Patent Description:
Different can carriers are known, and they are often used to form multipacks, such as six-packs of beverage cans or so-called drink cans.

A first known type of beverage can carriers is formed by plastic six-pack rings, which comprises six interconnected flexible plastic rings. A first disadvantage of such plastic six-packs rings may lie in their environmental impact, for instance as animals may become entrapped in the plastic rings when they are not properly disposed. Another disadvantage may lie in that such plastic six-pack rings do not provide much space for printing, such as for marketing or promotional purposes.

Also relatively hard, injection molded plastic multipack can carriers are known, such as for instance is marketed by the company PakTech. A disadvantage may lie in that such carriers comprise relatively large amounts of plastic material, and do still not provide relatively large surfaces for branding or the like.

Further it is known to pack multiple beverage cans together by means of plastic shrink-filled overwraps. Although such shrink wrapped packs of cans can provide relatively much space for printing, a disadvantage may lie in that they are made of plastic, which may have a relatively large environmental impact and/or a relatively bad image.

Also cardboard beverage can carriers or so-called multipack cartons are known. For example, paperboard basket type can carriers are known. Applying such basket type carriers for packing multiple beverage cans may be relatively costly, for instance as they may be relatively complex to manufacture and/or relatively difficult to fill with beverage cans. Further, such basket type carriers may include relatively much cardboard material, which may not be beneficial to their environmental impact.

Another type of known can carriers is formed by paperboard overwraps. Although they may provide for relatively much surface space for branding or other printing, they may also use relatively much cardboard material. Besides, the paperboard overwraps may be relatively difficult to manufacture and/or to assemble around a multiplicity of cans.

Further, paper-based top-gripping beverage can carriers are known. A known paper-based top-gripping beverage can carrier has a main panel with substantially round can receiving apertures with a so-called crown style attachment mechanism including a series of locking tabs arranged around the periphery of the receiving aperture and radially extending towards the center of the receiving aperture. When a can is inserted into such a so-called sunburst type of can receiving opening, the locking tabs are deflected upwards and engage an underside of the lid or the so-called end of the can. A disadvantage may lie in that such a sunburst type of can receiving opening may not always retain the cans securely, as a result of which beverage cans may accidently fall out of the carrier. Additionally or alternatively, as a result of not being retained securely in the carrier, a beverage can may unintentionally rotate about its central axis, which for example may result in that a certain portion of said can, for example comprising branding, may then no longer be visible, to for example a potential consumer, and/or which for example may result in that a certain portion of the can, for example a portion provided with a bar code, which for instance may relate to the price of a single can instead of the price of an entire multipack, may be accidently displayed, whereas it initially might have been intentionally hidden from view by another one of the cans held by the carrier.

For instance thereto, the can carrier may be adhered to the cans, for instance by means of hot melt. It is also possible to glue the bodies of multiple cans onto each other by means of hot melt or other adhesives. However, using such hot melt or other adhesives may be undesirable from an environmental point of view. Additionally or alternatively, a disadvantage of using an adhesive may lie in that, after releasing a beverage can, the hot melt or other adhesive may stay behind on the beverage can, for instance at or near an area of the can lid at which a drinking opening or pouring opening is to be formed, which may be disadvantageous, for example in view of hygiene and/or taste perception. Additionally or alternatively, using an adhesive may make assembling a carrier and/or assembling a multipack comprising a carrier and multiple cans for example relatively complicated, relatively time consuming and/or relatively error prone.

<CIT> discloses a carrier for flanged articles, which includes a carrier for elongated flanged articles comprising a base panel, a pair of side walls foldably joined respectively to the side edges of said base panel and extending upwardly therefrom, a pair of top wall panels foldably joined respectively to the top edges of said side walls and extending inwardly therefrom, a pair of support panels foldably joined respectively to the inner edges of said top wall panels and extending downwardly and inwardly therefrom, a pair of anchoring panels foldably joined respectively to the inner edges of said support panels and disposed in flat face contacting relation with the upper surface of said base panel, at least one flange receiving slit formed at the junction between each of said top wall panels and its associated support panel, at least a pair of stabilizing flaps struck from said base panel in areas thereof adjacent said side walls respectively and each flap being folded upwardly to occupy a position adjacent its associated side wall, said flaps defining article receiving apertures in said base panel, and a flange receiving slit formed in each of said stabilizing flaps and arranged to cooperate with the corresponding slit in the junction between the associated top wall panel and support panel for receiving diametrically opposite edge portions of the flange of an article disposed in the associated aperture.

<CIT> discloses a carrier for articles such as beverage cans of the type that grip the top portions of the cans so as to suspend them from the carrier, wherein the carrier is comprised of a top panel connected to a bottom panel by side panels, wherein the upper ends of the cans extend through apertures in the bottom panel of the carrier, and the chimes or limps of the cans are engaged by locking tabs surrounding the aperture, wherein one of the side panels is connected to a glue flap to be glued to the top flap.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative beverage can multipack and/or an alternative beverage can carrier. In particular, it can be an object of the invention to provide a beverage can carrier, wherein at least one of the disadvantages of a prior art beverage can carrier is counteracted. More in particular, the invention may aim to provide a beverage can carrier, wherein at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above is counteracted. In embodiments, the invention aims at providing an alternative paper-based top-gripping beverage can carrier, especially an alternative paper-based top-gripping beverage can carrier which may facilitate that cans can be retained therein relatively well.

Thereto, the invention provides for a top-gripping beverage can carrier, comprising a main panel of cardboard sheet material having at least one, and preferably multiple, can receiving apertures, wherein the main panel is provided with a series of locking tabs hingedly connected to the main panel by means of a respective tab fold line, and disposed around the can receiving aperture, wherein each locking tab extends from the respective tab fold line towards a retaining edge for engaging an underside of a radially protruding portion of a beverage can to be received in the can receiving aperture, said radially protruding portion of the can being formed by a lid of said can, wherein said retaining edge is located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving aperture than said tab fold line, wherein each locking tab can pivot about the respective tab fold line from an initial position of the respective locking tab, in which said respective locking tab lies substantially in line with the main panel, towards a folded up position in which said locking tab is under an angle with the main panel, wherein the carrier further comprises a first cover panel for at least partly covering at least one first lid of at least a first one of the one or multiple cans to be held by the carrier, wherein the first cover panel is hingedly connected to the main panel via a first intermediate panel, wherein the first intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the main panel by means of a first cover fold line, and wherein the first intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the first cover panel by means of a second cover fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises a first connector panel which is hingedly connected to the first cover panel by means of a third cover fold line, wherein the first connector panel is arranged to snap below the first lid of the first can in order to hold the first cover panel in place in its covering position.

