Patent Publication Number: US-10766680-B2

Title: Carrier for containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/543,053, filed on Aug. 9, 2017. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/543,053, filed on Aug. 9, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to carriers or cartons for holding and displaying containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to carriers that can be inserted into an outer carton. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a carrier for holding at least one container comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. The carrier further comprises at least one divider flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap folded away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the carrier to the at least one central panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a blank for forming a carrier for holding at least one container comprises a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. The blank further comprises at least one divider flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap is for being folded away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel in the carrier formed from the blank, the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the carrier formed from the blank to the at least one central panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a carrier for holding at least one container comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel, the blank further comprising at least one divider flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels at least partially around an interior of the blank, and the method further comprises folding the at least one divider flap away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel and such that the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the carrier to the at least one central panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system comprises a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the first carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. The first carrier further comprises at least one divider flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap folded away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the first carrier to the at least one central panel. The second carrier comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the second carrier, at least one panel of the plurality of panels of the second carrier is positioned adjacent the one of the front panel and the back panel of the first carrier to cover the at least one opening of the first carrier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a first sequential perspective view of a partial folding of the blank of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a second sequential perspective view of a partial folding of the blank of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a third sequential perspective view of a partial folding of the blank of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  in a folded configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the carton in the folded configuration of  FIG. 5  and viewed from an opposite side. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a partial movement of the carton in the folded configuration of  FIGS. 5 and 6  toward an erected configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of the carton of  FIG. 7  being partially moved further toward an erected configuration of the carton. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the carton in the folded configuration of  FIG. 5  according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the carton of  FIGS. 5 and 6  in an erected configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the carton of  FIG. 10  loaded with a plurality of containers. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a system including a pair of the carriers of  FIG. 11  in a side-by-side arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 12  being loaded into an outer container. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     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., glass bottles) 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. 1  shows a plan view of an exterior side  101  of a blank  103  used to form a package or carrier  105  ( FIG. 10 ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the carrier  105  is sized to contain six containers C, three containers C being contained in a front portion  106  of the carrier  105  and three containers C being contained in a back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . In the illustrated embodiment, the containers C can be beverage bottles, but the containers C could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  105  can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers C. In one embodiment, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  each have three containers C. In other embodiments, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  can hold more or less than three containers C without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the blank  103  has a longitudinal axis L 1  and a lateral axis L 2 . The blank  103  has a front portion  107  for forming the front portion  106  of the carrier  105  ( FIG. 10 ), and a back portion  109  for forming the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  ( FIG. 10 ). In one embodiment, the front portion  107  and the back portion  109  are separated at a longitudinal centerline CL of the blank  103 , as shown. As discussed in more detail below, the blank  103  is formed into the carrier  105  by folding the blank  103  about fold lines  110 ,  112  along the centerline CL so that the front portion  107  and the back portion  109  of the blank  103  are overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion  107  of the blank  103  comprises a front panel  125   a  having a notch  127  (broadly, “first notch”) at an upper edge  126  of the front panel  125   a  defined by a cut  143  and that extends downwardly from an upper edge thereof and a first side panel  129   a  (broadly, “first front side panel”) foldably connected to the front panel  125   a  at a lateral fold line  131   a . As shown, an upper portion of the first side panel  129   a  defines a notch or downwardly-extending edge  130  of the first side panel  129   a  that can include one or more angled and/or curved portions. A second side panel  133   a  (broadly, “second front side panel”), as shown, is foldably connected to the front panel  125   a  at a lateral fold line  135   a , and includes a notch or chamfer  137   a  at the upper edge  142   a  thereof. While the chamfer  137   a  is illustrated as linear, it will be understood that the chamfer  137   a  can be angled or curved without departing from the disclosure. A keel  139   a , as shown, is foldably connected to the second side panel  133   a  at a lateral fold line  141   a  that is interrupted by the chamfer  137   a  of the second side panel  133   a . The keel  139   a  can include a notched or recessed