Carrier for containers

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier including a plurality of panels having at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, and locking features for maintaining an erected configuration of the carrier, the locking features including at least one male locking feature extending from a respective panel of the plurality of panels being at least partially received in a respective at least one female locking feature at least partially defined in a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, and locking features for maintaining an erected configuration of the carrier, the locking features comprising at least one male locking feature extending from a respective panel of the plurality of panels being at least partially received in a respective at least one female locking feature at least partially defined in a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, and locking features for maintaining an erected configuration of the carrier formed from the blank, the locking features comprising at least one male locking feature extending from a respective panel of the plurality of panels for being at least partially received in a respective at least one female locking feature at least partially defined in a respective panel of the plurality of panels when the carrier is formed from the blank.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising plurality of panels including at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, and locking features comprising at least one male locking feature extending from a respective panel of the plurality of panels and at least one female locking feature at least partially defined in a respective panel of the plurality of panels, positioning the at least one attachment panel for at least partially receiving one or more containers of the plurality of containers, and at least partially inserting the at least one male locking feature through the at least one female locking feature to maintain an erected configuration of the carrier.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof.

Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.

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

FIG.1shows a plan view of an exterior side101of a blank103used to form a carrier105(FIG.2) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, the carrier105is sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3being attached to a front portion106of the carrier105and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3being attached to a back portion108of the carrier105. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. In some embodiments, the containers can have an upper rim or other top portion having an outer diameter of 53 mm, 58 mm, or 56 mm.

The carrier105can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, the front portion106and the back portion108of the carrier105each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion106and the back portion108of the carrier105can carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier105can be provided together with one or more containers as a package110(FIG.2).

As shown inFIG.1, the blank103has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2. The blank103has a front portion107for forming the front portion106of the carrier105and a back portion109for forming the back portion108of the carrier105. The front portion107and the back portion109of the blank103are foldably connected at a lateral fold line112that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank103, as shown, and which can be interrupted by a plurality of laterally spaced cuts or locking openings132(broadly, “female locking features” or “second female locking features”). As described herein, locking openings can designate openings formed in one or more portions of a blank/carrier upon separation of one or more portions thereof and/or cuts or other lines of weakening that facilitate such separation.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the front portion107of the blank103can include a front container retention panel or front attachment panel131a, and a pair of laterally spaced handle openings130can interrupt the fold line112and at least partially extend into the attachment panel131a. As also shown, the handle openings130can extend into portions of the back portion109of the blank103.

With additional reference to the enlarged view ofFIG.1A, the front attachment panel131acan also include a container retention portion135athat is at least partially defined between a pair of longitudinally-spaced lateral fold lines137a,139athat are each interrupted by a respective pair of longitudinally-spaced cuts141athat can each include one or more curved and/or angled portions. As shown, the longitudinally-spaced cuts141adefine container retention tabs148athat extend outwardly from the container retention portion135a. As also shown, respective oblique cuts143a,145acan extend outwardly from one or more cuts141athat interrupt the fold line139a. Furthermore, longitudinal cuts146acan extend outwardly from respective central portions of the cuts141a.

As shown, an interior marginal portion136aof the attachment panel131ais at least partially defined between the fold lines137a,112and an exterior marginal portion138aof the attachment panel131ais at least partially defined between the fold line139aand a lateral fold line157aadjacent the attachment panel131a.

The blank103can also include locking features for forming locking features of the carrier105. Such locking features can include a plurality of male locking features and a plurality of male locking features, the female locking features configured to at least partially receive a portion of the respective male locking features. As shown, the locking features can include a pair of locking tabs134(broadly, “male locking features” or “fourth male locking features”) extending from the attachment panel131aand interrupting the fold line137aand extending into the respective handle apertures130. Locking features of the blank103/carrier105positioned in the attachment panel131acan also include a plurality of locking openings140a(broadly, “female locking features” or “first female locking features”) at least partially defined in the container retention portion135aof the attachment panel135aand intersecting the respective cuts141aalong the fold line137aand a plurality of locking openings142(broadly, “female locking features” or “first female locking features” or “fourth female locking features”) laterally spaced away from the locking openings140aand at least partially defined in the container retention portion135of the attachment panel131a.

