# Patent

## Title
Package for containers

## Abstract

A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. A plurality of features in the top panel receives and holds a top portion of the plurality of containers. Each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening to engage a respective container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the respective container to the package. The at least two edges are in contact with an underside of a flange of the respective container.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/711,555, filed on Feb. 24, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,413, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/208,462, which was filed on Feb. 24, 2009.


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/711,555, filed Feb. 24, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/208,462, which was filed on Feb. 24, 2009, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
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 package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and a side panel. The package has retention features for retaining the containers.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one feature is in the top panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one feature comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening to engage at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the package.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a package for holding a plurality of containers. The blank comprises panels that comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. The panels are for forming an interior of the package formed from the blank. At least one feature is in the top panel that is for receiving and holding a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers in the package formed from the blank. The at least one feature comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening for engaging the at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the package.
In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of forming a package for containing a plurality of containers. The method comprises providing a blank having a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, at least one feature in the top panel that comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening. The method comprises inserting at least a top portion of a container through the opening and engaging the top portion of the container with the retention feature to at least partially attach the container to the package.
In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. A plurality of features in the top panel receives and holds top portions of the plurality of containers. Each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening to engage a respective container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the respective container to the package. The at least two edges are in contact with an underside of a flange of the respective container.
In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a blank for forming a package for holding a plurality of containers. The blank comprises panels that comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. The panels are for forming an interior of the package formed from the blank. A plurality of features in the top panel is for receiving and holding top portions of the plurality of containers in the package formed from the blank. Each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening. Each of the at least two edges is for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the respective container to the package. The at least two edges are for being in contact with an underside of a flange of the respective container in the package formed from the blank.
In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of forming a package for containing a plurality of containers. The method comprises obtaining a blank having a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. A plurality of features in the top panel. Each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel. The top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening. The method comprises inserting a top portion of a respective container through a respective opening and engaging the top portion of the respective container with the at least two edges to at least partially attach the respective container to the package. The engaging the top portion of the respective container comprises contacting the at least two edges with an underside of a flange of the respective container.
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.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a blank, package, and/or container of a first embodiment of the disclosure.
FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a blank and/or a package holding a plurality of containers of a second embodiment of the disclosure.
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a blank and/or a package holding a plurality of containers of a third embodiment of the disclosure.
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a blank and/or a package holding a plurality of containers of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a blank and/or a package holding a plurality of containers of a fifth embodiment of the disclosure 5.
FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a blank and/or a package holding a plurality of containers of a sixth embodiment of the disclosure



Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, and packages 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, aluminum and/or other metals, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; glass; or any combination thereof
Packages 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., generally cylindrical containers such as aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the package embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected packages.
The present embodiments are addressed to cartons or packages for attachment to and accommodation of containers. A package or carrier 5 of a first embodiment is illustrated in its erected state in FIG. 3, in which it is attached to containers C arranged in two rows of three containers. In the illustrated embodiments the containers C are illustrated as beverage containers having a lower base portion B, a top portion T generally comprising a neck N that tapers inwardly from the lower base portion, a flange portion F at the top of the neck portion that extends radially outward from the neck portion, and a top surface TS below the flange portion that includes a pull-tab P. Containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations, may be held in the package 5 without departing from the disclosure. The neck N and flange F of the containers C are received in respective openings 7 in the package 5 and retained in the package by retaining features described further herein. The containers C could be arranged in other than a 2×3 arrangement (e.g., 2×4, 2×6, 1×3, 1×4, etc.) and the package 5 could include more or less than six containers without departing from the disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side 11 of a blank 13 used to form the package or carrier 5. The blank 13 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 13 comprises a top panel 17 foldably connected to a first end panel 19 at a first lateral tear line 21. The top panel 17 is foldably connected to a second end panel 23 at a second lateral tear line 25. A first side panel 27 is foldably connected to the top panel 17 at a first longitudinal fold line 29. A second side panel 31 is foldably connected to the top panel 17 at a second longitudinal fold line 33.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the blank 13 includes six receptacles 37 formed by a series of curved cut lines 39. The receptacles 37 each include a generally circular interior panel 41 that is connected to the top panel 17 by four strips 43 located between the two outermost cut lines 39. The interior panel 41 includes curved fold lines 40 that are spaced inward from the cut lines 39 and help shape the interior panel so the interior panel conforms to the shape of the container C. When the interior panel 41 is raised relative to the top panel 17 the openings 7 in the top panel are formed by the separation of the interior panel 41 from the top panel at the cut lines 39. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the top panel 17 includes finger holes 47 for grasping and carrying the package 5. Also, the top panel 17 includes curved fold lines 49 between respective pairs of receptacles 37.
The cut lines 39 cooperate to form retention edges 42 (broadly “retention feature”) of the opening 7 in the top panel 17 that engages a flange F of the container C. In the illustrated embodiment, each receptacle 37 includes four generally arcuate retention edges that each engage a portion of the flange F of the container C to retain the container in the carton. The retention edges 42 are separated by a respective strip 43 between respective ends of the cuts 39 that attaches the interior panel 41 to the top panel 17.
In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 13 includes end flaps 53, 55 foldably connected to a respective end panel 19, 23 at a longitudinal fold line 57, 59. A gusset panel 61, 63 is respectively connected to the end flaps 53, 55 at a respective oblique fold line 65, 67. Each gusset panel 61, 63 is respectively foldably connected to a side panel 27, 31 at a respective lateral fold line 69, 71.
To form the package 50 in accordance with one acceptable method, the containers C are inserted into a respective receptacle 37 so that the top surface of the flanges F of the containers contact the interior panels 41 of the receptacles to raise the interior panels and form the openings 7 in the top panel 17. The flanges F of the containers C are positioned as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 so that portions (e.g., edges 42) of a respective receptacle 37 adjacent the opening engages the underside of the flange to retains the container in the package 5. The end panels 19, 23 are folded downward relative to the top panel 17 and separated along tear line 21, 25 so that a top edge of the end panels is separated from the top panel. The end flaps 53, 55 are inwardly folded at fold lines 57, 59 and the side panels are downwardly folded at fold lines 29, 33 to form the package 5.
Glue or other adhesive can be applied to one or more of the panels and/or flaps of the blank 13 to secure the package 5 in the folded condition. Also, the package 5 can include handle or reinforcement features as illustrated in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/253,485 filed Oct. 17, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Further, the package 5 could include dispensing features for facilitating removal of the containers C from the package. The blank 13 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 5 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 5-7 respectively show a blank 113 and a package 105 of a second embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank 13 and package 5 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7, the central panels 141 of each of the receptacles 137 remain attached to the top panel 117 by respective tabs 143 at longitudinal ends of the central panels 141. Each of the tabs 143 is defined by the spaced apart ends of cuts 139 forming the central panel 141 of the receptacles 137 and curved fold lines 140 attaching the tabs to the top panel 117. The receptacles 137 include oblique cuts 142 extending from the cuts 139 forming the central panel 141. The oblique cuts 142 form foldable flaps 144 in the top panel 117 that are adjacent the openings 107. The edges of the foldable flaps 144 are defined by the cuts 139 and are for engaging the underside of the flanges F of the containers C. The blank 113 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 105 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 8-10 show a blank 213 for forming a package 205 of a third embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank and packages of the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers.