By providing the carrier with the first cover panel, it can be facilitated that at least a part of at least one lid of one or more cans to be held by the carrier can be covered. This may for example counteract contamination on a lid, in particular at the location at which a drinking opening or pouring opening is to be formed by the user, for instance by means of a pop-tab mechanism of the can. Hence, the cover panel may facilitate that the carrier can facilitate a relatively hygienical use of the carrier and/or the one or more cans to be carried by said carrier.

By arranging the carrier such that the first cover panel is hingedly connected to the main panel via the first intermediate panel, wherein the first intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the main panel by means of the first cover fold line, and wherein the first intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the first cover panel by means of the second cover fold line, it can be facilitated that the cover panel may during use extend substantially parallel with the upper side of the can, in particular substantially parallel with the lid of the can, as a result of which it can be facilitated that the cover panel is abutting an outer rim of the lid relatively well, which then may counteract that dust and/or other contamination may unintentionally get on top of the lid, in particular at the location at which a drinking opening or pouring opening is to be formed by the user.

By further providing the carrier with the first connector panel, which is hingedly connected to the first cover panel by means of a third cover fold line, and wherein the first connector panel is arranged to snap below the first lid of the first can in order to hold the first cover panel in place in its covering position, it can be facilitated that the cover panel can be installed and/or secured in its covering position, in which said cover panel can cover at least a part of at least one lid of the one or more cans to be held by the carrier, in a relatively simple and/or relatively swift and/or relatively foolproof manner.

Additionally or alternatively, as a result of snapping or clamping the cover panel below the lid of the can, it can be facilitated that no adhesive needs to be used to hold the cover panel in its covering position. In embodiments, the carrier may also be free of other connectors to install and/or hold the cover panel in its covering position, and the carrier may thus for example be free of insertion tabs and corresponding insertions slits to connect the connector panel to the main panel of the carrier. Using no glue or any other adhesive may for example facilitate that the carrier and/or the multipack can be assembled in a relatively simple and/or relatively swift and/or relatively foolproof manner. Additionally or alternative, using no adhesive to install the cover panel in place may be relatively environmentally friendly and/or counteract that portions of the can, for instance at the location of the pouring opening to be formed, may become contaminated with adhesive.

Additionally or alternatively, by snapping the connector panel below the lid of the can, at least in embodiments the can may be clamped relatively well by the carrier, as a result of which the can may be retained in said carrier relatively well.

Additionally or alternatively, the cover panel, which can cover the lid at least partly during use of the carrier, can counteract relatively well that the can held in the can receiving aperture may tilt with respect to the central axis of said can. This may for example counteract that a can held by the carrier may unintentionally become detached, and can thus facilitate that the can may be retained in the carrier relatively well.

Additionally or alternatively, a result of that the cover panel can counteract that the cans could tilt relatively simple, may for example lie in that it can also be counteracted that, when a multipack including said carrier and multiple beverage can is held on its side or upside down, the cans, which initially may be abutting and may extend with their central axes parallelly such as to form a relatively compact bundle, may flower out at their free ends. Hence, such so-called flowering effect, which is usually undesirable, may thus be counteracted due to the cover panel.

Additionally or alternatively, the cover panel, in particular when it is held relatively firmly against the upper end side of the can, may counteract in a relatively elegant manner that the can may unintentionally rotate about its central axis. As a result, one can deliberately position the cans in a certain manner, for example in a manner in which the branding of multiple cans is neatly aligned, and/or in a manner in which certain information, such as for example the bar code of the can, is shielded by another can held in the carrier such that such bar code or other information is hidden from view. This may for example counteract that one could accidentally scan the bar code of a single can instead of scanning a bar code belonging to the multipack, which for example may be provided on the carrier.

Advantageously, the first connector panel can be provided with a first connector edge formed by a first cut or slit, which can be clicked or clamped beneath the first can's first radially protruding portion formed by the first lid of said first can in order to lock the first cover panel in its covering position. This may enable that the connector panel can be snapped and clamped below the lid of the can relatively well and/or relatively firmly.

In embodiments, the carrier may be arranged such that in the use position of the carrier, the first connector panel, the first cover panel, the first intermediate panel and a respective portion of the main panel provided with at least the first can receiving aperture, together substantially define a shaft, which, when seen in a direction substantially parallel to the first cover fold line, has a cross-section substantially formed as an acute trapezium. The outer edge of the connector panel may then be abutting the upwardly facing side of the main panel of the carrier. As a result, a relatively firm construction may be formed, which may facilitate that the cans may be retained relatively well and/or which may counteract that the carrier may sag and/or deform.

In advantageous embodiments, the main panel may comprise at least two, and preferably more, can receiving apertures, which may be provided in at least one straight row. Preferably, the main panel may comprise at least four, and for example six, can receiving apertures which, in embodiments, may be provided in parallel rows, for instance two parallel rows, which for instance may each have two, three or four can receiving openings.

In embodiments, the centers of two adjacent can receiving apertures may be spaced apart over an interspace corresponding with the diameter at the widest point of the body of the cans to be held by the carrier. For example, when the said widest point of the body of the can is about <NUM>, said interspace may then for instance also be about <NUM>. As a result, adjacent cans held in the carrier may substantially abut, which may counteract that they may shift and/or which may facilitate that the cans may be held in a relatively compact arrangement.