A bevel or front side panel155a, as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel131aat the lateral fold line157a, and a front top panel159acan be foldably connected to the front side panel155aat a lateral fold line161a. The lateral fold line161acan be interrupted by a plurality of the cuts141aso as to define container retention tabs148aprotruding from the top panel159, as described further herein. Positioned along each container retention tab148ais a respective locking tab144(broadly, “male locking features” or “first male locking features” or “third male locking features”) formed by a respective line of weakening150having one or more of curved, angled, and/or straight portions such that the locking tabs144extend from the top panel159a. While the fold line161ais illustrated as extending partially along the lateral length of the blank103, it will be understood that the fold line161acan extend the full lateral length of the blank103without departing from the disclosure.

A front locking panel163acan be foldably connected to the top panel159aat a lateral fold line165ainterrupted by a plurality of laterally spaced locking tabs167a(broadly, “male locking features” or “first male locking features”) formed by respective curved cuts168aso as to be arranged for extending from the locking panel163a. The locking panel163acan include handle features including handle reinforcement flaps or tabs169afoldably connected to the front locking panel163aat respective longitudinal fold lines171aand for being aligned/cooperating with the respective handle openings130, as described further herein.

Still referring toFIG.1, locking tabs173(broadly, “male locking features” or “second male locking features”) can be foldably connected to the front locking panel163aat respective lateral fold lines175and/or can otherwise extend from the front locking panel163a. As shown, the locking tabs173can have a base portion that expands to a distal portion or locking head/feature to present multiple locking edges.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion109of the blank103includes a back container retention panel or back attachment panel131b, a back bevel panel or back side panel155b, a back top panel159b, and a back locking panel163bhaving associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding portions of the front portion107of the blank103. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion107of the blank103and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion109of the blank103. An enlarged view of a portion of the back portion109of the blank103is illustrated inFIG.1B.

With continued reference toFIGS.1A, and1B, the back attachment panel131b, as shown, can be devoid of the locking tabs134and the locking openings142. In addition, the back top panel155bcan be devoid of the locking tabs144.

With regard to the back locking panel163b, the back locking panel163bcan be at least partially bisected by a lateral fold line or other line of weakening164bso as to form a proximal portion and distal portion thereof, or to form a first back top panel and a second back top panel. As shown, a plurality of laterally spaced locking openings177(broadly, “female locking features” or “third female locking features” or “fifth female locking features”) can be at least partially defined in the back locking panel163b, and a plurality of generally polygonal, e.g., pentagonal, locking openings179(broadly, “female locking features” or “third female locking features” or “fourth female locking features” or “fifth female locking features”) can extend from the respective locking openings177toward a lateral free edge181(broadly, “locking edge” or “locking tab”) of the back locking panel163b.

As shown inFIG.1, handle features of the back locking panel163bcan additionally include a pair of laterally spaced handle openings183adjacent the respective handle reinforcement flaps169bwhich extend into the handle openings183. While the handle openings183are illustrated as generally crescent-shaped or otherwise curved, the handle openings183can have a different arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank103without departing from the disclosure. The blank103could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

With additional reference toFIGS.2-3, according to one exemplary embodiment of forming the carrier105, the blank103can be inverted such that the exterior surface101of the blank103can be placed atop the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3such that the container retention portion135aof the front attachment panel131aoverlies the containers CA1, CA2, CA3and such that the container retention portion135bof the back attachment panel131boverlies the containers CB1, CB2, CB3. Further downward movement of the attachment panels131a,131bover the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can activate the respective container retention portions135a,135bto engage respective containers.

For example, as the front attachment panel131ais lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, the container retention portion135acan at least partially separate from the remainder of the front attachment panel131aat the cuts141a. In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts141asuch that the container retention tabs148acan sit within recessed portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, e.g., recessed tops of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3below rolled upper rims thereof.

The marginal portions136a,138aof the attachment panel131acan fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines137a,139ain such a configuration, and, similarly, the marginal portions136b,138bof the attachment panel131bcan fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines137b,139b. Such movement can cause reconfiguration of the outer marginal portion138aof the top attachment panel131ato reconfigure at the respective cuts143a,145a,146ato engage a rolled/flanged rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

The back attachment panel131band corresponding container retention portion135bcan engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3in a similar manner as described above with respect to the engagement of the front attachment panel131aand container retention portion135awith respect to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3. The reconfiguration of the corresponding portions of the back attachment panel131bcan occur as the back attachment panel131bis lowed or urged downwardly onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3as described above with regard to the front attachment panel131a.

