Patent Publication Number: US-2023135077-A1

Title: Article carriers, multipack packages and blanks, and methods for forming the same

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 63/275,729 filed on Nov. 4, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to product packaging and, more particularly, to carriers for holding and carrying articles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the field of packaging, it is often desirable to provide a package that includes multiple articles for shipping and distribution. Additionally, warehouse stores and some retail stores often sell products in bulk quantities. For example, articles such as large bottles or the like are often shipped and sold as multipacks and, more commonly, as two-packs. The packaging holds the articles together. Such packaging can also serve as a carrier for the articles. Traditionally, these carriers have taken the form of a plastic strap having rings at each end that receive and hold the articles, often referred to as dogbone carriers or dogbone handles. Such plastic carriers are inexpensive to manufacture and can be used with relatively heavy articles. However, these plastic carriers create undesirable waste and are not easily recyclable. Additionally, these plastic carriers are typically limited to a particular style of product container. Therefore, different tooling is required to fabricate plastic carriers for different sizes and shapes of product containers, which increases costs and manufacturing cycle time. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product packaging. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are an article carrier, a multipack package, a blank for forming an article carrier and a method for packaging articles. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. 
     In an example, the disclosed article carrier includes a stack that includes layers of a cellulosic material and article-retention structures formed by the layers of the stack. Each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article. 
     In another example, the disclosed article carrier includes panels that are arranged in a stacked configuration and article-retention structures formed by the panels. Each one of the article-retention structures is configured to receive and to retain an article. 
     In an example, the disclosed multipack package includes an article carrier that includes panels arranged in a stacked configuration and article-retention structures formed by the panels. The multipack package also includes articles received in and retained by the article-retention structures. 
     In an example, the disclosed blank includes a first panel that includes article-receiving apertures. The blank also includes a second panel that is connected to the first panel along a first panel fold line and that includes first article-retention apertures formed through the second panel and first article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures. The blank further includes a third panel that is connected to the first panel along a second panel fold line, opposite the second panel, and that includes second article-retention apertures formed through the third panel and second article-retention tabs arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures. 
     In an example, the disclosed packaging method includes steps of: (1) receiving articles in article-retention structures of an article carrier, wherein the article-retention structures are formed by panels of the article carrier that are arranged in a stacked configuration; and (2) retaining the articles in the article-retention structures of the article carrier. 
     Other examples of the disclosed article carrier, the multipack package, the blank and the method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a multipack package using an example of an article carrier; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a blank for forming the article carrier; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank for forming the article carrier; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic, bottom perspective view of an example of the blank in a stage of construction to form the article carrier; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a portion of the blank; 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom, perspective view of an example of the article carrier; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic, top perspective view of an example of the article carrier; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic, elevation, sectional view of an example of a portion of the article carrier; and 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic, elevation, sectional view of an example of a portion of the article carrier. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to an article carrier  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4 - 6   ), a blank  102  for forming the article carrier  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ), and a multipack package  104  that uses the article carrier  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ). The article carrier  100  advantageously provides inexpensive and easily adaptable packaging for a plurality of articles  106 , which is also easily and economically recyclable. The article carrier  100  also advantageously provides a unique article-retention structure that enables the article carrier  100  to carry articles  106  that are relatively heavy. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , in one or more examples, the multipack package  104  includes the article carrier  100  and the articles  106 , which are received and retained by the article carrier  100 . In the illustrated example, the multipack package  104  includes two articles  106  connected together and retained by the article carrier  100 . In other words, in the illustrated example, the multipack package  104  is a two-pack of articles  106 . However, in other examples, the multipack package  104  may include more than two articles  106 . 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the article  106  refers to a product or a primary product container for a product, which is packaged within or otherwise contained by the article carrier  100 . As an example of the article  106 , the product is a liquid product, such as detergent, mouthwash, shampoo, a beverage or the like, and the primary product container is a bottle. However, it is contemplated that the examples of the article carrier  100  described herein may be applied to various types of articles  106  (e.g., various types of products and/or product containers), which may be, but are not necessarily, cylindrical in shape, tapered in shape, or having any one of various other geometries. Exemplary articles  106  (e.g., product containers) include, but are not limited to, bottles (e.g., metallic, glass, or plastics bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, other similar product containers, and the like. Accordingly, the article carrier  100  forms a secondary, or exterior, package for packaging multiple articles  106 . 
     In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes a stack  108 . The stack  108  includes layers  110  (e.g., a plurality of layers) of a cellulosic material (e.g., a stack of cellulosic material layers). The article carrier  100  also includes article-retention structures  112  (e.g., a plurality of article-retention structures). The article-retention structures  112  are formed by the layers  110  of the stack  108 . Each one of the article-retention structures  112  is configured to receive and to retain an article  106 . In other words, the article-retention structures  112  receive and retain articles  106  (e.g., a plurality of articles) while the stack  108  of the layers  110  interconnect the articles  106 . 
