Patent Publication Number: US-11655088-B2

Title: Carrier for containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,365, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/086,681, filed on Oct. 2, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/120,863, filed on Dec. 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,400, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/208,646, filed on Jun. 9, 2021. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/84630227571,449, filed on May 1, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,050, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,057, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,060, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,063, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,066, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/692,992, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/692,993, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/692,994, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/692,996, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/692,997, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/598,282, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/709,918, filed on Oct. 18, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on Jan. 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/985,997, filed on Mar. 6, 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/829,346, filed on Mar. 25, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,898, filed on Apr. 27, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,757, filed on May 11, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/023,442, filed on May 12, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/735,178, filed on May 19, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/031,615, filed on May 29, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/739,927, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/739,929, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/739,931, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/739,933, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/739,934, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,365, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/086,681, filed on Oct. 2, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/120,863, filed on Dec. 3, 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/119,040, filed on Dec. 11, 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/118,999, filed on Dec. 11, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,400, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/775,557, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/775,558, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/775,559, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/775,560, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/208,568, filed on Jun. 9, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/208,646, filed on Jun. 9, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/728,454, filed on Sep. 7, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/767,188, filed on Nov. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/770,566, filed on Nov. 21, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/214,868, filed on Jun. 25, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/216,062, filed on Jun. 29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/219,648, file d on Jul. 8, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/222,225, filed on Jul. 15, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/203,882, filed on Aug. 3, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/260,881, filed on Sep. 3, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/261,582, filed on Sep. 24, 2021, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety. The disclosures of each of U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,784, issued on Mar. 5, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,413, issued on Jan. 17, 2012, and U.S. Pat. No. 11,027,905, issued on Jun. 8, 2021, are also hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety. 
     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 top panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, and at least one reinforcement panel interrupting the fold line and positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap. 
     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 top panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, and at least one reinforcement panel interrupting the fold line and positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap. 
     According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a top panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, and at least one reinforcement panel interrupting the fold line and positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap, and positioning the blank such that the plurality of container retention openings is positioned for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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 a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  2    is perspective view of a package including a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG.  1    and a plurality of containers according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is perspective view of a package including a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG.  3    and a plurality of containers according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the package of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is perspective view of a package including a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG.  6    and a plurality of containers according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a top blank for at least partially forming a carrier according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the top blank of  FIG.  8    positioned above the package of  FIG.  2    according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is perspective view of a package including a top construct formed from the blank of  FIG.  8    and the package of  FIG.  2    according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a top blank for at least partially forming a carrier according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the top blank of  FIG.  11    positioned above the package of  FIG.  2    according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is perspective view of a package including a top construct formed from the blank of  FIG.  11    and the package of  FIG.  2    according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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.  1    shows a plan view of an exterior side  101  of a blank  103  used to form a carrier  105  ( FIG.  2   ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described further herein, the carrier  105  can be configured for holding/supporting/retaining/receiving a plurality of containers. The carrier  105  can be provided with one or more containers to form a package  110  ( FIG.  2   ). 
     Containers suitable for use with the carriers of the present disclosure can be beverage cans having a lower base portion, a top portion T generally comprising a neck that tapers inwardly from the lower base portion, a flange portion at the top of the neck portion that extends radially outward from the neck portion, and a top surface below the flange portion that includes a pull-tab. Containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations, may be held in the carriers without departing from the disclosure. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , the carrier  105  can be sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  being attached to a front portion  106  of the carrier  105  and three containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  being attached to a back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  105  can be provided together with one or more of the containers as a package  110 . 