portion  136  along a free edge thereof. As shown, the front panel  125   a  and the first side panel  129   a  are separated from the back portion  109  of the blank  103  along the longitudinally-extending cut  143 . As also shown, the notch  127  of the front panel  125   a  can be a recessed portion of the front panel  125   a  that is disposed between portions of the cut  143 . The front portion  107  of the blank  103 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , also includes a front bottom flap  145  foldably connected to the front panel  125   a  at a lateral fold line  128   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front portion  107  of the blank  103  also includes a central panel  147  foldably connected to the first side panel  129   a  at a lateral fold line  149   a . The illustrated central panel  147  includes a first divider flap  151  (broadly, “third divider flap” or “fourth divider flap”) that is foldably connected to the central panel  147  at lateral fold lines  153 ,  155  and which is at least partially separable from the central panel  147  at lines of weakening  157 ,  159  that each may include one or more curved and/or angled portions and which extend from the respective fold lines  153 ,  155  to intersect a generally lateral line of weakening  160  that extends from the line of weakening  157  to the line of weakening  159 . A line of weakening  162  also extends from the fold line  153  to the fold line  155  to facilitate at least partial separation of the divider flap  151  from the central panel  147 , and can include one or more curved or angled portions. An attachment flap  161 , as shown, is foldably connected to the first divider flap  151   a  at a lateral fold line  163  and is separable from the remainder of the central panel  147  at one or more portions of one or more of the lines of weakening  157 ,  159 ,  160 . The central panel  147 , as shown, also includes a second divider flap  165  (broadly, “third divider flap” or “fourth divider flap”) that is foldably connected to the central panel  147  at lateral fold lines  167 ,  169  and which is at least partially separable from the central panel  147   a  at lines of weakening  171 ,  173  that extend from the respective fold lines  167 ,  169  to a free edge of the central panel  147 , each of which may include one or more curved and/or angled portions. The divider flap  165  is also at least partially separable from the attachment flap  161  along a portion of one or more of the lines of weakening  157 ,  159 ,  160 . An attachment flap  175 , as shown, is foldably connected to a marginal portion of the second divider flap  165  at lateral fold lines  177 ,  179  and is separable from a portion of the second divider flap  165  along a line of weakening  181  that extends from the fold line  177  to the fold line  179  and can include one or more curved and/or angled portions. The attachment flap  175  can protrude past the free edge of the central panel  147 , as shown, or can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. As shown, the central panel  147  also includes a notch  182  (broadly, “third notch”) at an upper edge  184  thereof. As described herein, the notch  182  of the central panel  147  cooperates with the notch  127  of the front panel  125   a  during folding operations of the blank  103 . The central panel  147  could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured, and could have other features, without departing from the disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion  109  of the blank  103  includes a back panel  125   b , a first side panel  129   b  (broadly “first back side panel”), a second side panel  133   b  (broadly, “second back side panel”), and a keel  139   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  107  of the blank  103 . 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 portion  107  of the blank  103  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  109  of the blank  103 . The keel  139   b , as shown, can be devoid of the recessed portion  136  of the keel  139   a , or can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , and in contrast to the front portion  107 , the back portion  109  of the blank  103  includes a second keel  140  foldably connected to the second side panel  133   b  at the fold line  149   b  that is at least partially coextensive with the central panel  147  such that the keel  139   b  is a first keel of the back portion  109  of the blank  103 . The back portion  109  of the blank  103 , as shown, also defines a notch  132  (broadly, “second notch”) at an upper edge  128  of the back panel  125   b  which extends into and at least partially defines an upper edge of the side panel  129   b . Further, the back panel  125   b  includes a first divider flap  183  (broadly, “first divider flap” or “second divider flap”) that is foldably connected to the back panel  125   b  at a lateral fold line  185  and which is separable from the back panel  125   b  at lines of weakening  187 ,  188  that each extend from the fold line  185  to lateral fold lines  189 ,  190 . Either or both of the lines of weakening  187 ,  188  can have one or more curved and/or angled portions. An attachment flap  191  is foldably connected to the first divider flap  183  at a lateral fold line  186  that extends from the line of weakening  187  to the line of weakening  188 , as shown, and extends into a portion of the first side panel  129   b . A second divider flap  187  (broadly, “first divider flap” or “second divider flap”), as shown, is foldably connected to the back panel  125   b  at lateral fold lines  189 ,  190  that intersect the fold line  186 , and is separable from the back panel  125   b  at lines of weakening  193 ,  195  each of which may have one or more curved and/or angled portions, that interrupt the fold line  131   b  and extend from the respective fold lines  189 ,  190  into a portion of the first side panel  129   b . The attachment flap  191  is foldably connected to the second side panel  133   b  at lateral fold lines  197 ,  199  that intersect respective portions of the fold line  131   b , and is at least partially separable from the divider flap  187  at generally longitudinally-extending lines of weakening  196 ,  198  that extend from the respective fold lines  189 ,  190  to respective portions of the fold line  131   b . The attachment flap  191  is also at least partially separable from the side panel  129   b  at portions of the lines of weakening  193 ,  195  and at a lateral line of weakening  192  that extends from the line of weakening  193  to the line of weakening  195 . In this regard, the attachment flap  191  interconnects the first divider flap  183  and the second divider flap  187 . As also shown, the back portion  109  of the blank  103  includes a bottom panel  201  foldably connected to the back panel  125   b  at the fold line  128   b  and which includes a proximal portion  203  and a distal portion  205  foldably connected to the proximal portion  203  at a longitudinal fold line  207 . 
     Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank  103  without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, an additional central panel for positioning in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel  147  could be provided on the blank  103 . The blank  103  could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , and referring additionally to  FIGS. 2-6 , assembly of the blank  103  into the carrier  105  ( FIG. 10 ) is illustrated according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the carrier  105  can be erected from the blank  103  by folding the central panel  147  and the second keel  140  at the respective fold lines  149   a ,  149   b  in the direction of the arrow A 1  such that the central panel  147  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the first side panel  129   a  and the front panel  125   a  and such that the second keel  140  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the first side panel  129   b.    
     The second side panels  133   a ,  133   b  can then be folded at the respective fold lines  135   a ,  135   b  in the direction of the arrow A 2  such that the second side panel  133   a  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with a portion of the front panel  125   a  and a portion of the central panel  147 , the keel  139   a  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel  147 , the second side panel  133   b  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel  125   b , and the keel  139   b  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel  125   b.    
     The central panel  147  can then be folded at the fold line  110  and the keel  139   a  can then be folded at the fold line  112  in the direction of the arrow A 3  such that the central panel  147  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second keel  140  and a portion of the back panel  125   b , the second side panel  133   a  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel  133   b , and the keel  139   a  is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the keel  139   b . In such a configuration, the attachment flaps  161 ,  175  of the respective first and second divider flaps  151 ,  165  can be secured in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front panel  125   a  and the attachment flap  191  of the first and second divider flaps  183 ,  187  can be secured in at least partial face-to-face contact with portions of the central panel  147 . The attachment flaps  161 ,  185 ,  191  can be secured in the above-described positions with an adhesive such as glue. The distal portion  205  of the bottom panel  201  can also be folded at the fold line  207  in the direction of the arrow A 4  into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom flap  145 . As described above, any of the panels and/or flaps of the blank  103  may be treated, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, to facilitate securing and contact of panels and/or flaps to one another in the course of forming the carrier  105 . Folding of the blank  103  into the carrier  105  can be performed with different and/or differently-ordered steps without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the folded configuration of the carrier  105  formed from the blank  103  as described above is illustrated. In the folded configuration of the carrier  105  shown, the notch  127  of the front panel  125   a  and the notch  182  of the central panel  147  are aligned, e.g., in at least partial overlapping relation along the longitudinal axis L 1  ( FIG. 1 ), such that the notch  127  provides an access path P 1  (broadly, “first access path”) from the front panel  125   a  to a portion of the central panel  147  that is aligned with the notch  127 , e.g., the notch  182 . Accordingly, in the folded configuration of the carrier  105 , the access path P 1  provides access through the notch  127 , past the central panel  147  through the notch  182 , and to a portion of the back panel  125   b  that is aligned with the notches  127 ,  182 . In this regard, in the folded configuration shown, the notches  127 ,  182  provide the access path P 1  for a machine component M 1 , for example, an actuator, finger, rod, pusher, and/or suction device, to name a few, to contact the back panel  125   b  and urge the back panel  125   b  away from the front panel  125   a  and the central panel  147  in the course of forming the carrier  105 . Similarly, the notch  132  of the back panel  129   b  is aligned with a portion of the central panel  147 , e.g., the notch  182 . Accordingly, in the folded configuration of the carrier  105 , the notch  132  of the back panel  125   b  and the notch  182  of the central panel  147  are aligned such that the notches  132 ,  182  provide an access path P 2  (broadly, “second access path”) from the back panel  125   b , past the central panel  147  through the notch  182 , and to a portion of the front panel  125   a  that is aligned with the notches  132 ,  182  such that a machine component M 2 , which can be substantially similar to machine component M 1 , can contact the front panel  125   b  through the notches  132 ,  182  and urge the front panel  125   a  away from the back panel  125   b  and the central panel  147  in the course of forming the carrier  105 . In one embodiment, a manual operator can effect relative movement of one or