Patent Description:
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 and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment panel is a top panel of the carrier. At least one handle feature comprises a handle opening extending in the attachment panel and the central panel and at least one handle reinforcement tab extending into the handle opening. 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.

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 and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank. The at least one attachment panel is a top panel of the carrier formed from the blank. The blank comprises at least one handle feature comprising a handle opening extending in the attachment panel and the central panel and at least one handle reinforcement tab extending into the handle opening. 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 carrier 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 and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features and the at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings. The blank comprises at least one handle feature comprising a handle opening extending in the attachment panel and the central panel and at least one handle reinforcement tab extending into the handle opening. 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 and the at least one attachment panel is a top panel of the carrier, attaching the at least one central panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers, and attaching the attachment panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers by engaging the at least one container of the plurality of containers with the container retention features.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package, the package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment panel is a top panel of the carrier. The carrier comprises at least one handle feature comprising a handle opening extending in the attachment panel and the central panel and at least one handle reinforcement tab extending into the handle opening. 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.

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. An example of such a carrier is disclosed in document <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a simplified paperboard can carrier of the type requiring a minimum of body material to provide for gripping the upper beads of a plurality of cans. The disclosed carrier comprises two central panels and two attachment panels foldably connected to the central panels. The attachment panels are top panels with container retention features for engaging the containers while the central panels are positioned between adjacent containers. At least one handle feature comprising a handle opening that extends in the attachment panel and in the central panel are disclosed with a corresponding handle reinforcement tab extending into the handle opening. 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 (broadly, "first fold line" and "second fold line", respectively. Each fold line 137a, 139a is interrupted by laterally-spaced cuts 141a and laterally-spaced container openings 142a, respectively. In this regard, the front attachment panel 131a has four sets or groups of container retention features that each cooperate to engage a respective one of the four containers CA1, CA2, CA3, C4. In one embodiment each set of container retention features include at least the cuts 141a and the openings 142a that engage a respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, C4, but in later embodiments, the container retention features could comprise other features in the attachment panels that attach the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> to the containers.

As best shown in <FIG>, the laterally-spaced cuts 141a can each include one or more curved and/or angled portions and define container retention tabs 148a that extend outwardly from the container retention portion 135a. As also shown, respective oblique cuts 143a, 145a extend outwardly from each respective cut 141a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel 131a that face the respective container retention tabs 148a.

As also shown, the container openings 142a can each be defined by cuts that include a generally curved longitudinally outer edge 144a with endpoints connected by generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped longitudinally inner edge 146a. In one embodiment, the container openings 142a can have a generally tapered profile that narrows from the outer edge 144a to the inner edge 146a toward the centerline CL.

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 free edge of the attachment panel 131a. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior marginal portion 138a of the attachment panel 131a can have a generally curved outer lateral edge that generally follows/contours the curvature of the outer edge 144a of the container openings 142a. In this regard, and as described further below, the outer marginal portion 138a of the attachment panel 131a can have the form of a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 to the carrier <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 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 extending into the handle opening 132a.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handle features including a respective handle opening 130a, 132a, and respective handle reinforcement tabs 161a, 165a. Each of the respective handle features is positioned between respective adjacent sets of the container retentions features (i.e., cuts 141a, openings 142a, etc.) so that the handle features are located between respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 to allow the carrier to be grasped at the handle openings 130a, 132a without interfering with the containers. 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 and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 131b 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 container retention features of the back attachment panel 131b 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 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> 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>, 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 131b overlies the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. As such, the front attachment panel 131a and the back attachment panel cooperate to form a top panel of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM>. 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 the container retention portion 135a can at least partially separate from the remainder of the front attachment panel 131a and 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 an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts 141a such that 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 exterior marginal portion 138a can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

Furthermore, the container openings 142a can at least partially receive the top portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 therethrough such that edge portions of the exterior marginal portion 138a adjacent the container openings 142a can engaged a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

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 142a so as to be visible by a customer or operator.