     The carrier  105  can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  can carry more or less than three containers 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  and a back portion  109  for forming the back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the blank  103  comprises a top panel  125  (broadly, “first top panel” or “central panel” or “attachment panel”), a container retention flap  127  (broadly, “first container retention flap”, “first top end flap”, “second top panel”, or “first container retention panel”) foldably connected to the top panel  125  at a lateral fold line  129  (broadly, “first fold line”), and a container retention flap  131  (broadly, “second container retention flap”, “second top flap”, “third top panel”, or “second container retention panel”) foldably connected to the top panel  125  at a lateral fold line  133  (broadly, “second fold line”). 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  1 A , the top panel  125  can have container retention features that include a plurality of container retention openings  135  (broadly, “first plurality of container retention openings”). As shown, the container retention openings  135  can be provided in a column and row arrangement in a number that corresponds to a desired number of containers to be held by the carrier  105  formed from the blank  103 . While the top panel  125  is shown having container openings  135  provided in two rows/columns of three openings  135  each, it will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of container retention openings  135  can be provided without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A , the container retention openings  135  can have a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs  137 ,  139  provided in an alternating arrangement foldably connected to the top panel  125  at respective portions of a curved fold line/line of weakening  143 . In the illustrated arrangement, a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs  137  are provided along a line parallel with the longitudinal axis L 1 , a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs  137  are provided along a line parallel with the lateral axis L 2 , and container retention tabs  139  are provided between respective adjacent container retention tabs  137  at respective oblique angles relative to the axes L 1 , L 2 . It will be understood that the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  can be provided in a generally abutting circumferential arrangement, though spacing could be provided between adjacent container retention tabs without departing from the disclosure. 
     While the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  are illustrated as having generally curved free edges facing the interior of the container retention opening  135 , and with the container retention tabs  137  larger than the container retention tabs  139 , it will be understood that one or more of the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  can be foldably connected to the top panel  125  at respective curved fold lines. In another embodiment, the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  can be foldably connected to the top panel  125  at respective portions of a curved fold line spanning multiple container retention tabs  137 ,  139 . 
     The blank  103 /carrier  105  can also have handle features that include at least one handle tab  141  foldably connected to the top panel  125  at a longitudinal fold line  144  and at least partially defined by a curved cut  145  extending from one endpoint of the fold line  144  to the other endpoint of the fold line  144 . As described further herein, the handle tabs  141  can be separated from the top panel  125  to form respective handle openings for user engagement of the carrier  105 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , each of the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  includes respective container retention openings  147  (broadly, “second plurality of container retention openings”). The container retention openings  147  are for being aligned with the respective container retention openings  135  when the carrier  105  is formed from the blank  103 , as described further herein. While the container retention openings  147  are illustrated as generally symmetrical circular apertures, it will be understood that one or more of the container retention openings  147  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, e.g., having multiple foci and/or asymmetrical portions, etc. 
     As also shown, the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  have respective lateral free edges  149 ,  151  that define respective recessed portions  153 ,  155 . As described further herein, when the carrier  105  is formed from the blank  103 , the recessed portions  153 ,  155  are positionable to abut and/or at least partially surround a respective handle tab  141  to provide clearance and/or reinforcement for user engagement of the carrier  105 . In this regard, the recessed portions  153 ,  155  can also form handle features of the blank  103 /carrier  105 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the blank  103 /carrier  105  formed therefrom can be configured to stiffen/inhibit relative movement of portions of the blank  103 /carrier  105  when in use. As shown, a pair of laterally-spaced reinforcement features/reinforcement panels  157  (broadly, “first reinforcement feature/reinforcement panel”) can be positioned interrupting the fold line  129 . Each reinforcement feature/panel  157 , as shown, can be a region of the blank  103 /carrier  105  between the top panel  125  and the container retention flap  127  and that is defined by a line of weakening  159  extending between endpoints of segments of the fold line  129 . 
