Abstract:
A method of constructing a carrier for bottles (such as two or four craft beer bottles), wherein the layout fits through a digital printer, is disclosed. A flat of beverage board is printed upon (on one side or both, though all exterior surfaces of the finished package are derived from one side of the board) with individualized and/or short-run graphics. The flat is die-cut and folded into a square or rectangle container closed by a tab that is glued on the back of one of side panels, and bottom flaps are folded and glued into place. A riser extends up from each of a pair of opposite sides to support a handle flap that extends across the top of the container, and the handle flaps are glued to the opposite riser and together across the top of the container.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/046,430, filed Feb. 17, 2016, with title BOTTLE CARRIER, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/117,193, filed Feb. 17, 2015, with title BOTTLE CARRIER, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to carriers for carrying bottles. More specifically, the present invention relates to structures and assembly of cartons for carrying bottles, the cartons being made of paper board and the like and having a handle for carrying the same. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a bottle carrier according to a first embodiment. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a carrier according to a second embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a carrier according to a third embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a carrier according to a fourth embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  is an expanded plan view of a detail of the flat of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart depicting a method of forming a carrier from a flat. 
           [0009]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a carrier according to a fifth embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a carrier formed by the flat of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a flat that may be formed into a carrier according to a sixth embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a carrier formed by the flat of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0014]    Generally, one form of the present apparatus is a carrier that holds two bottles, such as those used for craft beer. However, it will be understood that the carrier may be configured to hold any suitable number of bottles and/or size of bottles or other articles. This embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , is a flat form  100  that is die-cut from beverage board (such as that known as “20pt board” available from most paper merchants), though other materials may also be used as will occur to those skilled in the art.  FIG. 1  shows one side (e.g., a front) of flat  100 , and it will be understood that the opposing side (e.g., the corresponding rear) is essentially a mirror image of the view shown. As discussed in further detail below, form  100  may be assembled or formed into an assembled configuration to form the carrier. 
         [0015]    As shown, form  100  includes front panel  110 , back panel  120 , side panels  130 ,  135 , bottom panels  140 ,  145 , and tab  170  that collectively define a container portion  148 . In the embodiment shown, panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135  define a top edge extending along a line  149 . Form  100  further includes risers  150  and handle flaps  160  from which carrying holes  165  are fully or partially cut out, extending substantially from line  149  away from top edge, to define a handle portion  158 . In alternative embodiments, portions of handle portion may extend below line  149 . For example, segment  180  may extend below line  149 , thus causing portions of handle flaps  160  to lie below line  149 . It will be understood that in some embodiments, after form  100  is assembled into the assembled configuration, some portions of handle portion  158 , such as portions of handle flaps  160 , may lie below line  149 , due to manufacturing or assembly-related anomalies or inconsistencies. In the embodiment shown, holes  165  are sized and configured to receive at least one finger of a person carrying the carrier in the assembled configuration. 
         [0016]    Container portion  148  includes a plurality of fold lines  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  along which portions of form  100  may be folded in order to form the assembled configuration of form  100 . More particularly, fold line  10  extends between panels  135 ,  110 , while fold line  12  extends between panels  110 ,  130 . Fold line  14  extends between panels  130 ,  120 , and fold line  16  extends between panel  160  and flap  170 . Fold line  18  extends between panels  120  and the adjacent bottom panel  140 , while fold line  20  extends between panel  130  and the adjacent bottom panel  145 . Fold line  22  extends between panel  110  the adjacent bottom panel  140 , and fold line  24  extends between panel  135  and the adjacent bottom panel  145 . Fold lines  190  extend between handle flap  160  and riser  150 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  190  are parallel to one another and perpendicular to fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 . As shown, fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are co-linear when form  100  is unassembled. In the embodiment shown, fold lines  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  24  represent imaginary lines along which form  100  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in some embodiments, any or all of fold lines  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  100 . Edges and/or fold lines shown herein as parallel or perpendicular might be substantially (but not precisely) parallel or perpendicular, or may have other relative orientations as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0017]    As form  100  is formed by a die cutting process, for example, handle edge segments  180  are also cut, separating each handle flap  160  from its respective neighboring panel  110  or  120 . Moreover, in the embodiment shown, fold lines  190  are scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  100 . However, in other embodiments, one or both of fold lines  190  may not include such features such that fold lines  190  represent imaginary lines along which flaps  160  may be folded. Moreover, in other embodiments, segments  180  and creases  190  may be treated before or after form  100  is created through a die cutting process. 