     As such, the article carrier  100  serves as a carrying handle or carrying strap for the group of the articles  106 . The layers  110  of the stack  108  reinforce the article carrier  100  and provide the article carrier  100  with sufficient strength to carry relatively heavy articles  106 . The multilayer configuration of the article-retention structures  112  enable the article carrier  100  to be easily applied to the articles  106  and to securely hold relatively heavy articles  106 . 
     In one or more examples, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the stack  108  includes three layers  110  of the cellulosic material. In the illustrated example, a first one of the layers  110  (e.g., a first layer) forms a top or upper layer of the stack  108 , a second one of the layers  110  (e.g., a second layer) forms a middle or intermediate layer of the stack  108 , and a third one of the layers  110  (e.g., a third layer) forms a bottom or lower layer of the stack  108 . 
     In other examples (not shown), the stack  108  may include any other suitable number of layers. As an example, the stack  108  may include less than three layers  110  (e.g., two layers  110 ). As another examples, the stack  108  may include more than three layers  110  (e.g., four or more layers  110 ). 
     For the purpose of the present disclosure, the terms “stack,” such as in reference to the stack  108 , “stacked configuration,” or similar terms have their ordinary meaning as known in the art and refer to a number of or an ordered collection of items (e.g., layers, plies, panels, etc.) that are neatly arranged one on top of the other. 
     In one or more examples, the layers  110  are coupled together or are otherwise connected to form the stack  108 . In one or more examples, the layers  110  of the stack  108  are coupled together via mechanical interlocking between the layers  110 . In one or more examples, the layers  110  of the stack  108  are coupled together by any other suitable means, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive. 
     In one or more example, the article carrier  100  (e.g., the stack  108 ) includes a longitudinal axis  114 . The article carrier  100  includes a first end  116  and a second end  118  that are formed by the stack  108  of the layers  110 . The longitudinal axis  114  extend through the first end  116  and the second end  118 . The second end  118  is opposite first end  116  along the longitudinal axis  114 . In one or more examples, the first end  116  and the second end  118  of the article carrier  100  are generally (e.g., approximately) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  114 . The article carrier  100  also includes a first side  120  and a second side  122  that are formed by the stack  108  of the layers  110 . The second side  122  is opposite the first side  120 . The first side  120  and the second side  122  extend between the first end  116  and the second end  118 . In one or more examples, the first side  120  and the second side  122  are generally (e.g., approximately) parallel to the longitudinal axis  114 . 
     In one or more examples, the longitudinal axis  114  extends along a center or middle portion of the article carrier  100  (e.g., the longitudinal axis  114  is a center axis). In one or more examples, the article-retention structures  112  are situated along the longitudinal axis  114 . For example, the longitudinal axis  114  may bisect or otherwise extend through an approximate center of the article-retention structures  112 . The article-retention structures  112  are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis  114 . 
     In one or more examples, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the article carrier  100  includes two article-retention structures  112 . For example, a first one of the article-retention structures  112  (e.g., first article-retention structure) and a second one of the article-retention structures  112  (e.g., second article-retention structure) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis  114 . 
     In other examples (not shown), the article carrier  100  may include any other suitable number of article-retention structures  112 . As an example, the article carrier  100  may include more than two article-retention structures  112  (e.g., three or more article-retention structures  112 ). 
     In one or more examples, each one of the article-retention structures  112  includes, or is formed by, an article-receiving aperture (e.g., article-receiving aperture  126  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  6   ), article-retention apertures (e.g., first article-retention aperture  128  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6    and second article-retention aperture  132  shown in  FIGS.  2 - 6   ), and article-retention tabs (e.g., first article-retention tabs  130  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6    and second article-retention tabs  134  shown in  FIGS.  2 - 6   ) that are arranged around each one of the article-retention apertures. The article-receiving aperture and the article-retention apertures are aligned or are in registry with each other and are configured to receive a portion of the article  106 . The article-retention tabs are configured to engage the article  106  when the article  106  is received by the article-receiving aperture and the article-retention apertures. 
     In one or more examples, the article-receiving aperture is formed through one of the layers  110 , such as the top layer, of the stack  108 . The article-retention apertures are formed through each one of the remaining layers  110 , such as the intermediate layer and the bottom layer, of the stack  108 . The article-retention tabs are formed by each one of the remaining layers  110 , such as the intermediate layer and the bottom layer, of the stack  108  and are arranged around each one of the article-retention apertures. 
     In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes panels  124 . The panels  124  are arranged in a stacked configuration. In one or more examples, the panels  124  are coupled together or are otherwise connected. Generally, the panels  124  form the layers  110  of the stack  108 , as described herein above. The article-retention structures  112  are formed by the panels  124 . 
