Patent Description:
Such containers are disclosed in documents <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a carrier for holding containers and comprises two attachment panels which are configured to receive at least one container and are foldably connected to two central panels. The two central panels comprise handle openings with handle tabs, and are configured to be positioned between adjacent containers and attach to these.

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers, and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one side panel is attached to at least one container of the plurality of containers.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers, and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the container is formed from the blank, and the at least one side panel is for being attached to at least one container of the plurality of containers when the container is formed from the blank.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel comprising a plurality of openings, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers, and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels such that the at least one central panel is positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, attaching the at least one central panel to the adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, attaching the at least one attachment panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers, and attaching the at least one side panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier holding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and receiving a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers, and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one side panel is attached to at least one container of the plurality of containers.

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. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.

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 schematic 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 shown in <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> is sized to contain or support eight containers, with four containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 being attached to a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and four containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 being attached to a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 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 sized and shaped to hold more or less than eight containers.

In one embodiment, the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> each have four containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can carry more or less than four containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier <NUM> can be provided together with one or more containers as a package <NUM> (<FIG>).

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>. The front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> are foldably connected at a lateral fold line <NUM> that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank <NUM>, as shown. As discussed further below, the blank <NUM> is at least partially formed into the carrier <NUM> by folding the blank <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> along the centerline CL so that the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> are overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> comprises a front central panel 125a having a first front row RF1 of laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings 127a, and a second front row RF2 of the laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings 127a. The top edges of the respective glue openings 127a of the first row RF1 are spaced a longitudinal distance D1 apart from the fold line <NUM> that is less than a longitudinal distance D2 that the top edges of the respective glue openings 127a of the second row RF2 are spaced apart from the fold line <NUM>.

A front container retention panel or front attachment panel 131a is foldably connected to the front central panel 125a at a lateral fold line 133a, and includes a container retention portion 135a that is at least partially defined between a pair of longitudinally-spaced lateral fold lines 137a, 139a that are each interrupted by respective laterally-spaced cuts container openings 141a.

As best shown in <FIG>, the attachment panel 131a can include container retention features that include at least laterally-spaced container openings 141a are defined in respective cuts in the blank <NUM> that define a pair of laterally spaced curved edge portions 142a that intersect respective longitudinally spaced curved edge portions 143a to form the respective container openings 141a.

The edge portions 142a of the blank <NUM> around the container openings 141a, as shown, can have a generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped configuration so as to define a pair of lateral container retention tabs 148a that protrude/extend into the respective laterally-spaced container openings 141a.

As also shown, respective oblique cuts 144a, 145a extend outwardly from each respective curved edge portion 143a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel 131a adjacent the respective container openings 141a.

As shown, an interior marginal portion 136a of the attachment panel 131a is defined between the fold lines 137a, 133a, and an exterior marginal portion 138a of the attachment panel 131a is defined between the fold line 139a and a lateral fold line 140a.

A bevel or front side panel 151a, as shown, is foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at the lateral fold line 140a, and defines a lateral free edge of the blank <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> can include handle features that include at least a pair of handle openings 130a that interrupts the fold line 133a and that extends from a portion of the front central panel 125a into a portion of the front attachment panel 131a. The handle openings 130a can be formed by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A handle reinforcement tab 161a, as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at respective longitudinal fold lines 163a and can be positioned to extend into the respective handle openings 130a.

As also shown, the handle features can include a handle opening 132a that can be positioned between the handle openings 130a, and that is formed in the front central panel 125a by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A pair of handle reinforcement tabs 165a can also be at least partially formed by respective curved cuts 167a and separated from one another at a longitudinal cut. The handle reinforcement tabs 165a, as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel 131a at respective longitudinal fold lines 169a and can be positioned abutting the handle opening 132a.

The carrier <NUM> can have a different arrangement of handle features, or can be devoid of handle features, without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b, a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 131b, and a back bevel panel or back side panel 151b having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the "a" or "b" suffix, with the "a" components corresponding to the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> and the "b" components corresponding to the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. The features of the back attachment panel 131a are best shown in <FIG>.

