Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a holder of a PET beverage that comprises an upper plate which forms an upper surface of a paper plate folded along an intermediate fold line and supports a lid part of a PET beverage bottle; a lower plate which forms a lower surface of the paper plate folded along the intermediate fold line, supports a bottleneck part of the PET beverage bottle and comes into tight contact with the upper plate; a plurality of bottleneck support parts which are formed along a longitudinal direction of the upper plate and the lower plate, and into which the bottleneck part of the PET beverage bottle is inserted and supported; and first and second grip parts.

The prior art embodiment, however, still leaves room for improvement.

According to various aspects disclosed herein, the invention is directed to a carrier as recited in independent claim <NUM>, a blank as recited in independent claim <NUM>, a method as recited in independent claim <NUM>, and a package as recited in dependent claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier in accordance with independent claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank in accordance with independent claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carrier in accordance with independent claim <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or any combination thereof.

Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," "top," "front," and "back" indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.

As described herein, carriers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

<FIG> shows a plan view of an exterior side <NUM> of a blank <NUM> used to form a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described further herein, the carrier <NUM> can be configured for holding/supporting/retaining/receiving a plurality of containers. The carrier <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers to form a package <NUM> (<FIG>).

Containers suitable for use with the carriers of the present disclosure can be beverage cans having a lower base portion, a top portion T generally comprising a neck that tapers inwardly from the lower base portion, a flange portion at the top of the neck portion that extends radially outward from the neck portion, and a top surface below the flange portion that includes a pull-tab. Containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations, may be held in the carriers without departing from the disclosure.

Still referring to <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> can be sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 being attached to a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 being attached to a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier <NUM> can be provided together with one or more of the containers as a package <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM> can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than six containers. In one embodiment, the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> each have three containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can carry more or less than three containers without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the blank <NUM> has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank <NUM> has a front portion <NUM> for forming the front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and a back portion <NUM> for forming the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank <NUM> comprises a top panel <NUM> (broadly, "first top panel" or "central panel" or "attachment panel"), a container retention flap <NUM> (broadly, "first container retention flap", "first top end flap", "second top panel", or "first container retention panel") foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM> (broadly, "first fold line"), and a container retention flap <NUM> (broadly, "second container retention flap", "second top flap", "third top panel", or "second container retention panel") foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM> (broadly, "second fold line").

With additional reference to <FIG>, the top panel <NUM> can have container retention features that include a plurality of container retention openings <NUM> (broadly, "first plurality of container retention openings"). As shown, the container retention openings <NUM> can be provided in a column and row arrangement in a number that corresponds to a desired number of containers to be held by the carrier <NUM> formed from the blank <NUM>. While the top panel <NUM> is shown having container openings <NUM> provided in two rows/columns of three openings <NUM> each, it will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of container retention openings <NUM> can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the container retention openings <NUM> can have a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> provided in an alternating arrangement foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective portions of a curved fold line/line of weakening <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement, a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs <NUM> are provided along a line parallel with the longitudinal axis L1, a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs <NUM> are provided along a line parallel with the lateral axis L2, and container retention tabs <NUM> are provided between respective adjacent container retention tabs <NUM> at respective oblique angles relative to the axes L1, L2. It will be understood that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided in a generally abutting circumferential arrangement, though spacing could be provided between adjacent container retention tabs without departing from the disclosure.

While the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated as having generally curved free edges facing the interior of the container retention opening <NUM>, and with the container retention tabs <NUM> larger than the container retention tabs <NUM>, it will be understood that one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective curved fold lines. In another embodiment, the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective portions of a curved fold line spanning multiple container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM>.

The blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can also have handle features that include at least one handle tab <NUM> foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM> and at least partially defined by a curved cut <NUM> extending from one endpoint of the fold line <NUM> to the other endpoint of the fold line <NUM>. As described further herein, the handle tabs <NUM> can be separated from the top panel <NUM> to form respective handle openings for user engagement of the carrier <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, each of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> includes respective container retention openings <NUM> (broadly, "second plurality of container retention openings"). The container retention openings <NUM> are for being aligned with the respective container retention openings <NUM> when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM>, as described further herein. While the container retention openings <NUM> are illustrated as generally symmetrical circular apertures, it will be understood that one or more of the container retention openings <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, e.g., having multiple foci and/or asymmetrical portions, etc..