     The line of weakening  159 , as shown, can include a plurality of intersecting oblique segments  159   a ,  159   b ,  159   c ,  159   d . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments  159   a ,  159   b ,  159   c ,  159   d  can be arranged so as to form a generally rhomboid/diamond-shaped reinforcement feature/panel  157 . In one embodiment, each of the segments  159   a ,  159   b ,  159   c ,  159   d  of the line of weakening  159  can be arranged at an angle of about 45° relative to each of the axes L 1 , L 2 . In other embodiments, one or more of the segments of the line of weakening  159  can be arranged at a different angle relative to the axes L 1 , L 2 . It will be understood that one or more of the lines of weakening  159 /reinforcement panels  157  can have one or more different features, e.g., curved and/or longitudinal/lateral portions, without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown, a pair of longitudinally-spaced reinforcement features/reinforcement panels  157  (broadly, “second reinforcement feature/panel”) can also be provided interrupting the fold line  133  so as to be positioned between the top panel  125  and the container retention flap  131 . It will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of the reinforcement panels  157  can be provided 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 blank  103  without departing from the disclosure. The blank  103  could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  2   , according to one exemplary embodiment of forming the carrier  105 /package  110 , the blank  103  can be positioned above a group of containers and the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  can be folded toward the interior surfaced/underside of the blank  103  at the respective fold lines  129 ,  133  such that the container retention openings  147  of the respective container retention flaps  127 ,  131  align with the respective container retention openings  135  of the top panel  125 . 
     In such an arrangement, the blank  103  can be lowered upon the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  such that upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  can be at least partially received through the respective aligned container retention openings  135 ,  147 . 
     Accordingly, the edge of the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  surrounding the respective container retention openings  147  at least partially receive a top portion T of the respective containers, e.g., a rolled rim of the respective containers, and the container retention openings  135  subsequently receive the respective top portions T of the respective containers. 
     Such movement of the respective top portions T of the respective containers through the respective container retention openings  135  can cause the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  to be urged upwardly at the respective portions of the fold line  143  so as to extend at least partially upwardly relative to the top panel  125 . In this regard, the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  can extend from the top panel  125  to contact a respective container at the neck portion thereof below a respective flange. Such upward/oblique arrangement of the container retention tabs  137 ,  139  extending from the top panel  125  to a top structure of the respective containers can provide a reinforced, braced, stabilized, etc. engagement of the blank  103 /carrier  105  with the containers. 
     Furthermore, the overlapping relationship of respective portions of the top panel  125  with the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  is such that the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  provide an underlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. and provide a stable platform from which the top panel  125  and container retention tabs  137 ,  139  extending upwardly therefrom are supported. 
     In addition to the support provided by the 2-ply/overlapping engagement of the top panel  125  with the container retention flaps  127 ,  131 , the reinforcement panels  157  are presented in an outward-facing arrangement relative to the top panel  125  and the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  so as to form a generally upright/vertical structure (e.g., relative to the top panel  125 ) that further minimizes/resists bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier  105 /package  110  relative to a plane defined by the top panel  125  and/or the container retention flaps  127 ,  131 , e.g., such that the carrier  105 /package  110  minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2 . In this regard, the reinforcement panels  157  are positioned between the top panel  125  and the respective container retention flaps  127 ,  131 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , the package  110 /carrier  105  can be grasped by a consumer by separating one or both handle tabs  141  from the top panel at the respective cuts  145  and folding the handle tab  141  downwardly at the respective fold line  144  to form a respective handle opening in the top panel  125  through which the user can insert one or more of his or her fingers. As described above, the recessed portions  153 ,  155  of the respective container retention flaps  127 ,  131  can be positioned abutting/surrounding the respective handle openings such that a user can engage the underside of the respective container retention flaps  127 ,  131  and/or a portion of the top panel  125 , e.g., adjacent the respective recessed portion  153 ,  155 , in order to engage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier  105 /package  110 . 
     In addition, the oblique arrangement of the container retention tabs  139  relative to the handle tabs  141 /openings formed therefrom enhances the resistance to bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the top panel  125  and/or respective portions of the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  along both the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2  when forces are exerted on the carrier  105 /package  110  in the course of lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving the carrier  105 /package  110  via engagement of the handle features by a user. 
     Furthermore, upon formation of the package  110 /carrier  105  respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be removed from the carrier  105  by disengaging the respective container from the top panel  125  and respective container retention flap  127 ,  131 , for example, by moving the respective container retention tabs  137 ,  139  away from the neck portion of a respective container and withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through respective aligned container retention openings  135 ,  147 . 