In embodiments, the carrier may comprise a second cover panel for at least partly covering at least one second lid of at least one second one of the cans to be held by the carrier, wherein the second cover panel is hingedly connected to the main panel via a second intermediate panel, wherein the second intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the main panel by means of a fourth cover fold line, and wherein the second intermediate panel is hingedly connected to the second cover panel by means of a fifth cover fold line, wherein the carrier further comprises a second connector panel which is hingedly connected to the second cover panel by means of a sixth cover fold line, wherein the second connector panel is arranged to snap below the second lid of said second can in order to hold the second cover panel in place in its covering position. For example, the carrier may comprise two parallel rows of can receiving apertures, wherein the carrier comprises two cover panels, each of which during use covers at last partly the lids of the cans held in a respective one of said two rows.

Advantageously, the carrier is arranged such that, in a use position of the carrier, a first outer edge of the first connector panel and a second outer edge of the second connector panel can abut against each other, and preferably also abut against the upwardly facing side of the main panel. By abutting against each other, the two connector panels can clamp each other and can facilitate that the connectors panels can be kept in place during use, thereby facilitating that a relatively strong structure can be formed, in particular in a relatively simple and/or relatively elegant manner, for instance without the need of any adhesive and/or any further connector means for holding the connector panels in place.

In preferred embodiments, the first cover panel can be formed out of the same sheet of cardboard material as the main panel, and preferably also the first intermediate panel and the first connector panel may then be formed out of the same sheet of cardboard material as the main panel. Additionally or alternatively, the second cover panel can be formed out of the same sheet of cardboard material as the main panel, and preferably then also the second intermediate panel and the second connector panel may be formed out of the same sheet of cardboard material as the main panel.

Advantageously, said sheet of cardboard material from which the main panel is formed is a sheet of corrugated fiberboard. However, other types of cardboard sheet material may be possible, such as compressed paperboard material or other paperboard material.

Although different kinds of cardboard sheet material may be used, such as for instance paperboard, especially compressed paperboard material, it has been found that it may be advantageous to form at least the main panel out of corrugated fiberboard material, preferably a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard. In particular, the corrugated fiberboard may have a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>, for instance about <NUM>, or less.

Advantageously, at least the main panel and the series of locking tabs are, and preferably substantially the entire carrier is, formed out of a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard.

By arranging the carrier such that the locking tabs are spread over the perimeter of the can receiving aperture such that the largest angle between two adjacent locking tabs of the series of locking tabs is less than <NUM>°, it can be counteracted that a can, once held by the locking tabs, may move sidewardly without encountering a locking tab.

In embodiments, the main panel can be arranged such as to include a series of neck support sections being integral parts of the main panel and defining neck support edges being located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving opening than the fold lines of the locking tabs, or so-called locking tab fold lines, wherein, at least in the initial position of the locking tabs, the retaining edges of the locking tabs extend more inwardly with respect to the can receiving opening than the neck support edges. By providing the neck support sections that are integral parts of the main panel, and which during use of the can carrier are located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving opening than the fold lines about which the locking tabs are pivoted upwards, a beverage can having its protruding end edge supported by said locking tabs at a height level above the main panel can at the height level of the main panel be additionally supported by said neck support sections. In particular, the neck support sections can rest against a neck of the can and may counteract that the can may shift sidewardly within the receiving opening. Therefore, it may be facilitated that the can may be secured relatively well in the top-gripping can carrier. This may form an advantage over known paper-based top gripping beverage can carriers, which often have substantially round can receiving apertures with a so-called crown style attachment mechanism including a series of locking tabs arranged around the periphery of the receiving aperture and radially extending towards the center of the receiving aperture, which usually will require extremely narrow aperture-to-can tolerances.

Additionally or alternatively, by arranging the carrier such that the neck support sections are spread over the perimeter of the can receiving aperture in such a manner that the largest angle between two adjacent locking tabs of the series of locking tabs is less than <NUM>°, it can be counteracted that the can may move in radial or sideward direction at the height level of the main panel, thereby facilitating that the can may be secured relatively well.

At least in embodiments, the locking tab fold lines can be formed as prefabricated fold lines, for instance by means of one or more scores, slits, and/or embossments, which may facilitate that the locking tabs pivot at the intended location.

Advantageously, at least one, and preferably multiple, especially each, of the neck support sections may have a depth being smaller than its width, preferably said depth being less than half of said width. As a result, the neck support section may be relatively rigid and it can be counteracted that it may unintentionally bend or fold, for instance when a beverage can, which is held in the aperture confined partly by means of said support section, applies a sideward or radial force onto said neck support section, thereby facilitating that the can may be secured relatively well.

By arranging the carrier such that at least one of the main panel's neck support sections, and preferably multiple, especially each, of them has a depth, which may be measured in the radial direction, being at most four times as large as the thickness of said neck support section, and preferably even smaller, such as at most three times as large, the neck support sections, which may thus be relatively thick compared to their depth, may be relatively rigid, which may counteract that it may accidently bend or fold, which thus may facilitate that the can may be secured relatively well.

By arranging that the at least one of the neck support sections of the main panel, and preferably multiple or all of them, have a depth being larger than the thickness of an adjacent locking tab, preferably at least one and a half time as large, such as for instance about twice as large, it can be facilitated relatively easily that the neck support edge defined by the neck support section may be located further inwardly than a can facing side of a bottom end section of a folded up locking tab supporting said can. Hence, the neck support sections may support the neck of the can relatively well.

In embodiments, at least one of the neck support sections may have a depth being at least a quarter of the depth of at least one locking tab being adjacent to the respective neck support section, preferably wherein said depth of the neck support section is at least a third, such as for instance about half, of the depth of the locking tab.

In embodiments, the can carrier may hold at least one, and preferably multiple, beverage cans within a respective one of the one or more can receiving apertures of the carrier.

Advantageously, the can receiving aperture, when the locking tabs are folded away towards their folded up positions, may leave open a passage having a passage diameter being at least substantially equal to, and preferably wider than, the diameter of a lid of the beverage can to be held within said receiving aperture. For instance in case the diameter of the lid of the beverage can is about <NUM>, said passage diameter may be at least about <NUM>, such as for example about <NUM>.

Further advantageous embodiments according to the invention are described in the appended claims.

By way of non-limiting examples only, embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:.