As shown, the back central panel 125a includes a first back lateral row of glue openings <NUM> that at least partially interrupt the fold line <NUM> and have an upper edge spaced a longitudinal distance D3 from the fold line <NUM>. The back central panel 125b also includes a second back lateral row RB2 of glue openings 127b with an upper edge spaced apart a longitudinal distance D4 from the fold line <NUM>, the longitudinal distance D4 being greater than the longitudinal distance D3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the glue openings 127a, 127b can have a generally circular profile and the glue openings <NUM> can have a generally semicircular/semi-ovoid configuration. It will be understood that one or more of the glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> can have a different configuration than provided in <FIG>, e.g., generally circular, generally oblong, generally semicircular/semi-ovoid, generally rectangular, etc., without departing from the disclosure.

In this regard, the blank <NUM> is provided with front rows RF1 and RF2 of respective laterally-spaced front glue openings 127a that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D1, D2 from the centerline CL, and back rows RB1 and RB2 of respective laterally-spaced back glue openings <NUM>, 127b that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D3, D4 from the centerline CL. The glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> have a longitudinally staggered arrangement such that D2 > D4 > D1 > D3. Upon formation of the carrier <NUM> from the blank <NUM>, the longitudinal centerline CL/fold line <NUM> can form a bottom edge of the central panels 125a, 125b.

As described herein, the arrangement of the glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> is such that, upon erection of the carrier <NUM>, the glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel 125b upon which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be attached and the glue openings <NUM>, 127b provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel 125a upon which the respective containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be attached. Such an arrangement of the glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> can be provided to enhance retention and support of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 by the carrier <NUM>. It will be understood that the glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> can be provided in a different number or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank <NUM> without departing from the disclosure. The blank <NUM> could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than eight containers without departing from this disclosure.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the blank <NUM> can be positioned with the exterior surface <NUM> facing upwardly and such that an underside or interior surface of the blank <NUM> is positioned facing the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. The blank <NUM> can be placed atop the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 such that the container retention portion 135a of the front attachment panel 131a overlies the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and such that the container retention portion 135b of the back attachment panel <NUM>1b overlies the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Further downward positioning of the attachment panels 131a, 131b over the plurality of containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can activate the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b to engage respective containers.

For example, as the front attachment panel 131a is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through the container openings 141a in the front attachment panel 131a. In such an arrangement, the container retention tabs 148a can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and such that a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the marginal portions 136a, 138a defined by the curved edge portions 143a and oblique cuts 144a, 145a can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

It will be understood that portions of the container retention portion 135a of the front attachment panel 131a, e.g., portions of the container retention portion 135a between adjacent container openings 141a, can flexibly reconfigure in the course of engaging respective containers.

In this regard, the top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can protrude through/be partially exposed through the respective container openings 141a so as to be visible by a customer or operator.

Such reconfiguration of the corresponding portions of the back attachment panel 131b can occur as the back attachment panel 131b is lowed or urged downwardly onto the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. During the above-described engagement of the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b with the respective containers, the marginal portions 136a, 138a of the attachment panel 131a can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 137a, 139a in such a configuration, and, similarly, the marginal portions 136b, 138b of the attachment panel 131b can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 137b, 139b.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front central panel 125a and the back central panel 125b can be folded at the fold line <NUM> such that the front central panel 125a and the back central panel 125b are brought into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A1, A2 to be positioned between respective adjacent containers and such that the respective glue openings 127a and glue openings <NUM>, 127b are positioned so as to be laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the respective rows RF1, RF2 of respective front glue openings 127a and the respective rows RB1, RB2 of respective back glue openings <NUM>, 127b away from the fold line <NUM>/lateral centerline CL as described above.

In this regard, and with additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the central panels 125a, 125b are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel 125a overlaps each of the glue openings <NUM>, 127b and a portion of the back central panel 125b overlaps each of the glue openings 127a to provide communication between the central panels 125a, 125b and respective surfaces upon which the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be adhered or otherwise attached, as described further herein. Such rearrangement of the central panels 125a, 125b can also cause the respective central panels 125a, 125b to be folded downwardly relative to the respective attachment panels 131a, 131b at the respective fold lines 133a, 133b.

An adhesive glue G (<FIG>) can be provided to adhere the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 to respective portions of the central panel 125b exposed through the respective glue openings 127a and the glue G can be provided to adhere the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 to respective portions of the central panel 125a exposed through the respective glue openings <NUM>, 127b. The arrangement of multiple rows of respective glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> provides multiple points of attachment of each respective container to the respective opposite central panel 125a, 125b such that each container is provided with a robust attachment to a respective central panel 125a, 125b.