     The panels  124  may be made of any suitable or desired material. However, in one or more examples, each one of the panels  124  preferably includes or is made of the cellulosic material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , which illustrate examples of the blank  102  used to form the article carrier  100 . In one or more examples, the blank  102  includes the panels  124 , which are connected to each other in series by fold lines. The panels  124  are folded or otherwise manipulated relative to each other to position the panels  124  in the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ) to form the stack  108  and the article-retention structures  112  of the article carrier  100 . 
     In one or more examples, the blank  102  includes a first panel  136 . The blank  102  also includes a second panel  138  that extends from and is connected to the first panel  136  along a first panel fold line  142 . The blank  102  further includes a third panel  140  that extends from and is connected to the first panel  136 , opposite the second panel  138 , along a second panel fold line  144 . 
     The first panel  136  includes the article-receiving apertures  126 . In the illustrated example, the first panel  136  includes two article-receiving apertures  126 . However, in other examples, the first panel  136  may include more than two article-receiving apertures  126 . The article-receiving apertures  126  are openings that are formed (e.g., cut, die cut, or otherwise formed) through the first panel  136 . 
     The second panel  138  includes the first article-retention apertures  128 . In the illustrated example, the second panel  138  includes two first article-retention apertures  128 . However, in other examples, the second panel  138  may include more than two first article-retention apertures  128 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention apertures  128  are formed through the second panel  138 . For example, each one of the first article-retention apertures  128  is an opening that is cut, die cut, or otherwise formed through the second panel  138 . 
     The second panel  138  also includes the first article-retention tabs  130 . The first article-retention tabs  130  are arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures  128 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  are formed by a portion of the second panel  138 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  are tabs or teeth that are cut, die cut, or otherwise formed in the second panel  138 . 
     In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  form (e.g., define a perimeter of) an associated one of the first article-retention apertures  128 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  are arranged in an annular series around each one of the first article-retention apertures  128 . 
     The third panel  140  includes the second article-retention apertures  132 . In the illustrated example, the third panel  140  includes two second article-retention apertures  132 . However, in other examples, the second panel  138  may include more than two second article-retention apertures  132 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention apertures  132  are formed through the third panel  140 . For examples, each one of the second article-retention apertures  132  is an opening that is cut, die cut, or otherwise formed through the third panel  140 . 
     The third panel  140  also includes the second article-retention tabs  134 . The second article-retention tabs  134  are arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures  132 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are formed by a portion of the third panel  140 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are tabs or teeth that are cut, die cut, or otherwise formed in the third panel  140 . 
     In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  form (e.g., define a perimeter of) an associated one of the second article-retention apertures  132 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are arranged in an annular series around each one of the second article-retention apertures  132 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , which illustrates a stage of construction for the article carrier  100  in which the blank  102  is partially folded. In one or more examples, the second panel  138  is foldable about the first panel fold line  142  relative to the first panel  136  to position the first article-retention apertures  128  in registry with the article-receiving apertures  126  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). The third panel  140  is foldable about the second panel fold line  144  relative to the first panel  136  to position the second article-retention apertures  132  in registry with the first article-retention apertures  128  and the article-receiving apertures  126  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   ). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , which illustrates an example of a portion of the blank  102  and, more particularly, the article-receiving aperture  126 , the first article-retention aperture  128  and first article-retention tabs  130  associated with the first article-retention aperture  128 , and the second article-retention aperture  132  and second article-retention tabs  134  associated with the second article-retention aperture  132 . 
     The article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128  and the second article-retention apertures  132  have any suitable two-dimensional shape, in plan view. In one or more examples, the article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128  and the second article-retention apertures  132  are circular. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128  and the second article-retention apertures  132  are ovular. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128  and the second article-retention apertures  132  are symmetric. In one or more examples, article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128  and the second article-retention apertures  132  are asymmetric. 
     In one or more examples, each one of the article-receiving apertures  126  has a first dimension D 1 . In one or more examples, the first dimension D 1  is a diameter, for example, when the article-receiving aperture  126  is circular. In one or more examples, the first dimension D 1  is a major dimension, for example, when the article-receiving aperture  126  is ovular. Generally, the first dimension D 1  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the first panel  136  that forms a perimeter of the article-receiving aperture  126 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention apertures  128  has a second dimension D 2 . In one or more examples, the second dimension D 2  is a diameter, for example, when the first article-retention aperture  128  is circular. In one or more examples, the second dimension D 2  is a major dimension, for example, when the first article-retention aperture  128  is ovular. Generally, the second dimension D 2  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the second panel  138  that forms a perimeter of the first article-retention aperture  128 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs  130  includes a first retention edge  146 . The first retention edges  146  of the first article-retention tabs  130  form the perimeter of the first article-retention aperture  128 . In one or more examples, the first retention edge  146  is curved and forms a portion of the perimeter shape (e.g., circle or oval) of the first article-retention aperture  128 . In these examples, the second dimension D 2  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the first retention edges  146  of directly opposed first article-retention tabs  130 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention apertures  132  has a third dimension D 3 . In one or more examples, the third dimension D 3  is a diameter, for example, when the second article-retention aperture  132  is circular. In one or more examples, the third dimension D 3  is a major dimension, for example, when the second article-retention aperture  132  is ovular. Generally, the third dimension D 3  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along an annular edge of the third panel  140  that forms a perimeter of the second article-retention aperture  132 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  includes a second retention edge  148 . The second retention edges  148  of the second article-retention tabs  134  form the perimeter of the second article-retention aperture  132 . In one or more examples, the second retention edge  148  is curved and forms a portion of the perimeter shape (e.g., circle or oval) of the second article-retention aperture  132 . In these examples, the third dimension D 3  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the second retention edges  148  of directly opposed second article-retention tabs  134 . 
