Carrier for containers

A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton includes a top retainer having a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel includes at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers, and the at least one retaining portion is removable from the carton. The carton further includes a tray having a bottom panel and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap cooperate to form a closed end of the carton.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to packages or cartons for holding and carrying containers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a top retainer comprising a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel comprises at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers, and the at least one retaining portion is removable from the carton. The carton further comprises a tray having a bottom panel and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap cooperate to form a closed end of the carton.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a top retainer blank and a tray blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The top retainer blank includes a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel comprises at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers in the carton formed from the top retaining blank and the tray blank. The at least one retaining portion is removable from the top retainer blank. The tray blank includes a bottom panel and a least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap cooperate to form a closed end of the carton formed from the top retainer blank and the tray blank.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton for containing a plurality of containers. The method comprises obtaining a top retainer blank comprising a top panel and at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The top panel includes at least one retaining portion having at least one receptacle for retaining at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one retaining portion is removable from the top retainer blank. The method further comprises obtaining a tray blank having a bottom panel and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, forming a tray from the tray blank and positioning the plurality of containers on the bottom panel of the tray formed from the tray blank. The method further comprises forming a top retainer from the top retaining blank and positioning the top retainer and attaching the at least one container to the retaining portion by contact of the at least one container with the receptacle, and closing an end of the carton by positioning the at least one top end flap and the at least one bottom end flap to form a closed end of the carton.

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for containing articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articles 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; aluminum and/or other metals; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles 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., glass, plastic, or metal beverage bottles) at least partially disposed within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.

The present embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-7Care addressed to cartons or packages for attachment to and accommodation of containers. A carton or carrier100is illustrated in its erected state inFIG. 3, in which containers C are attached and arranged in four rows of three containers. In the illustrated embodiments the containers C are illustrated as beverage containers having a top portion generally comprising a flange portion F, an upper neck portion N, and a cap CP, and a bottom portion B, but containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations, may be held in the carton100without departing from the disclosure. The carton100comprises a tray164that supports the bottom portions B of the containers and a top retainer106that is attached to the top portions of the containers. The upper neck portions N of the containers C are received in respective receptacles123in the top retainer106of the carton100and retained in the carton by retaining features described further herein. The containers C could be arranged in other than a 4×3 arrangement (e.g., 2×3, 1×3, 6×4, etc.) without departing from the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton100includes handles111,112(FIG. 3) for grasping and carrying the carton. The handles111,112include various features including reinforcement features as further described herein.

FIG. 1is a plan view of the exterior side102of a blank, generally indicated at104, used to form the top retainer106of a carton100(FIG. 3) according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank104has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank104comprises a top panel113removably connected to first and second top end flaps115,117at lateral tear lines119,121, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank104includes twelve receptacles123, each of the receptacles include an opening109with four support tabs125extending therein. The support tabs125are respectively at least partially defined by cuts127(e.g., slits) in the top panel113and are foldably connected to the top panel113by respective connectors that may be characterized as nicks129. The nicks129are located at respective ends of the cuts127. The nicks129are areas of material in the top panel that are typically free from cuts, and at least initially are free of fold lines or other lines of weakness. The nicks129are adjacent respective cuts133(e.g., slits) that extend from one of the nicks to slits135. Slits135separate the tabs125. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment and for example, a continuous slit would be collectively formed by the cuts127,133, except that that continuous slit is interrupted by the nicks129. The openings109and the tabs125could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 1, the tabs125surrounding each opening109are of similar sizes so that when containers C are inserted into the openings109and the tabs125are upwardly struck from the top panel113, each of tabs125contact the underside of the flanges F to support the containers when the carrier is lifted. A variety of different configurations of tabs (e.g., tabs125) are within the scope of this disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the top panel113comprises retaining portions138,140,142, and144. Each of the retaining portions (138,140,142, and144) have 3 receptacles123and each of the retaining portions are defined by respective tear lines148,150and152that extend across the top panel113. The first retaining portion138is removably connected to the second retaining portion140along tear line148. The third retaining portion142is removably connected to the second retaining portion140along tear line150and to the fourth retaining portion144along tear line152. The fourth retaining portion144is removably connected to the end panel117along tear line121and the first retaining portion138is removably connected to the end panel115along tear line119. The tear lines119,121,148,150and152separate the retaining portions138,140,142, and144into removable sections of receptacles123in a 1×3 arrangement. As shown inFIG. 1, the first retaining portion138and fourth retaining portion144may include lateral fold lines146and154that extend laterally across the respective retaining portions and are in alignment with the cuts133along outer edges of the receptacles123. After the carton is formed, one or more of the retaining portions138,140,142, and144may be removed in a modular fashion leaving the remaining retaining portions secured to the overall carton100.