The attachment of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 to the respective central panel 125a, 125b can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not detach from the carrier <NUM> under their own weight, in addition to or alternative to the container retention and support provided by the respective container retention portions 135a, 135b. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be attached to a respective central panel 125a, 125b with glue G, without additional retention and support provided by a container retention portion as described above.

Such enhanced attachment of the respective containers to the respective central panels 125a, 125b with the glue G can also provide enhanced integrity to the carrier <NUM>, e.g., by providing opposing adhesive forces on the respective central panels 125a, 125b such that the central panels 125a, 125b are compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, as the carrier <NUM> is lifted, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can at least partially pull the portions of the back central panel 125b to which they are attached through the respective glue openings 127a toward the front central panel 125a under the at least partial weight of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4. Respective portions of the front central panel 125a can be pulled toward the back central panel 125b through the respective glue openings <NUM>, 127b by the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a similar manner.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the front side panel 151a can be folded/urged downwardly at the fold line 140a in the direction of the arrow A3, for example, to be at an oblique arrangement relative to the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Similarly, the back side panel 151b can be folded/urged downwardly at the fold line 140b in the direction of the arrow A4 into an oblique arrangement with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4.

Such downward movement of the side panels 151a, 151b can be such that at least a portion of the interior surface of the side panels 151a, 151b is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with one or more respective containers. As shown, the interior surface of the side panels 151a, 151b can be provided with glue G (illustrated in broken lines) so as to adhere the side panels 151a, 151b to one or more respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4.

Accordingly, the attachment of the side panels 151a, 151b to one or more of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 with glue G provides additional support to the containers by the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM>, and can provide enhanced integrity to the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM>. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be attached to a respective side panel 151a, 151b with glue G, as described above, with a corresponding lessened amount of retention/support provided by the central panels 125a, 125b and/or the attachment panels 131a, 131b.

The glue G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high tack glue, an epoxy, a polymeric cement, etc., or combinations thereof. The glue G can have a different arrangement without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the interior surface of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such that pockets of fluids such as gas are interspersed with solid, semi-solid, and/or liquid components of adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected/infused with a fluid, e.g., gaseous, component that influences the glue G to expand from an originally-defined volume, over a change in time, to occupy a larger volume. In one embodiment, the glue G can comprise about <NUM>% solid/semi-solid/liquid adhesive and about <NUM>% gaseous components.

In other embodiments, the glue G can comprise a different ratio of adhesive to gaseous components, for example, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, about <NUM>% adhesive/about <NUM>% gaseous components, or other integer or non-integer percentage ratios therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable adhesive without departing from the disclosure.

Upon formation of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and with additional reference to <FIG>, respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be removed from the carrier <NUM> by disengaging the container from a respective attachment panel 131a, 131b, for example, by withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through a respective container opening 141a, 141b along the respective attachment panel 131a, 131b, and peeling the respective container away from the respective central panel 125a, 125b, and further, away from the respective side panel 151a, 151b.

Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 away from a respective central panel 125a, 125b and a respective side panel 151a, 151b can involve pulling the respective container with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesive bond of the respective container and the respective central panel 125a, 125b and respective side panel 151a, 151b provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected so as to remain on a respective central panel 125a, 125b and/or a respective side panel 151a, 151b, e.g., such that substantially little or no glue G remains on the container as it is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be reattached to a respective central panel 125a, 125b and/or a respective side panel 151a, 151b following therefrom by pressing the container against a respective region of glue G.

It will be understood that a different number of rows or arrangements of glue openings can be provided without departing from the disclosure, and that the central panels can be sized and configured to accommodate such arrangements. In one embodiment, the central panels 125a, 125b can be devoid of glue openings such that the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 are adhered only to the respective central panel 125a, 125b. In another embodiment, glue G can be provided both on portions of the respective central panels 125a, 125b exposed through the respective glue openings <NUM>, 127b and glue openings 127a as well as portions of the respective central panels 125a, 125b adjacent the respective glue openings such that each container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be adhered to portions of both central panels 125a, 125b.