Still referring toFIGS.2and3, the front side panel155acan be folded upwardly at the fold line157a, for example, to be at an oblique arrangement relative to the attachment portion135aof the attachment panel131a, and the top panel159acan be folded at the fold line161ainto at least partial face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the attachment panels131a,131b. Such movement of the top panel159acan cause the container retention tabs148ato separate from the front side panel155aat the respective cuts141a, and can at least partially overlie the container retention tabs148aassociated with the attachment panel131a. In this regard, the rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3can be at least partially received through the cuts141aalong the fold line161asuch that the container retention tabs148aextending from the top panel159can also sit within recessed upper portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

Similarly, the back side panel155bcan be folded upwardly at the fold line157binto an oblique arrangement relative to the attachment portion135bof the back attachment panel131b, and the back top panel159bcan be folded at the fold line161binto at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel159band/or the attachment panel131b. Such movement of the back top panel155bcan cause engagement with the containers CB1, CB2, CB3in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the front top panel159awith the containers CA1, CA2, CA3.

The back locking panel163bcan be folded at the fold line165bto at least partially overlie respective portions of the attachment panel131b. In such an arrangement, the locking tabs167b(broadly, “male locking features” or “fifth male locking features”) can be at least partially separated from the fold line165band at least partially inserted through/received in the locking openings140b(broadly, “female locking features” or “first female locking features” or “sixth female locking features”) at least partially defined in the back attachment panel131bto position the locking tabs167bat least partially tucked under the back attachment panel131b. Furthermore, the locking edge181of the back locking panel163bcan be tucked under or otherwise underlapped under the locking tabs134extending from the front attachment panel131a. In this regard, the locking tabs134can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the back locking panel163b.

In the aforementioned arrangement, the locking openings177can be positioned over/aligned with the locking openings132along the fold line112and the locking openings179can be positioned over/aligned with the locking openings140ain the front attachment panel131a.

Thereafter, the back locking panel163acan be folded at the fold line165ato at least partially overlie respective portions of the attachment panel131a. In such an arrangement, the locking tabs144can be at least partially separated from the container retention tabs148ain the front top panel159aat the lines of weakening150and at least partially inserted through or tucked under the edges of the locking openings142in the front attachment panel131a.

Furthermore, the locking tabs167acan at least partially separated from the front top panel159aat the cuts160aand can be at least partially inserted through and received in the aligned locking openings179,140a. Such movement of the panels of the blank103/carrier105can also position the locking tabs173over the aligned locking openings177,132such that the locking tabs173can be manipulated to be inserted at least partially through and received in the locking openings177,132. For example, the locking tabs173can be at least partially folded downwardly at the respective fold lines175, inserted through the locking openings177, and at least partially inserted through the locking openings132aligned therebelow.

Such interlocking engagement of the locking features of the carrier105and the carriers and packages disclosed herein can provide a robust construction of the carrier that is resistant to incidental loosening/movement/shifting and can contribute to maintain an erected configuration of the carrier105and a tight and secure engagement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. For example, the aforementioned arrangement of locking features presents multiple plies and interfering edges of material, e.g., paperboard, that forms the carrier105such that the various locking features provide a compounding effect that reinforces the strength/integrity of the carrier105. In some embodiments, the engagements of the various male locking features and respective female locking features described herein can provide a desired level of tension or tightness of the carrier around the containers. A schematic illustration of the interaction of the locking features of the carrier105is provided inFIG.3. In this regard, the blank103/carrier105can be formed and maintained in an erected configuration with a minimized application of adhesive such as glue, or, in embodiments, so as to be devoid of an adhesive such as glue.

The above-described arrangement of the panels of the carrier can thus align the various handle features, e.g., the handle reinforcement flaps169a,169b(and adjacent handle opening183) and the handle openings130such that a user can at least partially insert one or more of his or her fingers downwardly against the reinforcement flap169a,169bto cause at least partial separation thereof from the respective locking panels163a,163band downward folding at the respective fold lines171a,171bto allow the user to grasp the carrier105along portions of the attachment panels131a,131bexposed under the handle openings130. The reinforcement flaps169a,169bcan provide additional plies of material, e.g., as a buffer, between the user's fingers and the carrier, for example, to resist deformation/tearing of one or more portions of the carrier105, for the user's comfort, to avoid, pinching of the user's fingers, etc.