In one embodiment, the handle features for forming the first handle111include a first handle opening156ain the first top end flap115and a reinforcement flap159afoldably connected to the first top end flap115at a lateral fold line160a. The handle features for forming the second handle112include a second handle opening156bin the second top end flap117and a reinforcement flap159bfoldably connected to the second top end flap117at a lateral fold line160b. The handle features may also include reinforcing string (i.e., reinforcing tear tape)163on the interior side of the blank that reinforce the handle and prevent tearing. The reinforcing string is adjacent the fold lines160a,160band extend laterally along the width of the top end flaps115,117. The reinforcing string163may be used to reinforce low caliper blank materials (e.g., paperboard, cardboard, paper, or a polymeric sheet); however the reinforcement string163is not required. The handle features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 2is a plan view of the exterior side161of a blank, generally indicated at162, used to form the tray164of a carton100(FIG. 3) according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the blank162has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank162comprises a bottom panel166foldably connected to first and second side panels168,169at longitudinal fold lines171,173respectively; and first and second bottom end flaps175,177foldably connected to the bottom panel166at a lateral fold lines179,180respectively. In one embodiment, each of the side panels168,169may have a respective free edge181a,181bthat has a length shorter than the edge of the side panels that are attached to the bottom panel166along fold lines171and173. Similarly, each of the first and second bottom end flaps175,177may have a respective free edge187a,187bthat has a length shorter than the edge of the bottom end flaps that are attached to the bottom panel166along fold lines179and180. When the carton100is formed, the top end flap115,117of the top retainer106can at least partially overlap the bottom end flap175,177of the tray164to form closed ends182a,182brespectively (FIG. 3).

As shown inFIG. 2, the first side panel168of the tray164is foldably connected to two gusset panels185aalong oblique fold lines186aand the second side panel169is foldably connected to two gusset panels185balong oblique fold lines186b. The gusset panels185aare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194aalong oblique fold line195aand the gusset panels185bare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194balong oblique fold line195b. The gusset panels185a,185bare generally v-shaped and defined by the respective oblique fold lines186a,195a,186b, and195b.

An exemplary method of forming the carton100from blanks104and162is discussed in detail below. At various stages in the method for forming, respective portions of the blanks104and162are mounted to one another in any suitable manner. For example, glue or other adhesive material may be applied at various portions of the blanks104,162indicated by “g” and/or present where appropriate surfaces of the blank are in face-to-face contact.

To form the carton100in accordance with one acceptable method, the tray164is first formed from the tray blank162by positioning the exterior surface161of the tray blank162facing down. First the bottom end flaps175and177are folded upwardly about fold lines179,180and side panels168,169are folded upwardly about fold lines171,173. The attachment flaps194a,194bare then positioned in face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps175,177, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the attachment flaps194a,194bto adhesively secure the attachments flaps to the side panels175,177, respectively and form the tray164.

Containers C (e.g., bottles) may be loaded into the tray164. Then the receptacles123of the retainer blank104are aligned with the caps CP of the containers and the retainer blank is pushed down over the tops of the containers, or alternatively, the containers can be moved relative to the blank104to retain the containers in the receptacles123. As the caps CP of the containers C enter the receptacles123, the caps contact the support tabs125and pivot the support tabs up relative to the top panel113to further open the openings109in the top panel (FIG. 3). Relative upward movement of the containers C continues until the support tabs125“snap” into place as the edges of these tabs engage the underside of the flanges F (FIG. 3). Next, the top end flap115,117are folded down about tear lines119,121and into face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps175,177, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the bottom end flaps175,177to adhesively secure the bottom end flaps175,177to the top end flaps115,117, respectively, to produce the final carton100shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively the top retainer106can be formed and attached to the containers prior to loading the containers in the tray164.

FIG. 4Ais a plan view of the exterior side261of a blank, generally indicated at262, used to form the tray264of carton200(FIG. 4B) according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers. The tray blank262has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank262comprises a bottom panel166foldably connected to first and second side panels168,169at longitudinal fold lines171,173respectively; and first and second bottom end flaps275,277foldably connected to the bottom panel166at a lateral fold lines179,180, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 4A, the first side panel168of the tray264is foldably connected to two gusset panels185aalong oblique fold lines186aand the second side panel169is foldably connected to two gusset panels185balong oblique fold lines186b. The gusset panels185aare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194aalong oblique fold line195aand the gusset panels185bare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194balong oblique fold line195b.

In one embodiment, the tray264may comprise handle features for forming handles271a,271bof the carton200. The handle features include a first handle opening256ain the first bottom end flap275and a reinforcement flap259afoldably connected to the first bottom end flap275at a lateral fold line260a. The handle features include a second handle opening256bin the second bottom end flap277and a reinforcement flap259bfoldably connected to the second bottom end flap277at a lateral fold line260b. The handle features may also include reinforcing string (e.g., reinforcing tear tape)266on the interior side of the blank262spaced apart from the fold lines260a,260band extending laterally along the width of the bottom end flaps275,277. The reinforcing string266may be used to reinforce low caliper materials; however the reinforcement string266is not required.