         [0018]    After form  100  is cut, it is passed through forming equipment as is known by those skilled in the art. In this case, panels  135 ,  110 ,  130 , and  120  are folded at approximately 90-degree angles to form a rectangular shape, in cross section, such as in cross section along line  149  (e.g., block  302  of  FIG. 6 ). Tab  170  is likewise folded to be inside side panel  135  and attached with any suitable glue or other adhesive or bonding agent or non-adhesive technique such as a tab-and-slot configuration (all generically “glued” or “attached” herein) as will occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., block  304  of  FIG. 6 ). More particularly, panel  135  is folded along fold line  10 , panel  110  is folded along fold line  12 , and panel  120  is folded along fold line  14 , such that panels  110 ,  120  end up being parallel to one another and each end up perpendicular to panels  130 ,  135 . As mentioned above, tab  170  is folded inside panel  135  and bonded thereto, such that a bonding is provided between tab  170  and panel  135  along a third plane that is substantially perpendicular to line  149  and parallel to a second plane (block  306  of  FIG. 6 ). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, tab  170  is bonded to the back of panel  135 . Thus, panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135  will remain in the substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, due at least in part to the bonding between tab  170  and panel  135 . As shown, panels  110 ,  120  define a length of the rectangular cross-sectional shape, and panels  130 ,  135  define a width of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. In the present embodiment, the length as defined by panels  110 ,  120  is longer than the width defined by panels  130 ,  135 . However, other suitable relative dimensions of panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135  and other portions of flat  100  that may be provided in order to accommodate a particular amount and/or size of bottles or articles will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0019]    In order to form the bottom portion of the expanded carrier configuration of form  100 , bottom panels  140  and  145  are folded up along their respective fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  and glued together. In the embodiment shown, in the assembled configuration, bottom panels  140 ,  145  lie substantially perpendicularly to each of the panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135 . Thus, in the embodiment shown, panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135 ,  140 ,  145  in the assembled configuration define a single compartment extending substantially from bottom panels  140 ,  145  to line  149  (e.g., block  302  of  FIG. 6 ). More particularly, panels  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  135  define sidewalls of a compartment, while bottom panels  140 ,  145  collectively define a bottom portion or bottom wall of a compartment. 
         [0020]    Handle flaps  160  are folded at fold lines  190  so that they extend perpendicular to risers  150  and parallel to side panels  130  and  135  (blocks  308 ,  310  of  FIG. 6 ). The rear portions of each of handle flaps  160  are glued together such that each of the holes  165  is aligned with the other to form a single opening in handle portion  158 , and such that flaps  160  lie substantially along a second plane in order to form a unitary handle of handle portion  158  (blocks  312 ,  314  of  FIG. 6 ). In the embodiment shown, the second plane essentially bisects container portion  148  such that the handle formed by handle portion  158  lies at the midpoint between panels  130 ,  135 . Thus, in the embodiment shown, handle portion  158  essentially defines two cells above line  149  that are each suitable for holding a bottle. Accordingly, while carton portion  148  defines a single compartment as described above, handle portion  158  allows for an effective separation of bottles or other articles that may be placed in the compartment of carton portion  148 . 