     The relative dimensions of the article-receiving aperture  126 , the first article-retention aperture  128 , and the second article-retention aperture  132  enable the article-retention structure  112  to receive and securely retain the article  106 . In one or more examples, the second dimension D 2  is smaller than the first dimension D 1 . In one or more examples, the third dimension D 3  is smaller than the second dimension D 2 . The first dimension D 1  of the article-receiving aperture  126  enables a portion of the article  106  to pass through the stack  108 . The second dimension D 2  of the first article-retention aperture  128  enables the portion of the article  106  to pass through the stack  108  while the first article-retention tabs  130  engage the article  106  to center the article  106 . The third dimension D 3  of the second article-retention aperture  132  enables the portion of the article  106  to pass through the stack  108  while the second article-retention tabs  134  engage the article  106  to retain the article  106 . 
     In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  extend continuously around the first article-retention aperture  128  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  extend discontinuously around the second article-retention aperture  132  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). For example, a directly adjacent pair of the second article-retention tabs  134  is interrupted by a recess  150 . 
     Generally, the second panel  138  includes any suitable number of first article-retention tabs  130  and the third panel  140  includes any suitable number of second article-retention tabs  134 . The number of first article-retention tabs  130  and the number of second article-retention tabs  134  may depend upon various factors, such as, but not limited to, the type, size, shape, weight and/or configuration of the articles  106  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ); the size and/or shape of the first article-retention aperture  128  and the second article-retention aperture  132 ; the type of material used to form the panels  124  (e.g., the cellulosic material) and the like. 
     In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  includes a first number of first article-retention tabs  130 . The second article-retention tabs  134  include a second number of second article-retention tabs  134 . In one or more examples, the first number of first article-retention tabs  130  and the second number of second article-retention tabs  134  are different (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  5   ). In one or more examples, the first number of first article-retention tabs  130  and the second number of second article-retention tabs  134  are the same (not shown). 
     In one or more examples, the second number of second article-retention tabs  134  is less than the first number of first article-retention tabs  130  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). In one or more examples, the second number of second article-retention tabs  134  is at most one-half of the first number of first article-retention tabs  130 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the second panel  138  includes eight first article-retention tabs  130  and the third panel  140  includes four second article-retention tabs  134 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs  130  includes a first hinged edge  170  that is opposite the first retention edge  146 . The first retention edge  146  is generally defined by a linear (e.g., straight or curved) portion of a cut line that forms or defines the first article-retention aperture  128 . In one or more examples, each one of the first hinged edges  170  forms a part of a polygon. In the illustrated example, the second panel  138  includes eight first article-retention tabs  130  and the first hinged edges  170  together form an octagon. However, in other examples, the second panel  138  includes another number of first article-retention tabs  130  and the first hinged edges  170  together form a different polygon. The number of first article-retention tabs  130  may depend on the second dimension D 2  of the first article-retention apertures  128 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs  130  also includes a pair of first side edges  174 . The first side edges  174  are formed or defined by cut lines that extend radially outward from respective vertices of the polygon formed by the first hinged edges  170 . That is to say, the first side edges  174  (e.g., the cut lines) extend from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the first hinged edge  170  defining the portion of a polygon. In one or more examples, the first side edges  174  are divergently arranged with respect to each other and form or define an angle therebetween. In one or more examples, each one of the first side edges  174  is linear in shape. 
     In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  includes a second hinged edge  172  that is opposite the second retention edge  148 . The second retention edge  148  is generally defined by a linear (e.g., straight or curved) portion of a cut line that forms or defines the second article-retention aperture  132 . In one or more examples, each one of the second hinged edges  172  forms a part of a polygon. In the illustrated example, the third panel  140  includes four second article-retention tabs  134  and four recesses  150  interrupting directly adjacent pairs of the second article-retention tabs  134  and the second hinged edges  172  and recess edges  178  together form an octagon. However, in other examples, the third panel  140  includes another number of second article-retention tabs  134  and/or recesses  150  and the second hinged edges  172  and/or recess edges  178  together form a different polygon. The number of second article-retention tabs  134  and/or number of recesses  150  may depend on the third dimension D 3  of the second article-retention apertures  132 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  also includes a pair of second side edges  176 . The second side edges  176  are formed or defined by cut lines that extend radially outward from respective vertices of the polygon formed by the second hinged edges  172 . That is to say, the second side edges  176  (e.g., the cut lines) extend from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the second hinged edge  172  defining the portion of a polygon. In one or more examples, the second side edges  176  are divergently arranged with respect to each other and form or define an angle therebetween. In one or more examples, each one of the second side edges  176  is linear in shape. 
