Patent Publication Number: US-2021188511-A1

Title: Carrier for Containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on Jan. 3, 2020. 
     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. 62/841,449, 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 Patent Application No. 29/692,992, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,993, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,994, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,996, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. 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 patent application Ser. No. 29/709,918, filed on Oct. 18, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on Jan. 3, 2020 are 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 of the disclosure, a carrier for holding a plurality of containers comprises a first construct and a second construct. The first construct comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The second construct comprises at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a first blank and a second blank are for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The first blank comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the first blank and the second blank. The second blank comprises at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second blank for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel when the carrier is formed from the first blank and the second blank. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers comprises obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The method further comprises obtaining a second blank comprising at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels of the first blank to form a first construct, forming a second construct from the at least one panel of the second blank, and positioning the at least one panel of the second construct in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel of the first construct. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a package comprising a carrier holding a plurality of containers comprises a first construct and a second construct. The first construct comprises a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The second construct comprises at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel. 
     According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package and carrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  is an enlarged view of a container retention feature  133   a  of the blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1B  is an enlarged view of a container retention feature  133   b  of the blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package and carrier according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged view of a container retention feature  233  of the blank of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a partially folded configuration of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is another side view of the partially folded configuration of the package and carrier of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the partially folded configuration of the package and carrier of  FIG. 3  having the blank of  FIG. 2  attached thereto. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package and carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package and carrier according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of an outer surface of a first blank for forming a package and carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of an outer surface of a second blank for forming a package and carrier according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blanks of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof. 
     Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., plastic bottles) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. Carriers described herein can also be configured to accommodate other containers of food and/or beverage items without departing from the disclosure. 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 blanks 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. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , an exterior surface  101  of a base blank or lower blank or first blank  103  for forming a carrier  205  is illustrated according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described herein, the first blank  103  can be provided in combination with a reinforcing blank or upper blank or second blank  203  ( FIG. 2 ) to form the carrier  205 . In one embodiment, the first blank  103  and the second blank  203  can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the blanks  103 ,  203  can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the carrier  205  is sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  being attached to a front portion  206  of the carrier  205  and three containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  being attached to a back portion  208  of the carrier  205 . The front portion  206  and the back portion  208  of the carrier  205  can carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  205  can be provided together with one or more containers as a package  210  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be beverage bottles, for example, beverage bottles formed of a polymeric material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with respective bottom portions B extending to a tapered upper neck portion N that terminates at a flange portion F upon which a cap CP is seated ( FIG. 3 ). The containers described herein could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first blank  103  has a longitudinal axis L 1  and a lateral axis L 2 . A grain direction M 1  of the first blank  103 , e.g., a direction along which the fibers/fibrous components of the material from which the first blank  103  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 1  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. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first blank  103  has a front portion  107  for at least partially forming the front portion  206  of the carrier  205 , and a back portion  109  for at least partially forming the back portion  208  of the carrier  105 . The front portion  107  and the back portion  109  of the first blank  103  are foldably connected at a lateral fold line  112  that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank  103 , as shown. 
     As discussed in further detail below, the blank  103  is at least partially formed into the carrier  205  by folding the blank  103  at the fold line  112  along the centerline CL so that the front portion  107  and the back portion  109  of the blank  103  are overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that the designations of the portions  107 ,  109  of the blank  103  and the portions  106 ,  108  of the carrier  205  as respective “front” and “back” portions can be reversed without departing from the disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion  107  of the blank  103  comprises a handle panel  125  (broadly, “first handle panel”) having a pair of handle flaps  127  at interior portions thereof, each defined by a respective cut  128  and each foldably connected to the handle panel  125  at respective lateral fold line  129 . The respective cuts  128  and the respective handle flaps  127  formed therefrom include one or more curved and/or oblique portions and extend from one endpoint of the respective fold line  129  to the other endpoint of the respective fold line  129 , but can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. As described herein, at least the handle panel  125  and/or the handle flaps  127  (and/or openings formed by the separation thereof) can be first handle features for at least partially forming a handle  251  of the carrier  205 . 
     A front container retention panel or front attachment panel  131   a  (broadly, “first attachment panel”) is foldably connected to the handle panel  125  at a lateral fold line  132   a,  and includes container retention features  133   a  for at least partially receiving and engaging the respective flange portions F and/or neck portions N of one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 . 