The package110/carrier105described above has a compact structure that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Further, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3on exterior portions of the carrier105/package110provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3from the carrier105/package110, for example, by withdrawing a respective container through the respective cuts141a,141bto disengage the container from the respective panels131a,131b,159a,159b.

FIG.4is a plan view of the exterior surface201of a blank203for forming a carrier205(FIG.4A) and package210(FIG.4A) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank203and carrier205/package210formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank103and carrier105/package110described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the blank203can include a front portion207for forming a front portion206of the carrier205/package210and a back portion209for forming a back portion208of the carrier205/package210.

The blank203can have the longitudinal axis L1and the lateral axis L2, the attachment panels131a,131b, the side panels155a,155b, the top panels159a,159b, and associated features.

In addition, the locking openings142positioned in the attachment panel131aof the blank203can be front locking openings142a, and back locking openings142b(broadly, “female locking features” or “first female locking features” or “third female locking features”) can be at least partially defined in the attachment panel131bof the blank203. Further, the locking tabs144in the container retention tabs extending from the top panel159acan be front locking tabs144a, and the blank203can additionally include back locking tabs144b(broadly, “male locking features” or “third male locking features”) in the container retention tabs148bextending from the back top panel159b.

With continued reference toFIG.4, locking tabs that are similar to the locking tabs173described above can be front locking tabs173aattached to the top panel159aat respective lateral fold lines175a, and the blank203can also include back locking tabs173b(broadly, “male locking features” or “fourth male locking features”) foldably connected to and extending from the top panel159bat respective lateral fold lines175b.

In this regard, the blank203and carrier205/package210formed therefrom can have a different number and arrangement of panels, handle features, and locking features as compared to the blank103and carrier105/package110described above. It will be understood that the blank203/carrier205/package210can have a further different arrangement and/or configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference toFIG.4A, the blank203can be formed into the carrier205/package210in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the formation of the carrier105/package110from the blank103, without the action of the locking panels163a,163bas described above. For example, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be at least partially received through openings formed in the respective attachment panels131a,131bvia relative folding of one or more portions thereof as described above. The side panels155a,155bcan further be positioned in generally oblique relation to respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above, and the top panels159a,159bcan be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above.

As shown in the schematic view ofFIG.4A, in which underlapped panels are illustrated in broken lines for clarity, the locking tabs144acan be separated from the container retention tabs148aat the respective lines of weakening150aand tucked under the attachment panel131aby being at least partially received through the respective openings142aas described above. Similarly, the locking tabs144bcan be separated from the container retention tabs148bat the respective lines of weakening150band inserted at least partially through and received in the respective openings142bto be tucked under the attachment panel131b.

Upon positioning of the top panels159a,159bin at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the respective attachment panels131a,131bas described above, the locking tabs173a,173bcan be positioned generally aligned over the respective locking openings132interrupting the fold line112. Accordingly, the locking tabs173a,173bcan be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines175a,175band at least partially inserted through and received in the respective locking openings132. In such an arrangement, one or more flared or flanged portions of the respective locking tabs173a,173bcan engage an underside of one or both of the respective attachment panels131a,131bto maintain a secure engagement of the locking tabs173a,173bthrough the locking openings132.

The aforementioned construction of the carrier205/package210can provide a robust and secured engagement of the various panels and portions thereof to support one or more of the containers with advantages similar to those described above with regard to the carrier105/package110. In some embodiments, such a construction of the carrier205/package210can be provided so as to avoid or minimize the use of polymeric materials such as adhesives, e.g., glue.

FIG.5is a plan view of the exterior surface301of a blank303for forming a carrier305(FIG.5A) and package310(FIG.5A) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank303and carrier305/package310formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203and carriers105,205/packages110,210described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the blank303can include a front portion307for forming a front portion306of the carrier305/package310and a back portion309for forming a back portion308of the carrier305/package310.