Still referring to <FIG>, the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can be grasped by a consumer by inserting one or more of his or her fingers in one or more of the both handle openings 130a, 132a, 130b, 132b and engaging, for example, a portion of an underside of a respective attachment panel 131a, 131b and/or an edge of the respective handle openings 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b. The respective handle openings 130a, 132a, 130b, 132b can be configured so as to provide a consumer multiple edges and surfaces by which to engage and lift the carrier <NUM> such that the consumer can engage the carrier from multiple orientations, e.g., a lateral orientation or a longitudinal orientation, or orientations therebetween.

In addition, one or more portions of the respective handle reinforcement tabs 161a, 165a, 161b, 165b can fold downwardly at one or more of the respective fold lines 163a, 169a, 163b, 169b upon engagement with one or more of a user's fingers, for example, to provide a buffer or protective layer of material to protect a user's finger in the course of gripping the carrier <NUM> and/or to provide separation among adjacent containers.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> described above has a compact structure that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Additionally, the arrangement of the glue G among the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 as well as the central panels 125a, 125b and the side panels 151a, 151b provides multiple points of attachment that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Further, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 ,CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 on exterior portions of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> as well as exposure of the top portions T of the respective containers through the container openings 141a, 141b provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 from the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

It will be understood that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container openings 141a, 141b can be replaced by a plurality of laterally-spaced cuts having the form of the curved edge portions 143a, 143b to provide additional coverage of the top portions of the containers.

<FIG> is a plan view of the exterior side <NUM> of a blank, generally indicated at <NUM>, used to form a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) for containing one or more containers according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more substantially similar features to the blank <NUM> (<FIG>) and the carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier <NUM> formed from the blank <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers as a package <NUM> (<FIG>).

As shown, the blank <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> for forming a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and a back portion <NUM> for forming a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> of the blank includes a front attachment panel 231a having a container retention portion 235a defined between/proximate the fold lines 137a, 139a.

As best shown in <FIG>, the container retention portion 235a of the front attachment panel 231a can include container retention features that include at least pairs of longitudinally spaced container openings 241a that interrupt the respective fold lines 137a, 139a. Each container opening 241a, as shown, is defined by a first or laterally outer curved edge portion 242a with endpoints that intersect the respective fold lines 137a, 139a, and a second or laterally inner curved edge portion 243a that extends from one endpoint to the other endpoint of the respective first curved edge portion 242a. In the illustrated embodiment, the container retention portion 235a can include a laterally-spaced plurality of the pairs longitudinally-spaced container openings 241a.

As also shown, respective oblique cuts 144a, 145a extend outwardly from each respective first curved edge portion 242a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel 231a adjacent the respective container openings 241a.

In one embodiment, the second curved edge portions 242a can have an irregular, e.g., wavelike, curvature such that the container openings 241a have a generally tapered profile in the direction of the respective first curved edge portion 242a to the respective second curved edge portion 243a. It will be understood that the container retention features of the front attachment panel 231a can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b, a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 231b, and a back bevel panel or back side panel 151b having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the "a" or "b" suffix, with the "a" components corresponding to the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> and the "b" components corresponding to the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. The features of the container openings 241b of the back attachment panel 231a are best shown in <FIG>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> and a package <NUM> that includes the carrier <NUM> and the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

With regard to the container retention features of the attachment panel 231a, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through the container openings 241a in the front attachment panel 231a such that a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the marginal portions 236a, 238a defined by the curved edge portions 242a of the container openings 241a and the oblique cuts 244a, 245a can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

It will be understood that portions of the container retention portion 235a of the front attachment panel 231a, e.g., portions of the container retention portion 235a between adjacent container openings 241a, can flexibly reconfigure in the course of engaging respective containers.

Furthermore, the side panel 151a can adhesively engage the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 applied along its interior surface as described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

The container retention features of the attachment panel 231b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a similar manner as described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 231a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, and the side panel 151b can adhesively engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the side panel 151a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, such as materials savings and waste reduction in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels 125a, 125b and side panels 151a, 151b, that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying containers. Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings 241a, 241b for enhanced product visibility.

It will be understood that the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container openings 241a, 241b can be replaced by a plurality of laterally-spaced cuts having the form of the edge portions 143a, 143b to provide additional coverage of the top portions of the containers.

