Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a carrier according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a bottle carrier that supports bottles by tabs contacting the underside of shoulders on the bottles. An upper support panel and lower support panel flaps containing aligned bottle neck openings are spaced apart at one end by connected side panels and are in contact at their other ends. The edge portions adjacent the side panels function as reinforcing ribs. The tabs are of such shape and size as to accommodate the bowing that takes place when the carrier is lifted. Additional flaps may be provided to form two-ply lower support panel flaps and side panels, and to provide reinforcement strips beneath the upper support panel.

These prior art embodiments, however, still leave room for improvement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<FIG> shows a plan view of an exterior side <NUM> of a blank <NUM> used to form a carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the carrier <NUM> is sized to contain or support six containers, with three containers CA1, CA2, CA3 being attached to a front portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and three containers CB1, CB2, CB3 being attached to a back portion <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3 can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier <NUM> can be provided together with one or more of the containers as a package <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

As shown in <FIG>, the container openings <NUM> can have a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs <NUM> (broadly, "first container retention tabs" or "first container retention protrusions") at least partially foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective curved fold lines <NUM> and positioned extending into/toward the container opening <NUM> on laterally and longitudinally opposite sides thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank <NUM> can be devoid of container retention tabs <NUM> on sides of the container openings <NUM> adjacent free edges of the top panel <NUM>. It will be understood that one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM> can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container retention tabs <NUM> can have the form of edges of the top panel <NUM> that protrude into the respective container openings <NUM>.

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

Still referring to <FIG>, each of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> includes respective container openings <NUM> (broadly, "second plurality of container openings"). The container openings <NUM> are for being aligned with the respective container openings <NUM> when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM>, as described further herein.

As shown, the container openings <NUM> can have a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs <NUM> (broadly, "second container retention tabs" or "second container retention protrusions") at least partially foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective curved fold lines <NUM> and positioned extending into/toward the container retention opening <NUM> on obliquely opposite sides thereof. In this regard, the container retention tabs <NUM> are arranged along the edges of the respective container retention openings <NUM> at positions generally <NUM>° offset to those positions of the container retention tabs <NUM> arranged along the edges of the container retention openings <NUM> in the top panel <NUM> (e.g., as measured relative to an axis parallel to one of the axes L1, L2 and extending through the respective container openings <NUM>). As described further herein, the container openings <NUM>/container retention tabs <NUM> associated with the top panel <NUM> are circumferentially offset from and cooperate with the container openings <NUM>/container retention tabs <NUM> associated with the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> to provide an enhanced engagement with containers held by the carrier <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of container retention tabs <NUM> (broadly, "second plurality of container retention tabs" or "third plurality of container retention tabs") is foldably connected to the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> at respective curved fold lines <NUM> along edges of the respective container openings facing a free edge thereof and adjacent the respective fold line <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM> can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

As also shown, the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> have respective lateral free edges <NUM>, <NUM> that define respective recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM>. As described further herein, when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM>, the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> are positionable abutting and/or at least partially surrounding a respective handle tab <NUM> to provide clearance and/or reinforcement for user engagement of the carrier <NUM>. In this regard, the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> can also form handle features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>. In one embodiment, and as shown, handle reinforcement tabs <NUM> can be foldably connected to each container retention flap <NUM>, <NUM> at respective longitudinal fold lines <NUM>, and can be positioned to extend at least partially into the respective recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

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

The line of weakening <NUM>, as shown, includes a plurality of intersecting oblique segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d can be arranged so as to form a generally rhomboid/diamond-shaped reinforcement panel <NUM>. In one embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d of the line of weakening <NUM> can be arranged at an angle of about <NUM>° relative to each of the axes L1, L2. It will be understood that one or more of the lines of weakening <NUM>/reinforcement panels <NUM> can have one or more different features, e.g., curved and/or longitudinal/lateral portions, without departing from the disclosure.

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

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

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

In such an arrangement the top panel <NUM> is in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container openings <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned so as to have a common center X (<FIG>).

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

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

Such movement of the respective top portions T of the respective containers through the respective container openings <NUM> can cause the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> to be urged upwardly at the respective fold lines <NUM> so as to extend at least partially upwardly relative to the top panel <NUM>. In this regard, the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can extend from the top panel <NUM> to contact the rolled rim or other structure of the top portion T of the respective containers to take up/fill any spacing therebetween and contribute to a stiff and stable engagement of the top panel <NUM> with the respective containers.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the arrangement of the container retention tabs <NUM> foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> overlying the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> foldably connected to the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> is such to provide a generally overlapping arrangement thereof, with the respective container retention tabs <NUM> of the top panel <NUM> interspersed between respective container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> therebelow.