     Each container retention feature  133   a,  as shown best in  FIG. 1A , includes a container receiving aperture or container receiving opening  135   a  that is defined by the arrangement of a plurality of container retention flaps  137   a,  each of which are defined by respective cuts  139   a,  and which are foldably connected to the attachment panel  131   a  at respective oblique fold lines  141   a.  It will be understood that a different configuration of the container retention features  133   a,  such as a different number of container retention flaps  137   a,  or a different configuration of features, can be provided without departing from the disclosure. 
     A front central panel or front keel  147   a  is foldably connected to the attachment panel  131   a  at a lateral fold line  151   a,  and, as described further below, the front keel  147   a  is foldably connected to a back central panel or back keel  147   b  at the fold line  112 . As shown, the fold line  112  is interrupted by and is collinear with a series of generally U-shaped cuts  157  to define a pair of protruding tabs  159  extending from the back portion  109  of the first blank  103  toward the front keel  147   a.  As described further herein, upon formation of the carrier  205  from the first blank  103  and the second blank  203 , the tabs  159  separate from the front keel  147   a  to expose a pair of glue openings  167  (broadly, “front glue opening”) along the front keel  147   a  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion  109  of the blank  103  includes a back top panel or back container retention panel or back attachment panel  131   b  (broadly, “top container retention panel” or “top attachment panel” or “second attachment panel”) foldably connected to the back keel  147   b  at a lateral fold line  151   b  and having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  107  of the blank  103 . The details of the container retention features  133   b  of the back attachment panel  131   b  are shown best in  FIG. 1B . 
     Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  107  of the blank  103  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  109  of the blank  103 . While the back portion  109  of the blank  103  is shown without a handle panel attached thereto, it will be understood that a handle panel can be attached to the back attachment  131   b,  and/or another handle feature can be provided in the back portion  109  of the blank  103 , without departing from the disclosure. 
     The back keel  147   b,  as shown, includes a series of glue openings  155  (broadly, “back glue opening”) each having a top edge that is spaced a greater longitudinal distance D 2  from the fold line  112  than a longitudinal distance D 1  from the fold line  112  at which a top edge of the cuts  157  are spaced. The top edge of the cuts  157  correspond to the top edge of the glue openings  167  upon separation of the tabs  159  from the keel  147   a,  as described further herein. 
     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. 
     As also shown, glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the respective keels  147   a,    147   b.  While the glue G has been shown schematically on the exterior surface  101  of the blank  103  for positional reference, it will be understood that the glue G can be applied to the interior surface  102  of the blank  103 , as described further herein. 
     In one embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such that pockets of fluids such as gas are interspersed with solid, semi-solid, and/or liquid components of adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected/infused with a fluid, e.g., gaseous, component that influences the glue G to expand from an originally-defined volume, over a change in time, to occupy a larger volume. In one embodiment, the glue G can comprise about 50% solid/semi-solid/liquid adhesive and about 50% gaseous components. 
     In other embodiments, the glue G can comprise a different ratio of adhesive to gaseous components, for example, about 10% adhesive/about 90% gaseous components, about 20% adhesive/about 80% gaseous components, about 30% adhesive/about 70% gaseous components, about 40% adhesive/about 60% gaseous components, about 60% adhesive/about 40% gaseous components, about 70% adhesive/about 30% gaseous components, about 80% adhesive/about 20% gaseous components, about 90% adhesive/about 10% gaseous components, or other integer or non-integer percentage ratios therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable adhesive without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 2 , an exterior surface of  201  of the second blank  203  is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. A grain direction M 2  of the second blank  203 , 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. 
     As shown, the second blank  203  includes a body or central panel  261  that includes a plurality of container retention features  233  that are substantially similar to the container retention features  133   a,    133   b,  e.g., such that each container retention feature  233  includes the respective container receiving aperture or container receiving opening  235   a  that is defined by the arrangement of a plurality of respective container retention flaps  237   a,  each of which are defined by respective cuts  239   a  and are foldably connected to the central panel  261  at respective fold lines  241   a,  the features of which are best shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , a handle panel  225  (broadly, “second handle panel”) can be foldably connected to the central panel  261  at a fold line  231 , and can have a configuration that is substantially similar to the handle panel  125  described above, e.g., such that each handle flap  127  is defined by the respective cut  128  and such that each handle flap  127  is foldably connected to the handle panel  225  at a respective lateral fold line  129 . As described herein, at least the handle panel  225  and/or the handle flaps  127  (and/or openings formed by the separation thereof) can be second handle features for at least partially forming a handle  251  of the carrier  205 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3  the first blank  103  can be oriented with the exterior surface  101  facing downwardly and the exterior surface  102  facing upwardly, and the front attachment panel  131   a  and back attachment panel  131   b  can be lowered or otherwise brought into engagement with the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  such that respective top portions thereof that include at least the respective caps CP and respective flange portions F are at least partially received through the respective openings  135   a,    135   b  of the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b.    