As also shown, the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> have respective lateral free edges <NUM>, <NUM> that define respective recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM>. As described further herein, when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM>, the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> are positionable to abut and/or at least partially surround a respective handle tab <NUM> to provide clearance and/or reinforcement for user engagement of the carrier <NUM>. In this regard, the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> can also form handle features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can be configured to stiffen/inhibit relative movement of portions of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> when in use. As shown, a pair of laterally-spaced reinforcement features/reinforcement panels <NUM> (broadly, "first reinforcement feature/reinforcement panel") are positioned interrupting the fold line <NUM>. Each reinforcement feature/panel <NUM>, as shown, is a region of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> between the top panel <NUM> and the container retention flap <NUM> and that is defined by a line of weakening <NUM> extending between endpoints of segments of the fold line <NUM>.

The line of weakening <NUM>, as shown, includes a plurality of intersecting oblique segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d can be arranged so as to form a generally rhomboid/diamond-shaped reinforcement feature/panel <NUM>. In one embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d of the line of weakening <NUM> can be arranged at an angle of about <NUM>° relative to each of the axes L1, L2. In other embodiments, one or more of the segments of the line of weakening <NUM> can be arranged at a different angle relative to the axes L1, L2.

As shown, a pair of longitudinally-spaced reinforcement features/reinforcement panels <NUM> (broadly, "second reinforcement feature/panel") can also be provided interrupting the fold line <NUM> so as to be positioned between the top panel <NUM> and the container retention flap <NUM>. It will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of the reinforcement panels <NUM> can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

The blank <NUM> could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than six containers without departing from this disclosure.

With additional reference to <FIG>, according to one exemplary embodiment of forming the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the blank <NUM> can be positioned above a group of containers and the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded toward the interior surfaced/underside of the blank <NUM> at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container retention openings <NUM> of the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> align with the respective container retention openings <NUM> of the top panel <NUM>.

In such an arrangement, the blank <NUM> can be lowered upon the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 such that upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3 can be at least partially received through the respective aligned container retention openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, the edge of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> surrounding the respective container retention openings <NUM> at least partially receive a top portion T of the respective containers, e.g., a rolled rim of the respective containers, and the container retention openings <NUM> subsequently receive the respective top portions T of the respective containers.

Such movement of the respective top portions T of the respective containers through the respective container retention openings <NUM> can cause the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> to be urged upwardly at the respective portions of the fold line <NUM> so as to extend at least partially upwardly relative to the top panel <NUM>. In this regard, the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can extend from the top panel <NUM> to contact a respective container at the neck portion thereof below a respective flange. Such upward/oblique arrangement of the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the top panel <NUM> to a top structure of the respective containers can provide a reinforced, braced, stabilized, etc. engagement of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> with the containers.

Furthermore, the overlapping relationship of respective portions of the top panel <NUM> with the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> is such that the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> provide an underlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. and provide a stable platform from which the top panel <NUM> and container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> extending upwardly therefrom are supported.

In addition to the support provided by the <NUM>-ply/overlapping engagement of the top panel <NUM> with the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, the reinforcement panels <NUM> are presented in an outwardfacing arrangement relative to the top panel <NUM> and the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> so as to form a generally upright/vertical structure (e.g., relative to the top panel <NUM>) that further minimizes/resists bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> relative to a plane defined by the top panel <NUM> and/or the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g., such that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2. In this regard, the reinforcement panels <NUM> are positioned between the top panel <NUM> and the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can be grasped by a consumer by separating one or both handle tabs <NUM> from the top panel at the respective cuts <NUM> and folding the handle tab <NUM> downwardly at the respective fold line <NUM> to form a respective handle opening in the top panel <NUM> through which the user can insert one or more of his or her fingers. As described above, the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned abutting/surrounding the respective handle openings such that a user can engage the underside of the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or a portion of the top panel <NUM>, e.g., adjacent the respective recessed portion <NUM>, <NUM>, in order to engage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

In addition, the oblique arrangement of the container retention tabs <NUM> relative to the handle tabs <NUM>/openings formed therefrom enhances the resistance to bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the top panel <NUM> and/or respective portions of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 when forces are exerted on the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> in the course of lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> via engagement of the handle features by a user.

Furthermore, upon formation of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be removed from the carrier <NUM> by disengaging the respective container from the top panel <NUM> and respective container retention flap <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, by moving the respective container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> away from the neck portion of a respective container and withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through respective aligned container retention openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a plan view of an exterior surface <NUM> of a blank <NUM> for at least partially forming a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) is illustrated according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carrier <NUM> formed from the blank <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers to form a package <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> for forming a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and the blank <NUM> includes a back portion <NUM> for forming a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The blank <NUM> and carrier <NUM> can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with regard to the blank <NUM> and carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and like or similar features are identified with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank <NUM> is substantially similar to the blank <NUM> with the exception that the blank <NUM> further includes a first reinforcement flap <NUM> (broadly, "first central panel" or "first keel") foldably connected to the container retention flap <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM> and a second reinforcement flap <NUM> (broadly, "second central panel" or "second keel") foldably connected to the container retention flap <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM>.