Alternatively, to form the carton200from retainer blank104and tray blank262in accordance with one acceptable method, the tray264is first formed from the tray blank262by positioning the exterior surface261of the tray blank262facing down. First the bottom end flaps275and277are folded about fold lines179,180and side panels168,169are fold about fold lines171,173. The attachment flaps194a,194bare positioned in face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps275,277, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the attachment flaps194a,194bto adhesively secure the attachments flaps to the side panels275,277, respectively and form the tray164.

Containers (e.g., bottles) may be loaded onto the tray264. Then the openings109of the receptacles123of the retainer blank104are aligned with the caps CP of the containers and the retainer blank is pushed down over the tops of the containers or alternatively, the containers can be moved relative to the retainer blank and positioned within the openings109to retain the containers in the receptacles123. As the caps CP of the containers C enter the openings109of the receptacles123, the caps contact the support tabs125and pivot the support tabs up relative to the top panel113to increase the size of the openings109in the top panel. Relative upward movement of the containers C continues until the support tabs125snap into place as the edges of these tabs engage the underside of the flanges F. Next, the top end flaps115,117are folded downwardly about tear lines119,121such that the handle openings256a,256bof the tray264are aligned with the handle openings156a,156bof the top retainer106and the top end flaps115,117are in face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps275,277, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the bottom end flaps275,277to adhesively secure the bottom end flaps275,277to the top end flaps115,117, respectively, to produce the final carton200(FIG. 4b). Alternatively the top retainer106can be formed with the containers prior to loading the containers in the tray264.

FIG. 5is a plan view of the exterior side202of a blank, generally indicated at204, used to form the top retainer206of a carton300(FIG. 6B) according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers. The blank204has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank204comprises a top panel113removably connected to first and second top end flaps215,217at lateral tear lines119,121, respectively. The top end flaps215,217are free from handle features.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank204includes twelve receptacles123. Each of the receptacles123include an opening109with support tabs125extending therein. The support tables125are respectively at least partially defined by cuts127(e.g., slits) in the top panel113and the tabs125are foldably connected to the top panel113by respective connectors or nicks129. The nicks129are located at respective ends of the cuts127. The nicks129are areas of material in the top panel that are typically free from cuts, and at least initially are free of fold lines or other lines of weakness. The nicks129are adjacent respective cuts133(e.g., slits) that extend from one of the nicks to slits135. Slits135separate the tabs125. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment and for example, a continuous slit would be collectively formed by the cuts127,133, except that that continuous slit is interrupted by the nicks129. The openings109and the tabs125could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 5, the tabs125extending into each opening109are of similar sizes so that when containers C are inserted into the openings109, the tabs125are upwardly struck from the top panel113, and each of tabs125contact the underside of the flanges F to support the containers when the carrier is lifted. A variety of different configurations of tabs (e.g., tabs125) are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 6Ais a plan view of the exterior side361of a blank, generally indicated at362, used to form the tray364of carton300(FIG. 6B) according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The blank362has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank362comprises a bottom panel166foldably connected to first and second side panels168,169at longitudinal fold lines171,173respectively; and first and second bottom end flaps375,377foldably connected to the bottom panel166at a lateral fold lines179,180, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 6A, the first side panel168of the tray364is foldably connected to two gusset panels185aalong oblique fold lines186aand the second side panel169is foldably connected to two gusset panels185balong oblique fold lines186b. The gusset panels185aare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194aalong oblique fold line195aand the gusset panels185bare each foldably connected to an attachment flap194balong oblique fold line195b.

In one embodiment, the tray364may comprise handle features for forming handles373a,373bin the carton300. The handle features include a first handle opening256ain the first bottom end flap375and a reinforcement flap259afoldably connected to the first bottom end flap375at a lateral fold line260a. The handle features include a second handle opening256bin the second bottom end flap377and a reinforcement flap259bfoldably connected to the second bottom end flap377at a lateral fold line260b. As shown inFIG. 6A, the handle features may also include reinforcing string (i.e., reinforcing tear tape)266on the interior side of the blank that reinforce the handle and prevent tearing. The reinforcing string266may be spaced apart from the fold lines260a,260band extend laterally along the width of the bottom end flaps375,377. The reinforcing string266may be used to reinforce low caliper materials; however the reinforcement string266is not required.

An exemplary method of forming the carton300comprising a retainer blank204and a tray blank362is discussed in detail below. At various stages in the method for forming, respective portions of the blanks204and362are mounted to one another in any suitable manner For example, at various stages of the carton forming process, glue or other adhesive material can be applied at various portions of the blanks204,362. For example, the adhesive material may be indicated by “g” and/or present where appropriate surfaces of the blank are in face-to-face contact.