     Such engagement of the container retention features  133   a,    133   b  with the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 2  can cause the respective container retention flaps  137   a,    137   b  to separate from the respective attachment panel  131   a,    131   b  and/or each other at the respective cuts  139   a,    139   b  and to fold upwardly at the respective fold lines  141   a,    141   b.  In this regard, one or more of the container retention flaps  137   a,    137   b  can rest against the neck portions N of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  and distal edges thereof can be positioned to abut the respective flange portions F of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . Portions of the respective container retention panel  131   a,    131   b  adjacent the container retention flaps  137   a,    137   b  can also be urged upwardly toward or into engagement with a portion of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     As shown, the front keel  147   a  and the back keel  147   b  can be folded downwardly relative to the respective attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  at the respective fold lines  151   a,    151   b  and such that the keels  147   a,    147   b  also fold at the fold line  112  as the keels  147   a,    147   b  are moved into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A 1 , A 2 . Such folding can draw the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  and CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  toward each other in an arrangement separated by the overlapped keels  147   a,    147   b  to at least partially define the front portion  206  of the carrier  205  and the back portion  208  of the carrier  205 . 
     Upon folding of the keel  147   b  at the fold line  112 , the tabs  159  can separate from the front keel  147   a  at the respective cuts  157  to extend in a generally downward arrangement and such that series of discontinuities or front glue openings  167  can be defined along the front keel  147   a.  In this regard, the glue openings  167  of the front keel  147   a  are positioned to be longitudinally offset from the glue openings  155  of the back keel  147   b,  with a top edge of the glue openings  155  of the back keel  147   b  spaced the greater distance D 2  ( FIG. 5 ) from the fold line  112  than the distance D 2  ( FIG. 4 ) from the fold line  112  at which a top edge of the glue openings  167  of the front keel  147   a  are positioned. 
     In this regard, when the keels  147   a,    147   b  are positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact, the glue openings  155  of the back keel  147   b  are positioned above the glue openings  167  of the front keel  147   a  such that the glue openings  167  expose respective portions of the back keel  147   b  and such that the glue openings  155  expose respective portions of the front keel  147   a  (shown best in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The above-described folded arrangement of the first blank  103  forms a first construct  104  that at least partially forms the carrier  205 . The lines or other arrangements of glue G disposed along the front keel  147   a  and exposed at the glue openings  167  can adhere the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  to respective exposed portions of the back keel  147   b,  and lines of glue G exposed at the glue openings  155  of the back keel  147   b  can also adhere the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  to respective exposed portions of the front keel  147   a.  The glue G can also maintain the keels  147   a,    147   b  in at least partial-face-to-face contact. 
     The glue G and/or the glue openings  155 ,  167  could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the glue openings  155 ,  167  can be provided with a circular or elliptical/ovoid configuration to provide clearance for radial expansion of the foamed glue G exposed therethrough. In this regard, the edge of the keel  147   b,    147   a  surrounding the respective glue opening  155 ,  167  can influence the expansion of the applied foamed glue G, for example, by promoting a generally bulbous/mushroom-shaped expansion of the foamed glue G outwardly from the respective keel  147   b,    147   a  and radially away from the respective glue opening  155 ,  167 . In other embodiments, the glue G can be configured so as to not foam/expand upon application to the carrier  205 . 
     The attachment of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  to the respective keels  147   a,    147   b  can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not detach from the carrier  205  under their own weight, in addition to or alternative to the container retention and support provided by the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b.  For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  can be attached to respective keels  147   a,    147   b  with glue G, without additional retention and support provided by an attachment panel as described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , upon the aforementioned folding of the first blank  103  and formation of the first construct  104 , the second blank  203  can be overlaid upon the first construct  104  in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention features  233  of the second blank  203  align with and overlie the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b  of the first construct  104 . The above-described positioning of the second blank  203  on the first construct  104  forms a second construct  204  of the carrier  205 . 