         [0021]    In some implementations, before or after form  100  is cut out, form  100  may be passed through a digital printer that selectively applies text and/or graphics to one or both sides of the form  100 . In some of these implementations, the text and/or graphics are customized by a third party, automatically computer-generated per a remote customer&#39;s request, programmatically and even uniquely generated, or otherwise designed to take advantage of short-run capabilities and/or digital printing technology. Because of the configuration of form  100  as described herein, text and graphics need only be applied to one side of form  100  in its flattened configuration in order to display such text and/or graphics on the surfaces of form  100  that are on the outside when form  100  is in its expanded, carrier configuration. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of a form  200  that may be constructed or formed into an assembled configuration to make a carrier configured to hold four bottles. However, it will be understood that the carrier may be configured to hold any suitable number of bottles and/or size of bottles or other articles as will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art in view this disclosure. This embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , is also a form  200  that is die-cut from beverage board, though other materials may also be used as will occur to those skilled in the art. Form  200  is similar to form  100 , except for the differences described below. Moreover, while  FIG. 2  shows one side (e.g., a front) of flat  200 , it will be understood that the opposing (e.g., rear) side is essentially a mirror image of the view shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0023]    Form  200  includes front panel  210 , back panel  220 , side panels  230 ,  235 , bottom panels  240 ,  245 , and tab  270  that collectively define a container portion  248 . In the embodiment shown, panels  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235  define a top edge extending along a line  249 . Form  200  also includes risers  250   a ,  250   b  and handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b  extending substantially from line  249  away from top edge, that define a handle portion  258 . As shown, handle flap  260   a  and riser  250   a  extend from panel  230  such that a portion of flap  260   a  is outboard of panel  230  and flap  270 . Handle flap  260   b  extends from panels  235 ,  210 , and riser  250   b  extends from panel  235 . 
         [0024]    As form  200  goes through the die-cutting process, handle edge segments  280   a ,  280   b  are also cut, separating handle flap  260   a  from panel  230 , and separating handle flap  260   b  from panels  235 ,  210 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  290  are scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured to facilitate later handling or assembly of the form  200  during the die cutting process. However, in other embodiments, one or both of fold lines  290  do not include such features, so fold lines  290  represent imaginary lines along which flaps  260   a ,  260   b  may be folded relative to risers  250   a ,  250   b . Moreover, in other embodiments, segments  280   a ,  280   b  and fold lines  290  may be treated before or after form  200  is created through a die cutting process. In the embodiment shown, handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b  each include carrying holes  265  that are cut out from handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b . As shown in the present embodiment, holes  265  are sized and configured to receive at least one finger of a person carrying the carrier in the assembled configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , holes  265  include an obround shape, but in other embodiments may include any other suitable shape as will occur to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0025]    In alternative embodiments, portions of handle portion  258  may extend below line  249 . For example, segments  280   a ,  280   b  may extend below line  249 , thus causing portions of handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b  to lie below line  249 . It will be understood that in some embodiments, after form  200  is formed into the assembled configuration, some portions of handle portion  258 , such as portions of handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b , may lie below line  249 , due to manufacturing or assembly related anomalies or inconsistencies. 
         [0026]    Container portion  248  comprises a plurality of fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  along which portions of form  200  may be folded in order to form the assembled configuration of form  200 . As shown, fold line  26  extends between panels  220 ,  235 , while fold line  28  extends between panels  235 ,  210 . Fold line  30  extends between panels  210 ,  230 , and fold line  32  extends between panel  230  and flap  270 . Fold line  32  extends between panel  230  and the adjacent bottom panel  240 , while fold line  36  extends between panel  210  and the adjacent bottom panel  245 . Fold line  38  extends between panel  235  and the adjacent bottom panel  240 , and fold line  40  extends between panel  220  and the adjacent bottom panel  245 . Fold lines  290  extend between handle flap  260   a ,  260   b  and riser  250   a ,  250   b . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  190  are parallel to one another and perpendicular to fold lines  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 . As shown, fold lines  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  are collinear when form  200  is unassembled. In the embodiment shown, fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  represent imaginary lines along which form  200  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in some embodiments, any or all of fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  200 . 
         [0027]    After form  200  is cut, it is passed through forming equipment as is known by those skilled in the art. In this case, panels  230 ,  210 ,  235 , and  220  are folded at approximately 90-degree angles with each other to form a rectangle, in cross section, such as in cross section along line  249  (e.g., block  302  of  FIG. 6 ). Tab  270  is likewise folded to be inside side panel  220  such that it is glued to the back of panel  220  (e.g., block  304  of  FIG. 6 ). Accordingly, a bonding or non-bonding attachment (as will occur to those skilled in the art) is provided between tab  270  and panel  220  along a third plane that is substantially perpendicular to line  249  and parallel to a second plane (block  306  of  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0028]    In order to form the bottom portion of the expanded carrier configuration of form  100 , bottom panels  240  and  245  are folded up along their respective fold lines  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  and glued together. In the embodiment shown, in the assembled configuration, bottom panels  240 ,  245  lie substantially perpendicularly to each of the panels  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235 . Thus, in the embodiment shown, panels  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245  in the assembled configuration define a single compartment extending substantially from bottom panels  240 ,  245  to line  249  (block  302  of  FIG. 6 ). More particularly, panels  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235  define sidewalls of a compartment while bottom panels  240 ,  245  collectively define a bottom portion or bottom wall of a compartment. 