As shown, the center of a container retention tab <NUM> can have a circumferential position along the container opening <NUM> an angle α1 of about <NUM>° measured from an axis A extending through the common center X of the aligned container openings <NUM>, <NUM>, (broadly, "first circumferential position") and container retention tab <NUM> can have a center with a circumferential position along the container opening <NUM> an angle α2 of about <NUM>° measured from an axis A (broadly, "second circumferential position"), with next successive container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> having circumferential positions repeating at <NUM>° intervals measured from the axis A. Similarly, the center of a container retention tab <NUM> can have a circumferential position along the container opening <NUM> an angle α1 of about <NUM>° measured from an axis B extending through the common center X of the aligned container openings <NUM>, <NUM>, (broadly, "first circumferential position") and container retention tab <NUM> can have a center with a circumferential position along the container opening <NUM> an angle α2 of about <NUM>° measured from an axis B (broadly, "second circumferential position"), with next successive container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> having circumferential positions repeating at <NUM>° intervals measured from the axis B. As shown, the axis A can be an axis generally parallel to the lateral axis L1 and the axis B can be generally parallel to the axis L2, though the axes can be any axes through the common center X of the aligned container openings <NUM>, <NUM> such that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> have circumferential positions at offset angles therefrom about the respective container openings <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, container retention tabs <NUM> can be positioned at angles of about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, and about <NUM>° relative to the axis B, and container retention tabs <NUM> can be positioned at angles of about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, and about <NUM>° relative to the axis B. It will be understood that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned at different offset circumferential positions than shown, e.g., such that α1 and α2 have different values (and that differ from each other).

Furthermore, the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are provided with a size sufficient to allow for circumferential overlap of the respective container retention tabs <NUM> of the top panel <NUM> interspersed between respective container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> therebelow. In this regard, when the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and the container retention tabs <NUM> of the top panel <NUM> are folded upwardly at the respective fold lines <NUM> to extend through the aligned container openings <NUM>, <NUM>, at least a portion of more than one respective container retention tab occupies the same circumferential location along the respective aligned container openings <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g., such that at least one of the container retention tabs <NUM> is in at least partial face-to-face contact with at least one of the container retention tabs <NUM>. In this regard, the arrangement of container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> against the respective containers minimizes empty space therebetween to ensure a tight and secure fit between the carrier <NUM> and the containers CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3. In one embodiment, such overlapping arrangement of container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can serve to pin or brace the respective containers in a desired location.

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

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

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

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

<FIG> and <NUM> are plan views of the exterior sides of blank, generally indicated at <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, used to form carriers for supporting/holding one or more containers according to second and third exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, respectively. As shown, the blanks <NUM>, <NUM> can be generally similar to the blank <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, and like or similar features are provided with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank <NUM> can include a different configuration of the container retention tabs <NUM> positioned extending into the container openings <NUM>, designated <NUM>. As shown, the container retention tabs <NUM> can have a generally bifurcated configuration so at to be at least partially separated into two portions at a line of weakening. It will be understood that a different number, configuration, and/or arrangement of container retention tabs can be provided without departing from the disclosure. The blank <NUM> can be formed into a package and carrier in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, so as to provide similar advantages.

As also shown, the blank <NUM> can include a different configuration of the container retention tabs <NUM> positioned extending into the container openings <NUM>, designated <NUM>. As shown, the container retention tabs <NUM> can have a generally bifurcated configuration so at to be at least partially separated into two portions at a line of weakening in a manner different than illustrated above with regard to the container retention tabs <NUM>. It will be understood that a different number, configuration, and/or arrangement of container retention tabs can be provided without departing from the disclosure. The blank <NUM> can be formed into a package and carrier in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>, so as to provide similar advantages.

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>) for holding a plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3), the carrier (<NUM>) comprising:
a top panel (<NUM>) comprising a first plurality of container openings (<NUM>) for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3);
at least one container retention flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the top panel (<NUM>) and comprising a second plurality of container openings (<NUM>) aligned with respective container openings of the first plurality of container openings (<NUM>) for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3), the top panel (<NUM>) is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one container retention flap (<NUM>);
a plurality of container retention features for engaging respective containers of the plurality of containers (CA1, CA2, CA3, CB1, CB2, CB3), the plurality of container retention features comprising at least one first container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) foldably connected to the top panel (<NUM>) and extending toward a respective container opening of the first plurality of container openings (<NUM>), and at least one second container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) foldably connected to the at least one container retention flap (<NUM>) and extending toward a respective container opening of the second plurality of container openings (<NUM>), the at least one first container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one second container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) positioned between the top panel (<NUM>) and the at least one container retention flap (<NUM>), the at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) formed by a line of weakening (<NUM>), the at least one reinforcement panel (<NUM>) is generally upright relative to the top panel (<NUM>), characterized in that the at least one second container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) is circumferentially offset relative to the at least one first container retention tab (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and in that the line of weakening (<NUM>) includes a plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d), each oblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d) intersecting at least one other line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments (159a, 159b, 159c, 159d).