The back attachment panel 131b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the front attachment panel 131a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

Still referring to <FIG>, and with additional reference to <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 as shown in <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 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. Furthermore, the exposure of the glue G through the respective glue openings 127a, 127b, <NUM> upon folding of the central panels 125a, 125b into face-to-face contact allows for the application of glue G to a common surface, e.g., the interior surface, of the blank <NUM>, and obviates the need to separately glue the exterior surfaces of the central panels 125a, 125b after folding.

With reference to <FIG>, 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.

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.

With additional reference to <FIG>, upon formation of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM>, 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 an opening formed by a respective cut 141a, 141b and a respective container opening 142a, 142b along the respective attachment panel 131a, 131b, and peeling the respective container away from the respective central panel 125a, 125b.

Peeling or pulling the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 away from a respective central panel 125a, 125b 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 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, 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 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.

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 one embodiment, the handle reinforcement tabs 161a, 161b, 165a, 165b provide increased support of the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> when the package/carrier is grasped by the consumer though the handle openings 130a, 132a, 130b, 132b. The handle reinforcement tabs 161a, 161b, 165a, 165b can be folded under and provide an extra layer to reinforce the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> and prevent tearing at the handle openings 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b. 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 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 142a, 142b 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>.

<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> and the carrier <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 blank <NUM> can have an attachment panel 231a that is generally similar to the attachment panel <NUM>1a described above, except that the fold line 139a is interrupted by a second plurality of laterally spaced cuts 141a instead of the container openings 142a. The laterally spaced cuts 141a that interrupt the fold line 139a can be free from intersection with oblique cuts 143a, 145a, as shown, though the oblique cuts 143a, 145a could be included without departing from the disclosure. The features of the attachment panel 231a are best shown in <FIG>.

In this regard, the attachment panel 231a of the blank <NUM> has a container retention portion 235a defined between the fold lines 137a, 139a that is free from the container openings 142a such that top portions T of the containers engaged by the attachment panel 231a are covered by a larger area of the material that forms the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> than described above with regard to the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>.

The back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 231b 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 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 carrier <NUM>, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through openings formed by the respective cuts 141a such that the plurality of reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion 236a provided by the cuts 141a, 143a, 145a and the generally continuous edges of the exterior marginal portion 238a provided by the cuts 141a can engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective container CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 in the manner described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>.

The attachment panel 231b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 231a 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 231a, 231b.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can be provided in a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, a carrier/package can be provided having a front portion or back portion corresponding to that of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> and having the other of the front portion or back portion corresponding to that of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

<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>).

The front portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a front attachment panel 431a having a container retention portion 435a defined between the pair of lateral fold lines 137a, 139a. In this regard, an interior marginal portion 436a of the attachment panel 431a is defined between the fold line 137a and the fold line 133a, and an exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a is defined between the fold line 139a and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel 431a.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the attachment panel 431a can include container retention features that include a plurality of the laterally spaced cuts 141a interrupting the fold line 137a and a plurality of container openings 442a interrupting the fold line 139a.

The laterally spaced cuts 141a, as shown, can include one or more curved, straight, and/or angled portions to define the respective container retention tabs 148a. A pair of the oblique cuts 143a, 145a can extend from a central portion of the curved cuts 141a to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion 436a of the attachment panel 431a.

The container openings 442a, as shown, have an at least partially circular profile, and can have one or more irregular edges defined by longitudinally inner free edges of a plurality of container engagement portions of the exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a.

Still referring to <FIG>, the exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a includes respective pairs of container engagement portions 471a, adjacent container engagement portions 471a foldably connected to one another at a respective longitudinal fold lines 473a. The laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions 471a at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings 442a.