It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments according to the invention. In the figures, the same or similar reference signs or numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a top-gripping beverage can carrier <NUM> according to the invention in its use position in which it is used to form a multipack including multiple beverage cans <NUM>, and <FIG> shows an embodiment of a blank of a top-griping carrier <NUM> in an initial flat state. As is the case in the here shown embodiments, the the carrier <NUM> may preferably be formed from a single blank of cardboard sheet material.

Said can carrier <NUM>, which may also be considered to form a so-called neck-through carrier, is intended to hold one or multiple beverage cans <NUM>, for instance such as depicted in <FIG>, which thus shows an assembly including the can carrier <NUM> and multiple cans <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the carrier <NUM> may be for forming a multipack, such as for example a six-pack, which is the case in the here shown embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments, the carrier <NUM> may be arranged to hold another number of beverage cans <NUM> or so-called drink cans <NUM>, which may contain a drink or beverage, such as for instance soft drink, in particular carbonated soft drink, an alcoholic drink, such as beer, wine or a mixed drink, such as for instance an alcopop, fruit juice, water, tea, herbal tea, energy drink, etc..

In the here shown embodiments, a main panel <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> is provided with six can receiving apertures <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the main panel <NUM> may have another number, preferably a multiple number, of can receiving apertures <NUM> or so-called receiving openings <NUM>, such as for instance one, two, three, four or eight can receiving apertures <NUM> which, in embodiments, may be provided in parallel rows, for instance two parallel rows 300a, 300b, wherein each row for instance may each have two, three or four can receiving apertures for holding a respective row of cans 600a, 600b.

Further, the main panel <NUM> is provided with a series of locking tabs <NUM> hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> by means of a respective fold line <NUM>, i.e. a locking tab fold line <NUM>, in particular a prefabricated fold line. Here, the prefabricated fold line <NUM> is formed by a score. However, it may be formed in any other suitable manner, for instance by means of multiple scores and/or one or more slits, and/or embossments or the like. The locking tabs <NUM> can thus be formed from the same sheet of material, in particular corrugated fiberboard material, as the panel to which they are connected.

Each of the locking tabs <NUM>, which are intended and arranged for retaining a can <NUM> in the receiving aperture <NUM>, extends from the respective fold line <NUM> towards a retaining edge <NUM>. In particular, the fold line <NUM> is located at a first or proximal end of the locking tab <NUM>, while the retaining edge <NUM> is located at an opposite second end of the locking tab <NUM>. Said retaining edge <NUM> is for engaging an underside of a radially protruding portion <NUM> of a beverage can <NUM> to be received in the can receiving aperture <NUM>, as for instance can be seen in the schematic partly cut away cross sectional view of <FIG>. Said radially protruding portion <NUM> of the can is formed by a lid <NUM>, usually called an end <NUM>, of the can <NUM>, which may be attached to a main body <NUM> of said can <NUM>.

The locking tabs <NUM> can pivot about their respective fold lines <NUM> from an initial position of the respective locking tab <NUM>, in which said respective locking tab <NUM> lies substantially in line with the main panel <NUM>, towards a folded up position in which said locking tab is under an angle with the main panel <NUM>, as for instance is the case in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the initial position of the locking tab <NUM>, it may thus be substantially flush with the main panel <NUM>. Preferably, the locking tab <NUM>, for instance at least after folding up to a certain extent, may be biased in a direction substantially back to its initial position.

As for instance can be seen in <FIG>, at least in the initial position of the locking tab <NUM>, the retaining edge <NUM> is located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving aperture <NUM> than said fold line <NUM>. In other words, at least in its initial position, the locking tab <NUM> can extend from the fold line <NUM> into the can receiving aperture <NUM>, preferably in a substantially radial direction.

In the here shown embodiments, the main panel <NUM> includes a series of neck support sections <NUM>, which may be for supporting against the neck <NUM> of the beverage can <NUM>. These neck support sections <NUM> form sections <NUM> or areas <NUM> of the main panel <NUM> and are integral parts of the main panel <NUM>. Contrary to the locking tabs <NUM>, the neck support sections <NUM> are here thus not formed as tabs hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM>, but are integral parts of said main panel <NUM>. In particular, the neck support sections <NUM> may be intended and/or arranged for supporting against a neck <NUM> of the beverage can <NUM>. The neck support sections <NUM> define neck support edges <NUM>, which are for supporting against the neck <NUM> of the can <NUM>, and which during use may abut against the neck <NUM> or so-called neck portion <NUM> of the can held within the respective can receiving aperture <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. Providing the carrier with such neck support sections <NUM> may be advantageous, as such an arrangement may facilitate that cans <NUM> can be secured relatively well in the carrier <NUM>.

Further, in advantageous embodiments, the neck support edges <NUM> may be curved, in particular concave, more preferably substantially arc-shaped, such as to facilitate a proper fit with the neck <NUM> of the can <NUM>. In particular, multiple neck support edges <NUM>, preferably all neck support edges <NUM>, defining parts of the boundary of a respective can receiving aperture <NUM>, may be located substantially on a virtual circle <NUM>.

The can receiving aperture <NUM>, when the locking tabs <NUM> are folded away towards their folded up positions, leaves a passage open for letting pass at least an upper part of a can <NUM>. Said passage and/or the vertical circle <NUM> on which the neck support edges <NUM> may be located may have a passage diameter D210 being at least substantially equal to, and preferably wider than, the diameter D60 of the lid <NUM> of the beverage can <NUM> to be held within said receiving aperture <NUM>, such that the lid <NUM> or so-called end <NUM> of the can <NUM> can be inserted into the can receiving aperture <NUM> without substantially folding up or flexing the neck support sections <NUM> of the main panel <NUM>. In particular, especially as beverage cans <NUM> often have an end <NUM> or lid <NUM> with a diameter D60 of about <NUM> or about <NUM>, said passage diameter D210 may be at least about <NUM>, preferably at least about <NUM>, such as about <NUM>.

As for instance can be seen in <FIG>, the neck support edges <NUM>, if any, can preferably be located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving opening <NUM> than the fold lines <NUM> of the locking tabs <NUM>.