The blank 213 includes a top panel 217 having receptacles 237 similar to the receptacles 137 of the previous embodiment. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the central panels 241 are similarly shaped as the central panels 141. The foldable flaps 244 are formed by the oblique cuts 242. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the foldable flaps 244 are at least partially defined by oblique fold lines 246 that extend between the oblique cuts 242 and the cuts 139 defining the central panel 241. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the tabs 243 are formed by generally straight fold lines 240. In one embodiment, the top panel 217 includes a longitudinal fold line 228 that extends across the length of the top panel. The fold line 228 facilitates forming the package 205 and allows the top panel 217 to conform to the shape of the containers C. The blank 213 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 205 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 11-13 show a blank 313 for forming a package 305 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank and packages of the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers.
The blank 313 includes receptacles 337 that have openings 341 in the top panel 317. The receptacles 337 include tabs 343 adjacent respective longitudinal sides of the openings 341. The tabs 343 are defined by curved fold lines 340 in the top panel. The openings 341 have curved edges 339, formed by correspondingly shaped curved cuts lines in the blank 313, that extend generally in the longitudinal direction L1. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the curved edges 339 engage an underside of the flange F of a respective container to retain the containers in the package 305. The tabs 343 include protruding portions 348 that are generally semi-circular shaped and located between the curved edges 339. In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding portions 348 of the tabs 343 are in contact with a top surface of the flange F of the containers C and are spaced apart from the top panel 317 of the package 305. The blank 313 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 305 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 14-16 show a blank 413 for forming a package 405 of a fifth embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank and packages of the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers.
The blank 413 includes receptacles 437 that have openings 441 in the top panel 417. The openings 441 are generally star-shaped and are formed by respective edges 439. The edges 439 of the openings 441 have curved portions that form respective foldable flaps 444 that are adjacent the openings 441. The foldable flaps 444 protrude into a respective opening 441 and engage an underside of a respective flange F of the containers C. The tabs 443 between the openings 441 are defined by longitudinal fold line 440. In the illustrated embodiment, each receptacle 437 includes eight foldable flaps 444. The blank 413 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 405 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 17-19 show a blank 513 for forming a package 505 of a sixth embodiment of the disclosure having similar features as the blank and packages of the previous embodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are provided with like reference numbers.
The blank 513 includes receptacles 537 similar to the receptacles 437 of the previous embodiment. The openings 541 have an edge 539 that is similar in shape as the edge 439 of the previous embodiment. Foldable flaps 544 are formed by portions of the edge 539 adjacent the opening 541. The foldable flaps 544 protrude into a respective opening 541 and engage an underside of a respective flange F of the containers C. In the embodiment of FIGS. 17-19, the blank 513 comprises retention flaps 556 adjacent the opening 541 that are formed by lateral cuts 542. The retention flaps 556 do not protrude into the opening 541 so that the retention flaps engage the neck N of the containers at a location spaced below the underside of the flange F. The retention flaps 556 provide additional attachment force that secures the package 505 to the containers C. In the embodiment of FIGS. 17-19, the package has six foldably flaps 544 adjacent each opening 541 that engage the underside of the flange F and four retention flaps 556 adjacent each opening that engage the neck N of a respective container C. The blank 513 could be otherwise shaped and/or arranged and the package 505 could have features that are otherwise shaped and/or arranged without departing from the disclosure.
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 blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described 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 to function at least generally as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present 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 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 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.
As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