     It will be understood that the carrier  105 /package  110  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a plan view of an exterior surface  201  of a blank  203  for at least partially forming a carrier  205  ( FIG.  4   ) is illustrated according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carrier  205  formed from the blank  203  can be provided with one or more containers to form a package  210 . 
     The blank  203  includes a front portion  207  for forming a front portion  206  of the carrier  205  and the blank  203  includes a back portion  209  for forming a back portion  208  of the carrier  205 . The blank  203  and carrier  205  can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with regard to the blank  103  and carrier  105 /package  110 , and like or similar features are identified with like or similar reference numerals. 
     As shown, the blank  203  is substantially similar to the blank  103  with the exception that the blank  203  further includes a first reinforcement flap  228  (broadly, “first central panel” or “first keel”) foldably connected to the container retention flap  127  at a lateral fold line  230  and a second reinforcement flap  232  (broadly, “second central panel” or “second keel”) foldably connected to the container retention flap  131  at a lateral fold line  234 . 
     Furthermore, the handle features of the blank  203 /carrier  205  can include handle apertures  253 ,  254  that interrupt the respective fold lines  230 ,  234  and are for at least partially aligning with the respective handle tabs  141  when the carrier  205  is formed from the blank  203 . As shown, portions of the respective handle apertures  253 ,  254  can correspond to the respective recessed portions  153 ,  154  of the blank  103  described above. The blank  203 /carrier  205  can have one or more different handle features without departing from the disclosure. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the carrier  205 /package  210  can be formed in a manner similar to the carrier  105  and package  110  described above such that the front portion  206  of the carrier  205  can hold up to three containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3  and such that the back portion  208  of the carrier  305  can hold up to three containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     Furthermore, the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  can be folded at the respective fold lines  230 ,  234  into at least partial face-to-face contact with one another and positioned extending downwardly from the top panel  125  and container retention flaps  127 ,  131  between the containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3  in the front portion  206  of the carrier  205 /package  210  and the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in the back portion  208  of the carrier  205 /package  210 . It will be understood that the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  can provide a divider/separator/buffer between the containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3  in the front portion  206  of the carrier  205 /package  210  and the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in the back portion  208  of the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     The vertical positioning of the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  at the center of the carrier  205 /package  210  is such that additional resistance to bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier  205 /package  210  relative to a plane defined by the top panel  125  and/or the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  is provided, e.g., such that the carrier  205 /package  210  minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2 . 
     Furthermore, the arrangement of the handle apertures  253 ,  254  is such that, when the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  are extending downwardly from the container retention flaps  127 ,  131 , portions of the apertures  253 ,  254  extending into the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  are positioned to provide clearance for one or more of a user&#39;s fingers extending through the handle openings formed by the handle tabs  141 . 
     The carrier  205 /package  210  can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carrier  105  and package  110 , e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , an exterior surface  301  of a blank  303  for forming a carrier  305  and package  310  ( FIG.  7   ) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank  303  and the carrier  305 /package  310  formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with regard to the blanks  103 ,  203 , carriers  105 ,  205 , and packages  110 ,  210  described above, and like or similar features are identified with like or similar reference numerals. 
     As shown, the blank  303  can have the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2 , a front portion  306  for carrying up to three containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3  and aback portion  308  for carrying up to three containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the blank  303  can include the top panel  125 , the container retention flaps  127 ,  131 , the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232 , and associated features. In the illustrated embodiment, a single elongated reinforcement feature/panel  157  can be provided interrupting the respective fold lines  128 ,  133 , through a different number and/or arrangement of reinforcement features/panels  157  can be provided without departing from the disclosure. 
     As described herein, the blank  303  can be formed into the carrier  305 /package  310  for holding one or more containers in the form of bottles, e.g., plastic bottles formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another polymer, and having upper portions that include a flange F supporting a cap CP. 