At least in the initial position of the locking tabs <NUM>, multiple ones of, and preferably all of, the retaining edges <NUM> of the locking tabs <NUM>, which retaining edges <NUM> may be curved, in particular concave, more preferably substantially arc-shaped, for instance such as to facilitate a proper fit with the end <NUM> of the can <NUM>, may be located substantially on a virtual circle <NUM>.

At least in the initial position of the locking tabs <NUM>, the retaining edges <NUM> of the locking tabs <NUM>, may extend more inwardly with respect to the can receiving opening <NUM> than the neck support edges <NUM>. In particular, when the locking tabs <NUM> are in their initial positions, the area of the can receiving aperture <NUM> not blocked by the locking tabs <NUM> then extending into said aperture <NUM>, which unblocked area at least in embodiments may be considered as the area enclosed by the virtual circle <NUM> on which the respective retaining edges <NUM> are substantially located, may have a diameter D400 smaller than the outer diameter D60 of the lid <NUM> or so-called end <NUM> of the beverage can <NUM> to be held within said receiving aperture <NUM>. At least in the initial position of the locking tabs <NUM>, in particular in case the diameter D60 of the lid <NUM> of the beverage can <NUM> is about <NUM> and/or in particular in case the passage diameter D210 is at least <NUM>, the diameter D400 of said unblocked area may in embodiments be smaller than <NUM>, preferably smaller than <NUM>, such as about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM> or about <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the locking tabs <NUM> may be disposed around the can receiving aperture <NUM>, in particular in a manner in which the locking tabs <NUM>, at least in their initial positions in which they lie substantially flush with the main panel <NUM>, are spaced apart from each other. More in particular, the locking tabs <NUM> can be entirely spaced apart from each other, both at their first, outer ends at which their fold lines <NUM> are located, as well as at their opposite, second ends that form the retaining edges <NUM>, as well as at any other portion of the side edges of the locking tabs <NUM>.

In embodiments, the locking tabs <NUM> may be substantially evenly distributed along the periphery of said can receiving aperture <NUM>. However, as can be seen in the here shown embodiment, at certain positions <NUM>, such as for instance relatively near an edge <NUM> of the main panel <NUM>, a relatively large part of the perimeter of the aperture <NUM> may be free of such locking tab <NUM>. This may be considered as that at such position <NUM>, a locking tab <NUM> may be omitted, in particular to counteract that otherwise the main panel <NUM> could be weakened to a relatively large extend by an incision extending which would otherwise extend relatively close to the edge <NUM> of the panel. This means that at such locations <NUM>, the respective neck support section <NUM>' of the main panel <NUM> may thus be relatively wide.

In embodiments, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, for instance at such locations <NUM>, one or more additional tabs <NUM> may be hingedly connected to the main panel. In embodiments, contrary to the here shown embodiments, the inner edges <NUM> of such additional tabs <NUM> may extend more inwardly with respect to the can receiving aperture <NUM> than the retaining edges <NUM> of the locking tabs <NUM> do. For example, the additional tab <NUM> may have a depth which is arranged such that the inner edge <NUM> of the additional tab <NUM> forms an additional retaining edge engaging the radially protruding portion <NUM> of the can <NUM> be formed by a lid <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, eight locking tabs <NUM>, and also two additional tabs <NUM>, are provided at each aperture <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, another number of locking tabs <NUM> may be provided at one or more of the can receiving apertures <NUM>. Preferably, at least three locking tabs <NUM> are provided at the respective can receiving aperture <NUM>, especially in order to counteract movements of the can in radial direction, and more preferably at least four locking tabs <NUM>, such as for instance between five and twenty locking tabs <NUM> can be provided.

In embodiments, each neck support section <NUM> may extend between two adjacent locking tabs <NUM>, and/or each locking tab <NUM> may extend between two adjacent neck support sections <NUM>. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the number of neck support sections <NUM> may correspond with the number of locking tabs <NUM>, and may, as is the case in the here shown embodiments, be eight. However, in alternative embodiments, other numbers of neck support sections <NUM> are possible, for instance at least three, at least four, and/or between five and twenty neck support sections <NUM> at a respective can receiving aperture <NUM>.

Advantageously, the locking tabs <NUM> may be spread over the perimeter of the can receiving aperture <NUM> in such a manner that the largest angle α44 between two adjacent locking tabs <NUM> of the series of locking tabs <NUM> is less than <NUM>°. Said angle α44, which may be measured from the facing ends of the retaining edges <NUM>, may preferably be smaller than <NUM>°.

Additionally or alternatively, the largest angle α28 over which a neck support edge <NUM>, in particular the widest one of the neck support edges <NUM>, extends may be less than <NUM>°, preferably less than <NUM>°. In this context, it is noted that such neck support edge <NUM>, which may be formed by a cut line <NUM>', may in embodiments be formed by a folded edge, or may be formed by one or more cut lines <NUM>" and one or more folded edges <NUM>‴ together.

Further, it is noted that the neck support sections <NUM> may be spread over the perimeter of the can receiving aperture <NUM> in such a manner that the largest angle α28 between two neck support sections of the series of neck support sections is less than <NUM>°. In particular, said angle α28, which may be measured from a first lateral end of the respective neck support edge <NUM> up to its opposite, second later end, may preferably be smaller than <NUM>°.

It is noted that a respective one of the neck support sections <NUM>, in circumferential direction of the can receiving aperture <NUM>, can be located between two adjacent locking tabs <NUM>, and that the fold lines <NUM> of said two adjacent locking tabs <NUM> may be substantially located on a virtual circle <NUM> extending around the center <NUM> of the can receiving aperture <NUM>. Said respective one of the neck support sections <NUM> can then have a depth <NUM> which extends, seen in the radial direction of the can receiving aperture <NUM>, from the neck support edge <NUM> of the respective neck support section <NUM> up to said virtual circle <NUM> on which the fold lines <NUM> of said two adjacent locking tabs <NUM> substantially are located.