## Claims

1. A package for holding a plurality of containers, the package comprises:
panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package, the panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel;
a plurality of features in the top panel that receives and holds a top portion of the plurality of containers,
each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening to engage a respective container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the respective container to the package;
wherein the at least two edges are in contact with an underside of a flange of the respective container, wherein the top panel comprises tabs extending between respective adjacent openings, and wherein the tabs comprise a protruding portion with a free edge that extends into the opening between an adjacent respective end of each of the at least two edges.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein the at least two edges are curved.

3. The package of claim 1 wherein the tabs are at least partially defined by fold lines in the top panel.

4. The package of claim 3 wherein the fold lines are curved.

5. The package of claim 2 wherein the curved edges extend generally in the longitudinal direction and a respective tab is adjacent the respective end of each of the curved edges.

6. The package of claim 5 wherein the protruding portion is in contact with a top surface of the flange of the respective container held in a respective opening.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein the at least two edges comprises two curved edges that are free from any line of weakening in the top panel, each of the curved edges being in continuous contact with an underside of a respective container.

8. The package of claim 1 wherein each opening of the plurality of features is generally star-shaped.

9. The package of claim 8 wherein the at least two edges comprises at least two curved edges that are free from any line of weakening in the top panel.

10. The package of claim 8 wherein the at least two edges comprises a plurality of curved edges that respectively form a plurality of foldable flaps adjacent the respective opening.

11. The package of claim 10 further comprising retention flaps in the top panel that are adjacent a respective opening.

12. The package of claim 11 wherein a respective pair of the retention flaps is separated by a respective cut extending from the respective opening.

13. A blank for forming a package for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprises:
panels that comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, the panels are for forming an interior of the package formed from the blank;
a plurality of features in the top panel that are for receiving and holding top portions of the plurality of containers in the package formed from the blank,
each of the plurality of features comprises an opening in the top panel wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening, each of the at least two edges being for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the respective container to the package;
wherein the at least two edges are for being in contact with an underside of a flange of the respective container in the package formed from the blank, wherein the top panel comprises tabs extending between respective adjacent openings, and wherein the tabs comprise a protruding portion with a free edge that extends into the opening between an adjacent respective end of each of the at least two edges.

14. The blank of claim 13 wherein the at least two edges are curved.

15. The blank of claim 13 wherein the tabs are at least partially defined by fold lines in the top panel.

16. The blank of claim 15 wherein the fold lines are curved.

17. The blank of claim 14 wherein the curved edges extend generally in the longitudinal direction and a respective tab is adjacent a respective end of each of the curved edges.

18. The blank of claim 17 wherein the protruding portion is for contact with a top surface of the flange of the respective container held in a respective opening in the package formed from the blank.

19. The blank of claim 13 wherein the at least two edges comprises two curved edges that are free from any line of weakening in the top panel, each of the curved edges are for being in continuous contact with an underside of a respective container in the package formed from the blank.

20. The blank of claim 13 wherein each opening of the plurality of features is generally star-shaped and the at least two edges comprises at least two curved edges that are free from any line of weakening in the top panel.

21. The blank of claim 20 wherein the at least two edges comprises a plurality of curved edges that respectively form a plurality of foldable flaps adjacent the respective opening.

22. The blank of claim 21 further comprising retention flaps in the top panel that are adjacent a respective opening.

23. The blank of claim 22 wherein a respective pair of the retention flaps are separated by a respective cut extending from the respective opening.

24. A method of forming a package for containing a plurality of containers, the method comprising:
obtaining a blank having a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of features in the top panel, each of the plurality of features respectively comprises an opening in the top panel, wherein the top panel has at least two edges at least partially forming a respective opening, wherein the top panel comprises tabs extending between respective adjacent openings, and wherein the tabs comprise a protruding portion with a free edge that extends into the opening between an adjacent respective end of each of the at least two edges; and
inserting a top portion of a respective container through a respective opening and engaging the top portion of the respective container with the at least two edges to at least partially attach the respective container to the package, the engaging the top portion of the respective container comprises contacting the at least two edges with an underside of a flange of the respective container.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein at least two edges are curved edges, the curved edges extend generally in the longitudinal direction, a respective tab is adjacent a respective end of each of the curved edge, and the inserting at least a top portion of a container comprises contacting the protruding portion with a top surface of the flange of the respective container held in a respective opening.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein the at least two edges comprises two curved edges that are free from any line of weakening in the top panel, and the engaging the top portion of the container comprises placing each of the curved edges in continuous contact with the underside of the flange of a respective container.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein each opening of the plurality of features is generally star-shaped and the at least two edges comprise a plurality of curved edges that respectively form a plurality of foldable flaps adjacent the respective opening, the engaging the top portion of the container comprises placing each of the foldable flaps in contact with the underside of the flange of a respective container.

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising retention flaps in the top panel that are adjacent a respective opening, the engaging the top portion of the container further comprises folding the retention flaps to contact the underside of the flange of a respective container.