Patent Description:
<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.

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

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 claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a carrier according to independent claim <NUM>.

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

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method according to independent claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a package according to claim <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in <FIG>, the container retention openings <NUM> can have a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (broadly, "first container retention tab" and "second container retention tab", respectively) provided in an alternating arrangement foldably connected to the top panel <NUM> at respective curved fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> (broadly, "first curved fold line" and "second curved fold line", respectively). In the illustrated arrangement, a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs <NUM> are provided/aligned along a line parallel with the longitudinal axis L1, a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs <NUM> are provided/aligned along a line parallel with the lateral axis L2, and container retention tabs <NUM> are provided/aligned between respective adjacent container retention tabs <NUM> at respective oblique angles relative to the axes L1, L2 defined by the blank <NUM>/top panel <NUM>. It will be understood that the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided in a generally abutting circumferential arrangement, though spacing could be provided between adjacent container retention tabs without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be at respective portions of a curved fold line/line of weakening that is longer than a respective individual curved fold line <NUM>, <NUM>.

While the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated as having generally curved free edges facing the interior of the container retention opening <NUM>, and with the container retention tabs <NUM> larger than the container retention tabs <NUM>, it will be understood that one or more of the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

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

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

A respective pair of container retention tabs <NUM> can be foldably connected to the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> at respective curved fold lines <NUM> and can be positioned extending toward the center of the respective container retention openings <NUM>. As described further herein, the container retention openings <NUM> are for being aligned with the respective container retention openings <NUM> when the carrier <NUM> is formed from the blank <NUM> and such that the respective container retention tabs <NUM> are aligned with the respective curved free edge portions <NUM> of the respective container retention openings <NUM> along which none of the container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are attached, as described further herein.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the blank <NUM> includes a first reinforcement flap <NUM> (broadly, "first central panel" or "first keel") foldably connected to the container retention flap <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM> and a second reinforcement flap <NUM> (broadly, "second central panel" or "second keel") foldably connected to the container retention flap <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM>.

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

With continued reference to <FIG>, the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> formed therefrom is 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 features" or "side reinforcement features" or "first reinforcement panels" or "side reinforcement panels") can be positioned interrupting the fold line <NUM>. Each reinforcement feature <NUM>, as shown, is a region of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> between the top panel <NUM> and the container retention flap <NUM> and that is defined by a line of weakening <NUM> extending between endpoints of segments of the fold line <NUM>.

The line of weakening <NUM>, as shown, includes a plurality of intersecting oblique segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments 159a, 159b, 159c, 159d can be arranged so as to form a generally rhomboid/diamond-shaped reinforcement feature <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.

As shown, a pair of longitudinally-spaced reinforcement panels <NUM> (broadly, "second reinforcement features" or "side reinforcement features" or "second reinforcement panels" or "side reinforcement panels") 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 features <NUM> can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

In addition, the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM> includes inner reinforcement portions <NUM> (broadly, "second reinforcement features" or "third reinforcement features" or "fourth reinforcement features" or "first reinforcement portions" or "second reinforcement portions") and outer reinforcement portions <NUM> (broadly, "second reinforcement features" or "third reinforcement features" or "fourth reinforcement features" or "first reinforcement portions" or "second reinforcement portions") defined along/positioned in at least the top panel <NUM>. In this regard, the reinforcement portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be considered upper reinforcement features of the blank <NUM>/carrier <NUM>.

The inner reinforcement portions <NUM>, as shown with diagonal hatching in <FIG> and <FIG>, can be defined between/extending from opposed pairs of the curved fold lines <NUM>, e.g., so as to be defined between the tops of adjacent containers in the package <NUM>/laterally adjacent and longitudinally adjacent container retention openings <NUM> in the top panel <NUM>. The arrangement of the curved fold lines <NUM> is such that respective sections having an at least partially arched/curved profile can be defined. In one embodiment, the curved fold lines <NUM> provide the respective inner reinforcement portions <NUM> with a generally pillow-shaped profile, e.g., generally rectangular with at a pair of concave long sides.

Furthermore, the outer reinforcement portions <NUM>, as shown with cross-hatching in <FIG> and <FIG>, can be defined between edges of the top panel <NUM> adjacent the side reinforcement features <NUM>, e.g., at respective fold line segments 159c, 159d, and the respective opposed curved lines <NUM>. In this regard, the outer reinforcement portions <NUM> can have an at least partially arched/curved profile having at least one oblique side at the respective fold line segment 159c, 159d and at least one curved side at the respective curved fold lines <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further still, the arrangement of the inner reinforcement portions <NUM> and the outer reinforcement features further minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> across a plane defined by the top panel <NUM>. In particular, the arrangement of the opposed curved fold lines <NUM> that form the inner reinforcement portions <NUM> presents an arched or arch-like structure across the top panel that minimizes/resists compressive/bending forces thereacross. Similarly, the arrangement of the curved fold lines <NUM> opposite the respective oblique segments 159c, 159d of the respective lines of weakening <NUM> forms the outer reinforcement portions <NUM> as reinforced regions having at least one arched portion to minimize compressive/bending forces thereacross. In one embodiment, one or more of the inner reinforcement portions <NUM> and the outer reinforcement portions <NUM> can form additional lines of weakening proximate a perimeter thereof upon compressive/bending forces being applied thereto, e.g., to further maintain the integrity/positioning of such reinforcement portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the package <NUM>/carrier <NUM> can be grasped by a consumer by separating one or both handle tabs <NUM> from the top panel at the respective cuts <NUM> and folding the handle tab <NUM> downwardly at the respective fold line <NUM> to form a respective handle opening in the top panel <NUM> through which the user can insert one or more of his or her fingers. The portions of the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> extending into the reinforcement flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are thus positioned to provide clearance for one or more of a user's fingers extending through the handle openings formed by the handle tabs <NUM>. In this regard, a user can engage the underside of the respective container retention flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or a portion of the top panel <NUM>, e.g., adjacent the respective recessed portion <NUM>, <NUM>, in order to engage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM>. In one embodiment, the handle reinforcement flaps <NUM> can be positioned between a respective finger of the user and the underside of the carrier <NUM>/package <NUM> to provide one or more additional plies of material, e.g., for comfort, to avoid pinching, etc. and/or to provide a reinforced structure for engagement by the user that is resistant to tearing or other deformation due to carrying stresses.

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

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 moving the respective container retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> away from the neck portion of a respective container and withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through respective aligned container retention openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

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 plurality of container retention openings 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>, <NUM>) foldably connected to the top panel (<NUM>), the top panel (<NUM>) comprises at least one container retention tab positioned adjacent a respective container retention opening and foldably connected to the top panel (<NUM>) at a respective fold line;
at least one side reinforcement panel (<NUM>) positioned between the top panel (<NUM>) and the at least one container retention flap (<NUM>, <NUM>), the at least one side reinforcement panel formed by a line of weakening (<NUM>) that 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), the at least one side reinforcement panel (<NUM>) is generally upright relative to the top panel (<NUM>); and
the top panel (<NUM>) comprises at least one reinforcement portion extending from the respective fold line.