     In this regard, the container retention features  233  of the second construct  204  engage the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the container retention features  133   a,    133   b.  For example, at least the respective caps CP and respective flange portions F of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  are at least partially received through the respective openings  235  of the container retention features  233  and such that one or more of the container retention flaps  237  is urged by movement of the respective containers thereby to abut the neck portions N of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , with the distal edges of the respective container retention flaps positioned to abut the respective flange portions F of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     Further, in the above-described overlapping arrangement of the second construct  204  with the first construct  104 , the handle panel  225  of the second construct  204  can be positioned to be aligned with and in at least partial face-to-face contact with the handle panel  125  of the first construct  104  to provide the multi-ply handle  251  of the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the carrier  205 /package  210  can be provided in a first or storage/shipping/retail configuration in which the handle panel  225  is folded downwardly relative to the central panel  261  and the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b.  The aligned overlapped handle panels  225 ,  125  can be folded upwardly at the overlapped fold lines  233 ,  132  in the direction of the arrow A 3  into an at least partially upright arrangement relative to the panels  261 ,  131   a,    131   b  to define/present the handle  251  in a second or carrying configuration of the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     Upon lifting or carrying of the carrier  205 /package  210  by a consumer, the containers that are positioned closest to the handle  251  can at least partially rest upon the respective containers that are positioned farthest from the handle  251 . In addition, the containers are adhered to the keels  147   a,    147   b  with glue G and are additionally secured to the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  and the central panel  261  through respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b,  and  233 . 
     Furthermore, a consumer or other user can separate the respective handle flaps  127  from the handle panel  125  at the respective cuts  128  and can separate the respective handle flaps  227  from the handle panel  225  at the respective cuts  228  and can fold the respective handle flaps  127 ,  227  at the respective fold lines  129 ,  229  into at least partial overlapping/face-to-face contact with the handle panels  125 ,  225  to provide a four-ply arrangement of a portion of the handle  225 , e.g., provided by the aligned arrangement of the handle flaps  127 ,  227  and respective portions of the handle panels  225 ,  125 . 
     The aforementioned combination of the first construct  104  and the second construct  204  provides a carrier  205 /package  210  with a robust and rigid configuration provided by the overlapping first blank  103 /construct  104  having the grain direction M 1  and the second blank  203 /second construct  204  having the grain direction M 2  that is perpendicular to the grain direction M 1  such that a cross-grain configuration is provided. Such cross-grain configuration of the carrier  205 /package  210  can provide enhanced strengthening properties and resistance to tearing, e.g., since the carrier  205 /package  210  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  205 /package  210  is such that enhanced resistance to tearing is provided along two perpendicular axes. 
     The package  210  described above provides a carrier  205  with a compact structure that can also, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Additionally, the arrangement of the glue G between the containers and respective portions of the keels  247   a,    247   b,  in addition to the engagement of the container retention features  133   a,    133   b,    233  with respective containers, provides multiple points of attachment that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying the containers. Further, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  205 /package  210  provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers from the carrier  205 /package  210 , for example, by moving respective containers through the respective openings  135   a,    135   b,    235  of respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b,    233 , and peeling a respective container away from the keels  147   a,    147   b  as described above. 
     In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected from a material provided to remain on the respective keels  147   a,    147   b,  e.g., such that substantially little or no glue G remains on the container as it is removed. One or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , in one embodiment, can be reattached to the respective keels  147   a,    147   b  following therefrom by pressing the container against a respective region of glue G. 
     While the carrier  205 /package  210  has been described as configured to hold three containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in a  2 x 3  arrangement, the carrier  205 /package  210  could be otherwise shaped and configured to hold more or less than six containers in an alternative arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , an exterior surface  301  of a first blank  303  for forming a carrier  405  according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As described herein, the first blank  303  can be combined with a second blank  403  ( FIG. 9 ) to form the carrier  405  ( FIG. 11 ). In one embodiment, the first blank  303  and the second blank  403  can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the blanks  303 ,  403  can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  405  can be provided in combination with one or more containers to form a package  410 . 
     The first blank  303 , as shown, has one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the first blank  103  described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. As shown, the first blank  303  includes the handle panel  125 , the front attachment panel  131   a,  the front keel  147   a,  the back keel  147   b,  and the back attachment panel  131   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front attachment panel  131   a  includes a pair of the container retention features  133   a  for at least partially receiving a pair of containers CA 1 , CA 2  and the back attachment panel  131   b  includes a pair of the container retention features  133   b  for at least partially receiving a pair of containers CB 1 , CB 2 . As also shown, the handle panel  125  includes a single handle flap  127 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , an exterior surface  401  of a reinforcing blank or upper blank or second blank  403  according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The second blank  403  has one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the second blank  203  described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. 