         [0029]    Handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b  are folded at fold lines  290  so that they extend perpendicular to risers  250   a ,  250   b , and parallel to front and rear panels  210 ,  220  (blocks  308 ,  310  of  FIG. 6 ). The rear portions of each of handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b  are glued together such that each of the holes  265  is aligned with the other to form a single opening in handle portion  258 , and such that flaps  260   a ,  260   b  lie substantially along a second plane in order to form a unitary handle of handle portion  258  (blocks  312 ,  314  of  FIG. 6 ). In the embodiment shown, the second plane essentially bisects container portion  248  such that handle of handle portion  258  lies at the midpoint between panels  210 ,  220 . Thus, in the embodiment shown, handle portion  258  essentially defines two cells above line  249  that are each suitable for holding two bottles. Accordingly, while container portion  248  defines a single compartment as described above, handle portion  258  allows for an effective separation of bottles or other articles that may be placed in the compartment of container portion  248 . 
         [0030]    In some implementations, before or after form  200  is cut out, form  200  may be passed through a digital printer that selectively applies text and/or graphics to one or both sides of the form  200 . In some of these implementations, the text and/or graphics are customized by a third-party, automatically computer-generated per a remote customer&#39;s request, programmatically and even uniquely generated, or otherwise designed to take advantage of short-run capabilities. Due to the configuration of form  200  as described herein, text and graphics need only be applied to one side of form  200  in its flattened configuration in order to display such text and/or graphics on the front or outer portion of form  200  in its expanded, carrier configuration. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of a form  300  that may be constructed or formed into an assembled configuration to make a carrier. Form  300  is substantially similar to form  100 , discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 , except for the differences described below. For that reason, substantially similar or identical structures are not labeled with reference numerals. As shown, form  300  includes exemplary alternative bottom panels  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  that are configured differently than bottom panels  140 ,  145 . As shown, panels  340 ,  344  include a substantially rectangular shape. Panels  342 ,  346  include features that allow those panels to lock together as bottom panels  340 ,  342 ,  344 , and  346  are folded upwardly to form a bottom of carrier. As shown, panel  344  includes dimensions that allow it to substantially cover the surface area of the bottom portion of carrier in the expanded configuration. For example, panel  344  has substantially the same width as panel  110  and a height that substantially matches the width of panel  130  so that panel  344  substantially covers the bottom of the container portion of the carrier when it is assembled. Other suitable configurations (including relative size, shape, and other features) of bottom panels  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0032]    Form  300  includes an exemplary alternative handle portion  358 . Particularly, handle portion  358  includes an alternative segment (cut)  380  that includes a substantially straight, horizontal portion  380   a  and a curved portion  380   b , as seen best in  FIG. 5 . Thus, segment is cut along horizontal portion  380   a  and curved portion  380   b . Including the curved portion  380   b  in segment  380  may decrease the tendency of handle portion  358  to tear at the junction between the risers  150  and adjoining panels  110 ,  120 , respectively. Form  300  also includes an alternative fold line  390 . Fold line  390  comprises an upper portion  390   a , middle portion  390   b , and lower portion  390   c . As shown, middle portion  390   b  is scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  300 , such as folding of the handle flaps  160 . As shown, upper and lower portions  390   a ,  390   c  represent imaginary lines along which form  100  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in other embodiments, upper and lower portions  390   a ,  390   c  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  300 . In some embodiments, such a configuration may give additional strength to handle portion  358 . For example, such a configuration may decrease the tendency of handle portion  358  to tear at the junction between the risers  150  and adjoining panels  110 ,  120 , respectively. Other suitable configurations of handle portion  358  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a form  400  that may be constructed or formed into an assembled configuration to make a carrier. Form  400  is substantially similar to form  200 , except for the differences described below. For that reason, substantially similar or identical structures are not labeled with reference numerals. As shown, form  400  includes exemplary alternative bottom panels  440 ,  442 ,  444 ,  446  that are configured differently from bottom panels  240 ,  245 . Panels  442 ,  446  include features that allow those panels to lock together or be attached more securely to bottom panels  440 ,  444  as bottom panels  440 ,  442 ,  444 , and  446  are folded upwardly to form a bottom of carrier. As shown, panel  444  includes dimensions that allow it to substantially cover the surface area of the bottom portion of carrier in the expanded configuration. For example, panel  444  has substantially the same width as panel  235  and a height that substantially matches the width of panel  210 . Other suitable configurations of bottom panels  440 ,  442 ,  444 ,  446  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0034]    Form  400  includes an exemplary alternative handle portion  458 . Particularly, handle portion  458  includes an alternative segment  480  that includes a horizontal portion  480   a  and a curved portion  480   b , as seen best in  FIG. 5 . It will be understood that although segments  380 ,  480  and fold lines  390 ,  490  are different, respectively, the portions shown in the close-up view of  FIG. 5  are substantially identical. Thus,  FIG. 5  is used to demonstrate and show such structures of form  400  as well. 