     In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  have a fourth dimension D 4 . Generally, the fourth dimension D 4  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the first hinged edges  170  of directly opposed first article-retention tabs  130 . 
     In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  have a fifth dimension D 5 . Generally, the fifth dimension D 5  is a linear distance measured between directly (e.g., diametrically) opposed points along the second hinged edges  172  of directly opposed second article-retention tabs  134 . 
     The relative dimensions of the first article-retention tabs  130  and the second article-retention tabs  134  enable the article-retention structure  112  to receive and securely retain the article  106 . In one or more examples, the fifth dimension D 5  is smaller than the fourth dimension D 4 . In one or more examples, the fourth dimension D 4  and the fifth dimension D 5  are smaller than the first dimension D 1  of the article-receiving aperture  126 . In one or more examples, the fifth dimension D 5  and the fourth dimension D 4  are configured to situate the second retention edges  148  of the second article-retention tabs  134  radially inward relative to the first retention edges  146  of the first article-retention tabs  130  and to permit the first article-retention tabs  130  and the second article-retention tabs  134  to fold along respective ones of the first hinged edges  170  and the second hinged edges  172  and conform to the article  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , which illustrate examples of the article carrier  100 . In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  is formed, assembled, or constructed from the blank  102  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ). However, in other examples, the article carrier  100  may be formed, assembled, or constructed using a plurality of the panels  124  (e.g., first panel  136 , second panel  138 , and third panel  140 ) that are discrete or separate panel members, which are stacked and coupled together. 
     In one or more examples, the panels  124  (e.g., first panel  136 , second panel  138 , and third panel  140 ) are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., form the stack  108 ). In one or more examples, the panels  124  are coupled together. In one or more examples, the second panel  138  is generally aligned with (e.g., stacked on) the first panel  136 . The third panel  140  is generally aligned with (e.g., stacked on) the second panel  138 , opposite the first panel  136 , such that the second panel  138  is situated (e.g., sandwiched) between the first panel  136  and the third panel  140 . 
     In one or more examples, the second panel  138  is hingedly coupled to the first panel  136  and is folded relative to the first panel  136  to the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4   ). The third panel  140  is hingedly coupled to the first panel  136 , opposite the second panel  138 , and is folded relative to the first panel  136  to the stacked configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   ). 
     In one or more examples, when the panels  124  are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack  108 ), for example, when the article carrier  100  is formed from the blank  102 , the first panel  136  forms or defines a top or upper panel or layer of the stack  108 , the second panel  138  forms or defines a middle or intermediate panel or layer of the stack  108 , and the third panel  140  forms or defines a bottom or lower panel or layer of the stack  108 . 
     In one or more examples, the first panel  136  includes the article-receiving apertures  126 . The second panel  138  is coupled to the first panel  136 . The second panel  138  includes the first article-retention apertures  128  that are aligned or in registry with the article-receiving apertures  126 . The second panel  138  also includes the first article-retention tabs  130  that are arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures  128 . The third panel  140  is coupled to the first panel  136 . The third panel  140  includes the second article-retention apertures  132  that are aligned or in registry with the first article-retention apertures  128  and the article-receiving apertures  126 . The third panel  140  also includes the second article-retention tabs  134  that are arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures  132 . 
     In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  are formed by a portion of the second panel  138 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  are hingedly coupled to the second panel  138 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are formed by a portion of the third panel  140 . In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are hingedly coupled to the third panel  140 . 
     Each one of the article-retention structures  112  is configured to receive and to retain one of the articles  106  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ). In one or more examples, the article-retention structures  112  are formed by the panels  124  when the panels  124  are arranged in the stacked configuration, for example, when the article carrier  100  is formed from the blank  102 . 
     In one or more examples, each one of the article-retention structures  112  includes the article-receiving aperture  126  formed through the first panel  136 , the first article-retention aperture  128  formed through the second panel  138  and aligned or in registry with the article-receiving aperture  126 , the first article-retention tabs  130  arranged around the first article-retention aperture  128 , the second article-retention aperture  132  formed through the third panel  140  and aligned or in registry with the article-receiving aperture  126  and the first article-retention aperture  128 , and the second article-retention tabs  134  arranged around the second article-retention aperture  132 . 