     The second blank  403  includes the handle panel  225  and the central panel  261 . The handle panel  225  can include a single handle flap  227 , as shown, and the central panel  261  includes a plurality of the container retention features  233  for being aligned with the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b  of the first blank  303 . 
     As also shown, a billboard or back panel  463  can be foldably connected to the central panel  261  at a lateral fold line  465 , though the back panel  463  could be omitted without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the back panel  463  can provide a presentation surface that allows printing of indicia such as product advertising, labeling, promotional information, etc. that is readily visible to a consumer. 
     The first blank  303  and/or the second blank  403  could be alternatively sized, shaped, and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The first blank  303  can be folded in the manner described above with regard to the first blank  103 , e.g., with the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  engaged with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CB 1 , CB 2  via the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b.  As also described above, the keels  147   a,    147   b  are folded at the fold line  112  into at least partial face-to-face contact with one another such that the glue openings  155 ,  167  are arranged to be vertically offset from one another. 
     In this regard, each glue opening  155  is vertically spaced from each respective glue opening  167  such that respective portions of the back keel  147   a  are exposed through the respective glue openings  155  and such that respective portions of the front keel  147   b  are exposed through the respective glue openings  167 . In addition, the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  extend away from the keels  147   a,    147   b  in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The above-described arrangement of the first blank  303  forms a first construct  304  for at least partially forming the carrier  405 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the second blank  403  can be overlaid upon the first construct  304  in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention features  233  of the second construct  404  align with and overlie the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b  of the first construct  304  to at least partially receive the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CB 1 , CB 2  in the manner described above with respect to the carrier  205 /package  210 . The above-described positioning of the second blank  403  upon the first construct  304  forms a second construct  404  of the carrier  405 /package  410 . 
     Further, in the above-described overlapping arrangement of the second construct  404  with the first construct  104 , the handle panel  225  of the second construct  204  is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the handle panel  125  of the first construct  104  to provide a multi-ply handle  251  for the carrier  405 /package  410 . The handle  251  of the carrier  405 /package  410  is positionable between a first or storage/shipping/retail configuration in which the handle  251  is folded downwardly relative to the central panel  261  and a second or carrying configuration in which the handle  251  is raised upwardly or is upright relative to the central panel  261  as described above with respect to the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     The configuration of the carrier  405 /package  410  provides a compact and robust holding and carrying structure for the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CB 1 , CB 2  with the advantages described above with respect to the carrier  205 /package  210 . For example, the grain direction M 1  of the first blank  303  and the grain direction M 2  of the second blank  403  that is perpendicular to the grain direction M 1  provides a cross-grain configuration for the carrier  405 /package  410  that is resistant to tearing along two perpendicular axes. 
     While the carrier  405 /package  410  has been described as configured to hold four containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CB 1 , CB 2 , in a  2 x 2  arrangement, the carrier  405 /package  410  could be otherwise shaped and configured to hold more or less than four containers in an alternative arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , an exterior surface  501  of a first blank  503  for forming a carrier  605  according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As described herein, the first blank  503  can be combined with a second blank  603  ( FIG. 12 ) to form the carrier  605  ( FIG. 13 ). In one embodiment, the first blank  503  and the second blank  603  can be free from foldable connection to one another, though the blanks  503 ,  603  can be foldably connected without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  605  can be provided in combination with one or more containers to form a package  610 . 
     The first blank  503 , as shown, has one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the first blanks  103 ,  303  described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. As shown, the first blank  503  includes the handle panel  125 , the front attachment panel  131   a,  the front keel  147   a,  the back keel  147   b,  and the back attachment panel  131   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front attachment panel  131   a  includes container retention features  133   a  for at least partially receiving respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3  and the back attachment panel  131   b  includes container retention features  133   b  for at least partially receiving respective containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 . 
     As also shown, a pair of finger or handle openings  527   a  are defined in the front keel  147   a,  and a pair of handle reinforcement flaps  528   a  are foldably connected to the front attachment panel  131   a  at a respective longitudinal fold line  529   a.  The handle reinforcement flaps  528   a  are at least partially defined by respective curved cuts  531   a  that extend from an endpoint of the respective fold line  529   a  to intersect a respective portion of the fold line  151   a.  In this regard, a free edge of the respective handle reinforcement flaps  528   a  interrupts and is collinear with the fold line  151   a,  and is positioned abutting the respective handle openings  527   a.    