It is noted that, at least one, and preferably multiple, especially each, of the neck support sections <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> being smaller than its largest width <NUM> and/or said width <NUM> measured at the location between the two adjacent fold lines <NUM>, preferably said depth <NUM> being less than half of such width <NUM>. As a result, the neck support section <NUM> may be relatively rigid and it can be counteracted that it may unintentionally bend or fold, for instance when a beverage can <NUM>, which is held in the aperture <NUM> confined partly by means of said support section <NUM>, applies sideward or radial forces onto said neck support section <NUM>, thereby facilitating that the can <NUM> may be secured relatively well.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the neck support sections <NUM> can have a depth <NUM> which is at least a quarter of the depth <NUM> of at least one of the locking tabs <NUM> adjacent to the respective neck support section <NUM>. Preferably, said depth <NUM> of the neck support section <NUM> can be at least a third, such as for instance about half, of the depth <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM>.

It is noted that said depth <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM> may be measured in the radial direction of the can receiving aperture <NUM>, and may be measured from the fold line <NUM> up to the retaining edge <NUM>, and may for instance be measured between the outermost virtual circle <NUM> and the innermost virtual circle <NUM>.

Furthermore, it is noted that the central virtual circle <NUM>, on which the neck support edges <NUM> may substantially lie, may be located between the outermost virtual circle <NUM> and the innermost virtual circle <NUM>. In particular, the radial distance between the central virtual circle <NUM> and the outermost virtual circle <NUM> may not be more than <NUM>% larger or smaller than the radial distance between said central virtual circle <NUM> and the innermost virtual circle <NUM>. For example, both radial distances between the two respective virtual circles <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially equal, for instance both about <NUM>.

In embodiments, the radial distance between the central virtual circle <NUM> and the outermost virtual circle <NUM> may for instance be between <NUM> and <NUM>, such as about <NUM>, about <NUM> or in particular about <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the radial distance between the central virtual circle <NUM> and the innermost virtual circle <NUM> may for instance be between <NUM> and <NUM>, such as about <NUM>, about <NUM> or in particular about <NUM>.

Furthermore, at least one, and preferably multiple or each, of the neck support sections <NUM> of the main panel <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> being larger than the thickness of an adjacent locking tab <NUM>, which may be measured in a direction transverse to the drawing in <FIG>. Preferably, said depth <NUM> may be at least one and a half time as large, such as for instance about twice as large, as said thickness. For example, the main panel <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> and the neck support section <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> of about <NUM>. Since the locking tab <NUM> may advantageously only comprise a single layer of sheet material, which may be the same sheet material from which the main panel <NUM> is made, and since the sheet of material may be substantially equally thick over substantially the entire surface of the main panel <NUM>, this may mean that the neck support section <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> being larger than its thickness. When the locking tab <NUM> is in its folded up position, the neck support section <NUM> may thus, at the height level of the main panel <NUM>, extend, in a direction towards the can <NUM>, beyond the locking tab <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. In other words, during use, when the locking tab <NUM> is in its folded up position, the neck support section <NUM> may thus extend inwardly beyond a lower portion of the locking tab <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the depth <NUM> of the neck support section <NUM> may be such that it is at most four times as large as the thickness of said neck support section <NUM>. Preferably, said depth <NUM> of the neck support section <NUM> may be no more than three times its thickness, such as for instance about twice as large.

As mentioned above, the main panel <NUM> may comprise multiple receiving apertures <NUM>. Advantageously, the centers <NUM> of two adjacent can receiving apertures <NUM> can then be spaced apart over an interspace <NUM> which corresponds with the diameter at the widest point of the body <NUM> of the cans <NUM> to be held by the carrier <NUM>. In particular, for instance as many more or less standardly sized drink cans <NUM> have a widest body diameter of about <NUM>, said interspace <NUM> may for example be about <NUM>. As a result, adjacent cans <NUM> held by the carrier <NUM> can abut each other, as for instance is the case in the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

In embodiments, one or more dimensions of the main panel <NUM> and/or one more dimensions of the carrier <NUM>, such as for instance the respective length <NUM> and/or the respective width <NUM>, may be chosen such that it does not exceed, and/or substantially corresponds with, the combined length or width of the cans held in that direction. Hence, it may be facilitated that the carriers <NUM> do not prevent that cans <NUM> of two adjacently placed carriers <NUM> cannot be placed next to each other in an abutting manner and/or it can counteract that the carrier <NUM> prevents placement of the cans in a certain box, a certain compartment of a shelf display, etc., in which the cans would have fitted when they would be placed in the same formation, but without the carrier.

For example, in case the carrier comprises two can receiving apertures <NUM>, or two rows 300a, 300b of can receiving apertures <NUM>, next to each other, the respective dimension of the carrier <NUM>, e.g. its width <NUM>, in particular in its use position, and/or the width <NUM>' of the main panel <NUM>, may be such that it not substantially exceeds <NUM>, and preferably is substantially <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, in case of three apertures <NUM>, or three rows of apertures <NUM>, the respective dimension of the carrier <NUM>, e.g. its length <NUM>, in particular in its use position, and/or the length <NUM>" of the main panel, may in embodiments be no larger than about <NUM> or may be about <NUM>.

For instance in such case in which only a relatively small border section <NUM>, <NUM> of the main panel <NUM> extends between the can receiving aperture <NUM> and the edge <NUM> of the main panel <NUM>, the locking tabs <NUM> may be disposed in a manner in which no locking tab is located at a position <NUM>, <NUM> where the distance, between the main panels outer edge <NUM> and the virtual circle <NUM> on which the neck support edges <NUM> may be located, is the smallest, as for instance can be seen in <FIG>, where there, both in the width direction and the length direction a respective neck support section of the main panel <NUM> is present.

As is the case in the here shown embodiments, the carrier <NUM> can be provided with one or more, e.g. two, finger holes <NUM>. For example, the main panel <NUM> may be provided with finger hole tabs <NUM>, which may be hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> by a prefabricated fold line <NUM> or so-called finger hole fold line <NUM>. The finger hole tabs <NUM>, which initially may lay substantially flush with the main panel <NUM>, may facilitate that printing, for instance for marketing or promotional purposes, may initially extend over the finger holes <NUM>, for instance until a user pushes these finger hole tabs <NUM> downwards to a position such as shown in <FIG>.