The blank303can have the longitudinal axis L1and the lateral axis L2, the attachment panels131a,131b, the side panels155a,155b, the top panels159a,159b, and associated features. The blank303can also include the locking openings132,142a,142b, and the locking tabs144a,144b,173. Additional locking openings185(broadly, “female locking features” or “second female locking features” or “fourth female locking features”) can be at least partially defined in the back top panel159b. It will be understood that the blank303/carrier305/package310can have a further different arrangement and/or configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to the schematic view ofFIG.5A, in which underlapped panels are illustrated in broken lines for clarity, the blank303can be formed into the carrier305/package310in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the formation of the carriers105,205/packages110,210from the blanks103,203as described above. For example, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be at least partially received through openings formed in the respective attachment panels131a,131bvia relative folding of one or more portions thereof as described above. The side panels155a,155bcan further be positioned in generally oblique relation to respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above, and the top panels159a,159bcan be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above.

The locking tabs144acan be separated from the container retention tabs148aat the respective lines of weakening150aand tucked under the attachment panel131avia at least partial receipt through the respective openings142aas described above. Similarly, the locking tabs144bcan be separated from the container retention tabs148bat the respective lines of weakening150band inserted/received at least partially through the respective openings142bto be tucked under the attachment panel131b.

Upon positioning of the top panels159a,159bin at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the respective attachment panels131a,131bas described above, the locking openings185can be positioned generally aligned over the locking openings132interrupting the fold line112, and the locking tabs173can be positioned over the aligned locking openings185,132. In this regard, the locking tabs173can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines175, inserted through and received in the locking openings185, and further inserted at least partially through and received in the locking openings132. In such an arrangement, one or more flared or flanged portions of the respective locking tabs173can engage an underside of one or both of the respective attachment panels131a,131bto maintain a secure engagement of the locking tabs173through the locking openings132.

The aforementioned construction of the carrier305/package310can provide a robust and secured engagement of the various panels and portions thereof to support one or more of the containers with advantages similar to those described above with regard to the carriers105,205/packages110,210. In some embodiments, such a construction of the carrier305/package310can be provided so as to avoid or minimize the use of polymeric materials such as adhesives, e.g., glue.

FIG.6is a plan view of the exterior surface401of a blank403for forming a carrier405(FIG.6A) and package410(FIG.6A) according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank403and carrier405/package410formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303and carriers105,205,305/packages110,210,310described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the blank403can include a front portion407for forming a front portion406of the carrier405/package410and a back portion409for forming a back portion408of the carrier405/package410.

The blank403can have the longitudinal axis L1and the lateral axis L2, the attachment panels131a,131b, the side panels155a,155b, the top panels159a,159b, and associated features. The blank403can also include the locking openings132,142a,142b, and the locking tabs144a,144b,173.

As shown, the locking openings185can be at least partially defined at a location along/abutting the top panel159bthat is longitudinally spaced further from the central fold line112than in the blank303described above. In addition, tabs187can extend away from the respective locking openings185such that the tabs187can be at least partially foldably connected to the top panel159bat the respective locking openings185. In one embodiment, the locking openings185can be collinear with a free edge of the top panel159b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank403can be provided with a greater number of locking tabs173athan in the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the blank403can include5locking tabs173a, though a greater or lesser number of locking tabs173acan be provided without departing from the disclosure.

The locking tabs173bcan be provided in an alternating arrangement with the tabs187such that a respective locking tab173bis generally aligned with a respective locking tab173aalong an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L1, and such that a respective tab187is generally aligned with a respective locking tab173aalong an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L1.

With additional reference to the schematic view ofFIG.6A, in which underlapped panels are illustrated in broken lines for clarity, the blank403can be formed into the carrier405/package410in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the formation of the carriers105,205,305/packages110,210,310from the blanks103,203,303as described above. For example, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be at least partially received through openings formed in the respective attachment panels131a,131bvia relative folding of one or more portions thereof as described above. The side panels155a,155bcan further be positioned in generally oblique relation to respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above, and the top panels159a,159bcan be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above.

The locking tabs144acan be separated from the container retention tabs148aat the respective lines of weakening150aand tucked under the attachment panel131athrough the respective openings142aas described above. Similarly, the locking tabs144bcan be separated from the container retention tabs148bat the respective lines of weakening150band inserted at least partially through the respective openings142bto be tucked under the attachment panel131b.