         [0035]    As shown, segment  480  is cut along horizontal portion  480   a  and curved portion  480   b . Including the radius of curved portion in segment  480  may decrease the tendency of handle portion  458  to tear at the junction between the risers  250   a ,  250   b  and adjoining panels  230  and  210 ,  235 , respectively. Form  400  also includes an alternative fold line  490 . Fold line  490  comprises an upper portion  490   a , middle portion  490   b , and lower portion  490   c . As shown, middle portion  490   b  is scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  400 , such as folding of the handle flaps  260   a ,  260   b . As shown, upper and lower portions  490   a ,  490   c  represent imaginary lines along which form  100  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in other embodiments, upper and lower portions  490   a ,  490   c  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  400 . Such a configuration may provide for additional strength of handle portion  458 . For example, such a configuration may decrease the tendency of handle portion  458  to tear at the junction between the risers  150  and adjoining panels  110 ,  120 , respectively. Other suitable configurations of handle portion  458  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 7-8  show another embodiment of a form  500  that may be constructed or formed into an assembled configuration to make a carrier configured to hold four bottles. However, it will be understood that the carrier may be configured to hold any suitable number of bottles and/or size of bottles or other articles as will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art in view this disclosure. This embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 7 , is also a form  500  that is die-cut from beverage board, though other materials may also be used as will occur to those skilled in the art. Form  500  is similar to form  400 , except for the differences described below. Moreover, while  FIG. 7  shows one side (e.g., a front) of flat  500 , it will be understood that the opposing (e.g., rear) side is essentially a mirror image of the view shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0037]    Form  500  includes front panel  530 , back panel  535 , side panels  510 ,  520 , bottom panels  540 ,  541 ,  543 ,  545 , and tab  570  that collectively define a container portion  548 . In the embodiment shown, panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  535  define a top edge extending substantially along a line  549 . Panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  535  may have a height of about 5 inches and a width of about 4 29/32 inches, though other suitable dimensions may be used. Form  500  also includes risers  550 , handle flaps  560 , and tabs  562 ,  564  extending substantially from line  549  away from top edge, that define a handle portion  558 . As shown, handle flap  560  and riser  550  extend from panels  510 ,  520  respectively such that each tab  562 ,  564  and a portion of each flap  560  is outboard of each panel  510 ,  520 . Each handle flap  560  may have a height of about 3 inches above line  549  and each handle tab  562 ,  564  may have a width of about 1½ inches, though other suitable dimensions can be used. 
         [0038]    As form  500  goes through the die-cutting process, handle edge segments  580 ,  582 ,  584 ,  586 ,  587 ,  588  are also cut, separating handle flaps  560  and tabs  562 ,  564  from panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  590 ,  561  are scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured to facilitate later handling or assembly of the form  500  during the die cutting process. However, in other embodiments, one or both of fold lines  590 ,  561  do not include such features, so fold lines  590 ,  561  represent imaginary lines along which flaps  560  and tabs  562 ,  564  may be folded relative to risers  550 . In the embodiment shown, handle flaps  560  each include carrying holes  565  that are cut out from handle flaps  560 . As shown in the present embodiment, holes  565  are sized and configured to receive at least one finger of a person carrying the carrier in the assembled configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , holes  565  include an obround shape, but in other embodiments may include any other suitable shape as will occur to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , portions of handle portion  558  extend below line  549 . For example, segments  584 ,  586 ,  587 ,  588  extend below line  549 , thus causing portions of handle flaps  560  and tabs  562 ,  564  to lie below line  549 . 