     In one or more examples, the structures, elements, features, characteristics, and/or configurations of the article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128 , the first article-retention tabs  130 , the second article-retention apertures  132 , and the second article-retention tabs  134  described herein with respect to the blank  102  and illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 5    are substantially the same as the structures, elements, features, characteristics, and/or configurations of the article-receiving apertures  126 , the first article-retention apertures  128 , the first article-retention tabs  130 , the second article-retention apertures  132 , and the second article-retention tabs  134  described herein with respect to the article carrier  100  and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  6  and  7   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  is aligned with one of the first article-retention tabs  130  when the panels  124  are arranged in the stack  108 , such as, when the article carrier  100  is formed from the blank  102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in one or more examples, the second retention edge  148  of each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  extends past or beyond the first retention edge  146  of a corresponding one of the first article-retention tabs  130  when the panels  124  are arranged in the stack  108 , such as, when the article carrier  100  is formed from the blank  102 . For example, the second retention edge  148  of each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  is positioned radially inward relative to the first retention edge  146  of a corresponding one of the first article-retention tabs  130 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , in one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes a locking tab  152  and a receiver opening  154 . The locking tab  152  is coupled to and extends from one of the panels  124 . The receiver opening  154  is formed in the other ones of the panels  124  of the stack  108 . The locking tab  152  is configured to be received in or by the receiver opening  154  to mechanically couple and secure (e.g., lock) the panels  124  in the stacked configuration. 
     In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes more than one locking tab  152  and associated receiver opening  154 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the article carrier  100  includes two locking tabs  152  and two receiver openings  154 . In one or more examples, the locking tab  152  and the receiver opening  154  are located along the first side  120  of the article carrier  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in one or more examples, the locking tab  152  is hingedly coupled to the first panel  136 . The receiver opening  154  is formed by a first receiver opening  156  that is formed in the second panel  138  and a second receiver opening  158  that is formed in the third panel  140 . The second receiver opening  158  is aligned with the first receiver opening  156  to form, in combination, the receiver opening  154  when the panels  124  are arranged in the stack  108 , such as, when the article carrier  100  is formed from the blank  102 . The locking tab  152  is folded relative to the first panel  136  to be received in or by the first receiver opening  156  and the second receiver opening  158 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , in one or more examples, the locking tab  152  is connected to the first panel  136  along a locking-tab fold line  160 . In one or more examples, the locking tab  152  is formed from a portion of the first panel  136 . For example, the locking tab  152  is formed by a series of cut lines  162  (e.g., die cut) in the first panel  136 . In one or more examples, the locking-tab fold line  160  is spaced away from and is generally parallel to the first panel fold line  142 . The cut lines  162  extend from the locking-tab fold line  160  to the first panel fold line  142 . 
     In one or more examples, the first receiver opening  156  is formed (e.g., cut, die cut or otherwise formed) in the second panel  138 . In one or more examples, the first receiver opening  156  is aligned with the locking tab  152 . In one or more examples, the first received opening  156  extends into the second panel  138  from the first panel fold line  142 . 
     In one or more examples, the second receiver opening  158  is formed (e.g., cut, die cut or otherwise formed) in the third panel  140 . In one or more examples, the second receiver opening  158  is aligned with the locking tab  152  and the first receiver opening  156 . In one or more examples, the second receiver opening  158  extends into the third panel  140  from an edge of the third panel  140  that is opposite and generally parallel to the second panel fold line  144 . 
     The locking tab  152  and the receiver opening  154  (e.g., first receiver opening  156  and second receiver opening  158 ) may have any suitable complementary geometry or shape that enables the locking tab  152  to be received by and mated with the receiver opening  154 , as illustrated by example in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  6  and  7   , in one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes a finger recess  164  formed in the stack  108  of panels  124 . The finger recess  164  facilitates carrying and improves the ergonomic characteristics of the article carrier  100 . In one or more examples, the finger recess  164  is formed by the receiver opening  154  formed in the stack  108 . In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes two finger recesses  164  formed by the two receiver openings  154 . In one or more examples, the finger recess  164  is located on the first side  120  of the article carrier  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  6  and  7   , in one or more examples, the article carrier  100  includes a thumb recess  166  formed in the stack  108  of panels  124 . The thumb recess  166  facilitates carrying and improves the ergonomic characteristics of the article carrier  100 . In one or more examples, the finger recess  164  is formed by an opening or cutout formed in the stack  108 . The thumb recess  166  is located opposite the finger recess  164 , such as between the two finger recesses  164 . In one or more examples, the thumb recess  166  is located on the second side  122  of the article carrier  100 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , by way of examples, the present disclosure is also directed to a method for packaging the articles  106 . For example, the method is implemented using the article carrier  100  for forming the multipack package  104  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     In one or more examples, the method includes a step of applying the article carrier  100  to the articles  106 . In one or more examples, the article carrier  100  is applied to an upper portion of each one of the articles  106 . In one or more examples, the stack  108  (e.g., of layers  110  or panels  124 ) is pressed downward over the upper portions of the group of articles  106  to form the multipack package  104  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     In one or more examples, the method, such as the step of applying the article carrier  100  to the articles  106 , includes a step of receiving the articles  106  (e.g., two articles) in the article-retention structures  112  of the article carrier  100 . The article-retention structures  112  are formed by the panels  124  of the article carrier  100  that are arranged in the stacked configuration (e.g., forming the stack  108 ). The method, such as the step of applying the article carrier  100  to the articles  106 , also includes a step of retaining the articles  106  in the article-retention structures  112  of the article carrier  100 . 