Each container engagement portion 471a is foldably connected to a respective connector portion 475a of the exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a at respective oblique fold lines 477a, and each connector portion 475a is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line 139a. As also shown, connector portions 478a can be foldably connected to the laterally outermost container engagement portions 471a of the exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a, and may have a generally truncated or smaller configuration relative to the connector portions 475a. In one embodiment, the connector portions 478a can be considered container engagement portions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 431b 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 attachment panel 431a 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 the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

With regard to the container retention features of the attachment panel 431a, as the front attachment panel 431a is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through respective openings formed by the respective cuts 141a in the front attachment panel 431a. During such movement, the container retention tabs 148a can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to engage a portion thereof, e.g., a recessed top portion/rim of the respective containers. Further, the flexibly reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion 436a of the attachment panel 431a formed by the cuts 141a, 143a, 145a can 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 openings 442a can at least partially receive the top portions of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 therethrough. Such engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and the attachment panel 431a can also cause the exterior marginal portion 438a of the attachment panel 431a to fold at least partially downwardly at the fold line 139a to position the container engagement portions 471a to fold relative to each other at the fold line 473a and to fold relative to the respective connector portions 475a, at the respective oblique fold lines 477a, and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the fold line 139a.

In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement portions 477a of the exterior marginal portion 438a are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel 431a such that the longitudinally inner free edges of the container engagement portions 471a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

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 442a so as to be visible by a customer or operator.

The attachment panel 431b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 431a 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>, 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 431a, 431b. 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 442a, 442b for enhanced product visibility.

The carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container openings 442a can be replaced by an additional plurality of laterally spaced cuts 142a.

<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 fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <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 <NUM> includes a front attachment panel 531a having a container retention portion 535a and an interior marginal portion 536a formed between the lateral fold line 137a and the fold line 133a.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the container retention features of the attachment panel 531a include laterally spaced container openings 541a that have a generally circular profile. As also shown, a plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the interior marginal portion 536a of the attachment panel 531a, and are positioned to extend into the respective container openings 541a.

The plurality of container retention tabs can include a major, e.g., relatively larger, or first container retention tab 571a at least partially foldably connected to the interior marginal portion 536a of the attachment panel 531a at a line of weakening or fold line 573a, a pair of second or intermediate container retention tabs 575a radially adjacent the container retention tab 571a and foldably connected to the interior marginal portion 536a of the attachment panel 531a at respective lines of weakening or fold lines 577a, and a pair of minor, e.g., relatively smaller, or third container retention tabs 579a radially adjacent the respective container retention tabs 575a and foldably connected to the interior marginal portion 536a of the attachment panel at respective lines of weakening or fold lines 581a.

Adjacent container retention tabs 571a, 575a, 579a can be separated from one another at respective cuts 585a, 587a, as shown. In this regard, the free edges of the container retention tabs 571a, 575a, 579a can at least partially define the container openings 541a, and foldable manipulation thereof can cause the container openings 541a to expand.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of relief tabs 589a can be foldably connected to the container retention portion 535a of the attachment panel 531a at respective lateral fold lines 591a, and can be separable therefrom at curved or oblique cuts 593a. A plurality of longitudinal lines of weakening or fold lines 595a, as shown, can also be positioned along the container retention portion 535a of the attachment panel 531a between respective container openings 541a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 531b 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 attachment panel 531a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and the 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 retention openings 541a. During such movement, the container retention tabs 571a, 575a, 579a can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to be urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 573a, 577a, 581a 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 one embodiment, one or more of the container retention tabs 579a can fold/flex upwardly to facilitate receipt of the top portions T of the respective containers through the respective container openings 541a, but may be positioned other than in engagement with the rolled rim edge of the respective containers.

In addition, the edge of the container retention portion 535a of the attachment panel 531a surrounding the container openings 541a can engage the rolled rim edge or other top structure of the containers.

