  20  to the bottom portion  70 , as illustrated above in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 9, the first positioning notch  89   a  is located on the edge of the third cover side  50  proximate the cover flap fold line  85   h,  and the second positioning notch  89   b  is located on the edge of the third cover side  50  proximate the cover flap fold line  85   g.  The third positioning notch  89   c  is located on the edge of the first bottom side  72  proximate the bottom fold line  87   f,  and the fourth positioning notch  89   d  is located on the edge of the first bottom side  72  proximate the bottom fold line  87   b.  When attaching the cover portion  20  to the bottom portion  70 , the third cover side  50  is aligned with the first bottom side  72  by engaging the positioning notch  89   a  with the positioning notch  89   c  and the positioning notch  89   b  with the positioning notch  89   d.    
         [0048]    There is shown in FIG. 10 another preferred embodiment of a bottom portion  170  including the base portion  79  and extending therefrom the first bottom side  72  and a third bottom side  176 . The bottom portion  170  further includes a handle reinforcement strip  191  removably attached to a fourth bottom flap  177 , to the third bottom side  176 , and to a third bottom flap  175  by a plurality of nicks, here exemplified by a set of three nicks  197   a - c.  The handle reinforcement strip  191  includes attachment pads  191   a  and  191   b,  a doubler strip  193 , and also includes a plurality of fold lines  199   a - f.  During the assembly operation described below, the cross-hatched areas  193   a  and  193   b  are discarded and the doubler strip  193  is retained as part of the handle reinforcement strip, folded downward along a fold line  195 , and attached to the underside of the handle reinforcement strip  191 .  
         [0049]    The handle reinforcement strip  191  is preferably attached to the interior surface of the cover portion  20  when the integral handle  16  is present, as shown in the alternative embodiment of a four-fold container carrier assembly  210 , in FIG. 11, which can be formed into a third embodiment of the container carrier apparatus  10  of FIG. 1. For purpose of clarity, most fold lines are not shown in the illustration. Referring to FIG. 1, the integral handle  16  is formed in the top portion  29  by providing a set of cutouts  211   a  and  211   b  such that two handle flaps  213   a  and  213   b  are formed. The two handle flaps  213   a  and  213   b  are subsequently folded into the cover portion  20  when a user inserts a hand to carry containers using the completed four-fold container carrier assembly  210 .  
         [0050]    The four-fold container carrier assembly  210  includes the bottom portion  170  folded at the bottom side fold line  87   a,  and the cover portion  20  folded at the cover side fold line  85   a.  In this configuration, the handle reinforcement strip  191  is advantageously positioned proximate the integral handle  16 . The handle reinforcement strip  191 , the attachment pad  191   a,  and the attachment pad  191   b  are attached to the interior surface of the top portion  29  as can be seen with additional reference to FIG. 12 (not drawn to scale), which is a cross section of the integral handle  16 . Accordingly, when the four-fold container carrier assembly  210  is unfolded prior to the attachment of sides and flaps, as described above for the four-fold container carrier assembly  10 ′ of FIG. 5, the attachment pads  191   a  and  191   b  are separated from the bottom flaps  175  and  177  at the nicks  197   a  and  197   c.  The two-ply combination of the handle reinforcement strip  191  and the doubler strip  193  thus remain attached to the interior side of the integral handle  16  to form a three-ply handle unit. The addition of two plies increases mechanical strength at the integral handle  16  while allowing use of a thinner material for the cover portion  20 , as discussed above.  