Furthermore, the handle features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can include handle apertures <NUM>, <NUM> that interrupt the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> and are for at least partially aligning with the respective handle tabs <NUM> when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM>. As shown, portions of the respective handle apertures <NUM>, <NUM> can correspond to the respective recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the blank <NUM> described above. The blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can have one or more different handle features without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can be formed in a manner similar to the carrier <NUM> and package <NUM> described above such that the front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can hold up to three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and such that the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can hold up to three containers CB1, CB2, CB3.

Furthermore, the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with one another and positioned extending downwardly from the top panel <NUM> and container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> between the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in the front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>. It will be understood that the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can provide a divider/separator/buffer between the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in the front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

The vertical positioning of the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> at the center of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> is such that additional resistance to bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> relative to a plane defined by the top panel <NUM> and/or the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> is provided, e.g., such that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the handle apertures <NUM>, <NUM> is such that, when the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are extending downwardly from the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, portions of the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> extending into the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned to provide clearance for one or more of a user's fingers extending through the handle openings formed by the handle tabs <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carrier <NUM> and package <NUM>, e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, an exterior surface <NUM> of a blank <NUM> for forming a carrier <NUM> and package <NUM> (<FIG>) according to a third exemplary embodiment not in accordance with the invention is illustrated. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those described above with regard to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM>, carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, and packages <NUM>, <NUM> described above, and like or similar features are identified with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank <NUM> can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a front portion <NUM> for carrying up to three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 and a back portion <NUM> for carrying up to three containers CB1, CB2, CB3. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank <NUM> can include the top panel <NUM>, the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and associated features. In the illustrated embodiment, a single elongated reinforcement feature/panel <NUM> can be provided interrupting the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>, through a different number and/or arrangement of reinforcement features/panels <NUM> can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

As described herein, the blank <NUM> can be formed into the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> for holding one or more containers in the form of bottles, e.g., plastic bottles formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another polymer, and having upper portions that include a flange F supporting a cap CP.

In this regard, container retention openings <NUM> (broadly, "first plurality of container retention openings") in the top panel <NUM> and container retention openings <NUM> in the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> (broadly, "second plurality of container retention openings") can be sized and configured to receive and engage the upper portion of the respective containers. The blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can further be provided with container retention tabs <NUM> formed by respective cuts <NUM> having one or more of curved, straight, and angled portions. The container retention tabs <NUM>, as shown, can be provided in diametrically opposed pairs extending into the respective container retention openings <NUM> and having generally tapered trapezoidal configuration with beveled edges, though one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can be formed in a manner substantially similar manner to that described above with regard to the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>/packages <NUM>, <NUM> with the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> folded under the top panel <NUM> such that the aligned container retention openings <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned to at least partially receive upper portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, e.g., portions surrounding the respective caps CP and respective flanges F therethrough, with the container retention tabs <NUM> positioned to extend from the top panel <NUM> to contact a respective container at a neck portion thereof below a respective flange F.

Furthermore, the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with one another and positioned extending downwardly from the top panel <NUM> and container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> between the containers CA1, CA2, CA3 in the front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and the containers CB1, CB2, CB3 in the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> as described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers <NUM>, <NUM> and packages <NUM>, <NUM> described above, e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels. It will be understood that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a plan view of an exterior surface <NUM> of an upper blank <NUM> (broadly, "second blank") for at least partially forming a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) is illustrated according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

As described further below, the upper blank <NUM> can form an upper construct or second construct <NUM> that cooperates with the carrier <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment to form the carrier <NUM>. In this regard, the blank <NUM> that forms the carrier <NUM> can be considered a first blank or lower blank, and the carrier <NUM> can be considered a first construct or lower construct. The carrier <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers to form a package <NUM> (<FIG>).

The upper blank <NUM>, as shown, can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2. A grain direction M2 of the upper blank <NUM>, e.g., a direction along which the fibers/fibrous components of the material from which the first blank <NUM> is formed (e.g., paperboard) generally lie, can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L1. It will be understood that the grain direction M2 can be generally parallel to the lateral axis L2 or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the longitudinal axis L1 without departing from the disclosure.