         [0040]    Container portion  548  comprises a plurality of fold lines  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524 ,  547  along which portions of form  500  may be folded in order to form the assembled configuration of form  500 . As shown, fold line  511  extends between panels  510 ,  535 , while fold line  512  extends between panels  510 ,  530 . Fold line  514  extends between panels  530 ,  520 , and fold line  516  extends between panel  520  and flap  570 . Fold line  518  extends between panel  520  and the adjacent bottom panel  540 , while fold line  521  extends between panel  530  and the adjacent bottom panel  545 . Fold line  522  extends between panel  510  and the adjacent bottom panel  541 , and fold line  524  extends between panel  535  and the adjacent bottom panel  545 . Fold lines  547  extend diagonally along bottom panels  545  to define flaps  543 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  561 ,  590  are parallel to one another and perpendicular to fold lines  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524 . As shown, fold lines  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524  are collinear when form  500  is unassembled. In the embodiment shown, fold lines  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524 ,  547  represent imaginary lines along which form  500  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in some embodiments, any or all of fold lines  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524 ,  547  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  500 . 
         [0041]    After form  500  is cut, it is passed through forming equipment as is known by those skilled in the art. In this case, panels  530 ,  510 ,  535 , and  520  are folded at approximately 90-degree angles with each other to form a square, in cross section, such as in cross section along line  549 . Tab  570  is likewise folded to be inside panel  535  such that it is glued to the back of panel  535 . Accordingly, a bonding or non-bonding attachment (as will occur to those skilled in the art) is provided between tab  570  and panel  535  along either the front or back of panel  535  near the unattached, straight edge thereof. 
         [0042]    In order to form the bottom portion of the expanded carrier configuration of form  500 , bottom panels  540 ,  545 ,  543 ,  541  are folded up along their respective fold lines  518 ,  521 ,  522 ,  524 ,  547  and glued together. In the embodiment shown, in the assembled configuration, bottom panels  540 ,  545 ,  543 ,  541  lie substantially perpendicularly to each of the panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  535 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 8 , panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  535 ,  540 ,  545 ,  543 ,  541  in the assembled configuration define a single compartment extending substantially from bottom panels  540 ,  545 ,  543 ,  541  to line  549 . More particularly, panels  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  535  define sidewalls of a compartment while bottom panels  540 ,  545 ,  543 ,  541  collectively define a bottom portion or bottom wall of a compartment. 
         [0043]    Handle flaps  560  are folded at fold lines  590  so that they extend perpendicular to risers  550 , and parallel to front and rear panels  530 ,  535 . Handle tabs  562 ,  564  are folded at fold lines  561  so that they extend perpendicular to handle flaps  560 . The rear portions of each handle tab  563 ,  564  are glued to the rear portion of each riser  550  and side panels  510 ,  520 . The rear surfaces of each of handle flaps  560  are glued together such that each of the holes  565  is aligned with the other to form a single opening in handle portion  558 , and such that flaps  560  lie substantially along a second plane in order to form a unitary handle of handle portion  558 . In the embodiment shown, the second plane essentially bisects container portion  548  such that handle portion  558  lies at the midpoint between panels  530 ,  535 . Thus, in the embodiment shown, handle portion  558  essentially defines two cells above line  549  that are each suitable for holding two bottles. Accordingly, while container portion  548  defines a single compartment as described above, handle portion  558  allows for an effective separation of bottles or other articles that may be placed in the compartment of container portion  548 . 