In the course of movably engaging the attachment panel 531a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the container retention portion 535a of the attachment panel 531a can flexibly reconfigure to accommodate the diameters of the top portions T of the containers. In this regard, the container retention portion 535a can separate from the relief tabs 589a at the oblique cuts 593a and can additionally flex/at least partially fold at the fold line 595a to facilitate additional flexible movement of the container retention portion 535a and/or to minimize shear stresses on the carrier <NUM>.

The attachment panel 531b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 531a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 531a, 531b. 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 541a, 541b for enhanced product visibility.

<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 fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <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 <NUM> includes a front attachment panel 631a having a container retention portion 635a, an interior marginal portion 636a formed between the lateral fold line 137a and the fold line 133a, and an exterior marginal portion 638a formed between the lateral fold line 139a and a free edge of the attachment panel 631a. As shown, lateral end portions of the fold lines 137a, 139a can have oblique end portions, e.g., that are arranged on a convergent path toward one another.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the container retention features of the attachment panel 631a include laterally spaced container openings 641a that have a generally circular profile. As also shown, the container retention tabs 571a, 575a, 579a are arranged to extend into longitudinally opposed portions of the container openings 641a.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spaced lateral fold lines 671a, 673a are arranged between the fold lines 137a, 139a and are interrupted by central portions of the respective container openings 641a. In this regard, the fold lines 671a, 673a define respective tab portions 675a of the container retention portion 635a of the attachment panel 631a laterally adjacent each respective container opening 641a, and which extend into respective portions of the respective container openings 641a. Respective oblique portions 677a are foldably connected to the respective tab portions 675a of the container retention portion 635a at respective portions of the fold lines 137a, 139a, and are defined between the respective fold lines 671a, 137a and respective fold lines 673a, 139a.

The back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 631b 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 attachment panel 631b 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and the 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 retention openings 641a. During such movement, the container retention tabs 571a, 575a, 579a can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to be urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 573a, 577a, 581a 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.

Furthermore, as the attachment panel 631a is lowered over the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the tab portions 675a of the container retention portion 635a can be positioned to overlie/engage the respective top portions T of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 received in the respective container openings 641a. The oblique portions 677a of the container retention portion 635a can also be urged to fold at least partially downwardly at portions of the respective fold lines 671a, 673a toward an oblique arrangement with the respective tab portions 675a.

The attachment panel 631b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a similar manner as described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 631a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 631a, 631b. 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 641a, 641b for enhanced product visibility.

<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 sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <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 731a having a container retention portion 735a. As shown, the container retention portion 735a of the front attachment panel 731a is devoid of the fold line 137a, but the fold line 137a can be present without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the front attachment panel 731a can include container retention features that include at least laterally outer container openings 741a proximate the longitudinal edges of the blank <NUM>, and laterally inner container openings 742a positioned between the laterally outer container openings 741a. While the laterally outer container openings 741a are shown having a slightly different configuration than the laterally inner container openings 742a, it will be understood that the container openings 741a, 742a can have similar configurations without departing from the disclosure.

The laterally outer container openings 741a, as shown, have a generally circular profile, but can include one or more straight/angled/chamfered edges. A plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the attachment panel 731a and extend into the container opening 741a, and can include retention tabs 743a at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel 731a at respective lines of weakening or fold lines 744a. In one embodiment, the retention tabs 743a can have the substantially same configuration, or one or more of the retention tabs 743a could have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

As also shown in <FIG>, the laterally inner container openings 742a can have a configuration that is generally similar to the laterally outer container openings 741a. In the illustrated embodiment, the laterally inner container openings 742a can be devoid of a straight/angled/chamfered edge, and can include a different number and/or arrangement of container retention tabs 743a. It will be understood that the container retention openings 741a, 742a can have similar or different configurations to one another, or can have a different configuration than illustrated, without departing from the disclosure.