<FIG> is a plan view of the exterior side <NUM> of a blank, generally indicated at <NUM>, used to form a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) for containing one or more containers according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more substantially similar features to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <NUM> described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier <NUM> formed from the blank <NUM> can be provided with one or more containers as a package <NUM> (<FIG>).

As shown, the blank <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> for forming a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and a back portion <NUM> for forming a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> of the blank includes a front attachment panel 331a having a container retention portion 335a. As shown, the container retention portion 335a of the front attachment panel 331a is devoid of the fold lines 137a, 139a, but one of the fold lines 137a, 139a can be present without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the attachment panel 331a can include container retention features that include at least laterally outer container openings 341a proximate the lateral edges of the blank <NUM>, and laterally inner container openings 342a positioned between the laterally outer container openings 341a. While the laterally outer container openings 341a are shown having a slightly different configuration than the laterally inner container openings 342a, it will be understood that the container openings 341a, 342a can have similar configurations without departing from the disclosure.

The laterally outer container openings 341a, as shown, have a generally circular profile, but can include one or more straight or chamfered edges. A plurality of container tabs is foldably connected to the attachment panel 331a and extends into the container opening 341a, and can include a major, e.g., relatively larger, container retention tab 343a at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 331a at a line of weakening or fold line 344a, and a plurality of minor, e.g., relatively smaller, container retention tabs 345a at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 331a at a line of weakening or fold line 346a.

As shown, circumferentially adjacent container retention tabs 343a, 345a can be positioned to abut each other, e.g., so as to be separated by a cut, or can be circumferentially spaced apart from one another along the edge of the container opening 341a.

As also shown in <FIG>, the laterally inner container openings 342a can have a configuration that is generally similar to the laterally outer container openings 341a. In the illustrated embodiment, the laterally inner container openings 342a can be devoid of a straight or chamfered edge, and can include a different number and/or arrangement of container retention tabs, e.g., a pair of laterally-opposed major container retention tabs 343a and a series of alternating circumferentially spaced and circumferentially abutting minor container retention tabs 345a therebetween along the edge of the container openings 342a. It will be understood that the container openings 341a, 342a can have similar or different configurations to one another, or can have a different configuration than illustrated, without departing from the disclosure.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the container retention features of the blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can also include respective a plurality of container engagement flaps that is foldably connected to the lateral ends of the attachment panel 331a. As shown, each plurality of container engagement flaps includes a pair of major, e.g., relatively larger, container engagement flaps 371a foldably connected to one another at a lateral fold line 373a, and a pair of minor, e.g., relatively smaller, container engagement flaps 375a foldably connected to the respective container engagement flaps 371a at a respective oblique fold line 377a and to the attachment panel 331a at a respective oblique fold line 379a. As shown, the major container engagement flaps 371a can have laterally inner free edges that at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings 341a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b, a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 331b, and a back bevel panel or back side panel 151b having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the "a" or "b" suffix, with the "a" components corresponding to the front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> and the "b" components corresponding to the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM>. The features of the back attachment panel 331a are best shown in <FIG>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> and a package <NUM> that includes the carrier <NUM> and the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

With regard to the container retention features of the carrier <NUM>, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through the respective container openings 341a, 342a in the front attachment panel 331a. During such movement, the container retention tabs 343a, 345a can contact the top portions T of respective containers such that the container retention tabs 343a, 345a are urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 344a, 346a so as to be positioned to engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

In addition, the container engagement flaps 375a can fold downwardly relative to the attachment panel 331a at the respective fold lines 379a to position the container engagement flaps 371a to fold relative to each other at the fold line 373a and to fold relative to the container engagement flaps 375a at the respective fold lines 377a. In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement flaps 371a are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the attachment panel 331a such that the laterally inner free edges of the container engagement flaps 371a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA4.

Furthermore, the side panel 151a can adhesively engage the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 applied along its interior surface as described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

The container retention features of the attachment panel 331b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a similar manner as described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 331a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, and the side panel 151b can adhesively engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the side panel 151a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, such as materials savings and waste reduction, in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels 125a, 125b and side panels 151a, 151b, that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying containers. Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings 341a, 341b, 342a, 342b for enhanced product visibility.

It will be understood that the blanks, carriers, and packages described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the disclosure.

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

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

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

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

Claim 1:
A carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for holding a plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4), the carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4), and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel,
the at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4), and the at least one side panel is attached to at least one container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4).