According to an aspect of the invention, the carrier <NUM> further comprises at least one cover panel <NUM> for covering at least a part of at least one of the cans <NUM> to be held by the carrier <NUM>. In particular, such cover panel <NUM> covers one or multiple can lids <NUM> at least partly, and preferably substantially entirely. It is noted that such a cover panel <NUM> may be advantageously. For example, the cover panel <NUM> may counteract contamination on the lids <NUM>, in particular at the location at which a drinking opening or pouring opening is to be formed by the user, for instance by means of a pop-tab mechanism. Hence, the cover panel <NUM> may provide for relatively hygienically carriers.

Advantageously, the cover panel <NUM> may be formed out of the same sheet of cardboard material as the main panel.

The cover panel <NUM> is hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> via an intermediate panel <NUM>, here formed as a strip <NUM>, which may extend in the length direction of the main panel <NUM>. The intermediate panel <NUM> is hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> by means of a first cover fold line <NUM> and is hingedly connected to the cover panel <NUM> by means of a second cover fold line <NUM>. Said first cover fold line <NUM> and/or said second cover fold line <NUM> may preferably be formed as a prefabricated fold line, in particular by means of slits <NUM> and/or scores <NUM>, such as for instance a scored perforated line <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, the cover panel <NUM> is provided with a connector to lock the cover panel <NUM> in its position in which it covers one or more lids <NUM> at least partly. In particular, as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, a connector panel <NUM> is hingedly connected to the cover panel <NUM> by means of a third cover fold line <NUM>, which may be located at substantially the opposite side of the cover panel <NUM> as at which the second cover fold line <NUM> is located. Preferably, the second cover fold line <NUM> may extend substantially parallel with the third cover fold line <NUM>, which for example may be formed as a composed fold line comprising multiple segments 813a, 813b, 813c, 813d interrupted by cover panel protrusion portions <NUM>, as can be seen for instance in <FIG>.

The connector panel <NUM> may be provided with a connector edge <NUM>, which may be formed by a slit <NUM> or cut <NUM> in the sheet material, in particular at a location between said connector panel <NUM> and the cover panel <NUM>. Preferably, said cut <NUM> or slit <NUM> may be curved, for instance substantially arc-shaped, such that the formed connector edge <NUM> may correspond with the shape and/or the size of the lid <NUM> of the can <NUM>, and can be clicked or clamped beneath the protruding edge <NUM> of said lid <NUM> in order to lock the cover panel <NUM> in its covering position.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, such cut <NUM> or slit <NUM> may be formed in the connector panel <NUM> and both ends thereof may preferably extend at least up to the third cover fold line <NUM>.

For instance then, said cut <NUM> or slit <NUM> may cut a portion <NUM> out of the connector panel <NUM>, which portion <NUM> may form a portion <NUM> protruding from the cover panel <NUM>, and which portion <NUM>, <NUM> may cover a part of the lid <NUM> of the can <NUM> during use of the carrier <NUM>. It will be appreciated that although a so formed portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be hingedly connected to the cover panel <NUM>, said portion <NUM>, <NUM> may in embodiments form an integral part of the cover panel <NUM> along which the third cover fold line <NUM> does not need to extend. As mentioned above, the third cover fold line <NUM> can thus be interrupted by such portions <NUM> protruding at a side of the cover panel <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector panel <NUM> may be provided with preformed openings or cut-outs <NUM> which during use may be positioned substantially above the finger holes <NUM> in the main panel <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>.

Preferably, the carrier <NUM> does not only comprise a first cover panel <NUM>' for covering at least one first can <NUM>' at least partly, wherein said firs cover panel <NUM>' is at one side hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> via a first intermediate panel <NUM>' and is at another side hingedly connected to a first connector panel <NUM>', but the carrier <NUM> may preferably also comprise a second cover panel <NUM>" for at least partly covering at least one second lid of at least one second one of the cans to be held by the carrier <NUM>, in particular for at least partly covering a second row 600b of cans <NUM> to be held by the carrier <NUM>. Said second cover panel <NUM>" may be hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> via a second intermediate panel <NUM>", which can be hingedly connected to the main panel <NUM> by means of a fourth cover fold line <NUM>. The second intermediate panel <NUM>" can be hingedly connected to the second cover panel <NUM>" by means of a fifth cover fold line <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> may further comprise a second connector panel <NUM>" which can be hingedly connected to the second cover panel <NUM>" by means of a sixth cover fold line <NUM>, wherein the second connector panel <NUM>" can then be arranged to snap below the second lid of said second can <NUM>" in order to hold the second cover panel <NUM>" in place in its covering position.

It will be appreciated that the connector edge <NUM> which may engage under the protruding edge <NUM> of the lid <NUM> of the can <NUM> may be formed in particular by the cut side of the cardboard sheet material, and not by the upper face of the cardboard sheet material. Said connector edge <NUM> may thus be considered to form un upper edge of a portion of an upwardly extending, preferably upwardly sloping, connector panel <NUM>.

Preferably, an outer edge <NUM> of the respective connector panel <NUM> may during use rest on the top side 2a of the main panel <NUM>, which for example may enable that at least parts of forces exerted by a can <NUM> onto a connector edge <NUM> formed by a cut <NUM> in said connector panel <NUM> may be directed onto said main panel <NUM>, as can be understood from <FIG>.

Additionally or alternatively, in a use position of the carrier <NUM>, a first outer edge <NUM>' of the first connector panel <NUM>' and a second outer edge <NUM>" of the second connector panel <NUM> may abut against each other. As a result, a respective one of the two connector panels <NUM> may support the other one of the connector panels when for instance a can <NUM> is exerting forces on said respective connector panel. Preferably, said outer edges <NUM>', <NUM>" may clampingly engage, and can clamp together or clamp each other to at least some extent, thereby for instance facilitating that the connector panels <NUM> and/or the cover panels <NUM> can be kept in place during use of the carrier <NUM>.