     In one or more examples, the step of receiving the articles  106  in the in article-retention structures  112  includes a step of receiving a portion of each one of the articles  106  by a corresponding one of the second article-retention apertures  132  formed through the third panel  140  of the article carrier  100 . The step of receiving the articles  106  in the in article-retention structures  112  also includes a step of receiving the portion of each one of the articles  106  by a corresponding one of the first article-retention apertures  128  formed through the second panel  138  of the article carrier  100 . The step of receiving the articles  106  in the in article-retention structures  112  further includes a step of receiving the portion of each one of the articles  106  by a corresponding one of the article-receiving apertures  126  formed through the first panel  136  of the article carrier  100 . 
     In one or more examples, the step of retaining the articles  106  in the article-retention structures  112  includes a step of engaging the portion of each one of the articles  106  with the second article-retention tabs  134  arranged around each one of the second article-retention apertures  132 . The step of retaining the articles  106  in the article-retention structures  112  also includes a step of engaging the portion of each one of the articles  106  with the first article-retention tabs  130  arranged around each one of the first article-retention apertures  128 . 
     Referring generally to  FIG.  1    and particularly to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , which illustrate examples of a portion of the article carrier  100  applied to one of the articles  106 . Generally, a portion of the article  106  is received in and retained by the article-retention structure  112  of the article carrier  100 . 
     In one or more examples, the article  106  (e.g., the primary product container) includes a body  168  and a neck  182  that extends upward from the body  168  and the terminates at a mouth. The article  106  also includes a closure  184  (e.g., a cap) that is coupled to the neck  182  and that closes the mouth. 
     In some examples, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the article  106  also includes a flange  186  (also referred to as a lip or take-out bead) that extends outward from the neck  182  and that is situated below the closure  184 . The flange  186  may include a dimension (e.g., diameter) that is larger than, smaller than, or equal to a dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure  184 . However, in other examples, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the article  106  may not include the flange  186  or may include a relatively short or indiscernible neck  182  (e.g., the closure  184  covers approximately an entirety of the neck  182  or is situated proximate (e.g., at or near) the body  168 ). 
     In one or more examples, the first diameter D 1  of the article-receiving aperture  126  of the first panel  136  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  5   ) is larger (e.g., greater) than a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure  184  and the flange  186  (e.g., when present as shown in  FIG.  8   ). In one or more examples, the second diameter D 2  of the first article-retention aperture  128  of the second panel  138  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  5   ) is approximately equal to or smaller (e.g., less) than the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure  184  or the flange  186  (e.g., the dimension of the larger of the closure  184  or the flange  186 ). In one or more examples, the third diameter D 3  of the second article-retention aperture  132  of the third panel  140  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  5   ) is smaller (e.g., less) than the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the closure  184  or the flange  186  (e.g., the dimension of the larger of the closure  184  or the flange  186 ). 
     When the article carrier  100  is applied to the articles  106 , each one of the first article-retention tabs  130  and the second article-retention tabs  134  fold, bend or are otherwise angled upwardly to contact a surface of the article  106  and engage a point of engagement  180  of the article  106  as the upper portion (e.g., the closure  184  and a portion of the neck  182 ) is urged through the second article-retention aperture  132 , the first article-retention aperture  128 , and the article-receiving aperture  126 . In one or more examples, the point of engagement  180  is formed or defined by the flange  186 , such as a lower surface portion of the flange  186  that forms a shoulder (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  8   ). In one or more examples, the point of engagement  180  is formed or defined by the closure  184 , such as a lower surface portion of the closure  184  that forms a shoulder (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  9   ). 
     In one or more examples, each one of the second article-retention tabs  134  contacts the surface of the article  106  and is folded to a non-coplanar relationship with the third panel  140  to be angled upwardly and engage the point of engagement  180 . In one or more examples, each one of the first article-retention tabs  130  may remain in an approximately or substantially coplanar relationship with the second panel  138  or may be folded to a non-coplanar relationship with the second panel  138  to be angled upwardly and engage the point of engagement  180 . 
     In one or more examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  are load bearing tabs. In other words, the weight of the article  106  is primarily supported by the second article-retention tabs  134 . In one or more examples, the first article-retention tabs  130  support or backup the second article-retention tabs  134  and urge the second article-retention tabs  134  toward a more coplanar relationship with the remainder of the third panel  140  and hold the second article-retention tabs  134  in engagement with the point of engagement  180 . In other examples, the second article-retention tabs  134  and the first article-retention tabs  130  are load bearing tabs. In any of these examples, the combination of the first article-retention tabs  130  and the second article-retention tabs  134  facilitate constant and approximately equal loading of the second article-retention tabs  134  and helps to reduce the possibility of tab failure. 