     In this regard, container retention openings  335  (broadly, “first plurality of container retention openings”) in the top panel  125  and container retention openings  347  in the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  (broadly, “second plurality of container retention openings”) can be sized and configured to receive and engage the upper portion of the respective containers. The blank  303 /carrier  305 /package  310  can further be provided with container retention tabs  337  formed by respective cuts  339  having one or more of curved, straight, and angled portions. The container retention tabs  337 , as shown, can be provided in diametrically opposed pairs extending into the respective container retention openings  335  and having generally tapered trapezoidal configuration with beveled edges, though one or more of the container retention tabs  337  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  7   , the carrier  305 /package  310  can be formed in a manner substantially similar manner to that described above with regard to the carriers  105 ,  205 /packages  110 ,  210  with the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  folded under the top panel  125  such that the aligned container retention openings  335 ,  347  are aligned to at least partially receive upper portions of the respective containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , e.g., portions surrounding the respective caps CP and respective flanges F therethrough, with the container retention tabs  337  positioned to extend from the top panel  125  to contact a respective container at a neck portion thereof below a respective flange F. 
     Furthermore, the reinforcement flaps  228 ,  232  can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with one another and positioned extending downwardly from the top panel  125  and container retention flaps  127 ,  131  between the containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3  in the front portion  306  of the carrier  305 /package  310  and the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in the back portion  308  of the carrier  305 /package  310  as described above with regard to the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     The carrier  305 /package  310  can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers  105 ,  205  and packages  110 ,  210  described above, e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels. It will be understood that the carrier  305 /package  310  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a plan view of an exterior surface  401  of an upper blank  403  (broadly, “second blank”) for at least partially forming a carrier  405  ( FIG.  10   ) is illustrated according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     As described further below, the upper blank  403  can form an upper construct or second construct  404  that cooperates with the carrier  105  of the first exemplary embodiment to form the carrier  405 . In this regard, the blank  103  that forms the carrier  105  can be considered a first blank or lower blank, and the carrier  105  can be considered a first construct or lower construct. The carrier  405  can be provided with one or more containers to form a package  410  ( FIG.  10   ). 
     The upper blank  403 , as shown, can have the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2 . A grain direction M 2  of the upper blank  403 , e.g., a direction along which the fibers/fibrous components of the material from which the first blank  403  is formed (e.g., paperboard) generally lie, can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L 1 . It will be understood that the grain direction M 2  can be generally parallel to the lateral axis L 2  or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the longitudinal axis L 1  without departing from the disclosure. 
     As described herein, a grain direction M 1  of the lower blank  103  ( FIG.  1   ), can be generally parallel to the lateral axis L 2 , though the grain direction M 2  can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L 1  or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the lateral axis L 2  without departing from the disclosure. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  8   , the upper blank  403  can have a front portion  407  for at least partially forming a front portion  406  of the carrier  405 , and a back portion  409  for at least partially forming a back portion  408  of the carrier  405 . The upper blank  403  can also include a front attachment panel  423  foldably connected to a back attachment panel  425  at a lateral fold line  421 . The front attachment panel  423  can include a container retention portion  427  defined between a pair of lateral fold lines  429 ,  431  such that the container retention portion  427  is foldably connected to an interior marginal portion  433  of the front attachment panel  423  at the lateral fold line  429  and such that the container retention portion  427  is foldably connected to an exterior marginal portion  435  at the fold line  431 . A pair of laterally-spaced notches or recessed portions  436  can be defined along a free edge of the front attachment panel  423 . 
     The upper blank  403 /upper construct  405  can include container retention features for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers. As shown, the fold line  429  can be interrupted by a plurality of laterally-spaced curved cuts  437  that define container retention tabs  439  protruding from the container retention portion  427 , and the fold line  431  can be interrupted by a plurality of laterally-spaced curved cuts  441  that define retention tabs  443  protruding from the container retention portion  427  opposite the container retention tabs  439 . As shown, one or more relief cuts or lines of weakening can be positioned proximate or intersecting the respective cuts  437 ,  441 . 