Upon positioning of the top panels159a,159bin at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the respective attachment panels131a,131bas described above, some of the locking tabs173a,173bcan be generally aligned over the locking openings132interrupting the fold line112, and the locking tabs173ainterspersed therebetween can be generally aligned with the tabs187. In this regard, the locking tabs173a,173baligned over the locking openings132can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines175a,175band at least partially inserted through the locking openings132. In such an arrangement, one or more flared or flanged portions of the respective locking tabs173a,173bcan engage an underside of one or both of the respective attachment panels131a,131bto maintain a secure engagement of the locking tabs173a,173bthrough the locking openings132.

Furthermore, the locking tabs173aaligned with the respective locking openings185/tabs187can be at least partially inserted through the locking openings185, for example, to maintain and/or enhance the positioning of the attachment panels131a,131brelative to one another. In some embodiments, the tabs187can be at least partially folded downwardly at lines of weakening associated with the tabs187to facilitate at least partial receipt of the locking tabs173ain the locking openings185. In other embodiments, the locking tabs173acan be inserted at least partially through the locking openings185and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the tabs187.

The aforementioned construction of the carrier405/package410can provide a robust and secured engagement of the various panels and portions thereof to support one or more of the containers with advantages similar to those described above with regard to the carriers105,205,305/packages110,210,310. In some embodiments, such a construction of the carrier405/package410can be provided so as to avoid or minimize the use of polymeric materials such as adhesives, e.g., glue.

FIG.7is a plan view of the exterior surface501of a blank503for forming a carrier505(FIG.7A) and package410(FIG.7A) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank503and carrier505/package510formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403and carriers105,205,305,405/packages110,210,310,410described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the blank503can include a front portion507for forming a front portion506of the carrier505/package510and a back portion509for forming a back portion508of the carrier505/package510.

The blank503can have the longitudinal axis L1and the lateral axis L2, the attachment panels131a,131b, the side panels155a,155b, the top panels159a,159b, the locking panels163a,163b, and associated features. The blank503can also include the locking openings132,140a,140b,179, and the locking tabs167a,167b,173.

As also shown, handle features of the blank503can include the handle openings130, handle reinforcement flaps431a,431bfoldably connected to the respective attachment panels131a,131bat respective oblique fold lines433a,433band positioned extending into the respective handle openings130, the handle reinforcement flaps169b, and handle notches or handle cutouts469formed along a free edge of the locking panel163a.

With additional reference to the schematic view ofFIG.7A, in which underlapped panels are illustrated in broken lines for clarity, the blank503can be formed into the carrier505/package510in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the formation of the carriers105,205,305,405/packages110,210,310,410from the blanks103,203,303,403as described above. For example, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be at least partially received through openings formed in the respective attachment panels131a,131bvia relative folding of one or more portions thereof as described above. The side panels155a,155bcan further be positioned in generally oblique relation to respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above, and the top panels159a,159bcan be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above.

The locking tabs167,167bcan be separated from the top panels159a,159bat the respective lines of weakening160a,160band tucked under the attachment panel131athrough the respective openings140a,140bas described above.

Upon positioning of the top panels159a,159bin at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the respective attachment panels131a,131bas described above, the locking panel163acan be positioned overlapping the locking panel163b. In this regard, the locking tabs173aligned over the locking openings179,132can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines175to be inserted through and received in the respective locking openings179and further through the locking openings132therebelow. In such an arrangement, one or more flared or flanged portions of the respective locking tabs173can engage an underside of one or both of the respective attachment panels131a,131bto maintain a secure engagement of the locking tabs173through the locking openings132.

The above-described arrangement of the panels of the carrier can thus align the various handle features, e.g., the handle openings469, handle reinforcement flaps169b, and the handle openings132/handle reinforcement flaps431a,431b, such that a user can at least partially insert one or more of his or her fingers downwardly through the respective handle openings469, against the reinforcement flaps169bto cause at least partial separation thereof from the respective locking panels163band downward folding at the respective fold lines171aat least partially through the respective handle openings130. Such movement of the handle reinforcement flaps169bcan cause one or more of the handle reinforcement flaps431a,431bto at least partially fold downwardly at the respective fold lines433a,433bto allow the user to grasp the carrier505along portions of the attachment panels131a,131bexposed under the handle openings130. The reinforcement flaps169a,169b,433a,433bcan provide additional plies of material, e.g., as a buffer, between the user's fingers and the carrier, for example, to resist deformation/tearing of one or more portions of the carrier505, for the user's comfort, to avoid, pinching of the user's fingers, etc.