         [0044]    As described above, form  500  is substantially similar to form  400 , except for the following differences. As shown, form  500  includes an exemplary alternative handle portion  558 . Particularly, handle portion  558  includes an alternative handle flap  560  and handle tab  562 ,  564  that extends below line  549 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , segment  587  is cut horizontally along the bottom of tab  564  and flap  560  below line  549 . Segment  588  is cut at a downward angle from line  549  to below line  549  to horizontal segment  586  to form the bottom of tab  562 . Each segment  584  is then cut at an upward angle to horizontal segment  580  along the bottom of each flap  560 , substantially even with line  549 . Accordingly, a top portion of each panel  530 ,  535  extends below line  549 . The additional tabs  562 ,  564  and the portions of flaps  560  extending below line  549  may reinforce the handle portion  558  and decrease the tendency of handle portion  558  to tear at the junction between the risers  550  and adjoining panels  510 ,  520 . Other suitable configurations of handle portion  558  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0045]    In some implementations, before or after form  500  is cut out, form  500  may be passed through a digital printer that selectively applies text and/or graphics to one or both sides of the form  500 . In some of these implementations, the text and/or graphics are customized by a third party, automatically computer-generated per a remote customer&#39;s request, programmatically and even uniquely generated, or otherwise designed to take advantage of short-run capabilities. Due to the configuration of form  500  as described herein, text and graphics need only be applied to one side of form  500  in its flattened configuration in order to display such text and/or graphics on the front or outer portion of form  500  in its expanded, carrier configuration. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 9-10  show another embodiment of a form  600  that may be constructed or formed into an assembled configuration to make a carrier. This embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 9 , is also a form  600  that is die-cut from beverage board, though other materials may also be used as will occur to those skilled in the art. Form  600  is similar to form  500 , except for the differences described below. Moreover, while  FIG. 9  shows one side (e.g., a front) of flat  600 , it will be understood that the opposing (e.g., rear) side is essentially a mirror image of the view shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0047]    Form  600  includes front panel  630 , back panel  635 , side panels  610 ,  620 , bottom panels  640 ,  641 ,  643 ,  645 , and tab  670  that collectively define a container portion  648 . In the embodiment shown, panels  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  635  define a top edge extending substantially along a line  649 . Panels  610 ,  620  may have a width of about 5 15/16 inches and panels  630 ,  635  may have a width of about 3 inches, though other suitable dimensions may be used. Form  600  also includes risers  650 , handle flaps  660 , and tabs  664  extending substantially from line  649  away from top edge, that define a handle portion  658 . As shown, handle flaps  660  extend from panels  610 ,  620  respectively such that each tab  664  is outboard of each panel  610 ,  620 . Each handle flap  660  may have a height of about 3¾ inches and each handle tab  664  may have a width of about 1½ inches, though other suitable dimensions can be used. 
         [0048]    As form  600  goes through the die-cutting process, handle edge segments  680 ,  682 ,  684 ,  687  are also cut, separating handle flaps  660  and tabs  664  from panels  610 ,  620 ,  630 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  690 ,  661  are scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured to facilitate later handling or assembly of the form  600  during the die cutting process. However, in other embodiments, one or both of fold lines  690 ,  661  do not include such features, so fold lines  690 ,  661  represent imaginary lines along which flaps  660  and tabs  664  may be folded relative to risers  650 . In the embodiment shown, handle flaps  660  each include carrying holes  665  that are cut out from handle flaps  660 . As shown in the present embodiment, holes  665  are sized and configured to receive at least one finger of a person carrying the carrier in the assembled configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , holes  665  include an obround shape, but in other embodiments may include any other suitable shape as will occur to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , portions of handle portion  658  extend below line  649 . For example, segments  684 ,  687  extend below line  649 , thus causing portions of tabs  664  to lie below line  649 . 
         [0050]    Container portion  548  comprises a plurality of fold lines  611 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624 ,  647  along which portions of form  600  may be folded in order to form the assembled configuration of form  600 . As shown, fold line  611  extends between panels  610 ,  635 , while fold line  612  extends between panels  610 ,  630 . Fold line  614  extends between panels  630 ,  620 , and fold line  616  extends between panel  620  and flap  670 . Fold line  618  extends between panel  620  and the adjacent bottom panel  640 , while fold line  621  extends between panel  630  and the adjacent bottom panel  645 . Fold line  622  extends between panel  610  and the adjacent bottom panel  641 , and fold line  624  extends between panel  635  and the adjacent bottom panel  645 . Fold lines  647  extend diagonally along bottom panels  645  to define flaps  643 . In the embodiment shown, fold lines  611 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  661 ,  690  are parallel to one another and perpendicular to fold lines  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624 . As shown, fold lines  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624  are collinear when form  600  is unassembled. In the embodiment shown, fold lines  611 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624 ,  647  represent imaginary lines along which form  600  may be folded to form the carrier. However, in some embodiments, any or all of fold lines  611 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624 ,  647  may be scored, perforated, or otherwise treated or configured in a manner that facilitates later handling or assembly of the form  600 . 