Advantageously, in the use position of the carrier <NUM>, the first connector panel <NUM>', the first cover panel <NUM>', the first intermediate panel <NUM>'and a respective portion of the main panel <NUM> provided with at least the first can receiving aperture <NUM>' for receiving the first can <NUM>', can, as can be seen in <FIG>, together substantially define a shaft. When seen in a direction substantially parallel to the first cover fold line <NUM>, can have a cross-section substantially formed as an acute trapezoid (American English) or so-called acute trapezium (British English). The outer edge <NUM>' of the first connector panel <NUM> may abut against the upwardly facing side 2a of the main panel <NUM> of the carrier a. As a result, in particular when the first connector panel <NUM> is secured to a certain extent by means of one or more cans <NUM> behind which said first connector panel <NUM> has been hooked and/or by means of a second connector panel <NUM>" abutting said first connector panel <NUM>', a relatively firm construction may be formed. This may for example facilitate that the cans may be retained relatively well and/or which may counteract that the carrier may sag and/or deform.

For instance due to such acute trapezoid (American English) or so-called acute trapezium (British English) shaped structure, the lid of a respective can <NUM> may be pressed relatively firmly against the cover panel <NUM>. This may for example counteract that said can <NUM> may rotate about its central axis A6, as it may significantly increase the friction between the can and the carrier. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover panel <NUM> pressing against the top end side of the can <NUM> may counteract that the can <NUM> may substantially tilt with respect to its central axis A6, i.e. tilt in a direction about a tilting axis extending substantially traverse to the central axis A6 of said can <NUM>.

It is noted that the cover panel <NUM> can thus be held in place by means of the connector panel <NUM> that may snap below one or more can lids <NUM>. In embodiments, the cover panel <NUM> may additionally be held in place by other means. For example, one or more lock tabs may be provided, which may for instance be hingedly connected to the cover panel <NUM>, and/or which may for instance can be locked in one or more slots or openings which may be provided in the carrier <NUM>, in particular in its main panel <NUM>. In embodiments, the cover panel <NUM> may be adhered or glued to be held in place, for example by gluing it to the main panel <NUM>, for instance by means of hot melt. However, for instance from an environmental point of view, it may be preferred to refrain from using hot melt, or other glue or adhesive. In particular, a design wherein one or more connector edges <NUM> of one or more cover panels <NUM> can engage beneath one or more can lid edges <NUM> may be relatively advantageously. Such designs may not only facilitate omitting using an adhesive, but may additionally, or alternatively, have the advantage that the one or more cover panels <NUM>', <NUM>" can be mounted in their covering positions relatively easily, for instance in contrast to designs in which pivotable locking tabs need to be neatly inserted into slot-shaped openings.

It is noted that the can carrier <NUM>, in different embodiments, may comprise a main panel <NUM> of cardboard sheet material, preferably died, especially die cut, from a sheet cardboard sheet material. Advantageously, the entire carrier <NUM> may be made of cardboard, preferably cardboard sheet material, more preferably corrugated fiberboard material. Although different kinds of cardboard sheet material may be used, such as for instance paperboard, especially compressed paperboard material, it has been found that it may advantageous to form at least the main panel <NUM> out of corrugated fiberboard material, preferably single sheet of corrugated fiberboard. In particular, the corrugated fiberboard may have a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>, for instance about <NUM>, or less.

It is noted that for the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described as long as they remain within the scope of the following claims.

Further, it is noted that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

For example, the can carrier may be provided with printing, for instance at least at a surface facing upwards and/or outwards during use.

As another example, the can carrier may be provided with one or more handles, which can be used to carry the can carrier, and which preferably can be made from the same sheet of cardboard material as its main panel.

As yet another example, the can carrier, in particular its main panel, may be provided with one or more perforation lines, that can form part of a zip release or pull tab, which may allow a user to tear off a part of the main panel in a relatively easy manner in order to break the can receiving aperture into an opening which is open at one of its sides, and no longer enclosed by the main panel, thereby enabling that the beverage can may be removed relatively easily by sliding it substantially sidewardly out of the opening in the remaining part of the main panel.

Claim 1:
Top-gripping beverage can carrier (<NUM>), comprising a main panel (<NUM>) of cardboard sheet material having at least one can receiving aperture (<NUM>), wherein the main panel (<NUM>) is provided with a series of locking tabs (<NUM>) hingedly connected to the main panel (<NUM>) by means of a respective tab fold line (<NUM>), and disposed around the can receiving aperture (<NUM>), wherein each locking tab (<NUM>) extends from the respective tab fold line (<NUM>) towards a retaining edge (<NUM>) for engaging an underside of a radially protruding portion (<NUM>) of a beverage can (<NUM>') to be received in the can receiving aperture (<NUM>), said radially protruding portion (<NUM>) of the can (<NUM>) being formed by a lid (<NUM>) of said can (<NUM>), wherein said retaining edge (<NUM>) is located more inwardly with respect to the can receiving aperture (<NUM>) than said tab fold line (<NUM>), wherein each locking tab (<NUM>) can pivot about the respective tab fold line (<NUM>) from an initial position of the respective locking tab (<NUM>), in which said respective locking tab (<NUM>) lies substantially in line with the main panel (<NUM>), towards a folded up position in which said locking tab (<NUM>) is under an angle with the main panel (<NUM>), wherein the carrier (<NUM>) further comprises a first cover panel (<NUM>) for at least partly covering at least one first lid (<NUM>) of at least a first one (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the one or multiple cans (<NUM>) to be held by the carrier (<NUM>), wherein the first cover panel (<NUM>) is hingedly connected to the main panel (<NUM>) via a first intermediate panel (<NUM>, <NUM>'), wherein the first intermediate panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') is hingedly connected to the main panel (<NUM>) by means of a first cover fold line (<NUM>), and wherein the first intermediate panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') is hingedly connected to the first cover panel (<NUM>) by means of a second cover fold line (<NUM>), wherein the carrier (<NUM>) further comprises a first connector panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') which is hingedly connected to the first cover panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') by means of a third cover fold line (<NUM>), wherein the first connector panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') is arranged to snap below the first lid (<NUM>) of the first can (<NUM>) in order to hold the first cover panel (<NUM>, <NUM>') in place in its covering position.