         [0051]    As can be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, other handle configurations, in addition to those described above, can be utilized in any of the container carrier assemblies  10 ′,  110 , and  210 . In one alternative embodiment of a handle  220 , shown in FIG. 13, here illustrated in the top portion  29  as an example, a cutout  221  is provided in the region defined by the cover side fold lines  85   a - d.  A handle assembly, including a backing board  223  and the flexible strap  18 , is attached to the interior surface of the top portion  29 . In another alternative embodiment of a handle  230 , shown in FIG. 14, here illustrated in the top portion  129  as an example, a pair of cover cutouts  231  and  233  are provided in the region defined by the cover side fold lines  185   a - d.  A backing board having a pair of board cutouts  237  and  239 , is attached to the interior surface of the top portion  129 , positioned such that the board cutouts  237  and  239  align with the cover cutouts  231  and  233  and a two-ply handle configuration is formed.  
         [0052]    In another preferred embodiment of a handle  240 , shown in FIG. 15, here illustrated in the top portion  29  as an example, a pair of openings  241  and  243  are provided in the region defined by the cover side fold lines  85   a - d.  The opening  241  is formed by cutting a flap  245  and folding the flap  245  along a flap fold line  242  into the top portion  29 , and attaching the flap  245  against the interior surface of the top portion  29 . The attachment process for the flap  247  is similar to that for the flap  245 . The handle reinforcement strip  191  is also attached to the interior surface of the top portion  29 , as described above. This embodiment serves to reduce “tenting” when the handle  240  is used to lift the weight of the container carrier apparatus  10 , and provides additional ply in the cover portion of the container carrier apparatus  10 . In way of example, the additional ply can serves to reduce visible embossed pattern of bottle caps on the cover portion  20  which may be caused by stacking weight during shipping and handling. The addition ply can also provide support for a cover portion having an “easy open” feature which allows a consumer to tear open the cover portion for easier removal of containers.  
         [0053]    There is shown in FIG. 16 another alternative embodiment of any of the container carrier assemblies  10 ′,  110 , and  210 . A slot  251  is provided in the fourth bottom side  78  positioned so as to receive the narrow end of the fourth cover side. This configuration serves to automatically ‘square” the cover portion  20  and closure with the bottom portion  70 .  
         [0054]    The above-described embodiments require less material and produce a reduction in manufacturing costs in comparison to container carriers found in the present state of the art. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, the cover portions  20 ,  20 ′, and  120 , and the bottom portions  70  and  170 , are seamless components, and hence avoid the problem of having to match graphics registration during a printing operation. It can also be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art that seamless end components provide for a more positive and secure adhesive end closure. Moreover, the diagonal grain directions  81  and  181  of the cover portions  20 ,  20 ′, and  120  offer balanced tear strength in critical areas, and compliments board caliper reduction.  
         [0055]    The top portions  20 ,  20 ′, and  120 , and bottom portions  70  and  170 , can be paired side-by-side or run separately on conventional print/cut equipment (not shown). When printed and cut separately, different paper grades can be selected for the top and bottom portions. The diagonal grain directions  81  and  181  of the cover portions distribute balanced tear and stiffness qualities to critical locations. In many applications, this feature can reduce paper specifications. The above-described container carrier apparatuses can be run over existing modified adhesive packaging systems and use approximately 12% less total board area than present packaging systems.  
         [0056]    In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of material is separately cut as sheet or web-fed print/cut process. The printed top portion can run four-up per impression on printing and cutting processes on a web-fed 40-inch capacity press. In comparison, a conventional printed top portion requires a two-up per impression, necessitating twice the run time to accomplish the desired production capacity. This is primarily due to the added thickness required for a conventional handle, which is conventionally made as part of the top portion of a conventional beverage carrier.  
         [0057]    The four-square top profile of the above-described top portions does not require “deep nesting,” as currently specified in a conventional container carrier apparatus, resulting in improved separation and delivery, following web process cutting. The die-cut positioning points described above allow mechanical engagement to assist in accurate location of the cover and bottom portions when joined on an automatic folder/gluer.  
         [0058]    The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways. For example, it is within the scope of one of average skill in the relevant art to adapt these advantages to other-sized container carrier apparatus, including beverage carriers for holding different quantities of beverage containers, or for beverages of various capacity sizes, and is further adapted for use with either bottles or cans. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.