     Similarly, the back attachment panel  425  can have a container retention portion  443  defined between a pair of lateral fold lines  445 ,  447 , an interior marginal portion  449  foldably connected to the container retention portion  443  at the fold line  445 , and an exterior marginal portion  451  foldably connected to the container retention portion  453  at the fold line  447 . The fold lines  445 ,  447  can be interrupted by respective pluralities of curved cuts  437 ,  441  so that the back attachment panel  425  can be provided with similar/identical container retention features associated with that described above with regard to the front attachment panel  423 . A pair of laterally-spaced notches or recessed portions  452  can be defined along a free edge of the back attachment panel  425 . 
     The blank  403 /construct  405  can also include handle features including a pair of laterally-spaced handle openings  449  interrupting the fold line  421  and having respective handle reinforcement flaps  451  positioned extending into the respective handle openings  449  and foldably connected to respective portions of the attachment panels  423 ,  425  at respective lateral fold lines  453 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the carrier/lower construct  105  can be formed as described above, with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be engaged with the carrier/lower construct  105  in the manner described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     Thereafter, in order to form the carrier  405 /package  410  according to one exemplary embodiment, the blank  403  can be lowered onto the carrier/lower construct  105  to activate the container retention features thereof and form the upper construct  405 . For example, as an interior surface or underside of the blank  403  is placed atop the containers, the container retention portions  427 ,  443  can at least partially separate from the remainder of the respective attachment panels  423 ,  425  at the respective cuts  437 ,  441 . 
     In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2  can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts  437 ,  441  such that the container retention tabs  439 ,  443  can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . In such an arrangement, a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the respective interior marginal portions  433 ,  449  and exterior marginal portions  435 ,  451  can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     The aforementioned reconfiguration of the blank  403  in the upper construct  405  can also cause the interior marginal portion  433  of the front attachment panel  423  to fold downwardly at the fold line  429  and the exterior marginal portion  435  of the front attachment panel  423  to fold downwardly at the fold line  431 . Similarly, the interior marginal portion  449  of the back attachment panel  423  can fold downwardly at the fold line  445  and the exterior marginal portion  451  of the back attachment panel  425  can fold downwardly at the fold line  447 . 
     The carrier  405 /package  410  can be used in a similar manner to that described above with regard to the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  305 /packages  110 ,  210 ,  310 . In order to engage/move/carry the carrier  405 /package  410 , in one embodiment, a user can insert his or her finger(s) through one or both of the respective handle openings  449  to cause the handle reinforcement flaps  451  to fold downwardly at the respective fold lines  453  toward the handle tabs  141  of the lower construct/carrier  105 . In this regard, the handle tabs  141  can separate from the top panel  125  in the manner described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment to provide a respective opening in the top panel  125 . A user can thus engage the underside of the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  and/or a portion of the top panel  125  in order to engage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier  405 /package  410 . The respective handle reinforcement flaps  451  and handle tabs  141  can be positioned between a user&#39;s finger(s) and respective portions of the underside of the carrier  405 /package  410 , e.g., for comfort, to avoid pinching, etc. and/or to provide a reinforced structure for engagement by the user that is resistant to tearing or other deformation due to carrying stresses. In one embodiment, a free edge of one or both of the handle tabs  451  can catch/engage a portion of the top panel  125  of the lower construct  105  to facilitate proper engagement of the carrier  405 /package  410  by a user. 
     In order to remove one or more containers from the carrier  405 /package  410 , respective top portions T of the containers can be withdrawn through the openings formed by the respective cuts  437 ,  441  and the remainder of the respective attachment panels  423 ,  425  of the upper construct. The respective top portions T of the containers can further be withdrawn through respective aligned container retention openings  135 ,  147  of the lower construct  105  as described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     The carrier  405 /package  410  can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  305  and packages  110 ,  210 ,  310  e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof. 