more portions of the carrier  105  via the access paths P 1 , P 2 . In one embodiment, either of the machine components M 1 , M 2  can be passed through either of the access paths P 1 , P 2  described herein. It will be understood that the actions of the machine components M 1 , M 2  can be performed in any sequence, or in tandem, without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 8 , prior to, during, and/or following the urging of the back panel  125   b  through the notches  127 ,  182  and/or the urging of the front panel  125   a  through the notches  132 ,  182  as described above, one or more portions of the central panel  147  of the folded configuration of the carrier  105  can be grasped by a guide M 3 , which can be a machine component such as a clamp, grasper, pincer, and/or suction device, to name a few. In one embodiment, the guide M 3  can engage portions of the central panel  147  and/or a portion of the keels  139   a ,  139   b  from above the carrier  105 . In another embodiment, the guide M 3  can laterally engage portions of the central panel  147  and/or a portion of the keels  139   a ,  139   b ,  140  through recessed portions of the front and/or back panels  125   a ,  125   b  at which the central panel  147  is exposed, for example, the notches  127  and/or  132 . The guide M 3  can also engage portions of the central panel  147  and/or a portion of the keels  139   a ,  139   b ,  140  at portions thereof exposed above or through the panels  125   a ,  125   b ,  129   a ,  129   b ,  133   a ,  133   b . For example, as the folded configuration of the carrier  105  is formed into the erected configuration of the carrier  105 , each of the chamfers  137   a ,  137   b  of the respective second side panels  133   a ,  133   b  are adjacent the central panel  147  and the keels  139   a ,  139   b  such that each of the chamfers  137   a ,  137   b , at least partially form a notch or recess  138  above or through which the central panel  147  and/or a portion of the keels  139   a ,  139   b  are exposed such that they can be grasped by the guide M 3  or another machine component through an access path P 4  (broadly, “fourth access path”) ( FIG. 13 ). As also shown, a machine component M 4  can then be inserted between the central panel  147  and/or a portion of the keels  139   a ,  139   b ,  140  and one or both of the front panel  125   a  and the back panel  125   b  and moved outwardly to further space apart the front panel  125   a , the central panel  125   b , and the back panel  125   b  and transition the folded configuration of the carrier  105  into the erected configuration of the carrier  105 . The machine component M 4 , as shown, can be a forked device or pair of arms actuatable to move the front and/or back panels  125   a ,  125   b  away from one another. The machine component M 4  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring momentarily to  FIG. 9 , a blank according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated  303  and shown in a folded configuration of a carrier  305  similar to that of the blank  103  ( FIG. 1 ) and the carrier  105  described above. The blank  303 /carrier  305  is substantially similar to the blank  103 /carrier  105  described above, but includes an additional notch  134  (broadly, “fourth notch”) at the upper edge  126  of the front panel  125   a  that provides an access path P 3  (broadly, “third access path”) to a portion of the central panel  147  through which the central panel  147  can be grasped by a guide such as M 3  ( FIG. 8 ) during formation of the carrier  305 . In one embodiment, one or both of the machine components M 1 , M 2  can follow the access path P 3  to engage a portion of the central panel  147 . Blanks and carriers can include additional or alternative notches along portions thereof to facilitate folding and forming of a carrier without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , and turning to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the erected configuration of the carrier  105  is thus formed by arranging the front panel  125   a , the central panel  147 , and the back panel  125   b  in parallel spaced relation, with the first side panel  129   a  and the second side panel  133   a  extending from the front panel  125   a  to the central panel  147  and the first side panel  129   b  and the second side panel  133   b  extending from the back panel  125   b  to the central panel  147 , such that an interior  114  of the carrier  105  is defined. Formation of the carrier  105  in such an arrangement also results in at least partial separation of the first divider flap  151  from the central panel  147  and the second divider flap  165  at the lines of weakening  157 ,  159 ,  160 ,  162  and at least partial separation of the second divider flap  165  from the central panel  147  and the first divider flap  151  at the lines of weakening  171 ,  173 ,  157 ,  159 ,  160 . The attachment flap  161  is at least partially separated from the second divider panel  165  at portions of the lines of weakening  157 ,  159 ,  160 , the attachment flap  175  is at least partially separated from the second divider flap  165  at the line of weakening  181 , and the attachment flaps  161 ,  175  are folded at the respective fold lines  163  and  177 ,  179  to be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front panel  125   a.    