The aforementioned construction of the carrier505/package510can provide a robust and secured engagement of the various panels and portions thereof to support one or more of the containers with advantages similar to those described above with regard to the carriers105,205,305,405/packages110,210,310,410. In some embodiments, such a construction of the carrier505/package510can be provided so as to avoid or minimize the use of polymeric materials such as adhesives, e.g., glue.

FIG.8is a plan view of the exterior surface601of a blank603for forming a carrier605(FIG.8A) and package610(FIG.8A) according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank603and carrier605/package610formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403,503and carriers105,205,305,405,505/packages110,210,310,410,510described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. Accordingly, the blank603can include a front portion607for forming a front portion606of the carrier605/package610and a back portion609for forming a back portion608of the carrier605/package610.

The blank603can have the longitudinal axis L1and the lateral axis L2, the attachment panels131a,131b, the side panels155a,155b, the top panels159a,159b, the locking panel163a, and associated features.

The blank603can also include a locking tab167(broadly, “male locking features” or “first male locking features”) interrupting the fold line161a, a locking tab173, a locking opening140bpositioned in the attachment panel131b, and a locking opening185positioned interrupting the fold line161b. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking tab167can have a generally obliquely-tapered, e.g., wedge-shaped or triangular, configuration, and the locking opening185can have a generally curved configuration, though one or both of the locking tab167and the locking opening185can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

As also shown, handle features of the blank603can include a pair of handle reinforcement flaps631a,631bintersecting and separably connected at a longitudinal cut633that interrupts the fold line112. Each handle reinforcement flap631a,631bcan be at least partially defined by a respective pair of curved cuts635a,635bintersecting the cut633. A handle reinforcement flap637can also be at least partially defined by a generally curved cut639in the top panel159a.

With additional reference to the schematic view ofFIG.8A, in which underlapped panels are illustrated in broken lines for clarity, the blank603can be formed into the carrier605/package610in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the formation of the carriers105,205,305,405,505/packages110,210,310,410,510from the blanks103,203,303,403,503as described above. For example, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3can be at least partially received through openings formed in the respective attachment panels131a,131bvia relative folding of one or more portions thereof as described above. The side panels155a,155bcan further be positioned in generally oblique relation to respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above, and the top panels159a,159bcan be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the attachment panels131a,131bas described above.

The locking tab167can be separated from the top panel159aat the line of weakening160and tucked under the attachment panel131bby being at least partially received through the opening140bas described above. Furthermore, the locking panel163acan be positioned overlapping the top panel159bsuch that the locking tab173can be inserted at least partially through the locking opening185. In such an arrangement, one or more flared or flanged portions of the locking tab173can engage portions of the side panel155band/or the top panel159badjacent the locking opening185.

The above-described arrangement of the panels of the carrier can thus align the various handle features, e.g., the handle reinforcement flaps637,631a,631b, such that a user can at least partially insert one or more of his or her fingers downwardly through the handle reinforcement flap637such that the handle reinforcement flap637at least partially separates from the top panel159aat the cut639to further move the handle reinforcement flaps631a,631baligned therebelow to at least partially separate at the cut633and from the respective attachment panels131a,131bat the respective cuts635a,635bto move further downwardly to allow the user to grasp the carrier605along portions of the attachment panels131a,131bexposed by such movement of the handle reinforcement flaps631a,631b. The handle reinforcement flaps637,631a,631bcan provide additional plies of material, e.g., as a buffer, between the user's fingers and the carrier, for example, to resist deformation/tearing of one or more portions of the carrier605, for the user's comfort, to avoid, pinching of the user's fingers, etc.

The aforementioned construction of the carrier605/package610can provide a robust and secured engagement of the various panels and portions thereof to support one or more of the containers with advantages similar to those described above with regard to the carriers105,205,305,405,505/packages110,210,310,410,510. In some embodiments, such a construction of the carrier605/package610can be provided so as to avoid or minimize the use of polymeric materials such as adhesives, e.g., glue.

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

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

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

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

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