     Furthermore, the aforementioned combination of the upper construct  404  and the lower construct  105  provides a carrier  405 /package  410  with a robust and rigid configuration provided by the overlapping upper blank  403 /construct  405  with the lower blank  103 /lower construct  105  to provide enhanced strengthening properties to minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier  405 /package  410  relative to a plane defined by the top panel  125  and/or the container retention flaps  127 ,  131  and/or the attachment panels  423 ,  425  in addition to the presence of the reinforcement panels  157 , e.g., such that the carrier  405 /package  410  minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L 1  and the lateral axis L 2 . 
     Further still, the aforementioned combination of the upper construct  404  and the lower construct  105  provides the carrier  405 /package  410  with a robust and rigid configuration provided by the overlapping upper blank  403 /construct  404  having the grain direction M 2  and the lower blank  103 /lower construct  105  having the grain direction M 1  that is perpendicular to the grain direction M 2  such that a cross-grain configuration is provided. Such cross-grain configuration of the carrier  405 /package  410  can provide enhanced strengthening properties and resistance to tearing, e.g., since the carrier  405 /package  410  is resistant to tearing in a direction perpendicular to the grain direction M 1  as well as in a direction perpendicular to the grain direction M 2 . In this regard, the cross-grain configuration of the carrier  405 /package  410  is such that enhanced resistance to tearing is provided along two perpendicular axes. 
     In addition, the positioning of the respective container retention portions  427 ,  433  overlapping the top portions T of the respective containers can provide, for example, additional advertising for product information (e.g., advertisements, pricing information, graphics/logos/images, promotional information, etc.), as well as forming a barrier that can minimize, inhibit, prevent, and/or otherwise avoid debris or other unwanted material from contacting the top portions T of the respective containers. Such protection/overlapping of the top portions T of the respective containers can provide consumers with an enhanced impression of sanitization and quality control with respect to the containers of the package  410 . 
     The carrier  405 /package  410  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, and it will be understood that any of the blanks, carriers, and packages described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, only one of the front attachment panel  423 /interior marginal portion  433 /exterior marginal portion  435  and associated features and the back attachment panel  425 /interior marginal portion  449 /exterior marginal portion  459  and associated features, so as to overlap only a respective front portion or back portion of the carrier/lower construct  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , a plan view of an exterior surface  501  of a second blank or upper blank  503  for at least partially forming a carrier  505  ( FIG.  13   ) is illustrated according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carrier  505  at least partially formed from the blank  503  can be provided with one or more containers to form a package  510 . 
     The upper blank  503  can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the upper blank  403  of the fourth exemplary embodiment, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. 
     As shown, the upper blank  503  can include the longitudinal axis L 1 , the lateral axis L 2 , and the grain direction M 2 . The blank  503  can have a front portion  507  for at least partially forming a front portion  508  of the carrier  505 , and a back portion  509  for at least partially forming a back portion  508  of the carrier  505 . The upper blank  503  can include a single attachment panel  523  forming a container retention portion  527 , with the exterior marginal portion  435  foldably connected to the attachment panel  523  at the fold line  431 , and with the exterior marginal portion  451  foldably connected to the attachment panel  523  at the fold line  447 . The fold lines  431 ,  447  can be interrupted by the respective pluralities of curved cuts  437 ,  441  so as to provide container retention features as described above with respect to the upper blank  403  ( FIG.  8   ) of the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
     The carrier  505 /package  510  can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the carrier  405 /package  410 , e.g., the carrier  105  can be and engaged with one or more of the containers CAL CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be engaged with the carrier  105 , and the blank  503  can be lowered onto the carrier  105  to activate the container retention features thereof and form an upper construct  504 . 
     Activation of the container retention features of the blank  503 /construct  504  can include separation of the container retention portion  527  from the remainder of the respective portions panels  423 ,  425  at the respective cuts  437 ,  441 . In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts  437 ,  441  such that the container retention tabs  439 ,  443  can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . In such an arrangement, a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the respective exterior marginal portions  435 ,  451  can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     The carrier  505 /package  510  can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  305 ,  405  and packages  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof. 
     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.