     Similarly, a pair of finger or handle openings  527   b  are defined in the back keel  147   b,  and a pair of handle reinforcement flaps  528   b  are foldably connected to the back attachment panel  131   b  at a respective longitudinal fold line  529   b.  The handle reinforcement flaps  528   b  are at least partially defined by respective curved cuts  529   b.  As described herein, at least the handle openings  527   a,    527   b  and/or the handle reinforcement flaps  528   a,    528   b  (and/or openings formed by the separation thereof) can form first handle features of the carrier  605 . 
     While the first blank  503  has been illustrated without a handle panel or a back panel, it will be understood that the first blank  503  can include a handle panel and/or a back panel without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 12 , an exterior surface  601  of a reinforcing blank or upper blank or second blank  603  according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The second blank  603  has one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the second blanks  203 ,  403  described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. 
     The second blank  603  includes the central panel  261  with container retention features  233  for being aligned with the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b  of the first blank  503 . In addition, a pair of handle flaps  627  are foldably connected to the central panel  261  at respective lateral fold lines  629 , and are at least partially defined by respective curved cuts  631  that extend from one endpoint of the respective fold line  629  to the other endpoint of the respective fold line  629 . As described herein, at least the handle flaps  627  and/or openings formed from the separation thereof can form second handle features of the carrier  605 . 
     The first blank  503  and/or the second blank  603  could be alternatively sized, shaped, and/or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the handle flaps  627  and the handle reinforcement flaps  528   a,    528   b  can include additional lines of weakening and/or relief cuts to facilitate movement and manipulation thereof by a consumer. 
     The first blank  503  can be folded in the manner described above with regard to the first blanks  103 ,  303 , e.g., with the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  engaged with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  via the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b.  As also described above, the keels  147   a,    147   b  are folded at the fold line  112  into at least partial face-to-face contact with one another such that the glue openings  155 ,  167  are arranged to be vertically offset from one another. 
     In this regard, each glue opening  155  is vertically spaced from each respective glue opening  167  such that respective portions of the back keel  147   a  are exposed through the respective glue openings  155  and such that respective portions of the front keel  147   b  are exposed through the respective glue openings  167 . In addition, the attachment panels  131   a,    131   b  extend away from the keels  147   a,    147   b  in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The above-described arrangement of the first blank  503  forms a first construct  504  for at least partially forming the carrier  605 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the second blank  603  can be overlaid upon the first construct  504  in at least partial face-to-face contact therewith such that the container retention features  233  of the second blank  603  align with and overlie the respective container retention features  133   a,    133   b  of the first construct  504  to at least partially receive the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in the manner described above with respect to the carrier  205 /package  210  and the carrier  405 /package  410 . In addition, the handle flaps  627  are positioned to be aligned with at least a portion of the respective handle openings  527   a,    527   b  and/or the respective handle reinforcement flaps  528   a,    528   b.  The above-described positioning of the second blank  603  on the first construct  405  forms a second construct  604  of the carrier  605 . 
     In order to engage and/or lift the carrier  605 /package  610 , a consumer or other operator can separate one or both of the handle flaps  627  from the central panel  261  at a respective cut  631  and fold the respective handle flap  627  downwardly into a respective handle opening  527   a,    527   b  aligned with the respective handle flap  627 . Depending on the direction of movement of the respective handle flap  627 , a respective handle flap  528   b  can also be separated from the respective attachment panel  131   a,    131   b  at a respective cut  529   a,    529   b  and folded at a respective fold line  529   a,    529   b  with the movement of the respective handle flap  627  to provide a two-ply structure that can, for example, cushion, protect, buffer etc. one or more of a consumer&#39;s fingers engaged with the carrier  605 /package  610 . In this regard, a consumer or other operator can engage the carrier  605 /package  610  through an opening provided by at least one of the handle flaps  627  and can engage and edge or underside of a respective attachment panel  131   a,    131   b  to lift, move, and/or carry the carrier  605 /package  610 . 
     The configuration of the carrier  605 /package  610  provides a compact and robust holding and carrying structure for the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  with the advantages described above with respect to the carrier  205 /package  210  and carrier  405 /package  410 . For example, the grain direction M 1  of the first blank  503  and the grain direction M 2  of the second blank  603  that is perpendicular to the grain direction M 1  provides a cross-grain configuration for the carrier  605 /package  610  that is resistant to tearing along two perpendicular axes. 
     While the carrier  605 /package  610  has been described as configured to hold six containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3  in a  2 x 3  arrangement, the carrier  605 /package  610  could be otherwise shaped and configured to hold more or less than six containers in an alternative arrangement without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections. 
     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.