     Upon the aforementioned formation of the carrier  105 , the first divider flap  183  is at least partially separated from the back panel  125   b  and the second divider flap  187  at the lines of weakening  178 ,  188 ,  196 ,  198  and the second divider flap  187  is at least partially separated from the back panel  125   b , the first divider flap  183 , and the side panel  129   b  at the lines of weakening  193 ,  195 ,  192 . The attachment flap  191  is separated from the second divider flap  187  at the lines of weakening  196 ,  198  and the line of weakening  192 , and the attachment flap  191  is folded at the fold lines  186 ,  197 ,  199  to be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel  147 . In this regard, the divider flaps  151 ,  165  extend from the central panel  147  to the front panel  125   a  via the interior  114  of the carrier  105  and are attached to the front panel  125   a  with the attachment flaps  161 ,  175 , and the divider flaps  183 ,  187  extend from the back panel  125   b  to the central panel  147  through the interior  114  of the carrier  105  and are attached to the central panel  147  via the attachment flap  191 . In such an arrangement, three container-receiving spaces  115  are defined in the interior  114  of the carrier  105  in the front portion  106  of the carrier  105  and three container-receiving spaces  117  are defined in the interior  114  of the carrier  105  in the back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , the carrier  105  is shown loaded with containers C in the container-receiving spaces  115 ,  117 , for example, manually or with a loading apparatus. As shown, the portions of the back panel  125   b  from which the divider flaps  183 ,  187  are separated and folded away from form openings or windows  119  (broadly, “first opening” or “second opening”),  121  (broadly, “first opening” or “second opening”) to provide access into the container-receiving spaces  117  in the interior  114  of the carrier  105 . The windows  119 ,  121  are discontinuities and/or voids in the back panel  125   b  such that the amount of material that forms the carrier  105  is reduced or optimized, for example, as compared to a carrier having panels that lack such windows. Additionally or alternatively, the windows  119 ,  121  can provide visibility to customers of a label or other portion of containers C disposed in the container-receiving spaces  117  for the purpose of conveying product information. The windows  119 ,  121  can also provide regions for inspection of the containers C, for example, to identify defects or for quality control, for example, prior to shipping, following shipping, and/or prior to placement of the carrier  105  in a retail location. It will be understood that the carrier  105  can include additional or fewer or windows, or a different arrangement of windows, without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, windows  119 ,  121  can additionally or alternatively be provided on the front panel  125   a.    
     Turning additionally to  FIG. 12 , the carriers  105  loaded with the containers C can be arranged for storage and/or transport as a carrier or insert system  209  that includes at least two carriers  105  in an abutting or side-by-side arrangement with a front panel  125   a  of one carrier  105  (broadly, “second carrier”) in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel  125   b  of an adjacent carrier  105  (broadly, “first carrier”), as shown. In this regard, the windows  119 ,  121  in the back panel  125   b  of the first carrier  105  of the system  209  are covered, e.g., in at least partial face-to-face contact, by the front panel  125   a  of the adjacent second carrier  105  of the system  209  such that each front panel  125   a , which is substantially devoid of windows or other openings, is shared by adjacent first and second carriers  105  in the system  209  to provide enhanced coverage and protection of containers C in the carriers  105 , while allowing portions of the carriers  105  to retain windows  119 ,  121  for material-saving purposes and/or product visibility. While the system  209  is illustrated with two carriers  105 , it will be understood that the system  209  can include greater than two carriers  105 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 13 , the system  209  can be used with an outer container or outer carton  211  having an interior  213  within which the two or more adjacent carriers  105  can be inserted in the side-by-side configuration described above. In this regard, the system  209  of carriers  105  can be inserted into the interior  213  of the outer carton  211 , for example, manually or through the use of a conveyer or other transporting apparatus. In one embodiment, the notch  138  near the second side panels  129   a ,  129   b  can provide access to the second keel  140  and/or the central panel  147  to facilitate loading of the carriers  105  into the outer carton  211 . In one embodiment, the system  209  includes the outer carton  211 . It will be understood that one carrier  105  of the system  209  can have respective windows  119 ,  121  positioned in at least partial face to face contact with a side  215  of the outer carton  211  such that the side  215  of the outer carton  211  covers the windows  119 ,  121  for protection and/or visibility therethrough as described above. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.