To form the carton300in accordance with one acceptable method, the tray364is fainted from the tray blank362by positioning the exterior surface361of the tray blank362facing down. First the bottom end flaps375and377are folded upwardly about fold lines179,180and side panels168,169are fold upwardly about fold lines171,173. The attachment flaps194a,194bare positioned in face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps375,377, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the attachment flaps194a,194bto adhesively secure the attachments flaps to the side panels375,377, respectively and form the tray364.

Containers C (e.g., bottles) may be loaded into the tray364. Then the receptacles123of the retainer blank204are aligned with the caps CP of the container and the retainer blank is pushed down over the tops of the containers, or alternatively the containers can be moved relative to the blank204and inserted into the receptacles123. As the caps CP of the containers C enter the receptacles123, the caps contact the support tabs125and pivot the support tabs up relative to the top panel113to further open the openings109in the top panel. Relative upward movement of the containers C continues until the support tabs125snap into place as the edges of these tabs engage the underside of the flanges F. Next, the top end flaps215,217are folded down about tear lines119,121and into face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps375,377, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the bottom end flaps375,377to adhesively secure the bottom end flaps375,377to the top end flaps215,217, respectively, to produce the final carton300. Alternatively the top retainer206can be formed and the containers added or attached prior to loading the containers in the tray364.

FIG. 7Ais a plan view of the exterior side302of a blank, generally indicated at304, used to form the top retainer306of a carton400(FIG. 7B) according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers. The blank304has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank304comprises a top panel113removably connected to first and second top end flaps315,317at lateral tear lines119,121, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank304includes handle features for forming the handles311a,311b,312a,312bin the carton400. The handle features for forming the handle311a,311binclude first and second handle openings356a,357ain the first top end flap315and reinforcement flaps359a,361afoldably connected to the first top end flap at longitudinal fold lines360a,362a, respectively. The handle features for forming the handles311b,312binclude first and second handle openings356b,357bin the second top end flap and reinforcement flaps359b,361bfoldably connected to the second top end flap317at longitudinal fold lines360b,362b, respectively. The handle features may also include first and second reinforcing string (e.g., reinforcing tear tape)371,372on the interior side of the blank adjacent the fold lines360a,360band362a,362b, respectively; and may extend longitudinally across substantially the entire length of the retainer blank304. The reinforcing string prevent tearing of the handle and my include cuts or nicks associated with the tear lines148,150and152to allow for removal of the retaining portions (138,140,142, and144). The reinforcing string371,372may be used to reinforce low caliper materials; however the reinforcement sting371,372is not required. The handle features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted without departing from the disclosure.

An exemplary method of forming the carton400comprising the top retainer306and tray164is discussed in detail below. At various stages in the method for forming, respective portions of the retainer blank304and the tray blank162are mounted to one another in any suitable manner. For example, at various stages of the carton forming process, glue or other adhesive material can be applied at various portions of the blanks304,162. The adhesive material may be indicated by “g” and/or present where appropriate surfaces of the blank are in face-to-face contact.

To form the carton400in accordance with one acceptable method, the tray164is formed from the tray blank162by positioning the exterior surface161of the tray blank162facing down. First the bottom end flaps175and177are folded about fold lines179,180and side panels168,169are fold about fold lines171,173. The attachment flaps194a,194bare positioned in face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps175,177, respectively. Glue may be applied to portions “g” of the attachment flaps194a,194bto adhesively secure the attachments flaps to the side panels175,177, respectively and form the tray164.

Containers C (e.g., bottles) may be loaded into the tray164. Then the receptacles123of the retainer blank304are aligned with the caps CP of the container and the retainer blank is pushed down over the tops of the containers, or alternatively the containers can be moved relative to the blank304and positioned or inserted into the openings109of the receptacles123. As the caps CP of the containers C enter the receptacles123, the caps contact the support tabs125to pivot the support tabs up relative to the top panel113to further open the openings109in the top panel. Relative upward movement of the containers C continues until the support tabs125snap into place as the edges of these tabs engage the underside of the flanges F. Next, the top end flaps315,317are folded downwardly about tear lines119,121and positioned into face-to-face contact with the bottom end flaps175,177, respectively. Glue can be applied to portions “g” of the bottom end flaps175,177to adhesively secure the bottom end flaps175,177to the top end flaps315,317, respectively, to produce the final carton400(FIG. 7B). Alternatively the top retainer306can be formed and attached to the containers prior to loading the containers in the tray164

The blanks according to the present disclosure 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.

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 carton 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.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, 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 this disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed 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. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels or flaps 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 invention as set forth in the claims. 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 claims, 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.