As described herein, a grain direction M1 of the lower blank <NUM> (<FIG>), can be generally parallel to the lateral axis L2, though the grain direction M2 can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 or can be defined along a direction oblique relative to the lateral axis L2 without departing from the disclosure.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the upper blank <NUM> can have a front portion <NUM> for at least partially forming a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>, and a back portion <NUM> for at least partially forming a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The upper blank <NUM> can also include a front attachment panel <NUM> foldably connected to a back attachment panel <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM>. The front attachment panel <NUM> can include a container retention portion <NUM> defined between a pair of lateral fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container retention portion <NUM> is foldably connected to an interior marginal portion <NUM> of the front attachment panel <NUM> at the lateral fold line <NUM> and such that the container retention portion <NUM> is foldably connected to an exterior marginal portion <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>. A pair of laterally-spaced notches or recessed portions <NUM> can be defined along a free edge of the front attachment panel <NUM>.

The upper blank <NUM>/upper construct <NUM> can include container retention features for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers. As shown, the fold line <NUM> can be interrupted by a plurality of laterally-spaced curved cuts <NUM> that define container retention tabs <NUM> protruding from the container retention portion <NUM>, and the fold line <NUM> can be interrupted by a plurality of laterally-spaced curved cuts <NUM> that define retention tabs <NUM> protruding from the container retention portion <NUM> opposite the container retention tabs <NUM>. As shown, one or more relief cuts or lines of weakening can be positioned proximate or intersecting the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM>.

Similarly, the back attachment panel <NUM> can have a container retention portion <NUM> defined between a pair of lateral fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>, an interior marginal portion <NUM> foldably connected to the container retention portion <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>, and an exterior marginal portion <NUM> foldably connected to the container retention portion <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>. The fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> can be interrupted by respective pluralities of curved cuts <NUM>, <NUM> so that the back attachment panel <NUM> can be provided with similar/identical container retention features associated with that described above with regard to the front attachment panel <NUM>. A pair of laterally-spaced notches or recessed portions <NUM> can be defined along a free edge of the back attachment panel <NUM>.

The blank <NUM>/construct <NUM> can also include handle features including a pair of laterally-spaced handle openings <NUM> interrupting the fold line <NUM> and having respective handle reinforcement flaps <NUM> positioned extending into the respective handle openings <NUM> and foldably connected to respective portions of the attachment panels <NUM>, <NUM> at respective lateral fold lines <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the carrier/lower construct <NUM> can be formed as described above, with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be engaged with the carrier/lower construct <NUM> in the manner described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment.

Thereafter, in order to form the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment, the blank <NUM> can be lowered onto the carrier/lower construct <NUM> to activate the container retention features thereof and form the upper construct <NUM>. For example, as an interior surface or underside of the blank <NUM> is placed atop the containers, the container retention portions <NUM>, <NUM> can at least partially separate from the remainder of the respective attachment panels <NUM>, <NUM> at the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM>.

In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2 can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. In such an arrangement, a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the respective interior marginal portions <NUM>, <NUM> and exterior marginal portions <NUM>, <NUM> can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.

The aforementioned reconfiguration of the blank <NUM> in the upper construct <NUM> can also cause the interior marginal portion <NUM> of the front attachment panel <NUM> to fold downwardly at the fold line <NUM> and the exterior marginal portion <NUM> of the front attachment panel <NUM> to fold downwardly at the fold line <NUM>. Similarly, the interior marginal portion <NUM> of the back attachment panel <NUM> can fold downwardly at the fold line <NUM> and the exterior marginal portion <NUM> of the back attachment panel <NUM> can fold downwardly at the fold line <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can be used in a similar manner to that described above with regard to the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>/packages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In order to engage/move/carry the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, in one embodiment, a user can insert his or her finger(s) through one or both of the respective handle openings <NUM> to cause the handle reinforcement flaps <NUM> to fold downwardly at the respective fold lines <NUM> toward the handle tabs <NUM> of the lower construct/carrier <NUM>. In this regard, the handle tabs <NUM> can separate from the top panel <NUM> in the manner described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment to provide a respective opening in the top panel <NUM>. A user can thus engage the underside of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or a portion of the top panel <NUM> in order to engage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>. The respective handle reinforcement flaps <NUM> and handle tabs <NUM> can be positioned between a user's finger(s) and respective portions of the underside of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, e.g., for comfort, to avoid pinching, etc. and/or to provide a reinforced structure for engagement by the user that is resistant to tearing or other deformation due to carrying stresses. In one embodiment, a free edge of one or both of the handle tabs <NUM> can catch/engage a portion of the top panel <NUM> of the lower construct <NUM> to facilitate proper engagement of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> by a user.