The container retention features of the blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can also include respective plurality of container engagement flaps that are foldably connected to the lateral ends of the attachment panel 731a. As shown, each plurality of container engagement flaps includes a pair of major, e.g., relatively larger, container engagement flaps 771a foldably connected to one another at a lateral fold line 773a, and a minor, e.g., relatively smaller, container engagement flap 775a foldably connected to one of the container engagement flaps 771a at an oblique fold line 777a and to the attachment panel 731a at an oblique fold line 779a. As shown, the major container engagement flaps 771a can have laterally inner free edges that at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings 741a.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior marginal portion 738a of the attachment panel 731a includes respective pairs of the container engagement portions 471a foldably connected to one another at a longitudinal fold line 473a. The laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions 471a at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings 741a, 742a.

Each container engagement portion 471a is foldably connected to a respective connector portion 475a of the exterior marginal portion 738a of the attachment panel 731a at respective oblique fold lines 477a, and each connector portion 475a is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line 139a.

As also shown, corner portions 781a of the attachment panel 731a can be foldably connected to the exterior marginal portion 738a of the attachment panel 731a at an oblique fold line 783a and to an adjacent container engagement flap 771a at an oblique fold line 785a. The corner portions 781a can include a plurality of fold lines 787a to facilitate flexible/foldable reconfiguration of the corner portions upon formation of the carrier <NUM> from the blank <NUM>, as described further herein. In one embodiment, a container retention tab 743a can be foldably connected to the corner portion 781a at a respective fold line of the plurality of fold lines 787a.

The back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b, and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 731b 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 attachment panel 731a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and the 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 741a, 742a in the front attachment panel 731a. During such movement, the container retention tabs 743a can contact the top portions T of respective containers such that the container retention tabs 743a are urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines 744a 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 flap 775a can fold downwardly relative to the attachment panel 731a at the respective fold lines 779a to position the container engagement flaps 771a to fold relative to each other at the fold line 773a and to fold relative to the container engagement flap 775a at the fold line 777a. In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement flaps 771a are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the attachment panel 731a such that the laterally inner free edges of the container engagement flaps 771a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA4.

Furthermore, during the above-described engagement of the attachment panel 731a with the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the corner portion 781a can fold at the respective fold lines 783a, 785a toward an oblique arrangement relative to the exterior marginal portion 738a and the container retention portion 735a of the attachment panel 731a, and the container engagement flap 771a. In the course of such movement of the corner portion 781a, the corner portion 781a can at least partially reconfigure via the plurality of fold lines 787a to conform, e.g., contour, toward a generally curved or oblique arrangement between the exterior marginal portion 738a and the adjacent container engagement flap 771a.

Furthermore, the container engagement portions 787a of the exterior marginal portion 738a are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel 731a such that the laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions 781a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

The attachment panel 731b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 731a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 731a, 731b. 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 741a, 741b, 742a, 742b for enhanced product visibility.

<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 seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank <NUM> and the carrier <NUM> formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <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 <NUM> includes a front attachment panel 831a having a container retention portion 835a, an interior marginal portion 836a formed between the fold line 137a and the fold line 133a, and the exterior marginal portion 838a formed between the fold line 139a and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel 131a.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the container retention features of the attachment panel 831a include the laterally spaced cuts 141a interrupting the fold line 137a and having the oblique cuts 143a, 145a extending therefrom. The attachment panel 831a also includes the laterally spaced container openings 142a interrupting the fold line 139a and positioned opposite the cuts 141a.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the interior marginal portion 836a of the attachment panel 831a includes respective pairs of the container engagement portions 471a foldably connected to one another at the respective longitudinal fold lines 473a.

Each container engagement portion 471a is foldably connected to the respective connector portion 475a of the interior marginal portion 836a of the attachment panel 831a at the respective oblique fold lines 477a which extend toward and intersect the respective oblique cuts 143a, 145a, and which also intersect the respective handle openings 130a. As shown, the laterally outermost oblique fold lines 477a may or may not extend fully to intersect the fold line 133a. In addition, each connector portion 475a is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line 137a.