     The article-retention structure  112  advantageously enables the article carrier  100  to receive and retain examples of the article  106  that include the flange  186  of various dimensions and examples of the article  106  that do not include the flange  186 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , in one or more examples, the method includes a step of forming the article carrier  100  from the blank  102 . In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier  100  includes a step of arranging the panels  124  in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack  108 ). In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier  100  includes a step of folding the second panel  138  of the blank  102  relative to the first panel  136  of the blank  102  to position the first article-retention apertures  128  in registry with the article-receiving apertures  126 . The step of forming the article carrier  100  also includes a step of folding the third panel  140  of the blank  102  relative to the first panel  136  to position the second article-retention apertures  132  in registry with the first article-retention apertures  128  and the article-receiving apertures  126 . 
     In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier  100  includes a step of coupling or securing the panels  124  in the stacked configuration (e.g., as the stack  108 ). In one or more examples, the step of forming the article carrier  100 , such as the step of coupling the panels  124  in the stacked configuration, includes a step of folding the locking tab  152  relative to the first panel  136  and a step of receiving the locking tab  152  in the first receiver opening  156  formed in the second panel  138  and the second receiver opening  158  formed in the third panel  140 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , the use of multiple layers  110  (e.g., multiple panels  124 ) of the cellulosic material provides sufficient strength to hold and carry relatively large and/or relatively heavy articles  106 . Additionally, the cellulosic material is also easily and economically recyclable. Further, the use of the cellulosic material enables the article carrier  100  (e.g., the blanks  102  used to form the article carrier  100 ) to be quickly and easily made, as well as quickly and easily modified to accommodate different styles (e.g., size, shape and configuration) of articles  106 . Moreover, cutting and folding machinery for forming cellulosic blanks and cellulosic cartons from blanks are well known. 
     In one or more examples, the blank  102  and/or the article carrier  100  (e.g., formed from the blank  102 ) is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. As used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the structure for the article carrier  100 , as described in herein. 
     In one or more examples, the cellulosic material (e.g., forming the layers  110  or the panels  124  of the stack  108 ) includes paperboard. In one or more examples, the cellulosic material (e.g., forming the layers  110  or the panels  124  of the stack  108 ) includes corrugated board or cardboard. In other examples, the article carrier  100  and/or the blank  102  (e.g., used to form the article carrier  100 ) is formed from a paperboard or corrugated board substrate. The substrate may be, for example, a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) substrate, an uncoated natural kraft (UNC) substrate, or a coated natural kraft (CNK) substrate. The substrate may be formed from virgin fibers, recycled fibers, or combinations thereof. 
     For cost and environmental considerations, the article carrier  100  is formed from as little material as possible and causes as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the article carrier  100  and its suitability for holding and transporting the weight of the grouped articles  106 . It is also desirable that the contents of the article carrier  100  be securely held by the article carrier  100  and that the article carrier  100  is easy for a consumer to grasp and carry. 
     In one or more examples, the structure of the article carrier  100  is formed from the sheet material, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, a portion of the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished article carrier  100  may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. A portion of the surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties. 
     As used herein, the phrase “in registry with” and similar terms or variations of such term refer to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carrier, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture. 
     As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of a blank (e.g., blank  102 ), facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines (e.g., first panel fold line  142  and second panel fold line  144  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ), wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween. 
     As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options. 
     It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort. 
     It should be appreciated that, when used to modify a structure, an element, an item, a component or a feature described herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “side,” “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “interior,” “exterior,” as well as similar terms or other forms of such terms, are relative and refer to an example of a spatial relationship between structures, elements, items, components or features. As such, examples of the blanks and the cartons, described herein and illustrated in the figures, are not intended to be limited by the specific relative terms used to describe any structure, element, item, component or feature thereof. 
     The preceding detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the disclosed article carrier, multipack package, blank and method described by the present disclosure. It will be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary embodiments of the way in which certain aspects of the of the disclosed system, gripper and method can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the of the disclosed system, gripper and method may be embodied. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not meant to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 
     Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. 
     Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. 
     Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example. 
     It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain examples may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     Conditional language such as, among others, “can” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 9    need be included in every example and not all elements described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example.  FIGS.  1 - 9   , referred to above, may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 9   , referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements, features, and/or components described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Accordingly, some of the elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 9    may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 9   , other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 9   , referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, features, and/or components that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of  FIGS.  1 - 9   , and such elements, features, and/or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of  FIGS.  1 - 9   . Similarly, all elements, features, and/or components may not be labeled in each of  FIGS.  1 - 9   , but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. 
     Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. 
     The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the article carrier, multipack package, blank and method have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.