         [0051]    After form  600  is cut, it is passed through forming equipment as is known by those skilled in the art. In this case, panels  630 ,  610 ,  635 , and  620  are folded at approximately 90-degree angles with each other to form a rectangle, in cross section, such as in cross section along line  649 . Tab  670  is likewise folded to be inside side panel  635  such that it is glued to the back of panel  635 . Accordingly, a bonding or non-bonding attachment (as will occur to those skilled in the art) is provided between tab  670  and panel  635  along either the front or back of panel  635  near the unattached, straight edge thereof. 
         [0052]    In order to form the bottom portion of the expanded carrier configuration of form  600 , bottom panels  640 ,  645 ,  643 ,  641  are folded up along their respective fold lines  618 ,  621 ,  622 ,  624 ,  647  and glued together. In the embodiment shown, in the assembled configuration, bottom panels  640 ,  645 ,  643 ,  641  lie substantially perpendicularly to each of the panels  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  635 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 10 , panels  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  635 ,  640 ,  645 ,  643 ,  641  in the assembled configuration define a single compartment extending substantially from bottom panels  640 ,  645 ,  643 ,  641  to line  649 . More particularly, panels  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  635  define sidewalls of a compartment while bottom panels  640 ,  645 ,  643 ,  641  collectively define a bottom portion or bottom wall of a compartment. 
         [0053]    Handle flaps  660  are folded at fold lines  690  so that they extend perpendicular to risers  650 , and parallel to front and rear panels  630 ,  635 . Handle tabs  664  are folded at fold lines  661  so that they extend perpendicular to handle flaps  660 . The rear portions of each handle tab  664  are glued to the rear portion of each riser  650  and side panels  610 ,  620 . The rear portions of each of handle flaps  660  are glued together such that each of the holes  665  is aligned with the other to form a single opening in handle portion  658 , and such that flaps  660  lie substantially along a second plane in order to form a unitary handle of handle portion  658 . In the embodiment shown, the second plane essentially bisects container portion  648  such that handle of handle portion  658  lies at the midpoint between panels  630 ,  635 . Accordingly, while container portion  648  defines a single compartment as described above, handle portion  658  may allow for an effective separation of bottles or other articles that may be placed in the compartment of container portion  648 . 
         [0054]    As described above, form  600  is substantially similar to form  500 , except for the following differences. As shown, form  600  includes an exemplary alternative handle portion  658 . Particularly, handle portion  658  includes an alternative handle flap  660  and handle tab  664 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , segments  687  are cut horizontally along the bottom of each tab  664  below line  649 . Each segment  684  is then cut at an upward angle to line  649  at fold line  661 . Accordingly, a top portion of each panel  630 ,  635  extends below line  649 . Horizontal segment  680  is cut along the bottom of each flap  660 , substantially even with line  649 . Segment  682  is then cut at an upward angle above line  649 . Accordingly, each handle flap  660  is substantially even with line  649 . Each handle tab  664  is then positioned to extend beyond panel  610 ,  620 , respectively, and below line  649 . For instance, tab  664  may extend to a midpoint of panels  630 , one  635 . The additional tabs  664  may reinforce the handle portion  658  and decrease the tendency of handle portion  658  to tear at the junction between the risers  650  and adjoining panels  610 ,  620 . Other suitable configurations of handle portion  658  will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0055]    In some implementations, before or after form  600  is cut out, form  600  may be passed through a digital printer that selectively applies text and/or graphics to one or both sides of the form  600 . In some of these implementations, the text and/or graphics are customized by a third-party, automatically computer-generated per a remote customer&#39;s request, programmatically and even uniquely generated, or otherwise designed to take advantage of short-run capabilities. Due to the configuration of form  600  as described herein, text and graphics need only be applied to one side of form  600  in its flattened configuration in order to display such text and/or graphics on the front or outer portion of form  600  in its expanded, carrier configuration. 
         [0056]    All publications, prior applications, and other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.