As also shown, handle features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can include the handle openings 130a and the handle reinforcement tabs 161a foldably connected to the marginal portion 836a of the attachment panel 831a at the respective fold lines 163a and extending into the respective handle openings 130a. The handle features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

The back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 831b 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 attachment panel 831a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

For example, as the front attachment panel 831a is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through the container openings 142a and respective openings formed by the respective cuts 141a in the front attachment panel 131a.

Such engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and the attachment panel 831a can also cause the interior marginal portion 836a of the attachment panel 831a to fold at least partially downwardly at the fold line 137a to position the container engagement portions 471a to fold relative to each other at the respective fold lines 473a and to fold relative to the respective connector portions 475a, at the respective oblique fold lines 477a, and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the fold line 137a.

In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement portions 477a of the interior marginal portion 836a are thus obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel 831a such that free edges of the container engagement portions 471a formed upon separation from the respective cuts 141a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4.

Furthermore, the outer marginal portion 838a of the attachment panel 831a can fold downwardly at the fold lines 139a and having laterally inner free edges so as to form a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 to the carrier <NUM> as described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>.

The attachment panel 831b can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 831a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 831a, 831b. 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 142a, 142b for enhanced product visibility.

<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 an eighth 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>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the carriers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <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 931a having the container retention portion 935a, an interior marginal portion 936a formed between the fold line 137a and the fold line 133a, and an exterior marginal portion 938a formed between the fold line 139a and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel 931a.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the container retention portion 935a can be generally similar to the container retention portion 835a of the attachment panel 831a of the carrier <NUM> described above, the interior marginal portion 936a can be substantially similar to the interior marginal portion 836a of the attachment panel 831a, and the exterior marginal portion 938a can include the container engagement portions 471a and connector portions 475a, 478a. In addition, a pair of generally curved cuts 971a extend from the laterally outer edge of the container openings 142a, and respective fold lines 973a extend from the endpoints of the respective cuts 971a to the lateral free edge of the attachment panel 931a.

The blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can also have handle features similar to those of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> described above. It will be understood that the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can have different handle features without departing from the disclosure.

The back portion <NUM> of the blank <NUM> includes a back central panel 125b and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel 931b 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 attachment panel 931b 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>.

For example, as the front attachment panel 931a is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 can be at least partially received through respective openings formed by the respective cuts 141a in the front attachment panel 131a as well as through the container openings 142a.

Such engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and the attachment panel 831a can also cause the marginal portions 936a, 938a of the attachment panel 931a to fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 137a, 139a to position the container engagement portions 471a to fold relative to each other at the respective fold lines 473a and to fold relative to the respective connector portions 475a at the respective oblique fold lines 477a, and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the respective fold lines 137a, 139a.

In the illustrated arrangement, the respective container engagement portions 471a of the marginal portions 936a, 938a are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel 931a such that free edges of the container engagement portions 471a are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4. The cuts 971a and fold lines 973a in the container engagement portions 471a of the exterior marginal portion 938a can permit additional flexibility and reconfigurable engagement with the rims of the respective containers CA1, CA3, CA3, CA4.

Furthermore, the outer marginal portions 938a of the attachment panel 931a have laterally inner free edges that form a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, as described above.

The attachment panel 931b of the back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can engage the containers CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel 931a 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>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, and 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, in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels 931a, 931b. 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 142a, 142b 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. For example, one or more of the container openings 142a, 142b, 442a, 442b, 541a, 541b, 641a, 641b, 741a, 741b, 742a, 742b described can have a different size or arrangement, e.g., a smaller size so as to have the form of a slit or a cut, or could be omitted 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>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for holding a plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4), the carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4), the at least one attachment panel is a top panel of the carrier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
at least one handle feature comprising a handle opening (130a, 132a, 130b, 132b) extending in the at least one attachment panel and the at least one central panel and at least one handle reinforcement tab (161a, 165a, 161b, 165b) extending into the handle opening (130a, 132a, 130b, 132b);
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 (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4).