In order to remove one or more containers from the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, respective top portions T of the containers can be withdrawn through the openings formed by the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM> and the remainder of the respective attachment panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper construct. The respective top portions T of the containers can further be withdrawn through respective aligned container retention openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower construct <NUM> as described above with regard to the first exemplary embodiment.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and packages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof.

Furthermore, the aforementioned combination of the upper construct <NUM> and the lower construct <NUM> provides a carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> with a robust and rigid configuration provided by the overlapping upper blank <NUM>/construct <NUM> with the lower blank <NUM>/lower construct <NUM> to provide enhanced strengthening properties to minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> relative to a plane defined by the top panel <NUM> and/or the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the attachment panels <NUM>, <NUM> in addition to the presence of the reinforcement panels <NUM>, e.g., such that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2.

Further still, the aforementioned combination of the upper construct <NUM> and the lower construct <NUM> provides the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> with a robust and rigid configuration provided by the overlapping upper blank <NUM>/construct <NUM> having the grain direction M2 and the lower blank <NUM>/lower construct <NUM> having the grain direction M1 that is perpendicular to the grain direction M2 such that a cross-grain configuration is provided. Such cross-grain configuration of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can provide enhanced strengthening properties and resistance to tearing, e.g., since the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> is resistant to tearing in a direction perpendicular to the grain direction M1 as well as in a direction perpendicular to the grain direction M2. In this regard, the cross-grain configuration of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> is such that enhanced resistance to tearing is provided along two perpendicular axes.

In addition, the positioning of the respective container retention portions <NUM>, <NUM> overlapping the top portions T of the respective containers can provide, for example, additional advertising for product information (e.g., advertisements, pricing information, graphics/logos/images, promotional information, etc.), as well as forming a barrier that can minimize, inhibit, prevent, and/or otherwise avoid debris or other unwanted material from contacting the top portions T of the respective containers. Such protection/overlapping of the top portions T of the respective containers can provide consumers with an enhanced impression of sanitization and quality control with respect to the containers of the package <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can have, in one exemplary embodiment, only one of the front attachment panel <NUM>/interior marginal portion <NUM>/exterior marginal portion <NUM> and associated features and the back attachment panel <NUM>/interior marginal portion <NUM>/exterior marginal portion <NUM> and associated features, so as to overlap only a respective front portion or back portion of the carrier/lower construct <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a plan view of an exterior surface <NUM> of a second blank or upper blank <NUM> for at least partially forming a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) is illustrated according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carrier <NUM> at least partially formed from the blank <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers to form a package <NUM>.

The upper blank <NUM> can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the upper blank <NUM> of the fourth exemplary embodiment, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the upper blank <NUM> can include the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and the grain direction M2. The blank <NUM> can have a front portion <NUM> for at least partially forming a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>, and a back portion <NUM> for at least partially forming a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The upper blank <NUM> can include a single attachment panel <NUM> forming a container retention portion <NUM>, with the exterior marginal portion <NUM> foldably connected to the attachment panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>, and with the exterior marginal portion <NUM> foldably connected to the attachment panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>. The fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> can be interrupted by the respective pluralities of curved cuts <NUM>, <NUM> so as to provide container retention features as described above with respect to the upper blank <NUM> (<FIG>) of the fourth exemplary embodiment.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, e.g., the carrier <NUM> can be and engaged with one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be engaged with the carrier <NUM>, and the blank <NUM> can be lowered onto the carrier <NUM> to activate the container retention features thereof and form an upper construct <NUM>.

Activation of the container retention features of the blank <NUM>/construct <NUM> can include separation of the container retention portion <NUM> from the remainder of the respective portions panels <NUM>, <NUM> at the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM>. In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. In such an arrangement, a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the respective exterior marginal portions <NUM>, <NUM> can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can provide advantages that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and packages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> e.g., the container retention features and reinforcement panels thereof.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

Claim 1:
A carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for holding a plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3), the carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a top panel (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of container retention openings (<NUM>) for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3);
at least one container retention flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the top panel (<NUM>) at a fold line (<NUM>); and
at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) interrupting the fold line (<NUM>) and positioned between the top panel (<NUM>) and the at least one container retention flap (<NUM>);
the at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) formed by a line of weakening (<NUM>); and said at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) being generally upright relative to the top panel (<NUM>), characterized in that the line of weakening (<NUM>) includes a plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d), each oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d) intersecting at least one other line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d)